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Today, black boy bands seem to be nearly extinct, but in the 1990s, Bad Boy's Grammy Award-winning group 112 topped the R&B charts with its love songs. Quinnes Parker of the Atlanta-based quartet was known as the heartthrob of 112 and continues to keep his sexy figure by staying fit. He's currently focusing on recording his solo debut, 'Q Parker: The Manual,' despite the group's breakup.
Nowadays, Q (as he is known to many) tours the world with his band mate Michael Keith performing 112 hits. He's also just released a new calendar complete with workout tips and healthy facts.
BlackVoices.com got him to share his thoughts on the new Bad Boy, Diddy and why boy bands aren't doing so well. Here's 20 Questions with Q Parker.
BlackVoices.com: Why did you decide to show off your body for this calendar?
Q Parker: Anybody and everybody who knows me knows that from the beginning of 112 and our career, I've always been into athletics. Early on, it was instilled in us by Puffy that as R&B singers, you have to look the part, and I always took it upon myself to be the guy in the group who was the sex symbol. I'd always have to take my shirt off and show the abs and stuff like that (laughs). 
BV: So, did you have the idea for the calendar or did someone suggest you do it?
QP: I've been doing a lot of research, and I've realized that, as African Americans, we already have adversities like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, so my whole frame of mind was let's all do something. Everybody can't have the luxury of a full gym and workout facilities. Recording artists are role models, so in that platform, I thought, 'What can I do to spread the word on being healthy, eating right, exercise as a part of your daily regime and water intake?'
BV: What's your workout?
QP: I work out five days a week even when I'm on the road. I travel with resistance bands and ab wheels, and I make sure no matter where I'm performing that the hotel has a nice gym or there is a nearby health facility where I can get a nice workout. I give myself Saturday and Sunday off, because just like any other thing your body needs rest. My workout consists of weight training, cardio, yoga and the most important part is the eating side of it. My diet consists of five healthy meals a day and a gallon of water a day.
BV: What's the biggest advice you would give to one of your fans trying to change their workout and eating habits?
QP: I hope people can be motivated through the calendar and get some words of inspiration to get up and do just a little bit. One of the facts that pops out is just water intake. We've been told all throughout our years that water is necessary for your body, and in my research and being serious about health and fitness, I've learned you have to drink a lot of water to stay nourished, hydrated and it's the best liquid you can put in your body. For singers, drinking cold water is better for burning more calories than room temperature water.
BV: Did 112 officially disband or are you all just take a break?
QP: Initially, the vision was to take a break from each other two years ago because after 16-plus years of being together, you mature. We all agreed we would take the time to explore everyone's individuality but at the same time knowing that there is a relevant brand I couldn't just sit back idle and allow the brand to be on the shelf. So, myself and Mike still tour as the representation of 112. Even though it's the two of us, everyone is equally talented.
BV: How different has it been with just one-half of 112 touring together?
QP: The obvious difference is Slim and Daron are not present. A lot of times when groups disband and are no longer together. The initial thought is, there is beef. Just for the record, there's no beef. We are just exploring our individuality. I will tell anybody, Slim has an album in stores still, go get it. Daron is doing his production and go support him.
BV: So there is no drama between you all?
QP: At the end of the day, we're all representing the brand, which is 112. Life without them has really given me time to focus on Q Parker and get my whole image and total package together so people can get to know who I am. For years, I'd just been one-fourth of a song, one-fourth of the video, one-fourth of the interview and the heartbeat of 112. Our records were bigger than the individuals, but now I'm letting people inside of who I am.
BV: Are you still planning to release a solo album?
QP: I'm working on a solo album, which should be out next summer called 'The Manual.' As a male solo artist who caters to women I just felt you needed someone to step up because a lot of the artists singing the records to women, it's almost like chivalry is dead and it's not. It's a how-to for women to realize how you are supposed to be treated and for the guys to know how to treat you. Intimacy isn't all about the intercourse. It's mental, too. It's not, "Let me just get it real quick, and I will holler at you later."
BV: Do you think you'll go to a major label with your solo album?
QP: In a perfect situation, I would love to remain independent but have major distribution. I am not particularly a fan of the 360 deals. I'm not a fan of going into the major system, unless the situation gives me the opportunity to do things the way I need to do it. I'm not closing any doors if it's the right situation. 
BV: How has music changed since you all came onto the scene in the Bad Boy era?
QP: As a fan of R&B music, I've watched how it has just transformed. When we first came in, it was all about substance and timeless, classic music. I think it has become more so about the image and not the music. I'm a fan of autotune and like it when it's used properly as an enhancement, how it was intended. Somewhere we've lost the true meaning of R&B music. I think a lot of people are making music just for today. Our song 'Cupid' is 13 years old, and even if you hear it today it has the same feeling as 1997. Some of the records today, you can't play next year, they will be wack and outdated because lyrics are just about what's going on right now.
BV: What are your thoughts on R&B male groups today?
QP: I think that groups in general are becoming extinct. Artist development and A&R are no longer at the labels. There was something set in the foundation before they became big. 112 shared the same car and went to school together. We were friends and developed a brotherhood before the fame. In the day and age of reality TV, it's hard to sustain a group when you have one guy from Chicago, one from L.A. and one from Atlanta. They have individual personalities and don't really know each other so when adversity comes, they have nothing to fall back on because they were just put together.
BV: Are you talking about the MTV 'Making the Band' groups?
QP: No, but they would fall under that definition. Even some girl groups are put together that way. here is no longevity in it because no matter who you are adversity is going to come. If you don't have a strong foundation, you won't make it. What did they have one album?
BV: They had two albums.
QP: Did they? Okay, well, I stand corrected (laughs).
BV: Well, you're right they weren't together that long, but you think groups are really over?
QP: The longevity for the average artist is about five years. One to two albums or five years, whichever happens first. Dru Hill, Jagged Edge, 112, Boys II Men, Jodeci and New Edition, they were pretty much the last of the groups. For girls, Destiny's Child, 702, TLC. We were the last class of successful groups and there haven't been any set on that criteria since.
BV: In terms of Bad Boy and your old label home, do you think Diddy had a part in the demise of groups?
QP: I'm not going to necessarily say that it was Puff, because the one thing I can say about him is he's going to give you a great platform, promotions, marketing, radio, all of that. I think Bad Boy today is different from the Bad Boy days of 112.
BV: How so?
QP: The staffing is totally different, and I know during the time that 112, Faith, Total and Carl Thomas, the staff was the bomb and we worked with the best of the best. With expansion and the development of other labels, Puff wasn't able to maintain the team, and the artists started to be affected by that. I'm not sure who's over there now, but the groups haven't been as successful over there lately. Running a label is so much bigger than the guy at the helm, especially when you're trying to break a new artist.
BV: Are you a fan of Diddy Dirty Money?
QP: I ain't gonna lie. I love their records. I have my differences with Puff, but at the end of the day, he's a businessman. He's been able to sustain his career for years and years, and obviously he's doing something right. As a music lover, I get it. I think they have a nice little mix.
BV: What are your thoughts on K-Ci and Jo-Jo and their reality show?
QP: I've heard some things about the show, but I haven't seen it. I'm a believer in redemption, and I'm proud that they can admit their flaws. I don't know if I could do it publicly, but kudos to them a second time for not only being able to admit it, but trying to resurrect it on television. So, I applaud them as black men owning up to [it], especially those guys. They've influenced so many people. We auditioned singing a Boys II Men and a Jodeci and a Silk song.
BV: Do you look up to any group that broke up and might have gotten back together?
QP: The only group that I know that was able to separate, do solo records and still maintain was New Edition. If I had to pattern what 112 was going through, it would be New Edition. I believe talent-wise we are more than capable of doing it. There are some folks where you can see one or two guys in the forefront and doing successful solo careers, but I believe 112 can definitely do that and if we follow anybody it would be New Edition.
BV: Do you think all the four members of 112 will come back together? At one point Mike wasn't going to come back, then he did. And Slim wasn't going to come back. Could you get everyone back together?
QP: I think destiny and chemistry are undeniable. 112 and the four original members have something very special, and we've seen how special it is because of the response we continue to get after 16 years. I think 112 will do another record. I can't put a timetable on it, but I think there will be a reunion situation where we will perform together and do shows.
Q Parker's solo debut, 'The Manual,' is set for a spring 2011 release. His calendar is on sale now at www.QParkerFitnessCalendar.com.