4 P.M. (or For Positive Music) was an R&B male group from Baltimore, Maryland whose members consisted of brothers Roberto Pena Jr. and Reney ‘Ray’ Pena along with friends Larry McFarland and Martiz Ware.
The group formed in 1991 and were known as “IV Real” and performed in local talent shows.
In 1994, after performing at a record release party, 4 P.M. were signed to Next Plateau Records and they moved to New York City.
In 1995, the group released their debut album, “Now’s the Time” which reached the Billboard national album charts, and eventually earned Gold status in Japan and Canada, and went Platinum in Australia.
Their first single, a cover version of Kyu Sakamoto’s song, “Sukiyaki” became their biggest hit, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, while also charting on Adult Contemporary, Top 40 Mainstream, and Hot R&B. The single was certified Gold.
Their 1997 album “A Light in the Dark” yielded the R&B hit single “I Gave You Everything.”
A year after the release of their second album, Martiz Ware departed from the group and their record label went out of business. After that, it seemed as if the group faded from obscurity.
After a brief break, the Pena brothers and Larry McFarland formed their own production label, Pena Brothers Productions and in 2000, they released their third album, “For Positive Music” on their own label.
In 2001, their fourth album “Sweet Soul” was released on the Japanese Pony Canyon record label.
In 2008, 4PM released the album, “Tracks 4 the Mass Movement.” Also in 2008 Larry McFarland released his solo album “The Urban Project” under the name ‘Lil Mac.’
4PM toured the U.S., Japan and many other countries.
Group information from their website.
Discography:
1995(CD) Next Plateau Now’s The Time
1995 London Sukyaki (CD and cassette single)
1995 London Lay Down Your Love (CD and cassette single)
1997(CD) Next Plateau A Light in the Dark
1997 Next Plateau I Gave You Everything (CD and single)
2000(CD) For Positive Music
2001(CD) Pony Canyon Sweet Soul
2008(CD) Pena Brothers Tracks 4 the Mass Movement
Larry McFarland release as ‘Lil Mac’:
2008(CD) The Urban Project
2022 Official 4PM Some of the Time
