One of R&B's preeminent love men during the '90s heyday of hip-hop soul, Ginuwine first emerged in 1996 with the multi-platinum disc The Bachelor, produced with superstar beatmaker Timbaland. Featuring what one critic called "silky, seductive vocals [purring] beside Timbaland's jagged, hyperkinetic beats to create a uniquely edgy R&B sound," the album became an instant classic, with "Pony," the daring first single, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart late in 1996. Other standout cuts from the disc included "Tell Me Do U Wanna" and a blazing cover of Prince's "When Doves Cry." "When Timbaland and I did The Bachelor, that was one of the biggest moments in my life," Ginuwine recalls. "Not everyone has the opportunity to be so popular with their first release. Believe me, I know I was blessed."