Terri Robinson (born August 12, 1970) and Monica Payne (born February 22, 1969) formed the American R&B duo Terri & Monica after their tenure with the late 1980s New Jack Swing group The Gyrlz. Their early collaboration began while touring with The Gyrlz, where they contributed background vocals and songwriting for the 1988 album Love Me or Leave Me released by Uptown Records under Capitol distribution. The duo’s breakthrough came with the 1993 single "Intentions" and the "Uh Huh" remix on the Hey Mr. DJ: The 4th Compilation, establishing their presence in the early 1990s R&B scene. Chronologically, they released the debut album Systa in 1993, featuring tracks such as "I've Been Waiting", which appeared on the Poetic Justice soundtrack, and the follow‑up "Family Affair" in the same year. In 1996 they issued the album Suga (initially a limited European CD) and the single "Sexuality (If You Take Your Love)" in July 1996; the album was later released digitally by Epic Records in March 2022. Collaborations included work with Heavy D on "Truthful", LL Cool J on "Hip‑Hop" and "Loungin'", and contributions to soundtracks for Addams Family Values, Money Train, and Wild Wild West. The duo’s activity concluded in the late 1990s, with subsequent individual pursuits: Robinson continued background vocal work and songwriting for artists such as Total and Mary J. Blige, while Payne transitioned into music management and label executive roles, notably with V. Bozeman and Artistry Worldwide.
