THEY burst onto the music scene with baggy clothes, excessive hair gel and a crew that would put the biggest Stateside rapper’s entourage to shame.
But Blazin’ Squad proved they weren’t just a Noughties novelty act – producing a number one hit, six top 10 singles and two top 40 albums.
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Their catchy tunes including Flip Reverse and number one song Crossroads were dancefloor staples in nightclubs across the country.
When their second album failed to reach the dizzying heights of their first, they were dropped from their label and forced to split in 2003.
While some of the fresh-faced group went back to their day jobs, others have continued to court the limelight.
Here we take a trip down memory lane as we revisit their lives 20 years on from their glory days.
Jamie ‘Kenzie‘ McKenzie
Kenzie, now 36, became one of the most recognisable members of the group following a series of TV appearances and high profile relationships after the band went their separate ways.
In 2005 the Chingford lad came second on Celebrity Big Brother aged 19, and made headlines that same year when he began dating former glamour model Jodie Marsh, 43.
After their romance, Kenzie spilled the beans on their sex life saying: “Jodie definitely taught me a few things, being an older woman. She introduced me to new pleasures and all kinds of different positions.”
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Kenzie also claimed Jodie liked to be spanked in the bedroom and revealed he once bought her saucy underwear.
He appeared on episodes of The Weakest Link, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Celebrity Juice, and published an autobiography in 2005 branded a “damp squib” by reviewers.
In May 2014 Kenzie was injured in a “serious car crash”, but escaped with injuries. He was part of a supergroup called 5th Story, compiled while he was appearing on ITV’s Big Reunion.
He is now dad to daughters Wynter and Wyllow, who he shares with his girlfriend of 10 years.
Now a far cry from his skinny days, Kenzie is buff thanks to his work as a personal trainer, and is an international DJ according to his social media profile.
Rocky B – Marcel Sommerville
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After years away from the limelight, Marcel appeared on the third series of Love Island and came in fourth place with Gabby Allen.
His stint instigated a mini reunion as three fellow Blazin’ Squad members made an appearance to perform Flip Reverse.
All 10 bandmates met up for drinks once Marcel, now 36, returned to the real world.
Following the show, Marcel and Gabby were together for almost a year before announcing their split amid reports of infidelity on his part.
Their break up turned bitter when he in turn accused her of cheating with Towie star Dan Osborne, a claim she’s fiercely denied.
He’s since found love with current girlfriend Rebecca Vieira and they welcomed a son together called Roman in 2021.
Lat year Marcel revealed vile trolls had targeted his son with cruel racist remarks.
Strider and Flava – Mustafa Omer and James Murray
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After enjoying a close friendship with Flava (aka James Murray) in the band, they teamed up to form a song writing duo called Mojam after the group disbanded.
They have been massively successful, writing for artists including Emeli Sande, Leona Lewis, KSI, and Naughty Boy.
The pair co-write Sam Smith and Naughty Boy’s hit single La La La – which went on to be the sixth best selling single in the UK in 2013 and even made a splash on the US charts peaking at number 19.
Although he keeps his personal life on the down-low, Strider has ditched his trademark hair gel and shaved eyebrow and is now a married man with a baby.
Flava – James Murray
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James appears to have ditched his infamous Blazin’ Squad gold chain and diamond earrings for a more laidback look.
His curly ginger locks are gone, replaced with a bald head and bushy beard.
James and long-term partner Leah Jade Stowell share a son and daughter, and he regularly shares proud snaps of his family on Instagram.
Freek – Oliver Georgiou
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The group’s split spelled the end of Oliver’s music career as he pursued a new profession in corporate banking.
Like Marcel, he also had a stint on a reality show in 2017 – E4’s Tattoo Fixers.
Oliver wanted to update a tattoo on his left bicep which depicted the date the band got their first number one song and the day they signed their record contract.
Currently he is still involved in the entertainment industry and works as a music manager for ESG Management.
Melo-D – Chris McKeckney
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Chris remains loyal to his roots as a Blazin’ Squad original and still performs their songs at various reunion gigs.
After the end of the group, he pursued a new career as a window fitter and is still close to his former bandmates.
He was a vocal supporter of Marcel during his Love Island villa stint.
Last month he revealed he and girlfriend Mia Marley are expecting a baby boy – a little brother for their British bulldog Dre.
Reepa – Stuart Baker
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Reepa is still in the media industry as a manager at the BBC.
Despite ditching the hair gel and growing a beard, the 36-year-old does not look too different from the group’s heyday.
He now has a wife called Zoe and often shares snaps of their luxurious holidays.
Occasionally, he ditches the suit to join his bandmates on stage during reunion performances.
Krazy – Lee Bailey
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Lee’s trademark spiky blonde hair made him stand out from the group.
But when the band disbanded, he retreated from the limelight – despite initially telling the media he would like to carry on with a career in the industry.
Lee’s voice is instantly recognisable as he sang the incredibly catchy chorus on the band’s number two hit, Flip Reverse.
He is now married to wife Karina and the couple share two kids.
Spike-E – Sam Foulkes
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Clearly very proud of his achievements with the band, Sam, 36, still reminds people he is a member of Blazin’ Squad in his Twitter bio – though these days he doesn’t post often.
To date, he still occasionally performs with a few members of the group but also works in the import/export industry.
DJ Tommy B – Tom Beasley
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Unlike many of his ex-bandmates, DJ Tommy has completely shunned the showbiz life.
He is still involved in the music industry, however, as he works as a DJ.
DJ Tommy, who is a fan of cycling, has not been seen with the group during any of their reunion gigs.
He and partner Bayley Hatson share a daughter.
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