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Mike Bivins is giving praise to New Edition’s former manager and longtime choreographer Brooke Payne.
“Sporty Friday Quote: I’m in the barber chair getting a line up on my spiritual break and this pic came up on my phone @brookepayne1 Man, first of all, you look like A king in your 24/7 B hat and your words of wisdom has touched me on many levels!” he wrote on Instagram Friday, July 13. “Every step you make or taught has feed [sic] many musically [sic] souls in concert and us as your nephews #Followhim #Salutehim #Learn #cathedral #projects raised #boston #nopaynenogain God Bless from the #bivfam & Goddaughter Sanaah. Have a dope Friday all of you #MLB50th.”
The post has fans adding their praise for the former Boston manager, who gave the iconic boy band their name asserting they’d be the next Jackson 5 40 years ago.
“What a great pic! @brookepayne1 never seems to age.. just like the whole NE crew. #youthful #astar #king #steps.”
“Hoping one day we cross paths in Atlanta @brookepayne1. What a blessing to know and learn from this man @617mikebiv ❤❤❤.”
“Awesome! Always good to surround ourselves with positive motivating people🤗I see U Uncle B!!🙌🏽.”
“So much admiration for this King… #CrownHim 👑.”
“Salute to a REAL OG of knowledge and wisdom Brooke is definitely a true example of Black excellence. Respect💪🏿.”
“Respect to a great leader. 🙏🏾.”
Although Payne is Bivin’s BelBivDeVoe bandmate Ronnie DeVoe’s uncle, the choreographer still forged a bond with the rest of the band. The ties were evident especially for Bivins when NE was honored with the Lifetime Achievement trophy at the BET Awards in 2017.
“Give it up for the big homie, the godfather, Mr. Brooke Payne,” Bivins said as he gave his acceptance speech and invited the choreographer on stage. “This is the guy that holds us down. Been raising us since we was young boys. It’s his steps and his routine that made us fly.”
