Robert Lavelle Huggar, professionally known as RL, emerges as a seasoned American R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer, renowned for his smooth tenor and heartfelt contributions to late-1990s hits that defined an era of romantic introspection in urban music.

As the charismatic frontman of the platinum-selling group Next, he propelled chart-topping anthems like “Too Close” to global resonance, later forging a solo path with introspective albums that showcased his production acumen and melodic versatility.

Early Life and Education

Robert Lavelle Huggar, a distinguished singer, songwriter, and record producer, was born on April 2, 1977, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Nurtured in a musically vibrant household by his parents, Robert and Toni Huggar, he absorbed influences from local icons like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, igniting an early passion for R&B composition and performance.

Particulars of his academic background remain private, though his formative years in the Twin Cities fostered a blend of soulful expression and rhythmic innovation; his ethnicity reflects African American heritage, with Christianity as his faith.

Career

Robert Lavelle Huggar, known professionally as RL, launched his ascent in the mid-1990s as the lead vocalist of Next, alongside brothers Raphael and Terry Brown, signing with Arista Records in 1997. Their debut album, Welcome II Nextasy (1997), yielded the controversial No. 1 hit “Too Close,” alongside “Butta Love” and “Wifey,” propelling multi-platinum sales and establishing RL’s signature falsetto.

The group earned Soul Train and American Music Award nominations before parting ways post-2002’s Welcome Back. Transitioning solo, RL released RL: Ements (2002) on J Records, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard R&B chart with singles “Good Man” and “Got Me a Model” featuring Erick Sermon.

He distinguished himself through features like “The Best Man I Can Be” with Ginuwine, Tyrese, and Case (1999 soundtrack), his hook on 2Pac’s “Until the End of Time” (2001), and “Good Love” from The Brothers (2001). Later efforts include Business as Usual (2013) and independent singles, blending production with nostalgic R&B revival.

Personal Life

Robert Lavelle Huggar, a distinguished singer, songwriter, and record producer, at 48 years old, embraces a grounded family life with his wife, Lena Danielle Huggar, married since 2016.

The couple welcomed daughter Rory in 2017 and announced a second child in 2025, complementing RL’s son Charles from a prior relationship.

He maintains privacy on deeper familial dynamics, channeling energy into music and parenthood while residing in the United States, fostering a narrative of quiet fulfillment amid past industry highs.

Discography

Selected Discography:

Welcome II Nextasy (1997) – Lead Vocals (with Next)

RL: Ements (2002) – Vocals/Producer

Business as Usual (2013) – Vocals/Producer

Singles: “Too Close” (1997), “Wifey” (2000), “Good Man” (2002)

Net Worth

Robert Lavelle Huggar, a distinguished singer, songwriter, and record producer, holds an estimated net worth of $5 million USD.

Revenue streams derive from royalties on Next’s multi-platinum catalog, solo album sales, soundtrack features, and production credits, supplemented by selective live performances and licensing deals.