The album peaked at number 37 on the Billboard 200 and was certified two times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

During a "growth period", Next recorded "Butta Love", in which group member Tweety described as "the difference in the freedom we were feeling".

[1] According to Arista Records senior vice president of black music Lionel Ridenour, the success of the single "kept growing to the point where we had worked it from July through December".

[1] In order to give the group exposure, Arista promoted Next by having them speak in several radio stations and perform on television programs.

[1] The album's second single, "Too Close", topped the Billboard Hot 100[4] and was certified platinum by the RIAA, going on to sell 2.1 million copies.

The song charted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at 14 and on the US R&B/Hip-Hop at 4 Rated Next received generally favorable reviews from music critics.

He felt that the group "may get a little too 'risqué' for some tastes", but stated that the lead singer R. L., was "so smooth and charismatic that he can seduce unwilling listeners".

[11] Melanie Mcfarland of The Seattle Times noted that the group "swings between party anthems and tender ballads with a sexy flow" on the album.