After forming, the group began working with their producers on their debut album. Recording began in August 1989 and wrapped up in December of the same year. “Born to Sing” was released in April 1990. The album charted at #21 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart and #3 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The first single, “Hold On,” was released to radio in late February 1990 and became a crossover pop hit, reaching #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles charts, and #1 on both the R&B singles and Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts. It later went to #5 in the UK, and became a hit in Europe. The next two singles, “Lies” and “You Don’t Have to Worry,” each went to #1 on the Billboard R&B charts, while the fourth and final single, “Don’t Go,” charted at #3 on the Billboard R&B. The album was later certified platinum by the RIAA. “Hold On” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.

En Vogue’s second album, “Funky Divas,” was released in the spring of 1992. The album debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Billboard R&B and ultimately doubled the take of its predecessor, going multi-platinum. The album’s first two singles, “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” and “Giving Him Something He Can Feel” both went Top 10 Pop, and peaked at #1 on the R&B charts. The next single, “Free Your Mind” also went Top 10. The final two singles “Give It Up Turn It Loose” and “Love Don’t Love You” both were Top 40 hits. The album went on to sell more than three million copies, and was nominated for five Grammy Awards.

The group has won more MTV Video Music Awards than any other female group in MTV history, a total of seven, along with four Soul Train Awards, six American Music Awards, and seven Grammy nominations. According to Billboard Magazine they were the 18th most successful act of the 1990s, and one of the most popular and successful female groups of all time.