New Boyz | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Origin | Hesperia, California, U.S. |
Genres | Hip hop |
Years active | 2008–2013 |
Labels |
|
Past members |
|
New Boyz were an American hip hop duo [1] consisting of rappers Earl "Ben J" Benjamin (born October 13, 1991) and Dominic "Legacy" Thomas (born October 12, 1991) [2] They debuted in the spring of 2009 with their viral hit "You're a Jerk" taken from their 2009 debut studio album Skinny Jeanz and a Mic . The song peaked in the top thirty of the Billboard Hot 100, and it was the first song to bring the jerkin' style to the national forefront. A second single, "Tie Me Down" featuring Ray J, was also successful and peaked in the top thirty in early 2010. In May 2011, their second and final studio album, Too Cool to Care , was released. It includes the top 40 hits "Backseat", featuring The Cataracs and Dev, and "Better with the Lights Off" featuring Chris Brown. The New Boyz have also been featured on Hot Chelle Rae's song "I Like It Like That", which peaked at No. 28 on the Hot 100.
Benjamin and Thomas met as freshmen at Hesperia High School. [3] The two were originally rivals, but became friends over a common interest in music. [4] Thomas began rapping at the age of eight after watching a music video by Bow Wow, but Benjamin did not have plans to pursue a musical career, instead, he intended to play football at San Diego State University. [5] However, Benjamin decided to focus more on music after he discovered that he had a passion for rapping. With their October birthdays only a day apart, they pooled their gift money to buy recording equipment. Thomas then taught himself how to make beats for the group's songs with a computer program called Fruity Loops, saying "I had to teach myself. We didn't want to pay for beats." [6] After Thomas transferred to a new school in May 2008, they decided to form a group. With Benjamin being "Ben J" and Thomas being "Legacy", they began performing together as the Swagger Boyz on July 4, 2008 [5] and created a MySpace page to promote their self-published single "Colorz". [4]
In the summer of 2009, the New Boyz' single "You're a Jerk", based on the local dance style of jerkin', became a national hit. "You're a Jerk" peaked on No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the Hot Rap Tracks charts. [7] The New Boyz' debut album Skinny Jeanz and a Mic was released in September 2009. [4] Released by Shotty and Asylum Records, the album peaked at No. 56 on the Billboard 200 and No. 8 on the Top Rap Albums charts. [8] "Tie Me Down", featuring Ray J, was the second single from the New Boyz' debut album; that song contained Auto-Tune. "Tie Me Down" peaked at No. 22 on the Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Hot Rap Tracks. [7]
In July 2010, New Boyz collaborated with Virgin Islands singer Iyaz on the song "Break My Bank", which peaked at number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 . [7] New Boyz released their second studio album, Too Cool to Care , on May 17, 2011. On the album, the duo planned to focus less on the "jerkin'" aspect of the music, instead emphasizing more diverse influences. Legacy stated that on the previous album, listeners "were more focused on these dudes wearing skinny jeans, 'they are making jerk stuff,' so that's why we made sure on this second album, we let it be known that we can go in." [9] The group planned to experiment with other genres besides hip-hop, including rock. On February 15, 2011, New Boyz released their second single off the album "Backseat", which the song features The Cataracs and Dev. On May 7, 2011 Too Cool to Care was released it sold 30,000 copies in the first week. The third single off the album was "Better with the Lights Off" which featured Chris Brown, The single debuted at number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 as a promotional single. [10] After being officially released, it re-entered the chart at number 75 and reached a peak of number 38. [11]
On February 28, 2013, Legacy announced via Twitter that the group had been working on their third album for Warner Music Bros. Records. However, on November 9, 2013, after many speculations that the group has gone their separate ways, member Earl "Ben J" Benjamin officially stated they have decided to split up in order to pursue solo careers. He stated in an interview: "We've shared our talents with the world as a duo and had a very successful career in doing so, our songs stayed on the charts and our videos always received millions and millions of organic views on YouTube and Vevo. But after selling out shows and touring all over the world, we've decided that we'd like to share our talents with our fans individually. Together or apart; we've made our mark in American music history and our imprint will never be forgotten. I wish my brother (Legacy) the best in all that he does, and can’t wait till we're both at the Grammy's getting nominated for our solo efforts; and so begins a New chapter, in a New book; with this New Boy." [12] The group reunited in the 2014 film "School Dance".
On January 18, 2022, the duo released the sequel to their 2009 hit song You're a Jerk; after teasing the group's return in December 2021. [13]
On July 9, 2012, it was announced that New Boyz were being sued in a legal dispute due to a copyright issue over their name being similar to the Christian rock band, Newsboys, after confusion caused by the groups' names. [14]
Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Certifications | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
US [15] | US R&B [16] | US Rap [17] | |||
Skinny Jeanz and a Mic |
| 56 | 12 | 8 | |
Too Cool to Care |
| 41 | 9 | 7 |
Title | Mixtape details |
---|---|
Foolie Tape |
|
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
US [19] | US R&B [20] | US Rap [21] | US Pop [22] | AUS [23] | CAN | NZ | UK | |||||||||
"You're a Jerk" | 2009 | 24 | 13 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Skinny Jeanz and a Mic | |||||
"Tie Me Down" (featuring Ray J) | 22 | 42 | 5 | 23 | — | — | — | — |
| |||||||
"Break My Bank" (featuring Iyaz) | 2010 | 68 | 63 | 10 | — | 67 | — | — | — | Too Cool to Care | ||||||
"Backseat" (featuring The Cataracs and Dev) | 2011 | 26 | — | 12 | 17 | 89 | 52 | 30 | 55 |
| ||||||
"Better with the Lights Off" (featuring Chris Brown) | 38 | — | 13 | 23 | 90 | — | — | — |
| |||||||
"FM$" | 2012 | 108 | 33 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Foolie Tape | ||||||
"You're A Jerk 2" | 2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
"Skinny Jeanz" | "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
US [19] | |||||||||||||
"Colorz" | 2008 | — | Skinny Jeanz and a Mic | ||||||||||
"Spot Right There" (featuring Teairra Marí) | 2010 | — | non-album single | ||||||||||
"Crush On You" (featuring YG) | 2011 | — | Too Cool to Care | ||||||||||
"Tough Kids" (featuring Sabi) | — | ||||||||||||
"—" denotes releases that did not chart. |
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
US | US Pop | CAN | |||||||||||
"Are You Feeling Me?" (Keisha Liu featuring New Boyz) | 2009 | — | — | — | non-album single | ||||||||
"Dancin' Around the Truth" (The Stunners featuring New Boyz) | — | — | — | The Stunners | |||||||||
"I Like It Like That" (Hot Chelle Rae featuring New Boyz) | 2011 | 28 | 15 | 59 | Whatever | ||||||||
"Sex" (Colette Carr featuring New Boyz) | — | — | — | Skitszo | |||||||||
"Boyfriend" (Big Time Rush featuring New Boyz) | — | — | — | non-album single | |||||||||
"I'm on a Roll" (Stefano featuring New Boyz and Rock Mafia) | 2012 | — | — | — | non-album single | ||||||||
"—" denotes items that did not chart or were not released. |
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2012 | We the Party | As H-One & Stunner | Support role |
2014 | School Dance | Themselves | Support role |
"Lean wit It, Rock wit It" is a song by the hip hop group Dem Franchize Boyz from their album On Top of Our Game. The recording features Peanut and Charlay and was produced by Classic Buck$ aka Buck and Maurice "Parlae" Gleaton.
Beach Cruiser is the debut studio album by American rapper Glasses Malone. It was released on August 29, 2011, by Glasses Malone's record label Blu Division Music, Hoo-Bangin' Records, Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Universal Republic Records, distributed by Suburban Noize Records. The album's release has been postponed several times between its initial announcement and its eventual release.
American rapper Bow Wow has released seven studio albums, twenty-six singles, fifty-one music videos, and eight mixtapes.
"Party Like a Rockstar" is a song by American hip-hop group Shop Boyz. It was released as their commercial debut single and also served as the lead single from their debut album Rockstar Mentality (2007). It reached huge success during mid-2007, namely in the United States, peaking in the top five of the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Tracks, and Hot 100 charts. The song was nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 50th Grammy Awards.
"I Can Love You" is a song by American recording artist Mary J. Blige. It was written by Blige along with her sister LaTonya Blige-DaCosta, Rodney Jerkins, and Lil' Kim for her third album, Share My World (1997), with Jerkins producing the song and Lil Kim having featured vocals. The contains elements of the song "Queen Bitch," a track from Kim's debut album Hard Core (1996), co-written by Carlos Broady and Nashiem Myrick. Due to the inclusion of the sample, they are also credited as songwriters.
Jermaine Coleman, better known by his stage name Maino, is an American rapper and radio personality. After an ineffective tenure with Universal Motown Records, he signed with Atlantic Records to release his 2008 debut single, "Hi Hater", which entered Billboard's Hot Rap Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Bubbling Under Hot 100 charts. His 2009 follow-up single, "All the Above" peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Both songs preceded the release of his debut studio album If Tomorrow Comes… (2009), which peaked at number 25 on the Billboard 200. Its sequel, The Day After Tomorrow (2012) peaked at number 94 and was supported by the single "Let It Fly".
"You're a Jerk" is a song by the duo New Boyz from their debut studio album Skinny Jeans and a Mic. It was produced by New Boyz member Legacy, and peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Jerkin' or Jerk is a street dance culture and hip hop subgenre originating in urban California in the late 2000s. It gained mainstream popularity outside of California by Inland Empire-based groups New Boyz and Audio Push, and has origins in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Since breaking into the mainstream in 2009, jerkin' gained fans along the West Coast, East Coast, and in Europe, notably France and Germany, although it was heavily derided in the Southern United States.
Tie Me Down is a song by American R&B duo New Boyz. The song is the second single from their debut album Skinny Jeans and a Mic, and features R&B singer Ray J. Ray J's chorus uses the Auto-Tune effect and there is also usage in the New Boyz' verses. Due to the success of the duo's first single, "You're a Jerk", an EP was released called Tie Me Down: EP via digital download featuring the track and four other songs that would later be included on their debut album.
Skinny Jeanz and a Mic is the debut studio album by jerkin' crew and rap duo New Boyz, Legacy and Ben J. It was released on September 15, 2009, via Shotty Music, Asylum Records and Warner Bros. Records. The album was heavily influenced by jerkin' music. It received generally positive reviews, being called the sixth best album of 2009 by The New York Times. The album was released after the duo brought jerkin' to national attention with their viral hit "You're a Jerk", which later became a commercial success and the first single off their album. The second single "Tie Me Down", featuring Ray J, was released and also was successful. The album debuted at fifty-six on the Billboard 200, and at number twelve on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and eight on Top Rap Albums. The album was produced by New Boyz member, Legacy, and also contributions from producers, Jay-Nari, D&D and DJ Felli Fel.
Too Cool to Care is the second and final studio album by rap duo New Boyz. It was released on May 17, 2011, via Shotty Music, Asylum and Warner Bros. It reached number forty-one on the Billboard 200 chart, number nine on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and number seven on the Rap Albums chart.
The discography of American rapper Tyga consists of seven studio albums, three compilation albums, twenty mixtapes, sixty-seven singles and forty-six music videos. In 2008, Tyga released his first studio album, No Introduction, on the record label Decaydance Records. The album was led by the single "Coconut Juice", which peaked at number 94 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and marked Tyga's first song to enter on the chart. In 2010, Tyga and Virginia singer Chris Brown released the collaborative mixtape Fan of a Fan (2010), which included their hit single "Deuces", which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Tyga's first song to chart on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, where it peaked atop.
Devin Star Tailes, known professionally as Dev, is an American singer. She was discovered by the Cataracs and record label Indie-Pop via Myspace after Dev's friend posted a video of her singing. Dev's song "Booty Bounce" was sampled on Far East Movement's hit single "Like a G6", which reached number one in the US and sold over four million downloads in the country.
The discography of Waka Flocka Flame, an American rapper, consists of two studio albums, 41 singles and 28 mixtapes. His highest-charting single, "No Hands" featuring Roscoe Dash and Wale, peaked at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
"Backseat" is a song written and recorded by American hip hop duo New Boyz featuring American production duo The Cataracs and American singer Dev. The song was released as a single on February 15, 2011 as a digital download in the United States and served as the second single from New Boyz' second album Too Cool to Care. The song contains elements of hip hop, house, electropop, and dance music and contains use of Auto-Tune on some of the vocals.
The Night the Sun Came Up is the debut studio album by American recording artist Dev, released on September 2, 2011 by Universal Republic Records. Dev worked exclusively with American Electropop production duo The Cataracs and Alan De la Rosa, who helmed the production of the entire album along with co-writing songs with Dev. Production on the album took place mainly in January 2011 and continued into 2012 as the North American release date for the album was delayed from September 20, 2011 to January 10, 2012 as per Dev's request to add more songs to the album, with Amazon.com announcing that the North American release would be pushed back further to March 26, 2012.
Doggumentary is the eleventh studio album by American West Coast hip hop recording artist Snoop Dogg. It was released on March 29, 2011 on the Priority Records record label. The album was produced by Battlecat, The Cataracs, Gorillaz, David Banner, THX, DJ Khalil, Fredwreck, Jake One, David Guetta, Mike Dean, Jeff Bhasker, Lex Luger, Meech Wells, Mr. Porter, Rick Rock, Rick Rude, Scoop DeVille, Scott Storch, Warryn Campbell, Kanye West, DJ Reflex, among others.
"You're Mine (Eternal)" is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey included on her fourteenth studio album, Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse (2014). It premiered on February 12, 2014, as the third single from the album. It was written and produced by Carey with Rodney Jerkins. An R&B song, the lyrics revolve around the singer reminiscing about a past lover. Critical response to the song was positive: Carey's breathy vocal style and use of the whistle register at the climax earned praise from critics. It also drew several comparisons to one of Carey's previous singles, "We Belong Together" (2005).
Dion Marquise Hayes, known professionally as 42 Dugg, is an American rapper from Detroit, Michigan. He signed with Yo Gotti and Lil Baby's respective labels, Collective Music Group (CMG) and Glass Window Entertainment, through a joint venture with Interscope Records in 2019. He is best known for his collaborations with the latter, with whom he has released the hit songs "We Paid" and "Grace"; the former peaked within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 and received quintuple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His second mixtape, Young & Turnt 2 (2020) was met with critical acclaim and marked his debut on the Billboard 200. His 2021 singles, "4 Da Gang" and "Maybach" both received gold certifications and preceded his fourth mixtape Free Dem Boyz (2021), which peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200.
Jeremy Biddle, known professionally as Yung Bleu or Bleu, is an American rapper and singer. He is best known for his 2020 single "You're Mines Still", which peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 after it was remixed by Canadian rapper Drake.