Misplaced Pages

New Boyz: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 05:39, 26 December 2009 editManway (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers14,751 edits Reverted 1 edit by 69.158.97.229; Revert unlikely and unreferenced. (TW)← Previous edit Latest revision as of 00:06, 14 December 2024 edit undoJJMC89 bot III (talk | contribs)Bots, Administrators3,695,779 editsm Moving Category:West Coast hip hop groups to Category:West Coast hip-hop groups per Misplaced Pages:Categories for discussion/Speedy 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American hip hop duo}}
{{Infobox Musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Redirect|New Boys|other uses|New Boy (disambiguation){{!}}New Boy}}
|Name = New Boyz
{{Infobox musical artist
|Img =
|Img_capt = Legacy (left) and Ben J (right) | name = New Boyz
|Img_size = | background = group_or_band
|Background = group_or_band | image = New boyz.jpg
| landscape = yes
|Origin = ], ], ]
|Genre = ], ] | caption = Legacy (left) and Ben J in 2010
| origin = ], U.S.
|Years_active = 2009 – present
| genre = ]
|Associate Acts =
| years_active = 2008–2013
|Label = Shotty, ], ]
|URL = | label = {{flatlist|
* ]
|Current_members = Legacy (Dominic Thomas)<br /> Ben J (Earl Benjamin)
* ]
* Shotty
}} }}
| past_members = * Dominic "Legacy" Thomas
* Earl "Ben J" Benjamin
}}

'''New Boyz''' were an American hip hop duo<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhpY3U06RQWH1E44I0 |title=Video: New Boyz Declare They Don't Jerk No More After Hearing Odd Future Say "If You Jerk, You're A Faggot"! |date=16 June 2011 |publisher=Worldstarhiphop.com |access-date=2012-03-31}}</ref> consisting of rappers Earl "Ben J" Benjamin (born October 13, 1991) and Dominic "Legacy" Thomas (born October 12, 1991)<ref name="billboard923">{{cite web|url=http://billboard.com/features/21-under-21-new-boyz-1004116428.story#/features/21-under-21-new-boyz-1004116428.story|title=21 Under 21: New Boyz|publisher=billboard.com|accessdate=April 7, 2011}}</ref> They debuted in the spring of 2009 with their viral hit "]" taken from their 2009 debut studio album '']''. The song peaked in the top thirty of the ], and it was the first song to bring the ] style to the national forefront. A second single, "]" featuring ], was also successful and peaked in the top thirty in early 2010. In May 2011, their second and final studio album, '']'', was released. It includes the top 40 hits "]", featuring ] and ], and "]" featuring ]. The New Boyz have also been featured on ]'s song "]", which peaked at No. 28 on the Hot 100.

==History==

=== 2005–2008: Early life and formation ===
Benjamin and Thomas met as freshmen at ].<ref name="MySpace">{{cite web|url=http://www.myspace.com/newboyz|title=New Boyz|publisher=MySpace|access-date=January 22, 2010}}</ref> The two were originally rivals, but became friends over a common interest in music.<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p1162033/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title=New Boyz > Biography|last=Thurston|first=Jason|year=2009|publisher=allmusic|access-date=April 2, 2010}}</ref> Thomas began rapping at the age of eight after watching a music video by ], but Benjamin did not have plans to pursue a musical career, instead, he intended to play ] at ].<ref name="MTV News">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1615680/20090710/new_boyz.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716135556/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1615680/20090710/new_boyz.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 16, 2009|title=New Boyz Say They're More Than Just Jerkin' Rappers|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=July 13, 2009|publisher=MTV News|access-date=January 22, 2010}}</ref> 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 ], saying "I had to teach myself. We didn't want to pay for beats."<ref name="LA Weekly">{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/2009-08-06/music/we-8217-re-jerkin-8217/3/|title=We're Jerkin' (Starring the New Boyz, J-Hawk and Pink Dollaz)|last=Weiss|first=Jeff|work=]|date=August 5, 2009|publisher=LA Weekly|access-date=January 22, 2010}}</ref> 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<ref name="MTV News" /> and created a ] page to promote their self-published single "Colorz".<ref name="allmusic" />

=== 2009–2012: ''Skinny Jeanz and a Mic'' and ''Too Cool to Care'' ===
In the summer of 2009, the New Boyz' single "]", based on the local dance style of ], 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.<ref name="Billboard singles"/> The New Boyz' debut album '']'' was released in September 2009.<ref name="allmusic"/> Released by Shotty and ], the album peaked at No. 56 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and No. 8 on the Top Rap Albums charts.<ref name="Billboard albums">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p1162033/charts-awards|pure_url=yes}}|title=New Boyz > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums|publisher=allmusic|access-date=April 2, 2010}}</ref> "]", featuring ], was the second single from the New Boyz' debut album; that song contained ]. "Tie Me Down" peaked at No. 22 on the Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Hot Rap Tracks.<ref name="Billboard singles"/>

In July 2010, New Boyz collaborated with ] singer ] on the song "]", which peaked at number 68 on the '']''.<ref name="Billboard singles">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p1162033/charts-awards/billboard-singles|pure_url=yes}}|title=New Boyz: Charts & Awards: Billboard Singles|publisher=allmusic|access-date=January 22, 2010}}</ref> New Boyz released their second studio album, '']'', 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."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1648202/20100920/_new_boyz_.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924041227/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1648202/20100920/_new_boyz_.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2010|title=New Boyz Move on From 'Jerkin' With Too Cool To Care|last=Roberts|first=Steven|work=MTV News|publisher=MTV|date=2010-09-20|access-date=2010-12-18}}</ref> The group planned to experiment with other genres besides hip-hop, including ]. On February 15, 2011, New Boyz released their second single off the album "]", which the song features ] and ]. On May 7, 2011 '']'' was released it sold 30,000 copies in the first week. The third single off the album was "]" which featured ], The single debuted at number 61 on the ] as a promotional single.<ref>{{cite web|last=Grein |first=Paul |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/74363/week-ending-may-8-2011-songs-rolling-in-the-dough/;_ylt=AslKpii5U.mTiJouKUFX6eMPwiUv |title=Week Ending May 8, 2011. Songs: Rolling In The Dough &#124; Chart Watch – Yahoo! Music |publisher=New.music.yahoo.com |date=May 11, 2011 |access-date=2011-12-27}}</ref> After being officially released, it re-entered the chart at number 75 and reached a peak of number 38.<ref>{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=new boyz|chart=all}}|title=New Boyz Album & Song Chart History|magazine=]|date=August 24, 2011|access-date=August 24, 2011}}</ref>

===2013–2014: Hiatus and reunion ===
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."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/the-new-boyz-officially-call-it-quits-news.8075.html|title=The New Boyz Officially Call It Quits|first=Kevin|last=Goddard|date=9 November 2013|work=HotNewHipHop|access-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> The group reunited in the 2014 film "]".

===2021–2022: Reunion ===
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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CXp7OA9ls9I/ |title=Ben J đ&#x;'Żtho #SkinnyJeanKing đ&#x;'–đ&#x;'' on Instagram: "This Nigga Dom is crazy gotta love him #NewBoyz #2022 #Reunion #100tho" |publisher=Instagram.com |date= |access-date=2022-03-20}}</ref>

==Legal issues==
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, ], after confusion caused by the groups' names.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allhiphop.com/2012/07/09/exclusive-legal-war-breaks-out-between-newsboys-and-new-boyz-over-name/ |title=Hip Hop News, Interviews and Music: Allhiphop.com » EXCLUSIVE: Legal War Breaks Out Between Newsboys and New Boyz Over Name |author=Allhiphop |work=Hip Hop News, Interviews and Music: Allhiphop.com|date=9 July 2012 |access-date=24 September 2015}}</ref>


==Discography==
'''New Boyz''' is a group made up of '''Ben J''' (born October 13, 1991) and '''Legacy''' (born October 12, 1991) from ]. They debuted with the single "]", taken from their debut studio album ''Skinny Jeanz and a Mic''.<ref>. '']'', May 7, 2009.</ref> "You're a Jerk" peaked at #24 on the ]. "Tie Me Down", featuring R&B singer ] was the second single by New Boyz and peaked at #33.


== Discography == ===Studio albums===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
===Albums===
|+ List of albums, with selected chart positions
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:14em;" | Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;" | Album details
! scope="col" colspan="3" | Peak chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| ]
|- |-
! scope="col" style="width:3.5em;font-size:90%;" | ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=new boyz|chart=Billboard 200}}|title=New Boyz Album & Song Chart History - Billboard 200|publisher=]|access-date=October 22, 2010}}</ref>
! rowspan="2"| Year
! scope="col" style="width:3.5em;font-sizez: 90%;" | ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=new boyz|chart=R&B/Hip-Hop Albums B}}|title=New Boyz Album & Song Chart History - R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|publisher=]|access-date=October 22, 2010}}</ref>
! rowspan="2"| Album details
! scope="col" style="width:3.5em;font-size:90%;" | ]<br><ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=new boyz|chart=Rap Albums}}|title=New Boyz Album & Song Chart History - Rap Albums|publisher=]|access-date=October 22, 2010}}</ref>
! colspan="3"| Peak chart positions
! rowspan="2"| ]
|- style="font-size:smaller;"
! width="30"|]
! width="30"|]
! width="30"|]
|- |-
! scope="row" | '']''
| 2009
|
|align="left"|'']''<ref>http://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200#/album/new-boyz/skinny-jeanz-a-mic/1277428</ref><small>
* Release date: September 15, 2009
* 1st studio album
* Label: Shotty, ]
* Released: September 15, 2009
* Formats: ], ]</small> * Format: ], ]
| 56 || 12 || 8
|56
|12 |
* ]: Gold<ref name="riaa.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/|title=Gold & Platinum|website=RIAA|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-15}}</ref>
|8
|<small>
* US sales: 35,000</small>
|- |-
! scope="row" | '']''
|
* Released date: May 17, 2011
* Label: Shotty, Asylum Records
* Format: CD, music download
| 41 || 9 || 7
|
|}

===Mixtapes===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ New Boy'z mixtapes and details
! scope="col" style="width:11em;"| Title
! scope="col" | Mixtape details
|-
!scope="row"|''Foolie Tape''
|
* Released: April 1, 2012
|} |}


===Singles=== ===Singles===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:13em;" | Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year
! scope="col" colspan="8" | Peak chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;" | ]
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album
|- |-
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | ]<br /><ref name="Billboard">{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=new boyz|chart=all}}|title=New Boyz Album & Song Chart History - Hot 100|publisher=]|access-date=October 22, 2010}}</ref>
! rowspan="2"| Year
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | ]<br /><ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=new boyz|chart=R&B/Hip-Hop Songs}}|title=New Boyz Album & Song Chart History - R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|publisher=]|access-date=October 22, 2010}}</ref>
! rowspan="2"| Single
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | ]<br /><ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=new boyz|chart=Rap Airplay}}|title=New Boyz Album & Song Chart History - Rap Songs|publisher=]|access-date=October 22, 2010}}</ref>
! colspan="3"| Peak chart positions
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | ]<br /><ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=new boyz|chart=Pop Songs B}}|title=New Boyz Album & Song Chart History - Pop Songs|publisher=]|access-date=October 22, 2010}}</ref>
! rowspan="2"| Album
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | ]<br /><ref>"Break My Bank": {{cite Ryan|page=201}}</ref>
|- style="font-size:smaller;"
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | ]
! width="30"| ]<ref>http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&searchlink=NEW|BOYZ&sql=11:gvfexzqgld6e~T51</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | ]
! width="30"| ]<ref>http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&searchlink=NEW|BOYZ&sql=11:gvfexzqgld6e~T51</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | ]
! width="30"| ]<ref>http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&searchlink=NEW|BOYZ&sql=11:gvfexzqgld6e~T51</ref>
|- |-
! scope="row" | "]"
|rowspan="2"|2009
| rowspan="2" | 2009
|"]"
| 24 || 13 || 4 || — || — || — || — || —
| 24
| 13 |
* RIAA: Platinum
| 4
|rowspan="2"|''Skinny Jeans and a Mic'' | rowspan="2"| ''Skinny Jeanz and a Mic''
|- |-
|"]" <small>(featuring ])</small> ! scope="row" | "]"<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(featuring ])</span>
| 22 || 42 || 5 || 23 || — || — || — || —
| 33
| 42 |
* RIAA: Platinum
| 7
|- |-
! scope="row" | "]" <br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(featuring ])</span>
| 2010
| 68 || 63 || 10 || — || 67 || — || — || —
|
| rowspan="3" | '']''
|-
! scope="row" | "]" <br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(featuring ] and ])</span>
| rowspan="2" | 2011
| 26 || — || 12 || 17 || 89 || 52 || 30 || 55
|
* RIAA: Platinum
|-
! scope="row" | "]" <br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(featuring ])</span>
| 38 || — || 13 || 23 || 90 || — || — || —
|
* RIAA: Platinum
|-
! scope="row" | "]"
| 2012
| 108 || 33 || — || — || — || — || — || —
|
|''Foolie Tape''
|-
! scope="row" | "You're A Jerk 2"
| 2022
| — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —
|
|
|-
! scope="row" | "Skinny Jeanz"
|
|
| colspan="14" style="font-size:90%" | "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
|}

===Promotional singles===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of singles, with chart positions and certifications
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year
! scope="col"| Peak chart<br />positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album
|-
! scope="col" style="width:3.5em;font-size:90%;" | ]<br><ref name="Billboard"/>
|-
! scope="row" | "Colorz"
||2008
| —
|| '']''
|-
! scope="row" | "Spot Right There" <span style="font-size:85%;"><br />(featuring ])</span>
||2010
| —
|| non-album single
|-
! scope="row" | "Crush On You" <span style="font-size:85%;"><br />(featuring ])</span>
| rowspan="2"|2011
| —
| rowspan="2" | '']''
|-
! scope="row" | "Tough Kids" <span style="font-size:85%;"><br />(featuring ])</span>
| —
|-
|Colspan="14" style="font-size:90%"| <small>"—" denotes releases that did not chart.</small>
|}

=== As featured artist ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;" | Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year
! scope="col" colspan="3" | Peak chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;" | ]
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album
|-
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | ]
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | ]
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | ]
|-
! scope="row" | "Are You Feeling Me?" <br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Keisha Liu featuring New Boyz)</span>
| rowspan="2" | 2009
| — || — || —
|
| non-album single
|-
! scope="row" | "Dancin' Around the Truth" <br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(] featuring New Boyz)</span>
| — || — || —
|
| ''The Stunners''
|-
! scope="row" | "]" <br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(] featuring New Boyz)</span>
| rowspan="3"| 2011
| 28 || 15 || 59 ||
* RIAA: Platinum<ref name="riaa.com"/>
* ARIA: 2× Platinum<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display_singles.asp?chart=1U50 |title=Top 50 Singles Chart - Australian Record Industry Association |work=] |access-date=February 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206101258/http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display_singles.asp?chart=1U50 |archive-date=February 6, 2012 }} Archived by ] from {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518161219/http://ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display_singles.asp?chart=1U50 |date=2011-05-18 }} on February 05, 2012.</ref>
* RMNZ: Platinum<ref name="nzsinglescert">{{cite web|url=http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=61|title=Latest Gold / Platinum Singles|publisher=RadioScope New Zealand|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724195845/http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=61|archive-date=2011-07-24 }}</ref>
| '']''
|-
! scope="row" | "]" <br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(] featuring New Boyz)</span>
| — || — || — ||
| ]
|-
! scope="row" | "]" <br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(] featuring New Boyz)</span>
| — || — || —
|
| non-album single
|-
! scope="row" | "]" <br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(] featuring New Boyz and ])</span>
|| 2012
| — || — || — ||
| non-album single
|-
| colspan="14" style="font-size:90%" | "—" denotes items that did not chart or were not released.
|}

===Music videos===
*You're a Jerk
*Dot Com
*Tie Me Down featuring Ray J
*So Dope
*Found My Swag featuring The Bangz
*Cricketz featuring Tyga
*Break My Bank featuring Iyaz
*Crush On You featuring YG
*Backseat featuring The Cataracs and Dev
*Tough Kids featuring Sabi
*Better With the Lights Off featuring Chris Brown
*Dancing Around the Truth (the Stunners)
*New Kid Swag featuring Brandon Soo-Hoo from ]
*Hot Chelle Rae - I Like It Like That ft. New Boyz
*FM$
*Stefano - I'm on a Roll ft. Rock Mafia, New Boyz
*Tydis - Make Me Say Feat New Boyz

==Filmography==

===Films===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 2012
| '']''
| As H-One & Stunner
| Support role
|-
| 2014
| '']''
| Themselves
| Support role
|} |}


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
* * {{official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20090628045810/http://www.thenewboyz.com/}}
*
* {{MySpace|newboyz}}
* *

{{New Boyz}} {{New Boyz}}


{{Authority control}}
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
{{US-band-stub}}


]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 00:06, 14 December 2024

American hip hop duo "New Boys" redirects here. For other uses, see New Boy.
New Boyz
Legacy (left) and Ben J in 2010Legacy (left) and Ben J in 2010
Background information
OriginHesperia, California, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Years active2008–2013
Labels
Past members
  • Dominic "Legacy" Thomas
  • Earl "Ben J" Benjamin

New Boyz were an American hip hop duo consisting of rappers Earl "Ben J" Benjamin (born October 13, 1991) and Dominic "Legacy" Thomas (born October 12, 1991) 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.

History

2005–2008: Early life and formation

Benjamin and Thomas met as freshmen at Hesperia High School. The two were originally rivals, but became friends over a common interest in music. 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. 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." 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 and created a MySpace page to promote their self-published single "Colorz".

2009–2012: Skinny Jeanz and a Mic and Too Cool to Care

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. The New Boyz' debut album Skinny Jeanz and a Mic was released in September 2009. 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. "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.

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. 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." 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. After being officially released, it re-entered the chart at number 75 and reached a peak of number 38.

2013–2014: Hiatus and reunion

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." The group reunited in the 2014 film "School Dance".

2021–2022: Reunion

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.

Legal issues

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.

Discography

Studio albums

List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
US
 US
R&B
 US
Rap
Skinny Jeanz and a Mic 56 12 8
Too Cool to Care
  • Released date: May 17, 2011
  • Label: Shotty, Asylum Records
  • Format: CD, music download
 41 9 7

Mixtapes

New Boy'z mixtapes and details
Title Mixtape details
Foolie Tape
  • Released: April 1, 2012

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
 US R&B
 US Rap
 US Pop
 AUS
 CAN NZ UK
"You're a Jerk" 2009 24 13 4 — — — — —
  • RIAA: Platinum
 Skinny Jeanz and a Mic
"Tie Me Down"
(featuring Ray J) 		22 42 5 23 — — — —
  • RIAA: Platinum
"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
  • RIAA: Platinum
"Better with the Lights Off"
(featuring Chris Brown) 		38 — 13 23 90 — — —
  • RIAA: Platinum
"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.

Promotional singles

List of singles, with chart positions and certifications
Title Year Peak chart
positions 		Album
US
"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.

As featured artist

List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
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
  • RIAA: Platinum
  • ARIA: 2× Platinum
  • RMNZ: Platinum
 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.

Music videos

  • You're a Jerk
  • Dot Com
  • Tie Me Down featuring Ray J
  • So Dope
  • Found My Swag featuring The Bangz
  • Cricketz featuring Tyga
  • Break My Bank featuring Iyaz
  • Crush On You featuring YG
  • Backseat featuring The Cataracs and Dev
  • Tough Kids featuring Sabi
  • Better With the Lights Off featuring Chris Brown
  • Dancing Around the Truth (the Stunners)
  • New Kid Swag featuring Brandon Soo-Hoo from Incredible Crew
  • Hot Chelle Rae - I Like It Like That ft. New Boyz
  • FM$
  • Stefano - I'm on a Roll ft. Rock Mafia, New Boyz
  • Tydis - Make Me Say Feat New Boyz

Filmography

Films

Year Title Role Notes
2012 We the Party As H-One & Stunner Support role
2014 School Dance Themselves Support role

References

  1. "Video: New Boyz Declare They Don't Jerk No More After Hearing Odd Future Say "If You Jerk, You're A Faggot"!". Worldstarhiphop.com. 16 June 2011. Retrieved 2012-03-31.
  2. "21 Under 21: New Boyz". billboard.com. Retrieved April 7, 2011.
  3. "New Boyz". MySpace. Retrieved January 22, 2010.
  4. ^ Thurston, Jason (2009). "New Boyz > Biography". allmusic. Retrieved April 2, 2010.
  5. ^ Reid, Shaheem (July 13, 2009). "New Boyz Say They're More Than Just Jerkin' Rappers". MTV News. Archived from the original on July 16, 2009. Retrieved January 22, 2010.
  6. Weiss, Jeff (August 5, 2009). "We're Jerkin' (Starring the New Boyz, J-Hawk and Pink Dollaz)". LA Weekly. LA Weekly. Retrieved January 22, 2010.
  7. ^ "New Boyz: Charts & Awards: Billboard Singles". allmusic. Retrieved January 22, 2010.
  8. "New Boyz > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums". allmusic. Retrieved April 2, 2010.
  9. Roberts, Steven (2010-09-20). "New Boyz Move on From 'Jerkin' With Too Cool To Care". MTV News. MTV. Archived from the original on September 24, 2010. Retrieved 2010-12-18.
  10. Grein, Paul (May 11, 2011). "Week Ending May 8, 2011. Songs: Rolling In The Dough | Chart Watch – Yahoo! Music". New.music.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2011-12-27.
  11. "New Boyz Album & Song Chart History". Billboard. August 24, 2011. Retrieved August 24, 2011.
  12. Goddard, Kevin (9 November 2013). "The New Boyz Officially Call It Quits". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 24 September 2015.
  13. "Ben J đ&#x;'Żtho #SkinnyJeanKing đ&#x;'–đ&#x; on Instagram: "This Nigga Dom is crazy gotta love him #NewBoyz #2022 #Reunion #100tho"". Instagram.com. Retrieved 2022-03-20.
  14. Allhiphop (9 July 2012). "Hip Hop News, Interviews and Music: Allhiphop.com » EXCLUSIVE: Legal War Breaks Out Between Newsboys and New Boyz Over Name". Hip Hop News, Interviews and Music: Allhiphop.com. Retrieved 24 September 2015.
  15. "New Boyz Album & Song Chart History - Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  16. "New Boyz Album & Song Chart History - R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  17. "New Boyz Album & Song Chart History - Rap Albums". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  18. ^ "Gold & Platinum". RIAA. Retrieved 2019-03-15.
  19. ^ "New Boyz Album & Song Chart History - Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  20. "New Boyz Album & Song Chart History - R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  21. "New Boyz Album & Song Chart History - Rap Songs". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  22. "New Boyz Album & Song Chart History - Pop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  23. "Break My Bank": Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 201.
  24. "Top 50 Singles Chart - Australian Record Industry Association". Australian Record Industry Association. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2012. Archived by WebCite from the original Archived 2011-05-18 at the Wayback Machine on February 05, 2012.
  25. "Latest Gold / Platinum Singles". RadioScope New Zealand. Archived from the original on 2011-07-24.

External links

New Boyz
Studio albums
Singles
Featured Singles
Related articles
Categories: