Beyond The Songs: New Boyz

Sometimes words are quite literal and for these artists, that is still very much the case. Their name says it all. Los Angeles natives, the New Boyz, are in fact relatively new to the music scene, but they are fast becoming one of hottest acts in the business. The duo of Earl "Ben J" Benjamin and Dominic "Legacy" Thomas started their venture into hip-hop in 2008 after Ben J decided that success in music was achievable after Legacy started gaining notice rapping. Ben J was intending to play football at San Diego State University before his decision to forgo college led him and Legacy on their current career path.

Beyond The Songs: New Boyz

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With all focus on their music careers, they quickly started writing and producing their own music. Success came quickly for the New Boyz with their 2009 hit, “You’re a Jerk.” The song quickly spawned a dance craze that stretched from California to the East Coast. “Jerkin” gave the group national recognition with the popular dance move when it went viral.

People from across the country quickly posted their own videos of them “jerkin’” and their own interpretation of the dance, giving the New Boyz momentum to release their second successful single “Tie Me Down.” The song featured R&B artist Ray J and displayed the ‘Boyz diversity with a pop single that showed critics that the group is more than a dance-fad rap group. Ben J and Legacy dropped their first major album with Skinny Jeanz and a Mic in September 2009. Despite it not being a financial success, the album was well-received by critics and gave the New Boyz inspiration for their sophomore album.

In 2010, the Boyz’ started creating buzz once again with their single “Break My Bank” featuring Beluga Heights star Iyaz. The single has since become a minor hit, but the New Boyz are starting to get national radio play with their hit single “Backseat.” The song features production from “Like a G6” producers, California based The Cataracs. Dance-pop singer, Dev from “Like a G6” and “Bass Down Low” also jumped on the track with the New Boyz to create a dance-pop crossover genre hit. With the New Boyz second album, Too Cool to Care slated for release in May 2011. And featuring varying guests including Iyaz, Tierra Marie, Charlie Wilson, Tyga, YG and up comers The Cataracs and Dev, the young creative duo will continue to show their place in the music world with club bangers and catchy pop tracks.

-Ethan Gunns