The early 2010s brought a wave of vibrant fashion trends and catchy dance moves that defined a generation. Remember the neon skinny jeans, oversized snapback hats, and the iconic jerk dance? It’s hard to forget these elements that were a crucial part of the pop culture landscape during that time. At the forefront of this movement were the New Boyz, a duo that captured the hearts of many with their infectious energy and catchy songs.
Originating from Los Angeles, the New Boyz found fame with their hit "You're A Jerk," which not only showcased their unique style but also contributed to the jerkin' dance craze. The song reached impressive heights, peaking at No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking a significant milestone in their career. As the jerkin' culture started to fade, many fans wondered what happened to the duo who brought it to the mainstream.
Despite their initial success, the New Boyz faced challenges that led to their split in 2013. Band members Legacy and Ben J decided to pursue solo careers after years of collaborating, leaving fans longing for their dynamic performances. In this article, we'll explore the rise and fall of the New Boyz, their impact on music and culture, and what they're up to today.
Table of Contents
- Biography of New Boyz
- New Boyz May Have Broken Up Because of One R&B Singer
- New Boyz and the Jerk Strike Hot on TikTok
- New Boyz Reunited for "You're a Jerk" Follow-Up
Biography of New Boyz
| Real Name | Stage Name | Date of Birth | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominic Thomas | Legacy | January 28, 1990 | Rapper, Producer |
| Earl Benjamin | Ben J | March 18, 1991 | Rapper |
New Boyz May Have Broken Up Because of One R&B Singer
After reaching mainstream success with their hit "You're A Jerk," they proved they were not just a one-hit wonder with songs like "FM$" and "Tie Me Down." Collaborating with popular artists such as Ray J, Iyaz, and Chris Brown, things seemed bright for the duo.
However, in November 2013, they announced their split. In an emotional statement, Ben J expressed their desire to pursue solo careers after achieving great heights together. He remarked, "Together or apart; we’ve made our mark in American music history and our imprint will never be forgotten."
Interestingly, Ben J later suggested that their breakup may have been influenced by R&B singer Tinashe, who was dating Legacy at the time. He claimed that Tinashe had a negative impact on Legacy's commitment to the group, leading to their eventual separation.
New Boyz and the Jerk Strike Hot on TikTok
Fast forward to recent years, TikTok has revitalized interest in the jerk dance and brought the New Boyz back into the spotlight. When a video of a teacher doing the jerk went viral, Ben J shared it on Instagram, celebrating the moment. "Teacher goes viral to my song 'You're a Jerk' showing all his Gen Z students how to actually jerk," he wrote, highlighting the track's enduring popularity.
As the trend gained traction, the New Boyz Twitter account reposted videos of celebrities like Jason Derulo and Jake Paul participating in the jerk challenge. Ben J expressed his excitement, noting, "Hold on son?! Bro.... [Legacy] we back on the News 12yrs later!" This resurgence demonstrated the lasting impact of their music and dance.
New Boyz Reunited for "You're a Jerk" Follow-Up
2022 kicked off with a surprise for fans as Legacy and Ben J reunited, showcasing their chemistry once again. They teasingly dubbed their reunion "Phase 2" and even released "You're a Jerk 2" on January 18, much to the delight of their fans.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing nostalgia and excitement over the duo's comeback. Ben J shared on Instagram, "The comeback is real," hinting at a promising future. However, shortly after the release, Legacy revealed his struggles with mental health, indicating that their reunion may not lead to a permanent return to the music scene.
While the future remains uncertain, the New Boyz have certainly left their mark, reminding us of the joy and energy they brought to the music industry during their heyday.
