UB ReVisit: Mindless Behavior Talk #1 Girl and Staying Together
Mindless Behavior were on route without a doubt, to become one of the greatest bands in R&B history. Comprised of Prodigy, Roc Royal, Ray Ray and Princeton, they quickly became a modern musical phenomenon with an army of screaming fans following them everywhere. In the tradition of The Jackson Five, New Edition and B2K.
In 2008, the group was born from a concept created by Conjunction Entertainment Inc. CEO Walter Millsap and Streamline Records head Vincent Herbert. An open audition was held by Conjunction’s Millsap, Keisha Gamble, songwriter Candice Nelson and choreographer David Scott in Los Angeles.
Among over 600 kids, Prodigy, Princeton, Roc Royal, and Ray Ray shined the brightest, instantly charming the team and solidifying the lineup. For the next two years, they immersed themselves in music, developing their singular sound and style under the guidance of Herbert and Millsap. Soon afterwards, Jimmy Iovine signed Mindless Behavior to the label.
The chemistry between the boys proved kinetic from the moment they entered a rehearsal room together. Given his penchant for quickly learning new styles, Prodigy wielded incredible dance and vocal skills. Ray Ray studied under legendary L.A. battle dancer Tommy the Clown, while Roc Royal started to rap at eight-years-old. Princeton kicked off his career at the age of four, starring in commercials for Skechers, McDonalds and Nike as well as music videos.
Audiences felt that passion as Mindless Behavior swiftly went from touring high schools to opening sold-out tours for Backstreet Boys and Justin Bieber. A fervor for the music swept through crowds on the strength of their first single “My Girl” in 2010. A propulsive pop gem, the song is almost at 14 million views on YouTube, and it was nominated for a 2011 “Viewer’s Choice” BET Award.
The follow-up, “Mrs. Right“, continued to turn heads and melt hearts with its combination of infectious beats and sweetly soulful harmonies. It landed at #1 on BET’s 106 and Park three weeks in a row and was the #1 most added song at Urban Radio. Directed by Brett Ratner , the track’s cinematic music video even features cameos from Mike Epps, LL Cool J, and Diggy Simmons, quickly becoming the #1 most demanded video on Music Choice.
The released their debut album #1 Girl in September of 2011, it debuted in Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums.
Their meet-n-greets will draw thousands of girls lining up hours in advance just to meet them. One Washington DC in-store even had to be shut down because 4,000 fans swarmed the mall.
2013’s All Around The World would see lightning strike twice topping Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart landing at #6 on the Top 2004.
Seemed like a story made in music industry heaven. However the group disbanded for good in 2017.
UB was the spot for MB Updates Online, along with numerous other sites on the members. Plus the group constantly stayed in touch with their following. As a result, they were the #2 Universal Music artist only behind Lady Gaga in terms of online presence.
In this ReVisit celebrating our 15 Year Anniversary. We ReVisit our December 2010 Interview with Mindless Behavior – in one of their first interviews.
The group spoke about how they were put together, their debut album and who they worked with on “#1 Girl.”
The fellas also talk about their long-term goals, crushes in the industry and the meaning of Mindless Behavior. They also spoke on staying together, unfortunately that wasn’t what they did.
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UrbanBridgez.com: When people press play on ‘# 1 Girl’ what kind of album will they hear?
Mindless Behavior (Roc Royal): They’ll hear Ms Right, My Girl, Future, 1st Crush and alot more great songs. We’re talking about girls and all the songs are ones kids can relate to.
UrbanBridgez.com: Who are some of the people you guys worked with for the album?
Mindless Behavior (Ray Ray): Mainly we worked with the head of our production company Walter Millsap. We also worked with Boy Wonder, Polo Da Don & a few others.
UrbanBridgez.com: How did you guys get together as a group?
Mindless Behavior (Princeton): Two years ago almost Walter brought the idea to Vincent Herbert about forming a kids group. After that part of our management team Keisha Gamble & Walter held auditions with about 500 kids. That’s where me and Roc met & we made the group. Then a few months later our choreographer David Scott saw Prodigy on YouTube & we had him audition, then after that Ray Ray auditioned at midnight, and soon after Walter and our songwriter Kenneth Nelson started to develop the sound for our music. And then they took us to Interscope Records and they signed us to Streamline Records and now we’re here!
UrbanBridgez.com: What kind of show can your fans expect when they come see you guys out with Justin Bieber?
Mindless Behavior (Ray Ray): We’re going to have a lot of energy, a lot of dancing, us interacting with the fans and us having fun on stage.
UrbanBridgez.com: Rock Royal what does a girl have to do or represent in order to get your attention?
Mindless Behavior (Roc Royal): She has to be herself and she cant be afraid to be different!
UrbanBridgez.com: Prodigy what’s your favorite place to go with a special girl?
Mindless Behavior (Prodigy): I think Disneyland would be a great place to take her (all laugh)!
UrbanBridgez.com: Ray Ray who are your top three crushes in the industry?
Mindless Behavior (Ray Ray): First Willow Smith, Rihanna and third I would have to say Kristen Stewart from Twilight. I’m a big Twilight fan!
UrbanBridgez.com: Princeton if you could sing any song to your favorite girl in the world, what song and why would you sing that one?
Mindless Behavior (Princeton): I would have to sing ‘My Girl’ to her because that’s our song (everybody laughs).
UrbanBridgez.com: What are you guys long-term goals for the business as far as movies and things like that?
Mindless Behavior (Ray Ray): Definitely staying together and winning awards like Grammys, BET Awards, VMA’s and acting in movies and TV shows. Hopefully having our own TV show one day, just taking over the world!
UrbanBridgez.com: You guys mentioned staying together, with so many groups who don’t last, what do you think will keep you guys together?
Mindless Behavior (Ray Ray): I think our love for each other and work ethic and we’re equals. We all have things in common, I think that’s what’s going to keep us together. We all love each other don’t we?
Mindless Behavior (Princeton, Prodigy & Roc Royal): Yeah!
Everybody: Awww (laughs)
UrbanBridgez.com: Any last words for your fans?
Mindless Behavior (Ray Ray): Yeah we actually want to tell all the Mindless fans what Mindless means…
Mindless Behavior (Roc Royal): Mindless Behavior is a lifestyle and gives us the freedom to express ourselves through our music, art, and fashion. It’s a movement that anyone can be apart of.
Mindless Behavior (Prodigy): And if you’re confident, you’re mindless!
Mindless Behavior (Princeton): If you like having fun in life, then you’re mindless!
UB First Look: Mindless Behavior’s “Christmas With My Girl” Single Cover & Release Date
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