The Shop Boyz are Back !
by Deidra Brown Hip-Hop group, The Shop Boyz are back and better than ever! After taking a brief break, the Atlanta based trio is ready to get back into action with new music for their fans. The group, whose music ranges across Hip Hop, Rock, Country, EDM, and R&B, took a short hiatus from the limelight and now have new songs encompassing their unique style of music that focuses on various issues. The Shop Boyz currently have a song out titled “On & On” that focuses on the problem of being black in America. “This song is real and many black men can identify with the message because black men constantly experience the harassment from police, unfair treatment, and discrimination,” says group members Meany, Fat, and Sheed. They are also showing their versatility with a pop song they have released titled “Party All Night,” and a country song called “Country Girl. In addition, the group has a mixtape out titled “Gift and a Curse,” and an EP titled “Shop Boyz Reloaded,” where fans can enjoy the different things that they’ve been working on. The Shop Boyz were previously signed with Universal Republic Records but are now doing things the independent route. Though it provides less of a budget to invest in music related expenses, being independent artists has given them a little more creative freedom. However, being in a group and working independently can also be difficult at times when there are so many different ideas, but only one can be chosen at a time. Nonetheless, their main focus as a group is for the world to know and feel the beauty of the music that they produce. With the versatility of their music, The Shop Boyz are inspired by a number of artists. Fat says, “Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and a variety of other music inspires me.” Collaboratively, they would like to work with anybody who is willing to understand their message, take their craft as it is, and aim to make beautiful music. The trio is also inspired by each other, their kids, their families, their surroundings, and their fans. Being involved in the music industry, The Shop Boyz have learned to always be ready for whatever comes their way. “We have learned that you have to be up on your game at all times, stay educated on the industry, the changes, etc., and be prepared for opportunities.” Although the group does not put any pressure on themselves to reach the level of commercial success “Party Like a Rockstar” had back in 2007, they spent the last few years polishing their craft to top their Grammy nominated hit. As for the future, The Shop Boyz are currently planning a tour and are continuing to work on music, but they say, “Expect the unexpected.”
The
14 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM SEPT/OCT 2015