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Andre Merritt, Brian Kennedy, Cory Bold, Darkchild, Eric Sanicola, Exclusive, Flo Rida, Harvey Mason Jr., Jackie Boyz, Midi Mafia, Rob Knox, Stereotypes

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TheNext2Shine caught up with the Jackie Boyz over the past summer and had a small chat with them about their upcoming projects, who they worked with, and their most recent retail release "The Beginning". They are currently working with Harvey Mason Jr., Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Brian Kennedy, Andre Merritt, Rob A., Damond Sharp, Alex Cantrell, and Midi Mafia for the US release of the album.

The Jackie Boyz recently came out with an album entitled "The Beginning" [LINK HERE]. What were some of the emotions you felt once your debut studio album was (initially) released in stores throughout Japan, and the US?

It felt real good. We were happy to have the album out. Happy because people were accepting us. It was truly exciting.

Since this was your debut album within the music scene, what was the recording/creative process like for both of you?

Basically, we were in the studio cranking out song after song. We literally recorded 60-70 records, and then from there... the records that felt good, we placed on the album.

As singers, performers, and writers, you have come a long way in quite a short time period. You have worked numerous talented artists and songwriters such as Flo Rida, Harvey Mason Jr., Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Brian Kennedy, Midi Mafia, Rob Knox (of The Underdogs), Oak (of KnightWritaz), Andre ''Dre'' Merritt, Cory Bold, Eric Sanicola (aka Thundatraxx), and The StereoTypes. How has life been since you first started in the music industry, and how has it changed for you and your brother?

It was an amazing change! We started out singing in the streets. Literally performing all over Los Angeles, and making it an issue for us (The Jackie Boyz) to be known on a bigger spectrum. People don't kick us out of studios anymore. *laughter*

Do people recognize you when you walk down the street?

*chuckle* Funny Story.. YEP! We were at an airport, and this lady kept looking at me and my brother. She said "those guys look really familiar". My assistant questioned her "Do you know them?". The lady replied "Wait a minute! Do they sing or something like that? They are the Jackie Boyz aren't they!?". After that, me and my brother came up to her and she proceeded to tell us her life story right in front of us. It was really weird. *chuckles*

Let's get into the digital aspect of your music for a second. How has the Internet (World Wide Web) shaped the career of the Jackie Boyz? Do you think it has done any impact at all?

Oh yea, definitely! When we first started off, we hit up everyone. Its a part of what got us recognized. We reached out to producers, singers and informed them that we could write and sing as well. It just really grew into something else.

In your own opinions, what are some of the most important musical accomplishments that you guys have achieved thus far?

We would say, Flo Rida's newest single "Sugar". It's a part of our own top ten record that we ever wrote. It actually peaked at #5 on Billboard's Top 100. Secondly, our album being released on iTunes was another phenomenal event. Also, having an enormousness amount of fans all over the world

For the fans that have your debut album in their hands, when could they expect to posses your second studio album? Is there something else that they should be on the lookout for? (music videos, remixes, re-releases)

e are actually going to do a re-release of "The Begininng" because of the success of the album online. The re-release will contain about 4-5 brand new tracks. Fans are going to be able to hear the new tracks on the internet beforehand. On the day of the release, it's going to be big! We also have a music video, and a mixtape a little later. The mixtape is going to be ready around August. It will also contain some of our original songs, with some new songs as well.

Would there be any remixes to any of your own records?

Hmm.. We may! We haven't decided on what remixs we want on our own records. We will keep everyone posted.

As far as the remixes are concerned, would you be collaborating with any other artists?

It depends, we are [at the moment] reaching out to a couple of different camps right now. What we want to do is integrate a lot of our Hip Hop influence with R&B. We may shoot out to a couple of different acts such as Bow Wow, and Young Jeezy.

Last question, for fans that never heard of your names before, how would you describe the "Jackie Boyz"? Would it be R&B, Pop, Hip Hop?

It's definitely a fusion. We don't want to limit ourselves at all! Right now we are just creating good music by making hits that makes people want to dance.