SchoolYardBoys

Four 14 year old students made a plan to mix elements of their neighborhood street culture, extracurricular activities and the things they like most about school, and combine them into the new “School Boy Swag.” The aftermath of this “science experiment,” as called by the members, has produced the SchoolYardBoys. They consist of rappers, singers, dancers and actors and really represent the voice of the youth. Being from Harlem, New York, The SchoolYardBoys are the new leaders of the renaissan...

Four 14 year old students made a plan to mix elements of their neighborhood street culture, extracurricular activities and the things they like most about school, and combine them into the new “School Boy Swag.” The aftermath of this “science experiment,” as called by the members, has produced the SchoolYardBoys. They consist of rappers, singers, dancers and actors and really represent the voice of the youth. Being from Harlem, New York, The SchoolYardBoys are the new leaders of the renaissance. Not since the Poor Righteous Teachers, Leaders of the New School or Kid and Play has there been a group as educational, as entertaining, or as fresh as the SchoolYardBoys. Young Rob, Ant Money, Young Ty and Ed Dotty, rejuvenates Hip Hop with their unique individual style in such a way that showcases their talents and confirms that they are true apprentices to the art of hip-hop. And without the likes of Lil’ Bow Wow, Lil’ Romeo, B2K, Pretty Ricky, and all the previous young successful groups, the goal attracting the American youth may be as simple filling the void. But either way, the SchoolYardBoys are here to make a name for their selves in this world of entertainment. Most of the time, you will see the SchoolYardBoys comfortably dressed in school uniform and performing fun, motivational music. Their infectious hooks, educational lyrics, and fresh style has earned them support of fans from the age of 4 all the way through high school. The School Yard Boys album featuring their summer smash hits, “THE BOW TIE” and “RECESS,” is set to be released in October. Class is in session…. Student Profile: “Ant Money” Antwuan Banks, 14 Grade: 9th GPA: 4.0 “Ayo, what’s Good America? This ya boy Ant Money, the baby of the group. I’ve only been rapping for a year and to be honest, I never in my life would’ve thought of having a profession at this. I still have dreams of playing professional sports and ultimately becoming a stock broker. It’s crazy but hey, I’m here with the new team on the block, the School Yard Boys. I guess after our first song, “Stop it ikey,” everything just seemed to fall into place, what do you know? What you might not know is, I was born in Chicago and raised in Georgia. Currently I reside in Harlem and reppin’ it to the fullest. I know it sounds weird but I been here for over 10 years so it’s like a birthplace. I credit Kanye West, T.I., Lil Wanye, and Biggie for my inspiration. I look to become successful in hip-hop and I won’t stop until I reach the top. No one hit wonders over here man, we’re going for longevity. The winning formula – the School Yard Boys! Student Profile: “Ed Dotty” Devon Coombs, 15 Grade: 10 GPA: 4.0 I was born in the Bronx NY but raised in Harlem by a single mother, who I am very close to. I had a rough childhood and it wasn’t until the start of my middle school year that I really began to make a change. That’s when I found I had a passion for sports. I played fencing, flag football, and wrestling which led to an all star beginning. At that time I also met Tyhime, Rob, and Antwuan, who are now my closest friends. The 7th grade is where we came up with the formula and that’s when we began the School Yard Boys. The first song we wrote was “Stop it ikey.” At the time we weren’t planning on going this far but our manager saw something in us which we didn’t see in ourselves until now. After that first song the enthusiasm for writing more came easy. Sometimes we would sit in my house for hours writing music. We don’t use any profanity or such words to get our message across, because we are making music for our fans, who are just like us and just want to have fun. This group is like no other and we are planning on doing big things like inspiring others with our music. Student Profile: “Young Ty” Tyhime King Saunders, 15 Grade: 9th GPA: 4.0 I go by the name Young Ty, even though I am the oldest of the group. Ironically, I am the 10th of 12 children- with 5 sisters and 7 brothers. Having a large family is cool because you never run out of friends. For a short while I lived with my aunt in Brooklyn. When I moved back home to Harlem with my parents I started a new school, PS 149, and that’s where I met Ed Dotty, Ant Money, and Young Rob. We all discovered that we had some things in common, such as sports, getting fly, and making music. Honestly, at first I doubted everything. Everyone loved “Stop it Ikey,” but once we came up with the Bowtie, I really considered a future in hip-hop. I noticed that I had a talent for moving the crowd and along with my talented friends I thought we could be destined for greatness. When I told my family I wanted to be a rapper they said I can be anything I want and still support me to this day. I love my family and everything they have do to support me and my dream. And forever will I be a School Yard Boy. Student Profile: “Young Rob” Robert Harris, 15 Grade: 9th GPA: 4.0 I was born and raised in the early 90’s, but I’ve been told that I “have an old soul.” Very early on I was placed in very difficult situations; situations that no child should have to be in. It only made me stronger though, and really helped shape my personality. Throughout it all I remained focused as I continued to figure out life. I’m blessed that I had people in my life though, like my family, that gave me a strong support system when everything was not alright. At 8 years old I began rapping with a cause – to bond and connect with the older guys in my neighborhood or rather trying to be like them. They were also a good support system. It wasn’t until I went to middle school and found friends with similar interests as me, that everything started coming together for me. We created the School Yard Boys as a support system to get us through school. I knew people with a studio that would let us record but I didn’t think they would take us to the next step. Now with the past behind me and an opportunity filled future ahead, Young Rob is on a quest for success. At 15yrs with four more years of high school in sight, his first priority belongs to graduation his second- SYB.