When people think about R&B, hip hop, and pop, the various artists that come into our minds may include stars like Jay-Z, Eminem, Beyoncé, and Eminem, who have all made a mark in the music scene. However, there’s one artist who most people know, love, and believe he carries a piece of the music industry history too. He goes by the name J-Boog, BooGiE, or Boog. He is a rapper, songwriter, and dancer from an early age. He was a member of the famous band, B2K, but there is a lot more to his life than his music career as revealed by these facts.
1. His Early Life
Jarell Damonte Houston was the last born in a family of three children. He was born in 1985 in Long Beach, but raised in Compton, California, by Samoan parents. His father was a tribal chief in their neighborhood. J-Boog started his singing and dancing from a very young age. In an interview with Dancehall Reggae World, J Boog spilt that he started singing to his sister’s melodies at the age of four. His family and background played a significant role in the starting of his career as a professional artist. They gave him the nickname “Boog,” inspired by Boog since he could never sit for too long and he kept traveling. He is the cousin of Marques Houston, a trendy R&B artist.
2. His Inspiration
Young J-Boog got his inspiration to sing from his eldest sister. She would play the piano as he sang along to the songs. She would be the one who influenced his career in music since they would play and sing the music from Bob Marley’s songbook. Each sibling offered specific exposure to different genres of music, including pop, reggae, and hip hop. All this influence from his family led him to create a unique reggae sound, something that influenced him to sing along many reggae musicians such as the Morgan Heritage.
3. His B2K Career
The meaning of B2K is the Boys of The New Millennium. Three members, namely Raz-B, LIL’ Fizz, and J-boog, united to form the group in 1998. Its fourth member, Omarion, joined the group the following year. They released their first album, B2K, in 2002, and it peaked at number 2 in the Billboard 200. The group followed up the album by putting out many singles such as “Gots Ta Be.” the song was position 34 in the precious Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 13 in the Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop Songs. Their lead single “Bump, Bump, Bump” was number one in the Billboard 100, and it also became position three on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums. Unfortunately, the band broke up in 2004.
4. He is rumored to be in a relationship
According to Urban Islandz, J-Boog is reportedly having an intimate relationship with Omarion’s mother, Leslie Burell. J Boog’s fellow member, Lil’ Fizz, revealed the unsettling allegation after a confrontation that came about during the recording of “Love and Hip Hop: Hollywood” reunion. Although J-Boog and Leslie have not commented on the allegations, the internet has not been quiet about it.
5. His Post B2K Career
J-Boog partnered with his longtime friend and bandmate, Lil Fizz, and the two recorded an album called “Night Life” after the band split. Later they partnered with his cousin Marques to become the vice president of Marques Houston Film Production Company. Through this company, he was able to appear in the movie “Step up 2: The streets”. He would later unite the members of the group for the Off-Off-Broadway stage Production.
6. He tried to reunite the group
The artist decided to assemble the band without Omarion but failed due to the disunity among the former bandmates. After he talked to Lil Fizz, They tried to contact Ray J to join them. Although he and Ray J have been longtime friends, they were unable to agree on the terms. Despite all this, the group finally regrouped in 2019 and has an upcoming tour dubbed “The Millennium Tour Reunion” which will continue for three months.
7. Film career
J-Boog has been involved in various movies over the years, either as a dancer or movie producer. In 2004, he appeared in “You Got Served” with his fellow B2K bandmates. His cousin Marques Houston also made an appearance in the movie. J-Boog played the role of Rico, who was the peacemaker of the group. In 2009 he appeared in the film “Steppin: The Movie” as Greg. In 2019 he has appeared in different shows, one of which is “Howard High,” where J Boog is Mr Johnson. Others include “Always and Forever,” and “Fall Girls,” where he played as Jerome. He has also appeared in various television shows “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood.”
8. Family
According to Live Ramp Up, Boog has two sons and one daughter: Anaia Jolie Houston, Tru Carter Houston, and Jarell Damonté Houston Jr. They were born in the years 2006, 2005, 2009, respectively. Jarell had a longtime girlfriend called Michelle Lee. They got engaged after a blissful dating experience, and many people speculate that he got married to Lee although some think he is probably gay. His family life has, however, been out of the limelight for a few years now.
9. Domestic Violence allegations
In 2010, the police arrested Boog following a case on domestic violence. The artist was led out by the police while in cuffs after a report came out that he was assaulting his partner. He later reached out to his fans, stating that the cause of his arrest was traffic violations and not domestic violence. He also added that due to his respect for women, he would not hit or injure any woman that came into his life.
10. Net worth
According to CNW, J-Boog has a net worth of $2 million. He earned most of his income from his successful career as a member of the B2K. His net worth is also likely to increase after the group’s reunion and upcoming scheduled tour.
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