Cynthia Horner|
It’s been a minute since we have written anything on J-Boog. While Omarion pursued a solo career as an artist, Lil’ Fizz had become a reality TV star on “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood,” and Raz-B was doing his own thing, J-Boog had been a bit more undercover with his career. But now he’s freely talking about his success in the film/television arena while at the same time making frequent appearances in the number one urban stage play, “Man Of The House.”
In the play, which has been touring around the country in select urban cities and college markets, J-Boog whose real name is Jarell Damonte Houston, now in his early 30’s, excites women fans who fondly remember him from the pages of Right On! where the boy band became staples and heartthrobs to millions of fans.
In his portrayal as a friend of the character played by playwright/director/ star A’ndre Davis, Boog, supports his male friend who is the victim of domestic abuse. He believes that the production is particular important as it is a poignant tale of the effect abuse has on victims and opens up a much-needed discussion. Prior to one of the performances, this Editor-In Chief/Publisher was able to catch up with Boog and rekindle memories.
J-BOOG STRIKES A POSE WITH MAN OF THE HOUSE CAST CREDIT: FACEBOOK/A’NDRE DAVIS
BREAKING VIDEOS TO WATCH
Q: So, what’s going on with you besides the play?
J-Boog: I am part of Footage Films, The screenplays are written by Chris Stokes and Marcus Houston (the music executives who put B2K on the map). Chris directs. There are quite a few projects out, several of which were made for BET.
Q: How cool. How did you get involved with films?
J-Boog: I did a cameo in one of their films and I just chipped in. They said what I was doing was the job of a producer. From there it grew. Then Chris said, “I want you to help me run this film company” and I said, “Are you serious?” It’s exciting. I have a lot of respect for those guys, Chris in particular. That’s my family. I missed them. It’s been beautiful.
Q: This was organic for you but how did you do it. Working in film isn’t that easy.
J-Boog: I think it was growing up in the industry. You kind of cross paths with people that are involved in video, putting together shows, tours, etc. I still had to learn the lingo but 65 percent of it I already knew without knowing that I knew it.
Q: You recently did a radio interview with Keri Singleton from Keri’s Corner and he found a song you had done from a movie soundtrack and he surprised you by discussing it and playing it. How did that make you feel?
J-Boog: I wasn’t expecting that but it touched me. I was really taken aback since I was doing an interview the play. For him to find something on the internet that I wasn’t promoting gave me confidence as an artist. I didn’t know how people with react. That was amazing. I was thankful.
LISTEN HERE:
B2K WAS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR BOY BANDS THAT WAS COVERED IN RIGHT ON! MAGAZINE.
Q: You grew up in the industry. What’s different these days? Give your honest opinion.
J-Boog: The accessibility to promote yourself on social media has been over saturated and the work ethic is not the same. There used to be a certain amount of time put in to putting together an album and have the record company spend a half million dollars on it. Now people are putting out album in three or four weeks for $30,000 and that brings the quality down. But I see it’s coming back around and it’s not so much about the image but about the music. The quality is coming back up to where it was.
Q: What do you think of the film and TV industries?
J-Boog: TV and film are ways to bridge the gap. We didn’t have those opportunities when we (B2K) were out. You can now do things like webisodes, etc. since the market has changed. Back in the day you had to wait for a casting call or wait for an audition. Now you can display your talents. People should take advantage of it. It’s an open game with social media so you can self promote.
Q: We had to ask—can you please get the band back together! Pretty please! (LOL)
J-Boog: I am currently working on putting together a B2K reunion tour, I can officially say that. They call me I talk to me. I talk to Fizz all the time, I just talked to O before I spoke to you and I keep up with Raz!
Editor’s Note: What do you think of the reunion idea? Hit us up @rightondigital and @cynthiahorner
CREDIT: J-BOOG/INSTAGRAM
boogie_p
So great running into a lady who had such a big part of my success as a young teen. Ms Cynthia Horner of “Right On” magazine.
latashapbelps
Cute pic boo love you
butterflyyy86
So she’s responsible for the posters I had on my walls! One of my favorite magazines back in the day ❤
neeyah_
Cynthiaaaaaaa what would we have done without you baby 😭👏🏾👏🏾 #UnlimitedPosters 😂🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
ashleekalai
Right On magazine is responsible for my parents having to paint the walls in my room after I went to college
coolasskelton
She kept us in them
