The Boys: Motown’s Forgotten Boy Band and Their Shocking Exit from R&B

The story of The Boys, four brothers from Venice Beach, is one of early promise, industry exploitation, and ultimate self-discovery. Kyrie, Hakeim, Taj, and Bilal Abdul Samad began singing together to earn money for a Father’s Day gift.

Their natural talent quickly turned them from street performers into local sensations, drawing attention from major record labels.

Their father, Jabari, recognizing their potential, took a crash course in entertainment management to protect his sons from the pitfalls that had ruined many child stars. By 1986, the brothers were performing under the name “The Boys,” and soon, Motown Records—legendary for launching acts like The Jackson 5—came calling.

Motown’s president had big plans, hoping The Boys would reach Jackson 5-level stardom. The brothers, aged 10-15, became Motown’s youngest producers, writing and producing much of their own material.

Their debut album, featuring hits like “Dial My Heart” and “Lucky Charm,” went platinum, and the group quickly became R&B stars.

However, behind the scenes, the pressures mounted. The brothers struggled with missed childhoods, constant travel, and the stress of recording. When Kyrie’s voice changed during their debut album sessions, lead vocal duties were redistributed to preserve harmony and prevent jealousy. This decision, while democratic, meant none of the brothers could fully develop individual star power.

Their father’s business savvy kept the family in control, but it also made them targets within Motown. Jabari’s ownership of ancillary rights, like a profitable 900 phone line, frustrated label executives.

Tensions grew as Motown tried to exert more control, pushing for professional management and limiting the brothers’ creative freedom.

The Boys’ second album, which they co-produced, delivered another number one hit, “Crazy.” But by the time their third album rolled around, Motown’s support waned.

The label sidelined the brothers’ creative ambitions, and their singles flopped due to lack of promotion. When their contract expired in 1993, Motown offered a lucrative six-year deal with creative control and their own imprint. The Boys signed but soon realized the promises rang hollow. With new executives in charge, personal relationships vanished, and the brothers felt like mere assets.

In a stunning move, The Boys returned their advance and walked away from Motown—and the American music industry. Their departure wasn’t just about business; it was a spiritual journey. The brothers adopted a vegan lifestyle, connected with Atlanta’s Afrocentric community, and eventually moved to Gambia in West Africa.

Immersed in local culture, they learned new languages, studied traditional music, and reinvented themselves as “The Sons of Light.” Free from the pressures of American fame, they produced music blending R&B with authentic African rhythms, developed solo projects, and mentored Gambian artists.

Their independence proved prophetic as the American music industry struggled with digital disruption. The Boys thrived, owning their masters and publishing, building careers on their terms. While nostalgia for their hits remains, the brothers have evolved, prioritizing artistic fulfillment and personal growth over commercial success.

A 2018 appearance on TV One’s Unsung documentary finally revealed their story, inspiring fans and artists alike. The Boys’ journey—from Venice Beach to Motown to West Africa—stands as a testament to the power of artistic independence, personal integrity, and the courage to walk away from fame for a deeper purpose.

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