We Are Toonz is an American hip hop group from Stone Mountain, Georgia,[2] formed in 2013, known for the viral debut dance single "Drop That #NaeNae", inspired by Martin Lawrence's character Sheneneh Jenkins from his popular 1990's sitcom Martin.[3]
We Are Toonz | |
|---|---|
 We Are Toonz members, 2014 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Stone Mountain, Georgia |
| Genres | Hip-Hop, Pop-rap |
| Years active | 2013–2015 |
| Labels | VPP,[1] Epic, Sony |
| Members |
|
| Website | WeAreToonz.com |
Music career
editSocial media influence
editWe Are Toonz released Drop That #NaeNae in 2013 without much fanfare. The group posted a video of themselves performing the #NaeNae Dance on the social video sharing website Vine and other social media websites like Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. As the song gained momentum the Drop That #NaeNae went viral. The Michigan State Football team can be seen dropping that #NaeNae on YouTube, and breaking down the #NaeNae dance on Vine.[4] Video postings from other college teams dropping that #NaeNae to foster team spirit started going viral as well, Ohio State,[5] Temple University,[6] Auburn University,[7] Notre Dame,[8] and Mercer Bear basketball team victory #NaeNae over Duke's Blue Devils.[9]
Houston Rockets', Dwight Howard posted videos of himself dropping the #NaeNae.[10] After which, he reached out to the group to record a video in Atlanta.[11] Washington Wizards', John Wall celebrated his slam dunk contest win by dropping that "NaeNae" with Paul George.[12] Due to the Vines, videos and GIFs the group saw a 311% spike in mentions of the #NaeNae hashtag.[13]
In August 2014, Coca-Cola released a commercial featuring We Are Toonz for their Ahh Campaign targeting the teen and young adult demographic.[14] We Are Toonz are the first hip-hop act to collaborate with Coca-Cola since R&B singer Tyrese Gibson. The group was selected by the brand after seeing them perform at the World of Coke Ahh stage at the 2013 BET Hip-Hop Awards.
Discography
editSingles
edit| Single | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| "Drop That #NaeNae" | 2013 | VPP, Epic |
| "Drop That #NaeNae Remix" (featuring Lil Jon, French Montana & T-Pain) | 2014 | VPP, Epic |
| "DJ Play My Song" (featuring Mike Epps) | 2014 | VPP, Epic |
| "Lit Up" (featuring Jazze Pha) | 2015 | VPP |
References
edit- ^ Rauly Ramirez (January 27, 2014). "New Hip-Hop Dance Craze:'Drop That #NaeNae'". Billboard Magazine.
- ^ "Atlanta's We Are Toonz storming the country with the Nae Nae". accessatlanta.com. Melissa Ruggieri.
- ^ Rauly Ramirez. "New Hip-Hop Dance Craze: 'Drop That #NaeNae'". www.billboard.com. Billboard Magazine.
- ^ Ben Cornfield. "Michigan State players break down #NaeNae dance in locker room". gamedayr.com.
- ^ "Ohio State Football NaeNae & Dougie". YouTube.com. xgamerjd. 6 April 2014.
- ^ "Football does the Nae Nae Dance". YouTube. Temple Owls Football. 15 April 2014.
- ^ "Auburn football players do the NaeNae". YouTube.com. Kasey Langley. 4 January 2014.
- ^ Tristan Thornburgh (28 December 2013). "Notre Dame Football Busts out NaeNae Dance After Pinstripe Bowl Win". bleacherreport.com.
- ^ Glenn McGraw. "Mercer Dances All Over Duke With NaeNae, Dance White Boy Dance". GamedayR.com.
- ^ Glenn McGraw. "Video: Dwight Howards breaks out 'NaeNae Dance' for Instagram".
- ^ Edwin Ortiz. "We Are Toonz Lay Claim to the #NaeNae Dance and Talk About Meeting Dwight Howard". complex.com.
- ^ Jason McIntyre (18 February 2014). "John Wall Doing the Nae Nae with Paul George Was Better Than the Dunk Contest". thebiglead.com.
- ^ Rauly Ramirez. "We Are Toonz' 'Drop That #NaeNae' Dances onto Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". billboard.com.
- ^ "We Are Toonz, Creators of the Nae Nae, Ink Deal With Coca-Cola". Musictimes.com. Erika Benton-Martin. 12 August 2014.