The Shop Boyz had a rapid rise to fame by creating a new sound they labeled “hood rock.”  Cousins Meany (Demetrius Hardin) and Fat (Richard Stevens), along with their friend Sheed (Rasheed Hightower), grew up in the notorious Bankhead neighbourhood of Atlanta, working in a garage to make ends meet and producing music in their free time.  Their alternative to Atlanta crunk caught the attention of producer Richard “Fire” Harris who offered to make beats for the band without charge.  In addition, Ondeck Records CEO, Brian “Bingo” Ward, invited the band to record in his studios.

The hip-hop trio worked for three years making mix tapes and music that went straight to the street.  They created a buzz in Atlanta when they released the single Party Like a Rockstar in January 2007.  It was one of Atlanta’s biggest smashes and the Shop Boyz were picked up by the label Universal Republic, who distributed the single and gave the band a record deal. The single was released under the label and went to number two on the pop charts.  The rock-influenced rap song was certified platinum within six weeks of its release.

In June of that year, the Shop Boyz released their debut album Rockstar Mentality.  The new artists have been honoured with many award nominations including a 2008 Grammy nomination in the Best Rap Performance By a Group or Duo category.  The Shop Boyz toured with the R&B superstar Chris Brown at the end of 2007.