ArtistInfo

Po' Boi

A.k.a. Jimmy Petty Po' One

Jimmy Petty (Po' Boi) was born in Huntsville, Alabama on July 27, 1975. He was raised by his parents, Jefferie and Charles Petty, and his paternal grandmother "Mama" in the Terry Heights Community of Huntsville. Po' Boi became interested in music early in life. In 1983, at the age of 8, he began singing. Then in 1985 he began writing songs, which he later converted into raps. In 1987, Po' Boi and his little brother Paul (Krystyle) won their first talent show, featuring rapper Doug E. Fresh. In the 1990's Po' Boi would continue to captivate and entertain audiences. In 1990 he wrote and performed the single "Hillbilly Funk", with the group Mass Confusion, at the First Annual Black Arts Festival in Huntsville. This rap placed first in the Amateur Music Talent Competition. Later that same year, at the Heritage Festival in Birmingham, they also performed "Hillbilly Funk" which earned yet another first place. In 1994, he participated in the 'Jack the Rapper Convention', which made the industry aware of his determination and skills. Later in 1994, after witnessing the gradual decline of his neighborhood, Po' Boi was inspired to write and perform a local Public Service Announcement, "Stop the Violence", which was aired on all local television stations. This Public Service Announcement not only raised community awareness in his neighborhood, but in surrounding neighborhoods as well. In 1995 his first single "Peanut Butter" was completed and released on the Backyard Entertainment label. "Peanut Butter" reached the number five spot on the Underground rap chart and the number fourteen spot on the Top Billboard rap chart. In the summer of 1996, Po' Boi teamed up with Durdee Souph Promotions & Management Team. A week later he was introduced to Mr. Malcolm Gopher, President of Lavish Records, and independent label based in Huntsville, Alabama, and after an exhibition of his skills he was signed to the Lavish Records' label. His first single under the Lavish Records' label, "Red Light, Green Light" is due to be released in 1997. From his humble beginning, competing in local talent shows in grade school, to opening up for well known artists such as: Naughty By Nature, Tag Team, and 69 Boys, Po' Boi has been able to maintain his composure and wait for his door to open. With patience and the will to succeed, Po' Boi was able to conceive and give birth to "Operation Motivation: G-Force"

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