Jacob Perez facts for kids

Jacob Anthony Perez (born April 21, 1996), known as Princeton Perez, is an American singer, dancer, and actor. He grew up in Downey, California, near Los Angeles. Princeton started his career very young, appearing in TV ads for big brands like Nike, McDonald's, and Skechers. He became famous as a member of the boy band Mindless Behavior. He was with the group from 2008 until they broke up in 2017.

Princeton's Early Career

Starting Out in Entertainment (2006–2008)

In 2006, Princeton appeared in two music videos for the band Gym Class Heroes. In "Shoot Down the Stars", he played a younger version of Travie McCoy who was being bullied. In "Cupid's Chokehold", he acted as a young Cupid, making Travie fall in love with different women. Princeton also shared in an interview that he danced as a backup performer for Nicole Scherzinger.

When he was 11, Princeton was in commercials for Skechers, McDonald's, and Nike. These helped him get more opportunities in entertainment. He was also offered a small part in High School Musical 3, playing a young Corbin Bleu. However, he couldn't take the role because he joined Mindless Behavior around the same time. Princeton worked with famous choreographers like Dave Scott and Kaelynn Harris.

Mindless Behavior: A Boy Band Journey

Forming Mindless Behavior (2008–2014)

The idea for Mindless Behavior came from Lakeisha Gamble. She convinced producer Walter Millsap to create an American boy band. Dave Scott, a choreographer who knew Princeton, suggested he audition for the group. Princeton was the first member chosen, joining the band the same night. The other members were Chresanto "Roc Royal" August, Rayan "Ray Ray" Lopez, and Craig "Prodigy" Crippen. Princeton got his stage name because he knew a lot about different music styles.

For two years, the group worked hard on their music and style. They performed at schools and connected with fans through their "MB Cam" YouTube vlog channel. After this, Interscope Records signed Mindless Behavior. The group toured with popular artists like The Backstreet Boys, Jason Derulo, and Justin Bieber. They also opened for Janet Jackson on her tour.

Mindless Behavior became very popular, often appearing on BET's 106 & Park. They also headlined the first BET Closer to My Dreams Tour. In 2011, they led the Scream Tour with other young artists. The group performed at the White House three times, making them the first African-American boy band to do so. They also performed at Arthur Ashe Kids' Day.

In 2012, Mindless Behavior went on their first U.S. tour, named after their album "No. 1 Girl." During the tour, they visited the Ronald McDonald House in Georgia to cheer up young patients. In 2013, the group performed for Dwyane Wade's foundation, which helps children in need. After their second album, "All Around The World," they went on another tour. Later, Elijah Johnson joined the group as the new lead singer in 2014. Mindless Behavior then signed with Epic Records.

Changes and Final Album (2015–2016)

Perez in 2016, attending a photoshoot for his 20th birthday

When Mindless Behavior took a break, Princeton stayed in touch with their fans, called Team Mindless. He shared photos and videos on his blog, Outsiders Ink. In 2015, Princeton and Ray Ray said they were working on solo music. Princeton released a song called "Don't Believe in Love" online, which got over 800,000 listens.

After Roc Royal left the group, Michael "Mike River" Martin joined. The group started working on a new album, but it was never released. Then, Ray Ray also left, leaving Princeton as the only original member.

The group then released their final album, "#OfficialMBMusic," in 2016. After the album, they started filming Misguided Behavior, a movie directed by Carl Payne. They also announced their "#NoParentsAllowed" tour. However, the tour was later canceled. Princeton explained to fans that the group didn't control the tour dates.

Princeton's Solo Career (2017–Present)

New Beginnings and Music

In 2017, Princeton announced on Twitter that Mindless Behavior had officially broken up. He said they couldn't get the rights to their music and wanted to pursue their own paths. Soon after, Princeton was featured on a song called "The Kid's Alright" by Taylor Bennett.

Princeton appeared on the covers of 360 Magazine, Obvious Magazine, and Tinsley Magazine. He was also a guest at the Las Vegas Teen Town Hall with former bandmate Elijah Johnson. The city of Las Vegas even declared May 30 as Diamond White, Elijah "EJ" Johnson, and Jacob "Princeton" Perez Day.

At the BET Experience in 2017, Princeton hosted the Teen Summit panel, a show that hadn't been on TV since 2002. In 2018, Princeton prepared to release his first solo music. His song "Perfect World" came out in June 2019. He also released the "Christmas in Malibu" EP in December 2019.

In 2020, Princeton released his single "Chew It Up," which became popular on TikTok. He also released a music video for his song "Control." In 2023, he appeared in a music video for Dia La Ren Nash. Princeton later released the Spanish song "Suelo," saying it would be part of a Spanish-speaking project.

Princeton's Style and Inspirations

Princeton has shared that many artists influence his fashion, music, and performances. These include John Lennon, Prince, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Usher, and Chris Brown. He also likes rock bands like Nirvana, Sublime, and The Misfits. The Misfits even inspired his old Instagram name, "princemisfit." Princeton loves fashion and has a unique style that mixes punk-rock, grunge, and 1970s hippie looks.

Helping Animals

Princeton openly supports People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and their work to stop animal mistreatment. In 2015, he won PETA2's Hottest Vegetarian Celebrities award alongside Zendaya.

Film and TV Appearances

Tours and Performances