Spank Rock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Spank Rock
Spank Rock in 2013
Background information
Also known as	Naeem
Born	Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop electronic
Years active	2005–present
Labels	Bad Blood Records Big Dada Downtown Records Boysnoize Records
Associated acts	The Avalanches Boys Noize Benny Blanco
Members	Naeem Juwan
Past members	Alex Epton

Naeem Juwan Hanks, known as Spank Rock, is an American rapper and songwriter. He is from Baltimore, Maryland. He became well-known with his 2006 album, YoYoYoYoYo. His former group member, Alex Epton (XXXChange), produced this album.

Spank Rock and Alex Epton were known for mixing different music styles. They blended hip hop with club music. This included styles like Baltimore club, Miami bass, electro music, and rock.

In 2007, Alex Epton left the group to work on his own music. Naeem Juwan then released the Bangers & Cash EP in 2007. He made this EP with pop music producer Benny Blanco.

The Early Life of Naeem Juwan

Naeem Juwan grew up in West Baltimore. He lived in a row home with his five sisters and two brothers. As a teenager, he often went to clubs. DJs there played Baltimore club music.

In high school, his older sister introduced him to J. Period. J. Period was a music producer from Brooklyn. He was known for working with underground rappers like Mos Def. J. Period helped Juwan improve his rapping skills.

Starting a Music Career

After high school, Juwan moved to Philadelphia. He left college to focus on music. There, he met Alex Epton, who was also from Baltimore. Alex had studied music and learned how to produce songs. He worked as an intern at the DFA Records studio in New York.

Juwan and Epton started performing together as Spank Rock. They played in Philadelphia and Phoenixville. Their popularity grew quickly. They later toured with other artists like Hollertronix and M.I.A.. In 2006, they also toured with the famous musician Beck.

First Album and New Paths

Spank Rock's first album, YoYoYoYoYo, came out in 2006. It was released by the Big Dada record label. The album was nominated for the 2006 Shortlist Music Prize. This award recognizes great music.

In 2007, Alex Epton (XXXChange) left Spank Rock. Naeem Juwan then signed a deal with Downtown Records. Spank Rock's first release with Downtown Records was the Bangers & Cash EP. This EP was a team-up with Benny Blanco. It was inspired by the group 2 Live Crew.

Collaborations and Later Work

In 2010, Spank Rock worked with Mark Ronson. He was featured on the song "The Bike Song". This song was on Ronson's 2010 album, Record Collection. Spank Rock also toured with Mark Ronson in the UK.

Later, the music website Pitchfork shared a new song called "Energy." This song was produced by Boys Noize. Pitchfork also called another song, "Nasty," a "Best New Track." "Energy" was even featured in the video game FIFA 12.

His album in 2011 featured music produced by Boys Noize and XXXChange. It also included guest artists like Santigold and Big Freedia. After this album, Spank Rock became one of the faces for Alexander Wang's 2011 T collection. Santigold was also part of this campaign.

Spank Rock released his third EP, The Upside, in 2014. It featured music by Kid Kamillion, Boys Noize, and Damian Taylor. The main song, "Gully," was remixed by other DJs. It was played a lot on BBC Radio 1.

In 2016, Spank Rock started performing as an MC with Australian electronic music group The Avalanches. He performed with them at big music festivals. These included Coachella and Vivid Sydney in 2017.

In 2020, Naeem Juwan released a solo album called Startisha. He released it under his real name, Naeem. This album included help from artists like Justin Vernon and Santigold.

Music Releases

Studio Albums

• YoYoYoYoYo (2006)
• Startisha (2020) (as Naeem)

Mixtapes

• Couche Tard (2006)
• How Can We Lose When We're So Sincere (2022) (as Naeem)

DJ Mixes

• FabricLive.33 (2007)

EPs

• Bangers & Cash (2007) (with Benny Blanco)
• E. I. B. A. E. I. A. F. L. Remixes (2012)
• The Upside (2014)

Singles

• "Rick Rubin" (2006)
• "Sweet Talk" (2006)
• "Bump" (2006)
• "Energy" (2011)
• "Car Song" (2011)
• "I Know a Place" (2014)
• "Gully" / "Vertigo" (2014)
• "Gully (Brodinski Remix)" (2014)
• "Assassin" / "Back Up" (2014)

Guest Appearances

• DJ Kentaro - "Free" from Enter (2007)
• Justice - "D.A.N.C.E. (Remix)" (2007)
• Shy Child - "Kick Drum" from Noise Won't Stop (2007)
• Feadz - "Back It Up" from Ed Rec Vol. 3 (2008)
• The Chemical Brothers - "Keep My Composure" from Brotherhood (2008)
• Kylie Minogue - "Heart Beat Rock" (Benny Blanco Mix featuring Spank Rock) from X (2008)
• Santogold - "Shove It" from Santogold (2008)
• Neon Neon - "Trick or Treat" from Stainless Style (2008)
• Japanther - "Radical Businessman" from Tut Tut, Now Shake Ya Butt (2008)
• Steve Aoki - "We Are Rockstars" from Pillowface and His Airplane Chronicles (2008)
• Heartsrevolution - "Ultraviolence (Remix)" (2009)
• N.A.S.A. - "Wachadoin" from The Spirit of Apollo (2009)
• Ninjasonik - "My Eyes" from Darth Baño (2009)
• Staygold - "Backseat" (2010)
• Crookers - "Park the Truck" from Tons of Friends (2010)
• Mark Ronson - "The Bike Song" from Record Collection (2010)
• Rebecca & Fiona - "Church Is on Fire" from I Love You, Man! (2011)
• The Death Set - "7PM Woke Up an Hour Ago" from Michel Poiccard (2011)
• Addison Groove - "Bad Things" from Transistor Rhythm (2012)
• Le1f - "Star Alliance" (2013)
• Cakes da Killa - "I Run This Club (Remix)" (2014)
• Trippy Turtle - "Trippy's Theme (TWRK Remix)" (2014)
• Boys Noize - "Birthday" from Mayday (2016)
• Nick Hook - "Another Way" from Relationships (2016)

Compilation Appearances

• "Hoodie (Spank Rock Remix)" on Chocolate Swim (2006)