B5, previously known as TNT Boyz and Audio, is an American R&B music group originating from St. Petersburg, Florida, United States, which later relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. The group consists of the five Breeding family brothers, Dustin Michael, Kelly Allen, Patrick Owen, Carnell Frederick, and Bryan Jesse. They were formerly known as the TNT Boyz featuring only the four eldest brothers, but renamed themselves B5 when Bryan, the youngest brother, joined the group. From late 2009 to early 2010, they renamed themselves Audio and then returned to the name B5 on May 30, 2012. Bryan and Patrick left the group, leaving Dustin, Kelly, and Carnell to rename themselves Men in Black. After Dustin and Carnell had their own kids, they dropped out of the group leaving Kelly as a rapper and Dustin a soloist, while Carnell stopped making music to devote his time to his family. Since 2018, the members of the band have been working together once more as B5. Their new single "Wave" is currently available on Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
Career
TNT Boyz (1998–2001)
The band started in 1998 with Dustin, Kelly, Patrick, and Carnell. The four-member band was known as TNT Boyz. The oldest of the brothers, Dustin and Patrick were the lead singers of TNT Boyz. The young boys were encouraged by their mother and aunt to pursue music careers. They entered and won numerous competitions, including shows put together by Radio Disney. The band changed its name to B5 when Bryan, the youngest of the brothers, joined in. The name B5 was chosen to denote Breeding 5. This is similar to The Jackson 5, denoting "J5"
B5 (2001–2014)
The band took part in tours and appearing in shows alongside acts including Akon, Mario Winans, Kanye West, Ginuwine, Usher, Fantasia, Bow Wow, Chris Brown, T-Pain, Omarion, Soulja Boy and NSYNC. While passing through Atlanta, GA, their Manager Jim McMahan introduced them to L. A. Reid and Jermaine Dupri; after meeting Sean "P.Diddy" Combs, they were signed by Bad Boy Entertainment. Diddy produced B5's self-titled debut album along with other top producers including Rodney Jerkins, Ryan Leslie, Sean Garrett, Corna Boyz and Veit Renn. The lead single, "All I Do" is based on a cover of The Jackson 5's original single "All I Do Is Think of You." It is similar to a cover released by Troop and was suggested to them by Jerkins. The album B5 reached number seven on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart, after entering at #19 in its first week of release on the Billboard 200 and #11 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Their next single, "U Got Me", did not make Billboard Top 200. The debut album included the hit singles "All I Do" and "U Got Me" which peaked at #9 on Radio Disney and hung on the BET "106 & Park" Top 10 for weeks. On November 12, 2005, while performing on the Radio Disney Jingle Jam Tour at Brookdale Mall, thousands of girls rushed the stage and at the group and a riot ensued. Members of the group were stripped of shirts, shoes and earrings. Don't Talk, Just Listen was the second album released, with the help of producers such as Bryan Michael Cox, Mario Winans, Soul Diggaz, Danja, Blaze, The Underdogs, Insomoniax, and Mischke. "Hydrolics", featuring Bow Wow, was the first single. The CD was executive produced by Diddy, Kevin Wales and Harve Pierre. It was released on September 11, 2007, and was their last album on Bad Boy Records. After having little success with the name Audio, the group returned to the name B5. On April 26, 2013 B5 announced a new official single called "Say Yes" was to be released soon. On May 1, B5's management and Motown Records indicated the record was to be premiered on iTunes May 7. On May 6, the single premiered exclusively on singersroom.com receiving mostly positive reviews from fans & critics. An hour before May 6 changed to May 7, B5 decided to release the single onto the US iTunes early then later announced for the international fans that the single would be available May 13. On Wednesday May 8, 2013, host Bow Wow & guest host Angela Simmons premiered B5's "Say Yes" music video as the new joint of the day. The music video was already uploaded onto the group's VEVO before this could occur, but this was the first televised showing of the music video in 2013. Following the release of "Say Yes," the group went back on hiatus. In 2015, Dustin began focusing on his solo career. In November 2015, he released his single "Pay It Forward" as the lead track from his Different EP.
2018: The Return of B5
On July 27, 2018, B5 released their comeback single "Do That," which was their first song together in five years..
