Santo August

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Santo August
Born
Chresanto August

(1997-07-23) July 23, 1997 (age 26)
South Los Angeles
Other names
  • Roc Royal
  • DoubleR
  • Santo Tha Plugg
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • dancer
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
Years active2008–present
Labels

Chresanto August, professionally known as Santo August (previously known as Roc Royal), is an American rapper, singer, dancer, and former member of boy band Mindless Behavior.

Life and career[edit]

2008–13: #1 Girl and All Around the World[edit]

Lakeisha Gamble, one of the contributing founders of Mindless Behavior, convinced future producer of the group, Walter Millsap, to form an American boy band.[1][2] He was opposed to the idea at first, as explained in the film, Mindless Behavior: All Around the World.[3] Millsap is the founder of Conjunction Entertainment Inc., and has worked with the likes of Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Lopez. Along with Gamble and Millsap, there was Streamline Records head Vincent Herbert, who agreed on the concept of forming a boy band.[4] Following the idea of forming the group, Gamble, Millsap, Herbert, songwriter Candice Nelson, and choreographer David Scott held open auditions in California in an attempt to find local boys that would fit the criteria of the group.[3] Augusts' cousin had known Gamble, who encouraged her to bring him to the auditions. He was unaware of the group auditions, and was set to attend football practice the day of. Instead, his mother told instructed him to get dressed in his football uniform, misleading him, as they’d gone to the auditions instead. For the auditions, he had to remember choreography that was given by Dave Scott. He performed them backwards, and was a terrible dancer. However, Gamble liked his personality, and thought he could improve overtime, much to Millsap's dismay. In turn, he missed football tryouts, but he was the second member to join Mindless Behavior, behind that of Princeton.

August was given the stage name Roc Royal by Gamble, due to his personality. "Roc" was used as an alternate spelling for the word "rock", showing his tough side. However, "Royal" was to show his softer, sweet side. Joining soon after Princeton and August were Prodigy (Craig Crippen, Jr.) and Ray Ray (Rayan Lopez).[5][6][7] For the next two years, they immersed themselves in music, developing their musical sound and style under the guidance of Herbert and Millsap.[8][9] They moved in with their manager, Gamble, and began frequently rehearing dance routines, changing their diets, and getting to know one another.[10] August's mother, Tiffany Larkin, exclaimed that the transition was extremely difficult for the mothers of the group. They were not able to see their children as much as they wanted to. However, once their manager felt as though they were ready, they set up a showcase to perform for various labels. The last performance was for Management Group International, owned by successful entrepreneur and music manager, Kenneth Crear.[11] Crear was immediately interested in signing the group. Soon after, they remained in development, but also began working on original music. Gaining their performance repertoire, they put on shows at local schools on the CLASSCFIED High School Tour. This helped them gain fans and recognition, along with their YouTube channel that held their creative "MB Cam" and Ustream account. Soon afterwards, Interscope Records chairman Jimmy Iovine signed Mindless Behavior to the label.[12][13]

Before headlining their own tours, Mindless Behavior toured with many established musicians, such as The Backstreet Boys, Jason Derulo, Justin Bieber, and was an opening act for Janet Jackson during her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal tour.[14][15] The group had become quite popular from appearing on BET's 106 & Park, and also headlined the first BET Closer to My Dreams Tour alongside Diggy Simmons, Lil Twist, Trevante and Jawan Harris. In 2011, Mindless Behavior headlined the Scream Tour with Diggy Simmons, which featured The OMG Girlz, Jacob Latimore, and Hamilton Park.[16] The group also performed at the White House twice and were the first African American boy band to do so. Also in 2011, they performed at the prestigious White House Easter Egg Roll. In 2012, they were performers at Arthur Ashe Kids' Day.[17] In 2013, the group performed for Wade's World Foundation, an organization by Dwyane Wade that provides support to community-based organizations that promote education, health and social skills for children in at-risk situations.[18] They were also welcomed back to the White House to perform at the Kids Inaugural Ball.[19][20][21]

In July 2012, the group headlined their largest U.S. tour. The tour held the same name as their debut album. The No. 1 Girl Tour held opening acts from artists Jacob Latimore, Lil Twist, and Kayla Brianna.[22][23] While on tour, the group visited the Ronald McDonald House in Georgia to cheer up some of the young patients who were battling cancer.[24] In 2013, the group embarked on their All Around The World Tour.[25][26] Since joining Mindless Behavior, Princeton, along with former bandmates Roc Royal, Ray Ray and Prodigy, have released two albums, performed on tour, and sold over 327,000 album copies in the United States. Later within the year, many news sources announced that there would be a new member after the group's lead singer, Craig Crippen Jr., who known as Prodigy, had left the group. After lead singer Prodigy left the group, Mindless Behavior did not release any material. As seen in many interviews, there had only been Princeton, Roc Royal, and Ray Ray, which meant that there hadn't been a lead singer introduced. For almost two years, Mindless Behavior participated in interviews, and even held shows for their fans, without a lead singer. However, many of these shows included nothing but the band performing dance routines, while Prodigy's voice played in the background.[27] Elijah Johnson replaced him as the lead singer in April 2014.[28]

2014–15: Legal issues, group departure, and Amazing[edit]

Following this hiatus, Mindless Behavior were removed from Interscope's roster, and signed a deal with Epic Records.[29]

In July 2014, August was videotaped beating a man, and he posted the video on his personal Instagram account. Although he deleted the video from his profile, the video was later posted to YouTube, and shared by thousands. In the video, a shirtless August walks over to a man who is kneeling over a bicycle and ruthlessly punches him multiple times ending with a kick to the face.[30][31] Sources close to him, such as friends, say that the man had money that was to be owed to August, and there was no specific amount of debt mentioned. After the incident had spread, he went to his Twitter account to shed light on the situation, explaining: "I'm just a lil one out here on my own, no mom because she stay taking from me & no father because he wasn't around until all this happened. You guys would only know half of my story, only what's on screen & definitely not behind scenes. But sorry for my misbehavior guys I reacted so fast because the fact I gave him a past [sic] many times and every single time there was excuses. Sometimes it sucks waiting on somebody else time to get what they promised you, if you said a specific day & time for my money than I want my stuff."[32]

Four months later, in November 2014, August was tagged as the main suspect after the BMW 325i of producer Chris Clark went missing while on a studio session with Santo.[33] Clark had left the car keys on a table in the studio, but when he went to leave, the keys – and August – were gone. August's refusal to cooperate ended with Clark going to the authorities.[34][35] A month later, in December 2014, it was announced by August, via his Twitter account, that he'd been removed from Mindless Behavior.[36]

In 2015, a year after being released from the group, August began working on his solo career as a rapper/singer. Formally, he is signed with 319 Music Group & Films, an entertainment company operating out of Inglewood, California. In February, he was featured on "Number", a song by Courtlend, that featured SJ3 and August, who went under the alias "DoubleR". Soon after, he ditched both the stage name Roc Royal and DoubleR, and began referring to himself as a shortened version of his name – "Santo" August. In June, August released his first solo single since his release from Mindless Behavior, a hip-hop pop song, titled "Amazing".[37][38] Amazing was widely accepted by fans of the group, and has over 1.5 million plays on his SoundCloud account.[39] The video for the single was released in July 2015, and has over 600,000 views on YouTube, and 90,000 views on Vevo. In August, he released his second single, "No Limits". His channel on YouTube, "SantoAugustTV" showcased interviews that he attended and performances that he held.

2016–present: Arrest and new music[edit]

In February 2016, August was arrested and charged with both robbery and battery. In April, he accepted a plea deal of two years in jail, and began serving his time in July.[40][41] However, he would be eligible for release by Spring 2017 for good behavior, which he has since maintained.[42] A relative of August says that he should be released in May 2017. August himself held an Instagram Live, speaking with fans about his situation, and posted a photo of himself, with the caption "#comingsoon".[43]

While in jail, a few of his songs were released. "I’m The Plug" and "I Choose Her" were released in March 2016. August has a project that is set to be released after he is out of jail.

Personal life[edit]

In 2014, August welcomed a baby named Royal August, with his then-girlfriend, Desiree Twyman.[44][45]

Filmography[edit]

Film
Year Title Role Notes Ref
2012 Bad Behavior Marcus Unreleased [46]
Boombox: All Access With Mindless Behavior Himself Concert film [47]
2013 Mindless Behavior: All Around the World Himself Documentary [48][49]
Big Time Movie Himself Television movie [50]
2014 Secrets of the Magic City Himself (credited as: Mindless Behavior) [51]
GBlok Presents: Spark It Up Live Musical guest TV movie
2015 The Secret to Success: They Can No Longer Keep It from Us Interviewee
Television
Year Title Notes Ref
2010–2013 106 & Park 5 episodes
2011 So Random! Episode: "Mindless Behavior"
The Mo'Nique Show Episode 108
2012 KARtv Dance Television Episode 05
Piper's Quick Picks Episode: "Mindless Behavior & Celeste Kellogg Talk Music & Videos"
Piper's Picks TV Episode: "How to Dump a Guy by Dumping on a Milkshake on a Guy's Head?"
The Ellen Degeneres Show Episode 70
Tamar & Vince Mindless Takeover
2013 Good Morning America Season 38, Episode 137
The Show with Vinny Episode: "Jenny McCarthy and Mindless Behavior"
Big Morning Buzz Live Episode: "Steve Carell/Ian Somerhalder/Megan Hilty/Mindless Behavior"
Big Time Rush Episode: "Big Time Dreams"
LA Live the Show Episode: "Artist in Spot Light"

References[edit]

  1. ^ "#TEAMMINDLESS: MB started with Keisha & Walter". Google Plus. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  2. ^ "Mindless Behavior Q&A". Kidzworld.com. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  3. ^ a b "About Mindless Behavior". MTV. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  4. ^ "Mindless Behavior: R&B band conquers YouTube, takes aim at Top 40". Variety.com. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  5. ^ "Interscope". www.mindlessbehavior.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  6. ^ "Mindless Behavior". Linkedin.com. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  7. ^ "#aboutMB". mindlessbehavior.com. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
  8. ^ "Mindless Behavior: LOL-ing All The Way To Stardom". popdust.com. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  9. ^ "JANET JACKSON LAUNCHES TEEN GROUP MINDLESS BEHAVIOR, ON HER U.S. TOUR". Janetjackson.com. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  10. ^ "'Mindless Behavior: All Around the World' movie review". Washingtonpost.com. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  11. ^ "Kenneth Crear". Artistdirect.com. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  12. ^ "Youth Wave: HNHH Talks To Mindless Behavior And Jacob Latimore". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  13. ^ "18. Mindless Behavior: 21 Under 21 (2013)". Billboard.com. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  14. ^ "Mindless Behavior Say Touring With Justin Bieber Was 'Crazy'". MTV News. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  15. ^ "Mindless Behavior Call Meeting Janet Jackson 'Heaven'". MTV News. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  16. ^ "Diggy Simmons, Mindless Behavior, Hamilton Park Headlining The 2011 Scream Tour". Hip-Hop Wired. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  17. ^ "2012 Arthur Ashe Kids' Day: Mindless Behavior". arthurashekidsday.com. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
  18. ^ "Dwyane Wade's Charitable Foundation Celebrates 10th Anniversary". DNAINFO. Archived from the original on February 22, 2017. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
  19. ^ "Mindless Behavior To Attend Easter Egg Roll At The White House". Clizbeats. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
  20. ^ "Celebrities Hit D.C. for Inauguration". NBC Washington. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
  21. ^ "MINDLESS BEHAVIOR PERFORM AT KIDS INAUGURAL BALL". BCK Online. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
  22. ^ "MINDLESS BEHAVIOR ANNOUNCES U.S. "#1 GIRL TOUR" TO KICK OFF IN RICHMOND AT CARPENTER THEATRE AT RICHMOND CENTERSTAGE THURSDAY, JULY 5, 2012 AT 7PM". Richmondcenterstage.com. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  23. ^ "Mindless Behavior #1 Girl Tour with special guest Jacob Latimore – Richmond CenterStage". Richmondcenterstage.com. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  24. ^ "Mindless Behavior meets sick kids at Ronald McDonald House". Crossroadnews.com. Archived from the original on February 22, 2017. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
  25. ^ "MINDLESS BEHAVIOR ANNOUNCES 'ALL AROUND THE WORLD' TOUR". Rap-up.com. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  26. ^ "Mindless Behavior's "All Around The World Tour" Featuring The OMG Girlz, Coco Jones and Young Marqus, is All Around Social Media". Aeglive.com. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  27. ^ "Rumor Has It – Mindless Behavior Has A Replacement For Prodigy". xclusivememphis.com. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
  28. ^ "Rap-Up.com – Mindless Behavior Announces New Member". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  29. ^ "Mindless Behavior Sign With Epic Records". ..::That Grape Juice // ThatGrapeJuice.net::.. – Thirsty?. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  30. ^ "Roc Royal From Mindless Behavior Taped Beating Up Drug Addict". AOL.com. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  31. ^ "Roc Royal of Mindless Behavior Videotaped Beating Man". VLAD TV. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  32. ^ "Roc Royal From Mindless Behavior Videotaped Beating Up Drug Addict". Hip Hollywood. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  33. ^ "'MINDLESS BEHAVIOR' SINGER WANTED FOR QUESTIONING In Car Theft". TMZ. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  34. ^ "Mindless Behavior's Roc Royal Wanted for Questioning in Car Theft". BET. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  35. ^ "Did Mindless Behavior's Roc Royal Steal A Car?". Hot Spot ATL. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  36. ^ "THE MINDLESS BEHAVIOR COMEBACK IS HERE, WITH NEW MEMBERS". Parle Magazine. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  37. ^ "Santo August drops off his new single, "Amazing"". Spit Fire Hip Hop. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  38. ^ "ALTERNATIVE PICK – Santo August – "Amazing"". All Hip Hop. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  39. ^ "Santo August- Amazing (Explicit Version)". SoundCloud. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  40. ^ "Former Mindless Behavior Member Roc Royal Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison". Celebri Tea. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  41. ^ "Guess Which 'Mindless Behavior' Member Has Been Sentenced To Prison". Global Grind. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  42. ^ "Teen Heartthrob Roc Royal From Mindless Behavior Gets Sentenced To Two Years In Prison!". Fast Loaded. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  43. ^ "santothapluggComing soon. #SantoThaPlugg". Instagram. Retrieved May 1, 2017. As of May 2023, he is still incarcerated & regularly posts to his instagram from jail.
  44. ^ "16 Year Old Roc Royal From Mindless Behavior Is Now A Father". TBBNA NEWS. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  45. ^ "16 Year Old Singer From The Group MINDLESS BEHAVIOR . . . Got A BABY . . . We Got PICS Plus VIDEO!". MTO. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  46. ^ "Mindless Behavior Show Off Their "Bad Behavior"". Popstar Online. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  47. ^ "Boombox All Access with Mindless Behavior (2012)". Celebri. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  48. ^ "Mindless Behavior: All Around the World Trailer". Movie Web. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  49. ^ "Mindless Behavior: All Around the World". AMC Theatres. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  50. ^ "Call it a comeback: Boy bands back on music scene". Deseret News. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  51. ^ ""THE SECRETS OF THE MAGIC CITY" DELIVERS HOPE IN A MAGIC-LESS CITY". The Source. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
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