Good timing means everything. Just ask the members of Edel America Records/W.I.R.E. group Boyz N Girlz United. The melodic vocal quartet-Criss Ruiz, Rina Mayo, Robbie Carrico and Daniel Dix-were brought together by being in the right place at the right time. Now, with their self-titled debut album filled with their own catchy blend of urban pop, they're poised to take on the world. For starters, Boyz N Girlz United have the enthusiastic approval of Johnny Wright, the man who's helped make artists like 'N Sync and Britney Spears multi-platinum sellers. "Boyz N Girlz are where the teen audiences are headed," he says confidently about the group who is christening the formation of his label, W.I.R.E. (Wright International Records and Entertainment), with their harmonious and instantly addictive collection of ballads, pop gems and dancefloor-ready jams. "That's What You Get" the funky bass-driven debut single which features soulful vocals, is the start of it all for the Orlando, Florida-based multi-cultural group, who range in age from 17 to 20. Boyz N Girlz United have been perfecting their vocal craft since forming over a year ago. Original members Criss and Rina knew they were looking for the right male counterparts to complete a four-part harmony collective after both girls caught the interest of Johnny Wright's management company, Wright Entertainment Group (WEG). It took several months to find Robbie and Daniel, but when the foursome got together they knew they'd found their musical match. "We clicked so well," explains Criss. Criss is a former actress who has music in her blood. Her father sang in doo wop groups in the 1950s and he passed his love of singing to his daughter. "My dad taught me everything I know," Criss says. After moving from New York to Orlando when she was nine, Criss tried her hand at acting and singing. Eventually, her passion for the latter won out and Criss began her search for the right singing opportunity. When the 20-year-old-who names Whitney Houston and Lisa Stansfield as influences-heard about Boyz N Girlz United, Criss signed on the dotted line. A young vocalist with a big voice, 18-year-old Rina also aspired to great musical heights. As a devoted fan of the music of Broadway, this native of Houston, Texas dreamed of belting it out on the Great White Way. Her mom, who has managed choreographers, nurtured Rina's interest in doing musical theater productions in Orlando, where she became a local sensation. "The theater is my first love," she admits. Rina turned her course down the pop road when she auditioned for -and quickly won a spot in-Boyz N Girlz United shortly after Criss joined. Robbie always envisioned himself dancing his way to fame. An accomplished hoofer who wowed audiences with his hip-hop and street jazz stylings, the 17-year-old originally from Beckley, West Virginia is amazed that he ended up in Boyz N Girlz United. Robbie was discovered by Rina and her mom at a dance competition. He happily agreed to audition for Boyz N Girlz, though he never imagined he'd make the group. "It was so out of the blue," he recalls. Once Rina and Criss heard his naturally gifted singing voice, they knew they'd found the perfect third harmony to their group. It's not surprising that Robbie has some serious pipes: his maternal cousin is country legend Patsy Cline. Ever since he was a little boy, Cape Canaveral, Florida-born Daniel knew he was destined to become a singer. "I've been wanting to become a singer since I first started singing in church back when I was five," he explains. This admirer of Babyface and Michael Jackson finally got his wish when Rina and Robbie, who were in the audience of his Cocoa High School Pageant, heard him belting out a rendition of "You Are So Beautiful To Me" to his grandmother. Daniel not only scored the title of Mr. Cocoa High (and charmed the entire audience), but he also won a spot in Boyz N Girlz United shortly afterward. With their soulful voices woven together, Rina, Daniel, Criss and Robbie have crafted an impressive debut album. From the tender ballad "Beautiful You," which features Rina and Daniel's soaring voices, to the urban-flavored and inspirational midtempo tune "Light Of Love," on which a powerful gospel choir backs the group, Boyz N Girlz United capture a funky pop flavor that stands out from many groups on the scene. "It's very rare that you can find different people from different cultures who can blend so well," says Criss. Robbie adds, "We're bringing something new." Robbie and Daniel even picked up their pens to cowrite a verse for the disco-saturated "Dance With Me," on which Robbie brings home the lead vocals. A host of writers and producers also contributed to the eclectic album, including Gary Carolla, who's worked with 'N Sync and Aaron Carter, and Veit Lynn, who's made hits for Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync and Wild Orchid. Brothers Rod and James Wilson had a serious hand in shaping the album, by writing and producing songs like "They Say," "Beautiful You," and the soul-drenched "Lifetime," a shimmery ballad featuring Daniel's emotionally charged, falsetto voice. There's something for everyone on Boyz N Girlz United. Club kids will groove to "Makin' You Move," which samples the hook from the S.O.S. Band's 1980 hit "Take Your Time (Do It Right)," while R&B aficionados will love the group's remake of Atlantic Starr's classic "Always." What Boyz N Girlz United feel strongest about is that their music is universally relevant to teenagers everywhere. "We've all had our puppy love crushes and dreamed about somebody," Rina says. "We just wanted to make music that other kids our age can understand. I just hope that everybody likes the music and has fun with it because we sure are. We're having a great time." Copyright Boyz N Girlz United Official Website
Meet the Other Members of Boyz N Girlz United
