Boots (musician) explained

BOOTS
Birth Name:Jordan Asher Cruz[1]
Years Active:2011–present
Spouse:
Child:yes
Children:1

Jordan Asher Cruz,[2] [3] known professionally as Boots (stylized as BOOTS), is an American record producer, singer, songwriter, director, and animator. He is best known for his production and songwriting contributions to Beyoncé's self-titled fifth studio album (2013).[4] For his work on the album and its follow-up, Lemonade (2016), he has earned two Grammy Award nominations for Album of the Year.[5]

Career

Early career and Beyoncé

Jordan Asher Cruz was a member of bands such as Young Circles,[6] Blonds and Stonefox.[7] In June 2013, he was officially signed to rapper Jay-Z's entertainment company and Sony Music Entertainment imprint, Roc Nation, under the pseudonym Boots, for publishing.[8] In the same month, a fashion film (starring Chanel Iman and Viktoriya Sasonkina) featuring music by Boots was released.[9]

With his contributions to Beyoncé's self-titled fifth studio album, released in December 2013, Boots came onto the music scene largely unknown.[4] Upon the release of Beyoncé, he updated his Facebook page, saying he had been "working on [''Beyoncé''] for most of the past year", and that he had "produced 85% of [the album] and [had] four original songs on the album".[10] Boots contributed additional production, background vocals and instruments to the album's first R&B/hip hop single, "Drunk in Love", featuring Jay-Z.[11] [12] Beyoncé later referenced Boots' work on the album, saying he is "a new producer that [she] completely respect[s]", that "he is an innovator", and she is "so proud to work with him".[13]

In an interview with The New York Times, Boots would not speak of his previous projects or how Beyoncé found his demo, only confirming he signed a publishing deal with Roc Nation in June 2013. A last-ditch bout of songwriting yielded “I'm On To You”, a moody minor-key song with layers of eerie background voices and a particular rhythmic undertow. He saw it as a template for a solo album. “That song was my heart,” he said. At his first meeting with Beyoncé, he had already written songs he believed would resonate with her, but she was more enthused by his experimental material. Beyoncé refused to leave the song alone, saying to Boots, "This shit has to knock harder than any rap album out there." The song became "Haunted", and the previous title "I'm On To You" was instead recorded as a phrase in the song's refrain.[14]

Following an infuriating meeting with a record label, Boots wrote the stream of consciousness rap from "Ghost" and played it for Beyoncé in the early stages of recording. She identified with its content as she had similar experiences from signing a recording contract at a young age. Boots made the song in a hypnotic state, saying, "I started with guitars, just building the layers until they resembled Aphex Twin soundscapes. And then I completely contained them within the beat".[15]

Solo releases

On February 13, 2014 Beyoncé's official Facebook page shared a link to Boots' personal website which contained an original composition titled "Dust" with an accompanying music video.[16] The song was of the first to be released which featured Boots singing lead vocals.[17]

On April 11, 2014 Boots uploaded a photo to his Twitter reportedly of a track list. The track list contained all of the songs he had previously released. Prominent features listed were Shlohmo & Jeremih, Kelela as previously mentioned, Son Lux, Margot and a final feature that is unconfirmed.[18] He later went on to announce that the track list was a mixtape titled "WinterSpringSummerFall" but did not confirm a release date.[19] In July 2014, Boots scored the trailer of 2015 film Fifty Shades of Grey using a slowed-down version of "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé who re-recorded the song and string arrangements by Margot.[20] [21] On September 8, 2014, he released his first single, "Mercy", on his SoundCloud account and on iTunes. On September 11, 2014, he released a video for "Mercy", directed by himself[22] [23] On October 31, 2014, Boots performed "Early" with Run The Jewels on the Late Show with David Letterman.[24] [25] On November 6, Boots released the new song "I Run Roulette.".[26]

Motorcycle Jesus and AQUΛRIA

On February 19, 2015 Nowness premiered a trailer for a post-apocalyptic film titled Motorcycle Jesus, which was written and directed by Boots, which featured five original songs.[27] In an exclusive feature story with Jon Pareles for The New York Times it was revealed that Boots would be releasing a solo album "later this year". The interview also revealed that Boots had produced unreleased albums for British singer FKA Twigs and Autolux. On March 18, 2015, Boots performed "I Run Roulette" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The performance - which featured Boots, two drummers, and a light show - garnered rave reviews from critics.[28] [29] [30] [31] [32] On November 10, 2015, Adult Swim & Toonami premiered the animated video for Boots' single "C.U.R.E.".[33] Boots would go on to perform "C.U.R.E." on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.[34]

13Lux Films

In early 2017, Cruz started production on animated series,[35] where he serves as creator, director, writer, animator, and show runner.

Cruz would subsequently go on to write and develop more film and television projects with his production company, 13Lux Films.[36] In 2021, Cruz wrote, directed and produced along with Jennifer Goodridge Cruz, animated short film "No Future Here" which premiered at HollyShorts Film Festival[37] on September 24, 2021 in Los Angeles, CA at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre. "No Future Here" features voices by Cleopatra Coleman of The Last Man on Earth, Frankie Loyal of Mayans M.C. and Justin Warfield of She Wants Revenge. "No Future Here" was also an official selection at Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, Alabama and New York Shorts International Film Festival at Village East Cinema in New York City. The short would go on to win Best Animation at the 2022 Bowery Film Festival.[38]

Discography

Extended plays

TitleAlbum details
Motorcycle Jesus
  • Released: February 13, 2015
  • Label: Canvasback/ATL
  1. DARKDAZE
  • Released: February 13, 2018
  • Label: Self-released

Guest appearances

Songwriting, production, and miscellaneous credits

TitleYearArtist(s)AlbumCreditsWritten withProduced with
"Haunted"2013BeyoncéCo-writer/ProducerBeyoncé Knowles-CarterBeyoncé
"Drunk in Love"
Additional producer-Detail, The Order, Beyoncé, Timbaland, Jerome Harmon
"No Angel"-Caroline Polachek, Beyoncé, Patrick Wimberly, James Fauntleroy
"Partition"-Timbaland, Jerome Harmon, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Key Wane, Mike Dean
"Jealous"Co-writer/ProducerLyrica Anderson, Noel Fisher, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Eric Proctor, Rasool Diaz, Brian SokoDetail, The Order, Beyoncé, Hit-Boy, HazeBanga
"Flawless"
Additional Producer-Hit-Boy, Beyoncé, Rey Reel Music, HazeBanga
"Superpower"
-Pharrell Williams
"Heaven"Co-writer/ProducerBeyoncé Knowles-CarterBeyoncé
"Blue"
Beyoncé Knowles-CarterBeyoncé
"Lie, Cheat Steal"2014Run the JewelsRun the Jewels 2Additional producer-EI-P, Little Shalimar
"Early"
Featured artist/Co-writerJaime Meline, Michael Render-
"A Message"2015KelelaHallucinogen EPCo-writerKelela Mizanekristos, Alejandra Ghersi, Dominic Salole-
"Glass & Patron"FKA twigsM3LL155XCo-writer/ProducerTahliah BarnettFKA twigs
"Figure 8"Tahliah BarnettFKA twigs
"I'm Your Doll"Producer-FKA twigs
"Mothercreep"Co-writer/ProducerTahliah BarnettFKA twigs
"SelectAllCopy"2016AutoluxPussy's DeadCarla Azar, Greg Edwards, Eugene Goreshter-
"Soft Scene"Producer--
"Hamster Suite"Co-writer/ProducerCarla Azar, Greg Edwards, Eugene Goreshter-
"Junk for Code"Carla Azar, Greg Edwards, Eugene Goreshter-
"Anonymous"Carla Azar, Greg Edwards, Eugene Goreshter-
"Brainwasher"Producer--
"Listen to The Order"--
"Reappearing"--
"Change My Head"--
"Becker"--
"6 Inch"
BeyoncéLemonadeCo-writer/ProducerAbel Tesfaye, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Danny Schofield, Benjamin Diehl, Terius Nash, Ahmad Balshe, Dave Portner, Noah Lennox, Brian Weitz, Burt Bacharach, Hal DavidDannyBoyStyles, Ben Billions, Beyoncé, Derek Dixie
"Freedom"
Additional ProgrammingJust Blaze, Jonny Coffer, Beyoncé, Myles William
"Sandcastles"Synth Arrangement
"Never Gonna Love Again" (Unreleased)Co-Writer/Co-Producer
'And All Alone" (Unreleased)Co-Writer/Co-Producer
"Thieves(Screamed The Ghost)"
Run the JewelsRun the Jewels 3Co-writerJaime Meline, Michael Render-
"2100"
Featured artist/Co-writerJamie Meline, Michael Render-
"Panther Like A Panther (Miracle Mix)"
Co-producer-EI-P, Little Shalimar, Wilder Zoby
"Didn't I (Say I Didn't)"2017Vic MensaThe AutobiographyCo-writerVictor Mensah, Alexander Baez, Darian Garcia, Carter Lang, Ernest Wilson, Malik Jones, William Pulliam, Jonathan Tanner, Tyrone Griffin Jr.-
"Have Fun Tonight"FischerspoonerSIRCo-writer/Co-producerWarren Fischer, Casey Spooner, Jonathan "Michael" Stipe, Andy LeMasterFischerspooner, Michael Stipe
"Take Me Apart"KelelaTake Me ApartCo-writerKelela Mizanekristos, Dominic Salole, Alexander Shukburgh-
"Everything Is Just Alright"2018FischerspoonerSIRCo-writer/ProducerWarren Fischer, Casey Spooner, Jonathan "Michael" Stipe, Andy LeMaster, Michael CheeverMichael Stipe
"I Need Love"Co-writer/Co-producerWarren Fischer, Casey Spooner, Jonathan "Michael" Stipe, Andy LeMasterMichael Stipe
"Dear God"2020PhantogramCeremonyCo-writer/ProducerSarah Barthel, Josh Carter, Dana Travis Middleton, Jeffrey V. SmithAndrew Dawson, Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter
"In A Spiral"Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter, Amanda Lucille Warner, Asa Taccone, Ennio Morricone, Joe Janiak, Peter Wade KeuschAndrew Dawson, Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter, Derek Dunivan
"Into Happiness"Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter, William CorganAndrew Dawson, Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter
"Pedestal"Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter, Amanda Lucille WarnerAndrew Dawson, Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter
"Love Me Now"Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter, Dan Wilson, Henry Brill, Thom Bell, William Hart, William CorganAndrew Dawson, Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter
"Let Me Down"Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter, George Young, Harry VandaAndrew Dawson, Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter, Matt Jacobson
"News Today"Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter, Adrian Younge, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Karolina Acratz, Loren OdenJosh Carter
"Mister Impossible"Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter, John Scott, Terrance ColeAndrew Dawson, Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter
"Glowing"Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter, Dan Wilson, Ólafur ArnaldsAndrew Dawson, Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter
"Gaunt Kids"Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter, Terius Youngdell NashAndrew Dawson, Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter
"Ceremony"Sarah Barthel, Josh Carter, Morgan KibbyAndrew Dawson, Josh Carter
"Holy Calamafuck"Run The JewelsRTJ4Co-writer/ProducerJaime Meline, Michael Render, Dave Sitek, Little Shalimar, Wilder ZobyEl-P, Sitek, Little Shalimar, Wilder Zoby
"Pulling The Pin (Featuring Mavis Staples & Josh Homme)"Co-writer/ProducerJaime Meline, Michael Render, Josh Homme, Little Shalimar, Wilder ZobyEl-P, Little Shalimar, Wilder Zoby, Homme
"Secrets"Raye & RegardSecretsCo-writerRaye, Regard, John Hill, Kennedi Lykken, Stephen FeigenbaumRegard, John Lennox, John Hill

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

YearNominated WorkCategoryResult
2014BeyoncéAlbum of the Year[40]
2017LemonadeAlbum of the Year

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tonight's Stonefox Show in Fort Lauderdale Is Likely the Band's Last. Castillo. Arielle. January 22, 2010. Miami New Times. 24 June 2017.
  2. Web site: Boots 101: A primer on the mysterious Roc Nation producer. Finney. Ross. October 28, 2014. 24 June 2017.
  3. Web site: Tonight's Stonefox Show in Fort Lauderdale Is Likely the Band's Last. Castillo. Arielle. January 22, 2010. Miami New Times. 24 June 2017.
  4. Web site: Tanzer. Miles. Meet Boots, the Unknown Guy Behind Beyonce's New Album . . December 13, 2013 . December 15, 2013.
  5. Web site: Boots. 2019-11-14. GRAMMY.com. The Recording Academy.
  6. Web site: Young Circles "Love Hitch". June 29, 2011 .
  7. Web site: Q&A: Blonds on Backing Up the Hype; Show Tonight at Bardot . Arielle . Castillo . January 31, 2012 . December 29, 2013 . December 30, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131230232841/http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/countygrind/2012/01/blonds_band_bardot_miami.php . dead .
  8. Web site: Photo Posted by Boots . . June 1, 2013 . December 15, 2013.
  9. Web site: Spectral – An eye exam like no other, Starring Chanel Iman . . June 26, 2013 . December 15, 2013.
  10. Web site: Boots Shared a Link . facebook.com . December 13, 2013 . December 15, 2013.
  11. Web site: Beyonce Album Credits . beyonce.com . December 15, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131215065459/http://www.beyonce.com/credits/ . December 15, 2013 . dead .
  12. How 'Beyonce' Stayed a Secret, and Which Songs Will Be the First Singles . . December 13, 2013 . December 15, 2013.
  13. Web site: Davis. Justin. Finding Boots: The Mysterious Producer Behind Beyoncé's New Album . . December 19, 2013 . December 24, 2013.
  14. News: After His Coup With Beyoncé, Boots Strides Out of the Shadows. The New York Times. February 14, 2015 . 2015-12-31 . Pareles . Jon .
  15. News: Greene. Jason. Beyoncé's Muse. March 17, 2014. Pitchfork. January 21, 2014. August 22, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140822000449/http://pitchfork.com/features/articles/9309-beyonces-muse/. dead.
  16. News: Happy Birthday Boots. April 20, 2014. Facebook. February 13, 2014.
  17. News: Greene. Jason. BOOTS – Dust. April 20, 2014. Pitchfork. February 13, 2014.
  18. News: BOOTS Track list. Twitter. April 11, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140421150128/https://twitter.com/bootsonboots/status/454677112629522432/photo/1. April 21, 2014. dead. January 19, 2017.
  19. News: WinterSpringSummerFall. April 20, 2014. Complex. April 12, 2014.
  20. Feeney. Nolan Feeney. Fifty Shades of Grey: The Story Behind Beyoncé's "Crazy In Love" Update. Time. July 25, 2014. July 24, 2014.
  21. Web site: Nostro. Lauren. Interview: BOOTS Talks About Reworking Beyoncé's "Crazy In Love" and Scoring the "Fifty Shades of Grey" Trailer. Complex. July 25, 2014. July 24, 2014.
  22. Web site: BOOTS - Mercy . YouTube . 2014-09-11 . 2015-12-31.
  23. Web site: Boots . Bootsonboots.com . 2015-12-31 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160109023451/http://www.bootsonboots.com/ . January 9, 2016 . mdy .
  24. Web site: YouTube . YouTube . 2015-12-31.
  25. Web site: Run the Jewels and Boots Perform "Early" on "Letterman" | News . Pitchfork.com . 2014-11-01 . 2015-12-31.
  26. Web site: Geslani . Michelle . Boots shares new song "I Run Roulette" — listen . Consequence of Sound . 2014-11-07 . 2015-12-31.
  27. Web site: Nowness . Nowness.com . 2015-12-31.
  28. Web site: Watch Boots' Larger-Than-Life Tonight Show Performance . Stereogum.com . 2015-03-19 . 2015-12-31.
  29. Web site: Watch Boots Destroy "I Run Roulette" on The Tonight Show | Pigeons & Planes . Pigeonsandplanes.com . 2015-03-19 . 2015-12-31.
  30. Web site: Vain . Madison . BOOTS scorches on Tonight Show, plots U.S. tour . EW.com . 2015-02-26 . 2015-12-31.
  31. Web site: BOOTS Ignites The Tonight Show With "I Run Roulette" Live Okayplayer . Okayplayer.com . 2015-12-31.
  32. Web site: Kaye . Ben . Boots lights up the stage on Fallon — watch . Consequence of Sound . 2015-03-19 . 2015-12-31.
  33. Web site: Adult Swim Premieres "C.U.R.E." . Vice.com . 2015-11-15 . 2015-11-15.
  34. Web site: Boots Performs "C.U.R.E." on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" . Dailymotion.com . 2015-11-23 . 2015-11-23.
  35. Web site: Sens . imdbpro.com. 2020-01-11.
  36. Web site: IMDb. imdb.com.
  37. Web site: HollyShorts' 17th Edition.
  38. Web site: No Future Here - Directed by Jennifer Goodridge & Jordan Asher Cruz .
  39. Web site: Boots – Chart history . Billboard Top Heatseekers Albums for Boots . March 17, 2016 . August 13, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160813150200/http://www.billboard.com/artist/6771120/boots/chart?f=324 . dead .
  40. Web site: BOOTS' GRAMMY Awards History. GRAMMY. The Recording Academy. 4 February 2017.