Princeton Perez

Jacob Anthony Perez, known professionally as Princeton Perez, was born on April 21, 1996, in Downey, California. His career began at a young age, appearing in television commercials for major brands such as Nike, McDonald’s, and Skechers. He also had early roles in music videos for Gym Class Heroes, portraying a younger version of Travie McCoy in “Shoot Down the Stars” (2006) and a young Cupid in “Cupid’s Chokehold” (2007). Perez also worked as a backup dancer for Nicole Scherzinger. A significant turning point in his early career was being cast in ‘High School Musical 3’ as the young Corbin Bleu, a role he ultimately could not take due to becoming a founding member of Mindless Behavior. He worked with choreographers like Dave Scott and Kaelynn Harris during this period.

Perez rose to prominence as the first member selected for the boy band Mindless Behavior in 2008. He was given the alias “Princeton” due to his extensive musical knowledge. The group underwent two years of development, refining their sound and style under Herbert and Walter Millsap. They performed at local schools and engaged with fans through their “MB Cam” YouTube vlog. Interscope Records chairman Jimmy Iovine signed Mindless Behavior, leading to significant touring opportunities with artists such as The Backstreet Boys, Jason Derulo, Justin Bieber, and opening for Janet Jackson’s Number Ones, Up Close and Personal tour. Mindless Behavior gained visibility through frequent appearances on BET’s ‘106 & Park’ and headlined the first BET Closer to My Dreams Tour and the Scream Tour alongside other artists. The group achieved a notable milestone by performing at the White House three times, becoming the first African-American boy band to do so. They were also performers at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day.

Throughout his time with Mindless Behavior, Perez contributed to their albums “#1 Girl” and “All Around the World,” participating in tours named after these releases. In 2012, the group toured, visiting the Ronald McDonald House in Georgia to support child cancer patients. In 2013, they performed for Dwyane Wade’s Wade’s World Foundation. Following changes in the group’s lineup, including the departure of members Prodigy and Roc Royal, Perez remained the sole original member. He actively engaged with fans through his blog, Outsiders Ink, during the group’s hiatus. Mindless Behavior released their final album, “#OfficialMBMusic” in 2016, and began filming the drama ‘Misguided Behavior.’ In 2017, Perez publicly announced Mindless Behavior’s disbandment on Twitter, citing a lack of creative freedom and the inability to secure rights to their music. Following the group’s disbandment, Perez embarked on a solo career, releasing singles such as “Perfect World” (2019), “Chew It Up” (2020), and “Suelo” (2023), and the “Christmas in Malibu” EP (2019). He also appeared on Taylor Bennett’s project “Restoration of An American Idol” (2017).