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Hoodie Allen

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Hoodie Allen
Hoodie Allen performing at Roseland Ballroom in 2013
Hoodie Allen performing at Roseland Ballroom in 2013
Background information
Birth nameSteven Adam Markowitz[1]
Born (1988-08-19) August 19, 1988 (age 36)[2]
Plainview, New York, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
Websitewww.hoodieallen.com

Steven Adam Markowitz[1] (born August 19, 1988), better known by his stage name Hoodie Allen, is an American rapper, singer and songwriter from Plainview, New York.[2] After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he began working at Google before ultimately quitting to pursue a music career full-time. In 2012, he released his first official EP titled All American which debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200. In October 2014, Hoodie officially released his debut studio album, People Keep Talking which was successful with first week sales of over 30,000 along with a debut position of No. 8 on the Billboard 200. Hoodie followed up on his success in January 2016 and released his second studio album, Happy Camper.

Early life

Steven Markowitz was born on Long Island and raised in a Jewish household in Plainview along with his brother, Daniel.[3] He started writing lyrics as a child, and would perform raps for his friends at house parties. Markowitz first attended the Long Island School for the Gifted in South Huntington, and later attended Plainview – Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School.

While attending the University of Pennsylvania, he pledged the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. He also played as defensive back for Penn's sprint football team. After graduating in 2010 with a degree in marketing and finance, he worked at Google as an AdWords associate in their Standardized AdWords Reseller Training (START) program.[4][5] He would leave at 7:00 AM for a bus ride to the Googleplex in Mountain View, work a full day at Google, return home at 6:00 PM, write songs, answer fan emails, and schedule concerts until 2:00 or 3:00 AM.[6] Reflecting on this, Allen said, "I was moving so fast, and even while I was at Google there was so much going on that I felt like I was doing two full-time jobs."[5] His dream and passion was music, so when he got opportunities to do live shows, he decided to leave Google.[6][7]

Career

2009–12: Beginnings and Leap Year

Hoodie Allen originally was the duo of Steve Markowitz and Obey City (Samuel Obey, a childhood friend) on vocals and production, respectively. The name came about because Steven's nickname growing up was "Hoodie," and he wanted a name that "would stick in peoples' minds and be a little bit funny and representative of who I am" so a play off of famed filmmaker Woody Allen was settled on.[8] Steve and Obey's first two releases were the Bagels & Beats EP and Making Waves mixtape. These earned Hoodie a nomination for MTVU's Best Music on Campus Award in 2009.[9] The single "UPENN Girls" also received notable attention. However, in 2010 Obey City ceased to produce in Hoodie for unknown reasons, and Steve continued making music with RJ Ferguson (aka RJF), giving himself the name Hoodie Allen.[10][11] In June 2010, he released "You Are Not a Robot," which sampled "I Am Not a Robot" by Marina and the Diamonds and which hit No. 1 on Hype Machine, an aggregator that collects the most-blogged about music in the world.[6] After seeing the response, he spent the summer working, and finished his mixtape Pep Rally by September.[10] The album was largely produced by RJF, and sampled songs from Death Cab for Cutie, Flight Facilities, Marina and the Diamonds, Ellie Goulding, and Two Door Cinema Club. He picked the name "Pep Rally" because he said that it "captured the energy of the record" and something "new and exciting."[12] He self-financed a video for the lead single "You Are Not A Robot," which helped the mixtape get downloaded over 200,000 times.[13]

In July 2011, Hoodie released his third mixtape, Leap Year. It reached 250,000 SoundCloud plays in its first week of release.[14] In support of the album, Hoodie headlined a 15-city tour across North America, including stops in San Francisco, New York City, and Montreal, with supporting act Fortune Family opening on several venues.[15] Previously, he had toured with The Cataracs, Das Racist, Chiddy Bang, Mike Posner, and RJD2.[16][17]

2012: All American

Main article: All American (Hoodie Allen album)

On March 4, 2012, Hoodie announced via Twitter that he would be releasing his first EP, titled All American.[18] He decided on this title because he credited his rise to the American Dream, because he felt the songs showcased his best music to date, and because of a hometown restaurant with the same title. Hoodie spent five months developing the album, building tracks from scratch with his producer, RJF, rather than using sampled beats.[19] Regarding the writing process, Hoodie stated that, "I would describe it as liberating... It was like, 'Okay, I hear this idea in my head, I hear these original ideas, [and] I'm putting them and piecing them together.'"[19] On March 29, 2012, Hoodie released the first single from All American entitled "No Interruption," as well as its music video.[20][21] The music video for his second single on All American, titled "No Faith In Brooklyn (feat. Jhameel)," was released on April 9.[22] All American was released on April 10, 2012, and debuted as the No. 1 album on iTunes and at No. 10 on the Billboard 200.[23][24] Over the months of April and May, Hoodie made a 22-stop tour across the US in support of All American, featuring rapper Wax, Jared Evan, and others varied from show to show. The I Work Better In The UK Tour was his first time performing overseas. The Excellent Adventure Tour, which featured G-Eazy, began on September 7, 2012.[25]

2013: Crew Cuts and Americoustic

On February 11, 2013, XXL premiered the music video for "Cake Boy," the first single off of Hoodie's upcoming mixtape.[26] The single was later released on iTunes for purchase.[27] A week later, the music video for "Fame Is For Assholes" (abbreviated FIFA) premiered on YouTube which features rapper Chiddy Bang.[28] Hoodie commented, "I wanted to write a track that mixed a classic doo-wop vibe with the more upbeat hip-hop style that my fans have come to love."[29]

Hoodie embarked on his Cruisin' USA Tour with Aer and Jared Evan which began on March 5, 2013.[30] G-Eazy, instead of Aer, accompanied Hoodie on his Boston, Philly, and NYC shows. During the Cruisin' USA Tour, Hoodie directed the audience to chant that they wanted to see him on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Leading up to Roseland Ballroom, Hoodie started the hashtag "#GetHoodieAllenOnFallon" on Twitter to rally his fans. After trending worldwide, Fallon asked to speak with Hoodie.[31]

Hoodie performed his new single "Make It Home" on Fuse alongside Kina Grannis which was released on April 30. The studio version of the single was released onto iTunes on May 15, 2013, where it reached the top ten of the iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap charts.[citation needed]

On July 30, 2013, Hoodie released the music video for "No Interruption (Acoustic)". His acoustic EP Americoustic was released on August 13, 2013, and reached No. 1 on the iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap album chart and No. 4 on the iTunes overall albums chart.[citation needed] The EP's guitar work was composed, recorded and produced by Our Last Night guitarist Matt Wentworth.

2014: People Keep Talking

Main article: People Keep Talking

The lead single off of Hoodie's debut studio album, People Keep Talking, was released on May 7, 2014, titled "Show Me What You're Made Of." It premiered along with its music video, which parodied the film Happy Gilmore, and featured fellow rapper D-WHY and Tommy Lee from Mötley Crüe. The single was made available for purchase on iTunes and debuted as the No. 2 song overall.[citation needed] Hoodie then made his television debut on Good Day Philadelphia playing an acoustic version of "Show Me What You're Made Of" after a short interview on May 15.[32]

To promote the album, Hoodie went on a world tour titled People Keeping Talking World Tour, this included shows in the US, Europe, Canada, and Australia, featuring artists Chiddy Bang and MAX. The tour began on October 29, 2014, at the Royal Oak Music Theater in Royal Oak, Michigan, and ran into June 2015.

After tweeting to bassist Pete Wentz about touring together, it was announced that Hoodie would be a special guest on the Boys of Zummer Tour with co-headliners Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa.[33]

2016–2017: Happy Camper and The Hype

On January 22, 2016, Hoodie released his second studio album, Happy Camper.[34] Leading up to its release, the eighth track, "Champagne and Pools" (featuring blackbear and KYLE), and the album's lead single, "Are U Having Any Fun?" (featuring Meghan Tonjes), were released.[35][36] The lead single was also accompanied by its music video which followed the style of a video game similar to Grand Theft Auto V. Happy Camper was also made available for download on iTunes peaking at No. 2 on the overall albums chart.[citation needed]

On September 29, 2017, he released his third studio album, The Hype.[37]

2019: Whatever USA

On August 16, 2019, Hoodie released his fourth studio album Whatever USA. [38]

Leading up to its release, the ninth track "Never Going Back" was released on March 1, 2019. He then released "Come Around“, the second single on the album, with Christian French on June 21, 2019. The third track released before the album released was "Hell of a Time" which was released on August 2, 2019.

2020: Allegations of sexual misconduct

Numerous allegations of sexual misconduct with minors and grooming by Hoodie Allen, a band member, and his road manager surfaced on Twitter in 2020. The allegations include Hoodie and a band member inappropriately messaging and flirting with often underage fans, groping fans, soliciting images from minors, and both manipulating and gaslighting underaged fans.[39]

Hoodie attempted to address the allegations on June 21, 2020 on Twitter, stating, "I’ve been made aware of disturbing behavior that a current member of my band and past touring crew have engaged in. As of today, that band member is no longer a part of the Hoodie Allen touring crew and those past touring members will never tour with me again."[40]

Acting career

Hoodie has appeared in four episodes of the CollegeHumor series Jake and Amir since March 3, 2011. He made his CollegeHumor debut as Amir's rap teacher in "Jake and Amir / Rap Teacher (With Hoodie Allen)" and returned to that role three more times in videos titled "Jake and Amir / Rap Teacher 2 (with Hoodie Allen)", "Jake and Amir / Rap Teacher 3 (with Hoodie Allen)", and "Jake and Amir / Jake and Amir Finale Part 5: The Auditions".[41][42][43][44]

Reception

In July 2011, Hoodie cracked the Top 10 of Billboard's Uncharted Territory.[45] For the week of August 5, 2011, he was No. 2 on Billboards Uncharted Territory, with Billboard noting that his "growing popularity is undeniable."[14]

On April 10, 2012, Hoodie's All American EP went to No. 1 on the iTunes charts within hours of its release. All American also debuted at No. 10 on Billboard's Top Albums and was featured on its hip-hop and R&B column, The Juice.[46][47]

Discography

Studio albums

List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Details Peak chart positions
US
[48] 		US R&B
[49] 		US Rap
[50] 		CAN
[51] 		GER
[52] 		SWI
[53]
People Keep Talking 8 2 2 24 65 68
Happy Camper
  • Released: January 22, 2016
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CD, Digital download
 28 2 1 55 — —
The Hype
  • Released: September 29, 2017
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CD, LP, digital download
 166 — — — — —
Whatever USA
  • Released: August 16, 2019[54]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 — — — — — —
"—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory.

Extended plays

Title Details Peak chart positions
US
[48] 		US R&B
[49] 		US Rap
[50] 		CAN
[51] 		UK
[55]
All American
  • Released: April 10, 2012
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: Digital download
 10 3 2 18 64
Americoustic
  • Released: August 13, 2013
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: Digital download
 28 — 4 — —
All About It EP
  • Alternative European release to People Keep Talking
  • Released: October 14, 2014
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: Digital download
 — — — — —
"—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory.

Singles

As lead artist

List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
[56] 		US
R&B/
HH
[57] 		US
Rap
[58]
"You Are Not A Robot" 2010 — — — Pep Rally
"No Interruption" 2012 — — — All American
"No Faith In Brooklyn"
(featuring Jhameel) 		— — —
"Cake Boy" 2013 — — — Crew Cuts
"Fame Is For Assholes"
(featuring Chiddy) 		— — — Crew Cuts
"Make It Home"
(featuring Kina Grannis) 		— — — Non-album single
"No Interruption (Acoustic)" — — — Americoustic
"Show Me What You're Made Of" 2014 — — — People Keep Talking
"Movie" — — —
"Dumb for You" — — —
"All About It"
(featuring Ed Sheeran) 		71 — 13
"Let It All Work Out" 2015 — — — Non-album singles
"The Moment"
(featuring Travis Garland) 		— — —
"Champagne and Pools"
(featuring Blackbear and KYLE) 		— — — Happy Camper
"Are U Having Any Fun?"
(featuring Meghan Tonjes) 		2016 — — —
"Sushi" 2017 — — — The Hype
"Know It All" — — —
"Ain't Ready" — — —
"never going back" 2019 — — — Whatever USA
"Come Around"
(with Christian French)[59] 		— — —
"Hell of a Time" — — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

References

  1. ^ a b "Long Island rapper Hoodie Allen to perform April 21 at Penn State Behrend". Penn State University. March 20, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Hoodie Allen". iTunes. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  3. ^ "HJs @ SXSW 2011 – The Jewish Rappers of SXSW". Hipster Jew. 14 March 2011. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
  4. ^ Siegel, Joel (March 2012). "When Steven Met Hoodie". The Pennsylvania Gazette. University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
  5. ^ a b O'Dell, Jolie (8 June 2011). "Former Googler, Current Rapper: Meet Hoodie Allen". Mashable. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
  6. ^ a b c Scott, Nathan (14 March 2011). "From Google to Tour Bus, Bay Area Rapper Carves New Career Path". Bay Citizen. Archived from the original on 23 May 2011. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
  7. ^ "An interview with Hoodie Allen, the rapper you should be talking about". W2FY. 9 September 2010. Archived from the original on 8 December 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
  8. ^ Meet the Artist: Hoodie Allen Archived 2011-10-30 at the Wayback Machine. The Kollection. March 14, 2011.
  9. ^ Hoodie Allen nominated for MTVU's Best Music on Campus Archived 2011-07-17 at the Wayback Machine. Tipping Franklins.
  10. ^ a b TGLR Interview with Hoodie Allen Archived 2011-08-27 at the Wayback Machine. The Good Life. October 13, 2010.
  11. ^ Djordje, Gasic. Mixtape: Hoodie Allen "rio life". Complex Magazine. July 26, 2011.
  12. ^ Joseph, Matt. Interview With Hoodie Allen. February 27, 2011.
  13. ^ Gamboa, Glenn. Video: Hoodie Allen's ‘Not a Robot’. Newsday. February 16, 2011.
  14. ^ a b Blistein, Jon. Uncharted Territory: Hoodie Allen Breaks Into The Top 5, Dionne Bromfield Holds Strong. Billboard. August 5, 2011.
  15. ^ [FRESH!] Hoodie Allen -- The Chase Is On + Tour Dates. The Music Ninja. July 21, 2011.
  16. ^ Billboard Bits: Pusha T Ends Lil Wayne Beef, Chiddy Bang Rock Out At SXSW. Billboard. March 16, 2011.
  17. ^ Offitzer, Adam. Music for the Masses Archived 2011-04-15 at the Wayback Machine. Diamondback Online. April 14, 2011.
  18. ^ Allen, Hoodie (March 5, 2012). "Big announcement time! The title of my upcoming EP is "All American"..." Twitter.
  19. ^ a b Cubarrubia, R.J. Hoodie Allen Goes Pro With Debut EP, 'All American'. Billboard. April 10, 2012.
  20. ^ Hoodie Allen – "No Interruption" Video Archived 2013-11-12 at the Wayback Machine. The Smoking Section. March 29, 2012.
  21. ^ Allen, Hoodie (March 29, 2012). "Hoodie Allen - "No Interruption" (Official Video)". wearehoodie. YouTube. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
  22. ^ Allen, Hoodie (April 9, 2012). "Hoodie Allen - "No Faith In Brooklyn (ft. Jhameel)" (Official Video)". wearehoodie. YouTube. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
  23. ^ Gamboa, Glenn. Hoodie Allen has iTunes No. 1 album. Newsday.
  24. ^ "Hoodie Allen - Chart history". Billboard.
  25. ^ "Hoodie Allen and G-Eazy Excellent Adventure Tour Dates and "Plastic Dreams" (feat. Johanna Fay)". This Is So Sick. July 26, 2012. Archived from the original on September 3, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  26. ^ Diep, Eric (February 13, 2013). "Watch the Exclusive Video Premiere of Hoodie Allen's "Cake Boy"". XXL.
  27. ^ "Cake Boy - Single - Hoodie Allen". iTunes. February 11, 2013.
  28. ^ Allen, Hoodie (February 18, 2013). "Hoodie Allen - "Fame Is For A*****es" feat. Chiddy (Official Video)". Youtube.
  29. ^ Yaselli, Blas (February 18, 2013). "Hoodie Allen – Fame Is For Assholes (feat. Chiddy)". The Music Ninja.
  30. ^ Allen, Hoodie (March 5, 2013). "Pittsburgh! Thank you for an amazing first night of tour". Twitter.
  31. ^ Teicher, Jordan (April 17, 2013). "Can Twitter Make Hoodie Allen a Star?". Slate.
  32. ^ "Hoodie Allen Brings His Acoustic Set To Good Day". My Fox Philly. May 15, 2014. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014.
  33. ^ Leight, Elias. "Fall Out Boy & Wiz Khalifa Announce Co-Headlining Summer Tour". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  34. ^ Allen, Hoodie (January 21, 2016). "My album #HappyCamper is out now!". Twitter.
  35. ^ Allen, Hoodie (November 19, 2015). "NEW MUSIC: "Champagne and Pools" (feat. @iamblackbear & @SuperDuperKyle)". Twitter.
  36. ^ Allen, Hoodie (January 19, 2016). "NEW MUSIC: "Are U Having Any Fun"". Twitter.
  37. ^ "Hoodie Allen Announces New Album Out 9/29 + World Tour + Shares 1st Single". BroadwayWorld.com. 28 August 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
  38. ^ "Whatever USA by Hoodie Allen". Genius. Retrieved 2019-10-09.
  39. ^ J, Ryan (June 22, 2020). "Hoodie Allen Accused of "Grooming," Removes Band Member After Allegations". downinthepit. Retrieved January 17, 2021.
  40. ^ Hoodie Allen [@HoodieAllen] (June 22, 2020). "I've been made aware of disturbing behavior that a current member of my band and past touring crew have engaged in. As of today, that band member is no longer a part of the Hoodie Allen touring crew and those past touring members will never tour with me again" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  41. ^ "Jake and Amir: Rap Teacher (With Hoodie Allen) - CollegeHumor Video". www.collegehumor.com. Retrieved 2017-11-19.
  42. ^ Amir, Jake and. "Jake and Amir: Rap Teacher 2 (with Hoodie Allen) - CollegeHumor Video". www.collegehumor.com. Retrieved 2017-11-19.
  43. ^ "Jake and Amir: Rap Teacher 3 (with Hoodie Allen) - CollegeHumor Video". www.collegehumor.com. Retrieved 2017-11-19.
  44. ^ "Jake and Amir Finale Part 5: The Auditions - CollegeHumor Video". www.collegehumor.com. Retrieved 2017-11-19.
  45. ^ Bylin, Kyle. Uncharted Territory: Diggy Simmons Returns, The Knocks Feel "Sunshine". Billboard. July 7, 2011.
  46. ^ Caulfield, Keith. Lionel Richie's 'Tuskegee' Album Hits No. 1 On Billboard 200. The Hollywood Reporter. April 19, 2012.
  47. ^ "Hoodie Allen". Billboard. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  48. ^ a b "Hoodie Allen – Chart history: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  49. ^ a b "Hoodie Allen – Chart history: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  50. ^ a b "Hoodie Allen – Chart history: Top Rap Albums". Billboard. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  51. ^ a b "Hoodie Allen – Chart history: Canadian Albums". Billboard. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  52. ^ "Hoodie Allen discography". officialcharts.de. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  53. ^ "Hoodie Allen discography". swisscharts.com. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  54. ^ "Whatever USA by Hoodie Allen". Apple Music. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
  55. ^ "Official Charts: Hoodie Allen". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
  56. ^ "Hoodie Allen – Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  57. ^ "Hoodie Allen – Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  58. ^ "Hoodie Allen – Chart History: Hot Rap Songs". Billboard. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  59. ^ "Come Around – Single by Hoodie Allen & Christian French". Apple Music. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
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