Hit-Boy & James Fauntleroy Follow In Gorillaz’s Footsteps By Producing Virtual Apes Band

Hit-Boy and James Fauntleroy are turning some AI apes into an actual rock band.

The Grammy award-winning producer and singer have started work on a new album for the digital band, known as Kingship, which is signed to Universal Music Group’s 10:22 label and was initially formed partially as a means to help generate revenue by selling virtual goods and services during the peak of crypto-mania. The group was formed by the label head Celina Joshua, who designed the “band members” as a collection of NFT’s known as the Bored Ape Yacht Club.

Despite the recent crash in crypto’s value, Kingship has still gone on to generate $1.5 million in revenue. Joshua also revealed the group now has a deal with M&M’s, announcing the deal in the band’s first-ever animated clip called “Rider.” She is now ready to take this digital band to the next level.

“KINGSHIP’s journey is rooted in storytelling, experiences and music,” said Joshua in a statement. “I’m incredibly thankful that Hit-Boy and James Fauntleroy, two of the most influential and creative geniuses in the entire industry, are coming together to develop the music and sound for KINGSHIP.”

Hit-Boy and Fauntelroy were brought in to bring these digital creatures to life, and in turn, created a quartet of apes named Captain (bass, vocals), KING (lead vocals), Arnell (beats, producer, drums) and Hud (guitar, keyboards, vocals).

5,000 Key Card NFT’s were also unveiled to help promote the band. Owners of these NFT’s will receive special access to a Discord server where fans can talk to one another and learn new information about the group. There will also be perks associated with forthcoming music and performances.

“It’s so exciting to be a part of something historical and ambitious,” Fauntelroy added in his statement. “As a huge nerd, and music fanatic, I can’t wait to see what comes from the intersection of the web3 collectors/creatives and the entertainment creative community.”

Hit-Boy echoed this sentiment. “I’m always looking to push things forward musically,” he said, “and this is a great opportunity to do something new in the web3 space.”