Legendary NBA Hall of Fame basketball player Shaquile O'neal mentioned hip hop group "The Skinny Boys," in an interview on nationally syndicated podcast "A Million Dollars Worth of Game," as the originators of the robot human beatbox sound effect. What makes the mentioning of this hip hop music group special, is that they are all natives of the City of Bridgeport, CT. 

The group comprised of  Shockin’ Shaun (Shaun Harrison), Superman Jay (James J. Harrison), and The Human Jock Box (Jacque D. Lloyd) The Skinny Boys started its career on the independent record label Bush, run by Rhonda Bush. Its first release was a 12-inch single "Awesome" b/w "Skinny Boys" in 1985. The New York City-based label Warlock Records signed the group in 1986. That year the label released two more of their singles, "Jockbox" and "Unity", as well as an album, Weightless.[1] Featured on Weightless were a handful of human beatbox songs such as "Jockbox" and "Get Funky."  The group then went on to sign with Jive Records in 1987 becoming the first hip hop group from Connecticut to ever sign a major labor record deal.  They remain the only hip hop group from Connecticut to ever release music on a major label.  While on Jive Records they released two albums, “Skinny & Proud” in 1987 and “Skinny Boys” (They Can't Get Enough)” in 1988.  “They can’t get enough” from the self and titled “Skinny Boys” album was featured in the movies “True Romance,” “Grumpy Old Men” and “Angel Street,” and the song titled “Jock Box” is the theme song for the Comedy Central Show “Workaholics.”

The Skinny Boys toured all over the United States and Europe.  They have shared the stage with hip hop greats such as Will Smith “The Fresh Prince” and DJ Jazzy Jeff, KRS 1, Whodini, Boogie Down Productions, Eric B & Rakim, Joeski Love, Dana Dane, Heavy D and The Boys, The Juice Crew, Stezo, Kool Moe Dee, Steady B, Schoolly D, and a host of other legendary hip hop artist.

In 2006 The Legendary Skinny Boys were mentioned by Grammy Artist “Nas,” on his song “Where are they now.”  In 2012 Grammy Nominated drummer “Quest Love,” tweeted “Can anyone get me in contact with the Skinny Boys.”  The three men collectively known as “The Skinny Boys,” who started their group on James Street in Bridgeport, CT have utilized their gifts of music to impact the world.  For all of their accomplishments our city has yet to honor the historical relevance of this incredible group!  The Global Hip Hop community is asking that Harral Avenue, which is the area in which the group was founded be changed to "Skinny Boys Way." We are also asking that they be granted the key to City to acknowledge the global impact the group has had on the culture of Hip Hop.