Boyz

"Boyz" is the debut solo single by British singer Jesy Nelson featuring American rapper Nicki Minaj; marking the second collaboration between both artists after "Woman Like Me" in 2018 when Nelson was part of Little Mix. It was released on 8 October 2021, through Polydor Records, becoming her only release with that label after parting ways with them in 2022. It is also Nelson's first single to be released since leaving the girl group Little Mix in 2020. It heavily interpolates American rapper Diddy's 2001 song "Bad Boy for Life". Lyrically, "Boyz" speaks of Nelson's infatuation with rebellious men. The song debuted at number four on the UK Singles Chart, charting for seven weeks and reached number sixteen in Ireland, but failed to sustain its success in subsequent weeks. It received negative reviews from critics, with the music video sparking controversy due to allegations of blackfishing and cultural appropriation. Nelson's performance at the 2021 Jingle Bell Ball was widely mocked by viewers and yielded numerous internet memes that were circulated across social media. Background In December 2020, Nelson announced she was leaving Little Mix for mental health reasons. A few months later, she signed a record deal with Polydor Records. Nelson teased a comeback in August 2021, saying: "For me, this is the music that I've always wanted to make. I don't think that anyone is gonna expect this." On 28 September 2021, Nelson confirmed that her first solo single, "Boyz", was being released soon. Nelson said that a "horrible breakup" inspired the single. In an interview with Noctis Magazine, Nelson described the song as "in your face", adding: "I wrote it when I was going through a break-up and it's me all over. I just love a bad boy. I say it to people all the time... it's not healthy!"