Immature & IMX - Greatest Hits

Immature & IMX

Venice Beach has always been a popular tourist attraction. Hundreds of people stroll the boardwalk; compete against one another in basketball; utilize the gym, which is centrally located between the boardwalk and the beach; and shop from the various tents filled with clothing, shoes, etc. or from vendors selling incenses, lucky beads, and other novelty items. If feeling really experimental, one may even indulge in a little tarot card or palm reading. With its ability to attract so many, some aspiring artists came to the conclusion that the best place to put on a show where you know a crowd would be yet would cost nothing is Venice Beach. The familial group The Boys sang their hearts out there; comedian Michael Collier had people laughing at him at the hot spot. And just as artists before them and artists after them, Immature made their debut at the infamous waterfront attraction. Known as "the boys from Venice Beach," Immature's Jerome Jones (Romeo), Marques Houston (Batman) and Don Santos (Half Pint) would perform for the hundreds visiting the beach on the weekends.

Interestingly enough, the group didn't grow out of childhood friends singing together in the garage. Eight-year-old Jerome, who had known soon-to-be-manager Chris Stokes for a while, was the first member of the 'childish' act. While at a talent show, Stokes and Jones saw Marques Houston perform a dance routine and thought he would be a good member for the developing act. Don Santos' talent was observed and, consequently, he was thrown in the mix. Ta Da! Immature was born. Second step: names for the trio. Surely going by their birth given names would not fly well with the general public. There had to be something catchy, some name that would be indicative of their diverse personalities. Jerome became known as "Romeo" because of his light-colored eyes and 'pretty boy' look. Marques got the name Batman because he used to wear underwear on his head. Of course that wouldn't be appropriate while performing so with a little innovation, underwear was placed over the hats he wore and pieces of the hat would be pulled through the legs of the underwear, which made them look like ears. And little Don Santos was called "Half Pint" for obvious reasons. Third step: imaging. Immature were dressed in over-sized, hip-hop gear as a gimmick. Their clothing was unique in style, cutting edge fashion, if you will. Immature's outfits weren't easily accessible, which made their appearance all the more fascinating.