They're not your typical kids from the hood. From the first, their trendy appearance and spunk were a sure sign Dem Young Boyz knew where they were going and how they were going to get there. All three were prepped to perform at Relay for Life, an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society and co-organized by Vanderbilt students. Last Friday, the boys were delighted to play their music on-stage for the runners and coordinators at the Student Recreation Center.

Lead singer Haston Myers wore a beige leather jacket with what looked like a Jackson 5 T-shirt underneath. Rappers Andre Mayberry and Gayland Thompson wore Ed Hardy-esque shirts and caps. An "Interstate 66" pendant hung from Thompson's neck. Though they're not related to each other, Myers firmly stated before the show, "We're like blood." Ever since they started producing music back in 2007 at the ages of 12 and 13, Myers, Mayberry and Thompson have formed a bond between each other as friends.

If you ask, they can give a quick response as to what they have to offer to themselves and other people through their music. While Thompson brings an explosive animation to the group, Mayberry provides a "laid back, Southern style to the music." During the interview Myers sat between the two rappers, the same way he stands between them in their photo shoots and music videos. It's his melodious, R&B "swag" that ties the knot between the two extremes. This is how they work together.

From a young age, the three were exposed to music and aspired to be something great. Three main influences in their lives are God, their families and school. And, according to Mayberry, you could add a fourth to that: Ludacris. "He's my type," he said. "His style inspired me and that's what I bring." While Mayberry spoke, he sat and leaned on his elbow in a lax manner. His cap was pushed sideways and his shades lightly held on to his nose - Myers and Thompson simply laughed at their nonchalant friend.

So far, Dem Young Boyz has written and produced an album through Hicks Entertainment, a Nashville-based record agency. Their favorite songs include "Shawty Wanna Dance" and "My City (Cashville)." Even though the group writes about what is most important to them, Myers describes their lyrics as, "Teenage stuff. ... Since we're teenagers we like to sing about having fun, dancing, something to give people our age hype. ... Our kind of music is the kind that can be played forever." Thompson added, "We keep it at our age. ... Since we're kids, we don't take it too far."

When asked if their career ever got in the way of school, Mayberry kept it simple: "There are three rules: First you've got to keep your grades up. Then the second rule is never disobey the parents. Then the third rule is music." With their families and friends as critics and supporters, the boys never lose sight of what's important. They're aware that for younger audiences, like Myers' nephew, the group has to serve as a role model. Myers also makes it clear that they know they've got plenty of time ahead to change and build their experience as singers - so far, Dem Young Boyz has paved the right track.