Hood Boy

"Hood Boy"
An image of Fantasia posing in front of multiple lights while wearing a low-cut, glittery dress.
Single by Fantasia featuring Big Boi
from the album Fantasia
ReleasedNovember 14, 2006
Genre
Length3:34
LabelJ
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Fantasia singles chronology
"Ain't Gon' Beg You"
(2005)
"Hood Boy"
(2006)
"When I See U"
(2007)
Big Boi singles chronology
"Margarita"
(2006)
"Hood Boy"
(2006)
"Royal Flush"
(2008)

"Hood Boy" is a song by American singer Fantasia featuring American rapper Big Boi, from her second and eponymous studio album (2006). It was released as the album's lead single by J Records on November 14, 2006. "Hood Boy" was written by Johnta Austin, Anthony McIntyre and Antwan Patton (and credits Holland-Dozier-Holland and Frank DeVol through its sample), and produced by Austin and the Canadian production team Tone Mason. It samples the introduction of the Supremes' 1967 single, "The Happening". An uptempo R&B and hip hop song, "Hood Boy" explores Fantasia's appreciation for thugs.

The song's reception was mostly positive; music critics praised its composition and Fantasia's vocals. The single appeared on several United States Billboard charts, peaking at number three on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. According to one commentator, the song was successful on urban radio. Its music video, directed by Norwegian photographer Ray Kay, was released on November 30, 2006. In the video, Fantasia sings and dances in a barbershop and in front of a neon sign and Big Boi performs his verses. To further promote "Hood Boy", Fantasia performed it at the 2011 Artscape festival and the 2018 Essence Music Festival.