From November 2007:

Rapper, performer, basketball player, student, and entertainer, senior Brandon Armstrong seems to have a lot on his plate but knows how to handle it all. The seventeen-year-old and co-founder of the hit rap group, Crank Squad, has seemed to have attracted many fans over the last two years.
Crank Squad originated in 2005 and was formerly known as the Hype Boyz. This entertainment group mainly performs rap songs and “songs you can crank it to and dance,” said Armstrong.
The three other members of the group – Charlie Jennings, Marcus Thomas, and Jason Harris – are either current students or alumni of Chamblee High. The Hype Boyz drew a large crowd when their first hit single “Stunna Shades” was produced. This was only the beginning.
After weekly practices and several hours spent in the studio, the group soon produced a song that would top them on the charts bringing recognition and fame. The hit song, “Spider-Man,” became more popular and has been aired on local radio stations. Not only is it played in the Atlanta area, but Crank Squad is nationally known. The song “Spider man” was the number one song played in Alabama and the group has done performances in North Carolina, Alabama, South Carolina and New York.
Although the song may e a spin off of the hit “Crank Dat Soulja Boy” by Souja Boy himself, the
“Spider-Man” seems to have grown in popularity each day.
The group, however, experienced a recent fallout.
“There was a separation of two band members,” said Armstrong. “Charlie and Jason are no longer members of the group.”
All that is left is Thomas and Armstrong, but things seem to still be going well. Thomas, currently attending Georgia Tech, practices with Armstrong every chance they get.
The Squad has done multiple performances; one of their biggest shows was opening up for well-known rapper, Lil Boosie. By obtaining a manager to deal with legal and performance matters, Crank Squad has been attracting a larger crowd. With performances on most weekends, along with their widely viewed Myspace page and Youtube videos, the Crank Squad just may be blowing up.
However, besides the rap group, what’s left is just your average teenage boy who enjoys having fun and making people laugh. Despite the large role music has in his life, basketball is a much larger priority that encourages his dreams of one day becoming an NBA professional player.
Armstrong’s main priority is graduation. With all of his current classes either advanced or AP, who knows where this driven attitude may tak him. As for college, Armstrong has received offers from Wofford University, the Air Force, and Washington & Lee. He is also looking at South Carolina State, Auburn, Georgia Tech, or the University of Georgia if his plans are to stay in state. Despite such a heavy workload, Armstrong seems to maintain his cool and manages it all along with committing himself to a relationship with his girlfriend.
“I like spending time with my girlfriend, she’s awesome!” said Armstrong. With basketball, his main concern and passion, his role in Crank Squad is subsequent yet still a major priority he engages in. The group’s popularity and fame are spreading and the squad just may end up performing on TV one day.
“Who knows where Crank Squad will go, but I’m willing to take it as far as it can,” stated Armstrong.
However, Armstrong does have two goals he wishes to accomplish before he graduates: to either become Homecoming or Prom King and to be anointed as Mr. CHS.