TIMEX SOCIAL CLUB

ABOUT

Band Name: Timex Social Club
Genre: R&B / Soul / Funk / New Jack Swing
Hometown: Berkeley, California, USA
Sounds Like: The foundational blueprint of New Jack Swing
Years Active: 1985–1987 · 2011–present
Latest Release: The Lost Tapes / Live at Berkeley High
Spotify: 111K+ monthly listeners proving our timeless sound resonates with a new generation.

THE MUSIC
Top Tracks:

"Rumors"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHpc8zsEunQ

"Thinkin' About Ya"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc1Vx2GvK28

"Mixed Up World"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gsu1L9Jv7v4

SHORT BIO

Timex Social Club is an iconic American R&B group from Berkeley,
California, best known for their 1986 platinum hit single "Rumors."

Formed by founding member Marcus Thompson, the group fused funk,
soul, and early hip-hop, creating a sound that became a blueprint
for the New Jack Swing movement. Their debut album Vicious Rumors
produced the #1 R&B and #8 pop smash "Rumors." After a legendary
run, the group reformed in 2011 and continues to perform,
celebrating a legacy that has influenced generations of hip-hop
and R&B artists — and currently attracting over 111K monthly
listeners on Spotify. Based in Northern California, United States

FULL BIO

Formed in Berkeley, California, in 1982, Timex Social Club climbed
the Billboard U.S. dance charts to reach #1 during the summer of
1986 with their runaway smash hit "Rumors." This monumental
success led to an invitation from rap impresario Russell Simmons
to open for RUN-D.M.C. (alongside Whodini, LL Cool J, and the
Beastie Boys) on the now-historic Raising Hell Tour.

Their debut album, Vicious Rumors, was released in late 1986 and
included a new version of "Rumors," as well as "Thinkin' About Ya"
and "Mixed-Up World"—all of which reached the Billboard U.S. R&B
top 20. Over the years, Timex Social Club's music has been sampled
and used by such artists as Tyga ft. Chris Brown, 2 Pac, Public
Enemy, Master P, Club Nouveau, and The Luniz, among many others.

In 2011, founding member, songwriter, and author Marcus Thompson
released a book entitled How Do Rumors Get Started: The True Story
of Timex Social Club, which has received great reviews.

TODAY

Timex Social Club has undergone a powerful rebirth with its current
lineup. Founding member Marcus Thompson has joined forces with
vocalists Samuelle and Val Watson—the original Grammy Award-winning
voices of Club Nouveau. Together, this dynamic trio is back and
performing their timeless hits: "Rumors," "Thinkin' About Ya," "Lean on Me," "Why You Treat Me So Bad," "Situation #9," "Jealousy," and more.

While rooted in the group's rich legacy, Samuelle and Val Watson
infuse Timex Social Club with soulful authenticity and seasoned
artistry, complementing Marcus Thompson's visionary songwriting
and leadership. With decades of collective experience between them,
the trio honors the classic sound that defined an era while
delivering energetic live performances that captivate both
longtime fans and new audiences.

CURRENT LINEUP

• Marcus Thompson — Founding Member, DJ
• Samuelle Prater — Vocalist (formerly of Club Nouveau)
• Val Watson — Vocalist (formerly of Club Nouveau)

Carrying the legacy forward with the original soul and energy.


PRESS QUOTES & TESTIMONIALS

"The rumors are true — nobody made the floor move like the
Social Club." — Billboard, 1986

"Timex Social Club opened the doors for such groups as Bell Biv
DeVoe (BBD) and Guy." — Marcus Thompson (Founding Member)

"The forerunner to Club Nouveau, the Timex Social Club… had one
huge hit in 1986, the R&B chart-topper 'Rumors.'" — Ron Wynn, TiVo

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• #1 R&B and #8 Billboard Hot 100 hit for "Rumors" (1986)
• Platinum and Gold CRIA Canada sales awards for "Rumors"
• Opening act for 38 shows on the 1986 RUN-D.M.C. Raising Hell
Tour (alongside Whodini, LL Cool J, and the Beastie Boys)
• Pioneered the sound that became known as New Jack Swing
• "Rumors" has been sampled by Master P, 2Pac, Public Enemy, and more
• Reformed in 2011 and continues to perform worldwide
• Currently averaging 111K+ monthly listeners on Spotify,
proving our timeless sound resonates with a new generation
of streaming audiences.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES

We are actively booking for 2026 and beyond.

SOCIAL MEDIA & LIVE VIDEOS

Official Website: https://timexsocialclub.com
Instagram: @timexsocialclub_official
https://www.instagram.com/timexsocialclub_official
Twitter / X: @TimexSocialClub
https://x.com/TimexSocialClub
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tscrumors

LIVE PERFORMANCE CLIPS

• Show Reel — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4qGQDmISIg
• "Lean On Me" Live! — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxKfn66M3f8
• "Why You Treat Me So Bad" Live! —
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E77wi3O14rE

MUSIC VIDEOS

"Rumors" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHpc8zsEunQ

"Thinkin' About Ya" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc1Vx2GvK28

"Lean on Me" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbyjaUJWWmk

"Why You Treat Me So Bad" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKyaY5DphUM

"Situation #9" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzbEBkHqT14

"Jealousy" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EAEL7f5nzE

CONTACT

Marcus Thompson
Phone: +1 (424) 333-0226
Email: tscmusic@timexsocialclub.com

PHOTOS & LOGOS

High-resolution press photos and the official band logo are
available upon request. Please contact us for media assets.