By this point, due to a strong backlash and allegations of lip-synching, the group pushed for a more mature image and focused on recording songs that would appeal to their aging fans.

Jordan Knight, Wahlberg, and Wood fought for creative input and control, as most of their material was previously rejected by producer Maurice Starr in favor of his own compositions.

"Dirty Dawg" did fairly well on the charts, but a Canadian station (MuchMusic) banned the music video due to its suggested violence and misogynistic themes.

However, NKOTB quickly found that they could only get bookings at nightclubs and theatres, a far cry from the arenas and stadiums they had been accustomed to playing in while in their peak years.

Faced with the fact that their fanbase had grown up and moved on to grunge and gangsta rap,[6] the rest of the group decided to cease touring and NKOTB went on hiatus until 2008.