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Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is a Grammy Award winning American gangsta rap group from Cleveland, Ohio, known for their fast rapping style and harmonizing vocals. The group is the biggest selling rap group of all time, with 35 million albums sold worldwide. They have also won numerous awards, including a 1997 Grammy in the category of Best Rap Performance for "Tha Crossroads".
Early years: Faces Of DeathFormed in the early 90's and discovered by Eazy-E, the group was originally known as "B.O.N.E. Enterpri$e" and consisted of Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Wish Bone, and Bizzy Bone. They recorded the album Faces Of Death under this moniker in early 1991.
The Ruthless yearsCreepin' On Ah Come UpBone Thugs-N-Harmony's first release on Ruthless Records and first introduction into superstardom, Creepin On Ah Come Up was released in June 1994. After a slow start that saw the album's success limited to within the Gangsta rap scene, it broke through to the mainstream with the release of the singles "Thuggish Ruggish Bone" and "Foe Tha Love of $," the second of which featured a guest rap by Eazy-E recorded during the "Golden Age" of West Coast rap music. The sound was raw and explicit. Set to mid to early '90s "gangsta" beats, the lyrics and style was violent and aggressive. Songs poured out feelings of anger against society for growing up on the tough and economically oppressed streets of Cleveland. Videos for the mega hits "Foe Tha Love Of $" and "Thuggish Ruggish Bone" showed the groups stance in the rap market as angry thugs straight off the streets, as opposed to other late '90s acts that rapped about money and fame. Beats supplied by Kenny McCloud, Rhythm D, DJ Yella and newcomer DJ U-Neek. at was later certified 4x platinum by the RIAA. E. 1999 EternalWhile Creepin On Ah Come Up's subject matter was focused nearly entirely on violent criminal activity , E. 1999 Eternal saw Bone both diversity that and its musical stylings. It debuted at number one with 330,000 copies sold in its first week. The G-Funk beats were smoothed by DJ U-Neek (with co-production from Tony C and Kenny McCloud). Similarly, while a considerable portion of the album's concept was built around a violent subject, the album saw Bone delve more into spirituality, Occult mysticism, and also introduced Bone's trademark "weed songs," tracks devoted entirely to the smoking of marijuana. Eazy-E got the idea for the cover artwork from the apocalyptic movie 'Terminator 2' as Bone, collectively, had a mental fixation the world was going to end in 1999. E. 1999 Eternal remains Bone's most successful venture in terms of sales and notoriety. The Album is no short on backers whom place it as one of the best hip hop masterpieces of all time as it represented a perfect balance between real street gangsta inspired lyrics and high artistic skill. Tha Crossroads, the top selling single, was enjoyed by crossover listeners, mainly mainstream pop, thus it helped to expand their impact to other circles even overseas and outside the global hip hop consumer scene.
The Art of WarIn 1997, the group released the double-disc set The Art Of War, backed by the single "Look Into My Eyes", which also appeared on the soundtrack from the movie Batman and Robin. The album saw Bone further explore a wide variety of subjects and styles, with even more focus on God and family and an overall more ambient, mellow sound. The group still found time for violent lyrics, though, with a large portion of the album dedicated to what they labeled "clones" who claimed Bone had stolen their quick-tongued rapping style and vice-versa. The Chicago-based rap group Crucial Conflict was targeted by name, with indirect disses thought to be aimed at Twista, Three Six Mafia, and Do Or Die. The album also included "Thug Luv" with Tupac Shakur. The album is also influenced by the book of the same name by author Sun Tzu. The Art of War philosophy is littered throughout the album. While the album had initial success, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 (with 394,000 copies sold in the first week), it failed to have much staying power. Besides "Look Into My Eyes" (which charted at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100), the only single was "If I Could Teach The World" which won an American Music Award(AMA). The group's efforts were further dampened by the absence of Bizzy Bone from the album's videos and large portions of the ensuing tour and public appearances. This absence fueled rumors of a break-up. The album was certified 4x platinum by the RIAA (with each album sold counting as two units under the association's certification guidelines). BTNHResurrectionIn 2000, Bone delivered BTNHResurrection, their first group album to prominently feature Flesh-N-Bone, whose presence was limited on previous releases because he had never signed with the group's label Ruthless Records. With Flesh-N-Bone appearing on 14 of the album's 15 songs, Krayzie Bone and Wish Bone took a lesser role, appearing on 10 and 7 songs, respectively. The album's first half featured a slew of hardcore and dark tracks, with the second half being considerably more introspective and soft. The album also featured one of the group's biggest singles, Resurrection (Paper, Paper). Shortly before the album's release, Flesh-N-Bone was arrested and the group again began having public disputes with Bizzy Bone, with Bizzy Bone again missing out on the promotional tour and appearances. The album debuted #2 on the charts, selling 283,000 copies in its first week, but again the group ran into problems with staying power. The three singles from the album all failed to crack the Billboard Hot 100 and the epic, big-budget video for "Change The World" failed to receive any rotation. Turmoil & Thug World OrderIn 2000, member Flesh-N-Bone was sentenced to 11 years in prison on various gun charges. Eligible for parole in 2008, he currently is housed in Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga, California. Though Flesh's appearances on most of Bone's albums were sparse due to him never signing with the group's long-time home Ruthless Records, he was - and is - considered a member by the group itself. In late 2001, the group returned to the studio to record their next release, Thug World Order. By February 2002, the supposedly overly-violent and political album was complete. The Thug World Order album that hit stores saw a drastic change in subject matter and tone for the group. The lyrics were almost completely void of any violence, while the number of tracks focusing on the group itself. In contrast, several songs originally intended to be included on the album that were leaked after its release portray a much different Album.The album debuted at #12 (selling 82,000 the first week) and quickly slipped off the charts. The album would fare better overseas, with the single "Home" (sampling the song "Take Me Home" by Phil Collins) climbing the charts in a number of countries, most notably the United Kingdom. After years of problems with member Bizzy Bone, the group officially parted ways with Bizzy after he performed intoxicated with the group at BB King's Blues Club in New York City in October of 2002. In October 2003, he rejoined the group for the Wicked Wonka Tour with the Insane Clown Posse and soon recorded Bone Brothers, a duet album with Layzie Bone. Things quickly turned sour, though, as Bizzy declined to tour in support of the album and contract negotiations between Bone and Bizzy with Full Surface Records broke down. After this and a number of other incidents, the group once again cut ties with Bizzy Bone in May 2005. Mo Thugs Records & Other LabelsIn 1995, founding members Krayzie Bone & Layzie Bone started Mo Thugs Records due to their explosive popularity. In 1996, they released Mo Thugs Family Scriptures, an All-Star project of Hiphop and R&B artists from Cleveland, Ohio. The album produced the hits “Thug Devotion” and “Take Your Time” which pushed the album to platinum status. Later that year, the thugs saw Mo Thugs records as an opportunity to release Bone Thug member Flesh-n-Bone, who never signed to Ruthless Records, solo. In 1996, Mo Thugs Records as a joined venture with Def Jam Recordings released T.H.U.G.S., Flesh-n-Bone’s & Bone Thug’s first solo effort. The album spawned the hits “World So Cruel” featuring Rev. Run of Run DMC & “Nothing But The Bone In Me”. The album would eventually reach platinum status. Then in 1998, Bone released Chapter II: Family Reunion, the second of Mo Thugs albums that reached platinum status. The album introduced several new artists including Felecia Lindsey-Howse, Layzie Bone's wife, who was featured on the album's first single "All Good" with Krayzie Bone. The second single, "Ghetto Cowboy", featured Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and was a major success, reaching #1 on the US Rap charts. In 1998, Heaven'z Movie, the first solo album by then group member Bizzy Bone, was released October 6, 1998 on Mo Thugs Records/Ruthless Records/Relativity Records. Though he never appeared on any previous Mo Thugs albums, his album was released under the label. The first single and video was "Thugz Cry", the second was "Nobody Can Stop Me"; the album went platinum. In 1999, many of the original artists left the label due to contract dilemmas, including Bizzy, who started his own label, 7 Sign Regime. Many lawsuits rose against Krayzie Bone causing him to leave the label and start Thugline Records, leaving Mo Thug to Layzie & Flesh. Although his album, Thug Mentality 1999 was released on April 6, 1999 on Mo Thugs Records/Ruthless Records/Relativity Records, he stopped repping Mo Thugs Records. He released two singles from the album, "Thug Mentality" and "Paper". Layzie Bone is currently running Mo Thugs to this day and has released several underground projects, including Flesh-N-Bone’s second solo album. Krayzie Bone released his second solo album under the Thugline umbrella and has since signed many artists to the label, including Bone Thug member Wish Bone. Bizzy Bone also signed many artists to 7th Sign and is currently trying to get it off the ground. In 1999, imprisoned member Flesh-N-Bone released a compilation album under his label, Flesh Bone Incorporated. New BeginningIn 2003, After former band member Bizzy Bone left the group, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony left Ruthless Records and began a search for a new home. In May of 2006, Bone inked a deal with Interscope through Swizz Beatz's Full Surface Records. The new album is called "Strength And Loyalty" and is set to be released on May 8, 2007. Bone 4 LifeIn September 2005, DJ U-Neek released an internet-only enhanced CD titled Bone 4 Life, featuring six new tracks produced by DJ U-Neek and a behind the scenes video. It was only available to order for a week. Thug StoriesThug Stories, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony sixth album, was recorded by Koch Records and released in September 2006. It marked the first time Bone recorded as a trio for a full album, as troubled former member Bizzy Bone was finally ousted. This album was the group's first full-release since 2002's Thug World Order, and will be followed up shortly by an album on Swizz Beatz's Full Surface Records, tentatively titled Strength and Loyalty. Thug Stories sold 38,000 in the first week, and peaked on #25 in the Billboard 200.Thug Stories Featured a slightly matured style with this LP, the group leaned more heavily towards its harmonic roots than its "thug" origins. Strength and LoyaltyBone Thugs new album will be released May 8th, 2007[1] producers include Akon, Jermaine Dupri. Guest appearances include The Game, Mariah Carey, Akon, Twista and Chris Leeper. According to the group they have recorded nearly 100 tracks and are in the process of deciding which tracks will appear on the album. Although producer DJ-Uneek helped to launch the band to stardom, he does not appear on the album. According to the official track list issued by Interscope, imprisoned member Flesh-N-Bone will not be featured on the main track list, even though "Into The Future" (the song in which he is featured in) will be available on certain editions of the album in the form of a bonus track (three versions of the album are rumored to be released, all with the same 14 main tracks, with the variations occuring in the two bonus tracks on each version of the album). A promotional single, "Just Vibe", has been released on the radio in Southern California. Bone Says Bizzy Bone will not be on the album. Also says that this album will be their best ever. Swizz Beatz will produce 1 track "Candy Paint", as the group signed in 2005 to Swizz Beatz' Full Surface Records, and in 2006 to Interscope Records. In March, the single "I Tried" featuring Akon was released. It is currently being played in many radio stations along with "Just Vibe" but "I Tried" is the official single and is also currently charting. As of 2006 to the present, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, especially Krayzie Bone, have continued their strong track record of collaborations and appearances on compilation albums. Krayzie appeared on Duets: The Final Chapter by The Notorious B.I.G, the soundtrack from the Antonio Banderas movie Take the Lead and on DJ Khaled's new album Listennn... The Album (all of these appearances were credited as Bone Thugs-N-Harmony on the track listings to show the loyalty of the group). Bone Thugs appeared with Lil Eazy-E on the soundtrack to The Game's debut acting movie Waist Deep, and on The Source Presents Fat Tape Vol. 1. The most successful was Krayzie Bone's appearance on Chamillionaire's #1 single Ridin'. Krayzie Bone is featured on the new 2Pac album Pac's Life on the song "Untouchable (Swizz Beatz Remix)," credited as Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.Bone's new video "I tried" was launched March 7, 2007.[1] Upcoming FilmBone Thugs-N-Harmony are preparing for a movie they will be shooting, entitled "I tried" it follows the events of Layzie, Krayzie and Wish if they have had never met Eazy-e. The movie will feature Tiny Lister, Keyshia Cole and many more. The movie is due out in May. SalesBone claims sales of over 35 million records worldwide. The RIAA has certified sales of 20 million records. Bone has referred to their own sales figures in the following lyrics:
Legacy and CollaborationsPerhaps the group's most important contribution to rap is their speedy, harmonizing flow. While fast rapping has always had a niche in the culture, Bone certainly brought the style to the forefront. Although 1996 was the peak of their popular appeal, Bone still has a fairly large cult following. They are and will be the only artist in history to have collaborated with Big Pun, Notorious B.I.G., Eazy-E, and 2Pac. In 2003, the group toured with the Insane Clown Posse, Tech N9ne, the Kottonmouth Kings and Esham on the Wicked Wonka Tour. Once the tour was completed, a posse cut was recorded titled "Thug Pit". Bone Thugs have collaborated on songs with a plethora of rap artists and musicians. The list includes:
Style & TechniqueKnown mostly for their flow rather than lyricism, Bone's style & technique can be described as melodic yet dark and aggressive. Their flow is often interwoven at a high speed melodic pace or slow harmonic pace. They also tend to ride the beat that they're rapping over. Sometimes there are very few choruses separating their verses from one another. Usually all 4 or 5 members would rap between the choruses in very fast melodic intervals (e.g., tha crossroads, Dayz of our lives, and Everyday thang). In the beginning, circa Faces of Death, Bone used a pseudo-Jamaican Patois delivery with their trademark style, though they rarely do this now. Bone's subject matter has both spiritual and occult undertones. At first, their subject matter was almost always exclusively about violence and smoking marijuana. Today, however, their subject matter includes other topics such as urban socio-political issues.Besides minor changes to subject matter and sound, their lyrical style, locution, and overall methodology remain intact. Trivia
DiscographyUnderground Albums
Studio albums
Upcoming albums
Compilation albums
Singles
Other Singles
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