While many hip-hop fans consider Wu-Tang Clan the seminal hip-hop group of the mid-’90s, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony was a close second with millions of albums sold and a Grammy for the anthemic “Tha Crossroads.” Discovered by late N.W.A. member Eazy-E, the Cleveland natives popularized the Midwest’s rapid-flow style over bouncing beats and used seamlessly blended harmonies and melodic hooks to catch the attention of listeners worldwide.
But the group’s latest album, Strength and Loyalty – released on super-producer Swizz Beatz’s Full Surface Records – features only three of the original four Bone members: Krayzie Bone, who was featured on Chamillionaire’s chart-topping “Ridin’,” Layzie Bone and Wish Bone.
The group’s high-note provider, Bizzy Bone, is conspicuously absent, and Strength and Loyalty suffers greatly as a result. Instead, with solo R&B artists replacing Bone’s signature harmonies, the album lacks cohesiveness and the classically rugged Bone Thugs sound.
Although songs such as the first single, “I Tried,” and “Never Forget Me,” both of which feature Akon, are catchy and introspective, they do not highlight the group’s best attributes. The group is called Bone Thugs-N-Harmony for a reason. Corny pop songs such as “Lil Love,” which relies on a weak hook sung by Mariah Carey, have neither Bone harmonies nor aggressive lyrics.
“Order My Steps (Dear Lord)” features gospel singer Yolanda Adams but also leaves the listener yearning for some classic Bone crooning. The group members rap about fighting temptations and being spiritual, but they can’t recreate the inspirational passion they delivered on “Tha Crossroads.” And it shows.
Although Strength and Loyalty is a misguided effort for many reasons, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony still manages to churn out some hot songs. The album’s first track, “Flow Motion,” produced by Swizz Beatz, is a high-energy banger, perfect for the group’s rapid and complex rhyme style. The song’s lyrics are not only rhythmic but also witty. Similarly, on “Wind Blow,” the flows are also spontaneous, exciting and definitely enjoyable.
The group’s lyrical prowess is only heightened on the song “Streets,” a track that features the signature layered and distorted production style of the Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am. Tongue-twisting rhymes done in double-time, with lines such as “You is elementary/ I got history lyrically you can’t see/ Physically I bring you misery” that make the song especially entertaining.
“So Good So Right” is another solid cut. Group members discuss the lessons the members have learned over the years, addressing both their fallout with Bizzy Bone and the incarceration of member Flesh-N-Bone.
With nearly 15 years in the rap game, Bone is the only act to collaborate with late greats Biggie, Tupac Shakur, Eazy-E and Big Pun over the years and also touch on those experiences in the track.
And although Strength and Loyalty contains several gems such as “So Good So Right,” the album is neither strong nor loyal to Bone’s classic style. Unfortunately, the album doesn’t meet the high standards Bone Thugs-N-Harmony has set for itself.
Instead, it’s just a letdown from a legendary group that could have done much better.
Contact reporter Joanne Rush at diversions@dbk.umd.edu.
