As of today, an intersection formerly known as East 99th Street and St. Clair Avenue has a new name. The street is officially dedicated to one of the most beloved musical projects to ever come from Cleveland. “Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Way” was officially minted as a new street in Cleveland today. Additionally video made its way to social media of the official declaration and celebration that followed. In the clip they also show the brand new street sign as dozens have gathered around to watch the unveiling. Check out the video on Instagram below.
In the comments under the post fans pour out love explicitly for the rap group. “Top 5 Hip Hop Groups of All Time! Argue with ya mama,” reads one of the top comments. “This is a very dope moment for them. True Hip Hop legends and trailblazers. Great to see that they’re all still alive to actually enjoy this moment properly,” another comment agrees. The plan to rename the street was first announced back in late June and it didn’t take long to be put into action.
Recently, Bone Thugs member Bizzy Bone shut down any rumors that he had beef with the group. Surprisingly, he posted an Instagram clip of a new music video from Krayzie Bones with a caption that clarified everything. “Normalize supporting the ones you came up with,” Bizzy wrote in the caption. “Nowadays no made-up drama nor immaturity can change camaraderie, love and friendship. Literally there are no problems with us. You get us in the room together it uh be like the telly tubbies in onesies.”
The beef was originally sparked by Bizzy not being included in recent Bone Thugs tours. Subsequently, after starting the beef himself he walked back on his original comments. In an updated post he claimed that they were just generating publicity for his new album and he joined Bone Thugs on tour shortly after. What do you think of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony having a street named after them in Cleveland? Let us know in the comment section below.
Video footage has surfaced from E. 99th Street and St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio, where melodic Hip Hop quartet Bone Thugs N Harmony was honored with a street naming after the monumental group discovered by N.W.A. founder Eazy-E.
The City of Cleveland held a two-hour ceremony at the now coveted intersection, which has been renamed “Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Way’. The footage above shows Bizzy and Krayzie watch the new sign be unveiled as onlookers cheered.
This is an integral commemoration, being that today(August 11) marks the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop music and shows the expansion of a culture birthed in the South Bronx, which expanded to every city and town in the world.
Layzie Bone is a rap icon who emerged in hip-hop as a part of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. The rapper has enjoyed decades in the industry, and it has helped him define his financial success. However, what does that look like for Layzie in 2023? He has acquired a net worth of $3 million, according to CelebrityNetWorth. Let’s look at how he developed his career and stacked his bank account.
Rhyme & Grind: Layzie Bone’s Early Days
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – SEPTEMBER 28: Steven “Layzie Bone” Howse of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony backstage at Revolution Live on September 28, 2019 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images)
One can trace the genesis of Layzie Bone’s narrative to the vibrant streets of Cleveland, Ohio. The concrete jungle served as his classroom and canvas, molding him into the rap legend we recognize today. The pulsating heart of Cleveland’s music scene and an inherent gift for storytelling formed the bedrock of Layzie’s lyrical style.
When Layzie Bone’s group, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, released their hit single “Thuggish Ruggish Bone,” it wasn’t merely a commercial success but a declaration of their arrival. But it wasn’t just about the group’s success. Layzie’s solo albums, such as It’s Not a Game and The Definition, underscored his ability to shine brightly even when not in the group ensemble.
Backstage Pass: Personal Life & Controversies
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – SEPTEMBER 28: Anthony “Krayzie Bone” Henderson, Charles C. “Wish Bone” Scruggs, Stanley “Flesh-n-Bone” Howse, Steven “Layzie Bone” Howse of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony backstage at Revolution Live on September 28, 2019 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images)
Peeling back the curtain of Layzie Bone’s life reveals a tale spun with strands of personal challenges and public disputes. Notably, a long-standing feud with Migos stirred the pot within the hip-hop community. Yet, his marriage to Felicia Lindsey and the couple’s commitment to their family serve as an oasis of calm in the storm of controversy.
Beat & Bills: Outside Of The Recording Studio
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 20: Layzie Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony performs during 93.5 KDAY Presents 2019 Krush Groove Concert at The Forum on April 20, 2019 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
Layzie Bone’s entrepreneurial ventures have proven he knows how to turn a beat into bills. From Harmony Howse Entertainment, his record label, to his clothing line, Layzie Gear, he has diversified his earnings beyond the mic, significantly contributing to his net worth of $2 million. Amid the whirlwind of fame and fortune, Layzie Bone hasn’t lost sight of the community that shaped him. His charity concerts and active support for Cleveland’s less fortunate have resonated throughout his hometown. His ability to leverage his influence for the greater good makes his wealth more than just a number.
A Rapper’s Riches: Layzie Bone’s Multifaceted Success
The tale of Layzie Bone’s journey is a narrative that weaves through the rhythm-filled streets of Cleveland, chart-topping successes, personal challenges, smart business ventures, and meaningful philanthropy. His path has been punctuated by both beats and bills, earning him a net worth of $2 million. But beyond the figures, his tale reverberates with the message that true wealth lies not just in monetary value but in the richness of one’s character and contributions to society. That, indeed, is the ultimate definition of Layzie Bone’s wealth.
Krayzie Bone is looking to get Bone Thugs-N-Harmony back together in more ways than one. He’s hoping for a reunion of the hip-hop group so that they can make new music. According to former bandmate Layzie Bone, new tracks would be laid down only if Dr. Dre produced those songs. But as far as a reunion concert of sorts, Krayzie seems to be working on that front himself. A Bone Thugs fan asked on Wednesday, July 5th, when the Tiny Desk Concert was happening for the group, to which Krayzie replied, “I’m working on that.”
Tiny Desk Concerts is a show on NPR. It’s a series of videos that showcase live concerts from different music genres. The show is hosted by NPR Music and located at the desk of All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen in Washington, D.C. Tiny Desk offers musicians the chance to come together (or, in Bone Thugs’ case, get back together) to bust out a jam session in a confined space. It’s a fun concept that NPR has been using for awhile. And now Krayzie Bone wants his old squad to turn up to the office/studio for a reunion performance.
Again, all five of the rappers that make up Bone Thugs-N-Harmony — Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone, and Flesh-n-Bone — would come running to the studio if Dre called. But that doesn’t guarantee a reunion any time soon. If they were to book Tiny Desk, it would signal a coming back to form for the group. As Dre told Layzie, all of them individually asking him for a beat is never going to happen. The magic is there only when all five Bone Thugs are present and accounted for.
For fans of the 90s and early 2000s, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony was a staple of the rap game. For Krayzie Bone, it was the best time of his life, something he’s looking to get back with a convergence of all the Bones. Time will tell if they nab a spot on Tiny Desk or if they collaborate once again for new tracks.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is set to receive its own street in their hometown of Cleveland. According to News 5 Cleveland, the intersection of East 99th Street and St. Clair Avernue will be named “Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Way.”
The street renaming is set for August 11, from noon to 2 p.m., resulting from a fans-created petition.
“There’s nothing here that pays homage to that or to the group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony,” said Felicia C. Haney, owner of Beach Street Publicity.
Haney needed 70% of the street to agree via a door-to-door petition. The number was achieved after just two hours in the cold.
On this date in Hip Hop history, Cleveland, Ohio rap quartet Bone Thugs N Harmony dropped their very first EP Creepin’ On Ah Come Up to the world 29 years ago through the Ruthless/Relativity imprint.
Produced primarily by their mentor Eazy-E and N.W.A.’s DJ Yella, Creepin’ showcased the BTNH’s sing-song harmonious rap style, which was unprecedented at the time. The 8-track extended play featured one of their most famous tracks to date, “Thuggish Ruggish Bone” as well as one of their first video offerings, “Foe The Love Of $”. The EP was a commercial success, earning the group a certified 4x certified platinum classic.
Salute to Wish, Bizzy, Krayzie, Layzie, Eazy-E(RIP) ad the entire Ruthless crew who made this a timeless piece of Hip Hop history!
Fat Joe has expressed his deep admiration for The Notorious B.I.G. In a new interview, he said that he listens to at least one song from the late Brooklyn legend every day. The recent interview, which took place with Angie Martinez for Iconic Records, features Fat Joe revealing some interesting tidbits about his past and connection to Biggie. He revealed how he facilitated the collaboration between Biggie and Bone Thugs N Harmony for the track “Notorious Thugs.” Futhermore, he recalled receiving the devastating news of Biggie’s passing. However, he went on to emphasize the impact the iconic rapper had on New York City.
According to Fat Joe, Biggie’s death left a lasting void in the hearts of New Yorkers. He described Biggie as the symbol, the essence, and a beloved figure of the entire city, not just Brooklyn. Joe also admitted that the loss of Biggie continues to evoke a bitter feeling. Still, he says that he finds solace in listening to Biggie’s music. According to Joe, it brings him joy and serves as a reminder of the late rapper’s greatness. “It’s always going to give us a bitter taste. We’re never going to get over it,” Joe said. “Every time I have a good time — if I’m on a yacht, if I’m celebrating life — anytime I want to feel good, I put on Biggie Smalls. I hear a Biggie Smalls song every single day of my life.”
Fat Joe And His Role In Biggie’s Career
This isn’t the first time Fat Joe has shared the story of how he played a role in bringing Biggie and Bone Thugs N Harmony together for the collaboration. In a throwback picture posted on social media, the MC revealed that Biggie personally reached out to him. He allegedly requested the involvement of Bone Thugs N Harmony on a song. The resulting track, “Notorious Thugs,” became an iconic moment in hip-hop history. Steve Lobel, who managed Bone Thugs N Harmony, confirmed Fat Joe’s contribution to the collaboration during an interview in 2015. He stated that Joe played a vital role in connecting the artists.
“Notorious Thugs” is the opening track on the second disc of Biggie’s album Life After Death. “Fat Joe calls me and says ‘[Puff Daddy] is gonna call you. I think Puff had called Fat Joe because he knew I used to work with Fat Joe and we were really tight,” Lobel said of the situation. “I worked with Fat Joe, also Big Pun. Puff called and said, ‘Big’s at the Record Plant he want to do a song with Bone.’ I said ‘Ok, let me round these guys up.’” The rest is history. What do you think of Fat Joe’s opinion on Biggie’s impact? Let us know in the comments below!
In March 2021, Fat Joe told Swizz Beatz and Timbaland that he and the late Notorious B.I.G. “cut about five songs together” for an album before he was murdered on March 9, 1997 at 24 years old. This week, Fat Joe is back with more Biggie-related revelations.
Around the five-minute mark, Fat Joe told Martinez that he was in the studio with Biggie when he made “Hypnotize,” noting, “From 12 to 1, it was 10 Spanish girls. From 1 to 2, 10 Black girls. From 2 to 3, 10 Asian girls. From 3 to 4, 10 Italian girls. I mean, I never seen nothing like this in my life! I’m sitting in the studio like, ‘This is what it’s like to be The B.I.G.!’ … The ladies loved B.I.G.”
Fat Joe later laid out how he linked Biggie with Bone Thugs, whom he’d “clicked up with” as fellow signees to Relativity Records at the time.
“I would go to Cleveland, hang out with them. I would ride with them on their tour. These guys sold 30 million records, so they were selling out stadiums. The stadiums looked like they was gonna collapse. The stadiums would look like it’s bending,” Fat Joe said. “Biggie hit me up and was like, ‘Yo, bro, I’m trying to get in touch with your guys. They don’t wanna do it. They’re ignoring me.’ They didn’t want to do a song with Biggie.”
He continued, “Just for Biggie to think that advanced because New York wasn’t up on Bone Thugs like that. He knew that they was gigantic, and he was like, ‘Yo, I need to do a song with them.’”
Fat Joe explained that Biggie saw him as “the plug” capable of connecting him with Bone Thugs, but Bone Thugs felt a conflict of interest because “they had already been cool with Tupac.”
“They was like, ‘Yo, Joe, we can’t do it. We cool with Tupac.’ And I’m like, ‘Yo, bro, this is B.I.G. You know what it is to do a song with B.I.G.?! And so, I convinced them,” he added.
Martinez pressed for more details, and Fat Joe rightfully took another victory lap:
“I made them go do the song with B.I.G. I don’t know how to explain it to you in any other language. They’ve confirmed. Like, ‘Yo, you gotta go do it. This is my brother.’ And they’re the happiest people in the world to confirm this because they still touring off that record. That record is one of the biggest treasures in hip-hop, and so, they happy they listened to Fat Joe and they did that.”
Fat Joe additionally relayed that Steve Lobel, Bone Thugs’ manager, was the one to inform him of Biggie’s death. Martinez is joined later in the episode by Lobel, Layzie Bone, and Lil Cease.
Watch the full 45-minute Iconic Records episode above.
Emerging with deft artistry in the mid-1990s, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony made their presence felt as they heralded a new rap era. The five friends based out of Cleveland, Ohio, created an indelible impression on fans with their harmonious singing and compelling street stories through their personalities. Consequently, after drawing the attention of Eazy-E, the group signed to Ruthless Records in 1993 and released the EP Creepin’ On Ah Come-up, sparking the greatest Bone Thugs-n-Harmony hits.
However, tragedy struck when Eazy passed away in 1995, yet their music continued to thrive, dominating multiple charts and even earning them a Grammy for Classic E. 1999 Eternal. Not only that, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony changed the expectations for rap stardom in the Midwest and revolutionized the genre for years to come. To this day, Bone Thug’s legacy is remembered in hip-hop culture, confirming their place as one of the most influential acts of the 1990s.
7. “Notorious Thugs” (1997)
Boasting five hours in the studio together, Layzie Bone and Notorious B.I.G delivered the hotly anticipated “Notorious Thugs,” a track featured on the late rapper’s second studio album Life After Death. The song infamously referenced the lingering animosity between Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. and aimed at Three Six Mafia, Do or Die, and Twista via hard-hitting verses from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. In addition to its bold demonstration of Notorious B.I.G.’s mastery of the melodic chopper flow made famous by the Cleveland group, “Notorious Thugs” also highlights the iconic star’s desire to be recognized globally.
6. “Days of Our Livez” (1998)
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s 1998 single “Days of Our Livez” was a remarkable success. Its soundscape, built on the foundations of “Tender Love” by Force MDs and “Making Love in the Rain” by Herb Alpert, evoked an emotive response from fans and critics alike, with its soulful, reflective aura resembling that of the group’s crossover hit “Tha Crossroads.” The track reached admirable heights on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B/Hip Hop Singles and Tracks charts, and No. 37 on the UK Singles Chart. Furthermore, it garnered Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. Undeniably, “Days of Our Livez” is an understated classic and one of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s most iconic hits.
5. “1st of Tha Month” (1995)
The 1995 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony classic “1st of Tha Month” reached No. 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100, garnering their first Top 20 status. For this reason, nominated for a Grammy Award and certified gold by the RIAA, this upbeat track celebrates the arrival of welfare checks in the hood on the first day of each month. All things considered, friends and family come together to revel in their collective good fortune and enjoy a momentary respite from life’s struggles. It’s an uplifting song that serves as a reminder of hope amidst challenging times.
4. “Foe Tha Love of $” (1995)
For the final time, Eazy-E graced a music video with his presence in the song “Foe Tha Love of $” by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. This hustler’s anthem captures all facets of the moneymaking game. Subsequently, it also touches upon its consequences with graphic realism. Its success was widespread, reaching No. 4 on Hot Rap Songs and number 39 on Billboard Hot 100. As an artist who embodied an untainted urban culture, Eazy-E set the tone for many artists to come.
“I Tried” emerges as the uplifting lead single from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s 2007 album Strength & Loyalty. Emphatically featuring soulful vocals from Akon, this anthem brought the group’s story of resilience and commitment to the Billboard Hot 100. It debuted at No. 82 and peaked at a remarkable No. 6 – their highest charting song of the decade. “I Tried” remains an enduring favorite amongst fans, embodying the spirit of perseverance in times of struggle.
2. “Thuggish Ruggish Bone” (1994)
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s debut EP features their iconic single “Thuggish Ruggish Bone,” with special guest vocals from Cleveland artist Shatasha Williams. The song’s title alludes to their wild and rogue “thug” identities. Lyrically, the track is bold and fiery, showcasing Shatasha Williams’s powerful vocals. It saw recognition when included in the True Crime: Streets of L.A. soundtrack. Later Layzie Bone’s second verse was adapted on Mo Thugs Family first album, Family Scriptures. With authoritative energy, this timeless classic remains a landmark piece in hip-hop, displaying the group’s unbridled talent.
1. “The Crossroads” (1996)
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony hits broke genre boundaries 27 years ago, transforming their struggles into a resonating song that captivated many. Capturing the vision Eazy-E saw in them, the group crafted music that would go beyond their Cleveland, Ohio. The group’s signature anthem, “Crossroads,” was a tribute to the beloved Eazy-E following his passing. Crafted initially as “Crossroads” in honor of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s lost friend Wallace, the song skyrocketed in popularity upon its rerelease. It debuted at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. As a result, this iconic hit secured the top spot for eight weeks. The song earned a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by Duo or Group in 1997. It remains a poignant reminder of the legacy left behind by their beloved mentor.
On this day in Hip-Hop history, Notorious B.I.G. released his second album, Life After Death. The double LP was released posthumously by Bad Boy Records. Biggie, who was killed two weeks prior to its release, was nominated for three Grammy’s for this project: Best Rap Album, Best Rap Solo Performance for “Hypnotize” and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Mo Money Mo Problems.”
Featuring artists like 112, Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim, Ma$e, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Too $hort and R. Kelly, along with tracks like “Kick In The Door,” “What’s Beef,” “Notorious Thugs,” “Ten Crack Commandments” and “Sky’s The Limit,” it can be said that Life After Death is one of the greatest rap albums of all time. The album hit #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the US Top R&B/Hip Hop chart. It went diamond (that’s 10,000,000 copies sold) in the United States alone, double platinum in Canada, and platinum in the UK. Life After Death has also made appearances on top music charts across the globe. The album has been ranked by countless publications as one of the top rap and Hip-Hop albums of all time (The Source ranked it as #8 in 2005).
Salute to Diddy and the rest of the Bad Bot family for this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!
