On this date in 1991, the “Illtown(Irvington)” trio known as Naughty By Nature released their self-titled debut LP on the now-defunct Tommy Boy imprint.
This album, which within a six-month time span went platinum, dropped a series of singles that became instant anthems, making Naughty one of the best hook makers in Hip Hop of that era. Some of those smash singles include the “Uptown Anthem”, which features a rookie Tupac Shakur in the video as a promo for the cult classic flick Juice, the rags-to-riches story of “Everything Is Gonna Be Alright” and the millennial classic gem “O.P.P.”.
Salute to Treach, Vin Rock, and DJ Kay Gee for giving the culture such a classic piece of Hip Hop history!
Treach is a vital member of the iconic hip-hop group Naughty by Nature. He has carved out a distinctive niche in the music industry with his potent lyricism and dynamic stage presence. The rapper is renowned for contributing to the group’s hits and solo work. Treach has been a significant figure in shaping the sound and culture of East Coast hip-hop.
As of 2024, his career in music and acting, alongside various other ventures, has contributed to a net worth of $2 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This figure symbolizes not only his financial success but also his lasting impact on hip-hop.
Career Highlights: A Pillar Of Naughty By Nature & Beyond
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–JULY 10: Hip-Hop group Naughty By Nature. (l to r: Vinny aka Vin Rock, Vincent Brown; DJ Kay Gee aka Keir Lamont Gist; Treach aka Anthony Criss). Appears in a portrait taken on July 10, 1996 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Treach’s rise to prominence was part of Naughty by Nature, known for its catchy hooks and streetwise lyrics. Hits like “O.P.P.” and “Hip Hop Hooray” became anthems of their era and solidified the group’s place in hip-hop history. Beyond Naughty by Nature, Treach’s solo work and collaborations with other artists have showcased his versatility and enduring relevance in the genre. His distinctive flow and ability to weave complex narratives have earned him respect as a skilled lyricist.
Beyond Music: Acting & Entrepreneurship
Treach of Naughty By Nature performs onstage during the 2008 VH1 Hip Hop Honors awards show. At Hammerstein Ballroom on October 2, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/FilmMagic)
In addition to his music career, Treach has ventured into acting, appearing in various films and television shows. His transition to acting has allowed him to showcase his talents in a different artistic medium. It broadened his appeal and demonstrated his versatility as a performer. Treach’s entrepreneurial efforts, including involvement in fashion and other business ventures, reflect his multifaceted interests and insight.
Offstage, Treach’s life encompasses his journey through the highs and lows of fame. This includes his experiences in the music and film industries and his role as a father. His personal relationships, including his marriage and divorce from Pepa of Salt-N-Pepa, have been a part of his public narrative. Treach’s life story, filled with challenges and triumphs, adds depth to his artist and individual persona.
Impact & Legacy: A Respected Voice In Hip-Hop
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 07: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins (C-Left) and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas of girl group “TLC” with (L-R) DJ Kay Gee, Treach and Vin Rock of Hip hop trio “Naughty By Nature” visit SiriusXM Studios on June 7, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
Reflecting on Treach’s $2 million net worth in 2024, his career in hip-hop is a testament to his status as a respected and influential figure in the genre. His contributions to Naughty by Nature and his solo endeavors have garnered financial success and solidified his legacy in the music industry. Treach’s impact extends beyond his discography, as he continues to be celebrated for his authentic representation of hip-hop culture and influence on future generations of artists.
If you’re a younger reader, you may not know of all the greatness behind Naughty By Nature, the ’90s hip-hop trio behind the classic hit “O.P.P.” and many more. Fortunately, its leading MC Treach recently appeared on Drink Champs to provide some of this context and history. Moreover, he told N.O.R.E., DJ EFN, and the rest of the crew about his career history, his influence in the game, and his many collabs and friendships across the East and West Coasts, whether it’s with Biggie Smalls or with Tupac. Of course, they also had time to address wild tour stories, aliens, and other fun topics.
Even though he might not be the biggest household name these days, the New Jersey native holds a lot of respect within hip-hop. Whether it’s through his work with other legends or his presence and knowledge in the culture, he has quite the impressive resumé. Sure, there are also the parts of this story that fall more into the gossip side of things, especially with recent revelations. For example, Will Smith was scared to go on a date with Pepa because she and Treach were on a break at the time. Needless to say, the actor didn’t really want that smoke with him, both out of respect and fear for his life.
While that story paints the “5 Deadly Venomz” rapper in more of an aggressive light, there’s clearly been a lot of growth since then. He’s ventured into other businesses and endeavors, mentored rising artists, and is always down to talk for the culture. That’s not to say that Treach has completely abandoned the game, though, even if it’s not as prolific of a run as before. In addition to various singles, he reached out to Eminem to work with him for his first solo album.
Meanwhile, stories of the 52-year-old’s lyrical prowess and dominance are still the stuff of legend. Through this conversation, you’ll be able to peel back those layers and reveal the mind and soul behind all the fame and success. It’s nice to see him receive his flowers after all this time. For more news and the latest updates on Treach and Drink Champs, stay up to date on HNHH.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, Champion, the renowned athletic apparel brand with a legacy dating back to 1919, is releasing not one but two exclusive capsule collections inspired by iconic rap groups – Beastie Boys and Naughty By Nature.
“Hello Nasty,” the Beastie Boys’ fifth studio album, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and earned Grammy Awards, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Champion’s collection pays homage to this milestone, featuring iconic imagery from the group’s videos and album artwork in classic Champion silhouettes.
In addition to the Beastie Boys collection, Champion also launched a capsule paying tribute to Naughty By Nature, featuring the original logo from their 1991 self-titled album. This collection includes Reverse Weave hoodies and short-sleeve tees, allowing fans to celebrate the legacy of Hip Hop.
These limited collections serve as a tribute to the heritage, history, and lasting influence of rap icons and will be exclusively available at Champion Heritage stores nationwide and on Champion.com while supplies last.
The highly anticipated posthumous album LONG LIVE COOLIO continues to honor the legendary rapper as the estate, alongside 1 Pic Entertainment and Strategic Media Entertainment/Intercept Music, releases the album’s second single on major streaming platforms. Titled “A Star Is Born,” the track showcases Coolio’s journey to fame, accompanied by the distinct vocal contributions of Treach from Naughty by Nature, MC Shan, and DJ Wino, who had a long-standing collaboration with Coolio.
To complement the release, a captivating music video for “A Star Is Born” has been unveiled, directed by Ken Francis and Niknotti. The video not only features appearances from Treach, MC Shan, and DJ Wino but also includes behind-the-scenes photos and videos that pay tribute to Coolio’s enduring legacy.
“It takes time for a star to develop and shine,” said DJ Wino. “Coolio was known for his hairstyle and rhymes, Coolio’s star will continue to shine until the end of time.”
Treach added, “Coolio’s music transcends time and space, his unique style and sound has left an indelible mark on hip-hop. He’s a true pioneer and a legend in his own right.”
LONG LIVE COOLIO serves as a testament to the rapper’s influence and impact on the West Coast-inspired sound, ensuring that his music and artistic contributions continue to resonate with fans and new listeners alike.
We’re looking back on the influential album that is Naughty By Nature’s Poverty’s Paradise. Like many other uprooted rap groups from the ’80s to ’90s, Naughty By Nature first fell in love with the hip-hop subculture through the bustling streets of New York. Treach, Vin Rock, and DJ KayGee were scanning the streets of New Jersey for graffiti art, fully immersed in the ground roots of the genre.
The trio of Naughty By Nature lived in East Orange, New Jersey. With the three of them within three blocks of each other, they came together through a creative uprising of breakdancing, beat-making, and DJing. Dubbed The New Style at the time, they began performing at local talent shows in the New Jersey area. After seeing success in this setting, they decided to start recording music with a serious intent to turn the passion into a career.
DJ KayGee recalls watching hip-hop icon Grandmaster Flash in the movie Wild Style as a wild teenager, which inspired him to immerse himself in that world fully. Vin Rock grew up in a musically inclined family, growing up to hear his brother’s booming drum machine. Regarding his brother, he told High Times, “He’d play Heat Wave, Kool & The Gang, Con Funk Shun on the record player and then would try and drum exactly how the drummers were drumming on the records. He’d get frustrated and kick and throw his drums all over the place because he couldn’t get it exactly right.”
Naughty By Nature Balances Funk With Introspection
By 1991, their self-titled Naughty By Nature was flying off of the shelves off of hit single “O.P.P.” The trio actually signed to Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit back in 1989; however, the failing record label struggled to get their album out into the public eye. Either way, “O.P.P” set Naughty By Nature on the road to success. Sampling The Jackson 5, they brought a newfound aesthetic to the hip-hop game.
While Naughty By Nature had an inherent knack for melodic pop hooks, they managed to stay tied to their street image that they grew up in. Vin told HipHopDX in 2008, “It’s just a perfect balance. When you put different people together, I guess that collective input equates to one. You get the merge. It is a mixture, and we have been able to ride that fine line between street and Pop.”
However, from the outside, fans would’ve thought that Naughty By Nature was facing a fair bit of pressure heading into 1995’s Poverty’s Paradise. Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Notorious B.I.G, and 2Pac were causing a stir in the hip-hop community with their respective records. The New Jersey hip-hop heads would need a stand-out project to remain relevant in an increasingly saturated rap scene. While Poverty’s Paradise isn’t exactly a consistent classic from front to back, the 62-minute experience had more than enough highlights to solidify it as an iconic hip-hop album. In addition, Naughty By Nature really wasn’t responding to the unceasing beefs throughout hip-hop. Instead, they remained entrenched in the New Jersey community, both sonically and narratively.
Poverty’s Paradise Won Naughty By Nature’s Sole Grammy
By the time Naughty By Nature’s Poverty’s Paradise rolled around, the trio was already a global force. 19NaughtyIII‘s “Hip Hop Hooray” would become their second hit track. However, the group was also amounting an emotive collection of deep cuts. Once the fame arrived, they pivoted to showcasing their respective abilities to rap about their personal narratives in an unparalleled manner. Poverty’s Paradise saw Naughty By Nature capture street life’s toxic and chaotic traits. This was especially notable on “Craziest,” where the three marvel at the disorderly world around them. The trio wanted to instill a gritty message even if their fans had become accustomed to dance-inducing street anthems.
Of course, this isn’t to say that 1995’s Poverty’s Paradise is exclusively grim or foreboding. At its core, Naughty By Nature was always about inducing joy into their audience. Growing up in the party-driven hip-hop scene of New Jersey, that DNA would always remain in their sound. “Feel Me Flow,” a groovy take on Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up,” peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard 100 Charts. With their fourth studio album, Naughty By Nature proved they could succeed in any pocket of hip-hop. Whether curating party-driven records or diving into a world of intimate storytelling, the group’s diverse backgrounds manifested into an unpredictable sound. The result? Their first and only Grammy, winning the 1996 award for Best Rap Album.
Video network Vevo teamed up with Public Enemy’s Chuck D to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop. There will be programming including “Legends In Concert,” “Hip-Hop International,” “2K Hip-Hop Legends,” and more. The world’s leading video network will also collaborate with a hefty, yet, impressive list of hip-hop artists with appearances throughout 2023 from legends such […]
On this date in 1991, Paramount Pictures presented the highly anticipated soundtrack to the hood flick Juice, which starred a still rising rap star by the name of Tupac Shakur, who plays a crooked criminal from Uptown by the name of “Bishop”.
His co-star, Omar Epps (Higher Learning, In Too Deep), plays a local DJ with industry potential named “GQ”, alongside Jermaine “Huggy” Hopkins(Lean On Me) and Khalil Kain, who all form a loosely knit crew of truants who are headed in the wrong direction.
This movie was very instrumental in bringing Hip Hop artists onto the silver screen, with cameo appearances from Treach of Naughty By Nature, Queen Latifah, EPMD’s DJ Scratch and Special Ed. Juice also helped to introduce the soundtrack as a way to market movies for larger budgets.
The soundtrack to this monumental movie included hits from the likes of Eric B. and Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, Teddy Riley and the “Uptown Anthem” by the legendary Naughty By Nature. The soundtrack was a success, making it to #17 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the Top R&B Albums.
