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!
In his exclusive interview with The Art Of Dialogue, Naughty By Nature front man Treach spoke about the brawl that he and 2Pac were involved in at a comedy club in Los Angeles, which ultimately led to the Crips putting the “green light” on him and ‘Pac following the melee.
Back in the mid-90s, Treach says that an brawl between the Rollin 60s Crips and the Bloods broke out at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles the week before they were in attendance, but suggested that the Crips came back the following week to exact revenge; the same night that he and ‘Pac were in attendance.
“They came in and just started picking up chairs and bottles. We heard the commotion in the back. Before we got a chance to look back, bow! I got hit in the head with a chair,” he remembered.
“That’s when I walked around with the big chain, so I took that shit off immediately. ‘Pac and everybody that was with us picked up bottles and chairs, and there was just an all-out brawl. So we ended up fighting our way outta there.”
Treach says that despite escaping with their lives, there were still repercussions for their actions at the Comedy Store. “It was so real we actually had gotten green lit by the 60s. A green light is like on sight, n-ggas is gonna roll on you and handle business — it’s a hit,” he said. “So I had to get up with my family that was out there … We sat down in Compton and basically let it be known we ain’t disrespected the gang, we was just doing what we had to do to get up outta there. So they took the green light off and the rest is 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.
Hip Hop is celebrating its 50th anniversary and our pioneers who paved the way for the beautiful art that we call Hip Hop are still flourishing and paying homage to their peers. It is also April, the month where one of our late and great legends Biz Markie was born.
Rapper Treach of Naughty By Nature paid a visit to one of Brooklyn’s most sought after celebrity tattooist and Black Ink cast member—Spyder at Black Ink Tattoo Studio in Brooklyn. Treach commissioned Spyder to ink a mini portrait in honor of his rap brethren Biz Markie on his chest.
The tattoo idea came in preparation for filming Spyders new Podcast “Ink + Out”, which captures Spyder tattooing his guests while interviewing them about their experiences. In this episode, Treach shares stories about his come up in the industry, his relationship with Tupac, Biz and more. See video above for clip.
Spyder isn’t just a dope tattooist, he also has a background in audio engineering who has worked with French Montana, Nikki Minaj, Ying Yang Twins, Stack Bundles, Math Hoffa, Murda Mook and more.
Treach left the famous tattoo shop with an intricately detailed tribute of Biz Markie on the right side of his chest. To check out Treach’ tatt head to the Ink + Out Instagram page. To checkout more Ink + Out Podcast you can find it on YouTube HERE. To catch up with Spyder head to his IG page @inkbyspyder.
New Jack City will be revived on stages around the nation by theatrical hitmaker Je’Caryous Johnson thirty years after its initial debut.
The Met in Philadelphia will host the world premiere of Johnson’s traveling stage version of the Warner Bros. cult favorite on Nov. 4. Johnson wrote, directed, and produced the stage edition, which is presented by Je’Caryous Johnson Entertainment. During its run, the play will make visits to a number of cities, including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Detroit, Charlotte, North Carolina, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Texas, and Los Angeles, California. Up until the spring of 2023, more cities are expected to be added.
The cast of Johnson’s NEW JACK CITY LIVE includes critically acclaimed actor Allen Payne, who will reprise his role as “Gee Money,” legendary rapper “Treach,” who will be “Nino Brown,” legendary rapper “Big Daddy Kane,” who plays “Stone,” and actor Flex Alexander, who will take on the role of “Pookie.”
While experiencing classic theater storytelling through the culturally astute lens of Je’Caryous Johnson, NEW JACK CITY LIVE will give audiences across the nation the opportunity to relive all their favorite, intense, heart-pounding moments from the blockbuster movie.
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!
