|
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - Strength & LoyaltyAlbum Review by:
Jason Fleurant
Monday, April 23, 2007
 In the early 90’s five men from Cleveland took destiny into their own hands. Catching a greyhound bus to hunt down the now decease (R.I.P.) N.W.A. legend Easy-E to impress him with a revolutionary style. A style in which they impressed him well either that he signed them to is label (Ruthless Records). The Ohio legends took the world by storm in the nineties, delivering hit after hit with the harmonious fast flow. Now after some rocky times that’s seen there click of five drop to three the Temptations of Rap are back with the help of Hip-Hop top notch producer Swizz Beats.
Swizz the Monster wastes no time supplying Bone with a street heater custom made for stuntin’ in your whip on “Bumps In The Truck”. Over the smashing high hats the signature speed flow shines as the Trio smooth sail over the beat, Krazie sporting a slower flow at the start spits “We back with a vengeance/ cuz rap took a strippin’ with out us/ let’s be honest/ this industry is now overcrowded with garbage/ ni**a your time’s up/ go back to practice amateur night, and sign up/” ridiculing the emergence of whack rappers before speeding up the flow. Supplied with a electric guitar sample that gives listeners an country feel on “Wind Blows“. The picture you get is that of the Bone boys riding through an long wining road reminiscing on their past. They tag team the track each spitting something like 8 bars before the hook returns to amplify the vibe, talking about the struggle to get on and how everything changed when they won a Grammy.
The one time foes now friends collaborate for a hi-speed blazer when Twista guests on “C-Town”. A ode to Cleveland and Chicago, the furious flows never lack lyrical prowess. Krazie Bones melodic hook is what slows things down as the MC’s smash. “we got pimps, dope, pushers and petty thieves/ crooked ass cops won’t let me breathe/ but my love for the city won’t let me leave/ what they expect of me?/ they want the best from me/ they gone get it” Lazy rhymes suavely painting the reason he reps his home so strongly. Speaking of guest appearances, the more than likely second single “Lil L.O.V.E” has classic Bone written all over it. Featuring the horsy yet some how still silky Mariah Carey vocals and J.D. fresh instrumental, Bone Thugs spit about trying not to neglect their special ladies while in purist of their dreams. Even Bow Wow’s ghostwriter offers a nice sixteen, the only one that seem to not really make this song a hit is Wish Bone’s Nellyish flow.
This is an all the way through hot album, yet what makes it so special is when they travel down a more introspective, personal songs road. The originators of the singy/rap style show why they where so hot when they came out with songs like “Sound The Same” and “So Good, So Right”. Reflecting on street life, and how things fell apart but got back on track on the later track . You hear Lazy speaking of the lost of Bizzy from the group and shouting out Fleshy Bone who is currently locked down. The Akon assisted single “I Tried” is a perfect example of Bone willing to go out of the Box the industry wants rappers to be in to offer that real good uplifting music. Quiet possibly the standout track on the album is the powerful sample of “Order My Steps (Dear Lord)”. Featuring the soul stirring ad libs of gospel superstar Yolanda Adams the trio make there compelling inspirational track for the people to keep it moving and keep your faith in God. Something that has been lacking lately in Hip-Hop is the religious element in which Bone explores over the track. “What your seeing in the news has already been written in the bible/ but ain’t nobody taking the time to figure out/ that beginning to read the scriptures could be key to your survival/ and I don’t wanna die, no never/ I wanna live forever, and immortal life better/ so when Armageddon really come true, what you gone do?” Krazie Bone cautions the listeners.
It’s well known if you know me that I am not the biggest Akon fan in the world. With that said I’d be lying my ass off if I didn’t admit the fire he supplied on “I Tried” and the albums powerful closer “Never Forget Me”. Where over the triumphant trumpets roars the gang lets it be known that they are legends and want the world to never forget their achievements/ struggles. Their Full Surface debut is definitely a great effort. For any Bone fan this album seems to be dedicated to you, not sacrificing for radio spins and platinum plaques. Bone Thugs - N- Harmony provide that classic Bone feel that is heighten by over the top notch production. You can’t help but to miss the presence of Bizzy and Flesh, but the remaining three warriors hold it down hard for the legacy. Some where Eazy-E is smiling at his proteges.
 ( 90) Comments | Post a comment »
|
|
