Perhaps the group's most important contribution to rap is their speedy, harmonizing flow. While fast rapping has always had a niche in the culture, Bone certainly brought the style to the forefront. In addition, the group's ability to harmonize whilst flowing at top speeds is truly remarkable. Not before nor since has a rapper or rap group sung an a cappella tune without loss of street cred.
Their albums have varied in subject material, with 1994's Creepin on Ah Come Up being heavily influenced by the G-Funk gangsta rap era. E. 1999 Eternal, the group's most successful album, focused primarily on violent criminal activity, but also showed Bone exploring themes of spirituality, and the introduction of the group's trademark "weed songs"-- songs devoted entirely to smoking weed. The group's 1997 album, the Art of War, saw Bone further explore a wide variety of subjects and styles, with even more focus on God and family and an overall more ambient, mellow sound. The group still found time for violent lyrics, though, with a large portion of the album dedicated to what they labeled "clones" who claimed Bone had stolen their quick-tongued rapping style and vice-versa. 2002's Thug World Order album saw a drastic change in subject matter and tone for the group. The lyrics were almost completely void of any violence.
Although 1996 was definitely the peak of their popular appeal, Bone still has a fairly large cult following. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony are the only rap artists ever to have collaborated with late rappers Eazy-E, 2Pac, Big Punisher and The Notorious B.I.G.. Their latest release, Thug Stories, was released September 19, 2006.
Bone Thugs released their new album Strength and Loyalty on May 8, 2007 with production by Swizz Beatz, Kanye West, Lil' Jon, Three 6 Mafia, Big Boi of Outkast, Play-N-Skillz, Jermaine Dupri, Timbaland and Dr. Dre. It will be featuring guest appearances by Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Rowland, The Game, Lil Eazy-E ,Mariah Carey, Akon, Chamillionaire, Twista, Busta Rhymes, Stevie Wonder, Eve, Cassidy, Lil' Recka and DMX. According to the group they have recorded nearly 70 tracks and are in the process of deciding which tracks will appear on the album. Although producer DJ-Uneek helped to launch the band to stardom, he does not appear on the album; rather, handling the majority of the producton is Chicago native LT Hutton, with whom the band has worked on prior recordings. According to Bone, the album will feature all-new vocals from imprisoned member Flesh-N-Bone.
The first single, "Just Vibe", has been released on the radio in Southern California. Bizzy Bone will not be on the album. Bone says that this album will be their best ever. Swizz Beatz will handle most of the production, as the group signed in 2005 to Swizz Beatz' Full Surface Records, and in 2006 to Interscope Records.
As of 2006 to the present, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, especially Krayzie Bone, have continued their strong track record of collaborations and appearances on compilation albums. Krayzie appeare d on Duets: The Final Chapter by The Notorious B.I.G, the soundtrack from the Antonio Banderas movie Take the Lead and on DJ Khaled's new album Listennn... The Album (all of these appearances were credited as Bone Thugs-N-Harmony on the track listings to show the loyalty of the group). Bone Thugs appeared with Lil Eazy-E on the soundtrack to The Game's debut acting movie Waist Deep, and on The Source Presents Fat Tape Vol. 1. The most successful was Krayzie Bone's appearance on Chamillionaire's #1 single Ridin'. Krayzie Bone is featured on the new 2Pac album Pac's Life on the song "Untouchable (Swizz Beatz Remix)," credited as Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
Can't Take It
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
There's always something you got to give up (Yeah, I know)
If you want everything you want (But shit I don't know, I don't know)
[Krayzie Bone]
My life is a jungle, I struggle hustle Monday through Sunday
They tell me the world is mine but shit I don't want it, who want it?
How could it be mine and I'm still hungry, still hungry
But I predicted this ending, back in the day
Cause I had visions of bad decisions knew niggas would go astray
Although we pray and we pray and we pray
We do but still want to make the loot
No more united, divided we fall, nigga and hard
We all dealt fucked up cards but don't complain;
Just play the hand that you was dealt
You play 'em right you prevail, you play 'em wrong then you fail
It ain't hard to tell, when you been headed for self destruction
Cause I, could look at the piece of the puzzle
It ain't no love involved, everything we was dissolved
We all hard as one, but together we raw
And there ain't a nigga that can fuck wit that
We split up, we tied up, my nigga whats up with that
Letting the devil get in, to the pen
Devils pretending to be friends
We was taken by that snake in the grass
Should of stuck the nigga fast
Yeah, that motherfucking snake in the grass
We dropped our guards and he got inside us like a virus
Now our family reunion done turned into a family crisis
[Chorus: Bizzy Bone]
[Bizzy Bone]
I was never on some solo shit
Always down to roll and blow a head off
He dead off and don't know me, don't tell me you love me
When I was lonely and my daddy died
All of my niggas came to the church
And thanks for coming, I'm still stressed out over the death
When I take my breath and puff my cigarette
I think the world is just collapsing
But I'm still rapping get it all off my chest
So I came back to the action
When the bird was flying, low, and laughing
Family bashing 'til it just happened
Then Wally passed, and he asked me, "Wasn't it tragic?"
Louie asking me if he'll ever come back so hard
We tell the truth, no use in beating around the bush
Baby I'm sorry.. it's all in the game
Throwing up blood, fuck it Layz'
Let's sign our life away
[Wish Bone]
Now see me? I ain't giving up a motherfucking thing
It's hard to come by, and I ain't no bitch nigga
Shit been in some robberies and walk-bys
And you don't want that, neither do I
But I will, I will, cause I'm a hustler, hustler
High 'til I die, I'm goin' get mine
Even if it mean murder, getting caught, fuck it let me fry
Know it's hectic, niggas start shit nowadays..
But I'm a hustler just like you, don't bring that shit my way
[Chorus: x4]
[Layzie Bone]
Hell no I'll be thugged out nigga, turned out nigga
Running with niggas that's killers,
The realest that be shermed out nigga
Spitting my prophecy ain't no stopping me
I'm coming through with the motherfucking shotty
I really don't want to hurt nobody, just kill off Illuminati
Fuck the D-E-A and the F-B-I
I-R-S can kiss my ass, U-C-P-D, F-C-C
Y'all better quit too 'fore a nigga come blast you
Blast you "Hit 'Em Up" like 'Pac did
Take 'em hostage, terrorize and torture
Your ghetto resource'll be pay back, pay back
Little Lay that, young nigga with scrilla
And bitch I thought you knew
You got a beam on me? I got a beam on you
You fuck wit me? I'ma fuck wit you
Beeitch! Like it always be
Y'all bitches gon' have to kill me, feel me!
You gon' have to pop me, to even try to stop me from grinding
I'm leaving you blinded by the size of Mo Thugs 'til you find us
All the nigga know what the hood like
In the streets gotta get that good life
Selling that yea up under the street light
It's the hood life, don't fight
A nigga want out but just can't get out,
So I guess I gots to face it
All them dreams of having big things, I'm still gon' chase it
[Chorus: x4]
[Flesh-N-Bone]
Here they come, wait can I barktalk Bone, jumping it feeling
Better now, better hit 'em with the future shot
But feeling like Pac, that's what the guy thought
But this shit don't stop, I send much love to the pop
Dropping this shit today, we kicking this thug music
Better love us, so when I love smoking buds on the bus
See we gone sells out that'll make you lust
My nigga don't play too close, my thugs in heaven and shit
My niggas'll pop with the pistols, and snap out the holsters
And cover a snitch all wet
Why the fuck could not he write me S-E-T for the second sincerely
We bagging 'em up rolling niggas and throwing 'em in the wasteland
Soldier, told ya nigga we gone have our time
Like daughters in heaven don't tell him, on his knee
He's fell, he better hope he don't fall victim
Niggas pick up another, then they run
But I'm through with the body bitch ah
But when they want it, yea he just in the business
Flesh giving you pain or pleasure, whatever you want I'ma bring
Young, but them package you'll be impressed
[Repeats]
If it was something you can't give up
Yea I know (Would ya give it up)
To get everything you want
But shit I don't know I don't know (I can feel the pump)
The lyrics of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's song "Can't Take It" are a reflection on the struggles and hardships of life. The song explores themes of longing, hunger, and the desire for success while acknowledging the obstacles and challenges that can impede one's path. The chorus highlights the idea that in order to attain everything one wants, sacrifices must be made. However, the singer expresses uncertainty about whether they are willing to give up certain things.
Krayzie Bone's verse delves into the complexities of life, comparing it to a jungle where one must constantly struggle and hustle. Despite being told that the world is theirs for the taking, there is a sense of dissatisfaction and hunger that persists. The singer acknowledges that bad decisions and the influence of negative forces have led to a breakdown in unity. The song confronts the betrayal and division that has torn apart the close-knit collective, metaphorically represented as a family. The devil is portrayed as infiltrating their circle, leading to a crisis.
Bizzy Bone's verse reveals personal pain, expressing the love and support received during his father's funeral. Yet, he remains burdened by stress and the feeling of the world collapsing around him. He returns to the music industry as a means of catharsis, attempting to release his emotions by sharing his experiences through rap. The verse references tragic events that have affected the group, such as the passing of Wally, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of life.
Wish Bone's verse asserts his determination and hustle, stating that he is unwilling to give up anything. He acknowledges the violent nature of his surroundings but makes it clear that he is ready to defend himself. The focus is on his resilience and determination to succeed no matter the circumstances.
Layzie Bone's verse represents a defiance and rebellion against authority, particularly targeting various institutions. The verse alludes to his involvement with criminal activities and his desire to take on the Illuminati and other powerful organizations. Layzie Bone's words reflect a sense of frustration with the system and his willingness to confront it head-on.
Flesh-N-Bone's verse maintains the hard-hitting tone of the song, with references to the late rapper Tupac Shakur. The lyrics touch on themes of loyalty, vengeance, and the struggles faced by those living in the streets. Flesh-N-Bone expresses a sense of determination to succeed and make an impact, urging listeners to appreciate their music.
Overall, the lyrics of "Can't Take It" convey a deep sense of frustration, longing, and resilience in the face of adversity. The song serves as an introspective exploration of the struggles and sacrifices involved in pursuing success and maintaining unity amidst a challenging environment.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FLESH-N-BONE, ANTHONY HENDERSON, L.T. HUTTON, CHARLES SCRUGGS, BRYON MCCANE, STEVEN HOWSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
slappntickle
Wow why is their cuts always so incredible. They could put out the best album ever just from album cuts.
Tommie James
This is a perfect song for people who are "Going Through It"
StarSystemStudios
song should have 115 million views... shame that only a few of us know true music.
So King'd Up
I love these guys they better stay a group or I'll be heatrbroken
Sabrinah Braswell
Man, I really love this song. Bone Thugs are legends 4real and I wish that people would stop hating on Bone Thugs. Also, they keep it a 100 no matter what. Continue on making great music
cesar69601
They been my favorite rap group all my life
Carlos Carmona
Love their spiritual side.
Tylar Lavallee
Why Does Every One Dislike UNI-5 If You Are A Real Bone Fan You Will Understand Why They Made This Album But Every One Has Their Own Opinion Real Recognize Real I'll See You Soon Bone I Am The Worlds Enemy
Raushaun Rigsby
Because most are not a part of God's army, this is the greatest album they've ever made because it is the most spiritual album.
stickygreen366
All albums are fire if you listen to what they say been a btnh fan since '94