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.
Me Killa
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Krazie)
Killa
(All Bone)
Me killa, mi killa
Drug dealer, scandalous nigga
Come again me say, me killa, me killa, me killa
Gravedigger, scandalous nigga
Lous nigga, -lous nigga, -lous nigga.
Caught ya slippin' so I had to put a slug up in your chest
Should've wore that vest
Talkin' shit'll only get that ass put to rest
A nigga, come, come flex
Hey, get the llello, don't fuck with the Bone
When I'm hangin' and bangin' and slangin'
Swangin' blows to the dome
Nigga, watch that chrome
Bodybag that ass on, home
Me killa, me killa, me killa
The lyrics to Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's song "Me Killa" are quite straightforward and explicit. The song is about a drug dealer and a violent gang member who refer to themselves as a killer. The repeating phrase of "me killa" is a boastful statement of their ability to take someone's life. The lyrics describe their willingness to use violence against someone who disrespects them or gets in their way. They use guns and drugs to enforce their power and control over their community. The lyrics also suggest that they have no remorse for their actions, and they pride themselves on the fear they strike in others.
The song's tone and lyrics are reflective of the street life and gang culture that the group grew up in. It speaks to the challenges and desperation of those who live in poverty and the violence that often comes with it. The lyrics are raw, gritty, and unflinching in their depiction of violence and murder. This song serves as a kind of warning or intimidation tactic to others who might cross them, thereby ensuring their continued dominance in their community.
Line by Line Meaning
Doom, doom, doom, doom, doom
Repeated ominous sounds symbolizing impending danger or death.
Killa
Acknowledgement of the singer's killer nature.
Me killa, mi killa
The singer is a killer, and will kill without hesitation or remorse.
Drug dealer, scandalous nigga
The artist is involved in the drug trade and has a shady reputation.
Lous nigga, -lous nigga
The artist is a dangerous person to cross, who shows no mercy.
Come again me say, me killa, me killa, me killa
A repetition affirming the singer's deadly nature.
Gravedigger, scandalous nigga
The singer is willing to commit brutal acts, and has a bad reputation.
Lous nigga, -lous nigga, -lous nigga.
The artist's dangerous nature is emphasized once again.
Caught ya slippin' so I had to put a slug up in your chest
The artist has killed someone who let their guard down.
Should've wore that vest
The victim could have saved their life by taking precautions.
Talkin' shit'll only get that ass put to rest
Provoking the singer will only result in their death.
A nigga, come, come flex
The artist is not afraid of confrontation, and will fight back if challenged.
Hey, get the llello, don't fuck with the Bone
The singer is affiliated with a group that should not be crossed, and is involved in drug activity.
When I'm hangin' and bangin' and slangin'
The singer is heavily involved in violent crime and drug dealing.
Swangin' blows to the dome
The singer is capable of inflicting serious harm on their enemies.
Nigga, watch that chrome
An admonition to be aware of the artist's gun, as they are willing to use it.
Bodybag that ass on, home
The artist is confident in their ability to kill and dispose of their enemies.
Me killa, me killa, me killa
A repetition affirming the singer's deadly nature one final time.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Royalty Network
Written by: ANTHONY HENDERSON, BRYON MCCANE, CHARLES SCRUGGS, STEVEN HOWSE, TIM MIDDLETON, Unknown Splits
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
uv6o7
One of the most slept on BTNH songs, I jam to this
Feel.s
That's cuz it's 55 seconds
michaelajean420
Shit is sooo hard . i groove to this shit. Killed it
oliverrando
Is just like an interlude
Persephone Sin
I always come back to this song sometimes, itโs short, but words are everything ^_^
Sega Gentleman#TBAS
Even as a kid I appreciated how beautiful this was
BoldasLove13
I would have loved to see this song performed live!!!!!
Catch These Shanahands๐๐พ
This is still ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅtil this day!!!
Nathaniel Farley
my favorite on this album, I wish this style would have caught on
MIKE HONCHO
where the fuck have you been...??