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.
Streets
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Try to play me 'cause I'm rappin', I will break yo' jaw
Catch a nigga in these streets, make you take clothes off
Leave you dead butt-naked, man you fuckin' with a boss
Cross paths with me, I'm in the hood, all in Watts, in the Bronx
In Decatur, all around the devil block, trouble knocks
I'm ready for 'em, niggas they know I'm ready for them
I'm the hardest, I'm a deadly force so I'm heated heavy for it
Meet me in the club, all my niggas get to whoopin ass
Then a nigga sue me, sue me
Nigga 'posed to be thug, nigga 'posed to be streets
Pull yo' skirt down nigga 'cause we smellin yo' pussy
The whole bottom line is you can't fuck with me
Will.i.am the ghetto (you can find it all), Will.i.am the ghetto (in the street)
'Cause I'm a thug by nature, thug by nature
Gotta keep thuggin I'm thuggin, gotta keep thuggin I'm thuggin
If you lookin', fo' me, I'll be, rollin'
You could find me in the streets, you, you could find me in the streets
If you lookin', fo' me, I'll be, rollin'
You could find me in the streets, you, you could find me in the streets
It's the black rag assassin, 44-mag blastin
Black ski mask throwin' shots out a Dodge Magnum
Gangbang forever, put the barrel on the head of the devil
With homicidal intentions, I reign terror
On any clique or squad, you niggas bitch you fraud
I'm a tickin' time-bomb that'll finish the job
Lyrical damager, one-two punch crush you amateurs
Box and watch me execute like Cockton
My flow pipin' hot scorchin', proceed with caution
Murder any MC, your soul is lost when I'm ridin' with them Bone Thugs
Black Glocks and chrome slugs parked on the block with the nose up
Get ready for the face off, Nicolas Cage ain't got shit on a nigga with a fuckin' grenade
One man army, only two things in the world could calm me
Wet pussy and that bomb ass chronic
I'll never back down, never back down
Never back down now let the Bone Thugs back
If you lookin', fo' me, I'll be, rollin'
You could find me in the streets, you, you could find me in the streets
If you lookin', fo' me, I'll be, rollin'
You could find me in the streets, you, you could find me in the streets
Now we the niggas in the black Dickies and steel-toe boots
Don't bring that nigga that got a pistol and he still won't shoot
'Cause he a ho, like half of these niggas that's rappin'
I'mma let you know, these niggas is actin' and puttin' on a fashion show
We done checked these niggas, met these niggas, man I don't respect these niggas
I'm a real motherfuckin' T-H-U-G original, hate to be a critic but yo' shit I ain't feelin' though
You niggas is elementary, I got history
Lyrically you can't see me, physically I'll bring you misery
Seriously, you niggas ain't been hearin' me, but listen to these other niggas hits,
You hear my twist, they bit my shit, but it's all good cause we keep it all hood
And when we see niggas we raw dawg like a hog should
Just let me put the motherfuckin' money on the wood
Bitch niggas would be Bone if they could
But I'mma shut 'em down, I'mma shut 'em down
I'mma shut 'em down, Bone niggas known not to fuck around
If you lookin', fo' me, I'll be, rollin'
You could find me in the streets, you, you could find me in the streets
If you lookin', fo' me, I'll be, rollin'
You could find me in the streets, you, you could find me in the streets
If you lookin'
I got my hand on my balls
Grippin' Nina Ross, hood star, Circa be my boulevard
You know I'm in the streets, I ain't hard to reach
On some cool shit or some beef shit nigga I'm in the streets
This ain't my only occupation, hittin' avenues, chasin' paper always (always) and I know how to get it
In pissy hallways (hallways) in a raw way
You could get it how you live, nigga step the wrong way
I let it bang b-bang bang, I'm the streets for real
And I love it but you know how the gameplay got me ready to kill
Somebody, but it's all good, with these shows in my streets, nigga all good
Gotta keep stackin' my paper like it's all I know
These niggas is playin', I gotta get it lock and load
Winter through summer, summer back through the winter
We hustlin' dawg, hustlin' hustlin' hustlin'
Give it all ya got, give it all ya got, hustlin'
Niggas that's talkin' about we now, watch yo' mouth!
If you lookin', fo' me, I'll be, rollin'
You could find me in the streets, you, you could find me in the streets
If you lookin', fo' me, I'll be, rollin'
You could find me in the streets, you, you could find me in the streets
If you lookin'
In the song "Streets," Bone Thugs-N-Harmony deliver hard-hitting lyrics about their experiences in the streets and their reputation as true thugs. The lyrics are filled with references to violence, gang activity, and drug use. The song opens with the line "Know why I sound so raw, 'cause I'm down by law," which sets the tone for the entire track. The members of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony establish their reputations as gangsters to be reckoned with. They rap about catching people in the streets and making them strip down, threatening to break jaws and using deadly force to maintain their control.
The chorus, "If you lookin', fo' me, I'll be, rollin'," emphasizes the constant state of readiness that comes with living a life of crime. They stay on the move, ever vigilant and always ready to respond to any threat that comes their way. The verses of the song are filled with vivid descriptions of their surroundings, including specific locations like Watts, the Bronx, and Decatur. They describe themselves as an unstoppable force, ready to confront anyone who crosses their path.
Overall, "Streets" is a powerful statement about the harsh realities of life in the ghetto. It's a reminder that for many people, the streets are a brutal and unforgiving place where survival depends on being tougher than the next guy.
Line by Line Meaning
Know why I sound so raw, 'cause I'm down by law
I am authentic and true to the streets, thus my music is raw and unfiltered
Try to play me 'cause I'm rappin', I will break yo' jaw
Don't disrespect me just because I'm a rapper, I will defend myself physically if necessary
Catch a nigga in these streets, make you take clothes off
I am so dangerous in the streets that I can make you strip down to your bare skin
Leave you dead butt-naked, man you fuckin' with a boss
If you cross me in the streets, you will end up dead and exposed
Cross paths with me, I'm in the hood, all in Watts, in the Bronx
I am present and active in various dangerous neighborhoods such as Watts and the Bronx
In Decatur, all around the devil block, trouble knocks
I am familiar with the notorious neighborhood in Decatur where trouble is always present
I'm ready for 'em, niggas they know I'm ready for them
I am always prepared and feared by my opponents
I'm the hardest, I'm a deadly force so I'm heated heavy for it
I am the toughest and most lethal, so I am always ready for a fight
Why you lookin for me nigga with yo' lookin ass
Stop staring at me or else we will fight
Meet me in the club, all my niggas get to whoopin ass
We will fight in the club and my crew will beat you up
Then a nigga sue me, sue me
If you try to sue me for fighting, it won't matter because I will still be a thug and feared in the streets
Nigga 'posed to be thug, nigga 'posed to be streets
If you claim to be a thug, you must be ready to fight in the streets
Pull yo' skirt down nigga 'cause we smellin yo' pussy
Stop acting like a coward and show some courage
The whole bottom line is you can't fuck with me
In the end, nobody can compete with my level of toughness
Will.i.am the ghetto (you can find it all), Will.i.am the ghetto (in the street)
I am the embodiment of the streets and everything that comes with it
'Cause I'm a thug by nature, thug by nature
Being a thug is an inherent part of my personality
Gotta keep thuggin I'm thuggin, gotta keep thuggin I'm thuggin
I must continue to embrace my thug lifestyle and stay true to who I am
If you lookin', fo' me, I'll be, rollin'
You can always find me cruising through the streets
It's the black rag assassin, 44-mag blastin
I wear a black bandana and carry a loaded gun
Black ski mask throwin' shots out a Dodge Magnum
I shoot at my enemies while wearing a ski mask from a Dodge Magnum car
Gangbang forever, put the barrel on the head of the devil
I remain devoted to my gang lifestyle and confront all challengers with violent force
With homicidal intentions, I reign terror
I instill intense fear in others and will use deadly force if necessary
On any clique or squad, you niggas bitch you fraud
I challenge any other gang or group and consider them weak and fraudulent
I'm a tickin' time-bomb that'll finish the job
I am unstable and dangerous, capable of causing catastrophic destruction
Lyrical damager, one-two punch crush you amateurs
My lyrics and physical blows are enough to take down any inexperienced competitors
Box and watch me execute like Cockton
Observe as I showcase my boxing skills and win decisively
My flow pipin' hot scorchin', proceed with caution
My rap style is intense and should be approached with caution
Murder any MC, your soul is lost when I'm ridin' with them Bone Thugs
I am capable of defeating any other rapper and taking their soul in the process
Black Glocks and chrome slugs parked on the block with the nose up
I have powerful weapons and keep them ready at all times
Get ready for the face off, Nicolas Cage ain't got shit on a nigga with a fuckin' grenade
Prepare for a dangerous confrontation where I have the upper hand, even more so than Nicolas Cage in a movie
One man army, only two things in the world could calm me
I am a lone wolf, and only sex and drugs can bring me peace
Wet pussy and that bomb ass chronic
Sex and marijuana are the two things that can calm me down
I'll never back down, never back down
I am always ready to stand my ground and fight
Now we the niggas in the black Dickies and steel-toe boots
I am now joined by other tough gang members who wear black work clothes and steel-toed boots
Don't bring that nigga that got a pistol and he still won't shoot
Do not bring anyone who claims to be tough but will not use their weapons
'Cause he a ho, like half of these niggas that's rappin'
Those who claim to be tough but do not back up their words are cowards, and many rappers are guilty of this
I'mma let you know, these niggas is actin' and puttin' on a fashion show
I am here to call out other rappers who are pretending to be tough and only concerned with their image
We done checked these niggas, met these niggas, man I don't respect these niggas
We have seen through the acts of other rappers and do not respect them
I'm a real motherfuckin' T-H-U-G original, hate to be a critic but yo' shit I ain't feelin' though
I am a true thug and will not pretend to like other rappers' fake music
You niggas is elementary, I got history
Other rappers are inexperienced and uneducated compared to me
Lyrically you can't see me, physically I'll bring you misery
I am untouchable when it comes to rap and will cause physical pain if necessary
Seriously, you niggas ain't been hearin' me, but listen to these other niggas hits,
Other rappers are popular, but they do not compare to my talent
You hear my twist, they bit my shit, but it's all good cause we keep it all hood
Other rappers copy my style, but I am okay with it because we are all part of the same street culture
And when we see niggas we raw dawg like a hog should
When we encounter other tough guys, we fight with no holds barred
Just let me put the motherfuckin' money on the wood
Allow me to bet money on the line to make our fight more interesting and incentivized
Bitch niggas would be Bone if they could
Weak men wish they could be tough like Bone Thugs
But I'mma shut 'em down, I'mma shut 'em down
I am capable of taking down all challengers and proving that I am the true king of the streets
If you lookin'
If you are searching for me in the streets
I got my hand on my balls
I am ready to fight and defending myself
Grippin' Nina Ross, hood star, Circa be my boulevard
I am carrying a gun and representing my neighborhood, particularly the street called Boulevard
You know I'm in the streets, I ain't hard to reach
I am always present and active in the streets
On some cool shit or some beef shit nigga I'm in the streets
Whether I am relaxing or confronting my enemies, I am always in the streets
This ain't my only occupation, hittin' avenues, chasin' paper always (always) and I know how to get it
Being a thug is not my only job, I am also hustling and know how to make money in the streets
In pissy hallways (hallways) in a raw way
I am willing to make money in any way possible, even in dirty and dangerous hallways
You could get it how you live, nigga step the wrong way
If someone crosses me or interferes with my business, they will face danger and violence
I let it bang b-bang bang, I'm the streets for real
I am capable of violence and use it when necessary, therefore representing the true essence of the streets
And I love it but you know how the gameplay got me ready to kill
I enjoy the streets but the dangerous lifestyle has made me capable of killing
Somebody, but it's all good, with these shows in my streets, nigga all good
I am still willing to confront and possibly kill someone, but I am also making money through music performances and am content with my life
Gotta keep stackin' my paper like it's all I know
I must continue to make money in order to survive and thrive in the streets
These niggas is playin', I gotta get it lock and load
Other rappers are not serious, so I must prepare myself for real danger
Winter through summer, summer back through the winter
In any season, I am always active and confronting my enemies
We hustlin' dawg, hustlin' hustlin' hustlin'
I am constantly hustling and making money to survive and thrive in the streets
Give it all ya got, give it all ya got, hustlin'
Put all your effort into making money in the streets and surviving
Niggas that's talkin' about we now, watch yo' mouth!
Be careful when you speak about me or my crew, because we are not to be messed with
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Iricom US Ltd, Abkco Music Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CALVIN EARL AVENT, TODD BERRY, DARIUS COLEMAN, DOMINIC ANDRE HARRIS, CORBITT TAYLOR, TRAVIS BARKER, BERNARD FREEMAN, COREY STOOT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind