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.
Universe
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turn it up! (This my shit right here, Bone back together baby)
Let's go! (In these days and times of my life)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
(In these days and times of my life, yeah, c'mon)
Y'all know y'all been waitin' for this man, ha ha yeah
(In these days and times of my life) Y'all like that
What they say? Them Bone Boys is BACK, yeah
[Chorus]
In these days and times of my life
Even though I hustle, even though I struggle
In these days and times of my life
Even though I hustle, I survive
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
Universe, one verse, five's the best
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
Universe, one verse, five's the best
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
So amazin, blazin, nigga it's just the five
The Uni-5 right off the 9-9, 9-9
Let's flow, show 'em how we the greatest
They listen up, yup, put some magic in the music
Put some classic in your music, and put some tragic in your music
And make it platinum when you do it, and feed your family while you do it
That's how my Thugstas get it crackin', attackin' and move to it
Make it happen, take advantage, do that and act true to it
We're ready for anything and we sing to make through it
No time for delays, back down, we can't do it
Doin' our thang, see the Bone remain strong, y'all knew it
So give it all you got, give it all you got, don't stop
Give it all you got, give it all you got, don't stop
Still maintainin' got quick flow flamin' hot
Try us if you think we're not live enough to take your spot
[Chorus]
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
Never met another that could spit it like us
The design and precisest flow so the nicest
Righteous ices, wicked with the style and the wildest
Been up the come up, since our childhood
Sound good, just like our orchestra when we 'round wood
Late night, burnin' barrels; play fight, singin' carols
Stage fright, nigga never, we be on the level!
The World's Enemy, rebel never settle for less
No them haters ain't on our, level, incredible, yes we are the best
We gets live, it'll be no others liver
Wise when they ride with us, soul survivors
[Chorus]
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
United we stand even though we might fall out
It's all in the fam' if family members brawl out
Whenever whatever, never say never, yes we goin' all out
We stuck with a plan, them Thugstas boys made it
Now we keep 'em stuck in a trance, it's hard to shake it
With that lyrical combination that flipped it and swept the nation
Mystical, creator, motivator of true innovations
It's music don't abuse it, just use it and evade your pain
Don't let them harmonies fool ya, still take aim
Comin' to let it go, we show no mercy to lames
A whole fifth sippin', that ounce of kush we smokin' mayne
[Chorus]
The lyrics of "Universe" by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony reflect on the struggles and resilience of the group members in their lives. The song emphasizes their determination to keep pushing forward, even in the face of hardships. They acknowledge that they hustle and struggle, but they also survive. The track highlights the reunion of the group, with the members Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, and Flesh coming back together. They assert their talents and skills, stating that they are the best and that no one can match their ability to deliver their unique style of music. The lyrics also touch on the importance of family and unity, emphasizing that they stand together and overcome any challenges that come their way.
Overall, "Universe" is a proclamation of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's strength and resilience in the face of adversity. It showcases their bond as a group and their dedication to their craft, highlighting their ability to persevere and succeed.
Line by Line Meaning
What you gon' do nigga? (Turn the track up, aw yeah)
What are you going to do, my friend? Turn up the volume, oh yeah
Turn it up! (This my shit right here, Bone back together baby)
Increase the volume! This song is important to me, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is reunited
Let's go! (In these days and times of my life)
Come on! In the current circumstances of my life
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Yes, yes, yes, it's Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
(In these days and times of my life, yeah, c'mon)
(In these days and times of my life, yes, come on)
Y'all know y'all been waitin' for this man, ha ha yeah
You all know you've been waiting for this, man, ha ha yeah
(In these days and times of my life) Y'all like that
(In these days and times of my life) You all enjoy that
What they say? Them Bone Boys is BACK, yeah
What do they say? The Bone Boys are back, yeah
It's like, it's like, it's like, it's like, it's like, it's like
It's similar, it's similar, it's similar, it's similar, it's similar, it's similar
[Chorus]
[Chorus]
In these days and times of my life
During these days and times of my life
Even though I hustle, even though I struggle
Even though I work hard, even though I face challenges
In these days and times of my life
During these days and times of my life
Even though I hustle, I survive
Even though I work hard, I manage to survive
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
Universe, one verse, five's the best
Universe, one verse, five is the best
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
Universe, one verse, five's the best
Universe, one verse, five is the best
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
So amazin', blazin', nigga it's just the five
So amazing, blazing, my friend it's just the five
The Uni-5 right off the 9-9, 9-9
The Uni-5 direct from the year 1999, 1999
Let's flow, show 'em how we the greatest
Let's rap, demonstrate how we are the greatest
They listen up, yup, put some magic in the music
They pay attention, yes, infuse some magic into the music
Put some classic in your music, and put some tragic in your music
Include some classic elements in your music, and incorporate some tragic elements in your music
And make it platinum when you do it, and feed your family while you do it
And make it highly successful when you do it, and support your family while you do it
That's how my Thugstas get it crackin', attackin' and move to it
That's how my gangsters get it started, aggressive and responsive
Make it happen, take advantage, do that and act true to it
Make it a reality, seize opportunities, do that and remain honest to it
We're ready for anything and we sing to make through it
We're prepared for anything and we sing to overcome it
No time for delays, back down, we can't do it
No time to hesitate, retreat, we cannot do it
Doin' our thang, see the Bone remain strong, y'all knew it
Doing our thing, witnessing the Bone remain resilient, you all knew it
So give it all you got, give it all you got, don't stop
So give it your all, give it your all, don't stop
Still maintainin' got quick flow flamin' hot
Still maintaining, possess a rapid flow that is extremely impressive
Try us if you think we're not live enough to take your spot
Challenge us if you believe we are not energetic enough to replace you
[Chorus]
[Chorus]
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
Never met another that could spit it like us
Never encountered another person who could rap like us
The design and precisest flow so the nicest
The pattern and precise flow are so excellent
Righteous ices, wicked with the style and the wildest
Morally just, skilled in the style and the most extreme
Been up the come up, since our childhood
We have been progressing since our early years
Sound good, just like our orchestra when we 'round wood
Sound pleasing, just like our musical ensemble when we are near musical instruments
Late night, burnin' barrels; play fight, singin' carols
Late at night, burning barrels; playfully fighting, singing songs of joy
Stage fright, nigga never, we be on the level!
Fear of performing on stage, never, we always reach the expected standard
The World's Enemy, rebel never settle for less
The enemy of the world, rebels who never settle for anything less
No them haters ain't on our level, incredible, yes we are the best
Those haters are not at our level, incredible, yes we are the best
We gets live, it'll be no others liver
We become active, no one else is more lively
Wise when they ride with us, soul survivors
Wise when they join us, survivors of difficult experiences
[Chorus]
[Chorus]
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
Layzie, Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh
United we stand even though we might fall out
We stand together even if we have disagreements
It's all in the fam' if family members brawl out
It's all part of the family if family members fight
Whenever whatever, never say never, yes we goin' all out
No matter what, never say never, yes we're giving it our all
We stuck with a plan, them Thugstas boys made it
We are committed to a plan that the Thugstas boys created
Now we keep 'em stuck in a trance, it's hard to shake it
Now we keep them captivated, it's difficult to break free from it
With that lyrical combination that flipped it and swept the nation
Using that combination of lyrics that changed the game and captivated the nation
Mystical, creator, motivator of true innovations
Mystical, creators, motivators of genuine innovations
It's music, don't abuse it, just use it and evade your pain
It's music, don't misuse it, just use it to escape your pain
Don't let them harmonies fool ya, still take aim
Don't let the harmonies deceive you, still focus on your goals
Comin' to let it go, we show no mercy to lames
Coming to express our talent, we do not show mercy to the untalented
A whole fifth sippin', that ounce of kush we smokin' mayne
Drinking a whole fifth of liquor, smoking an ounce of marijuana
[Chorus]
[Chorus]
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: LAURA JAYNE GREEN, WARREN DAVID MEYERS, MICHAEL PETERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind