Bone Thugs is back

By Ryan Groshong

Before singers like Akon and T-Pain started blurring the lines between rap and R&B, and before rappers like Ja Rule, Nelly and even 50 Cent started singing their lyrics, there was Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.

Emerging from Cleveland in the early 1990s, Bone Thugs brought the world a new sound. Call it rap with a sharper melody or R&B with a sharper edge, as long as you call it unique.

Now, five years after their most recent studio release, Bone Thugs is back -- minus one member, Bizzy Bone -- with "Strength & Loyalty," a strong album that is both worthy of their history and indicative of some recent artistic growth.

Thankfully, this doesn't feel like a comeback album. There are no watered-down imitations of earlier material or awkward attempts at sounding like everything else that's on the radio, just quality material that will satisfy old fans and new listeners alike.

From the very first song, "Flow Motion," it's apparent that Bone Thugs' ability to pair lyrics full of gritty tales of street life with a harmonious and even beautiful sound hasn't gone anywhere.

But what makes this album special and unique from their earlier work are the times when they slow it down and show a different side to their music.

The album's strongest track, "I Tried," features a high-pitched, soulful chorus from Akon and a piano riff that provides the perfect backdrop for Bone Thugs' powerful and honest reflection on the cycle of poverty and crime that traps so many living in the kind of lower income neighborhoods that provide the setting and inspiration for rap music.

Later, on "Order My Steps," Bone Thugs even gets spiritual, adding gospel to their repertoire.

Don't get it twisted though: Two of the next three songs are "Gun Blast" and "9mm," proving that they aren't quite ready to give up their "Thuggish Ruggish Bone" roots just yet.

This album is nothing if not diverse, offering listeners everything from the bouncy, pop-driven radio track "Lil Love" with Mariah Carey to an irresistibly fun track done with one of the most unlikely samples ever seen in rap music: Fleetwood Mac.

However, the album isn't without its missteps. Despite the promise of a collaboration between Bone Thugs and Twista, "C-Town" is formulaic and boring. And even though the remaining three members are at their best, the group's sound just isn't quite the same without Bizzy Bone.

All in all, though, this is a very strong effort and will stand as one of the best rap albums to come out this year.

Welcome back, Bone Thugs. The rap game just hasn't been the same without you.

Grade: B+

Contact Ryan Groshong at (408) 551-1918 or rgroshong@scu.edu.