Legal Drug Money’s second single “Lifestyles of the Rich & Shameless” was produced by Easy Mo Bee as well, offering a more cinematic beat to highlight Cheeks’ play-by-play storytelling. Cheeks. It also reinforced the group’s knack for picking superb production. The head-nod inducing track is a perfect example of why Mo Bee had become one of the staple soundsmiths, particularly within the context of the East Coast sound of the ‘90s. The track sits right alongside songs like Craig Mack’s “Flava in Ya Ear,” Biggie’s “Warning,” and 2Pac’s “Temptations” at the creative peak of Mo Bee’s extensive resume. Cheeks formally introduced the group with his battle raps “Who’s the best / I want the best to come test me / so I can release some stress from my chest G / is you down to go pound for pound / toe to toe, blow for blow, round for round / I'm wonderin' 'coz I bring the thunder and the rain/ 'Causin' confusion to your brain.”Īs the LP’s lead single, “Jeeps” showcased the group’s signature sound of catchy hooks, stellar ad-libs provided by Freaky Tah, and consistent rhymes from Mr. “Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz” is an enduring classic of hip-hop’s Boom-Bap era, and a highlight of the acclaimed producer Easy Mo Bee’s career. Cheeks” Kelly, the Lost Boyz formally launched their career in August 1995 with the release of one of their most popular hits and most memorable anthems of that summer. A neighborhood, adjacent to Hollis, which helped shape hip-hop icons like Russell Simmons, Run-DMC, and LL Cool J, who would all go on to help define the genre from the mid ‘80s and beyond. Following in the footsteps of notable South Jamaica bred artists like Organized Konfusion co-founders Pharoahe Monch and Prince Po, as well as select members of Onyx, the Lost Boyz set out to tell their own unique story and carve a distinct path as residents of hip-hop’s storied borough.
Twenty-five years ago, for instance, listeners were provided a lyrical tour through the South Jamaica section of Queens, NY.
These are all staggering accomplishments, yet when hip-hop music is at its best, it returns to its essence, sometimes not far from the very place of its inception. Hip-hop music has clawed its way to the top of SoundScan charts to become one of the best-selling genres of the 21st century, with its musicians becoming industry moguls, philanthropists, and ambassadors to world leaders. We all know the story of hip-hop, and how it originated as a youthful subculture, primarily around the New York City housing projects of the South Bronx during the early ‘70s. In its nearly 50 years of existence, hip-hop has touched every part of the globe, impacted nearly every culture, and its music has been recited in most of the world’s languages. Happy 25th Anniversary to Lost Boyz’ debut album Legal Drug Money, originally released June 4, 1996.
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