Thread: Biographies

They went from being broke, hungry and homeless in 1993 to watching their brand of flowing, rolling, rapid-clip, harmonized rap -- dubbed the "Cleveland Sound" -- hit the top of the charts. But to get from the streets of Cleveland, to TV sets across the world, it's been a long journey for Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Their rise commenced in '93 when they scraped up every penny they had for one-way bus tickets to Los Angeles determined to prove their talents to their favorite rapper, the late Eric "Eazy-E" Wright of N.W.A. As the famed story goes, they spent months living on the street, constantly trying to contact Eazy-E, until they finally received a call from him. They rapped for him over the phone, Eazy said he'd get back to them, but never did. When they learned Eazy was doing a show in Cleveland, they hustled up more money for bus tickets and headed back. They found him backstage and and gave a back stage audition in person, Eazy signed them to his Ruthless Records label. Eazy had tickets ready for them the next morning to return to L.A. to begin recording their debut EP.
That EP, "Creepin' On Ah Come Up", exploded onto the rap scene with Bone's debut single, "Thuggish Ruggish Bone," which sold more than 500,000 copies and the video was the cable music channel the "Box's" most-requested of 1994. Their Ruthless/Relativity EP debut, "Creepin' On Ah Come Up", started moving large quantities shortly after its June 1994 release, shot past triple-platinum sales, and became an R&B, and Rap chart topper.
As the EP continued its reign atop the charts, the group began work on their debut LP, "E. 1999 Eternal". The LP entered all charts at #1 and hasn't slowed down, selling over six million plus copies and counting. The LP proved a great blend of sweet soul harmonies and boulevard mentalities. The album's tribute to their dead homies, called "The Crossroads," became an MTV smash hit, launching them into mainstream radio play. The song took on an unexpected meaning after Eazy-E's March 1995 death from the aids virus. "Tha Crossroads" later won a grammy, went double-platinum, and made history when it tied with the Beatles' 32-year-old record ('64's "Can't Buy Me Love") for the fastest rising single on the pop charts.
With all their success, it's hard to believe that the days of struggling were very much a reality for Bone not too long ago. "First Of Tha Month," their glorious ode to government cheese, was something that Bone was living rather than just rapping about. As Layzie recalls,
"It was like this man, we come from zero, straight from the dirt, dog."
Wish adds, "We were in the streets doin' whatever it took to survive."
But through these rough times, the Bone family strengthened. Layzie and Wish, who are cousins, first hooked-up with Bizzy and Krayzie under the name 'Band-Aid Boyz'. During this era, the flow that would make them famous developed. Wish breaks it down like this,
"Our style just came from us sittin' in our house with nothing to eat, just trippin' and writin', and just building on it. And we finally came up with what we got." Krayzie adds, "We knew we had something different. Our music is just coming from the heart. We always knew we were gonna make it somehow."
"All our albums have a dark feeling to them, but it is so smooth that you don't really focus on the dark too much," says Krayzie.
"The dark themes come from how we used to live. Then, every day and every night was dark in our eyes. That's changed."
Asked about fame, Layzie concludes,
"In my wildest dreams, where I'm comin' from, I couldn't even dream **censored** would be like this. Fame, it's cool to be famous, but some people take it out of control. I look at it like the Lord got us to the front of the line for some reason."
The first to release a solo effort was member Flesh-n-Bone's album "T.H.U.G.S." released on November 19th, 1996 on the Def Jam record label, and recieved good sales for a debut solo album, but nothing spectacular.
The group returned in 1997 with their next album "The Art Of War", which was a 2 disc album and had some great hits, but if it were a single disc album would have been rated better by the critics, as some tracks lacked something that others had. In the late 90's, the group concentrated on developing artists signed to their own Mo Thug Records label. Bizzy, Krayzie, Layzie and Flesh also released commercially and critically successful solo albums.
Not only do Bone speak about their hard times on this double CD release, they choose to tell the positive as well on 'The Art Of War'. Songs like "If I Could Teach The World" finds Bone delivering a message of upliftment to kids all over the planet. Here's a verse from the bomb hit 'If I could Teach World' "To all the little boys and girls all over the world/This ish that we say is for the streets/Not for you to go and do or to repeat/Please no more murder/Must I say it if we can no mo murder." On "Friends," a remake of the Whodini classic, Bone pay tribute to those who have remained close and loyal to them. And "Family Tree Bone" is a remarkable personal account that illustrates the highs and lows of each Bone member's lives. On another note, Tupac Shakur features on "Thug Luv", a song which displays the hardcore lyric side of Bone, and by using gun shots as bass lines, gives a slightly more 'Gangster' feel to the album, other tracks such as "Body Rot" again show this more aggressive style of rap from Bone.
Bone Thugs then released a follow up in the form of "The Collection, Vol 1", basically a Greatest Hits CD of their tracks os far and remixes of their previous tracks as well as some hot fresh jointz thrown in tha mix! Truely another great album in my opinion and another big seller.
In the late 90's, the group concentrated on developing artists signed to their own 'Mo Thug Records' label. Bizzy, Krayzie, and Flesh also released commercially and critically successful solo albums, which i will explain in depth in each members seperate biography found below this biography of the group. First of all Krayzie Bone released 'Thug Mentality 1999' on April 6, 1998, on Ruthless Records label, shortly followed by Bizzy Bones's effort "Heaven'z Movie" released October 6, 1998, also on Ruthless Records. Flesh-N-Bone, who was and is probably the most troubled member of Bone thugs-n-harmony, struggled to release both of his solo albums amid a series of legal problems. In September 2000, weeks before the release of his second album "5th Dog Let Loose", Flesh was sentenced to 11 years in jail for threatening a friend with an AK-47. He is still in prison today and he is expected to be released on parole in 2008. (To send him letters see his own bio below). After this the group was shrouded in both controversy and rumours of the trouble resuklting in an inevitable split. Despite his arrest and charges Flesh's album "5th dog let loose" was released on April 6, 1998.
In 1999 Krayzie Bone formed his own record label, 'Thugline Records, again sparking bone thug split rumours. Then on February 29, 2000 after very successful solo efforts, and artist signings/launches from Bone's own 'Mo Thugs Records', the group reunited to record "BTNHResurrection" which would stop the rumors that they have broken up. "BTNHResurrection" probably one of Bone’s best albums after "E. 1999 Eternal" debuted at number 2 in March 2000, but could have sold more if it were promoted better, as is also the case with thier later works. After the release of that album they went on resuming their solo careers. Bizzy Bone released his second solo album "The Gift" on March 20, 2001 again with great success, and was joined by a same day release by Layzie Bone's first solo effort, "Thug By Nature", to a little less success than Bizzy. Krayzie Bone then released another greatly successfull solo album in the form of "Thug On Da Line" on August 28, 2001 to Sony Records.
The group then continued in their past trends by releasing "The Collection Vol 2" on November 14, 2000, to Ruthless Records, and as with its predecessor "Collection Vol 1" it consisted of Bone's best jointz remixed, and a few unreleased tracks thrown into the mix. As with all before ti this album is another showcase for Bone's great talent for producing so many massivley successful albums in such a short period of time, and all of such superior and unique quality. I believe there is only one other person who worked this hard on recording and releasing his albums in the rap industry, and that was Tupac Shakur, and look at the fame and praise he has since recieved for it, so its only fair Bone get the same.
In 2002 the group got back once again with everyone back in the group though Flesh-n-Bone in jail for threatening a friend with an AK-47. They went to release Thug World Order, which was a good solid album probably their best to date in my opinion but was slightly more commercialised than past releases, but the die-hard Bone fans would expect more from them. Smash hit singles including "Home" featuring Phil Collins, were released of the album.
After the release of "Thug world Order" Bizzy Bone leaves/is kicked out of the group on 'mutual' terms, and many believe this was due to a beef between him and Krayzie, about money and/or women, but there are so many reasons and theories i wont bore you with them. In 2003 the fans' fears are confirmed as Bone Thugs are no longer signed as a group too Ruthless Records and it looks like the end of Bone Thugs. Later 2003 and all members are believed to be on talknig terms, including Krayize and Bizzy and plans are that they will release further work when Flesh is released from jail, as they say "Bone just aint bone without Flesh". Flesh-n-Bone was expected to be released on parole in 2008. All artists were concentrating working on solo projects and Bizzy and Layzie have established themselves as actors in well-received independent films and additional Mo Thugs compilations are also in the works, so this Hip Hop chapter is far from closed.
In late 2004 Bizzy Bone released his third solo album "Alpha & Omega", another truely classic release from Bone, and Krayzie Bone is near completion on his album, "Gemini - Good Vs Evil" featuring a sure smash hit single "Getchu Twisted". Ruthless Records released a Bone Thugs "Greatest Hits" album and music video disc, which was not attached to the artists themselves, so they recieved no profits from the release as Ruthless owned the rights to the music.
They are one of the most underrated rap groups ever but they are still the best to millions of people all over the world. Even through all the hard times with the group and family problems, including the death of Wish's Uncle Charles, (the only person who inspired and motivated them to go for their ambitions in rap), Bone thugs-n-harmony still managed to become massivley successful. Also Layzie Bone was caught selling drugs and was forced to move to Texas to live with his uncle and aunt in 1990 but still managed to hook up with his Cleveland crew and make it big. They are the only rap group that has worked with rap legends like Eazy-E, Tupac Shakur, and Notorius B.I.G. and also outside Hip-Hop, successful artists such as Phil Collins. They came in the game with their original style and they will go down as one of the best in the hip-hop history books, but this is not the end for the Bone legacy. This is only the beginning for Bone thugs-n-harmony and expect more, much more!!







Strenght & Loyalty




Greatest Hits Thug Worlw Order Collection vol2



BTNH Ressurection Collection Vol1 Art of War





E.1999 Creepin On ag come up Faces of death

Missy Elliott was born in Portsmouth, VA, in 1971 as Melissa Elliott. Missy's professional music career began when Jodeci member/producer Devante Swing signed her and her group, Sista, to his Swing Mob record label. Unfortunately, Swing Mob Records fell through and along with it the plans for Sista's debut album (DeVante would not release any of their recordings). Elliott was already writing with her long-time collaborator, Tim Mosley aka Timbaland, she concentrated on songwriting and production. Determined to move forward, Missy turned to longtime acquaintance Timbaland, who happened to be producing some tracks for Aaliyah's One in a Million (1996) album. It proved to be a key move for Missy, as the album racked up enormous sales. Soon record execs were knocking on her door. Missy began working with a number of artists as either a songwriter or a vocalist/rapper. Her distinctive "hee haw" rap on Gina Thompson's "The Things You Do" brought her wider exposure, and several offers from record companies. After fierce competition for her signature she finally got herself a deal with Elektra in 1996 as a solo artist on the understanding that they would subsidise her own label, Gold Mind Records. In 1997, she launched her solo career with the Supa Dupa fly album and attendant single "The Rain". The well-connected Elliott was provided with immediate exposure for the song via rotation play of its Hype Williams-directed video on MTV. Co-produced with long-time collaborator Timbaland and producer DJ Magic, the album received excellent reviews, though Elliott was reluctant to commit herself fully to a career as a performer: "I don't want to get caught up and be an artist always on the go, because once you do that, it's hard to get into the studio and do what I do." The album also featured cameo appearances from massively acclaimed artists such as Aaliyah (R.i.p.), and Busta Rhymes.
Besides the sales numbers, the album also proved critically successful, impressing nearly everyone who heard it. It had not only radio-ready singles "Sock it 2" "Beep me 911 but also an astounding array of album tracks that showcases just how multi-talented Missy indeed was, singing on some, rapping on others.
Despite her growing reputation and success, Elliott remained based in her hometown in Virginia. In September 1998, she collaborated with 'Mel B' from the Spice Girls on the one-off single, "I Want You Back", which debuted at number 1 in the UK chart. Further writing and remixing work for Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson followed, although Elliott found time in her busy schedule to release her excellent sophomore set,Da real world , in July 1999. This album was an even more ambitious album that featured two mammoth hits --She's a Bitch and Hot Boyz -- along with an array of often daring collaborations with such unlikely candidates as Eminem. Around this same time, she began appearing in TV ads for the Gap and Sprite, proving that not only was she a musical talent but also an important icon for the era.

"I took a look around," says Missy. "I realized we went through years of 'I Hate You' records, and then we went through the 'Gimme My Money Records,' and we went through the 'Taking Care Of Business Records.' It was time to do some sexual healing music. You know, some Marvin-type stuff. I wanted to cross all boundaries. Not put any limits on myself. Where everybody else was being 'mad at their man' I wanted to do a sexy record. I didn't want to get up into what everyone else was singing about."

Missy constantly switches leads on the album, calling the loopy "Whatcha gon' Do "my alternative hip hop cut on the album." Flanked by only Timbaland on that one, Missy says "It was one of the first tracks we worked on for the project and really set off the tone for the new direction we're moving in."
In 2001 Missy released the album under the title Miss E...So Addictive, and it was again powered by two huge hits:get ur freak on, One more minute." Her remarkable popularity continued a year later with, Under Construction and the drastically slimmed-down Elliott broke into the US Top 5 with Work it, the lead-off single, and also other hit singles including Gossip folks.

A nostalgic ode to old school hip hop music and fashion that featured guest vocals from Jay-Z and Tweet. A video was shot and an article on MTV.com was posted, but the video was never released.
In Early 2003, Missy produced the "American Dream Remix" (featuring Tweet's additional vocals) of Madonna's single "American Life". In the summer of 2003, she was the featured rapper on Timbaland & Magoo's long-awaited return single, "Cop That Disc"; the song was a modest hit at urban radio.
On November 2003,"This is not a test" which spawned the singles, Pass that dutch and "I'm Really Hot", both rose the urban charts. However, both were not as successful at pop radio in comparison to many of her previous efforts. Also in 2003, Missy was featured on Wyclef Jean's "Party To Damascus" and Ghostface Killah's "Tush" singles, the latter of which became a minor 2004 dance hit, and had a pivotal role in the motion picture Honey, starring Jessica Alba. The Gap approached Missy later in the year to co-star in a commercial with Madonna, which received much media attention GAP Advert. Elliott furthered her relationship with the Material Girl by performing the controversial 2003 MTV Video Music Awards show opening alongside Madonna, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
In 2004, Missy was featured on Ciara's smash single "1,2 Step" with her verse interpolating Teena Marie 's smash hit, "Square Biz". The two soon became close friends and rumors began to spread of a lesbian relationship between the duo and also between Missy and America's Next Top Model winner Eva Pigford, which all denied.
Missy 5th album, The Cookbook ' was released in July 2005 and debuted at number two on the US charts. Its first single, Lose Control, became a Top 10 hit in the early summer (peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100), and the other album tracks featured guest appearances from Mike Jones, Fantasia, M.I.A, Slick Rick, Mary J. Blige, and Pharrell Williams. The video for Lose control garnered Elliott six 2005 MTV VMA award nominations, ultimately winning two awards in the categories Best Dance Video and Best Hip-Hop Video in August. After the VMA's, Missy released Teary Eyed which never saw chart action although the video charted on MTV's Total Request Live for a few weeks, and BET's 106 & Park for a few days.
In early September, Missy tore her Achilles tendon while shooting the music video for her song "We run this" , requiring surgery and a long recovery, thus dampening promotion efforts forThe cookbook. In November 2005, Elliot won Best Female Hip Hop Artist at the 2005 American Music Awards, defeating colleagues Lil' Kim and Trina. Also in November, Missy's remixed version of Ashlee Simpson's "L.O.V.E." (from her sophomore effort, I Am Me) was included on the CD single.
Missy premiered her own reality show on the UPN Network, The Road to Stardom with Missy Elliott in mid-2005. Although the series never made impressive ratings, it did maintain a solid audience. The winner, Jessica Betts, plans to release her album in 2006.
In December, Missy was nominated for 5 Grammy Awards, including two for Lose control, (Best Short From Video, which she won, and Best Rap Song), one for The cookbook , one for writing Fantasia's "Free Yourself" (Best R&B Song), and one for "1,2 Step" with Ciara (Best Rap/Sung Collaboration). Missy was also just recently been nominated for Best International Female Artist at this years Brit Awards.
In early 2006, Missy's single and video for We Run this was released with heavy airplay on VH1, MTV, and BET. It also will be featured on the soundtrack to the gymnastics-themed film Stick It. As for future releases in 2006, Missy stated she'll be putting out a Greatest Hits record with 3 new tracks. British merchandise giant HMV has the album, entitled Respect M.E. being released September 9th.

Nasir Jones, or to give his his full birth name, Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones, is more commonly referred to as 'Nas'. He was born on September 14, 1973 in Long Island City, and raised by his father, jazz musician Olu Dara, and his late mother Ann Jones. Nas came of age in the notoriously rough Queensbridge Projects, also hone to legends such as Marley Marl and The Juice Crew. With lyrics and beats virually built into the QB's concrete walls, Nas had soaked up his talents from such influences before he was old enough to put pen to paper. So it was only a matter of time before this young boy would ettempt to wow the crowds on his own! Nas dropped out of school in the eighth grade, trading classrooms for the streets. Despite dropping out of school, Nas developed a high degree of literacy that would later characterize his rhymes. At the same time, though, he delved into street culture and flirted with danger, such experiences similarly characterizing his rhymes.
His synthesis of well-crafted rhetoric and street-glamorous imagery blossomed in 1991 when he connected with Main Source and laid down a fiery verse on "Live at the Barbeque" that earned him instant respect among the East Coast rap scene. Not long afterward, MC Serch of 3rd Bass approached Nas about contributing a track to the Zebrahead soundtrack. Serch was the soundtrack's executive producer and, like much of New York, had been impressed by "Live at the Barbeque." Nas submitted "Halftime," and the song so stunned Serch that he made it the soundtrack's leadoff track.
The music industry started to pay attention to what the underground scene already knew, and Nas was quickly signed up to Columbia Records on a major-label contract, and many of New York's finest producers offered their support. DJ Premier, Large Professor, Q-Tip, and Pete Rock (NY's top producers in the early '90s) entered the studio with the young rapper and began work on his first solo effort, 'Illmatic'. When Columbia finally released Nas'Illmatic in April 1994, it faced high expectations; Illmatic regardless proved just as astounding as it had been billed. It sold very well, spawned multiple hits, and earned unanimous acclaim. Nas was been anointed as rap's savior. With cuts form the album including N.Y State of Mind , and It Ain't Hard to Tell ", providing the gritty but thoughtful soundtrack to the life on NY's mean streets.Illmatic' became on instant classic.
Nas handled nearly every rhyme and never seemed short on lyrics. Years later, Illmatic is still seen as featuring some of the best lyrics hip-hop ever produced. To call Nas a street poet wasn't an overstatement, but rather a matter of fact. Even if the album didn't storm up the Billboard charts, it garnered the respect of every hip-hop devotee in New York and that was quite an accomplishment, particularly for someone just having reached his twenties. Following up Illmatic wouldn't be an easy task and rather than try and top that album, Nas expanded his approach for his next release.
Nas was also gaining attention from Hip Hop's biggest artists at that time, most notalby, 2Pac but for all the wrong reasons.2Pac belived Nas was rapping about his life and not his own.From what he'd read or seen about 2Pac in the media, and that Nas was profiting of Tupac's life, which labelled Nas a fake. But, Nas carried on and the two years leading up to Nas next album It was Written (released in 1996), brought another wave of enormous anticipation. The ambitious rapper, who had begun working closely with industry heavyweight Steve Stoute, and also Dr.Dre responded with a significantly different approach than he had taken with "Illmatic": where that album had been a straightforward hip-hop album with few pop concessions, the largely Trackmaster-produced It was Written made numerous concessions to the pop crossover market, most notably on the two hit singles, Street Dreams and If I Ruled that World ." These singles -- both of which drew from well-known songs, Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" and Kurtis Blow's "If I Ruled the World," respectively -- broadened Nas' appeal greatly and awarded him the MTV-sanctioned crossover success he sought.
Around this point in the late '90s, Nas nonetheless reigned atop the rap scene alongside few contemporaries in the wake of the murder of 2Pac and B.I.G. currently the undisputed kings of Hip Hop.
1999 saw Nas hit another high point of his career with the one-two punch of "I'am album" and NAStradamus , both both of which topped the charts and broadened his appeal, due to a crossover to 'pop-rap' of an even further extent than the previous It was Written. During this time in his career Nas was also leading the short-lived rap group, 'The Firm', comprised of fellow New Yorkers, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Nature. The group looked invinsible on paper with produced by Dr.Dre and the Trackmasters, and assembled a broad coalition of fellow Queensbridge rappers for the QB Finest compilation (2000). Surprisingly, the much-heralded album flopped. Listening to the album, it's fairly apparent why. Not only is it an incredibly conceited and brash album, it's also horribly calculated.
Amid all of this publicity, though, criticism began to mount. For every crossover fan Nas won with his dramatic MTV-aired videos, he lost support in the streets, where many initial supporters felt he had sold out and abandoned hip-hop ideals in favor of commercial success. Nas' sales reflected this fading support, as each subsequent album sold less than its predecessor despite the consistent hitmaking.
A series of incidents in 2001 provided a key turning point for Nas' declining career. The rapper's personal life became increasingly conflicted, as his mother began suffering from cancer and his woman betrayed him.

In January 2006, Nas signed a label deal with Def Jam, further emphasizing the Jay-Z/Nas truce, and raising expectations for a collaboration even higher. After some time, Nas and Def Jam agreed on an official title, Hip Hop Is Dead...The N, which was shortened to Gip-hop is dead , though the UK release features a bonus track at the end called "The N." The album featured production from will.i.am,KAnye West, Dr.Dre and Scott Storch, as well as longtime Nas collaborators L.E.S. and Salaam Remi. A street single named "Where Y'all At" was released in June of 2006. It was produced by Salaam Remi, and contained a sample from Nas' "Made You Look," but it did not make Hip Hop Is Dead's final cut.
Album was released on Def Jam and Nas' new imprint, The Jones Experience, and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 charts, selling 355,000 copies. This made the album Nas's 3rd number one album, along with 1996's It was Written and 1999's I'am . A music video for Can't forget about you has been made the world premiere came out on February 5, 2007, while Hustlers and Black Republican are being considered for future video shootings.Can't Forget About You featuring Chrisette Michele boasts a sample from Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable."
The title has had a major impact in the hip hop world, especially for Southern hip hop, whose artists have been blamed for cheapening the quality of hip-hop with crunk and snap music. Young Yezzy had made statements against the title of Nas' album, and also furthered his comments by questioning Nas' street credibility. They have since reconciled. Many other Ludacris, trick Daddy Lil Wayne, and Big Boi have also attacked Nas' album title claiming that it is targeted at Southern hip hop. Nas also has a fair share of supporters such as KRS and ghostface Killah, who blames hip hop's death on Snap music.
Nas also worked on a song called "Shine On 'Em" for the film 'Blood Diamond' starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou, which opened in US theatres on December 8, 2006. Also his song Thief's Theme was featured in one of the scenes in the Academy Award-winning movie 'The Departed' directed by Martin Scorsese.
Nas has recently mentioned a new album in the works this year. According to an MTV interview he is quoted of saying,"New album is in the making right now," outside the set of his new music video Can't forget about you
Nas also is making a shoe called The Disciples with 310 Motoring, the same shoe maker that made the Hurricanes (which are The Game's shoes.) Nas, upon signing with Def Jam, will be releasing a further 3 albums under the label as part of his contract.

Famous as :

Rapper
Birth Name :

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.
Birth Date :

November 02, 1974
Birth Place :

Austin, Texas, USA

Rapper Nelly was born Cornell Haynes, Jr. in Austin, Texas, on November 2, 1974, to Cornell Haynes, Sr. and Rhonda Mack. Shortly after he was born, he followed his parents moved to Spain until he was three, because his father was in the U.S. Air Force. He moved back to states and got his education in St. Louis, Missouri. There he found himself moving in with relative to relative since his parents split, which happened when he was 8 years old, because of financial problems. Grew up in a broken-home family, young Nelly admitted to get used into a lot of fights and troubles, because of which in 1993 he left his gritty St. Louis neighborhood and settled in the suburban area of University City. There, by the time he started high school, Nelly shifted his attention to playing baseball, storytelling, and writing rhymes that helped keep him out of trouble.

Up to that point, this would-be famous rapper showed great promise as a professional baseball player, but as a child he listened to artists such as Rahiem, LL cool J, , Run DMC,OutKast , and Goodie Mob and he too wished he could become a rap star. During his senior high he kept continuing to work on his baseball skills as he formed a group with 5 of his friends, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, Ali, City Spud, and Slo'Down, called the St. Lunatics. Two years later Nelly and St. Lunatics released a 12-inch self-produced single called "Gimme What Ya Got," which sold almost 10,000 copies and scored a regional hit in 1996. Continued with the Lunatics while playing shortstop in the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Association, it looked as though Nelly would be a professional baseball player. After sometimes, the group managed to put out another song called "Who's The Boss," which became a local hit, helped their reputation locally, sadly didn't grab the interest of record companies.

In response to the failure, the frustrated St. Lunatics decided to try their luck in Atlanta and teamed up with Kula who at that time was managing Mase. By and by, all the group members realized that Nelly would have a better chance to get a record deal on his own, based on which they sent him alone, thinking he might be success and indeed they were right. This became a decisive moment following Nelly and Kula sign to Universal Records executive Kevin Law in 1999. Unexpectedly, this good news immediately turned to such a deep grief when Nelly found out City Spud had been arrested. That's when he started wearing the band-aid under his left eye and made it as his trademark in an attempt to let City Spud knows he hadn't forgotten him somehow. On June 25, 2000, he released his debut album dubbed Country Grammer which borrows the hook from the children's song "Down, Down, Baby" and features contributions from the St. Lunatics as well as the Teamsters, Lil Wayne, and Cedric the Entertrainer.

As this album was outed, Nelly's music career was highly rocketed as "Country Grammar" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 40, managed to sneak past Eminem and Britney Spears on the Billboard charts by August 26, 2000. In line with the success of the LP Nelly himself was nominated for two 2001 Grammy Awards Best Rap Album and Best Rap Solo Performance. On July 18, 2001, one year after its release, "Country Grammar" had already hit 7x platinum. Awesome !!! The bestseller album, in addition, also distinguished Nelly's music from others, in which he offers a laid-back delivery, deliberately reflecting the distinctive language and Southern tone of the Midwest. Even supposing as a success solo artist, still Nelly said he's a member of the St. Lunatics and will always be its member. Accordingly, he kept his words by releasing St. Lunatics debut album "Free City" in 2001 featuring hit single "Midwest Swing."

The following summer Nelly returned with his second album Nellyvile and lived up to his self-proclaimed "#1" billing as one of the most famous rappers in the early 2000s, with an image of being equal parts handsome boy-next-door and tough gangsta. Along with his self-success, the album "Nellyville" topped the Billboard album chart while The Neptunes-produced lead single, "Hot in Herre," remained atop the singles chart. Thoroughly, he held the number one spot on ten different Billboard charts the week of the album's release. When it came to the year of 2002, single "Hot in Herre" had become tremendously popular, just the way its follow up "Dilemma," which featured vocals By Kelly Rowland from Destiny's Child . "Dilemma" ranked at # 1 for ten weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first ever rap song in Billboard history to reach such achievement.

In 2003 Nelly released the controversial single "Air Force Ones," which MTV, MTV2, and VH1 refused to air due to product placement for the popular sneakers of the same name, but was finally aired by BET. On November 23rd that year, he produced his third album "Da Derrty Versions: The Reinvention," which was featured as the year comedy horror flick The Haunted Manision soundtrack. Following then two new albums were released on September 14, 2004. The first outed was Suit an R&B-oriented album, debuted at #1 on the Billboard albums chart; and Sweet a rap-oriented album, debuted at #2 on the chart. The previous album spawned an unlikely duet with star tim McGraw , which resulted in the slow ballad "Over and Over" that became another crossover hit. To complete the success of the hit, Nelly performed the song with McGraw on the latter's CBS Television concert special during the same year.

Apart from his music career, Nelly and her sister Jackie Donahue, who died of leukemia on March 24, 2005, started "The Jes Us 4 Jackie," a campaign for more bone marrow and blood stem cell donors they needed and more for African-Americans or minorities. Moreover, he also once appeared in the Bad Boys 2 (2003) soundtrack with P.Diddy and Murphy Lee, singing "Shake Ya Tailfeather," and has a clothing line dubbed "Vokal." To add, Nelly is part owner of the NBA expansion team Charlotte Bobcats with BET founder Robert Johnson as of 2005. As for his personal life, Nelly has fathered one daughter named Chanel, born in 1994, and one son named Cornell III "Tre", born in 1999.

Valuing his music skill, Nelly got numerous awards for instance; "Best New Artist" at the 1st Annual BET Awards in 2001; Favorite New Male Artist at the 2001 Blockbuster Entertainment Awards; 2002 American Music Award for "Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist"; 6 Billboard Music Awards in 2002, including Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Male Hot 100 Artist of the Year, Male R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, Rap Artist of the Year, and Rap Track of the Year for "Hot in Herre" and received nominations in 8 other nominations; and 2003 American Music Award for "Fan's Choice" as he also received 4 other nominations. Moreover, he was also named one of "Breakthrough Stars of 2001"; nominated for two 2002 Grammys: Best Rap Solo Performance ("Ride Wit Me") and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration ("Where the Party At?" with Jagged Edge); ranked #39 on Entertainment Weekly's 2002 "101 Most Powerful" List; featured in Teen People's "25 Hottest Stars Under 25" issue in 2001 and 2002; and was nominated for five 2003 Grammys: Album of the year and Best Rap Album for "Nellyville", Record of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Dilemma", and Best Male Rap Solo Performance for "Hot in Herre," for which he favorably won for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Male Rap Solo Performance.

In 2004, his collection of Grammys was added with a Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group title that he won through a P.Diddy and Murphy Lee collaboration song called 'Shake Ya Tailfeather'. Not wasting anymore time he released two albums on the same day in that year.Suit has the R&B side of Nelly while Sweat covers the rap alter ego. The former went straight to #1 in Billboard Hot 200 chart followed by the latter at second place. It was his unlikely duet with country singer Tim McGraw in 'Over and Over' that brought the attention to 'Suit'. Both albums were packed as single compilation titled Swearsuit in 2005. For the next two years he was seen mostly as featured artist in many albums of his friends like R.Kelly and T.I. In April 2007, the talented recording artist made headlines when he was reported ending his romance with longtime girlfriend Grammy Award-winning singer Ashanti . It wasn't until August 2007 at a new album from Nelly was announced. The highly-anticipated Brass Knuckless is tentatively released on October 13, 2007.

CANIBUS LIFE BIOGRAPHY:



Canibus was born on December 9, 1974 with the birth name of Germaine Williams. His story begins in Jamaica, where he was born to Basil and Elaine Williams. The Williams' marriage didn't last and when his father Basil, who was a criket player, and his mum Elaine split, Canibus stayed by his mother's side. When Canibus was thirteen years old, he moved from Jamaica to the Bronx. It took a while for Bis to adapt to hs new life, as he was a little Jamaican kid who liked to play soccer. He played for a boys club and even went to the championships a couple of times, but soccer wasn't a popular sport in his school. All the kids were playing basketball or American football and Canibus never learned how to play. He soon picked up a couple of new hobbies though – beatboxing and breakdancing. He bought himself an Edison ghetto-blaster and practiced his moves. Breakdancing became a big part of his life as he began to idolize the members of the illustrious Rock Steady Crew.

Moving around so much, Canibus never got the chance to make any real friends. He became a reclusive loner in every city he moved to. His time was divided among various hobbies – from playing video games to flying toy helicopters. He graduated high school in 1992 and went to work for AT&T for a year. After working with AT&T, Bis moved on to the US Department of Justice, where he worked as a data analyst in the Economic Litigation Division. This job required him to use a computer constantly and he quickly discovered a new hobby – the internet. Canibus, who was always a technology junkie, loved the unconstrained va***ess of the World Wide Web.
His love for computers and the internet led him to study computer science at DeKalb Community College in Atlanta for three years. While at DeKalb, Canibus also got into the allied health field. He had always been interested in genetic engineering and college gave him the chance to learn about radiology. He interned at an MRI center, examining war veterans.
Though Canibus dabbled with several jobs and interests, his main pursuit in life was rapping. During his days as a kid in the Bronx, Bis had evolved through various elements of Hip Hop. He started out breakdancing and then got into beatboxing. That eventually led to him picking up a mic and learning how to tear it to shreds. By the time he landed in Atlanta, Canibus had become an aggressive battle emcee with an interesting mixture of unmatched book-smart rhymes and street-smarts. His boy Pat from DC hooked him up with a fellow emcee, Webb, who was holdin down the ATL scene at the time. Webb and Canibus made a perfect combination and in 1995 they started making moves in Atlanta as the duo T.H.E.M. (The Heralds of Extreme Metaphors).
T.H.E.M. is probably best known for their legendary battle against the Wu-Tang Clan outside an Atlanta club. Canibus and Webb went toe to toe with the entire extended Wu family, and it attracted attention from people in and outside of the club, trying to figure out who the hell was giving the legendary Wu a run for their money. That was until Wu's Killah Priest stepped up to the plate. Priest kicked a 6 minute freestyle that left T.H.E.M., the Wu and the 100+ spectators speechless. Nonetheless, respect was given all around. Canibus was starting to make friends in the industry. Around this time, a local Atlanta barber introduced him to a young entrepreneur named Charles Suitt. Though their relationship took some time to develop, it was a relationship that would later lead to big things for Canibus.
In 1996, after performing at the Gavin Convention, T.H.E.M. handed Suitt an eighteen-track demo, produced entirely by the duo. Suitt was very impressed with the demo, as well as with Canibus himself. As a new friendship was forming, however, an old one was starting to die out. Bis and Webb started beefing over ceratin issues and T.H.E.M. quickly became a thing of the past. With his career in the limelight stunted, Canibus moved to the inside of the game. He helped Suitt start up Group Home Entertainment, the management company best known for representing the Queens-based group The Lost Boyz.

Soon after "Uni-4-Orm", Canibus received another big break. His fam the Lost Boyz asked for his assistance on their second LP, "Love, Peace & Nappiness". The album contained two verses from Canibus – one in the song "My Crew" and of course the eminent two minute and twenty second epic from "Beasts From The East". This verse would go down in history as one of Cani's most remarkable ever. Canibus collaborations were now in full effect and he was getting calls from some of Hip Hop's top artists. He was about to get a phone call that would change his career and his life forever.
When LL Cool J invited Canibus to appear on his new single "4, 3, 2, 1", Canibus couldn't say no. After all, this was LL Cool J – a man who had been in the game for at least a decade, a living Hip Hop legend. When the two artists met, it was all love. Canibus, admiring the tattoo of a microphone on LL's arm, asked if LL would mind if he got a mic tatted on his arm. LL joked about it, saying that Canibus should only get a mic tattoo if he truly felt he was worthy. This conversation in mind, Canibus stepped into the booth to record his verse for the song. He included a few lines before he began to rip it, shouting out each of the other artists in the song. His line to LL included something along the lines of, "Yo LL. Is that a mic on your arm? Let me borrow that!". To this day, Canibus insists that the line was meant as a compliment. However, LL and his giant-sized ego took it as a diss. LL went in the booth and recorded an entire verse directed at Canibus. When Canibus confronted him about his verse, LL said that he would change it as long as Canibus took the microphone line out of his. Canibus did, and so he thought the disagreement was squashed before it broke out.
Canibus re-recorded his verse, thinking that LL was going to do the same. However, when the final "4, 3, 2, 1" was released, the LL Cool J verse remained intact. The situation might not have gone any further. Without Cani's microphone line, it was possible that no one would be able to tell who LL was talking about. But like any other controversial production, the original "4, 3, 2, 1" leaked and the truth was exposed. Now Canibus had no choice but to bring the heat. He recorded one of the best battle raps – "Second Round K.O.". With a little help from Mike Tyson (who laced some background vocals to hype up the song), Canibus ripped LL to pieces. This ignited one of the biggest Hip Hop feuds of the decade, involving Canibus, LL Cool J, Wyclef Jean and various other individuals who wanted in on the action.

You may be wondering how did Wyclef, of all people, got involved in this beef? If we backtrack a little bit, to the opening night of Sean "Puffy" Combs' new restaurant in Manhattan, Justin's, Canibus was introduced to Clef by Jay-Z. The two hit it off right away. Canibus toured with Wyclef while he began work on his debut album, "Can-I-Bus". Canibus had built up so much hype with "Second Round K.O.". All of America was awaiting his first full-length album.
When "Can-I-Bus" finally dropped on Universal in September of 1998, it debuted at number two on the Billboard album chart. It sold over 127,000 copies in its first week and eventually went to Gold status. However, the critics had a field day with the album. The Source magazine called it one of the biggest "bricklayers" of 1998, saying that it "tanked horribly with poor beat choices". It seemed that all the press had to say about "Can-I-Bus" was that the beats and production were terrible. Canibus hardly got the props he deserved for writing one of the most profound rap albums. When Canibus said "Lyrically on a scale of 1 to 10, I'm 25" he wasn't kidding. He brought the heat with a number of battle tracks, dropped some knowledge with various songs and even schooled us on conspiracy theories. Cani's delivery was spot-on, and his lyrics and concepts were off the meter. However, the bad press seemed to shut Canibus up for a while. He sort of 'blamed' Wyclef for the bad production and dropped Wyclef as manager and cut all ties.
In between albums, Canibus was featured on various collaborations. However, Canibus fans were denied the opportunity of hearing any solo joints from him. Near the end of the first quarter of 1999, a few bootlegged tracks began to slip out and later that year the new single "2000 BC" appeared on a DJ Clue mix tape and it was official – Canibus would have a second album out sometime in the year 2000. The word from Canibus' mouth was that this time around things would be different. While making his first album, he didn't really get involved with the production aspect. This time he was going to make sure he gave the public what they wanted – blazin battle raps over some hot beats. The album would be called "2000 BC", 2000 for the year and BC meaning "Before Can-I-Bus".
Die-hard Canibus fans began counting down the days until the release of "2000 BC". However, on the other side of things, those who were still unsure of Canibus weren't anticipating the album at all. Universal, Cani's label, wasn't giving them anything to anticipate. The lack of promotion was obvious. Universal only let him make one video, the video for "Mic-Nificent" and it hardly aired at all. Canibus got little radio airplay. Commercials and posters were rare. While this lack of promotion hurt Cani's record sales, the biggest blow had to come from the uncontrollable bootlegging of the album.
When "2000 BC" finally dropped, there were mixed feelings about it. Yes, the production was tighter. But it still wasn't as tight as many had hoped it would be. The other big letdown – it was an entire album of back to back battle raps. Yes, that is what Canibus was known for and what he was best at. But the album got a little monotonous due to the lack of concept songs.
With two LPs out, what would Cani's next move be? Well "2000 BC" introduced us to the next phase in his career. With the song "Horsementality", Canibus launched the beginning of the elite Horsemen. The song featured Kurupt, Ras Kass and Killah Priest along with Canibus. Later, rumors would emerge about various other artists becoming Horsemen – Pharoah Monche, Common and Rakim to name a few. A Horsemen project was now in the works.
Meanwhile, Canibus dropped out of the public eye big time. He left Universal and submerged himself in the Web, amongst the underground internet Hip Hop community. He traveled across seas where he was welcomed with open arms to do shows and interviews. While in the UK in January of 2001, Canibus did a live session where he finally came back at LL hard (a few days later it was also performed in Amsterdam). This diss would later be turned into a track called "Rip The Jacker" (aka "I'm Bad") and begin to circulate on the internet. Soon afterward, "Rip The Jacker" could be found at Cani's mp3.com website, along with other new material. Also featured on the site was a big symbol for Gladiator Records, apparently Cani's new label.
In 2001, Bis wanted to show his versatility. He started his carreer with the "Can-I-Bus" album, a mixed release with battle, knowledge and story-telling tracks. Then came with "2000 BC", a complete album with battle raps. After that he wanted to do a story-telling album and released "'C' True Hollywood Stories". This was a no-label release, only for the fans and to show his versatility to the world. He tells Hollywood stories trough his eyes, he even did a parody on the whole "Stan story" by Eminem. The album was a total flop for his fans. The fans had been waiting for new material, but when it was finally there they didn't understand how he could release such a terrible album. The story-telling was on a certain level, but overall it just wasn't the type of Canibus tracks which people loved. The album had a nice R.O.C. diss track on it though, called "I Gotta Story 2 Tell" with Canibus taking shots at the label, because he disliked Jay-Z. Later, one of R.O.C. signed artists, Beanie Sigal, directed one line at Canibus in his track "Put Yo Hands Up". In response to that track, Canibus ripped Beans on "Who Ownz You".

In 2002, Canibus signed up for the United States Army. For the next three years fans had no concrete reason for this decision. It was originally thought that he did it because he was affected by the September 11, 2001 attacks but according to an interview from 2005, there was another reason: "I enlisted because I wanted to get away from the music," he said. "I wanted to do something that gave me a separate definition from what I had done all through my teens and twenties. I was 28 when I enlisted". In May of 2003, two months before his fifth album, Rip the Jacker, he graduated from Ft. Knox and started out as a reconnaissance specialist. In 2004, he was caught smoking marijuana and was discharged for it.
Music wise, after the "CTHS" drop, Canibus was completely out of the public eye but because of his strong love for Hip Hop, he still wanted to continue making music. In 2002 he returned with the release of "Mic Club: The Curriculum" which came out of nowhere. The album was released on Koch/Babygrande/Micclub Records and this record also promoted his new MicClub.net website. This album consists of creative and intelligent rhyming, good production and nice collaborations with Vinnie Paz and Kool G Rap. Canibus really took it to a next level with the "Mic Club" release and to his fans he was back in full effect. On the track called "Curriculum 101" he aims at the succesful Eminem. Eminem already took a few shots at Canibus before this track and this was Cani's response.
Early 2003 Canibus released new material on two mixtapes, "My Name Is Nobody" and "The Brainstream", which were spread on the internet. "My Name Is Nobody" includes a track called "Stupid Producers", directed at former producers.

Till this time, people were still waiting for the release of "The Horsemen Project", a collaboration album by the Four Horsemen (Kurupt, Ras Kass, Killah Priest and Canibus). Late 2003 the record was released on Think Differently Music / Proverbs Records. Featuring on 9 tracks this combination was complete. All four MC's on the album were lyrically on a high level and many fans hope for a second album.
At the end of 2004, Canibus hooked up with producer Nottz for a series of new tracks. Unfortunately, these new tracks leaked on the internet in the beginning of 2005. Because of the leaking of these tracks, they've decided to combine the new tracks produced by Nottz and some recent mixtape freestyles into a mixtape called "The Vitruvian Man". This mixtape was placed on the internet as a full download.

In September 2005, MicClub.net started publishing alot of interesting news. Canibus hooked up with Phoenix Orion, called them self Cloak 'N Dagga and teamed up with Head Trauma Records to release a 70+ Minute DVD and CD. The release dropped in October that year and was called "Def Con Zero" and was overall a solid album. The first single "Livin" was released and they also made a video for it. The Head Trauma Records label is owned by K-1 fighter Dewey "Black Kobra" Cooper and Canibus became vice-president of the label. This new step also resulted in the ending of MicClub Records. Bis and Cooper became friends in 2004 and Phoenix Orion is also a friend of Cooper. Cooper introduced Phoenix Orion to Bis and one day they were talking about the situation in the rap game, mainly how the quality was bad. Canibus and Phoenix rhymed together and then Cooper made the comment "What is needed to release material like this?". So one thing lead to another and finally Canibus helped Cooper with starting a label. Alot of exclusive material was released during that period.
In November 2005, "Hip Hop For Sale" dropped on Babygrande that was supposed to be released in May 2005. This album was, like the title already gives away, a commercial type of release. Featuring 11 tracks in total, there are 5 tracks on it that were already released on "The Vitruvian Man", the leaked mixtape. These tracks were mastered and next to 5 new tracks (although the tracks called "Da Facelist" and "Punchlines" have earlier released verses, but new beats) this was a nice release. The first single of this album was released on November 15, called "It's No Other Than". Most tracks were produced by Nottz and his Teamsta production team, and there is also production by Jeff Wheeler, Jayswiftz, Blackmilk (who produced Slum Village's new album), Tick and J.Star on the album. On the same date of this "Hip Hop For Sale" release, there was also a mixtape release on MicClub.net called "Mic Club Mixtape Master Vol. 1". This mixtape consist of old and new tracks. Most of the new tracks were recorded during Canibus' army period. For the cover art of this mixtape, MicClub.net held a contest for fans to design it.
2005 was a good productive year for Canibus.

Cassidy, a.k.a. "Tha Problem" was born Barry Adrian Reese in 1982 in Philadelphia, USA. He rose to prominence as a battle rapper and started appearing on many mixtapes, and was also a member of the hip-hop crew Larceny. Cassidy is known for his superb freestyling ability. He first came into national attention after battling the Roc-a-Fella rapper, Freeway. The studio session made its way to the streets and the internet, where interest in Cassidy grew. Cassidy is an example of how battling can still turn an unknown artist to a well-known personality. "I'm so nice I'd bet my life, I guess I got a gamblin' problem," says Cassidy.
As a pure lyricist cut from the same cloth as Rakim, Big Daddy Kane and Nas, the 20-year old Cassidy honed his abilities in ciphers and battles all over his native Philadelphia and New York. He has yet to lose. "I’ve been rhyming all my life," states Cassidy. "Rhyming for me was just like how some people play basketball for the fun of it. It’s an everyday activity." "He’s just young and hungry," adds Swizz Beats. "He can freestyle for hours, but he also has a large vocabulary."
Cassidy started taking rap music seriously in 1996. In junior high school, Cassidy battled for fun while turning to the streets to economically keep himself afloat. After being challenged by a friend to take rapping seriously, Cassidy assigned himself to battling the champion of "The Cipher" show on Philadelphia station 103.9 FM. Cipher host Zulu soon crowned Cassidy the new champion. "I was winning the battles week after week," states Cassidy. There was good competition, but being challenged is exciting to me."
And when callers would cheer me on that’s when I started taking this thing [recording rap music] serious." Cassidy’s victories on the Cipher caught the attention of Delfonics founder and lead singer William Hart, who wanted to break into the rap game. "We recorded a few songs for a demo," Cassidy remembers, "but it didn’t amount to anything as far as getting a deal. It did give me studio experience however." One year later, a chance meeting in a Philly barbershop with Swizz’s father, Terrance Dean ; who was working with his brothers’ Dee and Wah Ruff Ryders label, brought Cassidy to the Ruff Ryder family. "I was 16," remembers Cassidy, "and this dude came in talking about he worked with Ruff Ryders and wanted to hear me rap, so after the shop closed I spit a verse. Then I just started spitting for an hour and some change. He took my number down and said he would get with me.
Two days later, I was in class and my mom paged me and asked me if I met someone for Ruff Ryders because they wanted me to come out to New York today. I was in 11th grade." Cassidy made the trip to New York with fellow rhymers Shizz Lansky and Cal Akbar and they were signed to Ruff Ryders together as a group, Larceny, on Swizz's own 'Full Surface' label distributed through J Records. Though not really a group, the trio recorded almost twenty songs before being put on the shelf because of the large roster Ruff Ryders had accumulated. For two years, Cassidy watched from the sidelines while occasionally performing ghostwriting duties or making guest appearances on mix tapes and songs for Ruff Ryders Ryde or Die Compilation 2 and 3, and Nas remix of "The General" featuring Fat Joe. When Swizz Beats got the green light for Full Surface, he wanted Cassidy down with his team. "I knew he had talent," says Swizz. "I just want to give him his shot to show everybody what he can do.
Cassidy then appeared on tracks by Snoop Dogg and Wyclef Jean. He recorded his debut album 'Split Personality' in the year 2003. The record is divided into three parts. The first part is credited to Cassidy and reflects his pop side, the second part is credited to "Tha Problem" and is aimed at fans of his mixtapes, and the third is credited to 'B. Reese' from fans from his early days. The album was released on March 16 2004 and was a huge success reaching #2 on the Billboard 200 album chart and #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart.
Cassidy recorded the track and lead single "Hotel" with R. Kelly in Kelly's Chicago studios with a vocal contribution by Kelly - there is also a version featuring vocals by Trina. The song became a hit reaching the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 in February 2004 and the top 5 of the UK charts in May 2004. The song has also reached the Australian top 40 in late May 2004. The second single "Get No Better" featured a contribution from labelmate Mashonda did not do as well on the singles charts reaching #82 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Despite all this success, onn June 8th 2005, Cassidy's career looked like it was about to grind to a hault as a warrant for Cassidy's arrest was issued for the murder of a 22-year-old man during an April 15, 2005 shooting. Cassidy's attorney responded to the warrant stating that he expected his client to surrender on the morning of June 17, 2005.
MTV News has reported that three men, including Cassidy, were armed with .45 and .40 caliber handguns, 9 mm pistols, AK47 assault rifles and 7.62 mm rifles, fired on three other men during an hostile argument that occurred in the rapper's West Oak Lane neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia just before 1 a.m. on April 15, 2005. One of the other men was Lebanese. It is likely that he lives in Detroit or Windsor, Canada because of fast access to the border.
As the case was taking place Cassidy then released his sophomore album, "I'm a Hustla", on June 28, 2005 on Swizz Beatz's J-affiliated Full Surface label. His latest hit, I'm A Hustla, features a sample in the chorus from Jay-Z's Dirt Off Your Shoulder. The album was a step up from his successful debut and proved his skills with the pen and the mic even truer than before, with this more grimey and street feel than previous. Cassidy is also featured on the latest edition of the Ruff Ryders album on the track "Aim 4 the Head" featuring Jin and J-Hood.
Cassidy's murder case took a turn when the primary witness withdrew his confession, stating, "I only told the police what they wanted to hear, because they wouldn't let me leave, and I had a bullet in my leg." This resulted in the Judge stating that Cassidy would only have to stand trial for a 3rd degree murder. On August 16, 2005, Municipal Judge Marsha Neifield ruled that prosecutors had sufficient evidence to charge Cassidy with third-degree murder, attempted murder charges, and weapons offenses. This was later overturned to the original, first degree charge - negating the possibility of parole.
On January 25, 2006 Cassidy was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault. He was sentenced to 11Ѕ to 23 months in jail and was credited with the 7 months he had already served. Cassidy was then released from jail March 2, 2006 after serving eight months.
Rap fans that have bemoaned Philadelphian MC Cassidy's flirtation with mainstream rap, or who have seen it as a betrayal of the rapper's hardcore roots, will be pleased by BACK TO THE PROBLEM.
Back to the Problem


2005
Including: So Long, I'm a Hustla, Kick It Wit You, and more...
I'm a hustla

2004
Including: Get No Better,


Split Personality [clean]

Chamillionaire



This kid from Houston, Texas has some nerve. That's what came to mind as you watched an MTV special in early 2005 showcasing H-Town's commercial and artistic re-emergence on the rap scene. Following his brazen freestyle, the focused and much-heralded MC known as Chamillionaire faced a national audience and launched a swagger-filled proclamation on camera: "I'm the truth from Texas..." While such boasting may seem par-for-the-course in the prideful 25-year-plus history of hip-hop, the latter ambitious statement aptly describes Chamillionaire. It's the reason why he earned the lofty alias "The Mixtape Messiah," a title Cham was crowned after independently selling over 100,000 copies of the Get Ya Mind Correct album, and by selling thousands of his numerous mix tapes. It's why the former member of Houston's legendary mix-tape power Swisha House garnered coverage in such major hip-hop publications as Source and XXL without the backing of a major deal. When the Houston lyricist set off a major label bidding war to distribute his Chamillitary Records, it became abundantly clear throughout the 'hood and the music industry – Chamillionaire is indeed the truth.
With his major-label debut The Sound Of Revenge set for release on Universal Records, Chamillionaire is poised to take his place among Houston's current hip-hop elite, including the new generation of rhyme-spitters such as Lil' Flip, Slim Thug, Mike Jones and Paul Wall, as well respected vets UGK and Scarface. "You call out a lot of rappers and ask them why they are the best and they are going to tell you everything but the music," Cham laughs. "They will tell you that they are the best because they have some nice rims, a chain, and a mansion." He then adds in a straight-no-chaser tone, "You've heard all the hype about Chamillionaire; that he's sick with the lyrics, sings hooks, and represents the streets and the clubs. But I just want to come as close as possible to living up to my reputation."
Chamillionaire recruits an impressive list of talent on his debut effort, including Lil' Flip, Bun B, Scarface, and Krayzie Bone, as well as in-demand producers Scott Storch (50 Cent), Mannie Fresh (Lil' Wayne, Baby, Juvenile) and Cool & Dre (The Game).
But, it's his work with Atlanta studio kings The Beat Bullies (Big Boi/OutKast) that sets the tone for much of The Sound Of Revenge's diverse platform. "They understand me," Cham says of the in-house producers. "There are a lot of producers that have dope beats, but they don't know me as an artist. [The Beat Bullies] being from Atlanta, can take it to the strip clubs, the streets and to the radio."
The name "Chamillionaire" represents the unique style that defines the talented urban artist, and his ability to change and adapt on the fly, forcing people to respect the true breadth of his talent. And just as this MC moniker exemplifies, Chamillionaire is anything but predictable and most certainly versatile. "Picture Perfect" featuring Bun B comes off as a lyrical nod to the classic 'hood swagger of UGK, while the Beat Bullies'-anchored "Radio Interruption" showcases Cham's prowess for walking the blurred line between street praise and mass appeal. The storytelling brilliance of "No Snitching" (Cool & Dre), finds Cham detailing the unwritten laws of 'hood politics. On the Scott Storch produced "Turn It Up," Cham tag-teams with freestyle king Lil' Flip as they spit over an infectious track that is Houston's answer to a summer club banger. And the soulful "Here Comes The Rain" finds Chamillionaire exploring the daily struggles of life with heartfelt lyricism and ghetto angst.
"It's a very personal song and the title says it all," Cham says of the revealing track. "In a person's life the rain symbolizes the struggles we all go through. Whether you are dealing with losing a loved one or your rent is due on the 1st, but it's the 3rd and you don't have it. I'm just talking about surviving the tough times."
Chamillionaire has definitely seen his share of struggles on his road to redemption. Born to a Muslim father and Christian mother, secular music was banned in his household. Chamillionaire was barely a teenager when he moved to a low-income neighborhood in the notorious North Side of Houston, following the separation of his parents. By the early '90s, however, rap rebels such as NWA, Public Enemy, as well as hometown heroes The Geto Boys, 8-Ball & MJG and UGK would inspire a young Hakeem to write his own rhymes. - Bio courtesy of Universal Records.
Dubbed "the Mixtape Messiah," Houston's Chamillionaire arrived late as a major-label artist during his city's 2005 takeover of mainstream rap -- the Top Ten Sound of Revenge, released during November that year, followed albums from Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and former Color Changin' Click partner Paul Wall -- but he had already built a loyal following outside the South and received significant print coverage. Through a prolific succession of mixtapes, Chamillionaire (born Hakeem Sediki) became known for his deep, versatile voice (he sings his own hooks very effectively) and lyrical ability. Originally part of Swishahouse, he switched to Paid in Full, where he and Paul Wall collaborated on 2002's Get Ya Mind Correct -- an album that sold 100,000 copies. Prior to inking his deal with Universal, he founded the Chamilitary label and began grooming the careers of brother Rasaq and 50/50 Twin.
Ultimate Victory
Sound of revenge
Charmillitary

LUDACRIS LIFE BIOGRAPHY



Ludacris is the stage name of Chris Bridges, born on 11 September 1977, in Champaign, Illinois, USA. During his early years he moved to Atlanta, which is where he would go on to make a name for himself as one of the most prominent Dirty South rappers of the new millennium. Ludacris' musical career goes back to childhood. To infancy, in fact. Born while his parents were still in college he found himself at many house partys, soaking in the music at an age most kids are still teething.

"They were always jamming to the old school stuff, like Frankie Beverly and Maze, Cameo, all that kind of music," said Ludacris. "They used to take me to college parties and let me get out in the middle of the floor and dance for all the other students."
His love affair with music continued into his pre-teen years. At age 12 he joined a Chicago based hip-hop outfit called the Loudmouth Hooligans. Moving to Atlanta the same year, he pursued his goal with a vengeance. During his time at College Park's Banneker High School, he started battling in the lunch room, often getting so involved in the verbal contests that he would forget to eat. Later he started performing, showing up at talent shows, and at clubs.

"I would show up at any venue that had an open mic" he said.
Ludacris began his music career as a radio DJ personality, Chris Lova Lova, on the V103 urban radio station in Atlanta, Georgia. He eventually landed a gig on Atlanta's then-new hip-hop station Hot 97.5 gaining a job producing the night show. It was here that Ludacris worked his rhymes on the mic, got the 411 on the music industry and became known throughout the Atlanta area. Eventually, Ludacris leaned toward a career as an MC rather than as a radio disc jockey. Ludacris made his mark rapping on voice over promos. He ended up being as recognizable as some of the deejays.

"I started rapping on the station promos. We did them over all of the top hits, so people got to hear me rap over tight beats."
He made his recorded debut on "Phat Rabbit", a track from Timbaland's 1998 album 'Tim's Bio: Life from the Bassment'. Although both Timbaland and Jermaine Dupri showed interest in signing Ludacris, he decided to take matters into his own hands, and relese Incognegro independently on hiw own 'Disturbing The Peace Entertainment', in 1999. Fueled by the single "Whats your fantasy" which got as many as 500 spins a week on radio in some southern markets, and went to no.1 on a local radio station, the album sold over 50,000 copies, most of them sold out of the trunk of Ludacris' car. That success caught the eye of many major labels including Def Jam and president Scarface. After a long courtship by several labels, Ludacris decided to go with Def Jam South. Def Jam Records signed Ludacris in 2000, and created a new imprint, Def Jam South, totally around him.
Ludacris' major-label debut single was "Whats your fantasy", In addition to introducing Ludacris, his first single and music video, which became an MTV2 hit, gave America its first glimpse of his fellow Disturbing Tha Peace member Shawnna, a female rapper who has just recently begun to achieve some success of her own. In addition to singing the chorus on "Whats your fantasy" and appearing in its video, Shawnna, along with Trina and Foxy Brown, contributed original verses to a remix of the track that featured Ludacris himself on the chorus.
The hard hitting U got a probleme displays a braggadocious verbal performance that demonstrates Ludacris' way with the metaphor. On the Organized Noize produced he raises the bar on weak MCs ("too many rookies/not enough pros"). Most of the album is produced by Ludacris' in-house producer Shondre. He's responsible for the first single, the hiccuping "Whats your fantasy" in which Ludacris flips rapid fire sex rhymes over Shondre's ATL bass-inlfluenced track (at one point he imagines getting his freak on in the Georgia Dome during a Falcoms game).
In 2001, "Southern Hospitallity" became an even bigger urban radio and video hit, achieving heavy MTV2 airplay and moderate MTV airplay.

During the summer of 2001, Ludacris, with the help of Nate Dogg, released a single off of the Rush Hour 2 soundtrack called "Area Codes". A continuation of the lyrical themes started with "Ho", the song and video were only played in an edited version in which all uses of the word "ho" were replaced with the word "pro". Despite this the song is now a classic, and it achieved great success for Luda And Nate, and also the movie. To this day the song is still one of which Luda will always be remebered for.
Due to his recent successes "Word of Mouf" album release at the end of 2001. Its lead single, Rollout, was produced by Timbaland and gave Ludacris his first taste at a minor mainstream crossover, and the song was enormous on urban radio. The title of the video also appeared as just "Move" when played on American video stations. Despite the controversy, the video was nominated for a 2003 VMA, and Luda performed it live at the awards' pre-show. Ludacris also toured with Papa Roach in 2002 after the release of their sophomore album 'Lovehatetragedy'.
In 2003, after music from the controversial "Move Bi**h" had been used in a Pepsi commercial in which Ludacris also appeared drinking the soda, Pepsi came under fire from Bill O'Reilly for supporting Ludacris. O'Reilly believed that it was wrong for an international corporation like Pepsi to target the American teen audience by glamorizing a person like Ludacris, a "gangsta rapper" who had admitted having been in gangs and whose lyrics contained profanity, violence, and overt sexuality. O'Reilly urged his viewers to complain to and boycott Pepsi for its affiliation with Ludacris. Eventually, Pepsi gave in to O'Reilly and dropped Ludacris. However, this created more controversy than it ended, as Russell Simmons pointed out Pepsi's hypocrisy and what he considered even to be racism: Simmons argued that Pepsi could not legitimately fire Ludacris for being a presumed violent and profane role model while also employing the Osbournes, who are also known for being violent, vulgar, and profane. Simmons himself, along with Ludacris, then called for a black Pepsi boycott. In the end, Pepsi settled with Simmons by agreeing to help fund black causes, even though the Osbournes were permitted to keep their advertising contracts with the corporation. Ludacris, though annoyed about the situation itself, was happy that he got to keep the money that Pepsi had paid him for the ads. O'Reilly later protested Budweiser's deal with Ludacris.
Luda also landed a major film role in the very successfull 2 Fast 2 Furios, recieved great praise for his first major Hollywood role. Luda had made a previous appearance in movie The Wash the previous year, which also starred fellow rappers Dr.Dre and Snoop Dogg but that movie was nowhere near as succesfull to 2 Fast 2 Furios'. During the spring of 2003, Ludacris returned to the music scene after a brief hiatus with a new single, "Act A Fool" off the '2 Fast 2 Furious' soundtrack.

The album's next single, Splash Waterfalls , was released in early 2004. Though not a pop hit, it became a success at urban radio and BET, thanks to its being Ludacris' most sexual video yet and an R&B remix that featured Raphael Saadiq and sampled Tony! Toni! Tone!'s "Whatever You Want".

On December 7th 2004 "Red Light District" it's relesed, which went straight to No.1 on the USA Billboard charts with 322,000 copies sold in its first week, and was eventually certified double platinum by the RIAA.
In an issue of hip-hop based magazine "XXL", Ludacris was placed in the 9th spot for the most anticipated albums of 2006, for Release Therapy. Release Therapy was released on September 26, 2006 and the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart selling 309,800 copies in the first week making it Ludacris' third number one album in a row. As of now, the album has sold over 2 million copies in the U.S. alone.
Unlike the previous albums released by Release Therapy has a more mature and serious approach to the music (e.g. the 2nd single Runaway Love is Ludacris's first stab at socially concerned music). It is also Ludacris's darkest album to date, both in mood and subject matter. The different approach Ludacris took with Release Therapy has caused many listeners and fans to debate on whether the album is Ludacris's best, or his worst. Ludacris formatted the CD to have two sides: a Release side and a Therapy side on a single CD. With the Release side having songs that allow him to get everything off his chest and the Therapy side being just feel-good music, on the flip side it's extremely dark in mood. Luda also shaved his cornrows off for now a "fade" haircut. He said with a new album that was different than his other five albums, there would be a new haircut to go with it.
Ludacris said the album is theatrical, conceptual-wise, and every song you hear sounds like a scene from a movie, hence the reason why feature artists on the album are stated as been "co-stars". These co-stars (featured guest appearances) include, Common, T-Pain, Plies, and Rick Ross, aswell as boxing star Floyd Mayweather Jr.comedian Chris Rock, and R&B signers Chris Brown and Jamie Foxx.
The first single from Theater of the Mind was "What Them Girls Like", which was released on August 7, 2008. The single features Chris Brown and Sean Garrett and is produced by Darkchild. The song was available on iTunes Store on August 7, 2008., but was leaked to the internet on August 1, 2008. The music video premiered on Yahoo! Music on September 11th, and takes cues from the Mel Gibson movie "What Women Want". Tyrese Gibson, Kourtney Kardashian, and Kristia Krueger made cameo appearances in the video.

Richard Steven "Ritchie" Valenzuela (May 13, 1941 – February 3, 1959) YouTube - RITCHIE VALENS "MEMORIES"





A rock and roll pioneer and a forefather of the Chicano rock movement, Valens' recording career lasted only eight months. During this time, however, he scored several hits, most notably "Donna" which peaked at #2 on the Billboard Best Sellers chart; and, the flip side "La Bamba", which was originally a Mexican folk song that Valens transformed with a rock rhythm and beat. Both songs charted in early 1959, making Valens a pioneer of the Spanish-speaking rock and roll movement.

On February 3, 1959, on what has become known as The Day the Music Died, Valens was killed in a small-plane crash in Iowa, USA, an event that also claimed the lives of fellow musicians Buddy Holly and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson.

Early life
Ritchie Valens was born in Pacoima, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley(where I grew Up) region of Los Angeles, on May 13, 1941 of Mexican descent. His parents were Joseph Steven Valenzuela and Concepcion Reyes.[3] Brought up hearing traditional Mexican mariachi music, as well as flamenco guitar, R&B and jump blues, he expressed an interest in making music of his own by the age of 5. He was encouraged by his father to take up guitar and trumpet, and later taught himself the drums. One day, a neighbor came across Ritchie trying to play a guitar that had only two strings. He re-strung the instrument, and taught Ritchie the fingerings of some chords. While Ritchie was left-handed, he was so eager to learn the guitar that he mastered the traditionally right-handed version of the instrument. By the time he was attending Pacoima Junior High School, his proficiency on the guitar was such that he brought the instrument to school and would sing and play songs to his friends on the bleachers. When he was sixteen years old, he was invited to join a local band named The Silhouettes as a guitarist. When the main vocalist left the group, Ritchie assumed this position as well. On October 19, 1957, Valens made his performing debut with the group.[4] In addition to the performances with The Silhouettes, he played solo at parties and other social gatherings.

Career


Ritchie Valens album cover
Valens was an accomplished singer and guitarist. At his appearances, he often improvised new lyrics and added new riffs to popular songs while he was playing. This is an aspect of his music that is not heard in his commercial studio recordings. Due to his high-energy performances, Valenzuela earned the nickname "The Little Richard of the Valley."
In May 1958, Bob Keane, the owner and President of Del-Fi Records, a small Hollywood record label, was given a tip about a young performer from Pacoima by the name of Richard Valenzuela. Keane, swayed by the Little Richard connection, went to see Valenzuela play a Saturday morning matinée at a movie theater in San Fernando. Impressed by the performance, he invited Ritchie to audition at his home in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles, where he had a small recording studio in his basement. The recording equipment comprised an early portable tape recorder — a two-track Ampex 6012 — and a pair of Telefunken U-47 condenser microphones.
After this first 'audition', Keane decided to sign Ritchie to Del-Fi, and a contract was prepared and signed on May 27, 1958. It was at this point that he took the name Ritchie, because, as Keane said, "There were a bunch of 'Richies' around at that time, and I wanted it to be different." Similarly, it was Keane who decided to shorten his surname to Valens from Valenzuela, in order to broaden his appeal to white Americans.
Several songs that would later be re-recorded at Gold Star Studios in Hollywood were first demoed in Keane's studio. The demos were mostly just Ritchie singing and playing guitar. Some of them featured drums. These original demos can be heard on the Del-Fi album Ritchie Valens — The Lost Tapes. Aside from those demos, two of the tracks laid down in Keane's studio were taken to Gold Star and had additional instruments dubbed over to create full-band recordings. "Donna" was one track (although there are two other preliminary versions of the song, both available on ''The Lost Tapes), and the other was an instrumental entitled "Ritchie's Blues."
After several songwriting and demo recording sessions with Keane in his basement studio, Keane decided that Ritchie was ready to enter the studio with a full band backing him. Amongst the musicians were Rene Hall and Earl Palmer. The first songs recorded at Gold Star, at a single studio session one afternoon in July 1958, were "Come On, Let's Go," an original (credited to Valens/Kuhn, Keane's real name), and "Framed," a Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller tune. Pressed and released within days of the recording session taking place, the record was a success. Valens' next record, a double A-side, had the songs "Donna" (written about a real girlfriend), coupled with "La Bamba."

At this point, in the autumn of 1958, Valens quit high school to concentrate on his career. Keane booked appearances at venues all across the United States and performances on television programs. Valens, however, had a fear of flying brought on by a freak accident at his Pacoima Junior High School when, on January 31, 1957, two airplanes collided over the playground, killing or injuring several of his friends.[5] Valens was not at school that day as he was attending his grandfather's funeral. He eventually succeeded in overcoming his fear enough to travel by airplane. One of his first stops was Philadelphia to appear on Dick Clark's American Bandstand television show on October 6, where he sang "Come On, Let's Go." In November, Ritchie traveled to Hawaii and performed alongside Buddy Holly and Paul Anka. Valens found himself a last-minute addition on the bill of legendary discjockey Alan Freed's Christmas Jubilee in New York City, singing with some of those who had greatly influenced his music, including Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, The Everly Brothers, Duane Eddy, Eddie Cochran and Jackie Wilson. December 27 saw a return to American Bandstand, this time for a performance of "Donna."
Upon his return to Los Angeles, Valens filmed an appearance in Alan Freed's movie Go Johnny Go!. In the film, he appears in a diner, miming his song "Ooh! My Head," using a Gretsch guitar borrowed from Eddie Cochran. In between the live appearances, Ritchie returned to Gold Star several times, recording the tracks that would comprise his two albums.
In early 1959, Valens was traveling the Midwest on a multi-act rock and roll tour dubbed "The Winter Dance Party." Accompanying him were Buddy Holly with a new back-up band, Tommy Allsup on guitar, Waylon Jennings on bass, and Carl Bunch on drums; Dion and the Belmonts; J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson; and Frankie Sardo. None of the other performers had backing bands, so Buddy's backup band filled in for all the shows.


Ritchie Valens album cover
Conditions for the performers on the tour buses were abysmal, and the bitterly cold Midwest weather took its toll on the party; Carl Bunch had to be hospitalized with severely frostbitten feet, and several others (including Valens and The Big Bopper) caught colds. The show was split into two acts, with Ritchie closing the first act. After Bunch was hospitalized, a member of the Belmonts who had some drum experience took over the drumming duties. When Dion and the Belmonts were performing, the drum seat was taken by either Valens or Buddy Holly. There is a surviving color photograph of Ritchie at the drum kit.

Death
Main article: The Day the Music Died
The bus they all were taking on the tour was plagued with a defective heater and Holly decided to charter a small plane for himself and others. Valens, Holly, Richardson, and the pilot were killed when their small plane crashed soon after taking off from Clear Lake, Iowa on February 3, 1959. Don McLean referred to it as "The Day the Music Died".
R.I.P. (you would have been even bigger)
Descanse En Pazn (which means RIP)