Asylum Records is an American record label founded in 1971 by David Geffen and partner Elliot Roberts, who had previously worked as agents at the William Morris Agency. Founded specifically to provide a record contract for Jackson Browne, the label signed Tom Waits, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, The Eagles and Bob Dylan for two albums. It was taken over by Warner Communications (now the Warner Music Group) in 1972, and merged with Elektra Records to become Elektra/Asylum Records.

After various incarnations, today it is geared primarily towards hip-hop, along with rock and Alternative Metal. It is owned by Warner Music Group, and is currently distributed through Warner Bros. Records.

Company history

Formation

Asylum was founded in 1971 by David Geffen, and partner Elliot Roberts, who had previously worked as agents at the William Morris Agency, and operated a folk/rock label. They founded their own management company, and when Geffen was unable to get a recording contract for Jackson Browne, one of his clients at the time, Geffen and Roberts founded Asylum specifically to sign Browne. Asylum's early releases were distributed by Atlantic Records. The same year, Asylum signed John David Souther, Judee Sill, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell and Glenn Frey (whom Geffen encouraged to form the Eagles, with Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner.) In 1972, then folk-based singer/songwriter Tom Waits signed with the label, releasing his debut, ''Closing Time'', in 1973. His fifth and final album for the label, ''Heartattack and Vine'', was released in 1980. The biggest coup for Asylum was signing Bob Dylan, who had been with Columbia Records since the early 1960s but who, after a falling-out with the company, was shopping around for a new label. Dylan recorded two albums, ''Planet Waves'' and the live ''Before the Flood'', for Asylum before returning to Columbia. Columbia reissued Dylan's two Asylum albums in 1981.

Merger with Elektra Records

Asylum was taken over by Warner Communications (now Time Warner, who later spun off its music holdings as Warner Music Group) in 1972, and merged with Elektra Records to become Elektra/Asylum Records. David Geffen and Elliot Roberts each received $2 million in cash and $5 million in Warner Communications stock, thereby becoming two of the company's largest shareholders. Geffen served as president and chairman of Elektra/Asylum Records until 1975, when he crossed over to film and was named vice-chairman of Warner Brothers Pictures. right|thumb|Logo after the Elektra-Asylum merger One of Asylum's most prominent signings after Geffen's departure was Warren Zevon, who released a series of successful and critically acclaimed LPs for the label; his self-titled 1976 label debut has been called the best California rock album of the decade.

By the early 1980s, though technically still billed as "Elektra/Asylum Records" or "Elektra/Asylum/Nonesuch Records," Elektra and Asylum began to split off—with the former becoming more dominant and the latter acting as more of an extension. By the middle of the decade, the company was unofficially calling itself Elektra Records, and in 1989 it was renamed Elektra Entertainment. Asylum, meanwhile, broke off into a subsidiary label and subsequently became less active in its own right.

Country format

Asylum was reformatted into a country music label, still operated by Elektra, in 1992. Under the new format, Asylum scored successful recordings by such acts as Brother Phelps, Thrasher Shiver, Emmylou Harris, Kevin Sharp, Bryan White, and Lila McCann. They also produced many critically acclaimed albums by artists such as Mandy Barnett, Guy Clark, The Cox Family, Bob Woodruff, J.D. Myers and Jamie Hartford. By the end of the decade, however, mismanagement and a lack of promotion money led to the dissolution of the Asylum country label.

In 2003, Mike Curb, head of Curb Records, revived the Nashville division of Asylum, forming a new label known as Asylum-Curb. LeAnn Rimes, Clay Walker, Lee Brice, Rio Grand, Hank Williams, Jr. and Wynonna are among the artists on the Asylum-Curb division.

Relaunch

After being dormant for several years, Asylum Records was revived as an urban music-based label in 2004, with some of its releases distributed in conjunction with Warner Bros. Records and others through Atlantic Records. In 2006, WMG shifted Asylum to operate under their newly created Independent Label Group, which also comprises Cordless Recordings and East West Records. In December 2006, Asylum Records announced the signing of Atlanta, Georgia-based metal band Sevendust, the first non-hip-hop artist to be signed to the newly reconfigured label. In March 2009, Asylum president and CEO Todd Moscowitz was promoted to Executive Vice President of Warner Bros. Records. Subsequently, Asylum was detached from the Independent Label Group and now operates under Warner Bros. Cee Lo Green was signed to the label as well as New Boyz and Ed Sheeran.

References

See also

List of Asylum Records artists

List of record labels

Category:Record labels established in 1971 Category:Record labels established in 2004 Category:Re-established companies Category:Warner Music labels Category:American record labels Category:Hip hop record labels

ca:Asylum Records es:Asylum Records fr:Asylum Records it:Asylum Records nl:Asylum Records ja:アサイラム・レコード pl:Asylum Records pt:Asylum Records fi:Asylum Records sv:Asylum Records

name	Bun B
background	solo_singer
birth name	Bernard Freeman
birth date	March 19, 1973
origin	Port Arthur, Texas, U.S.|
genre	Hip Hop, Southern Rap, Trill
occupation	Rapper, Songwriter, Producer, CEO
years active	1987–present
label	Rap-a-Lot
associated acts	UGK, Slim Thug, Outkast, Scarface, E.S.G., Z-Ro, Too Short, Trey Songz, Lil Keke, Chamillionaire, Juvenile, Rick Ross, Drake, Big K.R.I.T., Wu-Tang Clan, T.I., Lil Wayne }}

Bernard Freeman (born March 19, 1973) better known by his stage name Bun B, is an American rapper and was one half of the southern hip hop duo UGK (UnderGround Kingz). He is also a guest lecturer at Rice University located in Houston, Texas . He recently released his third official solo album Trill OG on August 3, 2010, which received a 5 Mic "Classic" rating in The Source Magazine - the first album in over five years to receive the honor. Bun B is married with two stepchildren.

Music career

UGK

In the late 1980s, Pimp C started the rap duo UGK. They then got signed to Jive Records where they released their major label debut album, Too Hard to Swallow, and their sophomore album, Super Tight.... Their third album, Ridin' Dirty reached the R&B; Charts in 1996 peaking at number 2 and the Billboard 200 chart peaking at number 15. After releasing their fourth studio album, Dirty Money, Pimp C got sentenced to jail.

''Trill'' and beginning of solo career

When Bun B's UGK partner, the late Chad "Pimp C" Butler entered a jail sentence on an aggravated gun assault charge in 2002, Bun B made guest appearances on numerous albums by other rappers and released a 2005 mixtape titled ''Legends''. Singles featuring a Bun B guest appearance included "They Don't Know" by Paul Wall, "Gimme That" by Webbie and "I'm A G" by Yung Joc. Bun B also appeared in a documentary titled ''Screwed In Houston'' produced by VBS/Vice Magazine that details the history of the Houston rap scene.

In October 2005, Bun B's debut solo album ''Trill'' was released. Singles included "Draped Up", "Git It", and "Get Throwed". The album peaked at the sixth spot on the American Billboard 200 chart and number one on the Top R&B;/Hip Hop Albums chart.

''II Trill''

After Pimp C died in 2007, Bun B returned to a solo career. In 2008, he released his second album, ''II Trill'' The first single was "That's Gangsta" featuring Jamaican American artist Sean Kingston. It debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, selling 98,000 copies. Other singles were "Damn I'm Cold" featuring Lil Wayne and "You're Everything" featuring Rick Ross, David Banner, DJ Corbett and 8Ball & MJG, the latter of which was dedicated to the late Pimp C.

''Trill OG''

Bun B's third album is ''Trill OG''. In an interview with MTV Live, Bun B stated that 2Pac is set to feature on the album, claiming "It's a brand new verse." The album was released under Universal Music Group on August 3, 2010.

4th studio album

On October 28 2011, a song titled "The Life" and produced by 14KT was leaked.

On March 3 2012, Bun B released a new single featuring Royce Da 5'9 and Redman titled "Stop Playin'" after he reached 400,000 followers on Twitter. He has not announced the song's appearance on his upcoming album

Other Ventures

Acting

Bun B recently acted in the Straight-to-DVD movie "Ghetto Stories: The Movie". It is unknown at this time though if he is still pursuing an acting career.

Teaching

At the start of the Spring 2011 semester, Bun B joined the faculty of Rice University as a Distinguished Lecturer. He taught a course in the School of the Humanities on Hip-Hop and Religion.

Personal life

Family

Bun B is married to Angela Walls with two children. One of his sons is American rapper Young B, who is currently a member of the rap group ''Youngest N Charge.'' Youngest N Charge is currently Bun B's opening act.

Discography

2005: ''Trill''

2008: ''II Trill''

2010: ''Trill OG''

2012: ''Trill 4''

Filmography

Films

''Ghetto Stories'' (2010)

References

External links

Rap-A-Lot Records

Discography at discogs.com

Bun B RBMA lecture

Category:1973 births Category:African American rappers Category:Rappers from Houston, Texas Category:People from Port Arthur, Texas Category:Asylum Records artists Category:Living people Category:Rice University faculty Category:Southern hip hop musicians Category:Rappers from Texas

de:Bun B es:Bun B fr:Bun B it:Bun B nl:Bun B no:Bun B pl:Bun B pt:Bun B fi:Bun B sv:Bun B tr:Bun B

Name	Don Henley
Landscape	Yes
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Donald Hugh Henley
Birth date	July 22, 1947
Birth place	Gilmer, Texas, United States
Instrument	Vocals, drums, percussions, guitar, keyboards, synthesizers
Genre	Rock, country
Occupation	Musician, songwriter, singer
Years active	1970–present
Label	Asylum, Geffen, Warner Bros.
Associated acts	Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt, Trisha Yearwood
Website	}}

Donald Hugh "Don" Henley (born July 22, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas) is an American singer, songwriter and drummer, best known as a founding member of the Eagles before launching a successful solo career. Henley was the drummer and lead vocalist for the Eagles from 1971–1980, when the band broke up. Henley sings lead vocals on Eagles hits such as "Witchy Woman", "Desperado", "Best of My Love", "One of These Nights", "Hotel California", "Life in the Fast Lane", and "The Long Run". He formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships with Glenn Frey.

After the Eagles broke up in 1980, Henley pursued a solo career and released his debut album in 1982. He has released four studio albums, two compilation albums, and one live DVD. His solo hits include "Dirty Laundry", "The Boys of Summer", "All She Wants to Do Is Dance", "The Heart of the Matter", "The Last Worthless Evening", "Sunset Grill", "Not Enough Love in the World", "New York Minute" and "The End of the Innocence".

The Eagles have sold over 120 million albums worldwide, won six Grammy Awards, had five #1 singles, 17 Top 40 singles, and six #1 albums. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and are the biggest selling American band in history. As a solo artist, Henley has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, had eight Top 40 singles, won two Grammys and five MTV Video Music Awards. Combined with the Eagles and as a solo artist, Henley has released 25 Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. He has released seven studio albums with the Eagles and four as a solo artist. In 2008, he was ranked the 87th greatest singer of all time by ''Rolling Stone'' magazine.

Henley has also played a founding role in several environmental and political causes, most notably the Walden Woods Project. Since 1994, he has divided his musical activities between the Eagles and his solo career. He is scheduled to release his fifth studio album in 2011, which will be a country album with covers and originals.

Early life

Henley grew up in the small northeast Texas town of Linden. He initially attended college at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He then attended North Texas State University (renamed in 1988 as University of North Texas) in Denton, Texas, from 1967 to 1969. Henley left school to spend time with his father, who was dying from heart and arterial disease.

In 1970, he moved to Los Angeles to record an album with his early band, Shiloh. Shiloh's album was produced by fellow Texan Kenny Rogers. Shortly thereafter, Henley met Glenn Frey. They both became members of Linda Ronstadt's backup band. Touring with her was the catalyst for forming the group. As a result, two months later they, along with Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner, became their own act, Eagles.

Tenure with the Eagles

The Eagles were formed in September 1971, and released their first album in 1972, which contained the hit song "Take It Easy", written by Frey and Jackson Browne. During the band's run, Henley co-wrote (usually with Frey) most of the band's best-known songs.

Henley sang lead vocals on many of the band's popular songs, including "Desperado", "Witchy Woman", "Best of My Love", "One of These Nights", "Hotel California", "The Long Run", "Life in the Fast Lane" and "Wasted Time". The Eagles won numerous Grammy Awards during the 1970s and became one of the most successful rock bands of all time. They are also among the top 5 overall best-selling bands of all time in America and the highest selling American band in U.S. history.

The band broke up in 1980, following a difficult tour and personal tensions that arose during the recording of ''The Long Run''. The Eagles subsequently reunited in 1994. Henley continues to tour and record with the Eagles. Their latest album, ''Long Road Out of Eden'', was released in 2007.

Solo career

Following the breakup of the Eagles, Henley embarked on a solo career. His first solo release, 1982's ''I Can't Stand Still'', was a moderate seller. The single "Dirty Laundry" was Henley's all-time biggest hit. It reached #3 on ''Billboard'' Hot 100 at the beginning of 1983 and earned a Gold-certified single for sales of over a million copies in the US. It was also nominated for a Grammy. Henley and Stevie Nicks (his girlfriend at the time) had duetted on her Top 10 Pop and Adult Contemporary hit "Leather and Lace" a year earlier. Henley also contributed "Love Rules" to ''Fast Times at Ridgemont High'''s soundtrack.

This was followed in 1984 by ''Building the Perfect Beast''. A single release, "The Boys of Summer", reached No. 5 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. The music video for the song was directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino and won several MTV Video Music Awards including Best Video of the Year. Henley also won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for the song. Several other songs on the album, "All She Wants to Do Is Dance" (No. 9 on Hot 100), "Not Enough Love in the World" (#34) and "Sunset Grill" (#22) also received considerable airplay.

Henley's next album, 1989's ''The End of the Innocence'', was even more successful. The song "The End of the Innocence", a collaboration with Bruce Hornsby reached No. 8 as a single. "The Heart of the Matter", "The Last Worthless Evening" and "New York Minute" were among other songs that gained radio airplay. Henley again won the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance Grammy in 1990 for the album. Also in 1989, Henley made a brief appearance on MTV's ''Unplugged'' series.

In 1995 Henley released the single ''The Garden of Allah'' to promote his greatest hits solo album ''Actual Miles: Henley's Greatest Hits''.

In live shows, Henley would play drums and sing simultaneously only on certain Eagles songs. On his solo songs he would either play electric guitar and sing or just sing. Occasionally Eagles songs would get drastic rearrangements, such as "Hotel California" with four trombones.

Geffen

Don Henley spent many years in legal entanglements with record company Geffen Records. Following years of tension between Henley and the label, the dispute went public and the record company filed a $30-million breach-of-contract suit in Superior Court after receiving a notice from Henley saying he was terminating his contract even though he reportedly owed the company two more studio albums and a greatest-hits collection. Henley wanted to sign a publishing deal with EMI that would have been worth a few million dollars. Geffen Records stopped this from happening, which in turn upset Henley.

Geffen Records claimed that Henley was in breach of contract and Henley attempted to get out of his contract in 1993 based on an old statute. Under the statute, a California law enacted over 50 years ago to free actors from long-term studio deals, entertainers cannot be forced to work for any company for more than seven years. Geffen Records did not want Henley signing with any other label, and had an agreement from Sony and EMI that they would not sign Henley. Henley counter-sued Geffen Records claiming he was "blackballed" by David Geffen, who made agreements with other record labels not to sign him. Henley eventually became an outspoken advocate for musicians' rights, taking a stand against music labels whom he feels refuse to pay bands their due royalties. Henley came to terms with Geffen Records when the Eagles reunion took off and the company eventually took a large chunk of the profit from the reunion album. Glenn Frey was also in legal entanglements with his label, MCA Records (whose parent company had also acquired Geffen). Before the Eagles reunion tour could begin, the band had to file suit against Elektra Records, who had planned to release a new Eagles ''Greatest Hits'' album. The band won that battle.

Don Henley and Courtney Love testified at a California Senate hearing on that state's contractual laws in Sacramento on September 5, 2001. In 2002 Henley became the head of the Recording Artist's Coalition. The coalition's primary aim was to raise money to mount a legal and political battle against the major record labels. Henley says the group seeks to change the fundamental rules that govern most recording contracts, including copyright ownership, long-term control of intellectual property and unfair accounting practices. This group filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the Napster case, urging District Judge Marilyn Hall Patel not to accept the industry's broad claims of works made for hire authorship.

A long period without a new recording followed, as Henley waited out a dispute with his record company while also participating in a 1994 Eagles reunion tour and live album. During the hiatus, Henley recorded a cover of "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" for the film ''Leap of Faith'', provided background vocals for country star Trisha Yearwood's hit single "Walkaway Joe", and duetted with Patty Smyth on "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" and Roger Waters on "Watching TV" on Waters' ''Amused to Death'' album, in 1992. Henley provided the voice of Henry Faust in ''Randy Newman's Faust'', a 1993 musical which was released on compact disc that year.

''Inside Job'' and recent work

In 2000, after 11 years, Henley released another solo studio recording, ''Inside Job'', containing the single "Taking You Home". He performed songs from the album in a ''VH1 Storytellers'' episode in 2000. In 2002 a live DVD entitled ''Don Henley: Live Inside Job'' was released. In 2005 Henley opened 10 of Stevie Nicks' concerts on her Two Voices Tour.

Henley performed duets with Kenny Rogers on Rogers' 2006 release ''Water & Bridges'' titled "Calling Me" and on Reba McEntire's 2007 album, ''Reba: Duets,'' performing "Break Each Other's Hearts Again".

In a 2007 interview with CNN, while discussing the future of the Eagles, Henley indicated he still has plans for more records: "But we all have some solo plans still. I still have a contract with a major label [Warner] for a couple of solo albums."

In January 2011, Henley commenced work on a solo album of country covers featuring special guests. Ronnie Dunn from Brooks & Dunn and Alison Krauss have recorded a song with Henley for the album.

Political and other causes

In 1990, Henley founded the Walden Woods Project to help protect "Walden Woods" from development. The Thoreau Institute at Walden Woods was started in 1998 to provide for research and education regarding Henry David Thoreau. In 1993, a compilation album titled ''Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles'' was released, with a portion of the royalties from the sales going to the Walden Woods Project. In 2005, he had a fundraiser concert with Elton John and others to buy Brister's Hill, part of Walden Woods, and turn it into a hiking trail.

Henley co-founded the non-profit Caddo Lake Institute in 1993 with Dwight K. Shellman to underwrite ecological education and research. As part of the Caddo Lake Coalition, CLI helps protect the Texas wetland where Henley spent much of his childhood. As a result of the Caddo Lake Institute's success in restoring and protecting Caddo Lake's wetlands, Caddo Lake was included as the 13th site in the United States on the Ramsar Convention's list of significant wetlands. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

In 2000, Henley co-founded the Recording Artists' Coalition, a group founded to protect musicians' rights against common music industry business practices. In this role he testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary in 2001 and the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation in 2003.

Henley is not always an idealist. In a March 2001 interview on ''Charlie Rose'', he stated that "rock bands work best as a benevolent dictatorship," with the principal songwriters in a band (in the case of the Eagles, "me and Glenn Frey") being the ones that will likely hold the power.

He has also been a generous donor to political campaigns of Democrats. Henley has always been a supporter of the Democratic Party. ''The Washington Post'' found that since 1978, Henley has donated over $680,000 to political candidates.

During a concert at Chastain Park in 2005, Henley made known his dislike of then president George W. Bush to which he received a mixture of mostly cheers with some boos. Several tracks on the 2007 Eagles album ''Long Road Out of Eden'' (including the title track, which Henley co-wrote) are sharply critical of the Iraq War and other policies of the Bush administration.

Personal life

In the late 1970s, early 1980s, Henley dated Fleetwood Mac musician Stevie Nicks. Henley also had a long term relationship with actress/model and Bond girl Lois Chiles.

In the early 1980s, Henley was engaged to ''Battlestar Galactica'' actress Maren Jensen. His first solo album (''I Can't Stand Still'') is dedicated to Jensen, who also sings harmony vocals on the song "Johnny Can't Read." Henley and Jensen separated in 1986.

In 1995, Henley married Sharon Summerall, a former model from Texas who had lived in Paris and studied art history. Performers at the wedding included Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Billy Joel, John Fogerty, Jackson Browne, Donna Lewis, Sheryl Crow, Glenn Frey, and Tony Bennett. Henley later wrote the song "Everything Is Different Now" from the album ''Inside Job'' for Sharon. Sharon has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. They have 3 children together, two girls and a boy. Henley also has another child, a daughter, from a previous relationship. His eldest child was born in 1975 near the height of the Eagles fame.

Equipment

Drum Workshop Maple Drums, Black Finish, Black hoops (as of 2008)

16 x 22 Bass drum

9 x 12 Tom tom

10 x 13 Tom tom

13 x 16 Floor tom

14 x 18 Floor tom

14 x 6.5 Ludwig Super Sensitive Snare drum

Various Paiste cymbals custom models 8“ Signature Splash 16“ Signature Crash 18“ Signature Full Crash 16“ Fast Crash 20“ 2002 Ride 14“ 2002 Medium Hi-Hats.

Discography

References

External links

Walden Woods Project website

Caddo Lake Institute

Recording Artists' Coalition website

Category:1947 births Category:Living people Category:American rock drummers Category:American male singers Category:American rock singers Category:Songwriters from Texas Category:People from Cass County, Texas Category:Musicians from Texas Category:Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees Category:Eagles (band) members Category:Grammy Award winners Category:University of North Texas alumni Category:People from Upshur County, Texas Category:National Humanities Medal recipients Category:Texas Democrats Category:MusiCares Person of the Year

cs:Don Henley da:Don Henley de:Don Henley es:Don Henley fa:دان هنلی fr:Don Henley hr:Don Henley it:Don Henley hu:Don Henley nl:Don Henley ja:ドン・ヘンリー no:Don Henley pl:Don Henley pt:Don Henley ro:Don Henley ru:Хенли, Дон sq:Don Henley fi:Don Henley sv:Don Henley

name	Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
background	group_or_band
alias	B.O.N.E. Enterprise, Bone Thugs
origin	Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
genre	Hip hop, Midwest hip hop, gangsta rap, horrorcore, R&B;
years active	1991–present
label	Ruthless, BTNH Worldwide, Full Surface, Warner Music Group
associated acts	Mo Thugs, Eazy-E, DJ U-Neek, Bone Brothers, 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G, Twista, Mariah Carey, Swizz Beatz, Akon, Chamillionaire
current members	Layzie BoneBizzy BoneFlesh-n-Bone
past members	Krayzie BoneWish Bone
website	}}

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is an American hip hop band from Cleveland, Ohio formed in 1991. It originally consisted of rappers Layzie Bone, Flesh-n-Bone, Bizzy Bone, Krayzie Bone, and Wish Bone. Rapper Eazy-E of the group N.W.A signed Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to Ruthless Records in late 1993, when Bone Thugs debuted with EP ''Creepin on ah Come Up''. The EP included the hit single "Thuggish Ruggish Bone".

In 1995, the group released its second album, ''E. 1999 Eternal'', which included hits "1st of tha Month" and "Tha Crossroads." A tribute to the recently deceased Eazy-E, "Tha Crossroads," won a Grammy award in 1997. ''The Art of War'', the group's third album, was also released in 1997. Bone Thugs is also the only group that has worked with deceased artists 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Eazy-E & Big Pun while they were still alive.

In 2000 ''BTNHResurrection'' reached platinum in one month and ''Thug World Order'' (2002) received more moderate sales and promotion. After the album the group went on hiatus and released their sixth studio album ''Thug Stories'' independently before returning in 2007 with the major label release ''Strength & Loyalty'', this time released by Swizz Beatz's label Full Surface Records. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony officially returned with their new album ''Uni-5: The World's Enemy'', released in 2010 by their own record label, BTNH Worldwide, with distribution by Warner Bros.. Due to internal conflicts with the group, longtime members Krayzie Bone and Wish Bone officially left the group in April 2011. Despite speculation that the group was splitting up, Flesh-n-Bone announced that a new album with him, Layzie and Bizzy will be released soon. Krayzie and Wish are currently working with upcoming artists on their label The Life Ent.

Style and technique

Bone's style and technique can be described as melodic, yet rapid-fire and aggressive. Their flow is often interwoven at a high-speed, melodic pace or slow, harmonic pace. They also tend to ride the beat that they're rapping over. Sometimes there are very few choruses separating their verses from one another. In the beginning, circa Faces of Death, Bone used a pseudo-Jamaican patois delivery with their trademark style, though they rarely do this now. Bone's subject matter has both spiritual and occult undertones (e.g., "Hell Sent", "Intro", "Mr. Ouija", "Mr. Ouija 2" and "Da Introduction"). At first, their subject matter was almost always exclusively about violence and smoking marijuana. Today, however, their subject matter includes other topics such as urban socio-political issues, their old friend and mentor Eazy-E and religion. Besides minor changes to subject matter and sound, their lyrical style, elocution, and overall methodology remain intact and have influenced many new artists today who have picked up this unique style.

B.O.N.E Enterpri$e Early years

Formed in the early 1990s, the group was originally called "The Band-Aid Boys". The group formed the band B.O.N.E. Enterpri$e consisted of five members: Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone and later Flesh-n-Bone and recorded an album entitled ''Faces of Death'' in the studio of their then mentor, Kermit Henderson (Krayzie Bone's younger brother) on his indie label Stoney Burke in 1993. In hopes of securing a record deal the group was given an audition over the phone receiving an unfulfilled promise from rapper Eazy-E to call them back. Diego Blak (born Diego hodge), a marketer and promoter and co-executive producer of Faces Of Death introduced them to Eazy-E at a concert he promoted in Cleveland, Ohio where they auditioned for him in his dressing room and then traveled back to Los Angeles, California after the show to seal the deal. On November 2nd 1993, the group auditioned backstage for Eazy-E. Krayzie Bone performed his verse of "Flow Motion" from the Faces of Death album and Eazy-E was impressed. At this point Eazy named them Thugs-n-Harmony, but they wanted to keep the bone name so they renamed themselves Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Eazy-E signed the group (minus Flesh-n-Bone) to his label Ruthless Records.

Ruthless Records

''Creepin on ah Come Up''

Released in June 1994, the EP ''Creepin on ah Come Up'', was Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's debut with Ruthless. The album subject matter was focused almost entirely on violent criminal activity. Peaking at #12 on the ''Billboard'' 200 album chart and #2 on the Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums chart, it included the hit singles "Thuggish Ruggish Bone" and "Foe tha Love of $", the second of which featured a verse by Eazy-E. "Thuggish Ruggish Bone" peaked at #22 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart and #2 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart, and "Foe tha Love of $" peaked at #41 on the Hot 100 and #4 on the Rap Tracks. After a slow start that saw the album's success limited to gangsta rap audiences, it broke through to the mainstream. The EP marked a major change in style for the group, as they now fully embraced the G-Funk common in West Coast hip-hop of the time. It was the group's first collaboration with producer DJ U-Neek, who would craft the group's signature sound by producing the majority of their next two albums.

''E. 1999 Eternal''

In 1995, the group's second album ''E. 1999 Eternal'' was released. It included the singles "1st of tha Month", which peaked at #14 on the Hot 100 and #4 on the Hot Rap Tracks, and "Tha Crossroads", which reached #1 on the Hot 100 and Hot Rap Tracks charts. The album saw Bone diversify its content and musical style. A considerable portion of the album's concept was built upon violent subject matter, yet Bone also incorporated deeper themes, as its songs dealt with more spirituality and occult mysticism. The album was produced by DJ U-Neek (with co-production from Tony C. and Kenny McCloud). E. 1999 Eternal also introduced Bone's trademark tracks devoted entirely to the use of marijuana. The album name originated from one of the street names of a corner (E. 99th street & St. Clair) that was a familiar hangout to Bone members, as well as Eazy-E's album, Eternal E. Naming it after Eazy-E's album was just another way of showing respect and tribute to the rapper that helped them reach heightened success. In the same year, Flesh-n-Bone would become the first member of the group to release a debut album entitled T.H.U.G.S, which was certified gold according to the RIAA. In 1996 due to their success the Cleveland clan established their own Mo Thugs Records and released the Mo Thugs Family Scriptures compilation album to introduce many of the Cleveland-based and other artists that they were developing. ''E. 1999 Eternal'' is the group's most commercially successful album, it has since been certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA and is considered one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time and biggest selling.

''The Art of War''

In 1997, the group released the double-disc set ''The Art of War''. The album 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 incorporated 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. The album was rumored to be called "DNA Level C" which is Cleveland backwards. The single "Look into My Eyes" appeared on the soundtrack of the film ''Batman & Robin''. It peaked at #4 on the Hot 100 and #2 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. "If I Could Teach The World", the other single from ''The Art of War'', peaked at #27 on the Hot 100 and #3 on the Hot Rap Tracks. and won an American Music Award. The album also included "Thug Luv" with Tupac Shakur. The group's efforts were though dampened by the absence of Bizzy Bone from the album's videos and large portions of the ensuing tour and public appearances. This absence by that time fueled rumors of a break-up.

''BTNHResurrection''

In 2000, the group released ''BTNHResurrection''. The album featured the single "Resurrection (Paper, Paper)", which peaked on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs chart at #52. The album's first half featured a slew of hardcore and dark tracks, with the second half being considerably more introspective and soft. Other two singles from the album including "Can't Give it Up" failed to crack the Billboard Hot 100 and the big-budget video for "Change the World" failed to receive any rotation. Their first group album to prominently feature Flesh-n-Bone, whose presence was limited on previous releases because he had never signed with the group's label Ruthless Records. Flesh-n-Bone was convicted for assault with a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon in June 2000. Pleading guilty, Flesh was sentenced to 11 years in prison. The group again began having public disputes with Bizzy Bone. Bizzy Bone abstained from promoting ''BTNHResurrection'' because he felt that Ruthless Records owed him money. He dropped a million-dollar lawsuit he filed against Sony Music and Loud Records in exchange for a termination of his Sony contract. Three members of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony released solo albums in 2001: Bizzy Bone with ''The Gift'', Layzie Bone with ''Thug by Nature'', and Krayzie Bone with ''Thug on da Line''.

''Thug World Order''

In 2002, the group released ''Thug World Order''. The album supposedly overly-violent and political saw a drastic change in subject matter and tone for the group. The lyrics were almost completely void of any violence, while a larger number of tracks focused on the group itself. In contrast, several songs originally intended to be included on the album that were leaked after its release portray a much different album. The album debuted at #12 on the ''Billboard'' 200. The first single released from the album was "Get Up & Get It", featuring 3LW. The second single "Home" that featured Phil Collins performing part of his song "Take Me Home" peaked at #33 on the Rhythmic Top 40 impacting the charts in a number of countries, most notably the United Kingdom. Bizzy Bone was expelled from the group in January 2003 thus leaving only 3 active members Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone & Wish Bone.

After Ruthless

''Thug Stories''

''Thug Stories'', Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's sixth album was recorded on Koch Records and released on September 19, 2006. It marked the first time Bone Thugs-n-Harmony recorded as a trio after they released an internet-only EP album called '"''Bone 4 Life''" in September 2005. The album featured a slightly more mature style and the group leaned heavily towards its harmonic roots than its "thug" origins. ''Thug Stories'' sold 38,000 in its first week and peaked at #25 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Independent Album Chart.

''Strength & Loyalty''

Originally to be called ''The Bone Thugs Story'', ''Strength & Loyalty'' was released on May 8, 2007 on Interscope Records imprint Full Surface Records. Being their first major album after an absence of nearly five years, the album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on iTunes and the Billboard Urban Music charts. The album contains guest appearances by Mariah Carey, The Game, will.i.am, Akon, Twista, Bow Wow, Yolanda Adams, and Felecia.

Producers on the album included Swizz Beatz, Akon, Pretty Boy & Bradd Young, DJ Toomp, Jermaine Dupri, will.i.am, and others. The executive producer of the album was Swizz Beatz. The first single was "I Tried", which was their first top 10 hit in 10 years, having peaked at number 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The second single was "Lil Love", which failed to reach the success of their first single. The album has been certified Gold by the RIAA.. The group also released a movie called "I Tried" that same year.

''T.H.U.G.S.''

''T.H.U.G.S.'' is an album featuring previously unreleased, largely remixed Bone Thugs-n-Harmony songs that didn't make the final cut of ''BTNHResurrection'' and ''Thug World Order'' albums. It was released on November 13, 2007 by their former record label, Ruthless Records. Although the album embodies old tracks, there are some new notable changes: new beats, distorted production, voice manipulation, and new song titles. The sole single off the album was "Young Thugs", which was accompanied by a newly-filmed music video featuring Krayzie, Layzie, Bizzy and Wish.

Reunion

In November 2007, Layzie Bone confirmed that he had completed the ''Bone Brothers III'' album with Bizzy Bone, spurring speculation of a full Bone reunion. In a video interview, Krayzie Bone stated that they all wanted to reunite but that record label issues may prevent an official reunion. Bizzy Bone had attended a Bone Thugs performance during the time and he and the three then-standing members had a "good conversation".

After nearly a decade of incarceration, Flesh-n-Bone was released from prison on July 13, 2008. In an interview, Bizzy confirmed his return to the group, after them all getting together by the time of Flesh's release.

''Uni5: The World's Enemy''

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony five members officially returned with their new album ''Uni-5: The World's Enemy'', released in 2010 by their own record label, BTNH Worldwide, with distribution by Warner Bros. Uni5 also marks the return of long-time collaborator, DJ U-Neek, who was absent from 2007's Strength & Loyalty and has produced for the group throughout their career, including hits such as "Thuggish Ruggish Bone" and "Tha Crossroads." This studio effort leans toward radio-friendly numbers and proper grown-man tracks, with the core four members offering life lessons as Bizzy gives his Biblical perspective. They released the singles "See Me Shine" featuring Jay Rush and Lyfe Jennings and "Rebirth" featuring Thin-C. A third single, "Meet Me in the Sky", was released on March 22. ''Uni-5: The World's Enemy'' was released on May 4, 2010.

Krayzie Bone & Wish Bone Departure

On the 14th of April 2011, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony member Krayzie Bone announced he left the group after 20 years citing uncontrollable circumstances along with Wish Bone to pursue their solo careers further and release records on their label, The Life Entertainment. Flesh-n-Bone stated that him leaving the group was a serious disrespect mark towards Eazy-E and says "He might as well say fuck Eazy!" and that he (Krayzie) knows where home is if he wants to come back to the group. Due to Flesh being angered, his retaliation led him towards the idea of an album titled "Majority Rules" but Bizzy Bone dismissed this claiming it was just Flesh-n-Bone's anger towards Krayzie leaving. In more recent interviews it seems Krayzie Bone has made amends to the rest of Bone Thugs (Him being featured on Flesh-n-Bone's new album for example) and is still planning things with the rest of the group, but he needed his time and space to do his own thing, but he'll always be 'Bone' .

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony announced on their blog over the summer that they're planning a new album for 2012 and it will be the last album with all 5 members of the group. They reiterated those facts in a November interview. Krayzie Bone has also stated that he will again be a part of the group for touring purposes only, after announcing his departure this past April.

Future Projects

Krayzie Bone, Bizzy Bone and Layzie Bone more recently have spoken of many new projects coming in 2012. Those projects include an anniversary album featuring all 5 members, a Bizzy & Krayzie duet album, and unreleased compilation albums of unreleased Bone Thugs-n-Harmony material from the mid to late 90's.

Discography

1993: ''Faces of Death''

1994: ''Creepin on ah Come Up'' (EP)

1995: ''E. 1999 Eternal''

1997: ''The Art of War''

2000: ''BTNHResurrection''

2002: ''Thug World Order''

2006: ''Thug Stories''

2007: ''Strength & Loyalty''

2007: ''T.H.U.G.S.''

2010: ''Uni5: The World's Enemy''

Awards

style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top;"	Award	Category	Song/Album	Year	Result
style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3"	Grammy Awards
style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"
	''Tha Crossroads''		1997'''		Won
	1997		Nominated
	1998		Won
	"Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Band, Duo or Group"		2007		Won
	style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top;"
style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top;"
style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top;"
style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top;"

References

External links

Official website

Official Myspace page

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's ArtistDirect page

Exclusive Interview in Complex magazine

I Tried Movie

Category:Musical groups from Cleveland, Ohio Category:American hip hop groups Category:Hip hop singers Category:Grammy Award winners Category:E1 Music artists Category:Ruthless Records artists Category:Interscope Records artists Category:Underground rappers Category:Horrorcore groups

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