This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (March 2011)

The Luniz were an American platinum-selling rap duo from Oakland, California, formed by Yukmouth and Numskull. They released an internationally successful hit in 1995 entitled "I Got 5 on It", two versions of which appeared on their album Operation Stackola. A third version of the song, featuring Oakland rappers Dru Down, Shock G, Richie Rich, E-40, and Spice 1, also gained radio airplay. The track sold over one million copies in the United States alone.^[1]

Discography[link]

• Operation Stackola (1995)
• Lunitik Muzik (1997)
• Silver & Black (2002)

Awards[link]

Grammy Award nominations[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Yukmouth on Myspace
• Numskull on Myspace

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (February 2012)

Darnel Robinson,(born September 4, 1969) better known by his stage name Dru Down, is an American rapper and actor from Oakland, California.^[1] He is a member of The Regime, a collective of rappers that includes Yukmouth, Tech N9ne, Messy Marv, BG Bulletwound, Dorasel, Grant Rice, Tha Realest and Gonzoe...

Music career[link]

The title track of his 1996 album Can You Feel Me was a minor hit. He's performed with Spice 1, E-40, Richie Rich, Shock G, Yukmouth, The Luniz, and other Bay Area rappers, and introduces the 2Pac song "All About You". Dru Down also plays a part in the 1996 movie Original Gangstas He had a short tenure with Ruthless Records in 2001-2002, although the album was ultimately released via C-Note Records, this fact is alluded to in the beginning of his album, Gangsta Pimpin'. In 2001 he released a movie of his own named Hip Hop & Porn Stars. Currently Dru is signed to rapper Yukmouth's Smoke-A-Lot Records and owns his own record label entitled Pimp On Records.Dru Down released his 2010 album Chronicles of a Pimp on November 16.

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

• 1993: Dru Down
• 1994: Explicit Game
• 1996: Can You Feel Me
• 2001: Pimpin' Phernelia
• 2002: Gangsta Pimpin'
• 2006: Cash Me Out (with Lee Majors)
• 2007: Crack Muzic Vol. 1 (with Rahmean & Lee Majors)
• 2007: Crack Muzic Vol. 2 (with Rahmean & Lee Majors)
• 2010: Chronicles of a Pimp

Singles[link]

• 1994: "Pimp of the Year"
• 1994: "Ice Cream Man" (feat. Luniz)
• 1995: "No One Loves You"
• 1996: "Can You Feel Me"
• 1997: "Baby Bubba" (feat. Bootsy Collins)
• 2010: "Hello" (feat. Jacka)

Guest appearances[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Dru Down on Myspace

Robert L. Green, Jr., better known by his stage name Spice 1, is an American rapper born in Corsicana, Texas.^[1] He has consistently been releasing solo and group albums since 1992. Spice 1 was ranked number 56 in The Source magazine's Top 115 Hip-Hop Artists from 1988–2003. His self-titled debut was also listed in The Source's 100 Best Rap Albums.

Jive Records (1991-1999)[link]

His rap name is a acronym for "Sex, Pistols, Indo, Cash, and Entertainment".^[2] He was first discovered by rapper Too Short. His first release, Let It Be Known EP, was not well known or widely released, and included seven old-school style tracks. His self-titled debut album Spice 1 was a very vivid and fatalistic gangsta rap album, and his angry, edgy, and pessimistic rapping style and tone only added to the despair emanating from the disc. He followed it with an even more bitter and nihilistic release, 187 He Wrote in 1993, complete with simulated gunfire. Spice 1 managed to release six albums under Jive records along with one greatest hits album. It was reported by Jive that he has an album called "Full Metal Jacket", which was supposed to release under Jive. However, Spice 1 stated in many interviews that this information was false. It was something Jive wanted to push him into releasing, but he never agreed to do so. Therefore, the album was never released and it is uncertain whether or not songs for this album were used for future albums or if any songs were even recorded for this project.

In 1996, Spice 1 appeared on the Red Hot Organization's compilation CD, America is Dying Slowly, alongside Biz Markie, Wu-Tang Clan, Organized Konfusion, and Fat Joe, among many other prominent hip hop artists. The CD, meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic among African American men, was heralded as "a masterpiece" by The Source magazine.

While Spice 1 was signed to Jive, three of his albums reached Gold status. According to the RIAA, these albums were Spice 1, 187 He Wrote and AmeriKKKa's Nightmare. He continued to have success on later albums as well, though he never managed receive further certificates for selling over 500,000. Despite this he never changed his image, continuing to retain a gangster image throughout his career on Jive Records. The biggest song in his career was "Trigga Gots No Heart" from the Menace II Society soundtrack. However, at the same time he released "Trigga Gots No Heart", which also served as a first single for his album, fellow rap artist MC Eiht also had a hit single from the soundtrack which took the number one spot called "Streiht Up Menace". After 8 years, Spice 1 released his last album with the label, Immortalized. Though it received good reviews, it was not well promoted and didn't sell as expected. According to Spice 1, he left Jive Records because they wanted him to clean up his image.

Life after Jive (2000 - 2007)[link]

Spice's creative output has ballooned since his release from Jive. He has released more than 10 group and solo albums since.^[3]

Spice 1 recently defended Ice-T in his feud with Soulja Boy Tell 'Em.^[4]

Personal life[link]

He attended Mt. Eden High School in Hayward.^[5]

Spice 1 was shot in the chest on the morning of December 3, 2007, while sitting in his Cadillac Escalade outside his parents' home in Hayward. The shooting is believed to be motivated by robbery, rather than any sort of rivalry. He suffered a collapsed lung.^[6] He talked about the shooting 6 days after it occurred from his hospital bed.^[7]

Discography[link]

• Let It Be Known (1991)
• Spice 1 (1992)
• 187 He Wrote (1993)
• AmeriKKKa's Nightmare (1994)
• 1990-Sick (1995)
• The Black Bossalini (1997)
• Immortalized (1999)
• The Last Dance (2000)
• Spiceberg Slim (2002)
• The Ridah (2004)
• Dyin' 2 Ball (2005)
• The Truth (2005)
• Hallowpoint (2010)
• Home Street Home (2012)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Spice 1 on Myspace

Shock G
Shock G
Background information
Birth name	Gregory E. Jacobs
Also known as	Humpty Hump, Piano Man, Rackadelic, MC Blowfish, Gregory Racker, Icey Mike, Michael Boston, E7L, Peanut Hakeem Anafu Washington, Shakeem Bocaj V
Born	(1963-08-25) August 25, 1963 (age 48) Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop, funk, jazz, dance
Occupations	Recording artist, entertainer, cartoonist
Instruments	Piano/keyboards
Years active	1984–present
Associated acts	2Pac, Digital Underground, Luniz, Murs, Saafir, Raw Fusion,
Website	www.shockg.com
Notable instruments
Drum machine, sampling sequencer

Gregory E. Jacobs (born August 25, 1963), known by the stage names Shock G and Humpty Hump, is an American musician and rapper, known as the lead vocalist for the hip hop group Digital Underground. He is an accomplished pianist, visual artist, and music producer, responsible for Digital Underground's "The Humpty Dance", 2Pac's breakthrough single "I Get Around", and co-producer of 2Pac's debut album 2Pacalypse Now.

Early life[link]

Jacobs spent most of his childhood moving around the East Coast with his family, eventually settling in Tampa, Florida. As a drummer he won the 1978 "Most Talented" trophy at Greco Junior High School, but after relocating to Queens, New York (as a result of his parents' divorce), he traded his drums in for a set of turntables upon discovering and marveling over hip hop while the art form was still in an underground developmental stage. He was mentored in the craft by his cousin Rene Negron (a.k.a. DJ-Stretch), and their close friend Shawn Trone (a.k.a. MC Shah-T of the parody-rap group No Face) who suggested Greg use the name "Shah-G". Jacobs liked the idea, but mistakenly thought his friend said "Shock-G", and began using that name instead.

Less than two years later, after returning to Tampa, he dropped out of Chamberlain High School to form the Master Blasters, a mobile deejay crew which featured three DJs and four emcees at its height. They performed at parties, and also for the crowds at Riverfront Park's outdoor Sunday gatherings, eventually capturing the interest of Tony Stone, a program director at WTMP radio, which was the city's primary R&B station. Tony offered Jacobs, who was sixteen at the time, a job deejaying on the air, and for a short while, as "Gregory Racker", he was the youngest radio personality in central Florida with a regular time slot.^[1] After being fired for playing the fifteen-minute-long album version of "(Not Just) Knee Deep" by Funkadelic in a five-minute time slot, and also after tensions with his father escalated, Jacobs found himself backpacking the United States for a few years, drifting through odd jobs and petty criminal adventures. It was during this excursion that his focus switched from deejaying to keyboard playing, and while utilizing piano practice-rooms at music stores and colleges around the country, he effectively taught himself to play the piano.

Deciding to pursue music seriously, he returned home, quickly obtained a diploma, and began attending Hillsborough Community College, where he studied music theory under Jim Burge and piano under Patricia J. Trice. It was there at HCC that he met and formed a bond with Kenneth Waters, and the two began performing together under various names including The Chill Factor,^[1] and also The Four Horsemen, which included MC Skoobie-D, and the MD Dazzlin Doc-P who had recently moved to Tampa from the Bronx, hip hop's birthplace. Then in 1985, after two years of producing local artists for hire, playing solo piano gigs around town, performing with Kenny, and being a keyboardist in Warren Allen Brooks' band, Greg and his aspiring-actress girlfriend (Davita Watts) set their sights beyond Tampa, and eloped to Los Angeles in search of greater opportunity. There he played keyboards in Kenny McCloud's pop-funk band Onyx before leaving Los Angeles and finally arriving in the San Francisco bay area where he found work in an Oakland music store, and where Digital Underground would happen a few years later.^[1]

Ethnicity[link]

Shock G's ethnicity is made up of eight different backgrounds, with each of his great-grandparents being of a different origin. His maternal grandmother is half-Pakistani and half-East Indian (Hindu); his maternal grandfather is half-Jewish and half-Puerto Rican; his paternal grandfather is of half-African American (specifically assumed to be Haitian) and half-Trini (Trinidadian) descent; while his paternal grandmother is of half African American (specifically West African) and half-Irish descent.^[2] In his song, "Who's Clean", he describes himself as an "Afroricaneuroasiac".

Career[link]

Digital Underground[link]

Shock G performing with Digital Underground at X-Fest in Modesto California, July 22, 2007

Soon after relocating to Oakland, California, Shock G formed Digital Underground along with Chopmaster J, and the late Kenneth Waters (a.k.a. Kenny-K).^[3] After fifteen months or so of unsuccessful negotiations with various small record companies, the trio's first release emerged in 1988 in the form of a 12-inch single on Macola Records which featured "Your Life's a Cartoon" as the A-side and "Underwater Rimes" as the B-side. Due to Kenny-K visiting family in Tampa during the first recording sessions, and to Chopmaster-J being a jazz drummer who was in the process of learning hip hop, both songs were penned, produced, and performed by Jacobs, who also sketched the cartoonish cover illustrations. In addition to Macola's logo, the record displayed the TNT logo which was the start-up label for Digital Underground and Tupac Shakur's management CEO Atron Gregory. In 1989, the group signed with Tommy Boy Records and released "Doowutchyalike", which only received a small amount of radio airplay but became an underground hit, as well as a video hit with MTV, reaching number 40 on the station's top 100 videos of the year. The success of "Doowutchyalike" paved the way for Digital Underground's debut album Sex Packets and the highest charting song of their career "The Humpty Dance" both released in early 1990, and both achieving platinum sales certifications by the RIAA.^[4] The latter was rapped by "Humpty Hump," the most flamboyant of Shock G's several alter egos. By that time, Digital Underground had expanded significantly, with DJ Fuze, Money-B, and Schmoovy-Schmoov joining the group, and with Ramone "Pee Wee" Gooden and Tupac Shakur joining by 1991.^[5]

Other identities[link]

Shock G performing as "Humpty Hump" at Les Deux in Hollywood in 2008

Throughout Shock G's rapping career, he created several aliases, resulting in characters that were maintained with such reality, they were believed to be actual living people by music fans as well as industry insiders.^[6]
As "Rackadelic" he illustrated album covers and provided art direction; as the "Piano Man" he contributed keyboard tracks and music production. His main persona "Shock G" utilized a more natural voice, while he altered his voice to become "Humpty Hump", an iconic character with an overexagerrated buffoon persona, colorful clothes, Groucho glasses and nose disguise. He used a nasal voice for the character Humpty, and at most public appearances, Jacobs would show up as one person or the other, but at live shows and video shoots he would use a stand-in or camera tricks to maintain the illusion.^[7] A fictional biography was constructed for Humpty, the story being that Edward Ellington Humphrey III, former lead singer of "Smooth Eddie and the Humpers," had become a rapper after burning his nose in a kitchen accident with a deep-fryer. Jacobs also sometimes performs as other characters including MC Blowfish, Icey-Michael Boston, The Computer Woman, ButtaFly, and Peanut Hakeem.

Television and film work[link]

Shock G's TV appearances include Showtime at the Apollo in 1992, several The Arsenio Hall Show performances between 1990 and 1994, and several live MTV performances, including MTV Spring Break 1990 in Daytona Beach, Yo MTV Raps (performing live with Ed Lover and Doctor Dré) in 1991, Club MTV Live (with Downtown Julie Brown) in 1992, and MTV Jams in 1994. Most of these consisted of music performances with either Digital Underground or 2Pac, however, on an episode of the 1991 sitcom Drexell's Class Jacobs played a small acting role as a furnace repairman. Within the show's story, the title character, Otis Drexell, insists that the furnace repairman looks exactly like Humpty Hump, but both himself and his coworker (Jason Priestly), have never heard of any such hip-hop artist, especially not one with such a ridiculous name. The episode ends with a live performance of Digital Underground's "No Nose Job" on a cruise ship full of Sports Illustrated swimsuit models, which is presented as a scene from one of Mr. Drexell's dreams.^[8]
With his Digital Underground band members, Jacobs appeared in the Dan Aykroyd directed comedy Nothing but Trouble appearing as both Shock-G and Humpty Hump. The group makes a cameo music performance, as well as play a small character role in the film as themselves. Since then, Jacobs has appeared in a handful of music documentaries, including Thug Angel: Life of an Outlaw (2000) about Tupac Shakur, and Parliament Funkadelic: One Nation Under a Groove (1996) about George Clinton & P-Funk, both of which received heavy TV rotation, and both of which relied heavily on Jacobs' commentary.

On June 24, 2011, Shock G was featured on an episode of the podcast "You Had To Be There" with comedians Nikki Glaser and Sara Schaefer.

Albums[link]

• Fear of a Mixed Planet (2004 33rd Street Records)
• Fear of a Mixed Planet; Bonus Edition (2008 Jake Records)
• with Digital Underground:
  Main article: Digital Underground#Albums

Production, solo work, and miscellaneous[link]

In addition to his work with Digital Underground, Shock G has found moderate success as a solo artist and music producer. In 1993, Shock G produced Tupac Shakur's breakthrough platinum single "I Get Around" as well as guest starred on the single and music video, and went on to produce Tupac's "So Many Tears" from his multi-platinum 1995 album Me Against the World. Tupac's first published work was while still a member of Digital Underground when he appeared on the 1991 song and video "Same Song", which also appeared in the Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd and Demi Moore film Nothing but Trouble. Shock co-produced Tupac's debut album 2Pacalypse Now. Shock G appeared as a producer and guest artist on fellow Oakland-based rap group The Luniz platinum debut release Operation Stackola in 1995, also appearing as a guest emcee in the "I Got 5 on It" Bay Ballers Remix and video.

In 1996 the Wayans brothers' film Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood featured the Shock-G song "We Got More". The song, which featured Oakland rappers Luniz was used for three different scenes in the film, and is featured in two different places on the soundtrack, making it the only song to appear twice on one soundtrack. In 1998, Prince included the Shock G produced "Love Sign" on his triple-CD Crystal Ball album. Shock G has toured and performed on stage with George Clinton and P-Funk including a guest performance with Clinton at Woodstock 1999.^[9]

In 2003, Shock G produced the single "Risky Business" for Los Angeles underground artist Murs, and also appeared in the video, as himself and as Humpty Hump. Murs performed this song live with Shock G at the Paid Dues festival, and also featured him as his stage DJ/music conductor on a 2-month extensive Definitive Jux label U.S. and Canada tour.^[10] In 2005 Shock-G appeared in the song Life Ain't Easy with Rawsun on the album Rated R^{[disambiguation needed ]}.^[11] On January 20, 2009, Shock G's single "Cherry Flava'd Email" was renamed and released as a special edition called "Cherry Flava'd Election" to commemorate the inauguration of President Barack Obama.^[12]

Discography[link]

year, title, artist, (description)

As Producer:

• 1988, Your Life's a Cartoon, digital underground, (song)
• 1989, Underwater Rimes, digital underground, (song)
• 1989, Doowutchyalike, digital underground, (song)
• 1990, Sex Packets, digital underground, (album)
• 1990, Don't Funk wid the Mo (remix), Monie Love, (song)
• 1990, What I Won't do for Love, 2Pac, (song)
• 1991, This is an EP Release, digital underground, (EP)
• 1991, Sons of the P, digital underground, (album)
• 1991, Rockin to the PM, Raw Fusion, (song)
• 1991, Rebel of the Underground, 2Pac, (song)
• 1991, Words of Wisdom, 2Pac, (song)
• 1991, Revenge of the Lunatic, 2Pac, (song)
• 1993, The Body Hat Syndrome, digital underground, (album)
• 1993, I Get Around, 2Pac, (song)
• 1993, Get Away (remix), Bobby Brown, (song)
• 1993, Top of the World, Kenya Gruv, (song, co-producer)
• 1994, Dirty Drawls, Raw Fusion, (song)
• 1994, Do Your Homework, Raw Fusion, (song)
• 1995, Fuck the World, 2Pac, (song)
• 1995, So Many Tears, 2Pac, (song)
• 1995, Broke Hos, Luniz, (song)
• 1995, 5150, Luniz, (song)
• 1995, No Brothas Allowed, No Face, (song)
• 1995, Smashin Fruit, No Face, (song)
• 1995, Nothing Has Changed, No Face feat digital underground, (song)
• 1996, We Got More, Shock-G feat Luniz, (song)
• 1996, Future Rhythm, digital underground, (album)
• 1995, Don't Ring My Bell, Luniz, (song)
• 1996, People Over the Stairs, Shock-G, (song)
• 1996, Gloomy Sunday, Mystic, (song)
• 1997, True Playas, Whoridas, (song)
• 1997, Come N' Bounce, Shay, (song)
• 1997, Cause I Had To, 2Pac & P-90, (song)
• 1998, Broad Minded, Saafir, (song)
• 1998, Sendin' u a Signal, Saafir, (song)
• 1998, Love Sign, Prince, (song)
• 1998, Who Got the Gravy, digital underground (album)
• 1999, Crawl Before You Ball, Saafir, (song)
• 1999, Liquid Ho Magnet, Saafir, (song)
• 1999, Running Man, Saafir, (song)
• 1999, Lost Files, digital underground (album)
• 2000, Do What Ya Want, Rhythm & Green, (song)
• 2000, Let the Beat Breathe, Esinchill, (song)
• 2001, Chassy, Mac Mall, (song)
• 2001, Intro, Mystic, (album intro)
• 2002, Risky Business, Murs, (song)
• 2004, Smilin' Faces, KRS-One (song)
• 2004, Fear of a Mixed Planet, Shock-G, (album)

As featured artist

• 1990, We're All in the Same Gang, Westcoast Allstars, (song & video)
• 1990, Time for Peace, Davey-D feat d.u., Paris, Tech & Sway, (song)
• 1991, Trapped, 2Pac, (song & video)
• 1991, Throw Your Hands in the Air, Raw Fusion, (video)
• 1992, Money, Gold Money, (song & video)
• 1993, I Get Around, 2Pac feat digital underground, (song & video)
• 1993, Rhythm & Rhyme, George Clinton, (song)
• 1994, Freaky Note, Raw Fusion, (song & video)
• 1995, I Got 5 on it (remix), Luniz, (song & video)
• 1995, Funk Session, Too Short, (song)
• 1996, Knee Deep (Midnight Mix), George Clinton, (song)
• 1999, Glayz Donutt Face, C-Funk, (song)
• 1999, Miss Bartender, Money-B, (song)
• 2000, No DNA, Clee & Drank-a-Lot, (song)
• 2002, Wuz Crackulatin', 2wice, (song)
• 2002, Risky Business, Murs, (song & video)
• 2003, Way of Life, Stylophonic, (song)
• 2004, Hurry Up Run, Shock-G, (song)
• 2004, Snake and the Apple, Stucky, (song)
• 2004, At the Next Show, Sir Mix-a-lot, (song)
• 2005, Career Finders, Perceptionists, (song)
• 2005, Say What You Say, Soma Rasa, (song)
• 2005, And 2morrow, various artists, (song)
• 2005, California Girls Dipped in Chocolate, Slapbak, (song)
• 2005, Freaky Pumps, Fat Lip, (song)
• 2005, City to City, Straw, (song)
• 2006, The Wizard, Mr. Rakafela, (song)
• 2006, If You're True, InershA, (song)
• 2006, Pain and Misery (remix), InershA, (song)
• 2007, California Dreamin, San Quinn, Assassin, (song)
• 2007, Plainfield, Bernie Worrell, (song)
• 2007, Smack Dat Ass, Ditch, (song)
• 2008, "..Cuz a d.u. Party Don't Stop!" , digital underground, (album)
• 2008, Crazy, Maddie Lauer, (song & video)
• 2008, Light of Love feat. Lady Alma, Yameen (song, as keyboardist)
• 2009, Cherry Flava'd Election, Shock G, (song)
• 2010, The Greenlight EP, digital underground, (album)

Digital Underground videos[link]

• "Doowutchyalike" (1989)
• "The Humpty Dance" (1989)
• "Doowutchyalike" (video remix) (1990)
• "Same Song" (1991)
• "Kiss You Back" (1991)
• "No Nose Job" (1992)
• "Return of the Crazy One" (1993)
• "Wussup Wit the Luv" (1994)
• "Oregano Flow" (1996)
• "Walk Real Kool" (1996)
• "Wind Me Up" (1998)

Featured guest video appearances[link]

• "We're All in the Same Gang" (1990) Westcoast Allstars
• "Throw Your Hands in the Air" (1991) Raw Fusion
• "Trapped" (1991) 2Pac
• "Money" (1992) Gold Money
• "Close the Crackhouse" (1992) X-Clan
• "I Get Around" (1993) 2Pac featuring Digital Underground
• "No Brothas Allowed" (1994) No Face
• "I Got 5 on it" (1995) Luniz
• "Temptations" (1995) 2Pac
• "Risky Business" (2003) Murs
• "Hit The Streets" (2003) Element
• "City to City" (2005) Straw the Vegas Don
• "Crazy" (2008) Maddie Lauer

DVDs[link]

• Thug Angel: The Life of an Outlaw (2000)
• Tupac: Resurrection (2003)
• Digital Underground: Raw and Uncut (2004)
• One Nation Under a Groove (2005)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Shock G on Myspace
• Shock G discography at Discogs
• Denver Post article
• Ferrari Sheppard Interview
• Shock G's green article

Dominick Wickliffe, better known by his stage name Crooked I, is an American rapper from Long Beach, California. He is a member of the hip hop supergroup, Slaughterhouse with other members Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Royce da 5'9. Slaughterhouse is currently signed to Shady Records. Crooked I is currently CEO of his own record labels, Dynasty Entertainment and C.O.B. Digital^[1] as well as Senior Vice President of Treacherous Records.^[2] Before starting his own label, he was also signed to Virgin Records and Death Row Records.

Career[link]

19th Street Era[link]

Around the age of seventeen, Crooked I started an independent record company called Muscle Records with professional football players also from Long Beach, Chucky Miller and Leonard Russell. It's not known how many songs were recorded, and the music recorded during this period still remains unreleased. This is when he caught the attention of Noo Trybe/Virgin Records, and landed his first record deal in 1995.^[3]

Crooked I originally got his start appearing on compilations released by Big C-Style's record label, 19th Street Records, such as 19th Street LBC Compilation and Straight Outta Cali. He also appeared on the soundtracks to movies such as Ride and Caught Up, where he collaborated with Snoop Doggy Dogg, Tha Eastsidaz, and The Luniz. At the time, Crooked I was still signed under Noo Trybe/Virgin Records, who handled distribution for 19th Street Records. Business was going good, but for unknown reasons, Virgin Records decided to get rid of their urban division, otherwise known as Noo Trybe, and Crooked I was out of a record deal.^[3]

Wickliffe was later contacted by Big C-Style and Daz Dillinger to form DPG Records, which was originally going to be a sub-label under Death Row Records at the time. Crooked was going to be 20% owner of the label, and the first act released as well.^[4] Daz left Death Row Records to run DPG Records independently, but rather than go with Daz, Crooked was trying to figure out his options.

Crooked I also had talks of signing to Dr. Dre's Aftermath imprint, but Dre wanted to release Chronic 2001 and Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP before releasing Crooked.^[5] He also had talks with other major record labels who wanted to sign him, but they too were waiting for Dr. Dre's Chronic 2001 album to be released before they would consider signing another West Coast MC.^[6] It was around this time that Crooked I re-negotiated the original deal he had with DPG Records/Death Row Records as a solo artist deal with just Death Row Records.

Death Row's Second Dynasty[link]

While on Death Row, Crooked I appeared on a number of compilations, such as Too Gangsta For Radio and Dysfunktional Family, and appeared on various releases, such as Tha Dogg Pound's 2002, Ja Rule's The Last Temptation, and 2Pac's Nu-Mixx Klazzics.^[5] He also recorded two albums, Untouchable and Say Hi To The Bad Guy, both of which were unreleased due to various label issues and industry politics. He did manage to release a mixtape along with Death Row's then in-house producer, Darren Vegas, called Westcoasanostra Vol. 1 in the Spring of 2003.^[5]

The Start of a New Dynasty[link]

By 2004, Crooked I's album had not been released, Suge Knight was constantly in and out of jail, and Crooked I's contract had expired by November 2003.^[7][8] He left Death Row in early 2004 to start his own label, Dynasty Entertainment.^[8][9] It was not long after that when Crooked I signed a distribution deal with Treacherous Records/Universal,^[8] but more legal trouble from Death Row surfaced, and Crooked I had to stop production for his then titled album, Mama's Boy, which was actually going to be the name of Crooked's second release under Death Row Records. Later on the title of the album changed to Mama's Boy Got a Loaded Gun.^[8] In the meantime, Crooked I released the online mixtape, Young Boss Vol. 1 through his official website. The mixtape received critical acclaim throughout the underground Hip-Hop circuit, garnering an impressive "XL" rating by the Hip-Hop publication, XXL Magazine.^[8]

After the legal matters settled, Crooked began recording again, and prepping the release of his documentary Life After Death Row.^[9] He appeared on compilations such as Yukmouth's United Ghettos of America Vol. 2, Sway & King Tech's Back 2 Basics, and on fellow Treacherous Records label mate K. Young's debut album, Learn How To Love.^[7] In 2005, the name of Crooked's debut album changed to Boss Music, and he created a buzz with the song, "Boom Boom Clap" in the summer of 2005.^[7] He also recorded two songs with producer Scott Storch, "Cali Boyz" and "You're So Bad".^[7] In 2006, he released his heavily anticipated mixtape, Young Boss Vol. 2 hosted by DJ Skee,^[9] and his DVD, Life After Death Row, followed later that Fall.^[9]

Hip-Hop Weekly era[link]

Crooked I started the Hip-Hop Weekly series via the internet.^[10] Every seven days he released a new track over various hip-hop beats of old and new instrumentals. His ability to personally connect with his fans through his Hip-Hop Weekly series is evident since he would fulfill beat selection requests as well as give shout-outs over any given track to fans who requested it via his MySpace page.^[10] The Hip-Hop Weekly series began on April 4, 2007 and ended on April 3, 2008.^[2][10] Wickliffe generated so much of a buzz with the Hip-Hop Weekly series that he was featured on the cover of the December/2007 issue of XXL (magazine) for a second time, this time as part of XXL's Freshmen 10.^[11]

Crooked I, along with DJ Felli Fel and DJ Nik Bean, released St. Valentine's Day Bossacre on February 14, 2008. Although it's called a mixtape, it consists of all new tracks by Crooked I, much like Young Boss Vol. 2, and boasts guest appearances by Royce Da 5'9", and Roscoe Umali, with production from DJ Felli Fel, Rick Rock, Komplex, and MG. The February 2008 issue of Ozone West reviewed St. Valentine's Day Bossacre and rated it 4 slaps out of 5.^[12]

Another mixtape and an EP was released in 2008 by Crooked I, The Block Obama: Hood Politics^[13] and Block Obama II.^[14] The Block Obama: Hood Politics was originally going to be hosted by DJ Whoo Kid and DJ Strong, but ended up being released un-tagged without a DJ, and for free download on the internet.^[13] Block Obama II was released on the day of the 2008 Presidential election, originally as a digital album for sale through iTunes, Amazon, Napster, Rhapsody, and other online retailers.^[14] Physical CD's of Block Obama II were later made, and sold through CDBaby. The EP also boasts guest appearances from Dynasty Entertainment artists Horse Shoe G.A.N.G. and Sauce The Boss, in addition to Knoc-turn'al and production by Jim Gettum, Komplex, and Rick Rock.^[14]

The Slaughterhouse era[link]

Joe Budden reached out to Crooked I, Royce Da 5'9", Joell Ortiz, and Nino Bless for a track titled "Slaughterhouse" on his digital release, Halfway House.^[11] Based on the reception of the track, they decided to form a super-group, minus Nino Bless, and named it after this song.^[11] They released numerous songs throughout early 2009, building a buzz for their self-titled album, which was released through E1 on August 11, 2009.^[15] The album features production from Alchemist, DJ Khalil, Mr. Porter, Streetrunner, and guest appearances from Pharoahe Monch, K. Young, and The New Royales.^[16]

On February 27, 2009 in Long Beach, California, Crooked I was allegedly shot at during a conversation with a fan. The conflicting early media reports on the incident in the following hours initially left people worried and uncertain on his condition, but he has since confirmed to MTV News and other media that he's alive and, while mentally distracted, physically well. Crooked I has declined to further elaborate on the incident, citing where he's from its against the code of the streets.^[17]

On November 10, 2009, Crooked I released a digital-only solo EP, Mr. Pig Face Weapon Waist.^[18] “It’s a spin off of my Slaughterhouse alter ego,” he said of the odd title, “cause I come out on stage with a pig mask and a Dickie suit on.”^[19] The EP also boasts guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, K. Young, M.O.P., The Horseshoe G.A.N.G., and of course fellow Slaughterhouse members, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, and Royce Da 5'9".^[18] In addition to production from Komplex, Scram Jones, Streetrunner, Frequency, and P. Silva.^[18]

After briefly considering plans to release a full length Mr. Pig Face Weapon Waist LP in January 2010, Crooked I revised his priorities and announced Million Dollar Story, to be released in 2010. Production for the album is to include contributions from DJ Khalil, The Alchemist, and newcomer Quest. In addition, Crooked I stated his intentions to get DJ Premier beats for the album.^[20]

The new owners of Death Row Records, WIDEawake Entertainment, released a Crooked I album called Hood Star on June 15, 2010. It has 15 songs Wickliffe recorded while signed to the label, with guest appearances from Juvenile, Too Short, Kurupt, Danny Boy, Ray J, Sisqo, and others.^[21]

On August 17, 2010, Crooked I released yet another EP, titled Planet C.O.B. Vol. 1, which features production from Rick Rock, Komplex, and more.^[22]

On December 1, 2010, the first single for Crooked I's official debut solo album, Million Dollar Story was released on iTunes titled "Villain", which features Gracie Productions recording artist Sally Anthony.^[23]

On January 12, 2011, after months of speculation, Slaughterhouse officially signed to Shady Records, along with artist Yelawolf.^[24]

On March 21, 2011, Crooked I released the Million Dollar Story EP, available for purchase through iTunes, to tie fans over until the album is released. It features two brand new songs and two previously released tracks.^[25]

On July 12, 2011, the compilation Planet C.O.B. Vol. 2 was released digitally, and for a limited time was available on CD through Crooked I's official website.^[26] Unlike the previous installment, which was an EP by Crooked I, this album features songs by all of the C.O.B. affiliates, such as Horseshoe G.A.N.G., Sauce Tha Boss, Coniyac, and more. To keep the momentum up for the C.O.B. movement, Crooked I brought his official clothing line to the internet.^[27]

On November 17, 2011, Crooked I announced a new digital EP titled In None We Trust - The Prelude, is set to be released on December 13th and will include guest appearances from Jay Rock, Glasses Malone, Mistah F.A.B., Horseshoe G.A.N.G., Coniyac and K. Young. ^[28] On November 22, 2011, the first single from the EP titled "No Competition" was released to the internet. ^[29]

Artists under C.O.B. Records[link]

• Crooked I ^[30]
• The Horseshoe G.A.N.G. (Members: Demitrius Capone, Julius Luciano, Kenny Siegel, and Andrew "Dice" Dinero) ^[30]
• Iceman ^[30]
• Coniyac Da XO ^[30]
• Karelezz ^[30]
• PWT ^[30]
• Sauce Da Boss ^[30]

Discography[link]

Studio Albums[link]

• 2000: Untouchable (un-released)
• 2002: Say Hi To The Bad Guy (un-released)

Collaboration albums[link]

• 2009: Slaughterhouse (with Slaughterhouse)
• 2011: Slaughterhouse EP (with Slaughterhouse)
• 2012: Welcome to: Our House (with Slaughterhouse)

EP's[link]

• 2008: Block Obama II
• 2009: Mr. Pigface Weapon Waist
• 2010: Planet C.O.B. Vol. 1^[22]
• 2011: Million Dollar $tory EP
• 2011: In None We Trust - The Prelude EP^[31]

Mixtapes[link]

• 2003: Westcoasanostra Vol. 1
• 2004: Young Boss Vol. 1
• 2006: Young Boss Vol. 2
• 2008: St. Valentine's Day Bossacre
• 2008: The Block Obama: Hood Politics
• 2012: Psalm 82:6

Compilations[link]

• 2010: Hood Star
• 2011: Planet C.O.B. Vol. 2^[26]

Selected Guest appearances[link]

Filmography[link]

• 2004: Bank Brothers^[32]
• 2005: Slumber Party^[33]
• 2006: Life After Death Row
• 2009: Platinum Illusions

References[link]

External links[link]

• Dynasty Entertainment Group
• The B.O.S.S. Board
• WestCoastDynasty
• Crooked I Discography
• Crooked I at Discogs
• Crooked I at the Internet Movie Database
• Crooked I on Myspace