Cleveland-bred rap
crew Bone Thugs-N-Harmony recently inked a deal with Interscope Records via producer
Swizz Beatz’ Full Surface imprint. The group is currently working on an as-yet-untitled
album, slated for a late 2006 release.
The new set will
feature production by Swizz Beatz, Kanye West, Lil’ Jon, Three 6 Mafia, Big
Boi of Outkast, and Dr. Dre, and boasts new lyrics by imprisoned Bone Thugs
member Flesh-N-Bone.
The rapper, brother
of member Layzie Bone, is currently serving an 11-year sentence in a California
prison on various gun charges. He is eligible for parole in 2008.
"[Swizz Beatz]
said he wanted to help us get back in the game so we started working with him,"
Krayzie Bone told AllHipHop.com. "At first we were going to sign with J
Records, because that’s who Swizz’ label was under, but Swizz’ deal ran up with
J Records. Then other people started hearing that we were working with Swizz
Beatz and started making offers, and Interscope was one of the biggest offers
that came through. So now we’re signed to Swizz [and going] through Interscope."
The group will
begin recording next week in Arizona. "As soon as we get a hit single you’re
going to hear it on the radio, probably way before the album comes out,"
said Krayzie. "Gotta get a head-start on the competition out there."
Though fans can
look forward to hearing Flesh-N-Bone on the new album, former associate Bizzy
Bone will be missing in action, according to the remaining Bone Thug members.
The group cut ties
with the troubled rapper in October 2002 after he showed up intoxicated to a
show at BB King’s Blues Club in New York City. This, along with several other
incidents, led to the group officially parting ways with Bizzy.
Despite the turmoil,
however, Krayzie said the group harbors no hard feelings.
"We’re cool
[with Bizzy], but as far as speaking to him, I’m not sure if anyone can have
a regular conversation with him right now," said Krayzie Bone. "Right
now I guess he’s going through whatever he’s going through in life. Whenever
he wants to come back he can come back. Ain’t gonna be no dis songs about him
or nothin’ like that. We’re still family."
Along with the
release of their album, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is also launching a new clothing
line called The Line, in addition to Krayzie’s sneaker brand, TL Classics.
