“We must confront the past in order to capitalize in the future. We must concentrate on education and provide not only mental development, but physical development, so we can stand united and kick our enemy’s ass.” With an introduction like that, one must assume that you will have a relatively conscious album at hand from storied group Bone Thugs N Harmony. Aside from “Nation of Thugs,” “So Many Places,” and “Young Thugs” which talk about every day struggles; T.H.U.G.S. (Columbia) falls incredibly short.
The album is very bland to say the least, and if played long enough it becomes a very annoying one. The overall sound of the project holds true to the usual Bone formula. T.H.U.G.S. is of course filled with melodic flows and harmonic hooks. The production on this album is very elementary; leaving many to wonder where Swizz Beatz was. But this is actually a compilation of songs that didn’t make BTNH Resurrection which was released in 2000. So one can understand why the production on this album is not as advanced as Strength & Loyalty, which was released earlier this year.
Bone Thugs N Harmony attempt to lure the crowd with what is now considered a Rap main ingredient; the infamous party track. In the song “Wildin” Bone tells their audience “You need some reefer we’re smoking that Bombay/You need some liquor we’re pourin’ all day.” “Wildin” breaks no new ground as it speaks about the usual events that happen at a club; haters staring, people fighting, tons of drinking and smoking. Clearly the group has always been very open with their drug use or rather their knowledge of drugs. This was evident in BTNH Resurrection with “Ecstasy” where each member rapped about their experience with the pill. T.H.U.G.S is no different, but this time they make a dedication to “Sweet Jane.” A love song devoted to marijuana and all of the things she does.
Overall it was a very bold move for Bone Thugs N Harmony to put out an album filled with songs that didn’t make an album from seven years ago. Bone Thugs N Harmony are a major asset to the Hip-Hop game, but we could have definitely done without T.H.U.G.S.
