Lost Boyz 'Legal Drug Money' (Classic Material Review)

Start HERE, where I first spoke on the Lost Boyz; specifically, the death of Freaky Tah and the many great records that were included on their debut album, 'Legal Drug Money.' That debut was released on this day in 1996 through Uptown Records. The lead singles 'Lifestyle of the Rich & Shameless' and 'Renee' both have alternate mixes on the LP, and while I prefer the single versions more, oddly enough, it took nothing away from how incredibly balanced the LP was between singles and album cuts. Island Def Jam reached out to me with a letter and the 12" from the Don't Be A Menace soundtrack, asking DJs to push the Mona Lisa record 'Can't Be Wasting My Time,' which featured the Lost Boyz. However, once I flipped the record over and heard the original version of 'Renee' and 'Winter Warz,' it was hard to remember that Mona Lisa record, although it was dope, too. I think Lil' Kim was also on that 12" but I can't recall the song. The album's production was handled by Pete Rock, Mr. Sexxx, Easy Mo Bee, Big Dex, Buttnaked Tim Dawg, and more. Super cohesive, the album had 5 singles, coulda been 6. The classic review above does a good job at breaking down the tracks, explaining their 'commercial charm' and giving background information, so check that out. Of course, the classic video for 'Renee' (the Soundtrack Version) is below...

9th Wonder: Lost Boyz & LOTUG "The Lost Tapes"

I got a text late last night saying that 9th Wonder had leaked some joints he did with the Lost Boyz and Lords of the Underground. Of course, I'm a fan of everyone involved, so I made a point to check it out and download a copy. (Update: Tweets about it were removed.) Labeled 'The Lost Tapes,' the tracks are all produced by 9th Wonder & AMP of Soul Council/Jamla Records. I haven't sat with it long enough to share much insight, but it's nice to hear these veteran MCs over 9th Wonder's signature production. Carlitta Durand's vocals bring life to the unmixed project on tracks like 'Early' and 'So Beautiful' and I've gotta say Rest in Peace to Freaky Tah, who is remembered on 'We Miss Freaky Tah.' (Click HERE for more on Freaky Tah). Also, a quick shout-out to DoItAll of Lords of the Underground; he's out there doing amazing work and supporting some important initiatives for the people in his hometown of Newark, NJ. The tracklist is below, click HERE to listen to the project. 

Lost Boyz 'Early' ft. Carlitta Durand (prod. by 9th Wonder)

Lords of the Underground 'I Love Lords!' (prod. by 9th Wonder)

Lost Boyz 'Dem Boyz' (prod. by 9th Wonder)

Lords of the Underground 'Official' (prod. by 9th Wonder)

Lost Boyz 'Doe or Die' ft. Tyler Woods (prod. by 9th Wonder)

Lords of the Underground 'Midnight Riders' (prod. by 9th Wonder)

Lost Boyz 'We Miss Freaky Tah' (prod. by 9th Wonder)

Lords of the Underground 'Easy (Lean In)' (prod. by 9th Wonder)

Lost Boyz 'Count The Money Up' (prod. by AMP)

Lords of the Underground 'Mistakes Too' (prod. by 9th Wonder)

Lost Boyz 'Get It In' (prod. by AMP)

LOTUG 'So Beautiful' ft. Darien Brockington & Carlitta Durand (prod. by 9th Wonder)

The Lost Boyz in Vibe Magazine (R.I.P. Freaky Tah, 1999)

On March 28, 1999, we lost Freaky Tah of the legendary Queens group, the Lost Boyz. To compound that loss, each year on this day, fellow group member, Mr. Cheeks, celebrates his own born day and then mourns the loss of his friend. Yes, Freaky Tah was shot and killed on Mr. Cheeks' birthday and it was done after he left Mr. Cheek's birthday party in Queens. The Vibe article above retells the story in great detail. Being born and raised in Queens, I followed the career of the Lost Boyz very closely - they were one of a few crews that successfully brought the underground to the mainstream in the way Naughty By Nature did earlier in their careers. The Lost Boyz had "Renee," "Lifestylez of the Rich & Shameles," "Get Up," "Music Makes Me High," "Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz" ... all first verse, I haven't even gotten to their second album! Sure, some of the album versions were slightly different than the single versions we loved, but for me, that just meant I had to go out and buy the 12" releases or soundtracks, too! It's a humbling day and a reminder of the cycle of life. So, with that said - Rest in Peace to Freaky Tah; Happy Born Day to Mr. Cheeks, and a salute to DJ Spigg Nice and Pretty Lou, who were also impacted by all these somber events.