The two and a half year wait for Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's fourth has been completely vanquished with the release of 'BTNHResurrection.' It was the late Eazy-E (founder of N.W.A.), who discovered this silky smooth soprano-esk quintet of rappers from Cleveland. Little did he know, that he'd found a uniquely new form of gangsta rap. In fact, the originality of the group's style quickly made them the center of a love/hate relationship with the critics: Those who enjoy their style, tend to like it a lot. Those who do not enjoy their style, tend to hate it. Personally I have never been a big fan of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. I found their songs sound very similar, and their style not very appealing. So, I'd never bothered to really listen to any of their albums. 'BTNHResurrection' presented me with my first true taste of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. I admit, at first I wasn't very impressed. It was upon the fourth listen to the album, that a seed got planted. And from that seed has grown a need to feed myself with this album.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony comprises five long-haired, lyrically lightning-fast Bone's: Krayzie, Wish, Flesh, Layzie and Bizzy. 'BTNHResurrection' is the group's fourth album and brings out a fairly mature side to this quintet. They deal with complicated issues making them seem so real and so simple in songs like "Change The World", whose positively upbeat feel is reminiscent of their hit "Tha Crossroads." "The Righteous Ones," interweaves the female chorus "are you waiting for the righteous ones", with a funky digitally-laced beat, and speedy lyrics, which are at times are incomprehensible. "Souljahs Marching" sounds more like typical rap, then the rest of the album. It enters with a keyboard build up, to some up pace mysteriously dark beats. As a result it shines. "2 Glocks" caught my attention with the monotone chorus line "Get your gun, get your gun, did you kill em off" which oddly sounded similar to one of my favorite U2 tracks: "Numb." The two tracks with the most catchy choruses are "Mind On Our Money" and "Can't Give It Up," with respectively "... people ask me how do you maintain, you got to keep your mind on money..." and "...there's always something you've gotta give up, if you want everything you want...". They also turn old stones with the tracks "Ecstasy" and "Weed Song."

This latest effort by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is more than just effort, it is surely a success. This predominantly solo album has already gone platinum after a mere two weeks. 'BTNHResurrection' would be a masterpiece if not for the occasional incomprehensibility of the lyrics flowing too fast. Apart from this minor drawback, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony present an album that flows well, is on point and mixes hip hop and gangsta rap very well. Their style is unique and without compare. If you've given Bone Thugs-N-Harmony a chance and detest their style, then this album will probably be no exception for you. But, if you've heard and enjoyed any of their prior work, then you'll truly appreciate this album and it is worth picking up.

www.brockwayent.com

(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written March 20, 2000