Lost Boyz
| Company type | Hip hop group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Queens, New York , United States |
| Products | Albums: Legal Drug Money, Love, Peace & Nappiness, LB IV Life, Grand Scheme 12:26 |
Lost Boyz is a hip hop ensemble originating from Queens, New York, consisting of MC Mr. Cheeks, DJ Spigg Nice, Pretty Lou, and Freaky Tah. Their initial formation produced two albums: Legal Drug Money (1996) and Love, Peace & Nappiness (1997). Following the passing of Freaky Tah, the group’s remaining members completed their third album, LB IV Life (1999). Mr. Cheeks embarked on a solo path before rejoining the collective for the release of their fourth album, Grand Scheme 12:26 (2020).
History
Originating as a street crew in South Jamaica, Queens in 1987, Lost Boyz featured Mr. Cheeks and Freaky Tah, who were recognized locally for their freestyle abilities. The addition of Pretty Lou and Spigg Nice helped establish the group identity under the Lost Boyz name.
Their debut single in 1995, "Lifestyles of the Rich & Shameless," entered the Billboard Hot 100 and secured them a contract with Uptown Records. They achieved significant recognition with "Renee," included on the soundtrack for Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, which reached the top 40 and earned gold certification in 1996. Released on June 4, 1996, their first album Legal Drug Money spawned five Hot 100 singles and was certified Gold by the RIAA.
In 1996, Lost Boyz participated in the AIDS-awareness project America Is Dying Slowly, joining prominent artists such as Wu-Tang Clan and Fat Joe.
Their sophomore album, Love, Peace & Nappiness, arrived on June 17, 1997 via Uptown/Universal Records. It included the Hot 100 charting track "Me & My Crazy World" and featured the notable collaboration "Beasts from the East" alongside A+, Redman, and Canibus. Although it achieved Gold certification, it did not receive as much critical praise as their debut.
On March 28, 1999, Freaky Tah was fatally shot in Queens. The group’s remaining members finalized LB IV Life, released in September 1999; however, it failed to attain commercial or critical success. Mr. Cheeks then pursued solo endeavors. In 2004, Spigg Nice was convicted for several bank robberies and sentenced to 37 years imprisonment; he was released in 2021. That same year marked Lost Boyz’s appearance on Nick Cannon’s VH1 program Wild 'N Out.
Members
- Mr. Cheeks
- Freaky Kah
- Pretty Lou
- DJ Spigg Nice
- Freaky Tah
Discography
- Legal Drug Money (1996)
- Love, Peace & Nappiness (1997)
- LB IV Life (1999)
- Grand Scheme 12:26 (2020)
- Lost Boyz Legacy (Deluxe Edition) (2020)