Thug Stories
Thug Stories represents the sixth studio release by the American hip-hop ensemble Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, launched on September 19, 2006, under the Koch Records label. This album marks their first complete project as a trio following the exit of Bizzy Bone. Upon release, it moved 40,000 copies during its initial week, reaching number 25 on the Billboard 200 chart and securing the top position on the Independent Album Charts. It stands as the group's first major label album since 2002's Thug World Order, which was issued via Ruthless Records. By April 2007, total sales had climbed to 92,465 units.
Songs and music
The collection showcases a more refined sound, focusing on the group's harmonic foundations rather than their earlier "thug" persona. Songs such as "She Got Crazy," "So Sad," and "Call Me" delve into themes surrounding personal connections, whereas "Don't Stop," "Do It Again," and "Thug Stories" serve as introspective anthems. The track "Fire" emphasizes Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's distinctive rhythmic style, while "What You See (Reload)" highlights Krayzie and Layzie’s swift lyrical delivery, illustrating the group's artistic growth. "Stand Not In Our Way" blends spiritual motifs with entrancing beats. Elements of reggae influence emerge in "Still No Surrender," conveying resistance toward law enforcement. The final piece, "This Life," portrays a somber tale of hardship that is characteristic of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's storytelling.
Track listing
{{track listing | extra_column = Producer(s)
| title1 = Intro | writer1 = | extra1 = | length1 = 2:01
| title2 = Call Me | writer2 = | extra2 = Steve Pageot | length2 = 4:47
| title3 = Thug Stories | writer3 = | extra3 = The Platinum Brothers | length3 = 4:05
| title4 = She Got Crazy | writer4 = | extra4 = DJ U-Neek | length4 = 3:25
| title5 = Don't Stop | writer5 = | extra5 = Steven Estiverne | length5 = 3:09
| title6 = Do It Again | writer6 = | extra6 = Mally Mall | length6 = 3:44
| title7 = So Sad | writer7 = | extra7 = | length7 = 3:27
| title8 = Fire | writer8 = | extra8 = DJ Mauly T | length8 = 4:43
| title9 = What You See (Reload) | writer9 = | extra9 = Kush N Kato | length9 = 3:00
| title10 = Stand Not in Our Way | writer10 = | extra10 = Big Rush | length10 = 3:52
|}
Sample credits
- The track "Do It Again" incorporates elements from "Let's Do It Again", originally written by Curtis Mayfield and performed by the Staple Singers.
Musicians
- Bone Thugs-n-Harmony – vocal performances
- Chris Ackerman – keyboard instruments
- DJ Mike T – turntable scratching, sound effects, production, engineering
- Gary "Sugar Foot" Greenberg – percussion, drum programming, production
- Steve Pageot – flute, keyboards, production, engineering, drum programming
Production
- Steve Begala – engineering
- Steve Estiverne – production
- David Frederic – engineering and mixing
- Kush Kato – production
- Steve Lobel – executive producer
- Guy Long – production
- Mally Mall – production
- Kenny McCloud – production
- Big Rush – production
- Bone Thugs-n-Harmony – executive producers
- Janice Combs – production
- Ree Dogg – production
Appearances
- Krayzie Bone features on every track
- Layzie Bone appears throughout all tracks
- Wish Bone contributes vocals to 11 tracks
Album
| Chart (2006) | Highest ranking |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard 200 | 25 |
| U.S. Top Independent Albums | 1 |
| U.S. Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 7 |