In 1995 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony had an international breakthrough with the album E 1999 Eternal and its single Crossroad. The group, which was discovered by NWA's Eazy-E, was notable for its distinct style of rapping: very fast, melodic and sometimes even almost singing. However, the group could not sustain the success of that CD, and the solo careers of the various group members also found it difficult
… to get off the ground. After some unclear releases, Strength & Loyalty can be seen as a comeback, the first album since Thug World Order (2002). The group has now thinned out a bit: of the five members, only three participate on Strength & Loyalty: Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone and Wish Bone. But they do get help from a large number of guests: The Game, Twista, Akon, Mariah Carey and Bow Wow among others. Not all these names will appeal to the fans as much and the impact that the group had at the time of E 1999 Eternal is missing, but it is clear that Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is once again aiming at a large audience. (IV)more
