REPEAT OFFENDERS: Hard Streets, Shake Ya Body and Can I Live…
Within CHH, T-Bone is a true definition of throwback! He is one of the most influential (and sadly overlooked) forefathers/pioneers within this genre. One of the most defining moments within CHH, is the release of his album “Bone-A-Fide.” For myself, there are 3 key things surrounding this project that represented a shift in the genre, as well as for the future gearing more towards mainstream media and CHH fans.
First off, T-Bone started the “Creativity versus Controversy” album covers in CHH. The album cover resembling Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s famous pose, had many people upset thinking that T-Bone was promoting “communist ideologies.” This isn’t the post to have the debate on Christian communism and socialism, but to simply know that T-Bone wasn’t doing what he was accused of doing. He was simply being creative and symbolically showing that he was going to lead a revolution for the kingdom of God.
Second, “Bon-A-fide” was giving listeners “in your face” street evangelism with razor sharp lyrics. At the time, no one was talking about issues outside of church in their music or lyrically they weren’t rapping at the “caliber as T-bone”. T-Bone brought the church, mixed with the streets over crazy cadences throughout the album.
Lastly, T-Bone brought “secular collabs” to mainstream. Before CHH began stoning Lecrae with his choice of collabs, there was T-Bone. On this album, He worked with Mack 10 and Chino XL. Mack 10 actually had one of the most sincere verses on the album. Honestly, if we were to do a “line 4 line” with T-Bone, then he would have to go against Chino XL. T-Bone’s influence planted seeds that many of us couldn’t or wouldn’t do.
With all that being said, let’s not forget it was a great album! In “Let That Thang Go,” T-Bone entangled tight lyrics with true West Coast style. The production and hook reminded me of classic Nate Dogg. “I Been looking Around” gave a soulful sound through production and through the story within the lyrics. Even though T-Bone was trying to get away from the west coast sound, it was still there. T-Bone gave us a pefect blend of both sounds/sides. Whether you agree with his methods or not, you can’t deny his lyrical ability and visuals he delivers with every track on this album. This album is still bon-a-fide over ten years later. Thanks for all you have done T-Bone. Spread The Soup!
You can check out the album >>>>>HERE
