June 1: B.O.N.E. Releases Faces of Death. (1993)

June 1, 1993 – On This Date In Hip-Hop, B.O.N.E. Enterprise released their debut album Faces of Death.

The Album

Before Bone Thugs-N-Harmony became synonymous with melodic flows and chart-topping hits, they were BONE Enterprises, a hungry group of Cleveland rappers with a raw, unfiltered edge. “Faces of Death,” their debut album released in 1993, is a stark, gritty precursor to their future successes. It captures the group at a pivotal moment, channeling the harsh realities of street life into a dark, menacing sonic landscape. The album’s production, characterized by eerie beats and haunting melodies, lays a foundation that would later be refined and expanded upon in their mainstream breakthrough.

The Tracks

Flow Motion: A standout single that highlights the group’s signature fast-paced, synchronized flow. It is said that Krayzie Bone rapped his Flow Motion verse to Eazy-E over the phone and that’s what secured E’s interest in the group.

Hell Sent: This dark tale proves that BONE’s fascination with mo murda and the devil was established long before their Ruthless Records’ release Creepin’ On Ah Come Up.

In Conclusion

“Faces of Death” stands as a crucial artifact in the evolution of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, capturing their raw, unfiltered beginnings as BONE Enterprises. The album’s dark, gritty production and intense lyrical content reflect the harsh realities of their environment, showcasing their early experimentation with rapid-fire delivery and intricate rhyme schemes.

Despite its unpolished nature, “Faces of Death” provides a compelling glimpse into the formative years of a group that would go on to leave a profound impact on the hip-hop landscape. It’s a testament to their relentless drive and creative spirit, marking the inception of their journey from Cleveland’s streets to global stardom.