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504 Boyz
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504 Boyz were an American hip hop group from New Orleans, Louisiana, named for the New Orleans area code.
Key Information
The original 504 Boyz, Master P (as "Nino Brown"), Mystikal (as "G. Money"), Silkk the Shocker (as "Vito"), C-Murder, and Krazy, released their first album, Goodfellas, in 2000.[1] It included the hit single "Wobble Wobble", a "bounce-flavored song"[2] which peaked at #17 in the U.S.[citation needed]
In 2002, new members were introduced as part of the New No Limit rebrand. Choppa, Currensy, Afficial, and T-Bo were on the 2002 album Ballers, which produced a minor hit single Tight Whips.[citation needed] C-Murder was arrested for murdering a fan[3] in 2001.
After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, 504 Boyz released a benefit compilation We Gon Bounce Back, their third and final album.[4]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Certifications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B | |||
| Goodfellas | 2 | 1 | ||
| Ballers |
|
49 | 13 | |
| Hurricane Katrina: We Gon Bounce Back |
|
— | — | |
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B |
US Rap | |||
| "Wobble Wobble" | 2000 | 17 | 2 | 1 | Goodfellas |
| "Tight Whips" | 2002 | — | 51 | — | Ballers |
References
[edit]- ^ Soren Baker (April 28, 2000). "Record Rack: 504 Boyz, 'Goodfellas,' No Limit/Priority". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016.
- ^ Matt Miller, Bounce: Rap Music and Local Identity in New Orleans (University of Massachusetts Press, 2012), ISBN 978-1558499362, pp. 126, 143-145. Excerpts available at Google Books.
- ^ Nelson, Rob (January 19, 2002). "Gangsta rapper booked in teen killing". The Times-Picayune. Archived from the original on August 22, 2002. Retrieved June 11, 2017.
- ^ Lewis Watts, Eric Porter, New Orleans Suite: Music and Culture in Transition, (University of California Press), 2013, ISBN 978-0520955325, p. 62. Excerpts available at Google Books.
- ^ "American certifications – 504 Boyz". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
504 Boyz
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Formation and ties to No Limit Records
The 504 Boyz were an American hip-hop collective assembled by Percy Miller, known as Master P, founder of No Limit Records, drawing primarily from the label's roster of New Orleans-based artists to highlight Southern rap talent.[1] The group's name referenced the 504 area code for New Orleans, Louisiana, emphasizing regional identity amid No Limit's national expansion in the late 1990s.[10] Initial planning for the project traced back to 1997, coinciding with promotional ads for what would become their debut album, though the group formalized around the release of that effort.[11] Core founding members included Master P (performing as Nino Brown), Mystikal (as G. Money), and Silkk the Shocker (as Vito), with additional contributions from No Limit affiliates like C-Murder and Krazy, creating a rotating ensemble of label insiders rather than a fixed band.[12] This structure reflected No Limit's collaborative model, where Master P leveraged in-house talent for collective releases to amplify the label's "Dirty South" sound and market dominance, which peaked with multi-platinum sales in the late 1990s.[1] The ties to No Limit were integral, as the group functioned as an extension of the label's artist network, with production and distribution handled through No Limit's distribution deal with Priority Records.[13] Their debut album, Goodfellas, recorded between 1997 and 1999, was released on May 2, 2000, via No Limit Records and Priority Records, marking the group's commercial entry and underscoring Master P's strategy of packaging label stars into supergroups for broader appeal.[14][13] This release capitalized on No Limit's established infrastructure, which had propelled acts like TRU and solo efforts by Master P to gold and platinum certifications, though Goodfellas itself achieved moderate success with singles like "Wobble Wobble."[15] The formation thus embodied No Limit's emphasis on familial, street-level unity among New Orleans rappers, fostering a shared platform amid the label's rapid growth from independent to major-league contender.[10]Debut era and Goodfellas (1999–2001)
The 504 Boyz released their debut studio album, Goodfellas, on May 2, 2000, via No Limit Records and Priority Records.[16] The project showcased the group's core lineup—Master P (performing as Nino Brown), Mystikal (as Lowrider), Silkk the Shocker (as Vito), C-Murder (as Mr. Whodi), and Krazy (as Mac-Mac)—drawing heavily from New Orleans' bounce music traditions while incorporating No Limit's signature gangsta rap elements.[12] Recorded primarily in 1999, the album emphasized high-energy tracks with repetitive hooks designed for club play and street appeal, produced by in-house No Limit talents like Carlos Stephens.[1] Goodfellas achieved immediate commercial success, debuting at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart with first-week sales of 139,000 units.[17] The album's lead single, "Wobble Wobble" (released March 28, 2000), propelled its momentum by peaking at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 after debuting at number 57 on April 15, 2000.[18] Follow-up singles included "Whodi" (June 2000) and "I Can Tell" (February 2001), both of which reinforced the group's regional bounce sound but did not replicate the chart peak of "Wobble Wobble."[19] Overall U.S. sales exceeded 500,000 copies, qualifying for gold certification.[20] From 1999 through 2001, the 504 Boyz maintained focus on promoting Goodfellas amid No Limit's broader roster activity, with no additional group releases during this period. The album's performance underscored Master P's strategy of leveraging ensemble projects to extend the label's dominance in Southern rap, though internal label shifts began signaling future lineup adjustments by late 2001.[21]Ballers and shifting lineup (2002)
In 2002, the 504 Boyz experienced a significant lineup shift as No Limit Records transitioned under Master P's leadership to "The New No Limit" imprint distributed by Universal Records, following the label's departure from Priority Records and amid declining commercial momentum from rapid album releases. This rebranding emphasized incorporating emerging New Orleans rap talent to sustain the group's regional bounce-influenced sound, replacing departing members such as Mystikal—who had left No Limit in 2001—and C-Murder, who faced incarceration that year. New additions included Choppa (known for his 2001 hit "Choppa Style"), Curren$y, T-Bo, and Afficial, joining holdovers Master P, Silkk the Shocker, Krazy, and Magic.[1][9] The revamped collective released their second studio album, Ballers, on December 10, 2002, via The New No Limit and Universal Records. Spanning 19 tracks with a runtime of approximately 70 minutes, the project featured production from in-house teams like Da Beat Boyz, Ezell Swang, and Carlos Stephens, alongside guest appearances from 5th Ward Weebie, Lil Romeo, and Papa Reu on cuts such as "Who Run This" and "Grab Da Wall." Key tracks highlighted the updated roster, including "Tight Whips" (performed by Master P, Choppa, Curren$y, and others) and "My Life Is Sweet" (featuring Curren$y and Afficial), which maintained the group's focus on street life, luxury, and Southern bravado.[22][23] This evolution reflected broader challenges at No Limit, including artist departures and label restructuring, yet Ballers achieved moderate regional success, selling around 300,000 copies in the U.S. and producing singles that resonated in New Orleans' club scene. The shifting membership underscored Master P's strategy to adapt the 504 Boyz as a flexible collective rather than a fixed unit, prioritizing fresh voices from the 504 area code to preserve local authenticity amid national rap competition.[1][24]Post-Hurricane Katrina efforts and inactivity (2005 onward)
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall near New Orleans on August 29, 2005, and caused widespread destruction including flooding that displaced over 1 million residents, the 504 Boyz responded by releasing their third and final album, Hurricane Katrina: We Gon' Bounce Back, later that year on Guttar Music Entertainment.[9] This project served as a benefit compilation aimed at supporting recovery efforts in the devastated region, featuring tracks that directly addressed the storm's impact, such as the lead single "Hurricane Katrina (Bounce Back)" with Master P.[25] The album included contributions from core members and affiliates, emphasizing themes of resilience tied to New Orleans' bounce music tradition, though specific details on proceeds distribution remain limited in public records.[26] Following the 2005 release, the group entered prolonged inactivity, with no subsequent studio albums, singles, or collective performances documented.[9] This hiatus aligned with broader disruptions to New Orleans' music scene, where many artists relocated temporarily or permanently due to infrastructure damage and economic fallout, compounded by individual legal and personal challenges among members like C-Murder's ongoing imprisonment since 2001. Master P, as a founder and key collaborator, extended relief involvement beyond the album by contributing to fundraising for Katrina victims, reflecting his prior business ties to the city's hip-hop community.[27] By the mid-2010s, the 504 Boyz had effectively disbanded, with members pursuing sporadic solo endeavors rather than group reunions.[25]Members and lineup
Core and founding members
The 504 Boyz were founded in 2000 by Percy Miller, known professionally as Master P, as a hip-hop supergroup under his No Limit Records label, drawing its name from the New Orleans area code 504 to represent the city's rap scene.[1] The initial core lineup consisted of Master P (performing under the alias Nino Brown), Mystikal (as G. Money), and his brother Silkk the Shocker (as Vito), all established No Limit artists at the time.[1] Prior to the release of their debut album Goodfellas on March 21, 2000, the group expanded its founding roster to incorporate C-Murder and Krazy, solidifying a five-member core that contributed to the project's recording and promotion.[1] Master P, as the group's leader and primary organizer, maintained creative and executive control, while Silkk the Shocker emerged as the most consistent performer across subsequent releases, appearing on all three studio albums.[1] Mystikal's involvement, though pivotal in the early formation, diminished after his departure from No Limit amid contract disputes following Goodfellas.[1]Rotating and featured contributors
The 504 Boyz maintained a dynamic roster, incorporating rotating contributors from the New Orleans rap scene and No Limit Records affiliates to adapt to member availability, legal issues, and creative shifts. On the debut album Goodfellas (2000), contributors beyond the foundational lineup included Mystikal, who performed on tracks like "Roll Roll" and "Wobble Wobble," and C-Murder, featured prominently on "Wobble Wobble" alongside Mac and Magic; these additions emphasized the group's ties to established No Limit talent before Mystikal's departure to pursue a solo career and C-Murder's incarceration beginning in 2002.[28][1] Additional featured performers on Goodfellas encompassed Ghetto Commission, Mercedes, Mr. Marcelo, and Lil' Romeo, who appeared on the intro track, highlighting the collective's reliance on labelmates for vocal and production support.[28] For the follow-up Ballers (2002), the rotating contributors expanded to include Choppa, Curren$y, Magic, and T-Bo, who joined core performers on multiple tracks, such as "Get Back" (featuring Curren$y) and "My Life Is Sweet" (with Afficial).[29][1] Standout features on singles like "Tight Whips" brought in 5th Ward Weebie, Lil' Romeo, and Papa Reu for backing vocals and verses, enhancing the album's bounce-influenced sound with local flavor.[22] This era marked a pivot toward younger, emerging talents from the 504 area code, though several, including Magic, Choppa, and Curren$y, exited by the time of the 2005 benefit release We Gon Bounce Back, amid post-Hurricane Katrina disruptions.[1] Later sporadic output, such as the 2020 music video for "Tight Whips," reintroduced extended contributors like Slay Sean and Weebie, underscoring the group's occasional reactivation through one-off collaborations rather than a fixed ensemble.[1] This rotating approach allowed flexibility but contributed to inconsistent cohesion, as contributors often prioritized solo endeavors or faced external constraints like legal troubles.[1]Musical style
Influences from New Orleans bounce and Southern rap
The 504 Boyz drew heavily from New Orleans bounce music, a subgenre originating in the early 1990s characterized by fast-paced rhythms at 95-105 beats per minute, call-and-response vocals, and the signature "Triggerman" beat—a one-bar drum loop with prominent bells and heavy bass derived from the Showboys' 1990 track "Drag Rap."[30][31] This local sound, rooted in the city's housing projects and second-line traditions, emphasized party anthems with repetitive hooks and dance instructions, influencing the group's debut album Goodfellas (2000), which incorporated more bounce elements than prior No Limit Records releases.[1] Their breakout single "Wobble Wobble," produced by Carlos Stephens and peaking at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2000, exemplifies this through its infectious bounce beat, carefree lyrics promoting a signature wobbling dance, and energetic, club-oriented structure that mirrored bounce's focus on communal movement and local slang.[32][33] Within the broader Southern rap landscape, the 504 Boyz were shaped by the mid-1990s rise of regional hip-hop, blending New Orleans' bounce with gangsta rap's street narratives and the South's emphasis on booming basslines, synth-heavy production, and themes of hustling and resilience.[34] No Limit founder Master P, who formed the group in 1999, adapted West Coast-influenced gangsta styles to Southern sensibilities, signing local talents like Mystikal and C-Murder to infuse tracks with NOLA-specific cadences and bravado, as seen in Goodfellas' fusion of bounce rhythms with boasts about wealth and loyalty.[35] This reflected Southern rap's diversification, where artists like those from Cash Money Records—whom the 504 Boyz emulated in group dynamics—popularized upbeat, regionally flavored anthems that contrasted East Coast lyricism with visceral, bass-driven energy.[36] The result was a sound that propelled No Limit's role in mainstreaming Southern hip-hop, with bounce providing the rhythmic backbone for the group's high-energy delivery.[37]Production characteristics and lyrical themes
The production of the 504 Boyz's debut album Goodfellas (2000) was predominantly handled by Carlos Stephens, a member of the No Limit Records-affiliated production team Beats By The Pound, with additional contributions from producers including XL, The Neptunes, Keno, Suga Bear, Ezell Swang, and Fredwreck.[38] This sound exemplified the signature No Limit style, characterized by booming bass lines, synthesized melodies, and rhythmic patterns influenced by New Orleans' hip-hop traditions, enabling rapid output aligned with the label's high-volume release strategy.[39] On their follow-up Ballers (2002), production shifted to include Full Pack Music and Da Beat Boyz, incorporating slow-rolling basslines, twanging synths (often termed "twonk"), and sampled elements such as revving engines, soul/R&B hooks from artists like Willie Hutch, the Isley Brothers, and Al Green, though critics noted the beats as frequently monotonous and derivative of contemporaries like Three 6 Mafia.[40] Lyrical themes in 504 Boyz tracks revolved around core gangsta rap motifs adapted to Southern hip-hop, including the pursuit of wealth, power, and women—as articulated in "Whodi," where the chorus declares a "mission" for "money, power, and bitches"—alongside depictions of street hustling, violence, and survival amid poverty.[41] Songs like "Tight Whips" and album tracks on Ballers emphasized luxury cars and "baller" lifestyles with sing-along choruses, while "I Can Tell" and "Let Me Ride That Donkey" focused explicitly on lust and sexual encounters, reflecting unvarnished desires without romanticization.[40][42] Other content addressed revenge, loyalty, and armed confrontations, as in "War" and Krazy's "Tell Me," evoking prison life, Hennessy-fueled introspection, and interpersonal betrayals, all delivered in gruff, repetitive flows that prioritized regional swagger over intricate wordplay.[40][34] Party-oriented singles such as "Wobble Wobble" introduced lighter, danceable calls to action tied to New Orleans pride, contrasting the heavier gangsta narratives but maintaining explicit, street-rooted authenticity.[34]Discography
Studio albums
The 504 Boyz released three studio albums between 2000 and 2005, primarily under imprints associated with No Limit Records before shifting to independent distribution amid the label's decline.[1] Their debut, Goodfellas, arrived on May 2, 2000, via No Limit Records and Priority Records, featuring core members Master P, Mystikal, Silkk the Shocker, C-Murder, and Krazy alongside bounce-influenced tracks like "Wobble Wobble."[15][28] The follow-up, Ballers, emerged on December 10, 2002, through The New No Limit and Universal Records, reflecting a lineup refresh with contributors including Choppa and Curren$y, and emphasizing ostentatious Southern rap themes.[43][22] Their final effort, Hurricane Katrina: We Gon' Bounce Back, dropped on November 8, 2005, under Gutter Music Entertainment as a post-Katrina benefit project supporting New Orleans recovery, incorporating group staples with resilience-focused content.[44][5]| Title | Release date | Label(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Goodfellas | May 2, 2000 | No Limit / Priority |
| Ballers | December 10, 2002 | The New No Limit / Universal |
| Hurricane Katrina: We Gon' Bounce Back | November 8, 2005 | Gutter Music Entertainment |
Singles and chart performance
The 504 Boyz achieved their greatest commercial success with the single "Wobble Wobble", released in April 2000 as the lead track from their debut album Goodfellas. It debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 57 on April 15, 2000, before climbing to a peak of number 17 by May 6, 2000.[18] The song also topped the Hot Rap Songs chart at number 1 and reached number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[45] Subsequent singles from Goodfellas had more modest chart impacts. "Whodi", released in June 2000, peaked at number 105 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[45] "I Can Tell", issued in February 2001, fared slightly worse, reaching only number 112 on the same chart.[45] From their second album Ballers (2002), "Tight Whips" was released in November 2002 and peaked at number 51 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, marking the group's final notable charting single.[45]| Single | Release Date | Album | US Hot 100 Peak | US R&B/Hip-Hop Peak | US Rap Songs Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wobble Wobble | April 2000 | Goodfellas | 17 | 2 | 1 |
| Whodi | June 2000 | Goodfellas | - | 105 | - |
| I Can Tell | February 2001 | Goodfellas | - | 112 | - |
| Tight Whips | November 2002 | Ballers | - | 51 | - |