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LB IV Life
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| LB IV Life | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | September 28, 1999 | |||
| Recorded | 1998–99 | |||
| Studio | ||||
| Genre | Hip hop | |||
| Length | 65:13 | |||
| Label | Universal | |||
| Producer |
| |||
| Lost Boyz chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |    [1] |
LB IV Life is the third studio album by American hip hop group the Lost Boyz. It was released on September 28, 1999, via Universal Records. Recording sessions took place at Heavy Hand Recordings and Soundtrack in New York. Production was handled by Ralph Lo, Mr. Sex, DJ Rob, Dwayne Lindsey, Glenn S.O.N. Faide, Alex Andino Jr., Charles Suitt, Dre Most, Ron G and "Pito" Jones, with Dodie Walker and members Mr. Cheeks and Freaky Tah serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from LG, Izzy Dead, J-N-J, QB, Queens Most Wanted, Street Connect and Bruce Miller. The album peaked at number 32 on the Billboard 200 and number eight the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the United States.
Member Freaky Tah was murdered on March 28, 1999, six months before the album was released, but makes multiple appearances on LB IV Life.[2] Lead rapper Mr. Cheeks pursued a solo career after the release.
Critical reception
[edit]Vibe praised the album's "sonic diversity", writing that Lost Boyz "successfully continue the club-rocking tradition" of previous albums.[3]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Freaky Tah Intro" | Dwayne Lindsey | 1:12 |
| 2. | "Let's Roll Dice" |
| 3:48 |
| 3. | "We Got the Hot Shit" (featuring LG) | Mr. Sex | 3:56 |
| 4. | "Ghetto Jiggy" | Ralph Lo | 5:28 |
| 5. | "Interlude" | Charles Suitt | 0:46 |
| 6. | "Take a Hike (One)" | Dre Most | 4:36 |
| 7. | "5 A.M." (featuring LG and QB) |
| 4:38 |
| 8. | "Risin' to the Top (No Stoppin' Us)" | Mr. Sex | 4:34 |
| 9. | "Only Live Once" (featuring Street Connect and Izzy Dead) | Ralph Lo | 4:15 |
| 10. | "Cheese" | DJ Rob | 4:50 |
| 11. | "Radio Interlude" (featuring Bruce Miller) | Dwayne Lindsey | 0:23 |
| 12. | "Plug Me In" |
| 4:38 |
| 13. | "New York City War Call" | Ron G | 4:39 |
| 14. | "Can't Hold Us Down" | Ralph Lo | 4:12 |
| 15. | "Colabo" (featuring Queens Most Wanted and J-N-J) |
| 4:24 |
| 16. | "Ghetto Lifestyle" | Ralph Lo | 4:14 |
| 17. | "LB Fam 4 Life" | Glenn S.O.N. Faide | 4:04 |
| 18. | "Freaky Tah Outro" | Glenn S.O.N. Faide | 1:26 |
| Total length: | 1:05:13 | ||
- Notes
Personnel
[edit]- Terrance "Mr. Cheeks" Kelly – performer (tracks: 2–4, 6–10, 12–14, 16, 17), executive producer
- Raymond "Freaky Tah" Rogers – performer (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 18), executive producer
- Ronald "Spigg Nice" Blackwell – performer (track 1)
- L.G. – rap vocals (tracks: 3, 7)
- Mr. Hezekiah – backing vocals (tracks: 4, 8, 9)
- QB – rap vocals (track 7)
- Street Connect – rap vocals (track 9)
- Izzy Dead – rap vocals (track 9)
- Bruce Miller – vocals (track 11), mixing
- Mel – backing vocals (tracks: 12, 14)
- Queens Most Wanted – rap vocals (track 15)
- J-N-J – rap vocals (track 15)
- Robert Mann – guitar & bass (track 17)
- Dwayne "Whateva" Lindsey – producer (tracks: 1, 11)
- Garfield "Mr. Sexxx" Duncan – producer (tracks: 2, 3, 7, 8)
- Raphael "Ralph Lo" Boyd – producer (tracks: 4, 9, 12, 14, 16), recording
- Charles Suitt – producer (track 5)
- Dre Most – producer (track 6)
- Alex Andino Jr. – producer (track 7), co-producer (track 2)
- Robert "DJ Rob" Alphonse – producer (tracks: 10, 15)
- Ronald "Ron G" Bowser – producer (track 13)
- S. "Pito" Jones – producer (track 15)
- Glenn S.O.N. Faide – producer (tracks: 17, 18)
- D2 – co-producer (track 12)
- Chris Champion – mixing
- Dodie Walker – executive producer, management
- Richard Nelson – artwork
- Stephen McBride – photography
- Charmaine Edwards – A&R
Charts
[edit]| Chart (1999) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200[4] | 32 |
| US Top R&B Albums (Billboard)[5] | 8 |
References
[edit]- ^ Conaway, Matt. "The Lost Boyz - LB IV Life Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
- ^ "The Return Of The Lost Boyz". MTV. September 29, 1999. Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
- ^ "Revolutions". VIBE. Vibe Media Group. November 17, 1999. Archived from the original on August 17, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2021 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Billboard 200". Billboard. Vol. 111, no. 42. October 16, 1999. p. 98. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "Top R&B Albums". Billboard. Vol. 111, no. 42. October 16, 1999. p. 29. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
External links
[edit]- LB IV Life at Discogs (list of releases)
LB IV Life
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
Group context
The Lost Boyz formed in 1993 in South Jamaica, Queens, New York, comprising MC Mr. Cheeks (Terrance Kelly), hypeman Freaky Tah (Tahliq Raymond Rogers), Pretty Lou (Eric Ruth), and DJ Spigg Nice (Ronald Blackwell).[7] The quartet emerged from the local hip-hop scene, blending street narratives with energetic, celebratory vibes that would define their sound. Their early buzz came from neighborhood performances and mixtape appearances, building a foundation in the competitive East Coast rap landscape.[8] The group's debut album, Legal Drug Money, arrived on June 4, 1996, via Uptown Records, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard 200 and number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart while earning gold certification from the RIAA for over 500,000 units sold.[8] Key singles like "Renee," which reached number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless," peaking at number 91, showcased their knack for infectious hooks and storytelling about urban life. Their follow-up, Love, Peace & Nappiness, released on June 17, 1997, climbed to number 9 on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, also achieving gold status.[9] Standout tracks including "Music Makes Me High" and "Get Up" further highlighted their upbeat, party-oriented approach. These releases solidified the Lost Boyz's commercial footprint, with combined sales exceeding one million units and establishing them as key players in East Coast hip-hop through their signature party-rap style—characterized by lively production, humorous lyrics, and crowd-pleasing anthems.[7] By the late 1990s, the group had transitioned toward their third album under Universal Records, amid evolving internal dynamics as they aimed to sustain momentum in a shifting industry.[3] The profound impact of Freaky Tah's death in 1999 would later influence this project, as explored in subsequent sections.Freaky Tah's death and dedication
On March 28, 1999, Lost Boyz hype man Freaky Tah (Tahliq Raymond Rogers) was fatally shot in the head outside the Sheraton Hotel in Jamaica, Queens, New York, shortly after attending a birthday party for group member Mr. Cheeks.[10] The 27-year-old was killed in a drive-by shooting carried out by Kelvin Jones, an associate of the rival Hell Raisers crew (also referred to as Hell Razor Fam), amid an escalating dispute between the groups that had roots in prior violence, including the killing of a Hell Raisers relative.[11][12] In the legal aftermath, Jones, then 29, was arrested alongside two accomplices, Raheem Fletcher and Ryan Frith, and charged with second-degree murder; he later pleaded guilty in July 2001 before Queens Supreme Court Justice Jaime Rios, admitting to the shooting.[13][14] Jones was sentenced in September 2001 to 15 years to life in prison, while his co-defendants received lesser sentences after cooperating.[15] The conviction underscored the violent rivalries within New York City's emerging hip-hop scenes during the late 1990s.[16] The tragedy profoundly influenced the Lost Boyz's third album, LB IV Life, released on September 28, 1999, which the group dedicated entirely to Freaky Tah as a tribute to his memory and contributions.[6] Despite the devastation, remaining members Mr. Cheeks, Pretty Lou, and DJ Spigg Nice decided to complete and release the project, incorporating Tah's pre-recorded vocals and hype man ad-libs salvaged from sessions, including on tracks like "Let's Roll Dice" and the closing "Freaky Tah Outro."[6] The album opens with the "Freaky Tah Intro," featuring his energetic voice, serving as a poignant entry point that honors his role in the group's dynamic.[3] This dedication shifted the album's overall tone, blending the Lost Boyz's signature upbeat party rap with elements of mourning and reflection; for instance, the track "Till We Meet Again," featuring Stephen Marley, stands as an explicit tribute, while "Only Live Once" memorializes Tah alongside other fallen figures in hip-hop.[6] In interviews, Mr. Cheeks has described the profound grief that followed Tah's death, noting it left the group in shock and nearly derailed their momentum, yet they pressed forward to preserve his legacy, stating that the loss created an irreplaceable void but fueled their commitment to finishing the work as a final testament to their bond.[17] Pretty Lou echoed this sentiment, emphasizing in discussions how the album became a way to channel their sorrow into something celebratory, ensuring Tah's hype man energy lived on through the music.[18] In May 2025, a portion of 168th Street in Jamaica, Queens, was co-named "Tahliq Raymond Rogers Way" to honor Freaky Tah's legacy.[19]Recording and production
Development process
The development of LB IV Life commenced in 1998 as the Lost Boyz's third studio album and follow-up to their 1997 release Love, Peace & Nappiness, with recording sessions spanning late 1998 into early 1999 under the guidance of Universal Records. The label provided essential support, including A&R oversight and budgetary resources, to facilitate the project's progression amid the group's rising profile in hip-hop.[3] The process faced severe setbacks following the murder of hype man Freaky Tah on March 28, 1999, which devastated group morale and caused production delays as the remaining members—Mr. Cheeks, Pretty Lou, and DJ Spigg Nice—grappled with profound grief. Despite these challenges, they committed to completing the album as a tribute to Tah, resulting in a rushed yet emotionally charged finalization by summer 1999, approximately six months after his death.[10] To honor Tah, the group incorporated unreleased vocal recordings of his into several tracks, including the opening "Freaky Tah Intro" and closing "Freaky Tah Outro." This approach transformed the album into a heartfelt memorial, blending the group's established party-rap energy with themes of loss and resilience.[10]Key contributors
The production of LB IV Life was led by a core team of contributors who shaped the album's sound, with Mr. Sexxx serving as the primary beatmaker responsible for key tracks including "Let's Roll Dice," "We Got That Hot S...," "5 A.M.," and "Risin' to the Top (No Stoppin' Us)." Other lead producers included DJ Rob (on "New York City War Call" and "Colabo"), Dre Most (on "Take a Hike (One)"), Dwayne "Whateva" Lindsey (on "Freaky Tah Intro" and "Lyrical Thug"), Glenn S.O.N. Faide (on "LB Fam 4 Life" and "Freaky Tah Outro"), Pito Jones (co-producer on "Colabo"), Ralph Lo (on "Ghetto Jiggy," "5, 10, 15," "Keep Ya Comin'," "Image of Jealousy," and "Ghetto Lifestyle"), and Ron G (on "Hood Is My Home").[20][21][22] Engineering and mixing duties were handled by Alex Andino Jr., who also co-produced select tracks like "Let's Roll Dice," and Charles Suitt, who contributed to production on "Interlude" while overseeing audio engineering across the project.[21][20] Featured artists added depth to the album's collaborative vibe, with appearances from LG and QB on "We Got That Hot S...," Izzy Dead and Street Connect on "5, 10, 15," and J-N-J alongside Queens Most Wanted on "Colabo." Additional vocal support came from Mr. Hezekiah on backing vocals for tracks like "Ghetto Jiggy" and "5, 10, 15," as well as Mel on "Keep Ya Comin'" and "Image of Jealousy."[21][22] The Lost Boyz' remaining core members—Mr. Cheeks, Pretty Lou, and DJ Spigg Nice—drove the album's vocal performances, with Mr. Cheeks delivering the primary rap verses, Pretty Lou focusing on hooks and ad-libs, and DJ Spigg Nice contributing scratches and production support.[21][20] Freaky Tah's presence was honored posthumously, with his recorded ad-libs, intros, and vocal snippets integrated into multiple tracks, including the opening "Freaky Tah Intro" and outros, serving as a dedication following his death earlier in 1999.[21][22]Composition
Musical style
LB IV Life exemplifies a blend of East Coast hip-hop with party-rap foundations, characterized by boom bap beats, soul samples, and club-oriented rhythms that maintain the group's signature energetic vibe.[20][3] The production draws heavily from the gritty 1990s New York hip-hop scene, incorporating raw, aggressive edges reminiscent of Wu-Tang Clan's style alongside smoother R&B crossovers for melodic depth.[23][6] The album's sonic palette showcases diversity through varied production techniques, with upbeat tracks like "Ghetto Jiggy"—produced by Ralph Lo—featuring funky basslines and hard-hitting beats, contrasted by slower, laid-back cuts that provide reflective moments.[6] Other producers, including Mr. Sex, DJ Rob, and Dwayne Lindsey, contribute to this range, employing soulful instrumentation and turntablism elements from DJ Spigg Nice to enhance the tracks' texture.[3] Notable examples include soul samples from 1970s funk and R&B, such as MFSB's "Old San Juan" (1980) in "Ghetto Jiggy," Jerry Butler's "Whatever's Fair" (1973) in "Only Live Once," Les McCann's "So Your Love Finally Ran Out for Me" (1979) in "Can't Hold Us Down," and The Jones Girls' "When I'm Gone" (1980) in "Ghetto Lifestyle," which infuse the beats with classic warmth and groove.[24] Spanning 18 tracks with a total runtime of 65:13, the album emphasizes high-energy rhythms and diverse tempos—from amped-up, stuntastic beats to silky soulful arrangements—while carrying somber undertones through its post-tragedy context.[1][6] This approach broadens the group's traditional sound, blending nostalgic East Coast elements with contemporary melodic flourishes to sustain club appeal.[25]Lyrical themes
The lyrics of LB IV Life center on core themes of street life, loyalty, and profound loss, reflecting the group's experiences in Queens, New York, amid personal tragedy. Tracks like "LB Fam 4 Life" emphasize unwavering allegiance to the crew, with Mr. Cheeks declaring devotion to the Lost Boyz family as a source of strength through adversity.[6] The album serves as a dedication to the late Freaky Tah, whose murder deeply influences the narratives; for instance, "5 A.M." mourns his absence with lines like "Took my brother from me, ayo, you know how deep the slum be," capturing the raw grief of urban hardship and brotherhood severed by violence.[6] Party and celebration motifs persist from the group's earlier work, blending escapism with communal joy in depictions of nightlife and leisure. "Let's Roll Dice" evokes dice games and carefree vibes, as Freaky Tah and Mr. Cheeks rap about women, weed, and good times with "Her and her friends burning weed, smelling good, indeed." Similarly, "We Got That Hot Shit" channels club energy, promoting hype and sensuality as antidotes to daily struggles.[6] Reflections on violence and Queens upbringing infuse the lyrics with a gritty authenticity, portraying the borough's rough edges while underscoring resilience. "Ghetto Jiggy" reps local pride with hooks about shining amid poverty—"Living life inside the rough, but shine like a diamond"—and "Ghetto Lifestyle" details marijuana, sex, and booze as hallmarks of the environment. "New York City War Call" confronts aggression head-on, warning rivals with "Button up your lip, your ship is sinkin'," highlighting the perils of street conflicts without glorifying them. This post-murder perspective evolves the group's sound from purely fun-oriented anthems to a bittersweet balance, where hype coexists with sorrow, as seen in tributes like "Only Live Once," dedicated to slain friends and urging appreciation for fleeting life.[6]Release and promotion
Album rollout
LB IV Life was released on September 28, 1999, through Universal Records in CD and cassette formats. The rollout emphasized the album's dedication to the late Lost Boyz member Freaky Tah, who was murdered on March 28, 1999, six months prior to the release; Tah's vocals appear on multiple tracks, including the opening "Freaky Tah Intro" and closing "Freaky Tah Outro," framing the project as a posthumous tribute. Promotional activities were constrained by the group's grief, resulting in limited marketing efforts compared to the competitive 1999 hip-hop landscape, which included major releases such as DMX's ...And Then There Was X later that year. The album's packaging featured artwork honoring Tah's legacy, while the liner notes served as an extended eulogy. Tour plans were disrupted by the tragedy.[26][3][6]Singles
The lead single from LB IV Life was "Take a Hike," released on July 6, 1999, via Universal Records. It was issued in commercial formats, including 12-inch vinyl and CD singles.[27][28] "Ghetto Jiggy" was released as a promotional single in 1999, available in 12-inch vinyl and CD promo formats containing clean, dirty, TV track, and instrumental versions.[29] A VHS promo for the music video was also produced, featuring the group performing in urban settings that highlighted their Queens, New York origins.[30] B-sides and remixes appeared on select promo pressings, including "Take It or Leave It".[29]Commercial performance
Chart achievements
LB IV Life debuted and peaked at number 32 on the US Billboard 200 chart in October 1999.[5] It also reached number 8 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[31] The album demonstrated stronger performance within the R&B and hip-hop genres compared to the all-format chart. Among its singles, "Ghetto Jiggy" served as the lead single. Compared to the group's prior releases, LB IV Life underperformed, peaking lower than Legal Drug Money (number 6 on the Billboard 200) and Love, Peace & Nappiness (number 9). This diminished chart success has been attributed to the timing of its release following the murder of group member Freaky Tah in March 1999.[5][32]Sales and certifications
LB IV Life did not achieve RIAA certification, in contrast to the group's prior albums Legal Drug Money and Love, Peace & Nappiness, both of which were certified gold by the RIAA.[8][33] Sales were influenced by a sympathy boost following the murder of group member Freaky Tah in March 1999, which occurred six months before the album's September release, yet the project was overshadowed by blockbuster 1999 hip hop releases such as Dr. Dre's 2001 and Eminem's The Slim Shady LP.[34] In the digital era, LB IV Life became available for streaming on platforms including Spotify and Apple Music starting in the 2010s, experiencing renewed interest during 2020s anniversary celebrations of the group's legacy.[4][1]Critical reception
Initial reviews
Upon its release in September 1999, LB IV Life received mixed critical reception, with reviewers noting the group's resilience following Freaky Tah's murder but a perceived lack of evolution in their sound. AllMusic's review described the album as encompassing both the best and worst of what the Lost Boyz offered, with little variance, expressing some disappointment in its adherence to familiar formulas.[26] Overall, critics acknowledged the Lost Boyz's perseverance amid tragedy but often viewed LB IV Life as formulaic compared to contemporaries like Jay-Z, who were advancing hip-hop's boundaries.Later evaluations
In a 2014 retrospective review, The Boombox stated that LB IV Life stands the test of time, describing it as a testament to the Lost Boyz's legacy despite initial commercial underperformance.[6] In a review published on August 18, 2025, 30rap.com portrayed LB IV Life as a "defiant statement, a dedication, and a poignant farewell," emphasizing its emotional depth, resilience amid tragedy, and blend of raw boom-bap production with melodic elements. The review rated it 4 out of 5, praising its consistency and artistic integrity while noting it as a solid but not peak entry in the group's discography.[25] The album's legacy includes cultural resonance in New York hip-hop, where its Queens street narratives have influenced later artists. For instance, A$AP Rocky compared Joey Bada$$'s style to the "old-school Lost Boyz mixed with Boot Camp Clik," highlighting shared 1990s East Coast rap influences.[35]Credits
Track listing
The track listing for LB IV Life, the third studio album by the American hip hop group Lost Boyz, consists of 18 tracks with a total runtime of 65:13.[36][1] The album is the explicit version, featuring profane language throughout.[4] Songwriting credits are primarily attributed to the group's core members—Terrance "Mr. Cheeks" Kelly, Eric "Pretty Lou" Ruth, and the late Tahliq "Freaky Tah" Rogers—with additional contributors on tracks with guest appearances.[22] Specific production credits per track are listed below.| No. | Title | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Freaky Tah Intro" | Dwayne "Whateva" Lindsey | 1:12 |
| 2 | "Let's Roll Dice" | Mr. Sexxx (co-produced by Alex Andino Jr.) | 3:45 |
| 3 | "We Got That Hot Shit" (featuring LG) | Mr. Sexxx | 3:56 |
| 4 | "Ghetto Jiggy" | Ralph Lo | 5:28 |
| 5 | "Interlude" | Charles Suitt | 0:31 |
| 6 | "Take a Hike (One)" | Dre Most | 4:36 |
| 7 | "5 A.M." (featuring LG and QB) | Mr. Sexxx (co-produced by Alex Andino Jr.) | 4:37 |
| 8 | "Risin' to the Top (No Stoppin' Us)" | Mr. Sexxx | 4:34 |
| 9 | "Only Live Once" (featuring Izzy Dead and Street Connect) | Ralph Lo | 4:15 |
| 10 | "Cheese" | DJ Rob | 4:09 |
| 11 | "Radio Interlude" | Dwayne "Whateva" Lindsey | 0:33 |
| 12 | "Plug Me In" | Ralph Lo (co-produced by D2) | 4:38 |
| 13 | "New York City War Call" | Ron G | 4:39 |
| 14 | "Can't Hold Us Down" | Ralph Lo | 4:13 |
| 15 | "Colabo" (featuring J-N-J and Queens Most Wanted) | Pito (co-produced by DJ Rob) | 4:22 |
| 16 | "Ghetto Lifestyle" | Ralph Lo | 4:13 |
| 17 | "LB Fam 4 Life" | Glenn S.O.N. Faide | 4:04 |
| 18 | "Freaky Tah Outro" | Glenn S.O.N. Faide | 1:26 |