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Flesh-n-Bone
Flesh-n-Bone
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Key Information

Stanley Howse, better known as Flesh-n-Bone (born June 10, 1973),[1] is an American rapper known as a member of the hip hop group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. He is the older brother of Layzie Bone and cousin of Wish Bone.

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In December 1999, Flesh-n-Bone was involved in a dispute with one-time friend Tarrance Vickers. During the dispute, Flesh-n-Bone threatened Vickers with an AK-47 rifle. The presiding Van Nuys Superior Court Judge deemed Howse's life story "one of the worst cases of child abuse she had ever read, full of beatings and other physical, emotional, and mental traumas." Flesh-n-Bone apologized and took responsibility for his actions and pleaded guilty. On September 22, 2000, Howse was sent to Pleasant Valley State Prison for 12 years on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and violation of probation. He was also required to undertake an anger-management course.[2]

Discography

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Main article: Flesh-n-Bone discography
See also: Bone Thugs-n-Harmony discography

Solo albums

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Flesh-n-Bone

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Stanley Howse, better known by his stage name Flesh-n-Bone, is an American rapper born on June 10, 1973, in , . He rose to prominence as a founding member of the hip hop group , known for their signature fast-flowing, melodic rap style that blends with harmonious singing influences from R&B and soul. As the older brother of group member and cousin to , Flesh-n-Bone played a key role in the group's early success after they were discovered by and signed to in 1993. Flesh-n-Bone contributed vocals to Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's breakthrough albums, including the quadruple-platinum (1994), the quadruple-platinum (1995) featuring the hit "Tha Crossroads," and the quadruple-platinum (1997), which helped the group win a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1997. His tenure with the group was marked by their innovative midwest rap sound, but legal troubles led to his departure before the 2000 album BTNHResurrection. In 2000, Flesh-n-Bone was sentenced to 11 years in state prison for assault with an rifle after threatening a man during a dispute. He was released on parole on July 13, 2008, after serving approximately eight years. Following his release, Flesh-n-Bone resumed his music career, releasing solo albums such as Blaze of Glory (2011), Do You (2020), To the Bone (2022), and Living Legend (2023), while reuniting with for tours, the 2010 album Uni-5: The World's Most Dangerous Party, and subsequent projects like Art of War: World War III (2013). His discography also includes earlier solo efforts like T.H.U.G.S. (1996) and 5th Dog Let Loose (2000), the latter peaking at No. 98 on the while he was incarcerated. Despite personal challenges, including struggles with and group internal conflicts, Flesh-n-Bone remains an influential figure in hip hop, recognized for his deep, rhythmic delivery and contributions to the genre's evolution.

Early life

Childhood and family

Stanley Howse, better known by his stage name Flesh-n-Bone, was born on June 10, 1973, in , . He grew up on the East Side of alongside his younger brother Steven Howse, who later adopted the stage name , and was a cousin to ; the family was marked by close bonds amid challenges. The Howse family faced significant economic hardships, relying on government assistance and welfare to make ends meet in the poverty-stricken inner-city neighborhoods, which shaped Flesh-n-Bone's determined personality amid the struggles of daily survival. He attended Lincoln-West High School and moved to around age 13.

Entry into music

Flesh-n-Bone's interest in music developed through the emerging hip-hop scene in during the late 1980s and early 1990s, where local artists contributed to the city's unique sound blending rapid flows with melodic elements. As teenagers, Flesh-n-Bone and his brother Layzie Bone, along with other future group members, began experimenting with rapping and harmonizing, focusing on blending rapid flows with vocal harmonies influenced by the local street-rooted hip-hop culture. In the early 1990s, the group that became Bone Thugs-n-Harmony formed in Cleveland, with Flesh-n-Bone participating in the local hip-hop community through performances and recording efforts, which helped develop their distinctive style.

Musical career

With Bone Thugs-n-Harmony

Flesh-n-Bone co-founded Bone Thugs-n-Harmony in 1991 in Cleveland, Ohio, alongside Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, and Wish Bone, drawing from their shared East Side roots and early musical influences within family networks. The group auditioned for Eazy-E of N.W.A. in 1993, leading to their signing with Ruthless Records; although the initial contract excluded Flesh-n-Bone due to prior commitments, he quickly integrated as a core member, earning the nickname "fifth dog" for his pivotal yet initially peripheral status in early recordings. This lineup solidified the group's signature blend of fast-paced, melodic flows over G-funk beats, setting them apart in mid-1990s hip-hop. Flesh-n-Bone's contributions were central to the group's breakthrough albums, where his deep, aggressive delivery contrasted the harmonious vocals of his bandmates, emphasizing themes of street survival, loyalty, and spiritual redemption. On the debut EP (1994), he featured prominently on the lead single "," which peaked at No. 22 on the and introduced their rapid-fire style to a national audience. The follow-up (1995) further highlighted his role on tracks like "," a gritty portrayal of Cleveland's East Side struggles that reached No. 8 on the chart, and the introspective "" remix, a tribute to deceased figures including that topped the Hot 100 for four weeks and earned the group their sole Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1997. His verses often infused raw aggression with philosophical undertones, balancing tales of violence and faith. By the time of BTNHResurrection (2000), Flesh-n-Bone's presence as a full contributor marked a triumphant return amid personal challenges, with the album debuting at No. 2 on the and featuring his leads on songs like "Resurrection (Paper, Paper)," which revisited spiritual and hustler motifs while achieving status. However, Eazy-E's in March 1995 triggered internal strains, as the group navigated ' leadership transition under new management, leading to creative disputes and delayed projects that tested their unity as the "fifth dog" pushed for greater involvement. These dynamics underscored Flesh-n-Bone's enduring influence on the group's evolution from underground act to hip-hop icons.

Solo career

Flesh-n-Bone began his solo endeavors in the mid-1990s, releasing his debut album T.H.U.G.S. (Trues Humbly United Gatherin' Souls) on November 19, 1996, through Def Jam and Mo Thugs Records. This project marked the first solo effort from a Bone Thugs-n-Harmony member, showcasing his individual voice amid the group's rising fame. Efforts toward a follow-up in the late 1990s were interrupted by personal challenges, culminating in the release of 5th Dog Let Loose on October 10, 2000, via Koch Records, which he completed and issued during his incarceration. After his release, Flesh-n-Bone resumed his independent path with Blaze of Glory on September 13, 2011, distributed by FBG Global, RBC Records, and E1 Music, emphasizing themes of perseverance and street resilience. This album featured collaborations with artists like 50 Cal, B-Loc, and Stew Deze, highlighting his connections beyond the Bone Thugs collective. Subsequent releases included Do You on April 23, 2020, through BTNH Worldwide and The Life Entertainment, exploring personal reflection and loyalty, followed by To the Bone on March 18, 2022, via Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Records, which delved into redemption and growth through introspective narratives, and the EP Living Legend on November 19, 2023, via Flesh Bone Global. Notable singles from his solo catalog include "World So Cruel" from T.H.U.G.S., a 1996 track featuring Rev Run of Run-D.M.C., addressing societal hardships and unity. Other standout appearances encompass features on tracks like "How I Roll Up" from Blaze of Glory, underscoring his raw delivery outside group dynamics. Flesh-n-Bone's style evolved from the fast-paced, harmonious flows rooted in his Bone Thugs origins to a more direct, narrative-driven rap approach in his solo work, allowing for deeper personal expression and career reconstruction post-2010. This shift enabled him to focus on themes of and triumph, solidifying his presence as an independent artist.

Incarceration and charges

In July 1997, Stanley Howse, known professionally as Flesh-n-Bone, was arrested in , following reports of gunshots fired from his rented home during a Fourth of July celebration. The incident stemmed from a dispute with a neighbor who complained about the noise; Howse allegedly physically ed the neighbor (Stephen J. Gambino) by beating him, leading to charges of , along with possession of an unregistered (after police recovered an ), a stolen , explosives, and reckless discharge of a from the residence. Howse pleaded guilty to assault with a in February 1998 and was sentenced to three years of , avoiding immediate jail time amid the height of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's commercial success. However, on December 26, 1999, he was involved in another altercation where he allegedly brandished an during an argument, resulting in new charges of assault with a and possession by a convicted felon. This incident constituted a probation violation from the 1997 case, exacerbating his legal troubles. In June 2000, Howse was convicted on the 1999 charges, and on September 22, 2000, he was sentenced to an 11-year term in state prison. He was incarcerated at in . While incarcerated, his second solo album, 5th Dog Let Loose, was released in 2000 shortly after his sentencing, reflecting the personal turmoil of isolation from family and the ongoing strain on his relationships caused by repeated legal entanglements.

Release and aftermath

Flesh-n-Bone, whose real name is Stanley Howse, was granted and released from on July 13, 2008, after serving approximately eight years of an 11-year sentence for assault with a and violation. His release came with strict conditions, including bans on possessing firearms, narcotics, and associating with known felons, as well as requirements for regular check-ins and restrictions on travel and employment activities. Readjusting to life outside prison proved challenging for Howse, who had been absent from society for nearly a decade and missed key family milestones and personal developments. He reunited with his family, including his mother and siblings, and emphasized the emotional weight of reintegration in public appearances shortly after his release. In interviews, Howse reflected on the humbling nature of his incarceration, stating, "What happened to me was very humbling... I wish I didn’t lose all of that time, but I had no choice but to try to get back on my feet," highlighting his focus on personal growth and resilience. In April 2009, Howse encountered further legal issues when he was arrested for violation after police discovered marijuana and a loaded in his vehicle during a , leading to a brief detention on $35,000 . Prosecutors ultimately dropped the charges of gun and marijuana possession, allowing his release without additional incarceration. These events underscored the ongoing scrutiny and restrictions he faced during his period, which extended until around 2011. In March 2010, Howse was arrested backstage during a concert in , , on a warrant stemming from a 1998 allegation of and felonious (hitting his mother with a ). He pleaded guilty in May 2010 to a reduced charge of aggravated (fourth-degree ) and was fined $150. In January 2011, Howse was arrested in for after an altercation with his wife, charged with inflicting corporal injury, , and making criminal threats. In December 2011, he pleaded guilty to , receiving three years of , 100 hours of , participation in a program, and a $400 donation to a battered , avoiding further jail time.

Discography

Studio albums

Flesh-n-Bone's solo studio albums chronicle his artistic journey, beginning with collaborative efforts rooted in influences and evolving toward more personal and reflective works amid legal challenges and independent production. His debut solo effort, ''T.H.U.G.S. (Trues Humbly United Gatherin' Souls)'', arrived on November 19, 1996, through Records and Rush Associated Labels. Featuring contributions from members, , and , the 17-track album emphasizes themes of unity, spiritual guidance, and street solidarity, as seen in titles like "Tru Soldiers" and "Walk in the Rain." It debuted at number 23 on the and was certified gold by the RIAA on February 12, 1997, for 500,000 units shipped. Critics praised its expansion of the group's melodic rap style, rating it 7 out of 10 on and calling it a strong entry in the Bone Thugs catalog. Recorded during his imprisonment for charges, ''5th Dog Let Loose'' was released on October 10, 2000, by Koch . The 13-track project delves into to origins, personal hardships, and resilience, exemplified by the hometown ode " Is the City" and the introspective "World So Cruel" featuring Rev Run. It peaked at number 98 on the , number 30 on , and number 3 on . Reception was mixed, with noting its raw authenticity but uneven execution, while awarded it 4 out of 10 for lacking standout moments. Following his 2008 release from , Flesh-n-Bone issued ''Blaze of Glory'' on September 13, 2011, via BTNH Worldwide and RBC Records. This 19-track album incorporates fast-paced street tracks, R&B-infused ballads, and posse cuts with , addressing redemption, family, and perseverance in songs like "Heartaches" and "How I Roll Up." RapReviews described it as energetic yet overly lengthy at 75 minutes, categorizing most cuts as heavy bangers or collaborative efforts. It marked a return to form, blending his signature rapid flow with contemporary production. The 2020 release ''Do You'', distributed on April 23 via Records, comprises 9 tracks that shift toward self-empowerment and introspection, with streamlined beats supporting lyrics on identity and growth, as in the title track. This independent project highlights a more concise style compared to earlier works. ''To the Bone'', released March 18, 2022, on Records, expands to 15 tracks exploring mature themes of legacy, family bonds, and life lessons, featuring evolved production with trap influences alongside traditional melodic elements in cuts like the title track. By 2025, it represents Flesh-n-Bone's continued adaptation to modern hip-hop while preserving his core sound. Collectively, these albums illustrate Flesh-n-Bone's progression from unity-focused group extensions to individualized narratives of adversity and maturity, with early commercial peaks giving way to fan-driven independent outputs.

Other releases

Flesh-n-Bone has issued a number of EPs and singles outside his primary studio albums, often through independent labels or digital platforms following his early work with Def Jam Recordings. His initial solo singles, "Nothin' But Da Bone in Me" and "World So Cruel," both released in 1996, served as promotional cuts from his debut album T.H.U.G.S., blending fast-paced flows with melodic hooks characteristic of his style. "Nothin' But Da Bone in Me" appeared on vinyl and CD formats via Def Jam, featuring remixes and instrumental versions. Similarly, "World So Cruel" was distributed in multiple formats, including a promotional maxi-single with B-sides like "I Can Be Dat N***a." In 2010, Flesh-n-Bone independently released the Concert EP on his Flesh-N-Bone Global imprint, a short project capturing live energy with tracks emphasizing his post-incarceration return to . Later efforts include the 2023 EP Living Legend, a seven-track digital release on Records, which incorporates family collaborations such as "Eazy" featuring , , and , reflecting on legacy and street life themes. Standalone singles from this period, like "Smoke-n-Maintain" (2022) and "To the Bone (Remix)" (2023), highlight his continued output via streaming services, maintaining the harmonious rap delivery synonymous with his roots.

References

  1. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/flesh-n-bone-mn0000182936
  2. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Bone+Thugs-N-Harmony&ti=Creepin+on+ah+Come+Up#search_section
  3. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Bone+Thugs-N-Harmony&ti=E.+1999+Eternal#search_section
  4. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Bone+Thugs-N-Harmony&ti=The+Art+of+War#search_section
  5. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-sep-23-me-25535-story.html
  6. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/flesh-n-bone-mn0000182936/discography
  7. https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=114071&page=1
  8. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/feb/13/bone-thugs-n-harmonys-flesh-n-bone-we-have-so-much/
  9. https://medium.com/cuepoint/machetes-dipped-in-rum-e591d103b890
  10. https://www.last.fm/music/Flesh-N-Bone/+wiki
  11. http://www.jazzweekly.com/interviews/bone.htm
  12. https://clevelandmagazine.com/articles/its-a-rap/
  13. https://www.jazzweekly.com/interviews/bone.htm
  14. https://blackpast.org/african-american-history/bone-thugs-n-harmony-1991/
  15. https://www.rapreviews.com/2010/03/bone-thugs-n-harmony-btnhresurrection/
  16. https://www.grammy.com/artists/bone-thugs-n-harmony/8123
  17. https://hiphopdx.com/interviews/bone-thugs-n-harmony-detail-eazy-es-impact-remember-his-death/
  18. https://www.discogs.com/release/2486996-Flesh-N-Bone-THUGS-Trues-Humbly-United-Gatherin-Souls
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/2099769-Flesh-N-Bone-5th-Dog-Let-Loose
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/6352637-Flesh-N-Bone-Blaze-Of-Glory
  21. https://open.spotify.com/album/15SbVtPztqQFzDffRaDYSg
  22. https://music.apple.com/us/album/do-you/1511272234
  23. https://music.apple.com/us/album/to-the-bone/1608774237
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/588980-Flesh-N-Bone-World-So-Cruel
  25. https://hiphopdx.com/news/flesh-n-bone-talks-new-solo-album-bone-thugs-n-harmony-breakup-and-tell-all-book/
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvF5RqDWr6g
  27. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-jul-05-me-9914-story.html
  28. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-jul-08-me-10751-story.html
  29. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-jul-06-me-10218-story.html
  30. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-31-me-48697-story.html
  31. https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=115287&page=1
  32. https://hitsdailydouble.com/news/rumor-mill/flesh-n-bone-gets-11-years-lessbrgreaterfor-messing-with-guns
  33. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-oct-21-ca-39646-story.html
  34. https://www.mediasurfer.ch/2023/10/flesh-n-bone-5th-dog-let-loose-2000.html
  35. https://www.xxlmag.com/bg-turn-over-song-lyrics-probation-officer/
  36. https://allhiphop.com/news/bone-thug-reunion-derailed-flesh-arrested-with-gun-drugs/
  37. https://www.tmz.com/2009/04/21/bone-thugs-rapper-cleared-yet-still-in-jail/
  38. https://hiphopdx.com/news/flesh-n-bone-pleads-guilty-ordered-to-pay-fine/
  39. https://www.cleveland.com/popmusic/2010/03/exclusive_layzie_bone_discusse.html
  40. https://www.bet.com/article/ercaoo/flesh-n-bone-avoids-jail-time-in-domestic-violence-case
  41. https://www.tmz.com/2011/12/30/bone-thugs-n-harmony-flesh-n-bone-domestic-violence-arrest/
  42. https://hiphopdx.com/news/flesh-n-bone-pleads-guilty-to-false-imprisonment-maintains-innocence/
  43. https://www.discogs.com/release/1913253-Flesh-N-Bone-THUGS-Trues-Humbly-United-Gatherin-Souls
  44. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Flesh-N-Bone&ti=T.H.U.G.S.&format=Album&type=#search_section
  45. https://www.allmusic.com/album/thugs-trues-humbly-united-gatherin-souls-mw0000646793
  46. https://www.discogs.com/master/221030-Flesh-N-Bone-5th-Dog-Let-Loose
  47. https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/flesh-bone-fifth-dog-lets-loose/
  48. https://www.allmusic.com/album/5th-dog-let-loose-mw0000093200
  49. https://www.rapreviews.com/2011/09/flesh-n-bone-blaze-of-glory/
  50. https://www.discogs.com/release/28750180-Flesh-N-Bone-Do-You-
  51. https://www.discogs.com/release/28427239-Flesh-N-Bone-To-The-Bone-
  52. https://www.discogs.com/release/1907370-Flesh-N-Bone-Nothin-But-Da-Bone-In-Me
  53. https://www.discogs.com/release/3083937-Flesh-N-Bone-Nothin-But-Da-Bone-In-Me
  54. https://www.discogs.com/master/158473-Flesh-N-Bone-World-So-Cruel
  55. https://www.discogs.com/release/6711658-Flesh-N-Bone-Concert-EP
  56. https://music.apple.com/us/album/living-legend/1714453376
  57. https://open.spotify.com/artist/0catX1w54ZWxFrEC77ahGU
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