Bone Thugs-N-Harmony member FLESH-N-BONE is at last ready to unleash his sophomore solo album, 5th Dog Let Loose. "I'm just getting wild on this album, letting it loose, Flesh-N-Bone uncut," Flesh says of the title.
The LP's title could also refer to Flesh's current situation. At the time his album was being completed, the Cleveland-bred rapper was incarcerated and awaiting sentencing. This isn't the first such problem Flesh has encountered in his life but he says the hurdles in his life only serve to fuel his creative fires.
"It makes me way more creative. When I'm dealing with problems like that, I wanna attack the situation. Turning to my music and hitting it hard in the studio is the way I deal with it and express it. If you don't express it and come face to face with it, it's gonna always be a problem."
Flesh considers himself a spiritual person. He is a frequent Bible reader yet, he also believes that he is fighting personal demons in his own life. 5th Dog Let Loose is a personal look inside his mind and reflects some of his spiritual ideas. "We got tracks like 'Say A Little Prayer,' 'Amen,' and 'Word To The Wise' says Flesh. "The music is hard as hell but it's spiritual. I'm talking about my family, my everyday life, and about trying to stay out of trouble. I definitely stay in tune with my spirituality. And I try to elaborate on that as much as I can."
5th Dog's first single, "Way Back," is a heartfelt tribute to some of hip-hop's fallen soldiers. "What inspired me to do that single is the loss of Eazy-E, Tupac, Big Pun and Biggie Smalls" he says. "And, I'm kinda elaborating my appreciation on what Eazy meant to me in my life. I never got a chance to say, "thanks E," from me and the Bone Thugs for putting us on and giving us this opportunity." The song features vocal contributions from Flesh's wife, Ms. Chaz, and his real life brother and fellow Bone Thug member Layzie Bone.
 | Besides the first single, Layzie also joined Flesh on "If You Could See," which also features another BTNH member (and Flesh's cousin), Wish Bone. Other contributors to 5th Dog include Kurupt, who added some verses to "Kurupted Flesh" and Montell Jordan, who chimes in on "Amen." Longtime Bone Thugs |
With the musical chemistry that exists between Damon and Flesh, fans can expect an album that reaches another level, while still maintaining the signature sound and rapid fire delivery that Bone Thugs lovers everywhere have come to expect.
"As a primary producer on this album, I feel that the sound of the new album has that authentic Bone quality that fans are used to. I also feel that Flesh has grown as a writer and that reflects a new, improved sound."
Damon was not alone in providing the beats for 5th Dog Let Loose. Other contributors included The Professor and Rhythm D.
With all that he's been through since his first album, Flesh feels that he is a more seasoned performer and that it shows in the new music. "Instead of laid-back, mellow-type, the way I was on the last album, I'm more like a rugged, rough, hardcore rapper." Flesh says thoughtfully. "I'd say I'm a little more prolific and articulate. I feel my music more now."
Who knows if Flesh-N-Bone's mind is dangerous, demonic or brilliant, but with the release of 5th Dog Let Loose, the public will have a chance to come to their own conclusion.
"I just want my fans to know that as soon as I do touch back down, Flesh-N-Bone's gonna be a whole new positive light to the world. Remember that."
Stanley Howse is currently incarcerated in Los Angeles and awaiting sentencing. Tha Big Balla will soon get an inverview from Stanley "Flesh N Bone" Howse, but click hea to peep out the 5th dawg's "Way Back", a tribute to Eazy-E, Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., and Big Punisher.