Usual Suspects (album)
Encyclopedia
Usual Suspects is the fourth album by the 5th Ward Boyz
, released on November 18, 1997 through Rap-a-Lot Records
.
Most of the production came from Mike Dean
, who had produced the majority of the group's previous three albums, and Leroy "Mr. Lee" Williams. Other producers on the album included the 5th Ward Boyz, Scarface
and John Bido.
Though the album was an improvement on the charts over their last album Rated G
, peaking at 180 on the Billboard 200
and 26 on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts, Usual Suspects was less well-received. Allmusic called it an "unoriginal effort" and said "Usual Suspects demonstrated that in 1997 there were still many rappers who were content to offer one tired, worn-out gangsta rap cliché after another."
5th Ward Boyz
5th Ward Boyz is an American southern hip hop trio, based out of Houston, Texas. Their name is derived from Houston's Fifth Ward. The group signed to Rap-A-Lot Records following the Geto Boys' popularity on the label....
, released on November 18, 1997 through Rap-a-Lot Records
Rap-A-Lot Records
Rap-a-Lot Records is a Houston hip hop record label. Rap-a-Lot was created in 1986. Sublabels include Smoke-a-Lot Records. The label was founded by James Prince in the mid-1980s and, with its most famous act the Geto Boys, put the South on the hip hop map. Since then, it has maintained its success...
.
Most of the production came from Mike Dean
Mike Dean (producer)
Mike Dean is an American hip-hop producer. He is known for pioneering the "Dirty South" sound in the 1990s, particularly in work for artists from Rap-A-Lot Records. Dean has most notably worked alongside Scarface of the Geto Boys, 2Pac, Do or Die, Tha Dogg Pound, Yukmouth of the Luniz, Outlawz,...
, who had produced the majority of the group's previous three albums, and Leroy "Mr. Lee" Williams. Other producers on the album included the 5th Ward Boyz, Scarface
Scarface (rapper)
Brad Terrence Jordan , better known by his stage name Scarface, is an American rapper, and recording artist from Houston, Texas and a member of the Geto Boys. He is originally from South Park, Houston.-Life and career:...
and John Bido.
Though the album was an improvement on the charts over their last album Rated G
Rated G
Rated G is the third album by the 5th Ward Boyz, released on November 28, 1995 through Rap-a-Lot Records.Producer Mike Dean, who had produced the group's previous two albums, returned to produce the album with the three members of the 5th Ward Boyz co-producing the album. N.O...
, peaking at 180 on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
and 26 on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts, Usual Suspects was less well-received. Allmusic called it an "unoriginal effort" and said "Usual Suspects demonstrated that in 1997 there were still many rappers who were content to offer one tired, worn-out gangsta rap cliché after another."
Track listing
- "O.G. Intro"- 1:18
- "Gangsta Shit"- 3:58 (featuring Spice 1Spice 1Robert L. Green, Jr., better known by his stage name Spice 1, is an American rapper from Hayward, California. He has consistently been releasing solo and group albums since 1992. Spice 1 was ranked number 56 in The Source magazine's Top 115 Hip-Hop Artists from 1988–2003...
and Mr. Slimm5th Ward JuvenilezThe 5th Ward Juvenilez was an American rap group from the 5th Ward of Houston, Texas. The group consisted of Daddy Lo, Mr. Slimm and Nickelboy and was signed to Rap-a-Lot Records....
) - "Hustlin'"- 4:52
- "Live Your Life"- 4:26
- "Big Faces"- 3:56
- "I Know"- 5:02 (featuring ScarfaceScarface (rapper)Brad Terrence Jordan , better known by his stage name Scarface, is an American rapper, and recording artist from Houston, Texas and a member of the Geto Boys. He is originally from South Park, Houston.-Life and career:...
) - "Heat"- 4:53
- "Got II Be Down II Die"- 4:14
- "Live Remote"- 1:13
- "Fuck Strugglin'"- 5:36 (featuring 8Ball & MJG8Ball & MJG8Ball & MJG is an American Rap and Crunk duo from Memphis, Tennessee. The two rappers met at in 1980.They first appeared on the rap scene with their 1992 underground album Listen To The Lyrics...
) - "Hollywood"- 4:57
- "Somethin' to Ride To"- 4:05 (featuring Do or DieDo or DieDo or Die is an American rap trio originally from Chicago, Illinois, consisting of group members Belo Zero, N.A.R.D. and AK-47. The trio has sold more than 3 million albums. The group experienced mainstream success with the gold single "Po Pimp", Produced by The Legendary Traxster off of their...
and Johnny P) - "Don't Nuttin Change"- 4:52
- "Pussy, Weed and Alcohol"- 5:52 (featuring Willie DWillie DWillie D is an American rapper who gained fame as the lead member of the pioneering rap group from Houston, Geto Boys. Despite his reputation for being a hardcore artist who pens often provocative lyrics, Willie D is known for his diligent work in the community and many of his songs contain...
and Devin the DudeDevin the DudeDevin Copeland , better known by his stage name, Devin the Dude, is a Houston hip hop artist, and rapper. He is best known for his unique rapping style, his long career signed to Rap-A-Lot Records, and his 2002 song, "Lacville '79"....
) - "Til the World Blow Up"- 5:35
- "Mama's Praying"- 4:11
Charts
| Chart (1997) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Billboard 200 | 180 |
| Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop | 26 |