In the early 1990s, against a backdrop of intense gang rivalry in Los Angeles, an unlikely collaboration emerged in the form of a hip-hop group called Bloods & Crips. Composed of real-life members of the notorious Bloods and Crips gangs, this collective ventured into the music industry with a mission to keep the beef on wax. Their debut album, “Bangin’ on Wax,” became a cultural milestone, blending the harsh realities of gang life with the creative outlet of hip-hop.
The genesis of Bloods & Crips stemmed from a desire within the gang community to express themselves and capitalize on their experiences, as some felt that groups like N.W.A. were profiting from the gang lifestyle without truly representing it. Rappers O.Y.G Redrum 781 and Tweedy Bird Loc spearheaded the project, organizing auditions for actual gang members from various sets in Los Angeles, including Crips from Compton, Watts, and Long Beach, and Bloods from Inglewood and Los Angeles. The most talented individuals were selected to participate in the album.
In 1993, Bloods & Crips released their debut album, “Bangin’ on Wax,” under Dangerous Records. The album made its mark on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 86. It featured four singles: "Bangin' on Wax," "Piru Love," "Crip, Crip, Crip," and "Steady Dippin'." The album's success was further amplified by music videos for "Bangin' on Wax", "Piru Love" and "Steady Dippin'".
“Bangin’ On Wax” opens with the intro “Gangsta Talk”, immediately immersing listeners in the raw atmosphere of the streets. The title track dives headfirst into gang culture, with a memorable verse transforming names of Blood sets into a rhythmic experience. “Piru Love” stands out for its unique collaboration, featuring O.Y.G RedRum781 expressing his disdain for Crips alongside Fo’ Clips, a Crip member, singing the hook, exemplifying the album's aim to keep the rivalry confined to the music.
Produced by Ronnie Phillips, DJ Battlecat, Big Qluso, Siilski, Tweedy Bird Loc, and J. Stank, "Bangin' on Wax" achieved gold status by selling over 500,000 copies. The album's impact extended beyond commercial success, sparking conversations about gang violence, community, and the power of music as a form of expression.
Read also: Hip-Hop Diplomacy: Bloods & Crips' Truce Album
Following the success of "Bangin' on Wax," members of the Crips who performed "Steady Dippin'"-Do Or Die (a.k.a. A-Love), Miss C-Note (a.k.a. Dannygirl), Sin Loc, and Blue Ragg (a.k.a. The General)-emerged as a group called the Underworld Connection. Formed in the early 1990s, the group's activities were temporarily halted due to projects such as Tweedy Bird Loc's "187 Ride By" and "Bangin' On Wax." The late 2000s marked their reunion since the 1990s. DJ Battlecat also appeared in the "Steady Dippin'" music video.
Riding on the momentum of their debut, Bloods & Crips released their second and final studio album, “Bangin’ on Wax 2… The Saga Continues,” in 1994. The album reached No. 139 on the Billboard 200. Music videos were made for the singles “G’s & Locs” and “Wish You Were Here.”
A third album, “Bangin’ on Wax Part 3: No Passes,” was initially recorded in 2004 but remained unreleased until 2014. Despite featuring only a few original artists, the album was distributed through Dangerous Records with the assistance of Tweedy Bird Loc, following the death of producer Ronnie M.
The Damu Ridas were a prominent group associated with the Bloods & Crips movement. The core members hailed from two different Blood gangs: the L.A. Denver Lane Bloods and the Crenshaw Mafia Bloods. B-Brazy, Peanut II, and Lil' Laniak II represented the Denver Lanes, while Tip Toe, Pimp D, Spyder, O.G Mad Eye, Big Hawk, and Lil' Hawk were from the Crenshaw Mafia.
The Damu Ridas faced significant losses, with several members tragically losing their lives due to gang violence. B-Brazy was killed in 2003. Peanut II died in November 1995 after being shot multiple times by Crips members. Lil' Laniak II was killed around 1995. Tip Toe was killed by a member of the Neighborhood Piru. Spyder was shot and killed in 2000. O.G Mad Eye and his brother Lil' Mad Eye were both killed before 2001. Green Eyez passed away due to health issues.
The Bloods & Crips project aimed to use music as a tool to mitigate gang violence. Producer Ronnie Phillips hoped the album would inspire gang members to resolve conflicts through words rather than bullets, offering them an alternative path through the music business.
Despite its noble intentions, the project faced skepticism. Concerns arose about the authenticity of the gang members' involvement and whether the revenues generated would be funneled back into gang activities. However, participants insisted on their genuine affiliation and expressed a desire to escape the cycle of violence, given the opportunity.
“Bangin’ On Wax” remains a significant, though often overlooked, album in hip-hop history. It showcased the raw realities of gang life, providing a platform for members of rival gangs to collaborate and express themselves creatively. The album's success challenged perceptions and sparked conversations about gang violence, community, and the potential for music to drive social change.
The legacy of Bloods & Crips extends beyond their music. They demonstrated the possibility of unity, even amidst deep-seated conflict, and highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for marginalized communities to express themselves and pursue alternative paths.
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