Bone Thugs-N-Harmony hail from Cleveland and consist of Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone, and Flesh-N-Bone. Their music is considered hardcore gangsta rap (also called by the group as "Cleveland Sound") and often provides more of a message than their counterparts, as evidenced with their songs "Tha Crossroads" and "If I Could Teach Tha World." The popularity of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony grows with each LP release.

The rap grouped formed in 1993 when they were dirt poor and struggling, and was discovered and produced in Los Angeles by NWA's Eazy-E prior to his death in 1995. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony actually auditioned for Eazy-E over the phone after living on the streets of L.A. for months. After getting no response from the rapper, the group headed back to Cleveland and convinced Eazy-E to have another listen to their sound backstage at one of his appearances. This time, Eazy-E grabbed the group and signed them with Ruthless Records. In 1994, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony released their first EP. Creepin' On Ah Come Up and sold over 3 million copies. Their first hit, "Thuggish Ruggish Bone" crossed over to pop radio as well as hitting it huge on rap and r&b charts. The follow-up single, "Foe Tha Love Of $" also did well on radio. The group had delivered a fresh style of rap with their quick melodic rapping.

In 1995, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony released E. 1999 Eternal which became their first Number 1 LP on r&b and pop charts. The group hit big on radio and video with the track "1st Of Tha Month" which gave the group a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group. The LP also included the Number 1 track, "Tha Crossroads" which was written in memory of Eazy-E and others who have passed away, and sold over 4 million copies in the U.S. "Tha Crossroads" also won the group a Grammy Award in 1997 and became a favorite on video channels. In 1996, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony formed Mo Thugs Records and released a compilation LP, Mo Thugs Family Scriptures, to showcase some of the Cleveland-based acts they are developing.

The group's next LP, The Art Of War, was released in 1997 and quickly hit Number 1. The LP included the Top 20 hit "Look Into My Eyes" which was also from the Batman And Robin soundtrack.

In 1997, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony was making news of another sort. Stanley V. Howse ("Flesh-N-Bone") turned himself into police in February to face charges stemming from a 1993 arrest. Howse was given a 5 month jail term for several assault charges. Howse was arrested again July 4th weekend for setting off explosives at his Los Angeles home. Police reportedly found "destructive devices" and also several weapons. Howse (and his brother in-law) were not charged with weapons violations. According to his manager, Howse was celebrating the holiday when the police were called: "It's not like he had bombs... he had big fireworks." Just a few days later, Howse was arrested again (7-9-97) at his home after he allegedly threatened to kill his 63 year old neighbor. The two men have a history of feuding, including a June incident when the neighbor was assaulted by the rapper's bodyguards. Howse's lawyer is claiming that both charges against the rapper are racially motivated.

In late July, 1997, "Wish Bone" or Charles Scruggs was arrested in Cleveland at a local strip club. Scruggs allegedly slapped one of the dancers on the butt, poured champagne over her when she protested his actions, and started smashing glasses when he was asked to leave. Scruggs and his friends were arrested and released on bail after pleading guilty to aggravated disorderly conduct. In October, 1997, it was reported that Wish Bone is being sued by a woman claiming that she has suffered back injuries from an incident last year in Arizona. The suit claims the back injuries are the result of Wish Bone leaping into the crowd of concert goers. The City of Tucson is also named in the lawsuit, which claims inadequate safety precautions at the concert was a factor in the incident.

At the 1998 American Music Awards held January 26th, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony won the award for Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist. The next LP by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Family Scriptures: Chapter II, is expected in March. MTV also reported that the group may soon be working on a movie and a home video documentary. In February, Flesh-N-Bone pleaded no contest to charges of assault and fireworks possession (from July, '97). It has been reported that he may receive 3 years probation for the charges.

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