Lost Boyz LB IV Life CD

The third album from Lost Boyz, LB IV LIFE, was released after the tragic murder of group member Raymond "Freaky Tah" Rodgers. But despite the pain of Rodgers' passing, the Lost Boyz' remaining members, Mr. Cheeks, Pretty Lou, and Spigg Nice, were able to forge ahead and release this impressive record. Both "Ghetto Jiggy" and "Let's Roll Dice" feature Rodgers, and his energy is felt throughout the album. A cadre of all-star producers contributed to LB IV LIFE, including Mr. Sexx, DJ Ron G, and Dre Most. Other notable tracks include "Plug Me In," "Ghetto Lifestyle," and "Colabo," the last of which features LB Fam members Queens Most Wanted.

The Lost Boyz third manifestation LB IV Life completes a tumultuous year for the Jamaica, Queens triumvirate -- a year in which they lost not only a member of their core unit, but a family member with the tragic shooting death of hypeman Freaky Tah (which obviously casts an ominously somber ambience over this release). Still, the Lost Boyz' prosperity still depends heavily upon the effectiveness of frontman Mr. Cheeks. Relying on charisma, rather than content, Cheeks' strongest attribute remains firmly entrenched in the hook department. While not majestic in nature, there is a simple yet irresistible quality attached to his gravelly voice, and there is no escaping the urge to murmur his catch phrases aloud. Cheeks and company sound convincing over the fevered strings of "Take a Hike" and the Queens rock & roll number "Plug Me In." Their alluring lead single "Ghetto Jiggy" is destined for heavy rotation and fully illustrates the Lost Boyz's good-time brand of hip-hop. The second half of this disc, however, finds the Lost Boyz falling prey to previous Achilles' heels such as drab production, and crossover casualties suffocate the LP's continuity. Ultimately LB IV Life encompasses both the best and worst of what the Lost Boyz have to offer hip-hop's masses, with little variance in between. ~ Matt Conaway

Parental Advisory

Recorded at Soundtrack Recording Studios, Heavy Hand Recordings, and Quad Recording Studio, New York, New York; 78/88 Recording Studios, Woodhaven, New York.

Producers include: Ralph Lo, Dwayne "Whatever" Lindsey, Mr. SEXXX, Charles Suitt, Dre Most.

Engineers include: Chris Champion, Ralph Lo, Bruce Miller.

Lost Boyz: Mr. Cheeks, Pretty Lou, Spigg Nice.

Lost Boyz: Mr. Cheeks, Pretty Lou, Spigg Nice (vocals).

Additional personnel: DJ Grandmaster Vic.

Additional personnel: DJ Grandmaster Vic (vocals); Alex Andino, Jr. (various instruments); Robert Mann (guitar, bass); Bruce Perkins (Fender Rhodes piano); Mr. Hezekiah (background vocals).

CMJ (10/18/99, p.33) - "...proves why they are among the true masters of straight-off-the-block New York hip-hop on their triumphant third album..."
Vibe (11/99, p.193) - "...successfully continue the club-rocking tradition....[Freaky] Tah, who recorded vocals before he was killed, proves it's LB for life and beyond....Bangin' straight off the block, 'We Got That Hot Sh*t' reaffirms the Lost Boyz' position as grassroots MCs."
Vibe (11/99, p.193) - "...successfully continue the club-rocking tradition....[Freaky] Tah, who recorded vocals before he was killed, proves it's LB for life and beyond....Bangin' straight off the block, 'We Got That Hot Sh*t' reaffirms the Lost Boyz' position as grassroots MCs."y CMJ (10/18/99, p.33) - "...proves why they are among the true masters of straight-off-the-block New York hip-hop on their triumphant third album..."