Bloods & Crips

Bloods & Crips was a musical collaboration Hip hop group between members of the Bloods & Crips gangs formed by Tweedy Bird Loc, O.Y.G Redrum 781 and Ronnie Ron. Given the infamous violent reputation of rival Los Angeles gangs the Bloods and the Crips, it seems impossible that the two could collaborate on a music project, but that’s exactly what the Bloods & Crips did on «Bangin’ on Wax» in 1993, organized by Los Angeles area producer Ron «Ronnie Ron» Phillips and rappers RedRum 781, Tweedy Bird Loc.

The success of N.W.A. had frustrated many in the gang community, who saw the group capitalizing on the gang lifestyle. The Bloods & Crips project was originally organized by rappers O.Y.G redruM781 and Tweedy Bird Loc. Actual gang members, Crips from Compton, Watts and Long Beach, Bloods from Inglewood and Los Angeles auditioned for the group and the best ones were chosen for the album.In 1993 the Bloods & Crips released their debut album entitled «Bangin’ on Wax» for Warlock Records. One year later, the groups second and final studio album, «Bangin’ on Wax 2… The Saga Continues» was released. After Bangin’ on Wax 2, the Bloods & Crips parted ways, with the Bloods becoming the Damu Ridas and the Crips became the Nationwide Rip Ridaz. The Bloods and Crips members, from the albums were frauded out because of music royalties by Russ Regan and his wife and Adam Levy, soon Morris Levy and lawyer Steven Lowy gave the record deal to Ronnie Ron.

The idea behind the albums was to get the gang members to bang (slang for fight) on wax (i.e., record) and not in the streets. Each record consisted of a ‘B’ side and a ‘C’ side. The ‘B’ side consisted of Bloods and the ‘C’ side consisted of Crips. The songs «Bangin On Wax», «G’s & Loc’s» and «I Wish You Were Here» were the only songs where the Bloods & Crips rapped together in the original albums. Most of the songs were written and recorded in the same studio session. The producer, Ronnie Ron passed away after a heart-attack in 2003. Tweedy Bird Loc was the last person to have a close connection with Ron, he is currently working on the next Bloods & Crips album, which it’s expected to be released soon directly from him.

«Bangin’ on Wax» was the first album by Bloods & Crips. The album was released in 1993 for Dangerous Records. Bangin’ on Wax was a success, making it to #86 on the Billboard 200.[3] Four singles were released «Bangin’ on Wax», «Piru Love», «Crip, Crip, Crip» and «Steady Dippin’». The album has sold over 500,000 copies, reaching Gold status. Music videos were made for «Bangin’ on Wax», «Piru Love» and «Steady Dippin»’.

«Bangin’ on Wax 2… The Saga Continues» was the second and last album by the Bloods & Crips. Music videos were made for the album singles «G’s & Locs» and «Wish You Were Here». The album was recorded and released in 1994 for Dangerous Records, the album made it to #139 on the Billboard 200 and #20 for Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.