5th Ward Boyz

The first artists brought to Rap-a-Lot Records after the infamous Geto Boys, 5th Ward Boyz originally comprised Andre "007" Barnes and Eric "E-Rock" Taylor. The trio originally recorded for Dewey Forker's Underground Records, but moved through a deal between Forker and Rap-a-Lot chief James Smith. The two executives helped produce the debut 5th Ward Boyz album, 1993's Ghetto Dope, which was distributed through Priority. 5th Ward Boyz released Gangsta Funk the following year after adding third member Richard "Lo-Life" Nash. 1995's Rated G. Usual Suspects followed in 1997, and two years later the group returned with P.W.A. The Album: Keep It Poppin'. A fifth album, Recognize the Mob, was released in fall 2000. ~ John Bush