On this day in Hip Hop history, Cleveland’s own Bone Thugs-N-Harmony introduced their signature sound to the world with the release of their debut EP, Creepin’ On Ah Come Up. Released 31 years ago via Ruthless Records/Relativity, the project marked the beginning of a legendary run for the melodic Midwest crew.
With production from their mentor Eazy-E and N.W.A.’s DJ Yella, the 8-track EP brought something entirely new to the game—Bone Thugs’ rapid-fire, sing-song delivery layered over eerie, West Coast-influenced beats. It was a sound no one had heard before, and it hit hard.
The EP features two of their most iconic tracks: the raw and unforgettable “Thuggish Ruggish Bone” and the Eazy-E-assisted “Foe Tha Love of $,” which also delivered one of their first memorable music videos. Commercially, the EP was a major success, earning 4x Platinum certification and laying the foundation for their future dominance.
Much respect to Krayzie, Layzie, Bizzy, Wish, the late great Eazy-E, and the entire Ruthless Records family for creating a timeless piece of Hip Hop history.