The Lost Boyz were a successful hip-hop groupout of Queens, New York. They had back-to-back gold albums in the late 1990s. Known for hits like “Lifestyles of the Rich & Shameless”, “Renee” and “Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz,” The Lost Boyz were a force in the hip-hop game, but then tragedy struck. Rolling out spoke exclusively with The Lost Boyz member Pretty Lou about the group’s origins, their success, losing a member to gun violence and more.
The Lost Boyz members Mr. Cheeks, Pretty Lou, and Freaky Tah met when they were around 10, and the trio met DJ Spigg Nice in high school in New York. The foursome had lofty dreams of becoming hip-hop stars, not uncommon for Black teens. “How many people can say they lived their dreams with their best friends?” Pretty Lou asked when discussing the group’s beginnings.
The group released two gold hip-hop albums, Legal Drug Money in 1996 and Love, Peace & Nappiness in 1997. The group, led by Mr. Cheeks, became a known commodity in hip-hop aith appearances on hip-hop anthems like “A Party Ain’t A Party” by Queen Pen. Who can forget the energetic hype-man vocals by Freaky Tah?
But tragedy struck the group in March 1999, as Freaky Tah was shot and killed in his native Queens. “I had just spoke to him,” Pretty Lou said. “He said he was good, in the hood and I told him I would see him tomorrow night at Mr. Cheeks’ birthday party. Then I got a phone call.” Pretty Lou describes Freaky Tah as the person you would imagine he would be, a man full of energy whose infectious vocals would always liven up a track.
After the death of Freaky Tah, the group finished their third album, LB IV Life, but it failed to reach the success of the first two albums. The Lost Boyz were met again by bad luck when DJ Spigg Nice was arrested for alleged bank robberies. DJ Spigg Nice was convicted and remains imprisoned. “He’s excited about the ‘Unsung’ episode and is working on his appeal,” Pretty Lou said. “He’s hoping to get out so we can tour again.”
Mr. Cheeks experienced some solo success with the songs “Lights, Camera, Action” and a guest appearance on the Lil Kim classic “The Jump Off.” But his solo success never replicated the success of The Lost Boyz and their LB fam.
Pretty Lou now works for a Fortune 500 company, owns a tax business, and recently went back to school to earn his degree. But the Lost Boyz member was most proud to talk about his children, including hip-hop artist Lou Got Cash.
Catch “Unsung” featuring The Lost Boyz tonight, exclusively on TV One.
