Tha Crossroads

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“Tha Crossroads”
“Tha Crossroads” cover
Single by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
from the album E 1999 Eternal
Released April 23, 1996
Format CD single
Recorded 1995
Genre Midwest Rap, Ballad
Length 3:46
Label Ruthless
Writer(s) Bryon McCane, Anthony Henderson, Steven Howse, Charles Scruggs
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony singles chronology
"1st of tha Month"
(1995)
"Tha Crossroads"
(1996)
"Look Into My Eyes"
(1997)


"Tha Crossroads" is a 1996 song performed by the rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, dedicated to the late rap icon Eazy-E. It is one of the group's most popular songs to date, and certainly their biggest selling. Originally named "Crossroad," it wasn't until the group and their producer, DJ U-Neek, decided to remake the song that the name was changed. The song "Crossroad" was originally dedicated to Bone's deceased friends, but after the death of Eazy-E they decided to remake it as "Tha Crossroads". The song is performed by four of the group's members, (Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Bizzy Bone and Wish Bone), but a remix can be found which includes later addition Flesh-n-Bone. Bone's lightning fast rhymes are delivered softer than is usual for the group (they are almost singing), without profanities and creating a sad and heartfelt effect. With soft instrumentals revolving around a sample of The Isley Brothers' "Make Me Say It Again Girl (Pts. 1 and 2)," the song has a sad yet quick tone to it. After receiving high praise for their song the group decided to add it to their already launched album, E 1999 Eternal. The single rose to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 8 weeks, sold over two million copies, and would later win a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 39th Annual Grammy Awards.

The song had reached number two in the United World Chart, knocked-off the top spot by George Michael's Fastlove. It was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA.

It was also ranked #1 on VH1's best rap songs countdown. The song was covered by Chingford boy band Blazin' Squad in 2002 and went to #1 on the UK Singles Chart.


[edit] Charts

Chart (1996) Peak
position[1]
New Zealand RIANZ Singles Chart 1
Brazil Hot 100 1
Portugal Singles Chart 4
Germany Singles Chart 8
United World Chart 2
UK Singles Chart 1
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Rap Tracks 1
U.S. Billboard Top Airplay 1
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 1

[edit] References

Preceded by
"Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey
Billboard Hot 100 number one single
May 18, 1996- July 6, 1996 (8 weeks)
Succeeded by
"How Do U Want It / California Love" by 2Pac
Preceded by
"Killing Me Softly" by Fugees
RIANZ (New Zealand) number one single
June 21, 1996
Succeeded by
"Chains" by DLT
Preceded by
"Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey
Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks number one single
May 11, 1996
Succeeded by
"You're Makin' Me High/Let It Flow" by Toni Braxton
Preceded by
"Round Round" by Sugababes
UK number-one single (Blazin Squad version)
August 25, 2002 (1 week)
Succeeded by
"The Tide Is High" by Atomic Kitten
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