The First Of Tha Month: 7 Shocking Facts About Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's Greatest Anthem And Their Hollywood Star
Every month, as the calendar flips to the first day, a legendary hip-hop anthem from 1995 echoes across the internet and through generations of fans. That song is, of course, "1st of tha Month" by the iconic Cleveland group, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. More than just a catchy tune, this track is a candid, soulful snapshot of life, struggle, and fleeting joy in the inner city, forever cementing the group's place in music history.
As of late 2025, the legacy of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony is more relevant than ever, with the group celebrating their 30th anniversary and—in a massive, long-overdue honor—preparing to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026. This is the ultimate deep dive into the classic single, its powerful message, and the biographical details of the five men who created the "Thuggish Ruggish" sound.
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony: Complete Group Biography and Profile
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony is a five-member American hip-hop group from Cleveland, Ohio, known for their unique melodic rapping style and harmonizing, a sound often referred to as "thugsta-gospel." They are the only group to have collaborated with rap legends 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Eazy-E, and Big Pun during their lifetimes. The group was famously discovered and signed by N.W.A. co-founder Eazy-E to his Ruthless Records label.
- Krayzie Bone (Anthony Henderson): Born June 17, 1973. Known for his rapid-fire delivery and being one of the most prolific solo artists of the group.
- Layzie Bone (Steven Howse): Born September 23, 1975. The younger brother of Flesh-n-Bone and cousin to Wish Bone, he is often credited as one of the group’s most consistent lyricists.
- Bizzy Bone (Bryon Anthony McCane II): Born September 12, 1976. Recognizable for his distinct, high-pitched, and often frantic vocal style.
- Wish Bone (Charles C. Scruggs): Born February 21, 1975. Known for his laid-back flow and often serving as the group's grounding presence.
- Flesh-n-Bone (Stanley Howse): Born June 10, 1973. The oldest member of the group, his presence was less consistent on early albums due to legal issues, but he remains an integral part of the quintet.
The True Meaning of "1st of tha Month" and Its Cultural Impact
Released in 1995 as the first single from their seminal album, E. 1999 Eternal, "1st of tha Month" is not a song about getting paid from a job; it's a powerful narrative about the financial realities of the American working poor and the celebration that accompanies the arrival of government assistance.
The song is an ode to the day when welfare checks, food stamps, and other government aid arrive, marking a brief moment of relief and abundance in the cycle of poverty.
A 'New Negro Spiritual' of the Mid-90s
The track's subject matter was revolutionary for a mainstream hip-hop single. It candidly discusses the struggle of making ends meet, the relief of finally having money for food, and the communal joy of sharing that wealth with family and friends. The song's upbeat, jazzy production, handled by the group and their main producer, DJ U-Neek, contrasts sharply with the grim reality of the lyrics, creating a unique "thugsta-gospel" feel.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the first day: "Wake up, wake up, wake up, it's the first of the month / Get up, get up, get up, so cash your checks and get up." This phrase became an unofficial holiday anthem in communities across the United States, instantly recognizable by its signature vocal harmonies and melodic flow.
The song’s success proved that hip-hop fans were hungry for narratives that went beyond gangsta rap clichés, embracing themes of family, struggle, and hope.
Chart Success and Enduring Legacy: From Cleveland to Hollywood
"1st of tha Month" was a commercial powerhouse, demonstrating the group's ability to crossover while maintaining their street credibility. The single was a key factor in the massive success of the album E. 1999 Eternal, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The Billboard Hot 100 Peak
The single achieved significant chart success, peaking at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. While their subsequent single, "Tha Crossroads," eventually hit No. 1, "1st of tha Month" was the track that truly propelled the group into the mainstream spotlight and made them household names. It also reached No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart, showcasing their global appeal.
The Road to the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In a testament to their enduring legacy, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony was officially announced as a future recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This monumental honor is scheduled to be unveiled in 2026, coinciding with their ongoing 30th-anniversary celebration.
This recognition solidifies their status not just as a successful rap group, but as true pioneers who blended rapid-fire rapping (often called the "Cleveland chop"), intricate harmonies, and thematic depth to create a sound that influenced countless artists across genres.
The Enduring Entities of the Bone Thugs Universe
The song’s success is intrinsically linked to a network of influential figures and concepts that make up the group's topical authority:
- Eazy-E: The late N.W.A. legend who discovered the group and signed them to Ruthless Records, becoming their mentor before his untimely death in 1995.
- Ruthless Records: The label that released "1st of tha Month" and was instrumental in the group's early success.
- DJ U-Neek: The primary producer for the *E. 1999 Eternal* album, whose production gave the song its distinctive, atmospheric, and melodic sound.
- Mo Thugs: The collective and record label founded by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony to promote other artists from the Cleveland area, extending their influence.
- "Thuggish Ruggish Bone": Their debut single that introduced the world to their unique style and laid the groundwork for the success of "1st of tha Month."
The continued relevance of "1st of tha Month," nearly three decades after its release, proves that a song rooted in a specific, personal struggle can achieve universal appeal. It remains a powerful reminder of the resilience, community, and hope found even in the most challenging circumstances, ensuring that Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s legacy will be celebrated for years to come.
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