5th Ward Boyz

After the notorious Geto Boys, Rap-a-Lot Records signed 5th Ward Boyz as its next act, initially featuring Andre "007" Barnes alongside Eric "E-Rock" Taylor. The duo first cut material for Dewey Forker’s Underground Records before a partnership between Forker and Rap-a-Lot head James Smith transferred them to the label. Both executives co-produced the group’s debut, Ghetto Dope, issued in 1993 and routed through Priority for distribution. The following year, after Richard "Lo-Life" Nash joined as the third member, 5th Ward Boyz delivered Gangsta Funk. Rated G arrived in 1995, Usual Suspects surfaced in 1997, and the outfit resurfaced two years afterward with P.W.A. The Album: Keep It Poppin'. Recognize the Mob, their fifth full-length project, reached stores in fall 2000.