Crooked I
Encyclopedia
Dominick Wickliffe, better known by his stage name Crooked I, is an American rapper
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...

 from Long Beach
Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a city situated in Los Angeles County in Southern California, on the Pacific coast of the United States. The city is the 36th-largest city in the nation and the seventh-largest in California. As of 2010, its population was 462,257...

, California. He is a member of the hip hop group, Slaughterhouse with other members Joe Budden
Joe Budden
-Early life:Budden was born in Spanish Harlem, but lived in Queens until he was 12 and from there moved to Jersey City, New Jersey. He is one of five boys...

, Joell Ortiz
Joell Ortiz
Joell Ortiz is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York, and a member of the group Slaughterhouse.-Biography:Joell Ortiz was born to Puerto Rican parents. Ortiz grew up in the Cooper Park Houses in the East Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York formerly signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath...

 and Royce da 5'9. Slaughterhouse is currently signed to Shady Records
Shady Records
Shady Records is an American record label specializing in hip hop music. Eminem and his manager Paul Rosenberg founded the label in 1999 after the release of The Slim Shady LP.Since the formation, the label has signed nine acts...

 / Interscope Records
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:...

. Crooked I is currently CEO of his own record labels, Dynasty Entertainment and C.O.B. Digital as well as Senior Vice President of Treacherous Records. Before starting his own label, he was also signed to Virgin Records
Virgin Records
Virgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...

 and Death Row Records
Death Row Records
Death Row Records is a record label founded in 1991 by Marion "Suge" Knight Jr., Andre Young , Tracy Lynn Curry and Michael Harris . It is known to have been home to many popular West Coast hip hop artists such as Dr...

.

19th Street Era

Around the age of seventeen, Crooked I started an independent record company called Muscle Records with professional football players also from Long Beach, Chucky Miller and Leonard Russell
Leonard Russell
Leonard James Russell is a former professional American football player who was selected by the New England Patriots in the 1st round of the 1991 NFL Draft. A 6'2", 235-lb. running back from Arizona State University, Russell played in 6 NFL seasons from 1991 to 1996 for the Patriots, the Denver...

. It's not known how many songs were recorded, and the music recorded during this period still remains unreleased to this day. This is when he caught the attention of Noo Trybe/Virgin Records
Virgin Records
Virgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...

, and landed his first record deal in 1995.

Crooked I originally got his start appearing on compilations released by Big C-Style's record label, 19th Street Records, such as 19th Street LBC Compilation and Straight Outta Cali. He also appeared on the soundtracks to movies such as Ride and Caught Up, where he collaborated with Snoop Doggy Dogg, Tha Eastsidaz
Tha Eastsidaz
Tha Eastsidaz, originally spelled as the Eastsiders, was a hip hop group of somewhat reforming the LBC Crew with Snoop Dogg, Lil' C-Style and Techniec. Their first appearance was in the Tommy Boy Records' Ride:Music from the Dimension Motion Picture with Crooked Eye Q on a Battlecat-produced song...

, and The Luniz
The Luniz
The Luniz were an American platinum-selling rap duo from Oakland, California, formed by the rappers Yukmouth and Numskull. They released an internationally successful hit in 1995 entitled "I Got 5 on It", two versions of which appeared on their album Operation Stackola...

. At the time, Crooked I was still signed under Noo Trybe/Virgin Records
Virgin Records
Virgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...

, who handled distribution for 19th Street Records. Business was going good, but for unknown reasons, Virgin Records
Virgin Records
Virgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...

 decided to get rid of their urban division, otherwise known as Noo Trybe, and Crooked I was out of a record deal.

Wickliffe was later contacted by Big C-Style and Daz Dillinger
Daz Dillinger
Delmar Drew Arnaud , better known by his stage name Daz Dillinger is an American hip hop producer and rapper mostly known for his membership in the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound, with Kurupt, and his work with Death Row Records.-The Chronic, Tha Dogg Pound and Dogg Food:Daz began his career on Death Row...

 to form DPG Records, which was originally going to be a sub-label under Death Row Records
Death Row Records
Death Row Records is a record label founded in 1991 by Marion "Suge" Knight Jr., Andre Young , Tracy Lynn Curry and Michael Harris . It is known to have been home to many popular West Coast hip hop artists such as Dr...

 at the time. Crooked was going to be 20% owner of the label, and the first act released as well. Daz left Death Row Records
Death Row Records
Death Row Records is a record label founded in 1991 by Marion "Suge" Knight Jr., Andre Young , Tracy Lynn Curry and Michael Harris . It is known to have been home to many popular West Coast hip hop artists such as Dr...

 to run DPG Records independently, but rather than go with Daz, Crooked was trying to figure out his options.

Crooked I also had talks of signing to Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...

's Aftermath imprint, but Dre wanted to release Chronic 2001 and Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...

's Marshall Mathers LP before releasing Crooked. He also had talks with other major record labels who wanted to sign him, but they too were waiting for Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...

's Chronic 2001 album to be released before they would consider signing another West Coast MC. It was around this time that Crooked I re-negotiated the original deal he had with DPG Records/Death Row Records
Death Row Records
Death Row Records is a record label founded in 1991 by Marion "Suge" Knight Jr., Andre Young , Tracy Lynn Curry and Michael Harris . It is known to have been home to many popular West Coast hip hop artists such as Dr...

 as a solo artist deal with just Death Row Records
Death Row Records
Death Row Records is a record label founded in 1991 by Marion "Suge" Knight Jr., Andre Young , Tracy Lynn Curry and Michael Harris . It is known to have been home to many popular West Coast hip hop artists such as Dr...

.

Death Row's Second Dynasty

While on Death Row, Crooked I appeared on a number of compilations, such as Too Gangsta For Radio and Dysfunktional Family, and appeared on various releases, such as Tha Dogg Pound
Tha Dogg Pound
Tha Dogg Pound is a rap group made up of Daz Dillinger and Kurupt. They were signed to Death Row Records in their early careers and were key to the label's success. The group made their 1992 rap debut on Dr. Dre's The Chronic, on various songs. They also appeared on Snoop Dogg's debut album...

's 2002, Ja Rule
Ja Rule
Jeffrey Atkins , better known by his stage name Ja Rule, is an American rapper, singer, and actor.Born in Hollis, Queens, he began his career in the group Cash Money Click and debuted in 1999 with Venni Vetti Vecci and its single "Holla Holla"...

's The Last Temptation, and 2Pac's Nu-Mixx Klazzics
Nu-Mixx Klazzics
Nu-Mixx Klazzics is a remix album by 2Pac, released in 2003 by Death Row Records. The album includes several songs from All Eyez on Me, with new backing tracks and new guest vocals from artists such as Aaron Hall, K-Ci and JoJo, and Tha Outlawz. Nu Mixx Klazzics was generally panned by critics...

. He also recorded two albums, Untouchable and Say Hi To The Bad Guy, both of which were unreleased due to various label issues and industry politics. He did manage to release a mixtape along with Death Row's then in-house producer, Darren Vegas, called Westcoasanostra Vol. 1 in the Spring of 2003.

The Start of a New Dynasty

By 2004, Crooked I's album had not been released, Suge Knight
Suge Knight
Marion "Suge" Knight, Jr. is the founder and CEO of Black Kapital Records and co-founder and former CEO of Death Row Records. Death Row Records rose to dominate the rap charts after Dr. Dre's breakthrough album The Chronic in 1992. After several years of chart successes for artists including...

 was constantly in and out of jail, and Crooked I's contract had expired by November 2003. He left Death Row in early 2004 to start his own label, Dynasty Entertainment. It was not long after that when Crooked I signed a distribution deal with Treacherous Records/Universal, but more legal trouble from Death Row surfaced, and Crooked I had to stop production for his then titled album, Mama's Boy, which was actually going to be the name of Crooked's second release under Death Row Records
Death Row Records
Death Row Records is a record label founded in 1991 by Marion "Suge" Knight Jr., Andre Young , Tracy Lynn Curry and Michael Harris . It is known to have been home to many popular West Coast hip hop artists such as Dr...

. Later on the title of the album changed to Mama's Boy Got a Loaded Gun. In the meantime, Crooked I released the online mixtape, Young Boss Vol. 1 through his official website. The mixtape received critical acclaim throughout the underground Hip-Hop circuit, garnering an impressive "XL" rating by the Hip-Hop publication, XXL Magazine.

After the legal matters settled, Crooked began recording again, and prepping the release of his documentary Life After Death Row
Life After Death Row
Life After Death Row is a documentary on the musical career of the rapper Crooked I. The tell-all film was released in August 2006 and illustrates the trials and tribulations Crooked I endured while on the infamous Death Row Records. The film also takes the viewer on a journey with Crooked I on...

. He appeared on compilations such as Yukmouth
Yukmouth
Jerold Dwight Ellis, III, better known by his stage name Yukmouth, is a Grammy-nominated American rapper from East Oakland, Oakland, California. He is the founder of The Regime, Smoke-A-Lot Records and Godzilla Entertainment.-Career:He is a member of the platinum-selling rap duo Luniz along with...

's United Ghettos of America Vol. 2, Sway & King Tech's Back 2 Basics, and on fellow Treacherous Records label mate K. Young's debut album, Learn How To Love. In 2005, the name of Crooked's debut album changed to Boss Music, and he created a buzz with the song, "Boom Boom Clap" in the summer of 2005. He also recorded two songs with producer Scott Storch
Scott Storch
Scott Storch is an American record producer. He produces a variety of music, particularly hip hop, reggaeton, and R&B. His label, Storch Music Company responsible for signing Brooke Hogan and Nox...

, "Cali Boyz" and "You're So Bad". In 2006, he released his heavily anticipated mixtape, Young Boss Vol. 2 hosted by DJ Skee
DJ Skee
Scott Keeney , better known by his stage name DJ Skee, is a DJ and entrepreneur operating out of Los Angeles. Skee manages his own new media music, marketing, and production company, Skee.TV...

, and his DVD, Life After Death Row
Life After Death Row
Life After Death Row is a documentary on the musical career of the rapper Crooked I. The tell-all film was released in August 2006 and illustrates the trials and tribulations Crooked I endured while on the infamous Death Row Records. The film also takes the viewer on a journey with Crooked I on...

, followed later that Fall.

Hip-Hop Weekly era

Crooked I started the Hip-Hop Weekly series via the internet. Every seven days he released a new track over various hip-hop beats of old and new instrumentals. His ability to personally connect with his fans through his Hip-Hop Weekly series is evident since he would fulfill beat selection requests as well as give shout-outs over any given track to fans who requested it via his MySpace page. The Hip-Hop Weekly series began on April 4, 2007 and ended on April 3, 2008. Wickliffe generated so much of a buzz with the Hip-Hop Weekly series that he was featured on the cover of the December/2007 issue of XXL (magazine)
XXL (magazine)
XXL is a Hip-Hop magazine, published by Harris Publications.In 1997, XXL was founded by former Source staffers as well as other Harris Publication employees, who wanted to create their own magazine about the hip-hop music and culture using the model developed by the founders of The Source...

 for a second time, this time as part of XXL's Freshmen 10.

Crooked I, along with DJ Felli Fel and DJ Nik Bean, released St. Valentine's Day Bossacre on February 14, 2008. Although it's called a mixtape, it consists of all new tracks by Crooked I, much like Young Boss Vol. 2, and boasts guest appearances by Royce Da 5'9", and Roscoe Umali, with production from DJ Felli Fel
DJ Felli Fel
James Andrew Corrine, better known by his stage name DJ Felli Fel is a club and radio DJ for L.A.'s Power 106, record producer, and a recording artist recently signed to So So Def/Island Urban Music. He is also a member of The Heavy Hitters DJs....

, Rick Rock
Rick Rock
Rick Rock is a hip-hop music producer from the Bay Area.-Albums with Rick Rock production:*1996: All Eyez on Me by 2Pac*1996: Tha Hall of Game by E-40*1996: Seasoned Veteran by Richie Rich...

, Komplex, and MG. The February 2008 issue of Ozone West reviewed St. Valentine's Day Bossacre and rated it 4 slaps out of 5.

Another mixtape and an EP was released in 2008 by Crooked I, The Block Obama: Hood Politics and Block Obama II. The Block Obama: Hood Politics was originally going to be hosted by DJ Whoo Kid
DJ Whoo Kid
DJ Whoo Kid is a hip hop DJ and of Haitian descent raised in Queens Village, New York but with strong roots to Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. He is currently signed to G-Unit Records and its subsidiary label, Shady Ville Entertainment...

 and DJ Strong, but ended up being released un-tagged without a DJ, and for free download on the internet. Block Obama II was released on the day of the 2008 Presidential election, originally as a digital album for sale through iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....

, Amazon, Napster
Napster
Napster is an online music store and a Best Buy company. It was originally founded as a pioneering peer-to-peer file sharing Internet service that emphasized sharing audio files that were typically digitally encoded music as MP3 format files...

, Rhapsody
Rhapsody (online music service)
Rhapsody is an online music store subscription service, launched in December 2001, and available in the United States only. On April 6, 2010, Rhapsody officially declared its independence from RealNetworks. Downloaded files come with restrictions on their use, enforced by Helix, Rhapsody's version...

, and other online retailers. Physical CD's of Block Obama II were later made, and sold through CDBaby. The EP also boasts guest appearances from Dynasty Entertainment artists Horse Shoe G.A.N.G. and Sauce The Boss, in addition to Knoc-turn'al
Knoc-turn'al
Royal Harbor , known by stage name Knoc-turn'al, is a songwriter and rapper. He is known to write for Dr. Dre.-Albums:...

 and production by Jim Gettum, Komplex, and Rick Rock
Rick Rock
Rick Rock is a hip-hop music producer from the Bay Area.-Albums with Rick Rock production:*1996: All Eyez on Me by 2Pac*1996: Tha Hall of Game by E-40*1996: Seasoned Veteran by Richie Rich...

.

The Slaughterhouse era

Joe Budden
Joe Budden
-Early life:Budden was born in Spanish Harlem, but lived in Queens until he was 12 and from there moved to Jersey City, New Jersey. He is one of five boys...

 reached out to Crooked I, Royce Da 5'9", Joell Ortiz
Joell Ortiz
Joell Ortiz is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York, and a member of the group Slaughterhouse.-Biography:Joell Ortiz was born to Puerto Rican parents. Ortiz grew up in the Cooper Park Houses in the East Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York formerly signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath...

, and Nino Bless for a track titled "Slaughterhouse" on his digital release, Halfway House
Halfway house
The purpose of a halfway house, also called a recovery house or sober house, is generally to allow people to begin the process of reintegration with society, while still providing monitoring and support; this is generally believed to reduce the risk of recidivism or relapse when compared to a...

. Based on the reception of the track, they decided to form a super-group, minus Nino Bless, and named it after this song. They released numerous songs throughout early 2009, building a buzz for their self-titled album
Slaughterhouse (album)
Slaughterhouse is the self-titled debut album of hip hop supergroup, Slaughterhouse, consisting of members Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Royce Da 5'9" and Crooked I. The album was released on August 11, 2009 on E1 Music. Their debut album sold 18,600 copies in its first week...

, which was released through E1
E1
- Trains and locomotives :* E1 Series Shinkansen, a Japanese high-speed train* Bavarian E I, a German steam engines locomotive model* EMC E1, a diesel locomotive* LB&SCR E1 class, a 1874 British 0-6-0 steam locomotive...

 on August 11, 2009. The album features production from Alchemist
Alchemist
An alchemist is a person who practices alchemy. Alchemist may also refer to:-People and groups:*The Alchemist , a hip hop music producer and rapper*Alchemist , an Australian progressive metal band...

, DJ Khalil
DJ Khalil
Khalil Abdul-Rahman, better known by his stage name DJ Khalil, is a Los Angeles based American hip hop/soul record producer, and is the instrumental half of the hip hop duo Self Scientific, together with rapper Chace Infinite...

, Mr. Porter, Streetrunner
StreetRunner
Nicholas Warwar, better known as STREETRUNNER, is a Grammy Award Winning American record producer and DJ who works and lives in Miami, Florida. He first gained recognition in 2004 for producing Terror Squad's hit single, "Take Me Home". More recently he has gained fame for working with Lil Wayne on...

, and guest appearances from Pharoahe Monch
Pharoahe Monch
Pharoahe Monch is an American hip hop artist. He is known for his complex lyrics, complex delivery, and internal and multisyllabic rhyme schemes.-Biography:...

, K. Young, and The New Royales.

On February 27, 2009 in Long Beach, California, Crooked I was allegedly shot at during a conversation with a fan. The conflicting early media reports on the incident in the following hours initially left people worried and uncertain on his condition, but he has since confirmed to MTV News and other media that he's alive and, while mentally distracted, physically well. Crooked I has declined to further elaborate on the incident, citing where he's from its against the code of the streets.

On November 10, 2009, Crooked I released a digital-only solo EP, Mr. Pig Face Weapon Waist. “It’s a spin off of my Slaughterhouse alter ego,” he said of the odd title, “cause I come out on stage with a pig mask and a Dickie suit on.” The EP also boasts guest appearances from Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...

, K. Young, M.O.P.
M.O.P.
M.O.P., short for Mash Out Posse, is an American hip hop duo. The duo, composed of Billy Danze and Lil' Fame, is known for the aggressive delivery typically employed by both emcees. Although they maintain a strong underground following, they are mainly known for the song "Ante Up," released on...

, The Horseshoe G.A.N.G., and of course fellow Slaughterhouse members, Joe Budden
Joe Budden
-Early life:Budden was born in Spanish Harlem, but lived in Queens until he was 12 and from there moved to Jersey City, New Jersey. He is one of five boys...

, Joell Ortiz
Joell Ortiz
Joell Ortiz is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York, and a member of the group Slaughterhouse.-Biography:Joell Ortiz was born to Puerto Rican parents. Ortiz grew up in the Cooper Park Houses in the East Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York formerly signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath...

, and Royce Da 5'9". In addition to production from Komplex, Scram Jones
Scram Jones
Marc Shemer, better known by his stage name Scram Jones, is a producer, DJ and emcee from New Rochelle, New York. He has produced music for the Wu-Tang Clan. Mariah Carey, Jae Millz, Saigon, and Lloyd Banks. As an emcee he has been featured alongside Nas, Saigon, Styles P, Kool G Rap and Immortal...

, Streetrunner
StreetRunner
Nicholas Warwar, better known as STREETRUNNER, is a Grammy Award Winning American record producer and DJ who works and lives in Miami, Florida. He first gained recognition in 2004 for producing Terror Squad's hit single, "Take Me Home". More recently he has gained fame for working with Lil Wayne on...

, Frequency, and P. Silva.

After briefly considering plans to release a full length Mr. Pig Face Weapon Waist LP in January 2010, Crooked I revised his priorities and announced Million Dollar Story, to be released in 2010. Production for the album is to include contributions from DJ Khalil
DJ Khalil
Khalil Abdul-Rahman, better known by his stage name DJ Khalil, is a Los Angeles based American hip hop/soul record producer, and is the instrumental half of the hip hop duo Self Scientific, together with rapper Chace Infinite...

, The Alchemist, and newcomer Quest. In addition, Crooked I stated his intentions to get DJ Premier
DJ Premier
Christopher Edward Martin , better known by his stage name DJ Premier , is an American record producer and DJ, and was the instrumental half of the hip hop duo Gang Starr, together with emcee Guru...

 beats for the album.

The new owners of Death Row Records, WIDEawake
WIDEawake
WIDEawake Entertainment Group, Inc. is a leading indie Canadian entertainment company located in Toronto, Canada.On January 15, 2009, WIDEawake Entertainment purchased Death Row Records for $18,000,000....

 Entertainment, released a Crooked I album called Hood Star on June 15, 2010. It has 15 songs Wickliffe recorded while signed to the label, with guest appearances from Juvenile
Juvenile (rapper)
Terius Gray, better known by his stage name Juvenile, is an American rapper, He is also a former member of hip-hop group the Hot Boys . At the age of 19, he began recording raps, releasing his debut album Being Myself in 1995...

, Too Short, Kurupt
Kurupt
Ricardo Emmanuel Brown , better known by his stage name Kurupt, also known as Kurupt Tha Kingpin, Kurupt Young Gotti or Young Gotstra is an American rapper and former Executive Vice President of Death Row Records...

, Danny Boy
Danny Boy (singer)
Daniel O’Connor, , best known as Danny Boy O’Connor, is an American rapper and a member of the hip-hop group, House of Pain. Danny Boy moved to California in the 80s where he masterminded House of Pain, one of the first all white hip-hop groups...

, Ray J
Ray J
William Ray Norwood Jr. , better known by his stage name Ray J, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actor.-Early life:...

, Sisqo
Sisqó
Mark Durrell Andrews , known by his stage name Sisqó, is an American R&B singer and actor. He is best known as the lead singer of R&B group Dru Hill, and also for "Thong Song", a song from his first solo LP, Unleash the Dragon, that became an international hit. - Biography :Sisqó was born Mark...

, and others.

On August 17, 2010, Crooked I released yet another EP, titled Planet C.O.B. Vol. 1, which features production from Rick Rock
Rick Rock
Rick Rock is a hip-hop music producer from the Bay Area.-Albums with Rick Rock production:*1996: All Eyez on Me by 2Pac*1996: Tha Hall of Game by E-40*1996: Seasoned Veteran by Richie Rich...

, Komplex, and more.

On December 1, 2010, the first single for Crooked I's official debut solo album, Million Dollar Story was released on iTunes titled "Villain", which features Gracie Productions recording artist Sally Anthony.

On January 12, 2011, after months of speculation, Slaughterhouse
Slaughterhouse
A slaughterhouse or abattoir is a facility where animals are killed for consumption as food products.Approximately 45-50% of the animal can be turned into edible products...

 officially signed to Shady Records
Shady Records
Shady Records is an American record label specializing in hip hop music. Eminem and his manager Paul Rosenberg founded the label in 1999 after the release of The Slim Shady LP.Since the formation, the label has signed nine acts...

, along with artist Yelawolf
Yelawolf
Michael Wayne Atha , better known by his stage name YelaWolf, is an American rapper. He is currently signed to Shady Records, Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment and Interscope Records...

.

On March 21, 2011, Crooked I released the Million Dollar Story EP, available for purchase through iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....

, to tie fans over until the album is released. It features two brand new songs and two previously released tracks.

On July 12, 2011, the compilation Planet C.O.B. Vol. 2 was released digitally, and for a limited time was available on CD through Crooked I's official website. Unlike the previous installment, which was an EP by Crooked I, this album features songs by all of the C.O.B. affiliates, such as Horseshoe G.A.N.G., Sauce Tha Boss, Coniyac, and more. To keep the momentum up for the C.O.B. movement, Crooked I brought his official clothing line to the internet.

On November 17, 2011, Crooked I announced a new digital EP titled In None We Trust - The Prelude, is set to be released on December 13th and will include guest appearances from Jay Rock
Jay Rock
Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr. , better known by his stage name Jay Rock, is an American rapper. He was named one of the top 13 most street artists by XXL. His voice has been called a cross between Immortal Technique and Rick Ross. He is a part of the rap group Black Hippy which also features Kendrick...

, Glasses Malone
Glasses Malone
Charles Phillipivory Penniman , better known by his stage name Glasses Malone, is an American rapper from Los Angeles, California.-Early life:Glasses Malone grew up in the Watts and Compton neighborhoods in Los Angeles County...

, Mistah F.A.B.
Mistah F.A.B.
Stanley Petey Cox , better known by his stage name Mistah F.A.B. , is an American rapper. He attended Oakland Technical High School and Emery High School. He is signed to Bay Area rap legend Mac Dre's label, Thizz Entertainment and Atlantic Records. Mistah F.A.B...

, Horseshoe G.A.N.G., Coniyac and K. Young. On November 22, 2011, the first single from the EP titled "No Competition" was released to the internet.

Artists under C.O.B. Records

  • Crooked I
  • The Horseshoe G.A.N.G. (Members: Demitrius Capone, Julius Luciano, Kenny Siegel, and Andrew "Dice" Dinero)
  • Iceman
  • Coniyac Da XO
  • Tim West
  • One-2
  • Karelezz
  • PWT
  • Sauce Da Boss

Collaboration albums

  • 2009: Slaughterhouse
    Slaughterhouse (album)
    Slaughterhouse is the self-titled debut album of hip hop supergroup, Slaughterhouse, consisting of members Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Royce Da 5'9" and Crooked I. The album was released on August 11, 2009 on E1 Music. Their debut album sold 18,600 copies in its first week...

    (with Slaughterhouse)
  • 2011: Slaughterhouse EP
    Slaughterhouse EP
    - Personnel :By DiscoOS.* Andres Titus: Composer, Performer* Alonzo Mario Stevenson: Composer* Andrew Kelley: Art Direction, Design* Bob Perry: A&R* Bryan Fryzel* Chad Griffith: Photography* David Styles: Composer, Performer* Deleno Matthews: Composer...

    (with Slaughterhouse)

EP's

  • 2008: Block Obama II
  • 2009: Mr. Pigface Weapon Waist
  • 2010: Planet C.O.B. Vol. 1
  • 2011: Million Dollar Story EP
  • 2011: In None We Trust - The Prelude

Mixtapes

  • 2003: Westcoasanostra Vol. 1
  • 2004: Young Boss Vol. 1
  • 2006: Young Boss Vol. 2
  • 2008: St. Valentine's Day Bossacre
  • 2008: The Block Obama: Hood Politics

Compilations

  • 2010: Hood Star
    Hood Star (Crooked I Album)
    Hood Star is a compilation of unreleased music by rapper Crooked I while he was signed with Death Row Records. It was released by WIDEawake on June 15th, 2010...

  • 2011: Planet C.O.B. Vol. 2

Unreleased Death Row albums

This sections contains albums which Crooked I recorded under Death Row Records
Death Row Records
Death Row Records is a record label founded in 1991 by Marion "Suge" Knight Jr., Andre Young , Tracy Lynn Curry and Michael Harris . It is known to have been home to many popular West Coast hip hop artists such as Dr...

 but stay unreleased. Most of the songs on these albums has leaked on the internet. Some can be found on the 2010 Death Row release compilation of unheard Crooked I songs Hood Star.
  • 2000: Untouchable
  • 2001: Say Hi To The Bad Guy (leaked to the internet 2011)

Selected Guest appearances

Year Song Artist(s) Album
1997 "Every Day (DJ Battlecat Remix)" MQ3 and Crooked I Every Day 12"
1998 "Girl" Luniz
Luniz
The Luniz were an American platinum-selling rap duo from Oakland, California, formed by the rappers Yukmouth and Numskull. They released an internationally successful hit in 1995 entitled "I Got 5 on It", two versions of which appeared on their album Operation Stackola...

 and Crooked I
Caught Up
Caught Up (soundtrack)
Caught Up is the soundtrack to the 1998 crime film, Caught Up. It was released on February 24, 1998 through Virgin Records's Noo Trybe label and consisted entirely of hip hop music...

1999 "Underground Tactics" Sway & King Tech featuring Crooked I, Planet Asia & Heltah Skeltah This Or That
This or That (album)
This or That is the second album released by Sway & King Tech. It was released on June 15, 1999 through Interscope Records and was produced by King Tech and DJ Revolution...

"Step Up" Kurupt
Kurupt
Ricardo Emmanuel Brown , better known by his stage name Kurupt, also known as Kurupt Tha Kingpin, Kurupt Young Gotti or Young Gotstra is an American rapper and former Executive Vice President of Death Row Records...

 featuring Crooked I, Xzibit
Xzibit
Alvin Nathaniel Joiner , better known by his stage name Xzibit , is an American rapper, actor, and television host. He is known as the host of the MTV show Pimp My Ride, which brought him mainstream success...

, and Daz Dillinger
Daz Dillinger
Delmar Drew Arnaud , better known by his stage name Daz Dillinger is an American hip hop producer and rapper mostly known for his membership in the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound, with Kurupt, and his work with Death Row Records.-The Chronic, Tha Dogg Pound and Dogg Food:Daz began his career on Death Row...

Tha Streetz Iz a Mutha
Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha
Tha Streetz Iz a Mutha is the second studio album by rapper Kurupt. It was released on November 16, 1999 through Antra Records. It features the single "Who Ride Wit Us". The track "Callin' Out Names" is a diss track towards rappers Ja Rule and DMX. It has been certified Gold by the RIAA with sales...

2000 "Gangsta Rap" Crooked I, Treach, Kurupt & Scarface Too Gangsta for Radio
"Death Rizzo" Crooked I
2001 "Gangsta Rap" Tha Dogg Pound
Tha Dogg Pound
Tha Dogg Pound is a rap group made up of Daz Dillinger and Kurupt. They were signed to Death Row Records in their early careers and were key to the label's success. The group made their 1992 rap debut on Dr. Dre's The Chronic, on various songs. They also appeared on Snoop Dogg's debut album...

 and Crooked I
2002
2002 "Universal Quest" Left Eye featuring Crooked I N.I.N.A. (unreleased)
"Let Me Live"
"Connected" Ja Rule
Ja Rule
Jeffrey Atkins , better known by his stage name Ja Rule, is an American rapper, singer, and actor.Born in Hollis, Queens, he began his career in the group Cash Money Click and debuted in 1999 with Venni Vetti Vecci and its single "Holla Holla"...

 featuring Eastwood and Crooked I
The Last Temptation
2003 "2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted (Nu-Mixx)" 2Pac featuring Crooked I Nu-Mixx Klazzics
Nu-Mixx Klazzics
Nu-Mixx Klazzics is a remix album by 2Pac, released in 2003 by Death Row Records. The album includes several songs from All Eyez on Me, with new backing tracks and new guest vocals from artists such as Aaron Hall, K-Ci and JoJo, and Tha Outlawz. Nu Mixx Klazzics was generally panned by critics...

2004 "Kalifornia G'z" Yukmouth
Yukmouth
Jerold Dwight Ellis, III, better known by his stage name Yukmouth, is a Grammy-nominated American rapper from East Oakland, Oakland, California. He is the founder of The Regime, Smoke-A-Lot Records and Godzilla Entertainment.-Career:He is a member of the platinum-selling rap duo Luniz along with...

 featuring Crooked I, E-40
E-40
Earl Stevens , better known by his stage name E-40, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and investor from Vallejo, California. He is also part of the rap group The Click and the founder of Sick Wid It Records. His solo debut album, Federal, was released in November 1992, after The Click's debut...

 & Nate Da Nut
United Ghettos of America Vol. 2
United Ghettos of America Vol. 2
United Ghettos of America Vol. 2 is a soundtrack to accompany the DVD documentary by the same name released by Yukmouth in 2004. The soundtrack appeared on Billboards "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" chart at number 44 in 2004.- Track listing :...

2005 "Watch What You Do" Sway & King Tech
Sway & King Tech
Sway & King Tech is an American hip hop group composed of Bay Area rapper Sway and DJ King Tech. Also known as Flynamic Force or Sway & Tech, they are the hosts of the nationally syndicated show, The Wake Up Show...

 featuring Crooked I
Back 2 Basics
Back 2 Basics
Back 2 Basics is the third album by hip hop duo Sway & King Tech. The album was released in 2005 for Bungalo Records and was produced by DJ Revolution. The album was not as successful as their previous album This or That, not making it on any charts. However the album spawned the semi-successful...

"I Love the Ghetto" Sway & King Tech
Sway & King Tech
Sway & King Tech is an American hip hop group composed of Bay Area rapper Sway and DJ King Tech. Also known as Flynamic Force or Sway & Tech, they are the hosts of the nationally syndicated show, The Wake Up Show...

 featuring Crooked I & Tracy Lane
"Hit the Deck" Sway & King Tech
Sway & King Tech
Sway & King Tech is an American hip hop group composed of Bay Area rapper Sway and DJ King Tech. Also known as Flynamic Force or Sway & Tech, they are the hosts of the nationally syndicated show, The Wake Up Show...

 featuring Crooked I
2006 "It's Okay (One Blood) (West Coast Remix)
It's Okay (One Blood)
"It's Okay " is a song by American rapper and West Coast hip hop artist The Game featuring vocals from reggae singer Junior Reid, from his second studio album Doctor's Advocate. Released as the album's lead single on July 24, 2006, the song was written by The Game himself and Junior Reid, and it...

"
The Game featuring Crooked I, E-40
E-40
Earl Stevens , better known by his stage name E-40, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and investor from Vallejo, California. He is also part of the rap group The Click and the founder of Sick Wid It Records. His solo debut album, Federal, was released in November 1992, after The Click's debut...

, Glasses Malone
Glasses Malone
Charles Phillipivory Penniman , better known by his stage name Glasses Malone, is an American rapper from Los Angeles, California.-Early life:Glasses Malone grew up in the Watts and Compton neighborhoods in Los Angeles County...

, Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...

, Tha Dogg Pound
Tha Dogg Pound
Tha Dogg Pound is a rap group made up of Daz Dillinger and Kurupt. They were signed to Death Row Records in their early careers and were key to the label's success. The group made their 1992 rap debut on Dr. Dre's The Chronic, on various songs. They also appeared on Snoop Dogg's debut album...

, WC
WC (rapper)
William L. Calhoun Jr. , better known by his stage name WC , is an American rapper. He was born in Texas, but moved to South Central Los Angeles at an early age. He originally was a rapper in the group Low Profile, and later formed his group WC and the Maad Circle, which also included fellow rapper...

It's Okay (One Blood) (Regional Remixes CDS)
It's Okay (One Blood)
"It's Okay " is a song by American rapper and West Coast hip hop artist The Game featuring vocals from reggae singer Junior Reid, from his second studio album Doctor's Advocate. Released as the album's lead single on July 24, 2006, the song was written by The Game himself and Junior Reid, and it...

2008 "Lick Shots" Immortal Technique
Immortal Technique
Felipe Andres Coronel , better known by the stage name Immortal Technique, is an American rapper of Afro-Peruvian descent as well as an urban activist. He was born in Lima, Peru and raised in Harlem, New York. Most of his lyrics focus on controversial issues in global politics...

 featuring Chino XL
Chino XL
Derek Keith Barbosa , better known by his stage name Chino XL, is an American hip hop lyricist, battle rapper, and actor of Puerto Rican and African American descent...

 and Crooked I
The 3rd World
The 3rd World
The 3rd World is an album/mixtape by rapper Immortal Technique, following a five-year absence since Revolutionary Vol. 2. It was released on June 24, 2008, on Viper Records. The 3rd World peaked at number 99 on the Billboard 200 chart. He claimed in an interview from September 2009 to have sold...

"Wake The Game Up" Yukmouth
Yukmouth
Jerold Dwight Ellis, III, better known by his stage name Yukmouth, is a Grammy-nominated American rapper from East Oakland, Oakland, California. He is the founder of The Regime, Smoke-A-Lot Records and Godzilla Entertainment.-Career:He is a member of the platinum-selling rap duo Luniz along with...

 featuring Crooked I
Million Dollar Mouthpiece
Million Dollar Mouthpiece
Million Dollar Mouthpiece is the fourth studio album by rapper Yukmouth, released February 12, 2008 on Rap-A-Lot and Smoke-A-Lot Records. Shortly after this release, Yukmouth left Rap-A-Lot Records.- Track listing :# "West Coast Don"...

2009 "I'm a Gangsta" Yukmouth
Yukmouth
Jerold Dwight Ellis, III, better known by his stage name Yukmouth, is a Grammy-nominated American rapper from East Oakland, Oakland, California. He is the founder of The Regime, Smoke-A-Lot Records and Godzilla Entertainment.-Career:He is a member of the platinum-selling rap duo Luniz along with...

 featuring Dyson. Ray J
Ray J
William Ray Norwood Jr. , better known by his stage name Ray J, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actor.-Early life:...

 & Crooked I
The West Coast Don
"That'z Juss Lyfe" Tha Realest featuring Crooked I & Val Young Witness Tha Realest
"Not What You Think" Smoothvega featuring Royce Da 5'9", Crooked I & Sinful 3.10.85
"One Hit Away" BQ featuring Crooked I and XL Middleton Travolta
"Gun Harmonizing" Royce Da 5'9" featuring Crooked I Street Hop
Street Hop
-Charts:...

"From The Blood Pumper" DieNasty Records
DieNasty Records
DieNasty Records is an independent alternative-Hip-Hop label in San Diego consisting of four main artists. DieNasty's Kalibur, Kostik, Tank and Mute have been in business since 2004, making dark, fast, aggressive underground music...

' Kalibur and Tank featuring Crooked I
The Live Sick Compilation
"Sickology 101" Tech N9ne
Tech N9ne
Aaron Dontez Yates , better known by his stage name Tech N9ne , is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri. In 1999, Yates and Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music. Throughout his career, Yates has sold over one million albums and has had his music featured in film,...

 featuring Chino XL
Chino XL
Derek Keith Barbosa , better known by his stage name Chino XL, is an American hip hop lyricist, battle rapper, and actor of Puerto Rican and African American descent...

 and Crooked I
Sickology 101
Sickology 101
Sickology 101 is the ninth studio album, and the second in the "Collabos" series, by rapper Tech N9ne.Early on, the album carried a "The Study of Being Sick" subtitle, but as its release grew nearer, the subtitle was phased out...

"Weapons" Rhyme Addicts featuring Crooked I Showtime
"Everything" Chamillionaire
Chamillionaire
Hakeem Seriki , better known by his stage name Chamillionaire, is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He is the CEO of Chamillitary Entertainment. Chamillionaire is also the founder and an original member of The Color Changin' Click...

 featuring Crooked I
Mixtape Messiah 6
2009 "Show N Prove" Undergods featuring Crooked I Canibus & Keith Murray are the Undergods
2010 "Father Forgive Them" Mark Morrison
Mark Morrison
Mark Morrison is a British R&B singer. He was the most successful UK R&B singer of the mid-90s and the first black male solo artist to reach number one in the 90s. His single "Return of the Mack" became a #1 or Top 10 hit in several European countries in 1996...

 featuring Beenie Man
Beenie Man
Anthony Moses Davis , better known by his stage name Beenie Man, is a Grammy award winning Jamaican reggae artist. He is the self-proclaimed "King of the Dancehall".-Biography:...

 and Crooked I
I Am What I Am
I Am What I Am (Mark Morrison album)
I Am What I Am is a forthcoming studio album by British R&B singer Mark Morrison.Confirmed tracks that will appear on the album include the singles "My Life", "B'Day" feat...

"These Skillz" Ben Reilly featuring Crooked I Section 8: Memiors of an Everyday Hustle
So Many Young Buck
Young Buck
David Darnell Brown , also known as Young Buck, is an American Southern rapper. Buck is a former member of the New York City Hip-Hop group G-Unit, also a former artist of G-Unit Records as of Nov 26, 2011...

 & D Eazy
Unknown
"Event Horizon" Rhyme Asylum
Rhyme Asylum
Rhyme Asylum is a currently unsigned London hip hop group formed in 2002 by MCs Possessed, Psiklone, Skirmish and Plazma, who did not return for the second album...

 featuring Crooked I
Solitary Confinement
"We Nah Play" Snowgoons
Snowgoons
Snowgoons is a German underground hip hop producer trio consisting of DJ Illegal , Det and Sicknature. They first started in 1999 with Det and DJ Illegal as the two original members...

 featuring Banish, Crooked I & Beenie Man
Beenie Man
Anthony Moses Davis , better known by his stage name Beenie Man, is a Grammy award winning Jamaican reggae artist. He is the self-proclaimed "King of the Dancehall".-Biography:...

Kraftwerk
"Session One" Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...

 featuring Slaughterhouse (Excluding Joe Budden
Joe Budden
-Early life:Budden was born in Spanish Harlem, but lived in Queens until he was 12 and from there moved to Jersey City, New Jersey. He is one of five boys...

)
Recovery
"2.0 Boys" Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...

 featuring Slaughterhouse & Yelawolf
Yelawolf
Michael Wayne Atha , better known by his stage name YelaWolf, is an American rapper. He is currently signed to Shady Records, Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment and Interscope Records...

None
2011 "Loud Noises" Bad Meets Evil
Bad Meets Evil
Bad Meets Evil is an American hip hop duo from Detroit, Michigan that consists of rappers Royce da 5'9" and Eminem . They are best known for collaborating on a self-titled song that appeared on Eminem's major-label debut album The Slim Shady LP in 1999, their early association with Dr...

 featuring Slaughterhouse
Hell: The Sequel
Hell: The Sequel
Hell: The Sequel is the debut extended play by Bad Meets Evil, an American hip hop duo composed of Royce da 5'9" and Eminem. It was released on June 13, 2011 in some countries by Shady Records and Interscope Records and on June 14, 2011 in the United States. The EP focuses on hardcore hip hop and...


Filmography

  • 2004: Bank Brothers
  • 2005: Slumber Party
  • 2006: Life After Death Row
    Life After Death Row
    Life After Death Row is a documentary on the musical career of the rapper Crooked I. The tell-all film was released in August 2006 and illustrates the trials and tribulations Crooked I endured while on the infamous Death Row Records. The film also takes the viewer on a journey with Crooked I on...

  • 2009: Platinum Illusions

External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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