A question that pops up fairly often , at least in the “answers for questions” part of this blog, is whether or not I listen to rappers from other countries. The answer is always “not really…” but what I really wanna say is “Definitively no BUT there is one dude who was an exception”. That person is an underground rapper from NY (Not sure if he was from new Rochelle, Yonkers or even an actual borough) by way of the UK named Tony Bones. Tony Bones was a guy who used to pop up on Stretch Armstrong and Bobitto’s radio show now and then during the mid to late 90’s that I was obsessed with. Perhaps it was his minimal output. Perhaps it was that he was indeed a british rapper that “worked” for me. Or maybe it was just that he was straight up good and entertaining as an MC. Who knows? Whatever the case, his random radio appearances, demo leaks and guest spots on Mr. Live songs were something I always looked forward to.
Over 15 years later, I can’t say I’m checking for him much. I mean, shit, he never even put out a proper solo release. Not even a 12” (as far as I know). That said, I still can go back and check his stuff out and enjoy it. That’s saying a lot considering how poorly a lot of underground rap from that era has aged. He was clever, had a smooth flow and he actually made rapping in a british accent sound cool (shout out to SLick Rick though cause , as we all know, he’s the only other dude to pull this off on a large scale level).
Last I heard, he had long quit rapping and was designing clothing for Akademiks or some shit. This was something I heard a long time ago so who knows what he’s actually up to. Wherever he is, I hope he is well cause he made a young me very happy in the 90’s.
I figured it might be cool to compile all the Tony Bones stuff I had and let you guys peep it. This is by no means a complete compilation of the mans work, but it’s all the shit I have. If you own more, feel free to share it in the comments. I’d certainly appreciate it.
Oh and PS, to all the people who will no doubt be outraged at me not liking other UK sounding rap, deal with it. I can’t help what I like and dislike. I’m not saying that stuff is bad, it’s just not for me. I think the reason Tony Bones works for me is cause , while he has the accent, he still rapped like an american. USA USA!!! (just kidding…calm down, european people)
Here’s a run down of the songs and the link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?y87857q4e87y4w6
1)Tony Bones Freestyle from Stretch and Bobbito
This was the first thing I ever heard by him. I was an immediate fan
2)Mr Live and Tony Bones 89.9 Promo
You will notice many of his songs are with his right hand man MR. Live AKA J-Live (not that one…). While Mr. Live is fine and dandy it definitely was always a wish of mine to get more solo joint with just Bones on them…
3)Hold me Back Feat. Mr. Live
An unreleased demo produced by Pharaoh Monch
4)Freestyle from stretch featuring Mr. Live and Breezly Bruin
This is some classic shit right here. Not only do all three of them go in on it but they rap over some never heard before beats off a Pharaoh Monch beat tape
5)Come inside
6)Deep in your bones
Both of those are demos as well. Organized Konfusion has their hands all over these. Both Prince Po and Monch do small cameos on a few of his solo demos.
7)Hunger Strike
Yet another song with Mr. Live.
8)Current Affair
This is the most recent thing I have by him. It popped up in the 2000’s out of nowhere. No clue who leaked it or what it was for but this is Bones absolutely crushing a terrible drum track. I’d kill for a accapella of this cause it would be remix heaven.
9)Splashing over Monica
This was off a Mr. Live 12”. Not the greatest song ever as the topic is pretty played out but , still, Bones’ verse is pretty entertaining.
