The Geto Boys, originally known as the Ghetto Boys, were formed in 1986 by rap entrepreneur James “Lil’ J” Smith. The original lineup included Prince Johnny C, Slim Jukebox, and DJ Ready Red. Two years later, Slim Jukebox and Prince Johnny C left the group, prompting Smith to replace them with Scarface, Willie D, and Bushwick Bill.
In the beginning, much of the lyrical content was too controversial for mainstream success and drew criticism from morally minded politicians, who used the group's music as an example of the state of modern music. Controversy escalated with the release of their second album, We Can’t Be Stopped. The album cover featured a heavily injured Bushwick being wheeled into the ER by Scarface and Willie D, with a close-up shot of Bushwick’s wounded eye. Despite the graphic album art and lyrics, the album went platinum.
By 1993, all three members had released solo albums, but Willie D was the only one to completely separate from the band, citing creative differences. Big Mike joined the remaining members, and they released the album Till Death Do Us Part in 1993, only for the Geto Boys to split again in 1994. A year later, Willie D returned to the group, releasing The Resurrection. In 1998, Bushwick left the group, and artist DMG replaced him for their album Da Good, Da Bad, Da Ugly. Bushwick returned for their reunion album in 2005, The Foundation.
The band rarely performs together or releases new music now, though they did reunite for a festival in San Bernardino, California, in 2009. In 2015, during an interview, Scarface stated that he would not be involved with another Geto Boys album in the future.
On August 24, 2018, DJ Ready Red, a founding member, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 53. Then, on June 9, 2019, Bushwick Bill died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 52.
Comments