No Bone to pick

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony don’t have anything to prove, but they do have more to give.

Since the group has been out of the streets for a while now, their lyrics, along with their music, have transformed.

“Uni5: The World’s Enemy” references the band reuniting from a long separation and a distinction from the “rest of the world” in Bone Thug’s trademark Christian/Murderous Thug hybrid. Ominous yet laughable voices narrate the album, preaching world-denying religion at one moment and glorifying having unfathomable riches the next. If you can see past the absurdity of the intro and interludes, the band has put together a solid album.

Dropping many violent rhymes for new struggles and grown issues, Bone Thugs retain their image as gangsters while adding a new kind of wisdom to the flow. Songs like “Wanna Be” and “My Life” motivate, offering inspiration and advice on commitment.

Listeners shouldn’t expect the same Bone Thugs of “E. 1999 Eternal,” and many will be disappointed with the lack of intensity on tracks like “Universe” or the soft, poppy hooks on songs like “Gone.” Despite those issues, it’s important to remember that this band has had a career exponentially longer and more influential than most rappers.