"Tha Crossroads" | ||||
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Single by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony | ||||
from the album E. 1999 Eternal | ||||
B-side |
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Released | April 23, 1996 | |||
Genre | Hip hop | |||
Length | 3:44 | |||
Label | Ruthless | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Tim Middleton | |||
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Tha Crossroads" on YouTube |
"Tha Crossroads" is a song written and performed by hip hop group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, released as a single in April 1996. The song is dedicated to the group's mentor, the late gangsta rap icon Eazy-E, and other family members. The song was the highest-debuting rap single when it debuted at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching number one the following week and staying there for eight consecutive weeks.[1] It also reached number one in New Zealand, where it was the most successful single of 1996. In 1997, the song won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.[2]
Commercial performance
Tha crossroads ended up debuting #2 on the Billboard 100 with selling 160,000 units as a single but debuted #1 for Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs, Hot Rap Songs, And Hot R&B/Hip Hop Single Sales within its first week of release. Within its second week of release, it sold 184,000 copies and took over the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 while remaining #1 on the other charts that were named earlier. In its third week Bone single Tha Crossroads was able to increase its sales and sell 234,000 copies while retaining the #1 spot on Billboard 100, Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs, Hot Rap Songs, and Hot R&B/Hip Hop Single Sales. In its fourth week of release Bone sold 234,000 copies while being able to maintain its success on the charts and being #1 in the country. In its fifth week of release Bone single Tha Crossroads was able to produce 235,000 copies within being #1 in the country on BillBoard Charts. In its sixth week of release Tha Crossroads sold 237,000 copies while being #1 on several R&B/Hip Hop and Rap Charts while being #1 on billboard 100. In its seventh week since its release the single proceeded to decrease by 20% in sales compared to the previous week by selling 189,600 copies with 2pac California Love knocking it off the #1 spot for Hot Rap Songs. But maintained its #1 on Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs. In its ninth week (there was no information about the singles sales) it was able to produce a solid amount of 125,000 sales while being #1 which will be its last week of being #1 on Billboard Hot 100. Tha Crossroads was able to be a high selling song for 20 weeks and spent twelve of those weeks in the top-10. Throughout the nine week period of being #1 and #2 it sold over 1,598,600 copies while debuting at #2 and peaking at #1 for eight weeks straight.
Background
"Crossroad" originally debuted in 1995 on the E. 1999 Eternal album. It was dedicated to Bone's dead friend Wallace (Wally) Laird III, but after the death of Eazy-E they decided to remake it as "Tha Crossroads". The original song appears on the edited version of the album, though the European release has the original as track number 8 and the remix as track 18. The song is performed by four of the group's members, (Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Bizzy Bone and Wish Bone). After receiving high praise for their song the group decided to make it their third single for their already released album, E. 1999 Eternal.
In 2019, a version including other group member Flesh-n-Bone was released with the Bone Thugs-n-Harmony compilation album Lost Archives Vol 1. (After receiving their publishing rights from Ruthless Records.)
Reception
The song was a hit worldwide and reached the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 and the New Zealand Singles Chart;[3][4] on the latter chart, it was the most successful song of 1996.[5] It has been certified double platinum in the United States and platinum in New Zealand.[6][7] In 2008, "Tha Crossroads" was ranked number 33 on VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop".[8]
Music video
The music video was filmed on February 27–28, 1996. It opens with the female vocal group Tre' (Kimberly Cromartie, Rebecca Forsha and Maniko Williams) singing the traditional spiritual "Mary Don't You Weep" in a church funeral setting, followed by the members of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony singing the main song in several settings, such as a church and a mountain top.
The main focus of the video is an imposing man with sunglasses and a trench coat, akin to a Reaper. Bone are among the few who can see the man, and watch him as he gathers souls of various individuals who are marked for death, such as a young man who leaves his distraught mother behind (presumably having died after entering life as a gang member), Bone's friend Wally, Wish Bone's Uncle Charles, Eazy-E, and a newborn baby (possibly to have died from a childbirth complication). The Reaper then leads the souls, with the baby in his arms, up a mountain where he reveals himself to be an angel, then takes the dead to Heaven.
"Tha Crossroads" was nominated for the Best Rap Video at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1996, although it lost to Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise".
Track listings
US, Canadian, and UK CD single[9][10][11]
US 12-inch single[12]
US cassette single and Australian CD1[13][14]
UK cassette single[15]
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UK 12-inch single[16]
European CD single[17]
European maxi-CD single[18]
Australian CD2[19]
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Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
Decade-charts
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Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[57] | Gold | 35,000^ |
New Zealand (RMNZ)[7] | Platinum | 10,000* |
United Kingdom (BPI)[58] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
United States (RIAA)[6] | 2× Platinum | 2,000,000^ |
* Sales figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
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United States | April 23, 1996 |
|
Ruthless | [59] |
United Kingdom | July 29, 1996 | [60] |
Blazin' Squad version
"Crossroads" | ||||
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Single by Blazin' Squad | ||||
from the album In the Beginning | ||||
B-side |
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Released | August 19, 2002[61] | |||
Recorded | 2002 | |||
Length | 3:10 | |||
Label | EastWest | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Cutfather & Joe | |||
Blazin' Squad singles chronology | ||||
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"Crossroads", a retitled and reworked version of "Tha Crossroads", was released by British ten-piece hip-hop group Blazin' Squad as their first single in August 2002. It topped the UK Singles Chart on the week of August 25, 2002.
Background
The group's cover version of "Crossroads" was recorded for inclusion on their first studio album, In the Beginning. The decision to record and release "Crossroads" came about during the final stages of the album production: until June 2002, the song "Standard Flow" was planned for release as the group's first single, with a promotional version of the "Standard Flow" even made available on August 5. Despite being labelled as a cover version, only the chorus from the original version remains, with the verses replaced by new lyrics written by the band. Despite being the only 'cover version' the group ever recorded, it became the band's only number one single, staying at the top of the UK Singles Chart for one week in August 2002.[63] Two versions of the song exist: the main version, which features in the music video and on In the Beginning, and the full version, which contains two extra verses, which appears on the second physical release of the single.
Music video
The music video for "Crossroads" directed by Vaughan Arnell was premiered in July 2002. The video runs for a total length of three minutes and forty-eight seconds[64] and shows the band performing the song on top of an unfinished flyover in the centre of Cape Town. The video also shows scenes of an underpass where a number of homeless people are living, and individual shots of each band member. The video was filmed with the phantom effect, which provides a 'shadow' type movement for each member of the band.
Track listing
- Digital single[65]
- "Crossroads" (radio edit) – 3:10
- "Uproar" – 3:25
- UK CD 1
- "Crossroads" (radio edit) – 3:10
- "Uproar" – 3:25
- "Crossroads" (CD-ROM video) – 3:45
- UK CD 2
- "Crossroads" (full version) – 3:50
- "Offering" – 3:20
- "Crossroads" (T.N.T Remix) – 3:50
- Cassette
- "Crossroads" (radio edit) – 3:10
- "Crossroads" (full version) – 3:50
Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
|
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
United Kingdom (BPI)[70] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
See also
- List of Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles of 1996
- List of number-one R&B singles of 1996 (U.S.)
- List of number-one singles in 1996 (New Zealand)
- List of UK Singles Chart number ones of the 2000s
References
- ^ Cuda, Heidi Siegmund (June 15, 1996). "Seeking a Path After 'Tha Crossroads'". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
- ^ "Bone Thugs-N-Harmony | Biography & History | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
- ^ a b "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ a b "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony – Tha Crossroads". Top 40 Singles.
- ^ a b "End of Year Charts 1996". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ a b "American single certifications – Bone Thugs 'N Harmony – Tha Crossroads". Recording Industry Association of America.
- ^ a b "New Zealand single certifications – Bone Thugs N Harmony – Tha Crossroads". Recorded Music NZ.
- ^ Singh, Amrit (September 29, 2008). "VH1's 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs". Stereogum. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ Tha Crossroads (US CD single liner notes). Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Ruthless Records. 1996. 88561-6335-2.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Tha Crossroads (Canadian CD single liner notes). Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Ruthless Records. 1996. 34K-3250.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Tha Crossroads (UK CD single liner notes). Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Epic Records, Ruthless Records. 1996. 663550 2.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Tha Crossroads (US 12-inch single sleeve). Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Ruthless Records. 1996. 88561-6335-1.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Tha Crossroads (US cassette single sleeve). Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Ruthless Records. 1996. 88561-6335-4.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Tha Crossroads (Australian CD1 liner notes). Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Epic Records, Ruthless Records, Dance Pool. 1996. 663309-1.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Tha Crossroads (UK cassette single sleeve). Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Epic Records, Ruthless Records. 1996. 663550 4.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Tha Crossroads (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Epic Records, Ruthless Records. 1996. 633550 6.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Crossroad (European CD single liner notes). Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Ruthless Records. 1996. REL 663195-1.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Crossroad (European maxi-CD single liner notes). Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Ruthless Records. 1996. REL 663195.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Tha Crossroads (Australian CD2 liner notes). Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Epic Records, Ruthless Records. 1996. 663309 2.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony – Tha Crossroads". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
- ^ "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony – Tha Crossroads" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
- ^ "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony – Tha Crossroads" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
- ^ "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony – Tha Crossroads" (in French). Ultratop 50.
- ^ "Billboard: Hits of the World". Billboard. December 7, 1996. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
- ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 9685." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 13, no. 35. August 31, 1996. p. 13. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony – Tha Crossroads" (in French). Les classement single.
- ^ "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony – Tha Crossroads" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
- ^ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (22.6. – 28.6. '96)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). June 22, 1996. p. 26. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ a b "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Crossroads". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 32, 1996" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
- ^ "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony – Tha Crossroads" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony – Tha Crossroads". Singles Top 100.
- ^ "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony – Tha Crossroads". Swiss Singles Chart.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
- ^ "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
- ^ "ARIA Top 50 Singles for 1996". ARIA. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ "Year End Sales Charts – Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 1996" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 13, no. 51/52. December 21, 1996. p. 12. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ "Top 100 Single–Jahrescharts 1996" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved August 7, 2015.
- ^ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 1996". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1996" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
- ^ "Årslista Singlar, 1996" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
- ^ "Top 100 Singles 1996" (PDF). Music Week. January 18, 1997. p. 25. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
- ^ "Billboard Top 100 – 1996". Billboardtop100of.com. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ "The Year in Music: Hot R&B Singles". Billboard. Vol. 108, no. 52. December 28, 1996. p. YE-40.
- ^ "The Year in Music: Hot Rap Singles". Billboard. Vol. 108, no. 52. December 28, 1996. p. YE-42.
- ^ "Airplay Monitor Best of '96: Top 40/Mainstream Titles". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 4, no. 53. December 27, 1996. p. 30.
- ^ "Airplay Monitor Best of '96: Top 40/Rhythm-Crossover Titles". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 4, no. 53. December 27, 1996. p. 32.
- ^ "Hot 100 Singles of the '90s". Billboard. Vol. 111, no. 52. December 25, 1999. p. YE-20. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1996 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
- ^ "British single certifications – Bone Thugs-N-Harmony – Tha Crossroads". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
- ^ "Hip-Hop Gem: 'Tha Crossroads' Was Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's First Number 1 Hit". Stop the Breaks. September 10, 2014. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
- ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. July 27, 1996. p. 43.
- ^ "New Releases – For Week Starting 19 August 2002: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. August 17, 2002. p. 31. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
- ^ "Australian-charts.com – Blazin' Squad – Crossroads". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 676. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ Video on YouTube
- ^ "iTunes – Music – Crossroads – Single by Blazin' Squad". Itunes.apple.com. January 2002. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
- ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 20, no. 37. September 7, 2002. p. 11. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
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- ^ "British single certifications – Blazin' Squad – Crossroads". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
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