The Outlawz Release Their First Album Under Their Own Name

Five years after Tupac signed them, the Outlawz are in stores with an album entirely under their own name. Ride wit Us or Collide wit Us was released on November 7, 2000. Until then, record label problems had prevented an official album by the group, as XXL writes in retrospect. Their first project had been Still I Rise just under a year earlier, together with Tupac.

Four Voices, 19 Tracks

On the record, E.D.I. Mean, Napoleon, Kastro, and Young Noble rap. The remaining members of the original lineup are not heard. E.D.I. Mean produced most of the beats himself. In 19 tracks, the four talk about their youth and offer advice to listeners who face a similar path. XXL highlights Soldier to a General, Good Bye, Outlaw 2000, and Life Is What You Make It, among others. Guests include Bad Azz, Low Lives, and Spice 1 on Smash, as well as Coolio on Black Rain.

Modest Success

On November 25, 2000, the album reached number 95 on the Billboard 200. It was not a big success. Nevertheless, XXL concludes that the group showed they could stand on their own.