The Outlawz Release "Novakane" and Sever Ties with Death Row

One year after their debut Ride Wit Us or Collide Wit Us, the Outlawz released their second album, Novakane, in fall 2001. The debut had been released in November 2000 via their own label, Outlaw Recordz. The group included Young Noble, E.D.I., Kastro, and Napoleon. They had first appeared in 1995 as Dramacydal on Tupac’s album Me Against the World.

“A Double-Edged Sword”

In an interview with AllHipHop, they called Tupac their biggest musical influence, but said they did not want to sound like him. His name was a double-edged sword: some believed their success came solely from him. At the same time, it opened doors that would otherwise remain closed. There was “no relationship” with Death Row and Suge Knight. The album Retribution, recorded together with Death Row, remained with the label. Whether it would be released was up to Knight to decide.

Trouble Surrounding an MTV Tribute

In August, there had been controversy surrounding an appearance. During rehearsals for MTV’s 20th anniversary show in New York, the Outlawz allegedly sought a confrontation with P. Diddy. The group denied this: Diddy had handed the microphone to Napoleon after a Tupac tribute, and no words were exchanged.