Have any of you read “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell? According to his research, success is a blend of timing, where a person is born, thousands of hours of practice, hard work, and the influences of their upbringing. When these factors align perfectly, someone can achieve fame if they have the desire to succeed. It’s a great read, and we’ve linked it in our description box. But what does this have to do with the rapper Bone Crusher?
If we delve into Bone Crusher’s life, we see his rise as an influential artist mirrors Gladwell’s ideas. Born Wayne Hartnett Jr. in Atlanta on August 23, 1971, he was perfectly positioned to become one of the pioneers of crunk music. His talent and determination, combined with being in the right place at the right time, led to the success of his song “Never Scared,” which Rockthebells.com calls one of the best crunk songs ever.
However, unlike his southern peers like T.I., Lil Jon, OutKast, Killer Mike, David Banner, and the Ying Yang Twins, Bone Crusher didn’t enjoy long-term success. So, what happened?
The Untold Story of a Man Who Walked Away at the Peak of Success
In true RRG fashion, we dive into a tale filled with success and scandal, exploring allegations that nearly tarnished a man’s reputation.
But before we jump in, make sure to grab some snacks at rrgsnacks.com. Indulge in our sweet teriyaki beef jerky, cookies and cream popcorn, and strawberry licorice. Now, let’s dive into today’s story.
The Rise of Crunk Music
Crunk music emerged in the early 90s, with Three 6 Mafia delivering one of the first major hits with “Tear Da Club Up.” This track introduced the world to a unique sound, distinct from the West Coast and East Coast scenes. With its heavy bass, catchy hooks, and often aggressive lyrics, crunk music was designed to electrify any crowd.
The Journey of Bone Crusher
Bone Crusher’s love for music began in his early childhood. He shared with Fact Magazine that while his parents didn’t understand his musical ambitions, his grandfather encouraged him to pursue his dreams. His childhood antics, like jumping off roofs, earned him the nickname “Bone Crusher,” a moniker he later adopted for his musical persona.
Despite his passion, Bone Crusher never focused solely on making money. He worked at a local Waffle House and as a chef while also designing logos for artists like Jermaine Dupri. However, his dedication to music never waned. He formed a group called Lyrical Giants, which played a crucial role in shaping Atlanta’s music scene. Additionally, he joined another group, Chronicle, featuring talents like producer Avery “A1” Johnson, El-Rock, and Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz.
Stay tuned as we unravel more about Bone Crusher’s journey, his triumphs, and the controversies that followed.
Bone Crusher quickly became a standout figure in his city’s underground music scene, not just for his talent but also for his imposing physical presence—standing six feet three inches tall and weighing over 300 pounds. His size made him hard to miss. He began to make a name for himself by providing hooks for other artists and eventually secured a record deal with the indie label Break ‘Em Off Records. This led to the release of his album, Bone Crusher and His Industry Friends, which included several remixes of his hit song “Never Scared,” produced by A1.
After a live performance in 2002, Bone Crusher handed out copies of his album to the audience. One DJ, DJ Will, was so impressed with the record that he played it repeatedly at the nightclub where he worked. Bone Crusher didn’t realize how popular his song had become until he visited the club. He remembered, “When the beat dropped, the venue released confetti and balloons, and the crowd went wild.” At another club called Levels, he gave a copy of “Never Scared” to Jermaine Dupri. After hearing the song, Jermaine decided to play it on his radio show, telling listeners, “This is about to be the biggest record to hit the world.”
The response was immediate and overwhelming. The station’s phones were ringing off the hook. Jermaine knew he had to act fast before other labels started bidding for Bone Crusher’s talent. He offered Bone Crusher a recording contract with his So So Def/Arista label and $1 million upfront, which Bone Crusher gladly accepted. “Never Scared,” featuring Killer Mike and T.I., was released in April 2003 and, just as Jermaine predicted, it became a huge hit. The song reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart and earned Bone Crusher a Source Award, as well as nominations for a Grammy and an American Music Award. It also became the official anthem for the Atlanta Braves’ 2003 season. A remix featuring Cam’ron, Busta Rhymes, and Jadakiss further increased the song’s popularity, and another remix was included in Madden NFL 04. Bone Crusher’s image was also featured in Def Jam: Fight for NY.
Bone Crusher’s Journey: Triumphs and Tribulations
Just weeks after “Never Scared” hit the airwaves, So So Def teamed up with Bone Crusher’s former indie label, Break ‘Em Off, to release his debut album. The album climbed to number 11 on the Billboard chart, marking a high point in his early career.
The Crunk Controversy
The rise of crunk music, however, wasn’t universally celebrated. Fans of the more thoughtful lyrics from artists like Goodie Mob and OutKast found themselves at odds with the gritty, high-energy crunk sound. This tension set the stage for some unexpected drama.
Accusations and Legal Battles
Four months after his album’s release, Mississippi rappers Rhys and Bigelow accused Bone Crusher of stealing their song. According to AllHipHop, the duo had recorded a track called “Neva Sked,” featuring Bone Crusher, Killer Mike, and T.I. They claimed Bone Crusher removed their vocals and repackaged the song as his own. RRG confirmed the existence of the original track, implying Bone Crusher had some explaining to do. Rhys and Bigelow filed a copyright infringement lawsuit, and the legal battle in Atlanta dragged on.
Pressing On
Despite the controversy, Bone Crusher continued his work, collaborating with other artists and featuring on TVT’s 2003 Crunk & Disorderly album. He hoped to build on his debut’s success by releasing a new album in December 2003. However, “Release the Beast” was delayed until July 2006 due to corporate issues at Arista. When it finally dropped under his label, Bone Crusher Music, it barely made the Billboard Top 100, proving to be a commercial disappointment.
A New Direction
Facing new challenges, Bone Crusher turned his focus to his health. Weighing over 421 pounds, he joined the cast of Celebrity Fit Club and set a show record by losing 51 pounds and 12 percent body fat. After the show, he continued his weight loss journey, shedding an additional 10 pounds. In October 2006, he released his third album, “Free,” on his Vainglorious Entertainment label. In 2007, he teamed up with Dr. Ian Smith from Celebrity Fit Club to create a fitness DVD, marking a new chapter in his life dedicated to health and wellness.
As time passed, Bone Crusher gradually faded from the public eye. In an interview with Rolling Out Magazine, he explained that he decided to step away from the entertainment scene after his two youngest children were born, prioritizing his role as a father. Despite this, he didn’t completely retreat, occasionally performing at events like a memorable show for U.S. troops in Germany. Known for his energetic stage presence, he once jumped off the stage during a performance, resulting in a serious knee injury that later required him to use a motorized cart due to difficulty walking for long periods. This setback also disrupted his health journey, contributing to weight gain.
He made notable returns to the spotlight, performing at the So So Def 20th Anniversary Concert in 2013 and again at the label’s 25th Anniversary Concert in 2018. While he hasn’t released a studio album since 2007, Bone Crusher explored acting and collaborated with artists like Musiq Soulchild. In a candid 2014 interview with Vlad TV, he criticized the direction of Southern rap, lamenting what he viewed as a decline in musical quality and urging artists to focus more on their craft and less on commercial success.
Today, Bone Crusher enjoys family life with his wife Anissa and their five children. Married since around 1994, they also run multiple businesses together, including Crusher Consulting and a catering company.
Despite being labeled by some as a one-hit-wonder, Bone Crusher remains financially stable, still earning royalties from his hit song “Never Scared,” which continues to resonate with audiences. It’s a testament to his enduring impact in the music industry, proving that success is measured beyond chart-topping singles.