Bone Thugs-n-Harmony The Art Of War 1997 Original Vinyl Record 88561-6340-1 US first Pressing

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony The Art Of War 1997 Original Vinyl Record with shrink wrap.

Cover: VG (minor scuff in corner and upper cut out)
Sleeve: White sleeve
Record: VG++
88561-6340-1
We grade our records conservatively.

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s The Art of War (1997 Original Vinyl Record) is the group’s third studio album, released on July 29, 1997 by Ruthless Records. This ambitious double album was a follow-up to their highly successful E. 1999 Eternal and showcases their unique blend of fast-paced, melodic rapping and harmonized vocals, cementing their place in the hip-hop world.

Overview:

• Artist: Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
• Album Title: The Art of War
• Release Date: July 29, 1997
• Label: Ruthless Records
• Format: Double Vinyl
• Genre: Hip-Hop, Gangsta Rap

Notable Tracks:

1. “Look into My Eyes” – One of the lead singles from the album, this track was also featured on the Batman & Robin soundtrack, showcasing the group’s dark, moody sound.
2. “If I Could Teach the World” – A melodic, introspective song that earned the group a Grammy nomination, addressing themes of unity and peace.
3. “Thug Luv” (feat. 2Pac) – A hard-hitting collaboration with Tupac Shakur, blending Bone Thugs’ rapid-fire flow with Tupac’s iconic style.
4. “Body Rott” – An aggressive track that reflects the group’s street influences and signature harmony-infused delivery.

Musical Style:

The Art of War sees Bone Thugs-n-Harmony experimenting with more complex production, incorporating both dark, atmospheric beats and melodic elements. Known for their rapid, synchronized flow, the group continues to blend gangsta rap with harmony-driven choruses. Lyrically, the album explores themes of street life, conflict, spirituality, and the challenges of fame.

Packaging:

• Double Vinyl: The album was originally released as a double LP, featuring two discs that showcase 28 tracks across both.
• Album Artwork: The cover art depicts a militaristic theme, in line with the album’s title, showing Bone Thugs-n-Harmony in a warlike setting. The packaging reflects the album's thematic focus on survival, unity, and the hardships of the streets.

Reception & Legacy:

The Art of War was a commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and eventually going quadruple platinum. While it received mixed reviews for its length and ambitious scope, many fans and critics praised the album's standout tracks and the group’s continued innovation in the hip-hop genre. It solidified Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's position as one of the most influential rap groups of the 1990s.

For vinyl collectors, the 1997 original vinyl pressing is a valuable find due to its status as a double LP and its representation of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony during their peak era.

Record Grading:

• Mint (M): Perfect in every way. No scuffs, scratches, or signs of wear. The sleeve is also flawless.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): The record and sleeve are nearly perfect. The record may have very minor signs of use, like faint sleeve marks, but no noticeable defects.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): The record has slight wear, including light scuffs or minor surface noise, but still plays well. The sleeve may have some wear like slight ring wear or minor creasing.

• Very Good (VG): The record shows more significant wear, with visible scuffs or light scratches, and may have more noticeable surface noise or pops. The sleeve will have visible signs of aging or wear, such as seam splits or ring wear.

• Good Plus (G+) / Good (G): The record plays through without skipping but has considerable wear, including surface noise and scratches. The sleeve may have significant damage such as tears, writing, or heavy ring wear.

• Fair (F) / Poor (P): The record is heavily damaged, scratched, or warped, and may not play through without skipping or repeating. The sleeve will likely have extensive damage.
  
  Album cover grading:
  

  • Mint (M): Perfect condition, with no signs of wear. No seam splits, creases, ring wear, writing, or discoloration. Extremely rare.

  • Near Mint (NM or M-): The cover is nearly flawless. It may have the slightest hint of wear but no major defects. Corners are sharp, and no creases or fading.

  • Very Good Plus (VG+): The cover shows light wear, such as slight ring wear, small corner dings, or minor seam wear. There may be some small writing or a light crease, but overall it’s well-kept.

  • Very Good (VG): More noticeable wear, including ring wear, seam splits, small tears, or writing. The artwork may be slightly faded, but the cover is still functional and not heavily damaged.

  • Good Plus (G+) / Good (G): Significant wear, including heavy ring wear, noticeable seam splits, major creasing, or large amounts of writing. The cover may have significant damage but still holds the record.

  • Fair (F) / Poor (P): Extremely worn or damaged, with large tears, missing parts, major seam splits, or heavy writing. The cover may be heavily deteriorated or even unusable.