The LOX 100

The LOX, consisting of Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch, is a revered hip-hop trio that emerged from Yonkers, New York, known for their raw lyricism, street credibility, and unwavering authenticity. Formed in the early 1990s, the group initially caught the attention of the hip-hop community through their collaborations with fellow Yonkers native DMX and their affiliation with Bad Boy Records.

In an interview reflecting on their early days, Jadakiss shared:

We started out as The Warlocks, just hungry kids with a dream to make it big in rap. We were influenced by the gritty realities of our neighborhood and turned to music as an outlet.

Styles P added:

We were fortunate to have each other. We pushed each other to elevate our game lyrically and represent Yonkers.

The LOX’s debut album, Money, Power & Respect, released in 1998 under Bad Boy Records, solidified their place in the rap scene. Sheek Louch emphasized:

That album was our statement. We wanted to show the world who we were and where we came from.

The album’s title track featuring DMX and Lil' Kim became an anthem, showcasing their lyrical prowess and streetwise charisma.

Despite their success with Bad Boy, The LOX faced challenges in maintaining creative control. Jadakiss reflected:

We learned a lot during those years. It was a tough balance between staying true to ourselves and navigating the politics of the industry.

Styles P added:

But that struggle made us stronger. It taught us the importance of independence and owning our music.

The group’s subsequent albums, including We Are the Streets, Filthy America… It’s Beautiful, and most recently, 2020’s Living Off Xperience released under their own label D-Block Records, further cemented their legacy. Sheek Louch summed up their journey, saying:

Our legacy is about staying true to ourselves, representing where we come from, and always delivering that raw, uncut street music that our fans can relate to.

Today, The LOX remains influential in hip-hop, admired for their lyrical depth, street narratives, and enduring camaraderie. Their impact on the genre is a testament to their resilience, talent, and unwavering dedication to their craft.