U.N.L.V.
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U.N.L.V. is a gangsta rap crew based in the 3rd Ward of New Orleans. The crew specifically represents the intersection of 6th & Barone in New Orleans. U.N.L.V. is probably best known for its single "drag 'em in the river Tha River", which was a diss of No Limit Records rapper Mystikal. This song was later remixed as diss of Baby of the Cash Money Millionaires.
U.N.L.V. is an acronym for "Uptown Niggas Livin Violently". U.N.L.V. started out as one of Cash Money's first acts. Other rappers signed to Cash Money include: Pimp Daddy, Ms.Tee, and B.G. Originally, U.N.L.V. consisted of three rappers, Lil Ya, Tec-9, and Yella Boy. Starting a trend followed by many local New Orleans rappers, the trio broke through hip-hop with a style of music that was considered gangsta/bounce. The success of Uptown 4 Life, U.N.L.V.'s album that went gold and later platinum, helped Cash Money gain recognition from Universal Music Group.
A year after the release of U.N.L.V.'s last album with Cash Money, rapper Yella Boy was murdered. It is speculated by many that this was the result of a hit put out by Baby. In the months before his murder Yella punched Baby in the eye over a dispute and, on another occasion, brandished his pistol during another dispute with Baby and Sugar Slim, the lesser known half owner of Cash Money Records (along with Baby). These events are well documented in the remix of "Drag 'Em" mentioned above. The account is given by B.G. who was present during the altercations. This loss devastated the crew's other two members and led to hardships for the existing group. Lil Ya and Tech-9 have since released solo albums and worked with several labels, including Hard Times records, Blazin South, and B Real Ent. The group's street credit and history would later make major labels afraid to sign it as an act.
In 2005, Lil Ya and Tech-9 both lost homes to the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Lil Ya and Tech-9 now reside in Houston, Texas to complete the legacy of the rap group U.N.L.V.
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