In 1996, Queens, New York’s Lost Boyz burst onto the scene with vibe-driven Hip-Hop like no other act out. Mr. Cheeks, Freaky Tah, Pretty Lou, and Spigg Nice were welcomed distractions to the heated coastal rivalry perceived in Hip-Hop. Like the neighboring Boot Camp Clik, the LB Fam was able to show solidarity with West Coast Hip-Hop acts at a time when artists, especially at and around Death Row Records, were presumed not welcome on a coast their flagship artists (namely Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, and Tha Dogg Pound) appeared to be dissing.

If “New York, New York” upset Capone-N-Noreaga and Tragedy Khadafi, it did not ruffle the feathers of the squad’s Queens comrades. Instead, Legal Drug Money gave way to DPG for  the”Music Makes Me High (Remix).” At a time when Death Row was reportedly denying clearances for label artists to appear on many outside albums, Daz, Kurupt, and apparently Suge Knight took some liking to Universal Records’ new kids on the block. Moreover, veteran West Coast producer L.T. Hutton (who began working at Tha Row) took on remixing duties. Canibus, who was almost entirely unknown, would also appear, making a critical introduction to a bright career that lasts into today.

Redman Believes Canibus Was Not Dissing LL Cool J On 4, 3, 2, 1 (Video)

“Music Makes Me High (Remix)” was a welcomed reminder as to why several successful artists (and a few on the rise) were in their field. Sure, the record celebrates fortune, fame, and pushes others at bay with threats. But the concept, originally an extended metaphor for creation working like a drug, brought Kurupt and Daz back to their modes from before their Dogg Pound success. Kurupt showed up on the track, and three years later—again at odds with a lot of figures on the East, defended some of these lasting allies.

The video is nothing more than a pool party, with seemingly a lot more women than men in attendance. All the MCs from the track are there, in different corners (likely due to conflicting schedules). However, the energy is right, and everybody appears to be enjoying themselves. Canibus arguably steals the show, and became a prized off-shoot of Cheeks and company. While he would be tied to The Fugees and Def Squad, one could assert that nobody did more for the young lyricist before his LP than the LB.

Mr. Cheeks Sounds Great On A Statik Selektah-Produced Cut (Audio)

Legal Drug Money (which did not include this mix) would eventually go gold, and the LB Fam would last nearly a decade in the spotlight, with Cheeks carving out a few hit solo singles. This was their most successful album though, and this video remix single illustrated the good times, and great rhymes that the Lost Boyz kicked, at a time when Rap needed to relax and elevate its character.

Other Ambrosia for Heads Do Remember features

Today, the remix’s producer, L.T. Hutton is producing this month’s All Eyez On ME Tupac Shakur biopic.