Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E.

Consisting of seven American Samoan brothers, Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. is a hip hop group formed in Carson, California in 1989. Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. (Too Rough International Boo-Yaa Empire) was founded by six Devoux brothers: Donald (Kobra), Roscoe (Murder One), David (E.K.A.), Ted (Godfather), Paul (Ganxsta Ridd), and Danny (Monsta O). Originally interested in dancing, an early incarnation of the dance group was originally known as the Blue City Strutters. All the brothers had become members of several Samoan gangs in their area, but after their youngest brother was killed in a gang-related shooting, the group’s members broke away from gang activity and moved to Japan. They refocused on music and by the time they returned to California in 1988, they had changed their name to Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E and embraced hip hop culture. Mixing hip hop and funk – and playing their own instruments – the group built up a large following and released their debut album, New Funky Nation, in 1990. The album - which included the hit single “Psyko Funk” - was a critical and commercial success and reached number 33 on Billboard’s R&B / Hip Hop Albums chart. However, David Devoux left Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E in 1990 and was replaced by brother Vincent (Gawtti). Before the release of their next album, their music was featured on the soundtracks to South Central (1992) and Judgment Night (1993). After a four year wait, Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. released their second album, Doomsday, which included the singles “Kill ‘Em All,” “Get Gatted On,” and the title track. While they continued to release albums – Occupation Hazard (1995), Metally Disturbed (1996), Angry Samoans (1997), and Mafia Lifestyle (2000) – they didn’t achieve significant chart success again until 2003’s West Koasta Nostra (2003). Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E.’s final studio release was 2006’s Business as Usual. Ted Devoux died on April 29, 2018. His death was followed by the passing of brothers Paul (December 4, 2020) and Danny (October 12, 2022).

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