5th Ward Boyz were signed to Rap-a-Lot Records after the success of the Geto Boys. Originally a duo, Andre "007" Barnes and Eric "E-Rock" Taylor were later joined by Richard "Lo-Life" Nash, releasing albums such as Ghetto Dope and Gangsta Funk in the mid-1990s. The group continued to put out music with releases like Rated G. Usual Suspects and Recognize the Mob into the early 2000s, showcasing their unique blend of gangsta rap and funk influences under the production guidance of label executives.