In the early 90s, few rap groups enjoyed the level of controversy and popularity as 2 Live Crew. Court appearances for everything from plagiarism to obscenity made the group as famous for their trials as their albums, several of which went platinum.
Now 2 Live Crew, featuring one original member, is coming to Bogie’s Bar and Grill on Jan. 29.
The group has been on a coast-to-coast tour for the past year, in an effort to promote their newest album, “Freaky Chinese.”
Roger Mizell, vice president of TC Entertainment Group and the tour manager for 2 Live Crew, said they look forward to returning to Louisiana after such a long time, because the fans here are among their best.
Chinaman, aka Fresh Kid Ice, is the original member, and owns the rights to 2 Live Crew. Fish ‘n’ Grits is a new addition to the group.
Mizell said the new 2 Live Crew will be performing the classics as well as new songs.
Mizell said the new incarnation does not have the vulgarity or nudity that the old shows had because they are trying to form a new image.
“We’re shedding a new light on 2 Live Crew,” Mizell said. “We’ve redeemed ourselves to play new venues.”
Mizell said the group has turned the controversy from the early 90s around.
Michael Butler, owner of Bogie’s, said one reason he booked them was because he remembers them from when he was younger, and thought it would be a good show.
“I’m an older guy,” Butler said. “I was at LSU in the early 90s, and 2 Live Crew was popular then.”
Butler said the excitement is high for the group and he expects the bar to be filled almost to its capacity.
Butler said Bogie’s has always been a live music venue, but this is one of the first large-market performances they have had. In the past, Scott Gaskin, managing agent at Green Frog Music, has pitched bigger groups, but usually Butler passes.
Gaskin said Green Frog Music was approached by the group, he pitched the show to Bogie’s and they jumped on it.
Bogie’s is a smaller venue than they used to perform in at the height of their popularity, but Gaskin still expects a big turnout.
Gaskin said when a group is booked in a bar, they ask about the size, and accept or decline based on this.
“If they take a smaller-capacity club, then that’s the realm they’re in,” Gaskin said.
Mizell said the new 2 Live Crew has three shows, PG, R and X-rated, and discretion on the type of the show is left to the bar.
Butler said the rating of the Bogie’s show will probably be decided after speaking with the manager on the night of the show. He said it most likely will not be a PG show.
Mizell said the group plays a lot of strip clubs, so they can get away with a lot more, but he will leave it up to the management at Bogie’s to determine the type of show.
The new 2 Live Crew’s performances are much milder than they used to be, Mizell said.
“In 240 shows booked all last year, there were no gun fights, no fights at all,” Mizell said. “It’s just been a really good time.”
Butler said even though 2 Live Crew is a bigger performance than usual at Bogie’s, the cover will not change from the $5 standard. Doors will open at 6 p.m.