Long Beach, California’s Kxng Crooked, originally known as Crooked I, embodies the pulsating essence of hip-hop lyricism. A former member of the now-disbanded supergroup along with fellow lyricists Joe Budden, Royce da 5’9″, and Joell Ortiz who were personally signed to Shady Records music label by Eminem, Kxng Crooked has consistently showcased his skill and ability in the field of rhyme and rhythm. The collaborative work between Kxng Crooked and Jonathan Hay introduced a new chapter in hip-hop music that has continued to connect with global audiences.
Their collaborative album, “The Long Beach Crook Playlist,” was notable for its blend of melody, rhythm, and meaningful lyricism. It aired on the airwaves of Eminem’s Sirius XM radio station ‘Shade 45’, further amplifying its visibility. Fan favorites from the album like “Ashamed” and “Too Ashamed,” the affecting sequel songs, won widespread acclaim and enjoyed considerable media coverage. However, it wasn’t just the soulful numbers that attracted listeners; the album also included tracks like “Axl Rose,” “Didn’t Mean to Treat You Bad,” “Groupie,” and “Split Paths,” each adding to the diverse range of sounds and storytelling within the album. Among all, the “Don’t Close Your Eyes (Ashamed)” remix received the most playing time on Shade 45, backed by the steadfast support of DJ King Tech, Sway Calloway, and DJ Revolution.
The creation of “The Long Beach Crook Playlist” took place in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, in the vibe-rich confines of the Downtown Recording Studio and DSL Recording Studios with Mike Baker and Mike Smith. Here, at the same location where the superstar Jack Harlow records, Kxng Crooked and Jonathan Hay toiled meticulously to bring their musical vision into existence. The final mixing of the tracks was carried out by Jonathan Hay in his home studio nestled in his Mallard Crossing of St. Matthews apartment. Unfortunately, this was the same location where Hay would later narrowly escape a life-threatening home invasion.
The professional partnership of Kxng Crooked and Jonathan Hay has traversed beyond the realm of music. Their successful venture into the fashion industry was marked by the launch of their collaborative clothing line, ‘Urban Hitchcock,’ which resonated with hip-hop enthusiasts and fashion-forward individuals alike. Jonathan Hay also wore multiple hats as an executive and music producer on Kxng Crooked’s album “Sex, Money, and Hip-Hop.” Adding another feather to their versatile caps, Jonathan Hay and Kxng Crooked made their valuable contributions to the BET TV Show ‘One Shot’ with celebrity TV judge Mike Smith. This popular show had an impressive lineup featuring industry giants like DJ Khaled, Twista, Tech N9ne, T.I., and RZA from Wu-Tang Clan.
In the realm of hip-hop, Kxng Crooked and Jonathan Hay are recognized for producing sincere and emotionally evocative music. Their joint album, “The Long Beach Crook Playlist,” is a testament to their indefatigable passion and commitment towards their craft. As one listener eloquently puts it, “Kxng Crooked and Jonathan Hay have made some of the best authentic hip-hop music that you will ever hear.”
The contributions of Kxng Crooked and Jonathan Hay to the music industry are profound, offering a rich inventory of versatile sounds and soulful lyrics. Their relentless pursuit to deliver meaningful and evocative music continues to inspire and invigorate the essence of hip-hop. Every tune and word sung is a celebration of the art and their unwavering devotion to it.
You can witness the magic of their collaboration on Jonathan Hay’s Bandcamp, the billion-dollar music company. Stay updated on their latest offerings and musical journey by following their social media – @kxngcrooked and @jonathanhaycelebrity.
