3X Krazy

by Jason BirchmeierWest Coast gangsta rap trio 3X Krazy rose from Oakland alongside a small wave of other similar-minded groups during the mid-'90s and retained its hardcore slant throughout the decade as its group members broke away for respective solo careers. Comprised of B.A., Agerman, and Keak da Sneak, 3X Krazy debuted in 1995 with the Sick-O EP, which depicted the members in straight jackets on the cover. Two years later, 3X Krazy returned with its full-length debut, Stackin Chips (1997), which featured big-name guests Yukmouth and E-40. Released by Noo Trybe, which had major-label affiliations with Virgin at the time, Stackin Chips won 3X Krazy a significant fan base on the West Coast, and the group responded with two more albums: Immortalized (1999) and Real Talk 2000 (2000). At this point, the group members began breaking away for solo ventures, Keak da Sneak's being the most productive. In the meanwhile, two best-of collections appeared, 20th Century (2000) and Best of 3x Krazy, Vol. 2 (2002), both of which were spotty and non-comprehensive.