Krayzie Bone, one fifth of the infamous Cleveland rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony announced his official departure from the legendary group this morning [April 14] via YouTube. 

After 20 years with the group, the 36-year-old rapper says that “uncontrollable circumstances” have forced him to move on.

“I will no longer be a part of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony,” he told viewers. “It’s basically time for me to move on and just start embarking on different endeavors I’ve already had planned in my life. Just trying to go to a whole other level in the music game, I am trying to grow and become greater at what I do.” 

Krayzie Bone is no stranger to working alone. Although remaining an official group member throughout the years, he’s also released the solo albums Thug Mentality (1999), Thug on Da Line (2001), and Gemini: Good vs. Evil (2005). The melodic rhymer also won a Grammy in 2006 for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for his assist on Chamillionaire’s “Ridin.” 

“It’s been a great 20-year run with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, I have nothing to complain about,” Krayzie Bone said about the group’s time together. “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here right now, so it’s much love, for what Bone Thugs-N-Harmony has done for me.”

Choosing to go solo wasn’t an easy choice for the Midwest MC.

“But it’s that time in my life to where I finally closed this chapter and opened up a new chapter in my life to start exploring these options out here,” Krayzie said. “I thank all the fans for supporting me with Bone for over 20 years and I hope that y’all will continue to support me on these future endeavors that I embark on. It ain’t nothing but love, I love y’all, thanks for everything you’ve done.” 

The Ohio native will likely continue to work on his music as well as projects related to Tha Life Entertainment, the label he established in 1998 originally under the name ThugLine Records. 

(Photo:Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)