Grammy Award Winning Rap Artist Sentenced to Ten Years;Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Member Flesh-N-Bone Is Sentenced to 10 Years

NEW YORK, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Stanley Howse p/k/a Flesh-N-Bone, was sentenced to ten years today for charges that he was convicted of in 1999.

Flesh-N-Bone is one of the founding members of the Grammy Award Winning rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, who snagged the Grammy in 1997 for the best rap performance by a duo or group for the single "Tha Crossroads."

Flesh-N-Bone's attorney, Jonathan Kissell, states, "My client was very fortunate to have a fair minded judge and prosecutor. The facts which were presented to the court showed a very talented individual who had a very problem filled childhood. While this may appear to be a lengthy sentence it will not serve as a life sentence. Stanley will continue to write music, to interact with people in the music industry and use his creatively for others enjoyment. He will be back in society's grasp within five years and will have learned a very valuable lesson in life."

Flesh-N-Bone's manager, Gary Ballen, states, "Stanley and I are very pleased with the sentence. He was facing a maximum of 19 years. The sentence that was passed down to him was 10 years at fifty percent plus approximately one year already served. Which means Stanley will only serve approximately five years. The judge, very sympathetic to Stanley's past history, recommended a facility specializing in care for inmates with addiction problems where Stanley can receive counseling."

In a statement to the judge Flesh-N-Bone stated, "I understand that the nature of these crimes makes me appear to be a violent person but I am not a violent person. I have never hurt anyone: the only person I have harmed is myself. Everyone who knows my true character understands that I am a good person who gets along with everyone. I am very sorry for my wrongdoings and accept responsibility for these crimes."

Koch Records is scheduled to release a new album from Flesh-N-Bone on October 10th entitled 5TH DOG LET LOOSE. Flesh-N-Bone completed tracks before he was incarcerated earlier this year and relied on the help of his brother Layzie Bone and producer Damon Elliott to wrap the album up for him while he was incarcerated.

Alan Grunblatt, General Manager Koch Records states "We're supporting Flesh-N-Bone's creative efforts one hundred percent. We're saddened by his current legal situation but we remain committed to helping him achieve creative success through his music."

Flesh, who considers himself a very spiritual person, unveils some of his innermost spiritual thoughts on 5TH DOG LET LOOSE with songs like, "Say A Prayer," "Amen," and "Word To The Wise." The first single from 5TH DOG LET LOOSE entitled "Way Back," is a heartfelt tribute to four of hip-hops fallen soldiers, Eazy-E, Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G. - Biggie Smalls and the recently departed Big Pun of the Terror Squad. The single is also an opportunity for Flesh-N-Bone to say 'thank you' to the man who gave Bone Thugs-N-Harmony their first big break, Eazy E. "I'm elaborating on what Eazy meant to me in my life" says Flesh. "I never got a chance to say, "thanks E," from me and the Bone Thugs for putting us on and giving us this opportunity."

5th DOG LET LOOSE features guest appearances from fellow Bone Thug member, Wish Bone, Kurupt, Montell Jordan and Flesh's real life brother and additional Bone Thug member Layzie Bone.

Flesh acknowledges that he has suffered many self inflicted problems in the past and reveals that he is ready to come face to face with his personal demons and become a positive role model for both his family and his fans.

5TH DOG LET LOOSE is Flesh-N-Bone's first step towards his personal self-appointed rehabilitation.

Look for the release of 5th DOG LET LOOSE on Koch Records October 10, 2000.