- Years Active: 2001-2002
- Band Members: Sheek, Shawn "Sheek" Jacobs, Teflon, Jadakiss, Yung Wun, Waah Dean, Drag-On, Eve, Jayson Phillips, PK, Chivon Dean, DJ Shok, DMX, David Styles, Dee Dean, Styles P, Parlé, Swizz Beatz, P.K.
- Genre: Hip-Hop
- Influenced by: N.W.A., EPMD, Boogie Down Productions, Public Enemy
- Similar Artists: Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan, Junior M.A.F.I.A., Jay-Z, Capone-N-Noreaga, The LOX, Big Punisher, UTP Playas, G-Unit, State Property
The all-star hip-hop collective/production team Ruff Ryders included CEOs Chivon, Dee, and Waah Dean, producers Swizz Beatz, DJ Shok, and PK, and gold and platinum-selling rappers DMX, Eve, Drag On, and the LOX (Shawn "Sheek" Jacobs, Jayson Phillips, and David Styles). This incarnation of the Ruff Ryders crafted 1999's Ryde Or Die Vol. 1, which also featured appearances from Big Pun, Mase, Jay-Z, and Jermaine Dupri. Parle, Yung Wun, and Cross & Infa-Red also appeared on Ruff Ryders tracks, with Ruff Ryders Vol. II hitting the streets in mid-2000. Acknowledging the rise of Southern rap, 2003's Ryde or Die, Vol. 3: In the "R" We Trust added Ludacris and Bubba Sparxxx to the mix. Redemption, Vol. 4 from 2005 dropped "Ryde or Die" from the title of the series and introduced the talented rapper Flashy. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
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