Today in Hip-Hop History: The L.O.X. Dropped Their Debut Album ‘Money, Power & Respect’ 27 Years Ago

On this date in 1998, Sheek Louch, Styles P, and Jadakiss, collectively known as The L.O.X., released their debut album Money Power Respect on the rapidly expanding Bad Boy Records imprint. Coming out of Yonkers and stepping into a label already defined by giants like Craig Mack and The Notorious B I G, the trio entered with something to prove, and they did exactly that.

At a time when Bad Boy’s sound was often associated with gloss and crossover polish, The L O X brought uncompromising street credibility and razor sharp lyricism. Even as they navigated the label’s commercial expectations, the group never compromised who they were. Instead, they met the moment head on, showing that gritty bars and authenticity could coexist with mainstream success.

The album’s production lineup reflected that balance. Contributions from Swizz Beatz, Dame Grease, D Dot, and Sean Combs himself gave the project a sound that was both aggressive and accessible. While the era’s “shiny suit” aesthetic loomed large, the lyrical performances from all three emcees cut through cleanly. Styles P delivered raw conviction, Jadakiss brought sharp wit and presence, and Sheek Louch provided the grounding force that tied the trio together.

Songs like “If You Think I’m Jiggy” and the title track became defining records, successfully merging street anthems with crossover appeal. That balance allowed The L O X to build a fanbase that stretched from the corners of New York to the broader mainstream, without losing respect on either side.

More than two decades later, Money Power Respect stands as a pivotal debut. It marked the arrival of three emcees who would go on to become pillars of East Coast Hip Hop and laid the groundwork for what would later evolve into the D Block movement. The album is a reminder that longevity is earned, not marketed.

Salute to Diddy, D Block, and the entire Bad Boy team for helping bring this moment to life, and to The L O X for delivering a debut that still resonates as a timeless Hip Hop statement.