Cleveland's Bone Thugs-n-Harmony function as peacemakers in the hip-hop world, as they're one of the few groups to have collaborated with Eazy-E, 2Pac, and The Notorious B.I.G.

If only the group could have stayed at peace with each other. The five members drifted apart after member Flesh-n-Bone was incarcerated in 2000 on a parole violation.

He was released in July 2008, and based on group member Layzie Bone's diplomacy, the group decided to regroup and record a new album.

That's good news, because the five musicians -- Layzie Bone and Flesh-n-Bone, plus Krayzie Bone, Bizzy Bone and Wish Bone -- have a vocal chemistry that earned them a Grammy in 1997 for their crossover smash "Tha Crossroads." Over the years together, the melodic flow of the group, marked by its potent blend of pop, rap and hip-hop, has inspired many of the sounds you hear on urban radio today.

In an interview, Layzie Bone talked about what to expect from the reunited group:

How did the reunion come about?

"The Bone Thugs Reunion came about based off the timing of Flesh-n-Bone coming home from incarceration. [We wanted to] attempt to rekindle the Bone magic and create another classic entitled 'Uni5: The World's Enemy,' [to be] released March 2."

Was it difficult for the group members to come back together?

"The process of BTNH coming together was [a] grueling and healing process. There has always been camaraderie and support for one another. True brotherhood comes with the good, bad and the ugly."

What can we expect from your performance at Saltair?

"[On] Dec. 19 you can expect to experience a night to remember. Classic music, new innovative music, and mo' thug love."

Any past Utah experiences that you look fondly on?

"My most recent fond memory of Utah was kickin' it with Flesh in the snow last year after 10 years."

Considering that you are hip-hop pioneers, how do you characterize the state of the contemporary genre?

"The state of hip-hop is in excellent condition because we did pioneer 90 percent of the current music sounds today."

What can we expect to see from you in 2010?

"You can expect to see professional businessmen. Under the Mo' Thug Label Group, we have Ta Smallz releasing his album titled 'Who Killed My Mama?!,' [and] we have [albums from] Big Sloan, Howse Boyz, a Bizzy Bone Solo album, Felecia, Stew Deez, Bino, our tween acts ABC2 (Another Bad Carter) and Chozzen. We will be launching our clothing line by Donte' Carter, pajama and lounge wear, 'Howse Apparel,' and 'Laygerie' for ladies."

dburger@sltrib.com