Bone Thugs cop two local shows.

The Cleveland-based rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony is known for speedy, spitfire lyricism spouted over melodic R&B beats. But it’s persistence that earned Bizzy Bone, Flesh-n-Bone, Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone and Wish Bone a record contract back in 1994.

After Bone Thugs formed in the early 1990s, they made it their mission to get signed to gangsta rap superstar Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records. They took a bus to L.A. in search of Eazy, but weren’t successful. While in California, the group heard that Eazy was going to perform back in their hometown so they headed back to Cleveland by bus. They ended up opening for Eazy and the former NWA leader signed them on the spot.

BTNH have made nine albums, sold more than 30 million records, won a Grammy and collaborated with late great hip-hop icons 2Pac and the Notorious B.I.G. They even made a movie.

I Tried, released in 2007, is about how different the rap stars’ lives would be if they had never met Eazy-E.

Their biggest hit came in 1997 with “Crossroads,” an introspective look at life and death in the hood that moves beyond cliché gangbang glorifications: “While you laughin’ we’re passing, passing away/ so y’all go rest y’all souls/ cause I know I’ma meet you up at the crossroads.”

BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY (with Davina, Big Tone, Lil Coner, Lil Raider, Tito B, RBL Posse) play an all-ages show 7pm Friday at Fox Theater, 241 Main St., Salinas. $20-$30. 758-8459; and a 21+ show 10pm at Hippodrome, 321 Alvarado St., Monterey. $20-$25. 646-9244.