Fun Lovin' Criminals

Fun Lovin' Criminals are an American band from New York, United States, active since 1993. Their music combines alternative hip hop, alternative rock, funk rock, hip hop, rap rock and rock, and also draws on funk, blues and jazz. Their lyrics often deal with urban life, organised crime, violence and satire.

Formation and original line-up

The group forms in New York City by Huey Morgan, Brian “Fast” Leiser and Steve Borgovini, after Morgan and Leiser meet while working at the same nightclub. They first perform there as a replacement act when scheduled performers are unavailable. After one of these sets, they sign a recording contract with EMI.

Releases and chart success

Their debut album, Come Find Yourself, appears through Chrysalis Records in 1996. It is preceded by “The Grave and the Constant”, which reaches number 72 on the UK Singles Chart. The album also produces the UK Top 40 singles “Scooby Snacks”, “The Fun Lovin' Criminal” and “King of New York”. “Scooby Snacks” uses dialogue samples from films directed by Quentin Tarantino and a guitar sample from “Movement of Fear” by Tones on Tail. Come Find Yourself reaches number 7 on the UK Albums Chart and remains on the chart for more than a year. “Scooby Snacks” is later reissued with a cover of 10cc’s “I’m Not in Love” and reaches number 12 in the United Kingdom.

The second album, 100% Colombian, arrives in 1998 on Virgin Records. It includes “Love Unlimited”, which is dedicated to Barry White, and “Korean Bodega”, which reaches number 15 on the UK Singles Chart. The band performs on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury in 1999.

Later in 1999, the compilation Mimosa appears, made mainly of cover versions and alternative versions of earlier material. Founding drummer Steve Borgovini leaves that year and Maxwell “Mackie” Jayson replaces him; in 2003, Jayson is replaced by Mark Reid, also known as Frank Benbini.

Loco follows in 2001. Its title track becomes the band’s highest-charting UK single, reaching number 5, and the album also reaches number 5 on the UK Albums Chart. EMI issues the compilation Bag of Hits in 2002, and it reaches number 11 on the UK Albums Chart. After leaving EMI, the band signs with Sanctuary Records and releases Welcome to Poppy's in 2003; that album reaches number 20 on the UK Albums Chart, and its top single reaches number 61.

Livin' in the City follows in 2005. The band returns to Glastonbury in 2008, playing the Jazz World Stage.

Later releases and line-up changes

Classic Fantastic is released on the band’s own label, Kilohertz, in 2010, after a five-year gap between official releases. Singles from it include “Classic Fantastic”, “Mr Sun” and the double A-side “We The Three” / “Keep On Yellin'”, with the last of these featuring Roots Manuva. In the same year, the band records a BBC Radio 6 Music session with Roots Manuva under the name Criminal Manuvas, making new versions of songs including “Scooby Snacks” and “Witness”. A live album, Fun, Live and Criminal, is announced later that year.

In 2014, the band releases the concert film The Bong Remains The Same. A deluxe edition of Come Find Yourself appears in 2016 to mark the album’s twentieth anniversary, and the band tours the United Kingdom and Europe in 2016 and 2017 with full performances of that album. In 2019, Another Mimosa is released, again collecting cover versions.

In November 2021, Huey Morgan leaves the band after the cancellation of a planned UK tour. Brian Leiser later says that disagreements over touring and the band’s direction contribute to Morgan’s departure, and Morgan says it follows disputes over management and ownership of the band’s name. Leiser becomes lead vocalist, and Naim Cortazzi joins on guitar. The revised line-up releases the digital EP Roosevelt Sessions in 2022, preceded by “Shake It Loose”, and tours the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. In 2023, the band tours Europe to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of 100% Colombian, playing 25 concerts including 16 in the United Kingdom.

Current line-up and label

The group remains active and is associated with Kilohertz. The listed members are Frank Benbini, Stephen Borgovini, Mackie Jayson, Brian Leiser and Huey Morgan; Brian “Fast” Leiser is the only remaining founding member.