Lost City Music: The History 

Whitey Pines is a Kentucky-bred artist, producer, and entrepreneur whose journey in the music industry began with a vision and an undeniable passion for hip-hop. In 1999, Whitey founded Lost City Music with the intention of showcasing his music and bringing attention to his sound. His journey started with the release of his album Tracks from the Attic, which sparked significant attention from his hometown of Russellville/Auburn, KY. Whitey was no stranger to the area—he attended Logan County High School and was deeply connected to his local community.

It was during a late-1999 talent show that Whitey’s path began to shift. After a drummer stayed late to practice, Whitey picked up the mic and performed his verse from “Rukkuz.” The crowd’s reaction was immediate—everyone understood Whitey’s raw talent and authenticity, and they wanted more. He began burning CDs and sharing his music with the locals, which caught the attention of Timex (later known as J-Bone), who became a key figure in Whitey’s musical journey.

In 2001, Whitey expanded his circle, collaborating with fellow students like Bryant George, and this collaboration marked the beginning of a larger movement in his hometown. As his music continued to grow in popularity, Whitey began to influence others in his community to pursue their own musical aspirations.

The Rise to Fame

In 2002, Whitey made a pivotal decision to focus entirely on his music career and dropped out of Logan County High School. That same year, on September 1, he and J-Bone (formerly Timex) released their debut project, Against the Grain, which gained recognition not just locally but out of state as well. As his reputation grew, Whitey’s connections with STP, JellyRoll, Haystak, and Lex Luger continued to solidify, propelling him into the larger hip-hop scene.

The success of Against the Grain encouraged Whitey to keep pushing forward, and in December 2003, he released Whitey Pines Vol. 1, which became an instant hit. This album, released under Thoroughbred Hustle and Lost City Music, featured collaborations with STP, Haystak, and Lex Luger. The album’s success led Whitey to believe that he was on the right path, and it gave him the motivation to keep creating and evolving as an artist.

The Crossroads Era

In 2004, Whitey began working on his highly anticipated album Crossroads, recording at Street Flava Studios in Tennessee. With financial help from J-Bone, who paid for the studio time, Whitey was surrounded by seasoned professionals like Haystak, JellyRoll, and other industry insiders. This was a significant moment for Whitey, as it marked his transition from local talent to a more widely recognized artist.

However, tensions began to rise, and Whitey’s relationship with J-Bone started to deteriorate, eventually leading to their parting of ways. Despite this, Whitey continued to work on Crossroads, which was released in 2005 and became another major success for him. His distinct blend of Southern hip-hop, introspective lyricism, and raw authenticity resonated with fans, further solidifying his place in the underground scene.

A Shift in Direction and the ‘Kill Whitey’ Project

By 2006, Whitey’s influence had led other artists to come forward, including Mikie Lee and J-Bone, who released their own project, Kronicals of My Life. Meanwhile, Whitey began working on new material, ultimately coming up with the concept for the controversial album Kill Whitey. This project was a bold statement aimed at distancing himself from the growing trend of “fake white rappers” who didn’t fit the mold of what Whitey stood for.

The album’s cover art depicted a dark, almost apocalyptic image of Whitey with a crown of thorns, bleeding—a visual representation of the anger and frustration he felt at the time. Kill Whitey was aggressive, raw, and unapologetic, but before the project could reach its full potential, Whitey found himself in a difficult situation.

Setback and Comeback

In 2007, Whitey was arrested and spent the next several years incarcerated until his release in 2015. The years in prison forced him to step away from music, but the passion never died. Leftover albums, including some tracks from the 2000s and late-90s, are still rumored to exist, waiting to be discovered. Whitey’s time away from music only fueled his desire to return, though his relationship with the industry had forever changed.

Since his release, Whitey has remained a prominent figure in Kentucky’s underground hip-hop scene, though he has distanced himself from the spotlight. Lost City Music and Thoroughbred Hustle remain his legacy, and he continues to influence the next generation of artists who are drawn to the raw, authentic sound he pioneered.