Anthony “Treach” Criss is a well-known American rapper, actor, director, and producer, with a net worth of $2 million. He gained widespread recognition as the lead rapper of the iconic hip-hop group Naughty by Nature, which has been a major influence in the genre. Over the years, Treach has enjoyed a successful career both within the music industry and in entertainment, contributing to his notable financial standing.
Music Career Highlights
Treach is best recognized for his work with Naughty by Nature, a group that has left a significant mark on the hip-hop scene. The group’s discography includes albums like Independent Leaders (1989), Naughty by Nature (1991), 19 Naughty III (1993), Poverty’s Paradise (1995), Nineteen Naughty Nine: Nature’s Fury (1999), IIcons (2002), and Anthem Inc. (2011). Among these, Naughty by Nature and 19 Naughty III both achieved Platinum certification.
Several of the group’s hit singles, including “O.P.P.,” “Hip Hop Hooray,” and “Jamboree” (featuring Zhané), made it into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, further cementing their status in the music industry. “O.P.P.” became a cultural staple, reaching 2× Platinum status in the U.S., and the song “Hip Hop Hooray” topped multiple charts, including the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Acting Career and Television Appearances
In addition to his musical career, Treach has made several appearances in films and TV shows, showcasing his talents in acting. His filmography includes notable roles in The Meteor Man (1993), Jason’s Lyric (1994), Book of Love (2002), and Today You Die (2005), among others. He has also appeared in popular television series such as New York Undercover (1995), Oz (1999), Soul Food (2001–2002), and The Sopranos (2006), to name a few.
Treach’s role as Brother X in the BET series The Family Business (2020–2022) further contributed to his expanding acting career. He also ventured into directing music videos and producing films, including directing several iconic Naughty by Nature music videos and producing movies like Equal Standard (2020) and Lord of the Streets (2022).
Early Life and Family Background
Born Anthony Shawn Criss on December 2, 1970, in East Orange, New Jersey, Treach grew up with his younger brother, Diesel, who also pursued a career in hip-hop. Diesel was a member of the group the Rottin Razkals, which released their debut album Rottin ta da Core in 1995. The group was also featured in several Naughty by Nature tracks, including “It’s Workin’” and “Klickow-Klickow.”
Formation of Naughty by Nature
The formation of Naughty by Nature began in 1986 when Treach, DJ Kay Gee (Keir Lamont Gist), and Vin Rock (Vincent Brown) formed a group known as The New Style. After releasing their debut album Independent Leaders in 1989, the group gained significant attention, especially after being mentored by rapper Queen Latifah. The trio eventually rebranded themselves as Naughty by Nature, a name that would come to represent their rebellious spirit and unique sound.
Their self-titled album, released in 1991, was a turning point, reaching #16 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning Platinum certification. The single “O.P.P.” not only became a massive hit but also placed the group firmly on the map of mainstream success. The success continued with their 1993 release 19 Naughty III, which went Platinum and became a top-seller on various charts.
The album’s standout single, “Hip Hop Hooray,” became one of their biggest hits, topping the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and earning multiple Platinum certifications in the U.S. and New Zealand. The group continued their success with Poverty’s Paradise (1995), which featured the Gold-certified single “Feel Me Flow,” and Nineteen Naughty Nine: Nature’s Fury (1999), which also enjoyed chart success.
Other Notable Musical Contributions
Beyond their own albums, Treach and Naughty by Nature have contributed to several other projects. Treach appeared on numerous tracks by artists like Queen Latifah, Boyz II Men, Michael and Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, and others. He also collaborated with Damian Marley on “Educated Fools,” showcasing his versatility as a featured artist.
Personal Life and Relationships
Treach’s personal life has been the subject of public interest over the years. He was closely associated with rapper Tupac Shakur, who was a close friend. The two shared a bond that extended beyond music, with Treach appearing in Tupac’s “Temptations” music video and collaborating with him on multiple tracks.
Treach’s personal relationships also garnered media attention, particularly his marriage to Sandra Denton, better known as Pepa of the Grammy-winning hip-hop group Salt-n-Pepa. The couple married in 1999, and they had a daughter, Egypt Jahnari Criss, born in 1998. Egypt later appeared on the reality show Growing Up Hip Hop, alongside both of her famous parents. However, the couple divorced in 2001. Denton later shared details of their tumultuous relationship in her memoir, which was met with a response from Treach denying the allegations.
In 2019, Treach married Cicely Evans, and the couple now shares two children together. Treach’s family life continues to evolve as he balances his career and personal commitments.
Legal Troubles and Controversies
Treach’s life has not been without controversy. In 2014, he was arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase in Union City, New Jersey. He was cited for speeding, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license. Additionally, authorities found warrants out for his arrest related to child support issues and past motor vehicle violations. He spent a night in jail before posting bail, and the incident became a point of public scrutiny.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Naughty by Nature has received several prestigious accolades. The group earned four Grammy nominations, winning the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 1996 for Poverty’s Paradise. Their other nominations included Best Rap Performance for their hits “O.P.P.,” “Hip Hop Hooray,” and “Feel Me Flow.” Naughty by Nature also won the American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop New Artist in 1992 and earned multiple nominations in subsequent years.
Their influence was also recognized at the Soul Train Awards and MTV Video Music Awards, with the group receiving nods for Best Rap Video and Best Rap Album. These honors reflect the significant impact Treach and his group have had on the hip-hop genre.
Treach’s journey from a rapper to an actor, director, and producer has been marked by both triumphs and struggles. His net worth of $2 million is a testament to his multifaceted career and enduring influence on the music industry. As a member of Naughty by Nature, Treach helped shape hip-hop during the ’90s, and his contributions continue to resonate within popular culture.
