When Dayton Family rapper Matthew Hinkle (Backstabber) was indicted, Ghetto E stepped into his place for the recording of the infamous Flint, MI rap group’s second album, F.B.I. Unfortunately, despite that album’s success in the hardcore rap underground and Ghetto E’s newfound status alongside his older brother, Bootleg, as a member of the widely respected group, other run-ins with the law prevented the Dayton Family from recording a follow-up album. After finally putting his legal problems behind him, Ghetto E followed in the footsteps of other Dayton Family members Bootleg and Shoestring by recording his debut solo album, Ghetto Theater. He released the album on Detroit rapper Esham’s Overcore label in early 2001.