Sound Files (MP3)
Nothin' - from the album Grimey...God's Favourite
Grimey - from the album Grimey...God's Favourite
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b. Victor Santiago, Bronx, New York, USA, 1978. This hardcore rapper first began making waves as part of the Queens-based duo Capone-n-Noreaga (CNN) with Kiam "Capone" Holley. The two men, who had both endured troubled upbringings in the New York projects, first met on kitchen duty at Collins Correctional Facility. When they were released they began rapping together and attempted to break into the music business. Their distinctive gangsta approach soon came to the attention of Martin Moore of Penalty Records, who signed the duo in 1996. The hardcore classic The War Report was released the following year, gaining strong reviews and sales of nearly half-a-million, but shortly before its release Holley was sent back to prison for parole violation. Santiago embarked on solo work while Holley served his three-year sentence. N.O.R.E. (Niggas On The Run Eating) featured production work by such noted names as L.E.S., Trackmasters and the Neptunes, and guest appearances from rappers Nas, Busta Rhymes and Foxy Brown. The album, which reached US number 3 in August 1998, attracted praise for its hardcore authenticity and Noreaga's distinctive, stuttering rapping style, featuring his trademark "What, What" signature. Stand-out tracks included the "street" anthem "Jump Off" and the Top 40 single "SuperThug". Noreaga adopted another pseudonym for his sophomore set, Melvin Flynt: Da Hustler, which debuted at US number 9 in September 1999. Featuring production work by the Neptunes and Swizz Beatz among others, and guest appearances from Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott and Juvenile, the album adopted a more thoughtful approach than the out-and-out gangsta rap of his debut album. "Sometimes", a touching tribute to his recently deceased father, demonstrated Noreaga's lyrical talent. Shortly after the album's release, Noreaga began working with Capone on the new CNN venture, The Reunion. Then in 2002 Noreaga made a fresh new start, signing with Def Jam Records and releasing Grimey...God's Favourite.
Sound Files (MP3) Nothin' - from the album Grimey...God's Favourite Grimey - from the album Grimey...God's Favourite |
 N.O.R.E. Released: 1998 Label: Tommy Boy |
 Melvin Flynt: Da Hustler Released: 1999 Label: Tommy Boy |
 Grimey...God's Favourite Released: 2002 Label: Def Jam |