Hip-Hop History: The Rise Of Onyx, Rap's Hard-Hitting Trio

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Hip-Hop History: The Rise Of Onyx, Rap's Hard-Hitting Trio

What is Rap Onyx?

Rap Onyx is an American hip hop duo formed in 1988 in Queens, New York City, consisting of Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr. The group is known for their aggressive, hardcore style of rap and their politically charged lyrics.

Rap Onyx has released seven studio albums, three compilation albums, and two extended plays. Their most successful album, Bacdafucup, was released in 1993 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album spawned the hit singles "Throw Ya Gunz" and "Slam".

Rap Onyx has been praised for their originality and their ability to push the boundaries of hip hop. They have been cited as an influence by many other hip hop artists, including Jay-Z, Nas, and The Notorious B.I.G.

Sticky Fingaz Fredro Starr
Birth name Kirk Jones Fredro Scruggs
Born November 29, 1973 April 18, 1971
Origin Queens, New York City, U.S. Queens, New York City, U.S.
Genre Hip hop Hip hop
Occupation Rapper, actor, producer Rapper, actor, producer
Years active 1988present 1988present
Labels Def Jam Recordings, Loud Records, Koch Records, Babygrande Records Def Jam Recordings, Loud Records, Koch Records, Babygrande Records

Rap Onyx continues to be one of the most respected and influential groups in hip hop. Their music has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and they have toured extensively throughout the world.

Rap Onyx

Rap Onyx is an American hip hop duo formed in 1988 in Queens, New York City, consisting of Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr. The group is known for their aggressive, hardcore style of rap and their politically charged lyrics.

  • Hardcore
  • Political
  • Aggressive
  • Influential
  • Platinum
  • Def Jam
  • Sticky Fingaz
  • Fredro Starr

These key aspects highlight the unique style and impact of Rap Onyx in the hip hop industry. Their aggressive and political lyrics, combined with their hardcore sound, have made them one of the most influential groups in the genre. Their platinum-selling album, Bacdafucup, and their association with the legendary Def Jam Recordings label further solidify their status as hip hop icons. The individual talents of Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr have also contributed to the group's success, with both members pursuing successful solo careers in addition to their work with Rap Onyx.

1. Hardcore

Hardcore is a subgenre of hip hop music that is characterized by its aggressive, often violent lyrics and its fast, pounding beats. Rap Onyx is one of the most well-known and influential hardcore rap groups. Their music is often political and socially conscious, and they are not afraid to tackle controversial topics. Their hardcore style has helped them to gain a loyal following among fans of hip hop music.

One of the key elements of Rap Onyx's hardcore style is their lyrics. Their lyrics are often violent and graphic, and they frequently deal with topics such as crime, poverty, and racism. However, their lyrics also have a strong political message. Rap Onyx is not afraid to speak out against injustice, and they often use their music to raise awareness of important social issues.

Another key element of Rap Onyx's hardcore style is their beats. Their beats are fast and pounding, and they often feature heavy basslines. This aggressive sound helps to create a sense of urgency and excitement, and it perfectly complements their hard-hitting lyrics.

Rap Onyx's hardcore style has had a major impact on the development of hip hop music. They are one of the pioneers of the hardcore subgenre, and their music has helped to inspire a new generation of rappers. Their music is a powerful reminder of the power of hip hop to speak out against injustice and to raise awareness of important social issues.

2. Political

Rap Onyx is known for their politically charged lyrics. They are not afraid to speak out against injustice, and they often use their music to raise awareness of important social issues. Their lyrics frequently deal with topics such as crime, poverty, and racism.

  • Social Justice: Rap Onyx has always been outspoken about social justice issues. Their lyrics often address police brutality, racial profiling, and mass incarceration. They have also spoken out against the Iraq War and the Bush administration.
  • Black Power: Rap Onyx is also known for their pro-black lyrics. They celebrate black culture and history, and they encourage black people to be proud of their heritage. Their music has been a source of inspiration for many black activists and organizers.
  • Economic Inequality: Rap Onyx has also spoken out about economic inequality. Their lyrics often address the plight of the poor and working class. They have criticized the rich and powerful, and they have called for a more just and equitable society.
  • International Solidarity: Rap Onyx has also expressed solidarity with oppressed people around the world. Their lyrics have addressed issues such as the Palestinian struggle, the Zapatista uprising, and the anti-war movement.

Rap Onyx's political lyrics have had a major impact on the development of hip hop music. They are one of the pioneers of political hip hop, and their music has helped to inspire a new generation of rappers to use their music to speak out against injustice.

3. Aggressive

Aggression is a key component of Rap Onyx's style. Their lyrics are often violent and graphic, and they frequently deal with topics such as crime, poverty, and racism. Their music is often described as "hardcore" and "political", and it has been praised for its originality and its ability to push the boundaries of hip hop.

  • Lyrical Content: Rap Onyx's lyrics are often aggressive and violent. They frequently deal with topics such as crime, poverty, and racism. Their lyrics are not for the faint of heart, but they are a powerful reflection of the reality of life for many people in America.
  • Delivery: Rap Onyx's delivery is also aggressive. They rap with a lot of energy and passion, and they often use their voices to create a sense of urgency and excitement. Their delivery is perfectly suited to their aggressive lyrics, and it helps to create a powerful and memorable impact.
  • Beats: Rap Onyx's beats are also aggressive. They often use fast, pounding beats that create a sense of urgency and excitement. Their beats are perfectly suited to their aggressive lyrics and delivery, and they help to create a powerful and memorable impact.
  • Stage Presence: Rap Onyx is also known for their aggressive stage presence. They are known for their high-energy performances, and they often interact with the audience in a confrontational way. Their stage presence is a perfect reflection of their aggressive style, and it helps to create a memorable and exciting experience for fans.

Rap Onyx's aggressive style has had a major impact on the development of hip hop music. They are one of the pioneers of hardcore rap, and their music has helped to inspire a new generation of rappers to use their music to speak out against injustice.

4. Influential

Rap Onyx is one of the most influential hip hop groups of all time. Their music has helped to shape the sound of hip hop, and they have inspired a generation of rappers. Their influence can be seen in the work of artists such as Jay-Z, Nas, and The Notorious B.I.G.

  • Pioneers of Hardcore Rap: Rap Onyx was one of the pioneers of hardcore rap. Their music was characterized by its aggressive lyrics and pounding beats. They helped to define the sound of hardcore rap, and their music has influenced countless other artists.
  • Political and Social Commentary: Rap Onyx was also known for their political and social commentary. Their lyrics often addressed issues such as racism, poverty, and violence. They were not afraid to speak out against injustice, and their music helped to raise awareness of important social issues.
  • Unique Style: Rap Onyx had a unique style that set them apart from other hip hop groups. Their music was a blend of hardcore rap, funk, and soul. They were not afraid to experiment with different sounds, and their music was always fresh and innovative.
  • Inspirational: Rap Onyx's music has inspired a generation of rappers. Their music is a reminder that hip hop can be used to speak out against injustice and to raise awareness of important social issues. They have shown that hip hop is more than just music; it is a powerful tool for change.

Rap Onyx is a truly influential hip hop group. Their music has helped to shape the sound of hip hop, and they have inspired a generation of rappers. Their music is a reminder that hip hop is more than just music; it is a powerful tool for change.

5. Platinum

In the music industry, the term "platinum" refers to a level of sales success for recorded music. An album or single is certified platinum when it sells a certain number of copies, which varies by country. In the United States, an album or single is certified platinum when it sells one million copies.

  • Sales Success: Rap Onyx's album Bacdafucup was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 1993. This means that the album sold over one million copies in the United States.
  • Commercial Success: Platinum certification is a sign of commercial success. It indicates that an album or single has sold well and has been popular with the public.
  • Critical Acclaim: Platinum certification can also be a sign of critical acclaim. It indicates that an album or single has been well-received by music critics and has been recognized for its quality.
  • Cultural Impact: Platinum certification can also be a sign of cultural impact. It indicates that an album or single has had a significant impact on popular culture and has been embraced by a wide audience.

Rap Onyx's platinum certification is a testament to the group's success and popularity. It is a sign that their music has been well-received by both critics and the public, and that it has had a significant impact on popular culture.

6. Def Jam

Def Jam Recordings is an American record label founded in 1983 by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons. The label has been a major force in the development of hip hop music, and is home to some of the biggest names in the genre, including Jay-Z, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy.

  • Early History: Def Jam was founded in 1983, and quickly became one of the most important labels in hip hop. The label's early releases included albums by LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and the Beastie Boys.
  • Influence on Rap Onyx: Rap Onyx signed to Def Jam in 1991, and the label helped to launch their career. Def Jam released Rap Onyx's debut album, Bacdafucup, in 1993. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Rap Onyx as one of the most important groups in hip hop.
  • Continued Success: Rap Onyx continued to release successful albums on Def Jam throughout the 1990s. The group's albums were known for their aggressive sound and political lyrics. Rap Onyx left Def Jam in 2001, but they remain one of the most important groups in the label's history.
  • Legacy: Def Jam Recordings has been a major force in the development of hip hop music. The label has released some of the most important albums in the genre's history, and it has helped to launch the careers of some of the biggest names in hip hop. Rap Onyx is one of the many groups that have benefited from Def Jam's support, and the label has played a major role in the group's success.

Def Jam Recordings continues to be one of the most important labels in hip hop music. The label's roster includes some of the biggest names in the genre, and it continues to release some of the most important albums in hip hop history.

7. Sticky Fingaz

Sticky Fingaz is an American rapper, actor, and producer. He is best known as a member of the hip hop duo Onyx, which he formed with Fredro Starr. Fingaz has also had a successful solo career, releasing several albums and appearing in numerous films and television shows.

  • Lyrical Style: Sticky Fingaz is known for his aggressive and politically charged lyrics. He often raps about social and political issues, and his lyrics are often very personal and introspective.
  • Production Style: Fingaz is also a talented producer, and he has produced many of Onyx's songs as well as his own solo material. His production style is often dark and atmospheric, and he frequently uses samples from classic soul and funk records.
  • Acting Career: In addition to his music career, Sticky Fingaz has also had a successful acting career. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Clockers, New Jack City, and Oz.
  • Influence on Hip Hop: Sticky Fingaz is one of the most influential figures in hip hop. His music has helped to shape the sound of the genre, and he has inspired a generation of rappers. He is a true pioneer of hardcore rap, and his music continues to be relevant and influential today.

Sticky Fingaz is a multi-talented artist who has made significant contributions to hip hop music and culture. He is a gifted rapper, producer, and actor, and his work has had a profound impact on the genre.

8. Fredro Starr

Fredro Starr is an American rapper, songwriter, and actor. He is best known as a member of the hip hop duo Onyx, which he formed with Sticky Fingaz in 1988. Starr is also known for his successful solo career, having released several albums and appeared in numerous films and television shows.

Starr is one of the most important figures in hardcore hip hop. His aggressive and politically charged lyrics have helped to shape the sound of the genre, and he has inspired a generation of rappers. He is a true pioneer of hardcore rap, and his music continues to be relevant and influential today.

Starr's connection to Onyx is essential to understanding his career and his impact on hip hop. Onyx was one of the most successful hardcore rap groups of the 1990s, and their music helped to define the sound of the genre. Starr's lyrics were often violent and graphic, but they also addressed important social and political issues. His music was a powerful voice for the disenfranchised, and it helped to raise awareness of important issues.

Starr's solo career has been just as successful as his work with Onyx. He has released several critically acclaimed albums, and he has appeared in numerous films and television shows. His work has earned him a reputation as one of the most talented and versatile artists in hip hop.

Starr is a true icon of hip hop. His music has helped to shape the sound of the genre, and he has inspired a generation of rappers. He is a pioneer of hardcore rap, and his music continues to be relevant and influential today.

FAQs about Rap Onyx

Rap Onyx is an American hip hop duo formed in 1988 in Queens, New York City, consisting of Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr. The group is known for their aggressive, hardcore style of rap and their politically charged lyrics.

Question 1: What is Rap Onyx's most successful album?

Rap Onyx's most successful album is Bacdafucup, which was released in 1993 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Question 2: What is Rap Onyx's musical style?

Rap Onyx is known for their aggressive, hardcore style of rap. Their music often features fast, pounding beats and violent, graphic lyrics.

Question 3: What are some of the common themes in Rap Onyx's lyrics?

Common themes in Rap Onyx's lyrics include social and political issues, such as racism, poverty, and violence.

Question 4: Who are the members of Rap Onyx?

The members of Rap Onyx are Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr.

Question 5: What is Rap Onyx's legacy?

Rap Onyx is one of the most influential groups in hardcore hip hop. Their music has helped to shape the sound of the genre, and they have inspired a generation of rappers.

Rap Onyx continues to be one of the most respected and influential groups in hip hop. Their music has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and they have toured extensively throughout the world.

Conclusion on Rap Onyx

Rap Onyx is one of the most influential and important groups in hip hop history. Their aggressive, hardcore style of rap and their politically charged lyrics have helped to shape the sound of the genre and inspire a generation of rappers. Their music is a powerful voice for the disenfranchised, and it continues to be relevant and influential today.

Rap Onyx's legacy is secure. They are one of the pioneers of hardcore rap, and their music has had a profound impact on the genre. They continue to be one of the most respected and influential groups in hip hop, and their music will continue to be enjoyed by fans for years to come.

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