N.O.R.E.

Originally known as Noreaga, N.O.R.E. first emerged with Capone on their "L.A., L.A." single and brilliant debut The War Report (1997). While his partner in rhyme was sent back upstate, Nore went to work, releasing a strong first solo album N.O.R.E. in 1998. His decidedly unconventional rhyme cadence and unusual slang made him a very original emcee, and one that most heads either love or hate. His first single as a solo artist, "Superthug" was a landmark in the burgeoning club-thug movement and introduced the phrase "what what" into the annals of hip-hop vernacular. Constantly working, Nore has appeared on an astounding number of other records, collaborating with Big Pun, Pete Rock, and a slew of high-profile artists. In 1999 he released Melvin Flint - Da Hustler, which disappointed some fans with its glitzier beats. CNN's long awaited follow-up The Reunion dropped in 2000, and N.O.R.E. came back hard in 2002 with Grimey...God's Favorite, featuring the Neptunes-produced mega hit "Nothin'."