In the vibrant, chaotic world of hip-hop, few groups have left as indelible a mark as Onyx, the hardcore rap collective from South Jamaica, Queens, New York. Formed in 1988 by Fredro Starr, Suavé (also known as Sonny Seeza), and the late Big DS, with Sticky Fingaz joining in 1991, Onyx redefined the genre with their raw energy, aggressive lyricism, and unapologetic stage presence. Their breakout single, “Slam,” from their 1993 debut album Bacdafucup, introduced a new era of hip-hop that fused the rebellious spirit of punk and grunge with the gritty narratives of East Coast rap. Known for their raspy voices, confrontational style, and bald-headed aesthetic, Onyx didn’t just make music—they created a movement. This article delves into Onyx’s origins, discography, cultural impact, internal dynamics, and enduring legacy, tracing their journey from the streets of Queens to global influence.
Origins and Formation
South Jamaica, Queens: The Birthplace of Onyx
South Jamaica, Queens, in the late 1980s was a neighborhood defined by its contrasts—grit and resilience juxtaposed with creativity and ambition. The area was a hotbed for hip-hop, with artists like LL Cool J, Run-DMC, and later Nas emerging from its streets. Amid economic hardship and street life, music became a vital outlet for expression, and Onyx was born from this environment. Fredro Starr (born Fred Lee Scruggs Jr.), Sonny Seeza (Tyrone Taylor), and Big DS (Marlon G. Fletcher) were schoolmates who shared a passion for rap and a desire to escape the constraints of their surroundings.
The trio began crafting their sound in the basement of their producer B-Wiz, using an SP-12 drum machine to create beats that captured the raw energy of their neighborhood. They named themselves after the onyx stone, symbolizing strength and resilience, qualities that would define their music. Their early demos were raw, unpolished, and reflective of their environment, blending street narratives with a playful, cartoonish edge that set them apart from their peers.
The Arrival of Sticky Fingaz
In 1991, a pivotal moment occurred when Onyx met Jam Master Jay, the legendary DJ of Run-DMC, during a traffic jam at the Jones Beach GreekFest Festival. Impressed by their energy, Jay gave them two months to submit a demo to his label, JMJ Records. When Big DS and Sonny Seeza were unavailable, Fredro recruited his cousin, Kirk Jones, who was pursuing a solo career under the name Trop. Together, they recorded “Stik ‘N’ Muve” and “Exercise,” tracks that showcased their chemistry and aggressive delivery. Jay signed them to his label, and Jones joined as Sticky Fingaz, a name inspired by his slick, confrontational style. His addition brought a new intensity to the group, setting the stage for their explosive debut.
Early Struggles and the Loss of B-Wiz
Before their breakthrough, Onyx faced significant challenges. In 1991, their producer B-Wiz was killed in Baltimore, resulting in the loss of their early recordings. This tragedy forced the group to rebuild, with Chyskillz stepping in as their new producer. Despite these setbacks, Onyx’s resilience and determination kept them moving forward, a testament to their commitment to their craft.
Bacdafucup (1993)
A Game-Changing Debut
Released on March 30, 1993, Bacdafucup was a seismic event in hip-hop. Produced primarily by Chyskillz and Jam Master Jay, the album captured Onyx’s raw energy and introduced their signature “grimy” sound—characterized by shouted vocals, hard-hitting beats, and unfiltered lyrics. The album’s title, a bold declaration of defiance, set the tone for its 18 tracks, which ranged from menacing anthems to darkly humorous skits.
Tracks like “Throw Ya Gunz” and “Shiftee” showcased Onyx’s ability to blend street bravado with infectious energy, but it was “Slam” that catapulted them to stardom. Inspired by Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “Slam” fused hip-hop with the rebellious spirit of grunge, encouraging listeners to “make noise” and “slam” in a mosh pit-like frenzy. The track’s melody, sampled from The Mohawks’ “The Champ,” was paired with Onyx’s aggressive delivery, creating a cultural phenomenon.
“Slam” and Mainstream Success
“Slam” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA on August 10, 1993. Its music video, featuring b-boys slam dancing and sporting Onyx’s signature bald heads, became a staple on MTV and BET, introducing slam dancing to hip-hop culture. The Source magazine credited the video with popularizing this fusion of rap and punk energy. The song’s crossover appeal, particularly among Latino youth who embraced b-boy culture, helped Bacdafucup achieve platinum status and peak at No. 10 on the Billboard 200.
Critical Reception and Accolades
Bacdafucup was a critical and commercial triumph, earning the Best Rap Album award at the Soul Train Music Awards and a spot on The Source’s 100 Best Rap Albums list. Critics praised its raw intensity and innovative production, with Vibe magazine noting its role in “steering hip-hop into new grounds of potency.” The album’s success established Onyx as pioneers of hardcore rap, a subgenre defined by its confrontational style and visceral energy.
All We Got Iz Us (1995)
A Darker, More Introspective Turn
Following the success of Bacdafucup, Onyx returned with their sophomore album, All We Got Iz Us, released on October 24, 1995. The album marked a shift in tone, trading the playful aggression of their debut for a darker, more introspective sound. Produced by Onyx, Chyskillz, and others, the album reflected the group’s response to the pressures of fame and the realities of their environment. Tracks like “Last Days” and “Live Niguz” explored themes of survival and betrayal, with haunting beats and gritty narratives.
The departure of Big DS in 1994 to pursue a solo career under his label Illyotic Music added to the album’s somber tone. Now a trio, Onyx leaned into their “grimy” aesthetic, with Fredro and Sticky Fingaz delivering some of their most intense performances. The album also saw the group launch Armee Records, distributed through MCA, to support artists like Gang Green and All City.
Reception and Challenges
While All We Got Iz Us was critically acclaimed, with Vibe calling it the best rap album of 1995, it didn’t match the commercial success of Bacdafucup, peaking at No. 22 on the Billboard 200. The album’s darker tone and lack of a crossover hit like “Slam” limited its mainstream appeal, but it resonated deeply with the underground scene, cementing Onyx’s reputation for authenticity.
Shut ‘Em Down (1998)
A Star-Studded Return
Onyx’s third album, Shut ‘Em Down, released on June 2, 1998, was a triumphant return to form. Featuring appearances from DMX, Wu-Tang Clan, Big Pun, N.O.R.E., and a then-unknown 50 Cent, the album showcased Onyx’s ability to evolve while staying true to their hardcore roots. Produced by Keith Horne, Self, and others, it blended their signature aggression with polished production, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and selling 500,000 units.
Tracks like “The Worst,” “Shut ‘Em Down,” and “React” (featuring 50 Cent) became fan favorites, with the latter gaining traction on radio. The album’s B-sides, like “Ghetto Starz,” were beloved in the underground, further solidifying Onyx’s influence. Shut ‘Em Down was their final album with Def Jam, marking the end of a significant chapter.
Internal Dynamics and Transitions
Big DS’s Departure and Death
Big DS’s exit in 1994 to focus on his solo career was a blow to Onyx’s original lineup. His death in 2003 at age 31 from lymphatic cancer was a profound loss, felt deeply by the group and their fans. His contributions to Bacdafucup remained a cornerstone of their legacy.
Sonny Seeza’s Departure
In 2009, Sonny Seeza left Onyx to pursue a solo career, leaving Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz as the core members. Fredro later remarked that Seeza “just don’t wanna come to work,” reflecting tensions within the group. Despite these changes, Fredro and Sticky continued to carry the Onyx name, maintaining their aggressive style and loyal fanbase.
Later Albums and Evolution
Bacdafucup Part II (2001) and Triggernometry (2003)
Onyx’s fourth album, Bacdafucup Part II (2001), released through Koch Records, aimed to recapture the energy of their debut. Tracks like “Slam Harder,” sampling the Welcome Back, Kotter theme, and “Feel Me,” recorded on September 11, 2001, reflected their resilience. The album received mixed reviews and modest sales, with Onyx themselves admitting it didn’t match their earlier work.
Triggernometry (2003) was an experimental project, blending ten new tracks with spoken-word stories from the group’s lives. While innovative, it also met with lukewarm reception, as Onyx struggled to recapture their early success in a changing hip-hop landscape.
Wakedafucup (2014) and Beyond
After a decade without a studio album, Onyx returned with Wakedafucup (2014), produced by Snowgoons. Featuring guests like Sean Price and ASAP Ferg, the album was named one of XXL’s best hip-hop albums of 2014. Subsequent releases, including Against All Authorities (2015), Shotgunz in Hell (2017) with Dope D.O.D., Black Rock (2018), 100 Mad (2019), SnowMads (2019), Onyx 4 Life (2021), and 1993 (2022), showcased their adaptability while staying true to their hardcore roots. SnowMads was named the best rap album of 2019 by Rap.Ru, reflecting their continued relevance.
Cultural Impact and Influence
Defining Hardcore Rap
Onyx is widely credited with shaping the hardcore rap subgenre, characterized by aggressive lyricism, shouted vocals, and hard-hitting beats. Their influence is evident in artists like DMX, Busta Rhymes, and M.O.P., who adopted similar high-energy styles. Posts on X have noted that Onyx “made rap want to be ‘Hype’ and rowdy,” even influencing Run-DMC’s sound in 1993.
The “Slam” Phenomenon
“Slam” was a cultural milestone, introducing mosh pits and slam dancing to hip-hop. Its crossover appeal brought hip-hop to new audiences, with N.O.R.E. noting that it was the first time since Run-DMC’s “Walk This Way” that white audiences fully embraced hip-hop culture. The song’s bald-headed aesthetic became a symbol of rebellion, popularizing the look in hip-hop.
Cross-Genre Influence
Onyx’s fusion of rap with rock and metal elements, as seen in their collaboration with Biohazard on the “Slam (Bionyx Remix),” blurred genre lines. Their music’s intensity mirrored the energy of grunge and punk, earning Fredro’s comparison to “the hip-hop Nirvana.” This crossover appeal influenced later artists who blended hip-hop with alternative sounds.
Acting and Media Ventures
Beyond music, Onyx members pursued acting, with Fredro and Sticky appearing in films like Strapped (1993), Clockers (1995), Dead Presidents (1995), and Sunset Park (1996). Fredro also starred in the sitcom Moesha. Their 1995 Marvel Comics one-shot, Onyx: Fight!, depicted them as rebels in a post-apocalyptic New York, showcasing their larger-than-life personas.
Onyx Today
As of 2025, Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz continue to perform and record as Onyx, with recent releases like Blood on da X (2023) maintaining their hardcore ethos. They remain active on the global stage, performing at events like the Gathering of the Juggalos and appearing on international shows like Russia’s Evening Urgant and Bulgaria’s Шоуто на Николаос Цитиридис. Their music continues to resonate, with tracks like “Slam” and “Throw Ya Gunz” staples in hip-hop playlists.
Legacy and Influence
Onyx’s legacy lies in their fearless authenticity and genre-defining energy. They transformed hip-hop by embracing raw aggression and theatricality, paving the way for artists who prioritized intensity over polish. Their influence extends to modern trap and drill, genres that echo Onyx’s hard-hitting beats and confrontational style. Their bald-headed, “grimy” aesthetic remains iconic, a symbol of rebellion that continues to inspire.
Conclusion
Onyx’s journey from the streets of Queens to global prominence is a testament to their resilience, creativity, and uncompromising vision. Through triumphs and challenges, they remained true to their hardcore roots, redefining hip-hop with their aggressive sound and rebellious spirit. From the platinum success of Bacdafucup to their continued output in the 2020s, Onyx has proven that their energy is timeless. As pioneers of hardcore rap, they not only changed the sound of hip-hop but also its cultural landscape, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire artists and fans worldwide.
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