In 1993, years before anyone told ya’ to “get up off them goddamn diamonds”, South Jamaica, Queens, craziest Bal-Hed sons, ONYX, were already busy takin’ some of the Golden Era’s loot and running with it to new heights, stamping the term “hardcore” in its darkest terms upside hip hop’s head with their seminal, trailblazing platinum debut, Bacdafucup.

 

The iconic cover image of four bald, angry-lookin’ niggas, their legendary “MadFace” logo, a shoulder-strapped automatic and a menacing boot-tread took rap to a world that could “Slam” in an era where even looking at someone wrong at a rap show could get you gone. Fredro Starr, Sticky Fingaz, SonSee and the late brother Big DS didn’t break the rules: they scared them the fuck away.

 

Twenty years and several full-length underground classics later, there is still nothing so raw in live rap as getting tossed into the barrier by the smiling, sweating, maniacal fans swarming the pit, to find yourself face-to-face with the ever-Mad Faced, ever Bal-Heded ‘Dro and Sticky (and this summer, on the Rock the Bells tour, Sonsee).

 

Face to face with loud, abrasive greatness, you might just find yourself lucky enough to embrace a boot to the temple when Sticky stage-dives, or swimming with the sharks to make waves for the crowd surfers while you “Throw Ya Gunz”.

 

ONYX made boom bap gangsta, gave metal street cred, and exposed the kinship of hip hop and punk rock cultures to a wider global audience on the strength of their delivery and the look in their eye that said this was no gimmick, motherfucker – all under the guidance of their mentor and producer, the departed architect Jam Master Jay.

 

With the Snowgoons-produced Cuzo LP hot on the way and the custom-built hybrid project Black Rock in the aisles and their newly-minted international “100Mad” click growing stronger, 2013 sees ONYX bring it back-da-fuck up in your mad face. Watch out, ‘cuz they’re coming for head-blood. 


Bio by Darcy MacDonald

In The Lonely Hour (10th Anniversary Edition) out now 🤍
https://samsmith.world/itlh10

Co-founder of Rinse FM, Pay As U Go Cartel 

Bookings: bookings@djslimzee.com
Music:

Slimzos Recordings is a foundational Grime label established in 2002 by DJ Slimzee, a pioneer in the genre and co-founder of Rinse FM. Based in London, the label emerged during the early 2000s as Grime was defining its unique sound and was closely tied to the dubplate culture that emphasized new & exclusive music. The label became known for releasing pivotal tracks from artists like DJ Oddz, Wizzbit, Plasticman & Starfox. 

The label has supported established artists but also served as a platform for emerging talents, reflecting Slimzee's focus on community and innovation within the genre. Slimzee's influence on the Grime scene is monumental. He is a central figure pushing dark, bass-heavy sounds that became synonymous with Grime's identity. 

By championing fresh talent and maintaining a commitment to the underground ethos of Grime, the label continues to be a beacon of creativity & innovation. Slimzos has not only shaped the genre's history but also remains vital in its ongoing evolution, bringing it to global audiences and inspiring the next generation of artists

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