The Queens rap duo of Kiam “Capone” Holley and Victor “Noreaga” Santiago first met in 1992 while serving time at Collins Correctional Facility and bonded over their shared backgrounds in Queensbridge and LeFrak City neighborhoods. After being released from prison they adopted stage names inspired by infamous gangsters and began recording together, signing with Penalty Records in 1996 and dropping early singles like “Illegal Life” and the West Coast–directed diss “L.A., L.A.” But before they could complete their debut The War Report, Capone was sent back to prison on a parole violation and left Noreaga to finish the album. Released in 1997 The War Report became an underground classic, going gold and establishing their reputation with gritty street narratives and singles like “T.O.N.Y. (Top of New York)” and “Closer”, while Capone’s absence only reinforced the duo’s hardened image.
Standout Songs: “Bloody Money”, “LA LA”, “Halfway Thugs”
