spinsource
Log in Sign up
My Music Log in Sign up
Onyx

Onyx

East Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip-hop

United States Est. 1988

Listen

Bandcamp

About

Sound in a sentence: "With relentless rhythms and jagged phrasing, their music drives forward with an aggressive cadence that demands attention and movement."
Onyx reshaped the landscape of East Coast hip-hop by infusing a raw, aggressive energy that paired seamlessly with the era's gritty narratives. They didn’t just contribute to the genre; they created an atmosphere where intensity and authenticity served as hallmarks of their sound, encouraging a generation of artists to embrace a more visceral approach to rap.
Onyx reshaped the landscape of East Coast hip-hop by infusing a raw, aggressive energy that paired seamlessly with the era's gritty narratives. They didn’t just contribute to the genre; they created an atmosphere where intensity and authenticity served as hallmarks of their sound, encouraging a generation of artists to embrace a more visceral approach to rap. This unapologetic stance resonated deeply within the hip-hop community, establishing them as vocal advocates for street culture and elevating the stakes for lyrical authenticity. Their approach is characterized by a fierce delivery and an unrelenting commitment to capturing the essence of urban struggle. By harnessing dynamic call-and-response patterns, Onyx transformed live performances into cathartic experiences, allowing audiences to participate in the music's emotional weight while reinforcing a sense of collective identity. Their production choices often reflect a blend of hard-hitting beats and stark samples, underscoring their thematic focus on survival and resilience within harsh realities. Lyrically, Onyx often explores themes of anger, betrayal, and loyalty, using a confrontational tone that blends sincerity with irony, presenting their truths through both personal storytelling and broader societal commentary. The narrative style oscillates between personal anecdotes and vivid imagery, creating an urgent sense of immediacy that engages listeners on multiple levels.

Connect

Website Facebook Instagram X

Discography

21 releases • 13 studio • 1990–2019
Type: |

Singles ()

Shut 'em Down

Shut 'em Down

1998

Last Dayz

Last Dayz

1995

Live Niguz

Live Niguz

1995

Shiftee

Shiftee

1993

Slam

Slam

1993

Bacdafucup

Bacdafucup

1993

Throw Ya Gunz

Throw Ya Gunz

1992

Ah, And We Do It Like This

Ah, And We Do It Like This

1990

No releases match the current filters.

Similar Artists

Wu-Tang Clan Following

Wu-Tang Clan

Shared genres: East Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip-hop

50 Cent Following

50 Cent

Shared genres: East Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip-hop

DMX Following

DMX

Shared genres: East Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip-hop

Nas Following

Nas

Shared genres: East Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip-hop

Ghostface Killah Following

Ghostface Killah

Shared genres: East Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip-hop

Fat Joe Following

Fat Joe

Shared genres: East Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip-hop

Meek Mill Following

Meek Mill

Shared genres: East Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip-hop

Kool Keith Following

Kool Keith

Shared genres: East Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip-hop

Ja Rule Following

Ja Rule

Shared genres: East Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip-hop

Lil' Kim Following

Lil' Kim

Shared genres: East Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip-hop

Styles P Following

Styles P

Shared genres: East Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip-hop

French Montana Following

French Montana

Shared genres: East Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip-hop

Learn More

Wikipedia MusicBrainz Wikidata