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Boom Moment In Hip-Hop

On this date in 1997, Capone-N-Noreaga released their impactful debut album The War Report. Despite the album having a baring underground feel to it, it did receive success commercially and made Hip Hop/R&B Top Five list that same year.

The album spawned many underground hip-hop classics such as “L.A., L.A.”, “T.O.N.Y.”, Neva Die Alone”, “Driver’s Seat”, “illegal Life”, Capone Bone”, “Bloody Money”, “Closer”, “Iraq (See The World)”, and Noreaga’s dedication to Capone, “Live On, Live Long.”

It is said that Tragedy Khadafi was in many ways the mastermind behind the project and even considered the third unofficial member. The album was extremely hardcore for its time, and was a strong trademark the group possessed. The album even peaked to 21 on US Billboard 200 charts.

The album is credited for reviving the East Coast hardcore hip-hop scene. CNN brought back that gritty hardcore street life and ending the fictional narratives of Mafioso rap style that became mainstream during that time… (Think Puffy 1996-97). The album is still considered one of the best debut albums from any rap duo. Take a listen for yourself below!