January 06, 2015

Capone-N-Noreaga "T.O.N.Y." (Review, 1997)


"T.O.N.Y." was the 3rd - and most successful - single release by Capone-N-Noreaga in promotion of their debut album, "The War Report," in 1997 on Penalty Records. The Source featured the single in their Sure Shot Singles section, where Elliot Wilson gives a full breakdown of the record, saying: "To the uninitiated, Capone-N-Noreaga are that other dope-ass duo coming out of the Q borough. Backed by the constant support of their mentor and guiding force, Tragedy, the C N' N crew continue to deliver their brand of street news from an uncompromising, rotten apple perspective. After first garnering attention on the controversial "LA, LA," and then hitting the masses with the double-sided, underground pavement shaker, "Illegal Life/Stick You," the Lefrak-Queensbridge connection are now ready to attack the rap world on a national level. The first offering from their upcoming full-length, War Report, is "T.O.N.Y. (Top Of New York)." Watch the video below, cont'd...


"Produced by Bad Boy entertainment upstart Nashiem Myricks, this ominous but melodic track fits the two MC's perfectly. While many of you are already enamored by Noreaga's word association style poetics, his raspy-voiced, no-nonsense partner Capone also comes equipped to spray the hip-hop nation. He vividly adds his own fresh perspective on the hustling lifestyle: "I did it for the love of cash, your honor / Trafficking across the Verrazano, coke dealing, marijuana / See my persona, glitters in gold / Unlike them other money getters who stack, turn quitters and fold." Continuing to establish themselves as one of rap's most promising duos, Capone N Noreaga are putting together a musical program that you don't want to miss. Stay tuned." You can read the full review below.