Victor James Santiago Jr. (born September 6, 1977), better known by his
stage name
A stage name is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers—such as actors, comedians, singers, and musicians. Such professional aliases are adopted for a wide variety of reasons and they may be similar, or nearly identical, to an individu ...
s Noreaga and later N.O.R.E., is an American rapper. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Santiago first rose to prominence as one half of the
East Coast hip hop duo
Capone-N-Noreaga (C-N-N), alongside fellow Queens-based rapper
Capone
Alphonse Gabriel Capone (; January 17, 1899 – January 25, 1947), sometimes known by the nickname "Scarface", was an American gangster and businessman who attained notoriety during the Prohibition era as the co-founder and boss of the ...
. He would also have success as a solo artist with the chart-topping singles "
Superthug
"Superthug" is a song by New York City rapper N.O.R.E. (a.k.a. Noreaga) with background vocals from Tammy Lucas during the song's hook. It was released as the second single from his debut solo album, ''N.O.R.E.''. At the time, it became Noreaga's ...
", "
Banned from T.V.
"Banned from T.V." is a song by American rapper N.O.R.E., Noreaga, released as the third single from his debut studio album ''N.O.R.E. (album), N.O.R.E.'' (1998). The song, Hip hop production, produced by then up-and-coming record producer Swizz ...
", "
Nothin'" and "
Oye Mi Canto
"Oye Mi Canto" ( en, "Hear My Song") is a reggaeton single by N.O.R.E. The song was originally released in 2004 as the lead single from the album ''1 Fan a Day'', which was heretofore unreleased. It is his second biggest hit, peaking at number 1 ...
".
Santiago has released music under various record labels, including
Penalty
Penalty or The Penalty may refer to:
Sports
* Penalty (golf)
* Penalty (gridiron football)
* Penalty (ice hockey)
* Penalty (rugby)
* Penalty (rugby union)
* Penalty kick (association football)
* Penalty shoot-out (association football)
* Penalty ...
,
Roc-La-Familia
Roc-La-Familia was an American record label founded by Shawn "JAY-Z" Carter. This sub-label focused on signing international artists, including reggaeton artists, much like Bad Boy Latino. "OG" Juan Perez was appointed the president of the labe ...
,
Def Jam
Def Jam Recordings (also simply known as Def Jam) is an American multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group. It is based in Manhattan, New York City, specializing predominantly in hip hop, contemporary R&B, soul and pop.
The ...
, and
Babygrande Records. In June 2011, it was announced Santiago partnered with fellow American rapper
Busta Rhymes
Trevor George Smith Jr. (born May 20, 1972), known professionally as Busta Rhymes, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the moniker Busta Rhymes, after NFL and CFL wide receiver ...
'
Conglomerate
Conglomerate or conglomeration may refer to:
* Conglomerate (company)
* Conglomerate (geology)
* Conglomerate (mathematics)
In popular culture:
* The Conglomerate (American group), a production crew and musical group founded by Busta Rhymes
** Co ...
label, where he released his 2013 album ''
Student of the Game
''Student of the Game'' is the sixth studio album by American hip hop recording artist N.O.R.E. (a.k.a. P.A.P.I). The album was released on April 16, 2013, under Militainment Business, Conglomerate and E1 Music. The album features guest appearan ...
'', issued under
E1 Music. Santiago is also
chief executive officer
A chief executive officer (CEO), also known as a central executive officer (CEO), chief administrator officer (CAO) or just chief executive (CE), is one of a number of corporate executives charged with the management of an organization especially ...
(CEO) of his own label imprint, Militainment Business.
Musical career
1995–1997: Career beginnings with Capone
Santiago's career began to take off in 1995, while under the
pseudonym
A pseudonym (; ) or alias () is a fictitious name that a person or group assumes for a particular purpose, which differs from their original or true name (orthonym). This also differs from a new name that entirely or legally replaces an individua ...
Noreaga (after
Panamanian
Panamanians (Spanish: ''Panameños'') are people identified with Panama, a transcontinental country in Central America (a region within North America) and South America, whose connection may be residential, legal, historical, or cultural. For mo ...
ruler
Manuel Noriega
Manuel Antonio Noriega Moreno (; February 11, 1934 – May 29, 2017) was a Panamanian dictator, politician and military officer who was the ''de facto'' List of heads of state of Panama, ruler of Panama from 1983 to 1989. An authoritaria ...
), as part of the duo
Capone-N-Noreaga (C-N-N), alongside friend and fellow
Queens
Queens is a borough of New York City, coextensive with Queens County, in the U.S. state of New York. Located on Long Island, it is the largest New York City borough by area. It is bordered by the borough of Brooklyn at the western tip of Long ...
-based rapper
Capone
Alphonse Gabriel Capone (; January 17, 1899 – January 25, 1947), sometimes known by the nickname "Scarface", was an American gangster and businessman who attained notoriety during the Prohibition era as the co-founder and boss of the ...
(whom he met while serving time in prison). Santiago grew up in
LeFrak City
LeFrak City (originally spelled Lefrak and pronounced ) is a 4,605-apartment development in the southernmost region of Corona and the easternmost part of Elmhurst, a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Queens. It is located between Junct ...
and spent time hanging out in Capone’s neighbouring
Queensbridge Houses.
They signed to
Penalty Recordings
Penalty is an American record label and entertainment company, founded and run by CEO Neil Levine. The company was founded in 1995 as a record label specializing in hip-hop music.
The original Penalty label was acquired by its distributor, Tomm ...
in 1996, and released their debut album ''
The War Report
''The War Report'' is the debut studio album by American hip hop duo Capone-N-Noreaga (C-N-N). The album features the singles " L.A., L.A.", "T.O.N.Y.", " Illegal Life" and " Closer". Tragedy Khadafi appears on more than half of the album's song ...
'', in 1997. ''The War Report'' was a commercial and critical success that made the duo well known among hip hop audiences. The album received praise for using the "traditional grimey boom-bap" sound of classic
New York City hip hop, which at that time was falling out in favor of a more futuristic sound. The album peaked at #21 on the
''Billboard'' 200, and the singles "Illegal Life", "Closer", and "T.O.N.Y. (Top of New York)" all charted on the
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks
The Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart ranks the most popular R&B and hip hop songs in the United States and is published weekly by ''Billboard''. Rankings are based on a measure of radio airplay, sales data, and streaming activity. The chart had 100 p ...
chart.
1997–2000: Solo career and debut album
Following the release of the album, Capone was again sentenced to a jail term, which left Noreaga to take on a solo career and make an album on his own. Noreaga's solo debut studio album ''
N.O.R.E
Victor James Santiago Jr. (born September 6, 1977), better known by his stage names Noreaga and later N.O.R.E., is an American rapper. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Santiago first rose to prominence as one half of the East Coast hip hop du ...
'', was released in 1998. The title, a shortening of the artist's name, used the
backronym
A backronym is an acronym formed from an already existing word by expanding its letters into the words of a phrase. Backronyms may be invented with either serious or humorous intent, or they may be a type of false etymology or folk etymology. The ...
"
Niggaz on (the) Run Eatin'". The album became even more successful than the duo's debut, charting at #3 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and being
certified platinum by the
Recording Industry Association of America
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a trade organization that represents the music recording industry in the United States. Its members consist of record labels and distributors that the RIAA says "create, manufacture, and/o ...
(RIAA). The album features
guest appearances from fellow NYC rappers
Nas
Nas (born 1973) is the stage name of American rapper Nasir Jones.
Nas, NaS, or NAS may also refer to:
Aviation
* Nasair, a low-cost airline carrier and subsidiary based in Eritrea
* National Air Services, an airline in Saudi Arabia
** Nas Air ( ...
,
Kool G Rap,
Big Pun and
Busta Rhymes
Trevor George Smith Jr. (born May 20, 1972), known professionally as Busta Rhymes, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the moniker Busta Rhymes, after NFL and CFL wide receiver ...
. It also features in many cases a different production style than ''The War Report'', including the modern futuristic sound, with tracks produced by then-up-and-coming producers
The Neptunes
The Neptunes are an American songwriting and production duo composed of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, formed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1992. Williams often provides additional vocals on records and appears in the duo's music videos, ...
and
Swizz Beatz. The Neptunes produced the hit "
Superthug
"Superthug" is a song by New York City rapper N.O.R.E. (a.k.a. Noreaga) with background vocals from Tammy Lucas during the song's hook. It was released as the second single from his debut solo album, ''N.O.R.E.''. At the time, it became Noreaga's ...
", which reached #36 on the
''Billboard'' Hot 100 and #1 on the
Hot Rap Tracks chart. The song, along with
Mase's hit "Lookin' At Me", was one of the Neptunes' first major productions.
In 1999, Noreaga would go on to release his second solo album, ''
Melvin Flynt - Da Hustler
Melvin is a masculine given name and surname, likely a variant of Melville and a descendant of the French surname de Maleuin and the later Melwin. It may alternatively be spelled as Melvyn or, in Welsh, Melfyn and the name Melivinia or Melva may b ...
'', which was a moderate success, reaching the top 10 of the ''Billboard'' 200 and becoming
certified gold by the RIAA. The album's most successful single (produced by The Neptunes) was "
Oh No", which reached #49 on the
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks
The Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart ranks the most popular R&B and hip hop songs in the United States and is published weekly by ''Billboard''. Rankings are based on a measure of radio airplay, sales data, and streaming activity. The chart had 100 p ...
chart. Capone was released from prison in 1999. The two subsequently began recording music together again and released their second C-N-N album in the year 2000. The album, titled ''
The Reunion'', was not well-received critically and failed to match the commercial success of the duo's debut or Noreaga's solo albums.
AllMusic
AllMusic (previously known as All Music Guide and AMG) is an American online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on musicians and bands. Initiated in 1991, the databas ...
reviewer Matt Conaway summed up the album by stating "With ''The Reunion'', Capone-N-Noreaga take a step backward." The group would then go on a hiatus and not release another album until 2009.
2001–2007: Name change and reggaeton era
Noreaga continued to pursue his career as a solo artist. He officially changed his stage name to N.O.R.E., and after some delays, his third solo studio album ''
God's Favorite
''God's Favorite'' is a play by Neil Simon, loosely based on the Biblical Book of Job. It was produced on Broadway in 1974.
Production
Produced by Emanuel Azenberg, the play opened on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on December 11, 1974 ...
'', was released in 2002. The album peaked at #3 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and was later certified platinum. It contained the major hit
Nothin'" (produced by The Neptunes), which reached #10 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. It became N.O.R.E.'s highest-charting hit.
Following ''God's Favorite'', N.O.R.E. changed his musical focus. He began recording
Spanish-language
Spanish ( or , Castilian) is a Romance languages, Romance language of the Indo-European language family that evolved from colloquial Latin spoken on the Iberian peninsula. Today, it is a world language, global language with more than 500 millio ...
songs to reflect his
Puerto Rican background and made
reggaeton music, rather than traditional
hip hop. The reggaeton single "
Oye Mi Canto
"Oye Mi Canto" ( en, "Hear My Song") is a reggaeton single by N.O.R.E. The song was originally released in 2004 as the lead single from the album ''1 Fan a Day'', which was heretofore unreleased. It is his second biggest hit, peaking at number 1 ...
", was released in 2004 and became a major hit, peaking at #12 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. The song was originally supposed to be a single from an upcoming album titled ''1 Fan a Day'', but the album was never released. Instead, N.O.R.E. released a reggaeton/hip hop album in 2006, titled ''
N.O.R.E. y la Familia...Ya Tú Sabe'', which included the lead singles "Oye Mi Canto" and "
Mas Maiz
Mas, Más or MAS may refer to:
Film and TV
* Más y Menos, fictional superhero characters, from the Teen Titans animated television series
* Más (Breaking Bad), "Más" (''Breaking Bad''), a season three episode of ''Breaking Bad''
Songs
* Más ( ...
". The album, released under
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Manhattan-based conglomerate talent and entertainment agency Roc Nation. He is regarded as one of ...
's
Roc-La-Familia
Roc-La-Familia was an American record label founded by Shawn "JAY-Z" Carter. This sub-label focused on signing international artists, including reggaeton artists, much like Bad Boy Latino. "OG" Juan Perez was appointed the president of the labe ...
, has both English and Spanish language tracks. It did not chart nearly as well as any of N.O.R.E.'s previous solo albums, as it only reached #82 on the ''Billboard'' 200. He also is a playable character in
Def Jam Vendetta and
Def Jam Fight for New York.
N.O.R.E. went on to release two more solo albums. The first, his fifth album ''
Noreality
''Noreality'' is the fifth studio album by American rapper N.O.R.E. The album was released on August 28, 2007, by Babygrande Records. The album features guest appearances from Three 6 Mafia, Jadakiss, Kurupt, Capone, Swizz Beatz, Tru Life, J. Ru ...
'', was released in 2007 and supported by the single "Set It Off", featuring vocals and production from Swizz Beatz. N.O.R.E. released his CD/DVD, ''Noreality'', in September via a joint venture with his own Thugged Out Militainment label and
Babygrande Records. The album features guest appearances from
Jadakiss,
Three 6 Mafia
Three 6 Mafia is an American Hip hop music, hip hop group from Memphis, Tennessee, formed in 1991. Emerging as a horror-themed underground hip hop group, they would eventually go on to enjoy mainstream success. The group's 1995 debut album ''Mys ...
,
Kanye West
Ye ( ; born Kanye Omari West ; June 8, 1977) is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and fashion designer.
Born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago, West gained recognition as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records in the ea ...
,
Pharrell,
Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep was an American hip hop duo from New York City. The duo consisted of rappers Prodigy and Havoc. They are considered to be among the principal progenitors of hardcore East Coast hip hopEdwards, Paul, 2009, ''How to Rap: The Art & Scien ...
's Prodigy,
Bun B
Bernard James Freeman (born March 19, 1973), known professionally as Bun B, is an American rapper. He is best known as one half of the southern rap duo UGK (UnderGround Kingz), a group he formed in 1987 alongside Pimp C. Aside from his work with ...
,
Tru Life
Roberto Guzmán Rosado, Jr. (born March 19, 1976), better known by his stage name Tru Life, is an American rapper. He was signed to Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records briefly but was incarcerated soon after. Before signing he had spent time with variou ...
,
David Banner,
Kurupt and Capone. Swizz Beatz is among the producers. The DVD, which was available in limited quantities, is based on the rapper's life.
The second album ''S.O.R.E.'', was controversially released in 2009. N.O.R.E. would go on to denounce ''S.O.R.E.'', calling it an album he had nothing to do with and asked fans not to purchase it. The album is a reference to his
stage name
A stage name is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers—such as actors, comedians, singers, and musicians. Such professional aliases are adopted for a wide variety of reasons and they may be similar, or nearly identical, to an individu ...
and his
first album which is a
backronym
A backronym is an acronym formed from an already existing word by expanding its letters into the words of a phrase. Backronyms may be invented with either serious or humorous intent, or they may be a type of false etymology or folk etymology. The ...
for "Niggaz on (the) Run Eatin'", which makes "S.O.R.E.", "Still on (the) Run Eatin'". The term was first used in late 2007, when N.O.R.E. released a song entitled "Still on the Run Eatin'", featuring
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. (born September 27, 1982), known professionally as Lil Wayne, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive. His career began in 1995, at the age of 12, when he was signed by rapper Birdman (rapper), ...
. N.O.R.E. said in a video blog that he didn't approve of this album. He also stated the album's
artwork
A work of art, artwork, art piece, piece of art or art object is an artistic creation of aesthetic value. Except for "work of art", which may be used of any work regarded as art in its widest sense, including works from literature ...
was of him at 310 pounds, adding he had lost 62 pounds since then. He also went on to mention five songs on the album were actually handed in, while the rest were pulled off the internet, some of which came from 2007, probably stemming from label financial issues. He later stated he was working on an album known as ''N.O.R.E. Pt. 2: Born Again'', later retitled ''
Student of the Game
''Student of the Game'' is the sixth studio album by American hip hop recording artist N.O.R.E. (a.k.a. P.A.P.I). The album was released on April 16, 2013, under Militainment Business, Conglomerate and E1 Music. The album features guest appearan ...
''.
2009–present: ''Student of the Game''
In 2009, N.O.R.E. collaborated with Capone once again, to release their third studio album ''
Channel 10'', which charted at #136 on the ''Billboard'' 200. In 2010, a fourth Capone-N-Noreaga album titled ''
The War Report 2'', was released. Its lead single was "Hood Pride", featuring
Faith Evans. In June 2011, fellow American rapper
Busta Rhymes
Trevor George Smith Jr. (born May 20, 1972), known professionally as Busta Rhymes, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the moniker Busta Rhymes, after NFL and CFL wide receiver ...
, with whom N.O.R.E. has collaborated several times in the past, stated on his Twitter account that he had officially signed N.O.R.E. to his newly founded record label
Conglomerate Records
Conglomerate is a record label founded by Busta Rhymes. The label was established in 1994 as Flipmode, the name Conglomerate was later adopted in 2010.
Company history
Elektra (1996–2000)
Soon after the Elektra deal was done, Busta obtained ...
.
Between 2009 and 2011, N.O.R.E. teamed up with
DJ EFN
DJ EFN (born Eric Fernando Narciandi on May 28, 1975) is an American record label executive and DJ, based in Miami, who specializes in hip-hop. Since the early 1990s, operating most often under the banner of Crazy Hood Productions, EFN has work ...
to host a satellite radio show for Sirius XM called Militainment Crazy Raw Radio, a title that gave equal weight to N.O.R.E.'s Militainment brand, to EFN's Crazy Hood, and to 66 Raw, the channel on Sirius XM which carried the show.
In early 2013, Santiago stated that he would yet again change his
moniker
A nickname is a substitute for the proper name of a familiar person, place or thing. Commonly used to express affection, a form of endearment, and sometimes amusement, it can also be used to express defamation of character. As a concept, it is ...
, this time to P.A.P.I. (Acronym for Power Always Proves Intelligence),
which stirred mixed reactions from his fans. On April 16, 2013 he released ''
Student of the Game
''Student of the Game'' is the sixth studio album by American hip hop recording artist N.O.R.E. (a.k.a. P.A.P.I). The album was released on April 16, 2013, under Militainment Business, Conglomerate and E1 Music. The album features guest appearan ...
'', and shortly after announced a sequel would be released as his next album.
On September 27, 2013, he told MTV that his next album, ''Melvin Flynt II: Da Final Hustle'' will be his final album. He stated he will stop touring and releasing solo albums to focus on being a music executive and CEO.
On October 30, 2015, Santiago tweeted: "New and last album in July!!!", followed by "''Melvin Flynt 2''? Or ''N.O.R.E. 2''?".
N.O.R.E. reunited with DJ EFN to begin hosting the "Drink Champs" podcast in March 2016. Celebrity hip-hop guests are featured in most episodes, sharing stories and updates while drinking alcohol. The podcast has achieved more than five million listens per month. Since November 2016, the show has been aired on
Revolt
Rebellion, uprising, or insurrection is a refusal of obedience or order. It refers to the open resistance against the orders of an established authority.
A rebellion originates from a sentiment of indignation and disapproval of a situation and ...
.
Legal troubles
On February 24, 2009, N.O.R.E. was arrested at a
Fatburger hamburger restaurant in
Miami Beach, FL, following a fight with a customer.
Discography
;Studio albums
* ''
N.O.R.E.
Victor James Santiago Jr. (born September 6, 1977), better known by his stage names Noreaga and later N.O.R.E., is an American rapper. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Santiago first rose to prominence as one half of the East Coast hip hop du ...
'' (1998)
* ''
Melvin Flynt – Da Hustler'' (1999)
* ''
God's Favorite
''God's Favorite'' is a play by Neil Simon, loosely based on the Biblical Book of Job. It was produced on Broadway in 1974.
Production
Produced by Emanuel Azenberg, the play opened on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on December 11, 1974 ...
'' (2002)
* ''
N.O.R.E. y la Familia...Ya Tú Sabe '' (2006)
* ''
Noreality
''Noreality'' is the fifth studio album by American rapper N.O.R.E. The album was released on August 28, 2007, by Babygrande Records. The album features guest appearances from Three 6 Mafia, Jadakiss, Kurupt, Capone, Swizz Beatz, Tru Life, J. Ru ...
'' (2007)
* ''
Student of the Game
''Student of the Game'' is the sixth studio album by American hip hop recording artist N.O.R.E. (a.k.a. P.A.P.I). The album was released on April 16, 2013, under Militainment Business, Conglomerate and E1 Music. The album features guest appearan ...
'' (2013)
* ''5E'' (2018)
References
External links
N.O.R.E.on
Discogs
Discogs (short for discographies) is a database of information about audio recordings, including commercial releases, promotional releases, and bootleg or off-label releases. While the site was originally created with a goal of becoming the la ...
*
N.O.R.E. Feb 2010 UK radio Interview (CWR Radio)
{{DEFAULTSORT:N.O.R.E.
1977 births
Living people
African-American male rappers
African-American Muslims
American people of Puerto Rican descent
East Coast hip hop musicians
Hispanic and Latino American rappers
Five percenters
People from Queens, New York
Rappers from New York City
American rappers of Caribbean descent
Gangsta rappers
21st-century American rappers
21st-century American male musicians
21st-century African-American musicians
20th-century African-American people