Omar Gerryl Credle (born May 13, 1971), better known by his
stage name
A stage name or professional name is a pseudonym used by performers, authors, and entertainers—such as actors, comedians, singers, and musicians. The equivalent concept among writers is called a ''nom de plume'' (pen name). Some performers ...
, O.C., is an American rapper and member of the group
D.I.T.C. He has been involved with several
underground hip hop groups, namely Crooklyn Dodgers '95, Luv NY, and Perestroika.
History
Recording career
Credle was born in
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is a Boroughs of New York City, borough of New York City located at the westernmost end of Long Island in the New York (state), State of New York. Formerly an independent city, the borough is coextensive with Kings County, one of twelv ...
, May 13, 1971,
[Bush, John]
O.C. Biography
, Allmusic
AllMusic (previously known as All-Music Guide and AMG) is an American online database, online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on Musical artist, musicians and Mus ...
, retrieved 2011-06-19 and raised in the
Bushwick section. O.C. cites legends like
Kool G. Rap,
Rakim
William Michael Griffin Jr. (born January 28, 1968), better known by his stage name Rakim (), is an American rapper. He is one half of Golden age hip-hop, golden age hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, with whom he released four albums: ''Paid in Full ...
,
Big Daddy Kane
Antonio Hardy (born September 10, 1968), better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American Rapping, rapper, producer and actor who began his career in 1986 as a member of the Juice Crew. He is widely regarded as one of the most influe ...
and
Slick Rick
Richard Martin Lloyd Walters (born January 14, 1965), better known as Slick Rick, is an English-American rapper and record producer. He rose to prominence as part of Doug E. Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew in the mid-1980s. His songs " The Show" and ...
as his main influences.
In 1991, he made his recording debut on
Organized Konfusion's "Fudge Pudge".
One year later, he made an appearance on the remix of
MC Serch's "Back to the Grill" (which features a young
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 (S ...
) after meeting Serch on the inaugural Source tour. Following the tour, O.C. signed with
Wild Pitch Records in 1994 where Serch was vice president.
O.C. also met
Lord Finesse and
Buckwild on the first Source tour, marking his introduction to the D.I.T.C crew. After the tour he connected with Buckwild and started recording a demo that would become his debut album ''
Word...Life''.
By 1994, he had finished the album ''
Word...Life'', which included everything from his demo, along with "Time's Up," the song that would go on to be his most notable single. "Time's up" was initially a record for
Pharoahe Monch from
Organized Konfusion.
Beyond a quick outro from
Prince Po, ''
Word...Life'' does not have any guest appearances;
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 (S ...
was supposed to be on the album but never showed up to the studio for the recording session.
In 1997, O.C. signed to Pay Day Records,
where he released his second album ''
Jewelz'', featuring collaborations with
DJ Premier,
Da Beatminerz and
Freddie Foxxx. The single "Far From Yours" peaked at #81 on the
''Billboard'' Hot 100, making it his highest-charting single to date.
O.C. is also known for his feature on the ''
Clockers'' soundtrack as part of the
Crooklyn Dodgers
The Crooklyn Dodgers were a hip-hop supergroup based in Brooklyn, New York City, consisting of rotating members.
They appeared in three separate incarnations in 1994, 1995, and 2007. The first two incarnations recorded for the soundtracks f ...
, which also featured rappers
Chubb Rock and
Jeru the Damaja on the now classic
DJ Premier produced "Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers". This is the only time the group has ever collaborated.
''Ray's Cafe'' was released on Red Apples 45, a small label co-founded by A.G. and West. O.C. joined D.I.T.C. for their 2016 release ''Sessions'' which was preceded by the lead single "Rock Shyt".
Discography
Albums
Compilations
''
The Underground King''
*Released: 2006
*Label: Next Mill Entertainment/Re-Up Recordings
*Singles: –
''
Hidden Gems''
*Released: April 3, 2007
*Certification: None
*Label: Next Mill Entertainment
*Singles: –
''In Guud Taste''
*Released: 2008
*Certification: None
*Label: Next Mill Entertainment
*Singles: –
''O-Zone Originals''
*Released: September 21, 2011
*Certification: None
*Label: No Sleep Recordings
*Singles: –
''Luv NY''
*Released: July 24, 2012
*Label: Ascetic Music
*Singles: –
Appearances
*1991: "Fudge Pudge" (with
Organized Konfusion: ''
Organized Konfusion'')
*1992: "Back to the Grill
emix (with
MC Serch: 12")
*1994: "Let's Organize" (with
Organized Konfusion: ''
Stress: The Extinction Agenda/
A Low Down Dirty Shame (soundtrack)'')
*1995: "Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers" (with
Crooklyn Dodgers
The Crooklyn Dodgers were a hip-hop supergroup based in Brooklyn, New York City, consisting of rotating members.
They appeared in three separate incarnations in 1994, 1995, and 2007. The first two incarnations recorded for the soundtracks f ...
: ''
Clockers ">oundtracl')
*1995: "You Won't Go Far" (with
Organized Konfusion: ''
New Jersey Drive, Vol. 2 ">oundtrack')
*1995: "Men V. Many" (with
Mic Geronimo,
Royal Flush: ''
The Natural'')
*1995: "Stop the Breaks" (with
The Notorious B.I.G.,
KRS-One
Lawrence "Kris" Parker (born August 20, 1965), better known by his stage names KRS-One (; an abbreviation of "Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone") and Teacha, is an American rapper from the Bronx. He rose to prominence as part of the ...
,
Killa Sin,
Raekwon
Corey Woods (born January 12, 1970), better known by his stage name Raekwon ( ), is an American rapper. He rose to prominence as a founding member of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, which achieved mainstream success following the release of the ...
: Ron G MixShit)
*1996: "Give Me a Little More Time
uckwild Remix (with
Gabrielle: 12")
*1996: "O Lord"; "Brainstorm P.S.K.
o Gimmicks Remix (with Lord Finesse: ''The Awakening'')
*1996: "Dope Fiction" (with Mr. Mike: ''Wicked Wayz)''
*1996: "What I Represent" (with
Buckwild: ''
America Is Dying Slowly'')
*1996: "Metal Thangz" (with Street Smartz,
Pharoahe Monch: 12")
*1997: "Love Child" (with
Buckwild: ''
Buckwild: Diggin' in the Crates'')
*1997: "Your Life" (from ''
Soul in the Hole ">oundtrack')
*1997: "Show Me Love (QD3 Fat Boy Remix)" (with Robyn: 12")
*1997: "Internationally Known" (with D.I.T.C.: 12")
*1997: "Droppin' Gramma
ick Wiz Mix (with Main One: 12")
*1997: "Day One" (with D.I.T.C.: 12")
*1997: "Crew Love" (with
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American Rapping, rapper, businessman, and record executive. Rooted in East Coast hip-hop, he was named Billboard and Vibe's 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time, the ...
& Tone Hooker: 12")
*1997: "Spitgame" (with
Da Beatminerz: 12")
*1998: "Full Scale"; "Dignified Soldiers"; "Time to Get This Money"; "Themes, Schemes & Dreams" (with
Showbiz & A.G.:
''Full Scale'')
*1998: "Down 4 Whateva" (with
M.O.P: ''
First Family 4 Life'')
*1998: "Respect Mine" (with
Pete Rock: ''
Soul Survivor'')
*1998: "Action Guaranteed" (with
Ras Kass: ''
Lyricist Lounge, Volume One'')
*1998: "Watch Ya Step" (with Xperado: 12")
*1999: "Weed Scented" (with AG,
Gang Starr: ''
The Dirty Version'')
*1999: "Burn Me Slo" (with Nightmares on Wax: 12")
*1999: "Rollin" (with
Saukrates,
Masta Ace
Duval Clear (born December 4, 1966), better known by his stage name Masta Ace, is an American rapper and record producer from New York City. A lead member of Mr. Magic's hip hop collective Juice Crew, he is best known for his guest appearance alo ...
: ''
The Underground Tapes'')
*1999: "Get Yours" (with Big L: ''Black Mask (soundtrack))''
*2000: "Thick"; "Foundation"; "Champagne Thoughts"; "Stand Strong"; "Tribute" (with + from
D.I.T.C.)
*2000: "Lyrical Talents" (with Muro, Diamond D: ''Pan Rhythm: Flight No. 11154)''
*2000: "The Triboro" (with
Big L, Fat Joe, Remy Ma: ''
The Big Picture'')
*2002: "Beyond" (with DJ JS-1: ''Ground Original 1'')
*2002: "Lay Down and Die" (with DJ Deuse: ''Art of War)''
*2003: "Lake of Fire
emix (with
Lordz of Brooklyn: ''Graffiti Roc'')
*2003: "Leben & Leben Lassen" (with Spax: ''Engel & Ratten)''
*2003: "The Dedication" (with Doujah Raze: 12")
*2005: "Chase Game" (with Show & A.G.: ''Street Talk'')
*2006: "Nuttin' to Lose" (with El Da Sensei: ''The Unusual)''
*2007: "Marquee" (with
Marco Polo
Marco Polo (; ; ; 8 January 1324) was a Republic of Venice, Venetian merchant, explorer and writer who travelled through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295. His travels are recorded in ''The Travels of Marco Polo'' (also known a ...
: ''
Port Authority
A port authority (less commonly a port district) is a governmental or quasi-governmental public authority for a special-purpose district usually formed by a legislative body (or bodies) to operate ports and other transportation infrastructure. ...
'')
*2007: "No Guts No Glory" (with Snowgoons: ''German Lugers)''
*2007: "Soul" (with Ivan Ives: ''Iconoclast''
*2008: "Conquer Mentally" (with Presto, Large Professor, Sadat X: ''State of the Art)''
*2009: "Ridiculous" (with DJ JS-1,
Pharoahe Monch: ''Ground Original 2: No Sell Out'')
*2009: "Move a Mountain" (with DJ Bootsie: ''Holidays in the Shade)''
*2009: "Food for thoughts" (with Cradle Orchestra: ''Velvet Ballads)''
*2010: "Trouble Shooters" (with
DJ Muggs &
Ill Bill: ''
Kill Devil Hills
Kill Devil Hills is a town in Dare County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 7,633 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census. It is the most populous settlement in both Dare County and on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Th ...
'')
*2010: "There Will Be Blood" (with
Celph Titled &
Buckwild: ''
Nineteen Ninety Now'')
*2010: "Warsaw Outdoors" (with
HiFi Banda, A.G., Boogie Blind: ''
23:55'')
*2010: "Nostalgic" (with DJ Perro: ''Praedictus 2 from Filters'')
*2011: "Life Word" (with DJ JS-1: ''Ground Original 3: No One Cares)''
*2011: "Free Ya Mind" (with Blastah Beatz: ''Graduate Studies)''
*2011: "Life & Time" (with
Murs,
Ab-Soul: ''Love & Rockets, Vol. 1)''
*2012: "Prestige of a King" (with
Mello Music Group: ''Self Sacrifice'')
*2012: "Don't Worry" (with
Showbiz & A.G.: ''Mugshot Music'')
*2012: "Mic Bless'n Gun Press'n Impress'n" (with
Bumpy Knuckles: ''Ambition'')
*2013: "Hello Everybody (with Neek the Exotic, Satchel Page,
Sadat X: ''Hustle Don't Stop'')
*2013: "Power" (with
Ill Bill,
Cormega
Corey McKay, better known by his stage name Cormega, is an American rapper.
Early life
Cormega was born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens. He was childhood friends with Nas, Havoc and Capone, who all went on to become successful rappers. A ...
: ''
The Grimy Awards'')
*2013: "Astonishing" (with
Marco Polo
Marco Polo (; ; ; 8 January 1324) was a Republic of Venice, Venetian merchant, explorer and writer who travelled through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295. His travels are recorded in ''The Travels of Marco Polo'' (also known a ...
,
Large Professor,
Inspectah Deck: ''
PA2: The Director's Cut'')
*2013: "Catch Wreck" (with Kid Tsunami: ''Underground Nation'')
*2014: "Smash" (with
Prince Po,
Oh No,
Pharoahe Monch: ''The Album'')
*2014: "Light Years" (with DJ Skizz,
Roc Marciano,
A.G.: 12")
*2014: "Deep Breath" (with DJ Doom &
Blacastan: 12")
*2014: "On the Bklyn Side" (with Illa Ghee,
Steele: Social Graffiti)
*2014: "Turn the Tables" (with DJ JS-1: 12")
*2014: "First 2 Rise Pt. 2" (with Vstylez,
Royce da 5'9": ''At Odds Till I'm Even'')
*2015: "Revolutionary Ride Music" (with
DJ EFN,
Your Old Droog
Dmitry Kutsenko, known by his stage name Your Old Droog, is a Ukrainian-born American rapper and producer from Brooklyn, New York (state), New York. He first gained public attention in June 2014 when online rumors were circulated that his self-p ...
,
Royce Da 5'9",
Reks: ''Another Time'')
*2015: "In the Moment" (with
Apollo Brown: ''Grandeur'')
*2015: "What U Kno" (from In Ya Ear Recordings Presents: In Session Volume 1)
*2016: "Don't Touch That Dial"; "Run for Your Life" (with
Apathy
Apathy, also referred to as indifference, is a lack of feeling, emotion, interest, or concern about something. It is a state of indifference, or the suppression of emotions such as concern, excitement, motivation, or passion. An apathetic i ...
, Ras Kass: ''Handshakes with Snakes'')
*2016: "Hakim" (with
Vinnie Paz
Vincenzo Luviner ( Luvineri born October 5, 1977), better known as Vinnie Paz (formerly known as Ikon the Verbal Hologram), is an Italian-born American rapper and producer behind the Philadelphia underground hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks. He ...
, A.G.: ''The Cornerstone of the Corner Store'').
*2016: "Reverse Engineering" (with Ras Kass, Torae: ''Intellectual Property #So12)''
*2016: "Genuine Article", "Right What I Write" (with TRUTH: ''From Ashes to Kingdom Come'')
*2017: "16 and Out" (with Show & A.G.: ''Take It Back)''
*2018: "Street Corner Shit" (with Rasheed Chappell: ''First Brick)''
*2018: "Know It" (with Shame: ''Genesis 98)''
*2018: "The Science"; "Recovery" (with Showbiz: ''A Room Therapy)''
*2019: "Black Sharpie" (with Dirt Platoon: ''Get Ya Handz Dirty'')
*2019: "Got It Covered" (with Diamond D: ''The Diam Piece 2'')
*2021: "Spontaneous" (with
Jeru the Damaja: 12")
*2021: "Party & Booze" (with Grand Daddy I.U.: ''The Essence)''
*2021: "Street Smartz" (with Eric Bobo, Stu Bangas, Ill Bill: ''Empires)''
*2021: "Raised Around Wolves" (with Kut One: 12")
*2022: "For Everyone" (wit
Rising Suns 'Rising Suns')
*2022: "All In" (with
Ghettosocks,
DK,
Moka Only: ''Listen to the Masters'')
*2023: "Convertible Steez" (with Stallone & Weathers: ''The Cost of Doing Business)''
*2023: "Dreams Part 2" (with Ray West: ''Macaroni Ray)''
*2024: "Highest Degree" (with High & Mighty: 12")
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:O.C.
1971 births
African-American male rappers
20th-century American male rappers
Rappers from Brooklyn
East Coast hip-hop musicians
Living people
Underground rappers
Diggin' in the Crates Crew members
21st-century American rappers
Crooklyn Dodgers members
Wild Pitch Records artists