Capone N Noreaga

Capone N Noreaga — or CNN, as they are sometimes called — are a hardcore rap duo that epitomize the East Coast tradition of emphasizing lyrical skill over production. The group earned a strong underground following among both fans and fellow musicians with their 1997 debut album, War Report. Capone (b. Kiam Holley) and Noreaga (b. Victor Santiago) named themselves after two notorious gangstas, and their music and lifestyles often flirted with lawlessness. The pair grew up in Queens, New York; Capone was raised in Queensbridge, Noreaga in Lefrak. During their teens, both boys frequently ran into trouble with the law, since they had turned to crime in order to get money. The pair met while they were serving time in jail, and after they left prison, they formed the duo Capone N Noreaga. They eventually came to the attention of Penalty Records, who signed the band in 1996. Their debut album, War Report, featured production by Tragedy, Buckwild, EZ Elpee of Junior Mafia, Lord Finesse, Charlemagne and Nashiem Myrick & Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs. War Report was released in the summer of 1997 to generally positive reviews. Reunion followed in 2000.