When we think of the Neptunes most people think of Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, or even Michael Jackson. If it wasn’t for a Lefrak City Projects member from Queens named Victor Santiago we may have never heard of the Neptunes. N.O.R.E, one half of the classic duo CNN was the first to take a chance on the Neptunes. The result was the smash hit Superthug off Nore’s 1998 Penalty Recordings Debut N.O.R.E. (Niggas On The run Eatin’.) This is where the fame begins.

In Hip-Hop artists are constantly trying to become the next hot thing. Most of these artists stray from the art form and comprise themselves with gimmicks or jump on a bandwagon of what the public says is hot. Not N.O.R.E. N.O.R.E has made a name for himself by sticking to his guns and spittin’ what he feels is true to his heart. The self-proclaimed thug had a lot to say when we spoke. “I never want to be put in a category with Biggie, Pun, or Pac and say I’m one of the best but when I do come out I want niggas to realize that it’s my time and that I can shut this shit down.” Shut it down he has. From the Smashing verse on “LA, LA” off CNN’s Debut The War Report to creating the phrase “Whut