Lil Zane is an American rapper and actor. He has accrued a net worth of $2.5 million as of 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. Known for his hit single “Callin’ Me” from his debut album Young World: The Future in 2000, Lil Zane gained fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s as part of the wave of young rappers in hip-hop. His style, often compared to his contemporaries like Lil’ Wayne, has been recognized for its lyrical dexterity and his ability to blend influences from both coasts of the United States.
Zane’s rise to fame was marked by his catchy hooks and versatile rapping skills, which quickly made him a notable figure in the rap community. His debut album was a commercial success, featuring collaborations with established artists and helping to cement his place in the music industry. Over the years, he has released several albums, with varying degrees of success, and has transitioned into acting, appearing in films and television series.
Career Highlights & Musical Contributions
Rapper Lil Zane (Zane R. Copeland, Jr.) poses for photos on location in Soho in New York, New York in July 2000. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
Lil Zane’s music career began with an impressive debut that showcased his talent for party-starting raps. His first album, Young World: The Future, peaked within the top 25 of the Billboard 200 chart, a significant achievement for the then-young artist. This album included hits that featured prominent artists, broadening his appeal and establishing his musical style.
Following his initial success, Lil Zane continued to produce music that mixed elements of R&B and hip-hop, though subsequent albums did not achieve the same level of commercial success as his debut. Despite this, Zane maintained a loyal fan base and continued to perform and release new music, adapting his style to fit the evolving landscape of hip-hop.
Transition Into Acting
Lil’ Zane, Freddie Jackson and Wyclef Jean during Monica Celebrates Release of Third Album After The Storm at Plaid in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
In addition to his music career, Lil Zane has also made a name for himself as an actor. His acting credits include roles in popular films such as Dr. Dolittle 2 and the urban action-drama Motives. These roles allowed him to expand his repertoire and reach new audiences, demonstrating his versatility as an entertainer beyond the music scene. His work in film and television has contributed to his net worth and provided him with another avenue to explore his creative talents. Acting has given Zane the opportunity to develop a new set of skills and to continue engaging with his fans in different ways.
Current Endeavors & Future Projects
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 07: Lil Zane attends ATL Live on The Park at Park Tavern on November 7, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
Today, Lil Zane is still active in the entertainment industry, balancing his music career with acting roles. He occasionally tours and performs, keeping his connection with fans alive through live music and personal appearances. His current projects include new music and collaborations with other artists, signaling his ongoing commitment to his artistic pursuits.
As he moves forward, Lil Zane’s influence in both music and film underscores his lasting presence in the industry. His ability to adapt and his continued passion for his work ensure that he remains a relevant figure in the worlds of hip-hop and entertainment
Hailing from the iconic era of ‘90s Hip Hop, Onyx was a formidable rap group in the industry. They are renowned for their gritty sound, unapologetic lyrics, and energetic performances that left an indelible mark on the rap landscape. As the years have rolled by, the members of Onyx have taken diverse paths in their personal and professional lives. However, the group remains active, with two of its original four members carrying on as Onyx.
With iconic albums like Slam, the group became popular for their hardcore, fire sound. As a result of their drop in popularity over time, listeners have lost track of the group. Nonetheless, Fredro Starr, Sticky Fingaz, and Sonny Seeza progressed, even if many fans aren’t aware of their whereabouts. Here’s what they have been up to over the years.
The rap group Onyx was originally formed in 1988 by three of its members who were schoolmates. Following the release of their first single in 1990, “Ah, And We Do It Like This,” Fredro Starr, Sonny Seeza and Big DS welcomed Sticky Fingaz into the fold in 1991. Subsequently, the group’s debut album, Bacdafucup, dropped in 1993. Since then, Onyx has released many additional studio albums. However, none were quite as successful as their debut.
Former member Big DS left the group in 1994 to start a solo career. Likewise, in 2009, Sonny Seeza said farewell to Onyx, deciding to focus on a solo career. This left two members in the group — Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz. While they could have dissolved the group completely and focused on their solo rap careers, the two decided to keep Onyx alive. They have continued to release music together, dropping several bodies of work over the years. Some of their most recent projects are Onyx 4 Life(2021), Blood On Da X (2023), and World Take Over (2023).
Fredro Starr
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 23: Rapper Fredro Starr of Onyx attends the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on September 23, 2009 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/WireImage)
One of the founding members of the Onyx, Fredro Starr has kept busy over the years. Not only has he stayed a member of Onyx, but also built an impressive solo career over the years outside of the rap group. Starr has been releasing solo albums since 2001, and so far, has four solo studio albums to his name. His last album, Firestarr 2, dropped on March 9, 2018, and contains some seriously impressive tracks, including “100,000 Miles” and “Private Jet 2 Heaven.”
In addition to his musical career, the hardcore emcee has also racked up acting credits in many films and TV shows since 1993. Some of the films and series he has starred in are, Deceitful (2013), CSI: Miami (2009), and Bust Down (2022). The 52-year-old is a father of three and has been married to model Korina Longin since 2007.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 21: Sticky Fingaz of Onyx performs during the “Dj Cassidy’s Pass the Mic Live” at Radio City Music Hall on July 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Richard Bord/Getty Images)
Although Sticky Fingaz joined Onyx last, he has been a dedicated member of the rap group since 1991. With his cousin Fredro Starr, he makes up the current lineup of the group. Just like Starr, Fingaz dropped his debut solo album in 2001. Since then, he has released two additional studio albums, the most recent being It’s About T.I.M.E. (2019). Like his cousin, the rapper has an impressive filmography and has appeared multiple times on-screen over the years. Since his acting debut in 1993, Sticky Fingaz has starred in Breaking Point (2009), The Night Of (2016), and Empire (2016 – 2017), among others.
Sonny Seeza
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–APRIL 10: Rap Group Onyx–Sticky Fingaz (aka Kirk Jones), Fredro Starr (aka Fred Lee Scruggs Jr.) and Sonny Seeza (aka Tyrone Taylor; Suave) appears in a portrait taken on April 10, 1996 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
Soon after he left Onyx in 2009, Sonny Seeza released his debut solo album Tytanium (2009). His sophomore studio album, Bridges, dropped in 2016, and he hasn’t released any new music since. While he appeared in two movies in the ‘90s, the rapper has not starred in any movies or shows since 1998. He owns an online clothing shop, Allskool Shop, where he makes and sells original Onyx merchandise and art.
Big DS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–NOVEMBER 01: Rappers Big DS (aka Marlon G. Fletcher) of Onyx and Redman (aka Reggie Noble) are shown in a portrait taken on November 01, 1993 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
As aforementioned, Big DS was the first member to drop out of the rap group Onyx, leaving in 1994. As a solo act, he released one album, Demo Tape, in 1994. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 31 in 2003. The hardcore rapper died as a result of lymphatic cancer.
Iconic producer and beatmaker J Dilla has a legacy that’s honored and known by music lovers worldwide. The late musician died at the age of 32 from health issues. However, his younger brother, Illa J, has taken to social media to express his frustration with individuals in the music industry. These people, in his view, exploit his brother’s name for personal gain. In an Instagram post, Illa J didn’t mince his words. He condemned those he believes are using his brother’s memory for their own benefit. “It’s just gross how, not only do they use my brother … they use me to get to my brother. They do it in such a gross way,” Illa J emphasized.
He captioned the video: “To Whom it May Concern, y’all know who you are! weird a** fake a**, GEEK DOWN!!!” Illa J, himself an accomplished musician with nearly two decades in the industry, used his platform to call out this behavior. Although he did not specify the identities or instances he was addressing, he addressed the industry as a whole. “I’ve been in this industry for almost 20 years now. It just makes me disappointed in this industry, in all these people,” he continued. Illa J highlighted the hypocrisy that he believes is present throughout the music world.
Hip hop artist J Dilla of the group Slum Village photographed at the Key Club in 2000 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gregory Bojorquez/Getty Images)
He emphasized the stark difference between genuine love for his brother and the pursuit of personal gain. Furthermore, expressed his disappointment with those who claim to be ardent admirers of J Dilla but are primarily motivated by financial interests. “And all these people that ya’ll think that they love my brother so much, they’re just out here to make their name look closer to my brother, but they really don’t care about him, y’know what I mean? It’s kind of annoying.”
In a final statement, Illa J didn’t hold back. “I’m sick of it, I’m sick of these fake-a** muthaf**kas tryin’ to act like they love my brother but they really don’t — they just care about their pockets. All you muthaf**kas are gross,” he concluded. Illa J’s words serve as a reminder that authentic respect for an artist’s legacy should always come from a place of genuine admiration and reverence, rather than exploiting a name for personal gain. J Dilla’s contributions to music continue to be celebrated, and it’s crucial to honor his memory with sincerity and authenticity.
Naughty by Nature is one of the most iconic groups in Hip-Hop. The trio released their self-titled sophomore studio album 32 years ago, a body of work that holds tremendous weight in the pantheon of rap classics. The group is often recognized as pioneers of East Coast Hip Hop, contributing to the genre’s development from 1989 through the ‘90s. Moreover, Naughty by Nature’s music had crossover appeal that expanded their fanbase beyond Hip-Hop heads. Their discography also consists of important masterpieces like Poverty’s Paradise.
Their catchy hooks and relatable lyrics made their music accessible to a wide audience. Evidently, this mainstream appeal significantly contributed to their success. It wields much more than just mainstream appeal, however. Many regard the project as a breakthrough album for Naughty By Nature and a groundbreaking album in the genre as a whole. In the 32 years since its release, Naughty By Nature has stayed relevant, and still packs a great punch.
Background And Release
Naughty by Nature, consisting of members Treach, Vin Rock, and DJ Kay Gee formed in the late ‘80s. The group released its debut album Independent Leaders in 1989. After that, they followed up two years later with their self-titled album, Naughty By Nature. Released on September 3, 1991, the album was an instant hit. It also established their signature style of blending socially conscious lyrics with infectious beats. As a matter of fact, Naughty By Nature is arguably the group’s most iconic album.
Production And Musical Style
The early ‘90s marked a significant shift in the Hip Hop landscape, with artists like Naughty by Nature contributing to the genre’s expansion and diversification. Their music blended gritty elements of East Coast Hip Hop with a more accessible, radio-friendly sound. At the same time, their lyrical content was expansive. Naughty By Nature addressed a range of topics on this album. Still, it was their clever wordplay and storytelling skills that elevated the project.
The album’s heavy use of samples allowed the group to tie together a variety of genres to form their own signature sounds. From Jackson 5’s “ABC” to D.O.C’s “It’s Funky Enough,” they incorporated elements from various influences. DJ Kay Gee’s production played a crucial role in crafting the album into a classic, along with assistance from fellow producer “Little Louie” Vega.
Naughty By Nature Tracklist
Naughty by Nature showcases the group’s rap talents, with assistance from notable features. Queen Latifah is featured on the second track, “Wickedest Man Alive,” while Lakim Shabazz and Apache appear on “1,2,3,” and Aphrodity on “Rhyme’ll Shine On.” Evidently, throughout the 13-track album, the group members all display their innate aptitude for rap. Naughty By Nature released only three key singles from the album, namely “O.P.P.,” “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” and “Uptown Anthem.” The iconic lead single “O.P.P.” became the album’s standout track, and significantly contributed to the album’s commercial success. The track popularly samples “ABC” by The Jackson 5. It is also one of the most memorable and enduring Hip Hop anthems of the early ‘90s.
Critical And Commercial Success
Naughty by Nature became a hit upon its release. It received widespread acclaim and achieved considerable commercial success, peaking at number 16 on the Billboard 200 chart. Critics rated the album favorably, and had particular praise for the album’s lead single, “O.P.P.” Furthermore, the single was also a major driving force of the album’s commercial success and peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was the only song on the album to peak within the top 10 of the chart. Despite the generally underwhelming chart performance of its singles, excluding “O.P.P.,” Naughty By Nature was greatly enjoyed by music enthusiasts, and was certified platinum just five months after its release.
The Legacy Of Naughty By Nature
The impact of Naughty by Nature extended beyond music, with references to “O.P.P.” and Naughty by Nature’s style continuing to appear in various forms of pop culture. In summary, the album is considered a classic in East Coast Hip Hop, and rap music at large. It also helped define the sound of an era, and has an enduring 32-year-old legacy so far. Conclusively, Naughty by Nature remains a pivotal work in the group’s career that captured the spirit of early ‘90s Hip Hop.
Method Man and Redman. Two names that hold enormous weight in the hiphop industry. These two hip hop heavyweights made their debut during the Golden Era in the 90’s. While separately there is no denying their greatness, over the past two decades, they have become synonymous with one another.
Having become somewhat recognized as a package deal in the entertainment industry, many have speculated whether the two MC’s were actually related due to their similar names and incredibly close relationship. Though the two are not related, it is only fair to wonder given the amount of other industry stars that actually are. Artists such as GZA, RZA and ODB are all related and created the very Wu-Tang Clan that Method Man is a part of. Though the pair have accumulated plenty of aliases over the years such as Meth & Red, Red & Mef, John Blaze and Funk Doc, they very much broke into the industry on their own accord.
On Their Own
Method Man (L) and Redman of Redman & Method Man perform during the Pemberton Music Festival. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/FilmMagic)
Clifford Smith, Jr. Is better known by his stage name Method Man. He was born March 2, 1971 in Hempstead, Long Island. Smith divided his childhood between his father’s Long Island residence and his mother’s home in Clifton. During those years, he hung out and rapped with Robert Diggs (now known by the names Prince Rakeem, or the RZA) and his cousins Gary Grice (the Genius, or GZA) and Russell Jones (Ol’ Dirty Bastard).
Some years later, Diggs and Grice, after suffering recording industry setbacks, gathered old friends Jones and Smith along with newcomers Dennis Coles (Ghostface Killah), Jason Hunter (Inspectah Deck), Lamont Hawkins (U-God), and Raekwon to form the Wu-Tang Clan in 1991. And after some practice, they were considered the best crew of MCs in the neighborhood. He took his stage name from the 1979 film Method Man. Meanwhile, while the Wu-Tang was being formed on Staten Island, Redman’s roots began in Newark, New Jersey. Reginald Noble is best known by his stage name Redman. Growing up he was raised in Newark, New Jersey and attended West Side High School. Which was an experience he described as “off the hook”.
How Method Man Got His Start
He was later expelled from Montclair State University his freshman year due to poor academic performance. At the time having no other options, Redman then went back home to live with his mother, who kicked him out of her house for selling drugs. Roughly two years later, when he was 18 years old Redman became a DJ-MC who went by the name “DJ Kut-Killa”. During that time he would freestyle over funk and hip hop instrumentals that were spun on vinyl records in various parks and house parties around New York and New Jersey.
Eventually, he was discovered by Erick Sermon of the legendary hip hop group EPMD. A few months after moving in with Sermon, Redman went out on tour with EPMD. While on tour with them he did everything from carrying their bags to coming out on stage and doing rap freestyles. In 1990, during one of their shows in New York, Redman was invited onstage by Erick Sermon where he delivered a rap freestyle that was life changing. He freestyled a song describing himself as a rapper using every letter in the alphabet, from A to Z. After his performance, Redman began production with Erick Sermon on his first major label album.
The Dynamic Duo
Rappers Method Man and Redman perform during the Budlight Event 2017 SXSW Conference and Festivals. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for SXSW)
The duo have known each other long before they both signed with Def Jam records. They actually met for the first time at a Kris Kross release party in the very early 90’s. In 1994 during their time under the same label they met again on tour. And then again in 1995 in a recording studio while working with 2Pac. The pair recorded “Got My Mind Made Up” for his multi-platinum album All Eyez on Me.
During an interview Redman explained what touring together was like and how it solidified the pair’s friendship. He explained, “Every time when we roll together, I’m the music man. I put the music on or whatever. We listen to s**t that everyone can vibe to whether it’s beats or old school, whatever. I’m kinda the DJ. So, when we was riding in the vans at that time doing promotion, that’s real promotion, we had some songs written.
They Started Making Music Together
He continued and said, “That’s how I can say how the Red and Meth brand came about was from us being on the road when Def Jam put us there. They placed that scene I would say. They mapped out that scene for us to be on the road. It was up to us, organically, to make the Red and Meth brand happen because it could’ve went another way. It could’ve went like, ‘Alright, I ain’t f***in’ with this n***a. Or I ain’t f***in’ with this n***a.’ And we could’ve just went on about our business after that promo tour. But after that promo tour, I threw them beats on and we literally connected through the music organically, and we came back home like real good friends and ready to say, ‘You know what? Let’s do an album.’”
After this, they had a few friendly freestyle battles against each other on the 90’s TV show, “Yo! MTV Raps”, which ultimately led to their collaborative debut single “How High” in 1995. In 2001 the rappers teamed up to star in the stoner classic coincidentally also titled, “How High”. In the film, Redman and Method Man portray two cannabis users who are visited by the ghost of a deceased friend after smoking his ashes. The ghost helps with their exams, and they receive scholarships to Harvard University. While the movie did not receive the best reviews, it goes down as one of the top stoner films of all time.
What Are They Doing Now?
I(L-R) Rappers Method Man of Wu Tang Clan and Redman perform onstage during the KDay 93.5 Krush Groove concert. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
While the pair’s last official album, “Blackout 2!” was released in 2009, neither of them have stayed out of the spotlight. Singularly or collectively. As recently as 2022 the two had released music. A track titled, “Live From the Meth Lab”. Which featured Method Man, Redman, Hiphop legend KRS-one and Jojo Pellegrino. Although neither of them have released an album alone or together in a few years, it is not because of a rift between them at all. They have had and continue to have much love for one another. Although they are not blood brothers address each other and refer to one another as such on and off cameras.
