On this day in 1971, Fred Scruggs Jr., better known as Fredro Starr of the legendary Hip Hop group Onyx, was born. Fredro has morphed from being the front man of the crazy bald heads to an award winning rapper and actor.
Born and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, Starr moved to Jamaica, Queens as a teenager in the mid-80s and attended John Aams High School. There is where he met Sonny Seeza and Big DS, who would later become members of the mutli-platinum group Onyx which was founded by the late Jam Master Jay of the iconic Queens trio Run-D.M.C.
Fredro also made a name for himself in the television and movie world, with dozens of TV and silver screen appearances including Spike Lee’s Clockers, Forest Whitaker’s Strapped, Moesha starring Brandy and New York Undercover just to name a few.
Salute to Fredro on his born day, wishing him a great day today and many more hereafter!
In a recent interview with BagFuel, actor and Onyx front man Fredro Starr said that the late Jama Master Jay was so astonished at the amount of money he was making pre-Onyx, that he asked him if he ws slinging drugs to make his ends.
“When Jay met me, you know what he asked me? ‘You sell drugs?!’” he recalled. “You know why? Because I was getting money. You know how I was getting money? I was cutting hair.”
Fredro says that he made so much money as a renowned barber in his Jamaica, Queens neighborhood because he counted the local hustlers and knowns rap legends as his loyal cusotmers.
“[I was the] illest barber in New York, for real. I was cutting Rakim‘s hair, [Kool] G Rap‘s hair. Everybody was coming through the barbershop. All the drug dealers in ’86, ’87,” he said. “I had a line of n-ggas. ‘Who you waiting for?’ ‘Dro.’ ‘Who you waiting for?’ ‘Dro.’ I had [to tell] n-ggas, ‘Yo, you come back at 4.30. You come back at 5.30.’
“All these n-ggas pulling up in Benzes. All my clientele was drug dealers. So when I met Jay, he was like, ‘You selling drugs?!’ I said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Nah, I don’t believe you.’ I said, ‘Bro, I cut hair!’ I had to figure out a way to get money and stay fly.”
Jam Master Jay signed Onyx to his JMJ imprint in the early 90s, prompting the release of their debut album, Bacdafucup, which was certified platinum by the RIAA in 1993, just seven months after the album’s release.
The Adidas Yeezy Foam Runner is continuing its reign with the “Onyx” colorway, adding a sleek and versatile option to the lineup. Amidst the excitement surrounding this release, the sneaker community remains curious about the ongoing split between Kanye West and Adidas. Despite the uncertainties, fans eagerly await the arrival of the “Onyx” iteration, poised to make a bold statement with its unique design and color scheme. Featuring a distinctive silhouette and innovative construction, the Yeezy Foam Runner has captured the attention of sneaker enthusiasts worldwide since its debut.
The “Onyx” colorway promises to elevate the shoe’s appeal with its dark and sophisticated aesthetic, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. While details about the collaboration between Kanye West and Adidas remain unclear, the anticipation for new Yeezy releases continues to grow. Sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts alike eagerly await updates on future releases and potential developments between the two entities. Despite the ongoing changes and developments, the Adidas Yeezy Foam Runner remains a coveted silhouette, known for its comfort, style, and unique design. As the sneaker landscape evolves, the Yeezy brand continues to push boundaries and redefine the sneaker industry with each new release.
The shoes in the “Onyx” colorway offer a sleek and sophisticated option for sneaker enthusiasts. With its dark and versatile aesthetic, this iteration of the Foam Runner is perfect for making a bold statement. The unique silhouette and innovative construction provide unparalleled comfort and style, making it a standout choice for any occasion. Step out in confidence with the Yeezy Foam Runner “Onyx” and elevate your sneaker game.
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Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Adidas Yeezy Foam Runner “Onyx” will be released on March 7th. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $90 when they are released. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.
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.
Iggy Azalea has once again lashed out at her baby daddy, Playboi Carti, over this relationship with their son Onyx. After a VHS-style home video of Carti spending time with his son went viral online, Azalea took to X to express how she felt about the father-son moment. “Its cool how you can fit damn near every visit into just one video Talented!” Azalea wrote in direct response to one post of the video. Azalea’s implication appears to be that Carti doesn’t spend enough time with Onyx and thus can fit all of his father-son time into a concise 2:40-long video.
However, fans on the whole weren’t taking Azalea’s side in the matter. “RESPECT CARTI HES OUR GLORIOUS KING,” one Carti fan wrote. “Probably cause you don’t let him hang out with him,” added another, directly addressing Azalea’s claims. “This was special for everybody and you had to ruin it,” lamented a third. Of course, Azalea’s die-hard fanbase quickly rushed to her defense, leading to a pitched battle of Carti stans and Iggy stans in the comments section. However, Carti himself has not responded to Azalea’s comments.
While 2023 marked a return to music and touring for Azalea, she also debuted on OnlyFans. While this has become a source of mockery for many of her haters, Azalea has already reportedly made $48M from the content platform. However, a bizarre incident allegedly occurred earlier this month when a Playboi Carti fan seemingly subscribed to Azalea purely to try and get information about Carti’s next album. The abridged conversation was reported by The Daily Loud, with a bemused Azalea roasting the fan for the bizarre request.
However, the fan continued to press Azalea about it. “I need this album. Please, it’s legitimately the most important thing ever. As a community, we need this album Iggy now. I know Onyx is setting him back but sh-t, it’s been 3 farkin years and I NEED music. F-ck the OF, I jus want music now!” the insistent fan wrote. Carti is expected to drop an album next year. However, very little about the project, including its title, is known at this time.
42 years ago today, rapper, actor, director, and producer Sticky Fingaz was born
On this day in Hip Hop history, Kirk Jones bka Sticky Fingaz was born in Brooklyn, New York. Known as the frontman for the trailblazing rap group Onyx and various appearances on screen and television, Sticky Fingaz has worked his way into being a distinguished part of hip hop culture.
With Onyx, Jones became a huge success. The group’s debut album Bacdafucup had huge commercial success and went multi-platinum. Since the multiplatinum debut, the group has released four other albums. Jones also released two albums as a solo artist titled Black Trash: The Autobiography of Kirk Jones and “Decade ‘…but wait it gets worse’” featuring artists such as Eminem, Raekwon, Redman, Canibus, and Omar Epps. He was also featured on Eminem’s Marshall Mathers LP and Snoop Dogg’s No Limit Top Dogg.
As an actor, Jones has been very successful over the years. He has had roles in many movies that have played a big part in hip-hop culture and others that have become household names. For Sticky’s born day, we here at TheSource.com have compiled a list the top five roles that he has been casted in:
Eddie Mathematics: In 2004 Jones played prison kingpin Eddie Mathematics in the film Doing Hard Time starring Boris Kodjoe
Scientific: In 1995 Jones was cast as Scientific in the Spike Lee JointClockers about a street-level drug dealer who becomes entangled in a murder investigation.
Tyrone: In 2000, Jones was casted as Deebo’s sidekick Tyrone in cult classic Next Friday.
Blade: In 2006, Jones was cast as the lead, Blade, in the Spike Television rendition of the infamous Marvel antihero. The show ran 13 episodes.
Wink: In 2007, Jones was casted as Wink in the very popular video game ‘Def Jam: Icon’. His character had a huge role in the plot line of the video game’s story mode.
On behalf of myself and everyone here at The Source, we’d like to wish Kirk Jones a Happy Bornday, may your career be long and prosperous.
On this date in 1995, Queens legends Onyx released their second full length album All We Got Iz Us under Rush Associated Labels and the JMJ Records imprint.
It is reported that Def Jam Records’ Lyor Cohen offered Fredro Starr $1 million in 1994 to record Onyx’s second album while he was on the set of the movie Dangerous Minds. Fredro agreed, prompting him, Sonee Seeza and Sticky FIngaz to record 25 tracks for the new album, with only 15 of the songs making the final cut under the late Jam Master Jay’s directive. Two of the albums’ tracks, “Live Niguz” and “Last Dayz”, made it to 89 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 17 on the Hot Rap Singles respectively. Onyx also created their own label, Armee Records, to which they signed the rap collective All City and Queens rapper Panama P.I., who also appeared on All We Got Iz Us.
This project received mixed reviews from the media, but reached its own level of success with tracks debuting in several silver screen classics including Martin Lawrence and Will Smith’s Bad Boys as well as Eminem’s 8 Mile and Hip Hop documentary The Show.
Salute to Sticky Fingaz, Sonee Seeza, Fredro, All City and JMJ in making this album a part of Hip Hop history!
The Nike Air Max Plus is a super cool sneaker that’s been a hit for a long time. People love it for its unique design and comfy feel. Now, there’s something exciting happening with the Nike Air Max Plus. A-COLD-WALL, a famous fashion brand, is teaming up with Nike to create a special version in an “Onyx” colorway. This means they’re giving the shoe a fresh look with a mix of dark and light shades, making it stand out even more.
The Nike Air Max Plus has a distinctive wavy upper design that’s inspired by ocean waves, and the “Onyx” version adds a touch of elegance to it. It’s not just about style, though. These sneakers also have Air cushioning in the sole for extra comfort when you’re on the move. In short, the Nike Air Max Plus is a classic sneaker with a new twist thanks to the A-COLD-WALL collaboration. If you want a comfy and stylish pair of kicks with a touch of luxury, keep an eye out for the “Onyx” colorway – it’s sure to turn heads.
The sneakers feature a black rubber sole and a black midsole, that features Nike Air bubbles throughout. A black mesh and leather constructs the uppers as black waves create a ripple effect throughout. A black Nike Swoosh is located on the sides and ACW branding is on the tongues. The heels feature both Nike and A-COLD-WALL branding, and the insoles do as well.
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Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that Nike Air Max Plus x A-COLD-WALL “Onyx” will be released on September 21st. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $220 when they drop. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.
Iggy Azalea may be laying low on Instagram right now, but the past few days have seen her speaking her mind over on Twitter in full force. The Australian artist has been taking a break from flaunting her figure to, instead, debate with some Twitter trolls about the dangers of drag queens. It all began when Azalea announced she would be taking a break from Elon Musk’s app due to the incessant negativity, homophobia, and criticism she’s been seeing.
“Nah Iggy, you wrong,” one person responded to the “Work” rapper’s rant on Tuesday (June 13). “People really aren’t homophobic, we are in 2023. It started becoming an issue when they started trying to indoctrinate kids. You have a son of your own, would you be ok with his school [having] drag shows? Or books teaching him to give BJs?” they asked Azalea. Minutes later she responded, making it clear she would be more than happy to bring her and Playboi Carti’s 3-year-old son, Onyx, along with her to watch drag artists perform.
Yes!!! I would love to take my son to a drag show and will! He already knows tons and yes! I would LOVE for my son to read about blow jobs, birth control and sex education in general as soon as he hits puberty. Ps. You’re a loser AND you’re stupid as FUCK https://t.co/0PQi8wmA0X
“Yes!!! I would love to take my son to a drag show and will! He already knows tons and yes,” the blonde beauty proudly declared. “I would LOVE for my son to read about blowjobs, birth control and sex education in general as soon as he hits puberty,” Azalea went on to note before putting the Twitter troll in his place. “Ps. You’re a loser AND you’re st*pid as F**K,” her post ended, earning her tons of praise from her fans.
Things have been relatively quiet on Iggy Azalea’s front lately (especially compared to the frequent thirst traps she served up in the first half of 2023), but we now know it’s because she’s still recovering from a recently sustained injury following her tour with Pitbull. Read all that the mother of one had to say at the link below and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
As Onyx’s iconic single “Slam” celebrates its 30th anniversary, we look back at the groundbreaking track that changed the game for hip hop. From its powerful beat to its aggressive lyrics, “Slam” solidified Onyx’s place in the annals of rap history. In this article, we’ll delve into the group’s background, the release of the classic song, its charting success, and its lasting impact on hip hop.
Onyx Rises From The Ashes
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–OCTOBER 10: Rap Group Onyx–Sticky Fingaz (aka Kirk Jones), Fredro Starr (aka Fred Lee Scruggs Jr.), Sonny Seeza (aka Tyrone Taylor; Suave) and Big DS (aka Marlon G. Fletcher) appears in a portrait taken on October 10, 1992 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
Onyx was formed in the 1980s in South Jamaica, Queens, New York. The group’s original members included Fredro Starr, Suavé (known as Sonny Seeza), and the late Big DS (Marlon Fletcher). In 1991, Sticky Fingaz (Kirk Jones) joined the group, completing the lineup that would eventually create “Slam.” The group gained notoriety for their energetic live performances and gritty, hardcore lyrics. Onyx’s raw sound caught the attention of Jam Master Jay, the late legendary DJ of Run-DMC. He soon signed the group to his label, JMJ Records, and produced their debut album, Bacdafucup, which included the massive hit “Slam.”
“Slam” Arrives—And Takes Over
“Slam” was released today (May 11) in 1993. The song quickly became a standout track, showcasing the group’s ability to blend hardcore rap with a catchy, anthemic chorus. Produced by Chylow “Chyskillz” Parker and Jam Master Jay, “Slam” has become one of the most recognizable—and referenced—tracks in hip hop. The music video for the single mirrored the track’s aggressive energy. Directed by Parris Mayhew and Diane Martel, the video featured the group performing in a dimly lit, underground club filled with fans moshing and slam dancing. The chaotic visuals perfectly encapsulated the track’s spirit and helped propel the song to new heights.
Upon its release, “Slam” soared up the charts, cementing Onyx’s status as hip hop heavyweights. The song reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Rap Singles chart, becoming the group’s biggest hit. It also achieved international success, becoming a hip hop classic across the globe. “Slam” also received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), selling over one million copies. Its success contributed to the impressive sales of Bacdafucup, which was also certified platinum in 1993.
Impact on Hip Hop
The song’s fusion of hardcore rap and an anthemic, crowd-pleasing chorus was groundbreaking then. It helped popularize the “mosh-rap” subgenre. “Slam” also played a role in bringing hip hop to a wider audience, appealing to rap and rock music fans. The song’s success on MTV, which aired the music video in heavy rotation, further solidified its crossover appeal.
The track has made several appearances in pop culture. It was featured on Beavis & Butthead, Lip Sync Battle, The Cleveland Show, How High, Dope, and several video games. Additionally, fellow music artists have sampled the hit track. Eminem, GZA, and even Shaq have all pulled from “Slam” to create new tunes. It’s a song that has gone down in hip hop history, earning dozens of placements of “Best” and “Top” lists for decades.
Legendary In Hip Hop
Not only did “Slam” help propel Onyx to stardom, but it also laid the groundwork for other hip hop artists to experiment with different sounds. The track’s legacy can be heard in the music of artists like Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. They all borrowed elements from the mosh-rap fusion popularized by Onyx. Further, “Slam” demonstrated the power of hip hop as a unifying force in music. By appealing to fans of various genres, the song highlighted the crossover potential of the genre. “Slam” opened doors for future collaborations and genre-blending projects. This comes as no surprise considering Jam Master J and Run-D.M.C.’s fusion with Aerosmith.
Looking back on the 30-year journey of “Slam,” it’s clear that the track remains a seminal piece of hip hop history. Its aggressive energy, innovative fusion of styles, and undeniable chart success have solidified its place in the annals of music. Onyx’s groundbreaking single will forever be remembered as a trailblazer in hip hop, leaving a lasting impact.
Talented!” Azalea wrote in direct response to one post of the video. Azalea’s implication appears to be that Carti doesn’t spend enough time with Onyx and thus can fit all of his father-son time into a concise 2:40-long video. 
