Capone-N-Noreaga: The War Report (1997). The Unlikely Classic

podcast December 31, 1969

B. Cox commemorates Capone-N-Noreaga's debut album The War Report as it turns 25. In the midst of an identity crisis for New York rap, the two Queens natives arrived on the scene – unheralded, yet determined. After appearing the "Unsigned Hype" section of The Source Magazine in 1995, the duo was signed to a record label and began recording their debut. In the midst of recording, Capone was jailed for a parole violation, leaving Noreaga to finish the album. Assisted with features by the likes of Juice Crew veteran Tragedy Khadafi, Imam T.H.U.G, and Mobb Deep with a Who's Who's of hip-hop producers (Six July, Nashiem Myrick, Lord Finesse, Clark Kent, Marley Marl, Havoc, Naughty Shorts, EZ Elpee, Charlemagne), the album featured haunting, gritty and hypnotic beats over lyrics that told tales of street life and urban decay.

The appeal of the group to underground and hardcore hip-hop fans alike lead to a cult success of the album. Despite no charting singles or widely circulated music videos, the album was certified gold. Since its release, it has been credited as an album that reasserted the identity and sound of New York hip-hop, laid the groundwork for the success of many who followed after it and has now been hailed as a classic – even from the most unlikely of circumstances.

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Show Notes

Albumism: Capone-N-Noreaga's Debut Album "The War Report" turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective

https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-capone-n-noreaga-the-war-report

The BoomBox: Capone-N-Noreaga's "The War Report" Brought Listeners to the Frontlines of the streets

https://theboombox.com/capone-n-noreagas-the-war-report-20-years-later/

Vibe: 20 Years Later: A Ranking of Capone-N-Noreaga's Classic Debut "The War Report"

https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/capone-n-noreaga-the-war-report-20-years-519554/

WhatWentRight: What Went Right With…The War Report by Capone-N-Noreaga?