N.O.R.E.

N.O.R.E., born Victor Santiago, Jr. on September 6, 1977, in Queens, New York was a prominent figure in East Coast hip hop. He initially gained fame as one-half of the duo Capone-N-Noreaga (C-N-N) with his debut album "The War Report" (1997). The album was highly acclaimed for its raw depiction of street life and its impact on the East Coast hip-hop scene. N.O.R.E.'s solo career took off with the release of his self-titled album in 1998, which included the hit single "Superthug." This success helped bridge the gap between hip hop and reggaeton, leading to collaborations with artists like reggaeton star Daddy Yankee and the duo Nina Sky. His adaptability and willingness to experiment with different sounds were evident in his subsequent albums, including "God's Favorite" (2002) and "N.O.R.E. y la Familia...Ya Tú Sabe" (2006). Beyond music, N.O.R.E. ventured into media, notably co-hosting the popular podcast and YouTube show "Drink Champs," where he interviews prominent figures in hip-hop and entertainment. The show was honored at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards winning Best Hip Hop Platform.