Blood on da X

Released in 2023, 'Blood on da X' finds Onyx leaning further into the 'grimy' hardcore sound they pioneered in the early 1990s. While many of their peers have softened their delivery or experimented with modern trap influences, Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz double down on the aggressive, shouted delivery that defined their debut. The album is characterized by its short, punchy tracks - several clocking in under two minutes - which gives the project a frantic, punk-rock pacing. Lyrically, the album tackles heavy themes including the legacy of the crack era, systemic violence, and the struggle of street life, all delivered with a sense of weary but explosive anger. The production is handled with a focus on 'The Boom Boom Bap,' utilizing dusty samples and heavy percussion that honors the East Coast tradition while sounding modern in its distorted intensity. It stands as a testament to the duo's longevity and their refusal to deviate from their foundational 'mad face' aesthetic.