Onyx is a hardcore hip-hop group from South Jamaica, Queens, New York, known for their raw energy, bald heads, and aggressive, in-your-face style. The group was formed in 1988 by Fredro Starr, Suavé (also known as Sonny Seeza), and Big DS. Sticky Fingaz joined later in 1991, helping shape the group’s signature sound.
They broke through in 1993 with their debut album Bacdafucup, led by the smash hit “Slam,” which became a crossover success and an anthem of 90s hip-hop. With explosive live shows and wild, raspy deliveries, they stood out during the golden age of East Coast rap. Their style was unapologetically gritty—full of shouting, mosh-pit vibes, and street realism.
After the success of Bacdafucup, Onyx dropped follow-ups like All We Got Iz Us (1995) and Shut ‘Em Down (1998), both darker and more introspective, showcasing their growth and resilience in a changing hip-hop landscape.
Though the group faced lineup changes (Big DS left and later passed away in 2003), Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz kept the Onyx name alive. They continued to tour worldwide and release new material, especially gaining a loyal following in Europe and Russia.
More than just a group, Onyx embodied a movement—raw, loud, and rebellious—and helped pioneer the fusion of rap with mosh-pit energy that would later influence hardcore hip-hop and rap-rock alike.
