The release of today’s single is on a very somber note. Yesterday, Chylow “Chyskillz” Parker, who produced and or co-produced the majority of Bacdafucup and an integral cog in the Onyx machine passed away due to a heart attack. “Rest in Paradise to our brother Chylow “Chyskillz” Parker, our condolences go out to his family and close friends, we will always acknowledge your contribution to the Onyx legacy. Your music will always inspire. Love our brother!”

Years before anyone told you to “give up the goods,” Queens craziest Bal-Hed sons, Onyx, were already busy taking the Golden Era’s loot and taking it to new heights. In the process they stamped the term “hardcore” in its darkest terms across the Hip-Hop vernacular with their trailblazing platinum debut Bacdafucup (under the guidance of their departed mentor and producer Jam Master Jay), which included the indelible singles “Slam” and “Throw Ya Gunz.”

The multi-platinum group’s fearless nature has always set them apart. From the menacing cover art for Bacdafucup; which captured four young, bald figures toting a shoulder-strapped automatic weapon, to their now instantly recognizable “MadFace” logo and taking hip-hop to a world that could “Slam” in an era where even looking at someone wrong at show could be the start of your ending. They gave 50 Cent his first major label platform (“React” from 1998’s Shut ‘Em Down album), made boom-bap gangsta, gave metal street cred and integrated the kinship of hip-hop and punk rock cultures to a wider global audience. Simply, Onyx didn’t break industry rules; they scared them the fuck away.

While their iconic status has propelled them into various movie and TV roles as actors (Fredro’s credits include Clockers, Sunset Park, Strapped, The Wire, Light It Up and Save The Last Dance, while Sticky’s include The Shield, Blade: The Series, Law & Order & CSI: Miami), two decades and a few classic albums later there is still nothing as exhilarating as listening to the greatness of Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz’ loud and abrasive deliveries.

In 2018, Onyx is back and bringing it bacdafucup in your face with their explosive new album, Black Rock, which will be released on 2-16-18. Black Rock interpolates Onyx’s intense hardcore vocals, booming drums and heavy guitar riffs to create the most aggressive release of the group’s career. “We came in with Run-DMC and Onyx are the new kings of rock” Fredro exclaims. “The inspiration for Black Rock came from the song (title track) we did for the revolutionary Judgment Night Soundtrack. It’s Hip-Hop meets Rock and Roll, boom bap and guitars; but what people don’t expect to hear from us is what makes this album so dope.”