Onyx

Onyx is an American hardcore hip-hop group from South Jamaica, Queens, New York, formed in the early 1990s. The group's core lineup has consisted of Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr, with Sonny Seeza and the late Big DS also part of the original crew before his departure after the debut album. Signed to Def Jam and produced early on by Jam Master Jay of Run-D.M.C., Onyx broke through with their aggressive, shout-driven style on tracks like «Slam» and «Throw Ya Gunz», which became anthems of the New York hardcore rap scene.

Musically, Onyx distinguished itself with a raw, confrontational delivery, shaved-head image, and mosh-pit energy that set it apart from the more polished East Coast rap of the era, drawing comparisons to punk and metal aggression translated into hip-hop. Songs such as «Shut 'Em Down» and its remix featuring Method Man and Busta Rhymes cemented the group's reputation for high-intensity posse cuts.

Over the decades Onyx has continued to record and tour, and its music has found a second life through film and television placements, appearing in movies like How High and 8 Mile as well as shows such as The Cleveland Show and Tosh.0, alongside use in commercials for brands like SoBe and Gatorade.