Description
Capone -N- Noreaga – The War Report – Double Yellow Vinyl Records
VMP Hip-Hop Record of the Month for December 2022. 25th Anniversary edition
25th anniversary edition of CNN’s brilliantly miliant debut
Lacquers cut by Cicely Balston, Alchemy Mastering at AIR
Pressed on exclusive 2LP yellow vinyl
Listening notes booklet by Will Dukes
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
The War Report is the debut studio album by the American hip-hop duo Capone-N-Noreaga (C-N-N), released on June 17, 1997, through Penalty Records. The duo, consisting of Capone (Kiam Holley) and Noreaga (Victor Santiago Jr.), emerged from the Queensbridge and Lefrak City neighborhoods of Queens, New York. This album is widely regarded as a classic of East Coast hip-hop, particularly within the hardcore subgenre, and is celebrated for its gritty realism, vivid street narratives, and dark, atmospheric production.
Capone and Noreaga first met while both were incarcerated, and upon their release, they decided to form a rap duo. Their shared experiences and the harsh realities of life in New York City’s inner-city neighborhoods heavily influenced their music. The War Report was recorded during a turbulent time for the group, as Capone was incarcerated during the making of the album. Despite this, Noreaga (who later became known as N.O.R.E.) carried on with the project, ensuring its completion with the help of guest appearances and contributions from other artists associated with the New York rap scene.
The album reflects the duo’s raw, unfiltered perspective on life in the streets, dealing with themes of crime, violence, and survival. It features production from a variety of notable producers, including Tragedy Khadafi (who also acted as a mentor to the duo), Havoc of Mobb Deep, Lord Finesse, Nashiem Myrick, and Buckwild. The production style is characterized by its use of dark, moody beats, reflective of the gritty narratives that define the album.
The War Report is known for its consistency in quality across its 20 tracks, but several songs stand out as defining moments in Capone-N-Noreaga’s career.
‘T.O.N.Y. (Top of New York)’ – One of the album’s most popular tracks, ‘T.O.N.Y.’ features production by Nashiem Myrick and Carlos ‘6 July’ Broady. The song is an anthem of sorts, with Noreaga and Capone delivering tough, confident verses over a dark, menacing beat. The track is a prime example of the duo’s chemistry and their ability to create street anthems.
‘L.A., L.A.’ (Kuwait Mix) – A response to Tha Dogg Pound’s ‘New York, New York,’ this track features Mobb Deep and Tragedy Khadafi and was part of the East Coast-West Coast feud that characterized much of the 1990s hip-hop scene. The song is built around a haunting sample, with the artists delivering fierce, aggressive verses aimed at defending New York’s honor.
‘Blood Money’ – Produced by Tragedy Khadafi, ‘Blood Money’ is one of the album’s grittiest tracks, with Capone and Noreaga rapping about the harsh realities of street life, from drug dealing to violence. The production is dark and brooding, complementing the lyrical content perfectly.
‘Illegal Life’ – Featuring production by Lord Finesse, ‘Illegal Life’ is a reflection on the consequences of a life of crime. The track’s moody, jazz-influenced beat and introspective lyrics offer a glimpse into the duo’s more reflective side.
‘Capone Bone’ – This track showcases Capone’s storytelling ability, with lyrics that vividly depict the street life and its dangers. The beat is smooth yet gritty, providing a perfect backdrop for Capone’s narratives.
‘Closer’ – A standout track produced by DJ Clark Kent, ‘Closer’ (also known as ‘Closer to God’) features a soulful, haunting sample and finds Capone and Noreaga reflecting on their struggles and aspirations. The track’s introspective nature contrasts with the harder, more aggressive songs on the album, adding depth to the overall project.
‘Live on Live Long’ – Produced by EZ Elpee, this track features Capone reflecting on his time in prison and the loyalty and betrayal he experienced. The beat is slow and heavy, with a sense of melancholy that underscores the weight of the lyrics.
‘Driver’s Seat’ – Another track featuring Tragedy Khadafi, ‘Driver’s Seat’ is a high-energy anthem that showcases the chemistry between the duo and their mentor. The track is filled with braggadocio and street wisdom, over a beat that is both urgent and infectious.
The War Report is steeped in the hardcore, gritty aesthetic of 1990s East Coast hip-hop. The album’s lyrics are filled with vivid depictions of street life, crime, and violence, reflecting the duo’s experiences growing up in Queens. The themes of loyalty, survival, and the consequences of street life are recurrent throughout the album, giving it a cohesive narrative that resonates with authenticity.
The production style of The War Report is dark and atmospheric, with heavy use of samples and loops that create a moody, tense environment. The beats are often minimalist, allowing Capone and Noreaga’s raw, aggressive delivery to take center stage. The album’s sound is heavily influenced by the production work of Tragedy Khadafi and Havoc, both of whom were key figures in shaping the hardcore hip-hop sound of the era.
The War Report received critical acclaim upon its release and has since been regarded as a classic of 1990s hip-hop. The album was praised for its raw authenticity, compelling narratives, and the chemistry between Capone and Noreaga. It resonated deeply with fans of East Coast hip-hop and those who appreciated the gritty, no-holds-barred approach that the duo brought to the genre.
The album also established Capone-N-Noreaga as significant players in the hip-hop scene, despite Capone’s incarceration limiting his involvement in the album’s promotion. The War Report’s impact is still felt today, as it continues to be cited as an influence by many artists and is celebrated as a touchstone of New York hip-hop.
The War Report remains an essential listen for fans of hardcore hip-hop and those interested in the golden age of East Coast rap. It captures the raw energy and gritty realism of 1990s New York City, offering a glimpse into the lives of those navigating the challenges of the streets.
For Capone-N-Noreaga, The War Report solidified their legacy as one of the most important duos in hip-hop history, and it remains a defining album in their career. The album’s influence continues to be felt in the genre, and it stands as a testament to the power of authenticity and storytelling in hip-hop.
Track Listing
Intro
Bloody Money
Driver’s Seat
Stick You
Parole Violators
Iraq (See The World)
Live On Live Long
Neva Die Alone
T.O.N.Y. (Top Of New York)
Channel 10
Capone Phone Home (Interlude)
Stay Tuned (Interlude)
Capone Bone
Halfway Thugs
L.A., L.A. (Kuwait Mix)
Capone -N- Noreaga Live (Interlude)
Illegal Life
Black Gangstas
Closer
