Before DMX and Ja Rule, the first truly hard-core, wild out act, on Def Jam was Onyx. Starting in 1993, the group�s three LP�s all became a moniker for energetic records with flat out ruggedness. Even the herb crowd can surely remember the success of "Slam". Onyx was so good, that they even beat out Dre�s "Chronic" for 93�s album of the year. But like so many, the group couldn�t match their debut. After Def Jam sold their true artists down river in the ownership change, Fredro Starr was back on his lonely.

From the group, Sticky Fingaz has always been the attention getter. With his grim style, and famous boxing fight on MTV, the rapper known as Kirk Jones was expected to succeed the most after Onyx. But just just as Q-Tip and Tribe, Fredro Starr was the underrated, under-appreciated second fiddle Phife. Yet, he is nothing new. We�ve seen Fredro in several great films, most recently the large grossing, "Save The Last Dance", with Julia Styles. Yet, Starr has never walked away from his hip hop past, and "Fire Starr" is proof of that.

Let me begin by saying that this LP is the one of the best thugged out New York LP�s I�ve heard all year. This record is twice as nice as all of these other cats, who have a bigger reputation than Fredro. Rather than put on a bunch of big name ice rockers, Starr shared the mic with a diverse group. The Outlawz, CNN, Cuban Link, Sticky Fingaz, Aaron Hall, and even Ice-T provide hot guest appearances. Most of the production was done by Fredro and Davinci, an up and coming boardsmith.

For a change, the lyrics are this album�s seller. Fredro didn�t even bother making club joints. He throws complex issues, with clear, very blunt opinions perspectives on each. Tracks like "Perfect Bitch", "Soldierz", "I Don�t Wanna", and the cover-esque "Shining Through", are proof of the great makings of a thought out LP.

But there�s one track that�ll have �em all talking. "What If", which Fredro modestly claims he wrote in a blunted daze, is probably the smartest track to date in 2001. In a well-versed, smooth fashion, Fredro just ponders some of society�s, particularly hip hop�s, issues. Such effort reminds me of Nas in his prime, or the late Big L. Whether or not you buy the LP, you simply cannot miss a copy of this track.

I saved production for last, because on a true record, it matters least. I give Fredro a lot of credit for producing most of the cuts himself. However, the beats are wack. However, the hotter of the beats are provided by guest producer, Ant Beats. You can peep "Dyin� 4 Rap (remix)" or "America�s Most" for proof. This is no piece to over look.

Onyx may be a memory of hip hop�s better days, but the soul ingredients in the group are still tasty. Fredro Starr, a versatile actor, emcee, and producer, is a true street mothafucka, no questions asked. For every dozen fake, security guard, publicity stunt heads, here stands a true one. On an indie label, with unlikely guest list, and no skits or hologram covers, Fredro remains ill. With this LP, and forthcoming cousin Sticky�s LP, this spring we will all remember the days of "Baccdafuccup".

On a last note, Fredro�s label, Other People�s Money, which helped put this out, promised an Onyx reunion in the making!