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{{short description|American rapper (born 1977)}}
{{Redirect|Noreaga|other people with similar names|Noriega (disambiguation){{!}}Noriega|the 1998 album|N.O.R.E. (album)|the 1998 song|N.O.R.E. (song)}}
{{Redirect|Noreaga|other people with similar names|Noriega|the 1998 album|N.O.R.E. (album)|the 1998 song|N.O.R.E. (song)}}
{{Infobox musical artist {{Infobox musical artist
|name = N.O.R.E. | name = N.O.R.E.
|image = | image = N.O.R.E.jpg
| caption = N.O.R.E. in 2009
|image_size =
| alias = {{flatlist|
|caption =
|alias = Noreaga, P.A.P.I. * Noreaga
* P.A.P.I.
|background = solo_singer
* Melvin Flynt<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.straight.com/music/534216/nore-venue | title=N.O.R.E. At Venue | date=20 November 2013 }}</ref>
|origin = ], ], ], ]
}}
|birth_name = Victor Santiago, Jr.
| background = solo_singer
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1976|09|06}}
| birth_name = Victor James Santiago Jr.
|genre = {{flatlist|
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|09|06}}
| birth_place = ], ], U.S.
| genre = {{flatlist|
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
}} }}
| occupations = {{flatlist|
|label = ]
|occupation = {{flatlist|
* Rapper * Rapper
* songwriter
* record producer
* podcaster
* singer
* songwriter
* record executive
* actor
}} }}
|years_active = 1995 - present | years_active = 1995–present
| label = {{flatlist|
|associated_acts = ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
* ]
| website =
* ]
* ]
* ]
* Thugged Out
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| current_member_of = ]
| past_member_of = ]
| website = {{URL|www.drinkchamps.com}}
}} }}


'''Victor Santiago, Jr.''' (born September 6, 1976),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/noreaga-mn0000457544|title=Noreaga - Biography, Albums, Streaming Links - AllMusic|website=AllMusic}}</ref> best known by his ] '''N.O.R.E.''', formerly '''Noreaga''', is an American rapper. Santiago first rose to prominence as one half of the ] duo ] (C-N-N), alongside fellow Queens-based ] ]. He would also have success as a solo artist with the singles "]", "]", "]", "]" and "]". '''Victor James Santiago Jr.''' (born September 6, 1977), better known by his ] '''N.O.R.E.''' (an acronym for '''N'''igga '''O'''n the '''R'''un '''E'''ating) and '''Noreaga''', is an American rapper. Santiago first rose to prominence as one half of the ] duo ], which he formed in 1995 with fellow Queens-based rapper ]. The duo released five studio albums, briefly disbanding after their second to pursue solo careers.


Santiago signed with ] as a solo artist to release his ] in 1998.{{efn|At the time of its release, he was known as Noreaga, although he changed his stage name to the album's title, N.O.R.E. in late 1999.}} The album peaked at number three on the ] and spawned the ]-top 40 single "]" (featuring ]). He followed up with his second album, '']'' (1999) before signing with ] to release his third album, '']'' (2002). Matching his debut in chart position, it spawned his highest charting-single "]" (featuring ]), which peaked at number ten on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. He signed with ]'s ] to release his fourth album '']'' (2006), which saw his departure from hip hop in favor of ]. It spawned the single "]" (featuring ] and ]), which peaked at number 12 on the chart.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/noreaga-on-being-latino-in-hip-hop-540568/|title= N.O.R.E. On Creating The Biggest Reggaeton Record Of His Time: "I Believed In My People"|website=Vibe.com|last=Estevez|first=Marjua|date= 26 September 2017}}</ref>
Santiago has released music under various record labels, including ], ], ], and ]. In June 2011, it was announced Santiago partnered with fellow American rapper ]' ] label, where he released his 2013 album '']'', issued under ]. Santiago is also ] (CEO) of his own imprint, Militainment Business.


His independently-released fifth and sixth albums, '']'' (2007) and '']'' (2013) marked his return to East Coast hip hop. The latter narrowly entered the ''Billboard'' 200 and was issued through fellow New York rapper ]' ] label, although Santiago has since launched his own label imprint, Militainment Business. He signed with ]' ] to release his seventh album, ''5E'' (2018).
==Musical career==


Outside of music, Santiago is the co-host (with ]) of the ]/] ''Drink Champs'', which centers around ] interviews. The show has been described as "The Premier Hip Hop Interview Show" and has won "Best Hip Hop Platform" at the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-11-11/252494/dj-efn-on-drink-champs-we-want-to-see-it-grow-into-a-network-interview/|last=Thorpe|first=Isha|title=DJ EFN says the sky's the limit for Drink Champs|date=November 11, 2022|website=Revolt.com}}</ref>
===1995–97: Career beginnings with Capone===
{{main article|Capone-N-Noreaga}}


==Early life==
Santiago's career began to take off in 1995, while under the ] Noreaga (after ] dictator ]), as part of the duo ] (C-N-N), alongside friend and fellow ]-based rapper ] (whom he met while serving time in prison). They signed to ] in 1996, and released their debut album '']'', in 1997. ''The War Report'' was a commercial and critical success which made the duo well known among hip hop audiences. The album received praise for using the "traditional grimey boom-bap" sound of classic ], which at that time was falling out in favor of a more futuristic sound. The album peaked at #21 on the ], and the singles "Illegal Life", "Closer", and "T.O.N.Y. (Top of New York)" all charted on the ] chart.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stanley |first=Leo |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:0bfexqyhldse~T31 |title=The War Report - Capone-N-Noreaga |publisher=AllMusic |date=1997-06-17 |accessdate=2012-04-17}}</ref>
Santiago was born in the ] borough of ] to a ] father and ] mother.<ref>{{cite web |title=Noreaga - Biography, Albums, Streaming Links - AllMusic |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/noreaga-mn0000457544 |website=AllMusic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=7 March 2018 |title=N.O.R.E. talks "On The Run Eatin'" food show on #SwayInTheMorning |url=https://www.hip-hopvibe.com/2018/03/07/n-o-r-e-talks-on-the-run-eatin-food-show-on-swayinthemorning-video/ |access-date=2018-03-07 |website=hip-hopvibe.com}}</ref> He was raised in the ] apartment complex located in the ] neighborhood of Queens.<ref>Sheftell, Jason. , '']'', September 13, 2012. Accessed February 14, 2018. "Former Net point guard Kenny Anderson learned to dribble in the back where rapper Noreaga rhymed with friends. In 1962, when LeFrak City first opened, men in top hats greeted residents as they entered their section with buildings named after parts of the world — London, Paris, Mexico, Mandalay."</ref>

==Musical career==
===1995–1997: Career beginnings with Capone===
{{main|Capone-N-Noreaga}}
Santiago began his career in 1995, performing under the ] Noreaga (after ] ruler ]),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Breihan |first=Tom |date=2017-05-30 |title=Noreaga Pays Tribute To Noriega |url=https://www.stereogum.com/1943623/noreaga-pays-tribute-to-noriega/news/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=Stereogum |language=en}}</ref> as part of the duo ] alongside friend and fellow ]-based rapper ], whom he met while serving time in prison. Santiago would spent time hanging out in Capone’s neighbouring ].<ref name="Sanfiorenzo 2017">{{cite web | last=Sanfiorenzo | first=Dimas | title=N.O.R.E. Explains Why People Kept on Defacing the Prodigy Mural | website=Okayplayer | date=2017-07-29 | url=https://www.okayplayer.com/music/nore-prodigy-mural.html/amp | access-date=2022-11-10}}</ref><ref name="The Source 2013">{{cite web | title=N.O.R.E. Changes His Name To P.A.P.I. | website=The Source | date=2013-01-04 | url=https://thesource.com/2013/01/04/n-o-r-e-changes-his-name-to-p-a-p-i/ | access-date=2022-11-10}}</ref> They signed to ] in 1996, and released their debut album '']'', in 1997. ''The War Report'' was a commercial and critical success that made the duo well known among hip hop audiences. The album received praise for using the "traditional grimey boom-bap" sound of classic ], which at that time was falling out in favor of a more futuristic sound. The album peaked at #21 on the ], and the singles "Illegal Life", "Closer", and "T.O.N.Y. (Top of New York)" all charted on the ] chart.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stanley |first=Leo |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:0bfexqyhldse~T31 |title=The War Report - Capone-N-Noreaga |publisher=AllMusic |date=1997-06-17 |access-date=2012-04-17}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


===1997–2000: Solo career and debut album=== ===1997–2000: Solo career and debut album===
Following the release of the album, Capone was again sentenced to a jail term, which left Noreaga to take on a solo career and make an album on his own. Noreaga's solo debut studio album '']'', was released in 1998. The title is an ] for "] ]". The album became even more successful than the duo's debut, charting at #3 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and being ] by the ] (RIAA). The album features ]s from fellow NYC rappers ], ], ] and ]. It also features in many cases a different production style than ''The War Report'', including the modern futuristic sound, with tracks produced by then-up-and-coming producers ] and ]. The Neptunes produced the hit "]", which reached #36 on the ] and #1 on the ] chart. The song, along with ]'s hit "Lookin' At Me", was one of the Neptunes' first high-profile productions and made them one of the most sought after production teams in hip hop.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicianguide.com/biographies/1608003889/The-Neptunes.html |title=The Neptunes Biography |website=Musicianguide.com |date= |accessdate=2016-04-28}}</ref> It also started their relationship with Noreaga as they would continue to produce more hits for him in the future. Following the release of the album, Capone was again sentenced to a jail term, which left Noreaga to take on a solo career and make an album on his own. Noreaga solo debut studio album '']'', was released in 1998. The title, a shortening of the artist's name, used the ] "] ]". The album became even more successful than the duo's debut, charting at No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and being ] by the ] (RIAA). The album features ]s from fellow NYC rappers ], ], ] and ]. It also features a different production style than ''The War Report'', including the modern futuristic sound, with tracks produced by then-up-and-coming producers ] and ]. The Neptunes produced the hit "]", which reached No. 36 on the ] and No. 1 on the ] chart. The song, along with ]'s hit "Lookin' At Me", was one of the Neptunes' first major productions.


In 1999, Noreaga would go on to release his second solo album, '']'', which was a moderate success, reaching the top 10 of the ''Billboard'' 200 and becoming ] by the RIAA. The album's most successful single (produced by The Neptunes) was "], which reached #49 on the ] chart. Capone was released from prison in 1999. The two subsequently began recording music together again and released their second C-N-N album in the year 2000. The album, titled '']'', was not well received critically and failed to match the commercial success of the duo's debut or Noreaga's solo albums. ] reviewer Matt Conaway summed up the album by stating "With ''The Reunion'', Capone-N-Noreaga take a step backward." The group would then go on a hiatus and not release another album until 2009. In 1999, Noreaga released his second solo album, '']'', which was a moderate success, reaching the top 10 of the ''Billboard'' 200 and becoming ] by the RIAA. The album's most successful single (produced by The Neptunes) was "], which reached No. 49 on the ] chart. Capone was released from prison in 1999. The two subsequently began recording music together again and released their second C-N-N album in 2000. The album, titled '']'', was not well-received critically and failed to match the commercial success of the duo's debut or Noreaga's solo albums. ] reviewer Matt Conaway summed up the album by stating "With ''The Reunion'', Capone-N-Noreaga take a step backward." The group would then go on a hiatus and not release another album until 2009.


===2001–2007: Name change and reggaeton era===
]
Noreaga continued his career as a solo artist. He officially changed his stage name to N.O.R.E. in the late 1990s,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last1=Coleman II |first1=C. Vernon |last2=High |first2=Kemet |date=2023-03-08 |title=Rappers Who Unsuccessfully Tried Changing Their Names |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/rappers-tried-changing-names/ |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}}</ref> and after some delays, his third solo studio album '']'', was released in 2002. The album peaked at No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' 200. It contained the major hit "]" (produced by The Neptunes), which reached No. 10 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. It became N.O.R.E.'s highest-charting hit.


Following ''God's Favorite'', N.O.R.E. changed his musical focus. He began recording ] songs to reflect his ] background and made ] music, rather than traditional ]. The reggaeton single "]", was released in 2004 and became a major hit, peaking at No. 12 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. The song was originally supposed to be a single from an upcoming album titled ''1 Fan a Day'', but the album was never released. Instead, N.O.R.E. released a reggaeton/hip hop album in 2006, titled '']'', which included the lead singles "Oye Mi Canto" and "]". The album, released under ]'s ], has both English and Spanish language tracks. It did not chart nearly as well as any of N.O.R.E.'s previous solo albums, as it only reached No. 82 on the ''Billboard'' 200.
===2001–07: Name change and reggaeton era===
Noreaga continued to pursue his career as a solo artist. He officially changed his stage name to N.O.R.E.{{when|date=March 2013}}, and after some delays, his third solo studio album '']'', was released in 2002. The album peaked at #3 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and was later certified platinum. It contained the major hit "]" (produced by The Neptunes), which reached #10 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. It became N.O.R.E.'s highest charting hit.


N.O.R.E. went on to release two more solo albums. The first, his fifth album '']'', was released in 2007 and supported by the single "Set It Off", featuring vocals and production from Swizz Beatz. N.O.R.E. released his CD/DVD, ''Noreality'', in September via a joint venture with his own Thugged Out Militainment label and ]. The album features guest appearances from ], ], ], ], ]'s Prodigy, ], ], ], ] and Capone. Swizz Beatz is among the producers. The DVD, which was made available in limited quantities, is based on the rapper's life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1051272/billboard-bits-grand-national-nore-molotov-more |title=Bits: Grand National, N.O.R.E., Molotov & More |date=27 June 2007 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=2013-10-06}}</ref>
Following ''God's Favorite'', N.O.R.E. changed his musical focus. He began recording ] songs to reflect his ] background and made ] music, rather than traditional ]. The reggaeton single "]", was released in 2004 and became a major hit, peaking at #12 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. The song was originally supposed to be a single from an upcoming album titled ''1 Fan a Day'', but the album was never released. Instead, N.O.R.E. released a reggaeton/hip hop album in 2006, titled '']'', which included the lead singles "Oye Mi Canto" and "]". The album, released under ]'s ], has both English and Spanish language tracks. It did not chart nearly as well as any of N.O.R.E.'s previous solo albums, as it only reached #82 on the ''Billboard'' 200. He also is a playable character in ] and ]


The second album ''S.O.R.E.'', was controversially released in 2009. N.O.R.E. would go on to denounce ''S.O.R.E.'', calling it an album he had nothing to do with,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nahright.com/news/2009/09/24/video-nore-dont-support-sore/ |title=Video: N.O.R.E.: Don't Support S.O.R.E. |publisher=Nah Right |date=2009-09-24 |access-date=2013-10-06}}</ref> as he asked fans not to purchase it.<ref>{{cite web |last=Langhorne |first=Cyrus |url=http://www.sohh.com/2009/09/nore_pleads_w_fans_to_not.html |title=N.O.R.E. Pleads W/ Fans To Not Cop "S.O.R.E." LP, "That's Not My Real Album" (Video) |publisher=Sohh.Com |date=2009-09-13 |access-date=2013-10-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125082405/http://www.sohh.com/2009/09/nore_pleads_w_fans_to_not.html |archive-date=2009-11-25 }}</ref> The album is a reference to his ] and his ] which is a ] for "Niggaz on (the) Run Eatin'", which makes "S.O.R.E.", "Still on (the) Run Eatin'". The term was first used in late 2007, when N.O.R.E. released a song titled "Still on the Run Eatin'", featuring ]. N.O.R.E. said in a video blog that he didn't approve of this album. He stated the album's ] was of him at 310 pounds, adding that he had lost 62 pounds since then. He also mentioned that five songs on the album were actually handed in, while the rest were pulled off the internet, some of which were recorded in 2007, probably stemming from his label's financial issues. He later stated he was working on an album known as ''N.O.R.E. Pt. 2: Born Again'', later retitled '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brokencool.com/broken_cool/2009/09/video-nore-says-dont-support-sore.html |title=VIDEO: N.O.R.E. Says Don't Support "S.O.R.E." |publisher=broken cool. |date=2009-09-24 |access-date=2013-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929064032/http://www.brokencool.com/broken_cool/2009/09/video-nore-says-dont-support-sore.html |archive-date=2009-09-29 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
N.O.R.E. went on to release two more solo albums. The first, his fifth album '']'', was released in 2007 and supported by the single "Set It Off", featuring vocals and production from Swizz Beatz. N.O.R.E. released his CD/DVD, ''Noreality'', in September via a joint venture with his own Thugged Out Militainment label and ]. The album features guest appearances from ], ], ], ], ]'s Prodigy, ], ], ], ] and Capone. Swizz Beatz is among the producers. The DVD, which was available in limited quantities, is based on the rapper's life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1051272/billboard-bits-grand-national-nore-molotov-more |title=Bits: Grand National, N.O.R.E., Molotov & More |publisher=Billboard |date= |accessdate=2013-10-06}}</ref>


===2009–present: ''Student of the Game'' and podcasting career===
The second album ''S.O.R.E.'', was controversially released in 2009. N.O.R.E. would go on to denounce ''S.O.R.E.'', calling it an album he had nothing to do with<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nahright.com/news/2009/09/24/video-nore-dont-support-sore/ |title=Video: N.O.R.E.: Don’t Support S.O.R.E. |publisher=Nah Right |date=2009-09-24 |accessdate=2013-10-06}}</ref> and asked fans not to purchase it.<ref>{{cite web|last=Langhorne |first=Cyrus |url=http://www.sohh.com/2009/09/nore_pleads_w_fans_to_not.html |title=N.O.R.E. Pleads W/ Fans To Not Cop "S.O.R.E." LP, "That's Not My Real Album" (Video) |publisher=Sohh.Com |date=2009-09-13 |accessdate=2013-10-06}}</ref> The album is a reference to his ] and his ] which is a ] for "Niggaz on (the) Run Eatin'", which makes "S.O.R.E.", "Still on (the) Run Eatin'". The term was first used in late 2007, when N.O.R.E. released a song entitled "Still on the Run Eatin'", featuring ]. N.O.R.E. said in a video blog that he didn't approve of this album. He also stated the album's ] was of him at 310 pounds, adding he had lost 62 pounds since then. He also went on to mention five songs on the album were actually handed in, while the rest were pulled off the internet, some of which coming from 2007, probably stemming from label financial issues. He later stated the official album he's working on is '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brokencool.com/broken_cool/2009/09/video-nore-says-dont-support-sore.html |title=VIDEO: N.O.R.E. Says Don't Support "S.O.R.E." |publisher=broken cool. |date=2009-09-24 |accessdate=2013-10-06}}</ref>
In 2009, N.O.R.E. collaborated with Capone once again, to release their third studio album '']'', which charted at No. 136 on the ''Billboard'' 200. A fourth Capone-N-Noreaga album, titled '']'', was released in 2010. Its lead single was "Hood Pride", featuring ]. In June 2011, fellow American rapper ], with whom N.O.R.E. has collaborated several times in the past, stated on his Twitter account that he had officially signed N.O.R.E. to his newly founded record label ].<ref name="twitter1">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BusaBusss/status/84459854676242433 |title=Twitter |publisher=Twitter |access-date=2013-10-06}}</ref> N.O.R.E. has since launched his own label imprint, Militainment Business.<ref>{{cite web |last=Langhorne |first=Cyrus |url=http://www.sohh.com/2011/06/busta_rhymes_clears_up_nore_situation_i.html |title=Busta Rhymes Clears Up N.O.R.E. Situation, "I Didn't Really Sign Him" (Video) |publisher=Sohh.Com |date=2011-06-26 |access-date=2013-10-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109012001/http://www.sohh.com/2011/06/busta_rhymes_clears_up_nore_situation_i.html |archive-date=2012-11-09 }}</ref>


Between 2009 and 2011, N.O.R.E. teamed up with ] to host a satellite radio show for Sirius XM called Militainment Crazy Raw Radio, a title that gave equal weight to N.O.R.E.'s Militainment brand, EFN's Crazy Hood, and 66 Raw, the channel on Sirius XM which carried the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://57thave.com/?p%3D377 |title=Militainment Crazy Raw Radio on Hip-Hop Nation &#124; 57thAve |access-date=September 11, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192458/http://57thave.com/?p=377 |archive-date=January 2, 2014 }}</ref>
===2009–present: ''Student of the Game'' ===
In 2009, N.O.R.E. collaborated with Capone once again, to release their third studio album '']'', which charted at #136 on the ''Billboard'' 200. In 2010, a fourth Capone-N-Noreaga album titled '']'', was released. Its lead single was "Hood Pride", featuring ]. In June 2011, fellow American rapper ], with whom N.O.R.E. has collaborated with several times in the past, stated on his Twitter account that he had officially signed N.O.R.E. to his newly founded record label ].<ref name="twitter1">{{cite web|author= |url=https://twitter.com/BusaBusss/status/84459854676242433 |title=Twitter |publisher=Twitter |date= |accessdate=2013-10-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Langhorne |first=Cyrus |url=http://www.sohh.com/2011/06/busta_rhymes_clears_up_nore_situation_i.html |title=Busta Rhymes Clears Up N.O.R.E. Situation, "I Didn't Really Sign Him" (Video) |publisher=Sohh.Com |date=2011-06-26 |accessdate=2013-10-06}}</ref>


In early 2013, N.O.R.E. stated that he would yet again change his ], this time to P.A.P.I. (Acronym for '''P'''ower '''A'''lways '''P'''roves '''I'''ntelligence),<ref name=":0" /><ref name=p.a.p.i.>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/01/nore-changes-his-name-to-papi |title=N.O.R.E. Changes His Name to P.A.P.I. |publisher=Complex |date=2013-01-04 |access-date=2013-10-06}}</ref> which stirred mixed reactions from his fans. On April 16, he released '']'' and announced a sequel would be released as his next album.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cooper |first=Roman |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23652/title.n-o-r-e-a-k-a-p-a-p-i-reveals-plans-for-student-of-the-game-2- |title=N.O.R.E. (a/k/a P.A.P.I.) Reveals Plans For "Student Of The Game 2" |publisher=HipHop DX |date=2013-04-20 |access-date=2013-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002020618/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23652/title.n-o-r-e-a-k-a-p-a-p-i-reveals-plans-for-student-of-the-game-2- |archive-date=2013-10-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Between 2009 and 2011, N.O.R.E. teamed up with ] to host a satellite radio show for Sirius XM called Militainment Crazy Raw Radio, a title that gave equal weight to N.O.R.E.'s Militainment brand, to EFN's Crazy Hood, and to 66 Raw, the channel on Sirius XM which carried the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://57thave.com/?p%3D377 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=September 11, 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192458/http://57thave.com/?p=377 |archivedate=January 2, 2014 }}</ref>


On September 27, 2013, N.O.R.E. told MTV that his next album, ''Melvin Flynt II: Da Final Hustle'', would be his final album. He stated he planned to stop touring and releasing solo albums to focus on being a music executive and CEO.<ref name="xxlmagii">{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/09/n-o-r-e-says-will-focus-ceo-next-lp-melvin-flynt-ii-da-final-hustle/ |title=N.O.R.E. Says He Will Focus On Being CEO After Next LP 'Melvin Flynt II: Da Final Hustle' - XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=2013-09-28 |access-date=2013-10-06}}</ref> On October 30, 2015, he tweeted: "New and last album in July!!!",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/noreaga/status/660275317299376128 |title=N.O.R.E on Twitter: "New and last album In July !!!" |publisher=Twitter |access-date=2016-04-28}}</ref> followed by "''Melvin Flynt 2''? Or ''N.O.R.E. 2''?".<ref name="xxlmagii"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/noreaga/status/660277006538555392 |title=N.O.R.E on Twitter: "Melvin flynt 2? Or N.O.R.E 2?" |publisher=Twitterm |access-date=2016-04-28}}</ref> By July 2016, it appeared the rapper had abandoned his plan for retirement as he continued making music.
In early 2013, Santiago stated that he would yet again change his ], this time to P.A.P.I. (Acronym for '''P'''ower '''A'''lways '''P'''roves '''I'''ntelligence),<ref name=p.a.p.i.>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/01/nore-changes-his-name-to-papi |title=N.O.R.E. Changes His Name to P.A.P.I. |publisher=Complex |date=2013-01-04 |accessdate=2013-10-06}}</ref> which stirred mixed reactions from his fans. On April 16, 2013 he released '']'', and shortly after announced a sequel would be released as his next album.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cooper |first=Roman |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23652/title.n-o-r-e-a-k-a-p-a-p-i-reveals-plans-for-student-of-the-game-2- |title=N.O.R.E. (a/k/a P.A.P.I.) Reveals Plans For "Student Of The Game 2" |publisher=HipHop DX |date=2013-04-20 |accessdate=2013-10-06}}</ref>


N.O.R.E. reunited with DJ EFN to begin hosting the "Drink Champs" podcast in March 2016. Celebrity hip-hop guests are featured in most episodes, sharing stories and updates while drinking alcohol. The podcast has achieved more than five million listens per month. Since November 2016, the show has been aired on ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schwindt|first=Oriana|date=2016-11-17|title='Drink Champs' Podcast Coming to Diddy's Revolt TV Network (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/drink-champs-podcast-diddy-revolt-tv-1201920571/|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Variety|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2017, N.O.R.E. signed with ]' ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Estevez|first=Marjua|date=2017-09-20|title=N.O.R.E. On Signing With Mass Appeal And Reviving Friendship With Nas (Watch)|url=https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/noreaga-mass-appeal-deal-nas-539383/|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Vibe|language=en-US}}</ref> He released his seventh album, ''5E'', in July 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|last= WALLACE|first=RILEY|date=2018-07-30|title=REVIEW: N.O.R.E. KEEPS IT AVERAGE ON "5E"|url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.3208/title.review-n-o-r-e-keeps-it-average-on-5e|access-date=2021-07-01|website=HIPHOPDX|language=en-US}}</ref>
On September 27, 2013, he told MTV that his next album, ''Melvin Flynt II: Da Final Hustle'' will be his final album, as he will stop touring and releasing solo albums to focus on being a music executive and CEO.<ref name="xxlmagii">{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/09/n-o-r-e-says-will-focus-ceo-next-lp-melvin-flynt-ii-da-final-hustle/ |title=N.O.R.E. Says He Will Focus On Being CEO After Next LP 'Melvin Flynt II: Da Final Hustle' - XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=2013-09-28 |accessdate=2013-10-06}}</ref> On October 30, 2015, Santiago tweeted: "New and last album in July!!!",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/noreaga/status/660275317299376128 |title=N.O.R.E on Twitter: "New and last album In July !!!" |publisher=Twitter |date= |accessdate=2016-04-28}}</ref> followed by "''Melvin Flynt 2''? Or ''N.O.R.E. 2''?".<ref name="xxlmagii"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/noreaga/status/660277006538555392 |title=N.O.R.E on Twitter: "Melvin flynt 2? Or N.O.R.E 2?" |publisher=Twitterm |date= |accessdate=2016-04-28}}</ref>


==Discography== ==Legal issues==
On February 24, 2009, N.O.R.E. was arrested at a ] restaurant in ], after a fight with a customer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/latino/new-york-rapper-n-o-e-arrested-fight-miami-burger-joint-article-1.392869|title=New York rapper N.O.R.E. arrested after fight at Miami burger joint - NY Daily News|website=]|agency=Associated Press|access-date=22 October 2018}}</ref>
{{main article|N.O.R.E. discography|C-N-N discography}}


==Discography==
{{main|N.O.R.E. discography|C-N-N discography}}
'''Studio albums'''
* '']'' (1998) * '']'' (1998)
* '']'' (1999) * '']'' (1999)
* '']'' (2002) * '']'' (2002)
* '']'' (2006) * '']'' (2006)
* '']'' (2007) * '']'' (2007)
* '']'' (2013) * '']'' (2013)
* '']'' (2018)

==Video game appearances==
The rapper appears as himself and is a playable character in the video games '']'' (2003) and its 2004 sequel '']''.

==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
* on ]
* {{IMDb name}}
* *


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{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 16:56, 8 January 2025

American rapper (born 1977) "Noreaga" redirects here. For other people with similar names, see Noriega. For the 1998 album, see N.O.R.E. (album). For the 1998 song, see N.O.R.E. (song).
N.O.R.E.
N.O.R.E. in 2009N.O.R.E. in 2009
Background information
Birth nameVictor James Santiago Jr.
Also known as
  • Noreaga
  • P.A.P.I.
  • Melvin Flynt
Born (1977-09-06) September 6, 1977 (age 47)
Queens, New York City, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • podcaster
Years active1995–present
Labels
Member ofCapone-N-Noreaga
Formerly ofFlipmode Squad
Websitewww.drinkchamps.com
Musical artist

Victor James Santiago Jr. (born September 6, 1977), better known by his stage names N.O.R.E. (an acronym for Nigga On the Run Eating) and Noreaga, is an American rapper. Santiago first rose to prominence as one half of the East Coast hip hop duo Capone-N-Noreaga, which he formed in 1995 with fellow Queens-based rapper Capone. The duo released five studio albums, briefly disbanding after their second to pursue solo careers.

Santiago signed with Penalty Recordings as a solo artist to release his self-titled debut studio album in 1998. The album peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top 40 single "Superthug" (featuring the Neptunes). He followed up with his second album, Melvin Flynt – Da Hustler (1999) before signing with Def Jam Recordings to release his third album, God's Favorite (2002). Matching his debut in chart position, it spawned his highest charting-single "Nothin'" (featuring Pharrell), which peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. He signed with Jay-Z's Roc-La-Familia to release his fourth album N.O.R.E. y la Familia...Ya Tú Sabe (2006), which saw his departure from hip hop in favor of reggaeton. It spawned the single "Oye Mi Canto" (featuring Nina Sky and Daddy Yankee), which peaked at number 12 on the chart.

His independently-released fifth and sixth albums, Noreality (2007) and Student of the Game (2013) marked his return to East Coast hip hop. The latter narrowly entered the Billboard 200 and was issued through fellow New York rapper Busta Rhymes' Conglomerate label, although Santiago has since launched his own label imprint, Militainment Business. He signed with Nas' Mass Appeal Records to release his seventh album, 5E (2018).

Outside of music, Santiago is the co-host (with DJ EFN) of the talk show/podcast Drink Champs, which centers around celebrity interviews. The show has been described as "The Premier Hip Hop Interview Show" and has won "Best Hip Hop Platform" at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards.

Early life

Santiago was born in the Queens borough of New York City, New York to a Puerto Rican father and African-American mother. He was raised in the LeFrak City apartment complex located in the Corona neighborhood of Queens.

Musical career

1995–1997: Career beginnings with Capone

Main article: Capone-N-Noreaga

Santiago began his career in 1995, performing under the pseudonym Noreaga (after Panamanian ruler Manuel Noriega), as part of the duo Capone-N-Noreaga alongside friend and fellow Queens-based rapper Capone, whom he met while serving time in prison. Santiago would spent time hanging out in Capone’s neighbouring Queensbridge Houses. They signed to Penalty Recordings in 1996, and released their debut album The War Report, in 1997. The War Report was a commercial and critical success that made the duo well known among hip hop audiences. The album received praise for using the "traditional grimey boom-bap" sound of classic New York City hip hop, which at that time was falling out in favor of a more futuristic sound. The album peaked at #21 on the Billboard 200, and the singles "Illegal Life", "Closer", and "T.O.N.Y. (Top of New York)" all charted on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks chart.

1997–2000: Solo career and debut album

Following the release of the album, Capone was again sentenced to a jail term, which left Noreaga to take on a solo career and make an album on his own. Noreaga solo debut studio album N.O.R.E, was released in 1998. The title, a shortening of the artist's name, used the backronym "Niggaz on (the) Run Eatin'". The album became even more successful than the duo's debut, charting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and being certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album features guest appearances from fellow NYC rappers Nas, Kool G Rap, Big Pun and Busta Rhymes. It also features a different production style than The War Report, including the modern futuristic sound, with tracks produced by then-up-and-coming producers The Neptunes and Swizz Beatz. The Neptunes produced the hit "Superthug", which reached No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. The song, along with Mase's hit "Lookin' At Me", was one of the Neptunes' first major productions.

In 1999, Noreaga released his second solo album, Melvin Flynt - Da Hustler, which was a moderate success, reaching the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and becoming certified gold by the RIAA. The album's most successful single (produced by The Neptunes) was "Oh No", which reached No. 49 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks chart. Capone was released from prison in 1999. The two subsequently began recording music together again and released their second C-N-N album in 2000. The album, titled The Reunion, was not well-received critically and failed to match the commercial success of the duo's debut or Noreaga's solo albums. AllMusic reviewer Matt Conaway summed up the album by stating "With The Reunion, Capone-N-Noreaga take a step backward." The group would then go on a hiatus and not release another album until 2009.

2001–2007: Name change and reggaeton era

Noreaga continued his career as a solo artist. He officially changed his stage name to N.O.R.E. in the late 1990s, and after some delays, his third solo studio album God's Favorite, was released in 2002. The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. It contained the major hit "Nothin'" (produced by The Neptunes), which reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became N.O.R.E.'s highest-charting hit.

Following God's Favorite, N.O.R.E. changed his musical focus. He began recording Spanish-language songs to reflect his Puerto Rican background and made reggaeton music, rather than traditional hip hop. The reggaeton single "Oye Mi Canto", was released in 2004 and became a major hit, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was originally supposed to be a single from an upcoming album titled 1 Fan a Day, but the album was never released. Instead, N.O.R.E. released a reggaeton/hip hop album in 2006, titled N.O.R.E. y la Familia...Ya Tú Sabe, which included the lead singles "Oye Mi Canto" and "Mas Maiz". The album, released under Jay-Z's Roc-La-Familia, has both English and Spanish language tracks. It did not chart nearly as well as any of N.O.R.E.'s previous solo albums, as it only reached No. 82 on the Billboard 200.

N.O.R.E. went on to release two more solo albums. The first, his fifth album Noreality, was released in 2007 and supported by the single "Set It Off", featuring vocals and production from Swizz Beatz. N.O.R.E. released his CD/DVD, Noreality, in September via a joint venture with his own Thugged Out Militainment label and Babygrande Records. The album features guest appearances from Jadakiss, Three 6 Mafia, Kanye West, Pharrell, Mobb Deep's Prodigy, Bun B, Tru Life, David Banner, Kurupt and Capone. Swizz Beatz is among the producers. The DVD, which was made available in limited quantities, is based on the rapper's life.

The second album S.O.R.E., was controversially released in 2009. N.O.R.E. would go on to denounce S.O.R.E., calling it an album he had nothing to do with, as he asked fans not to purchase it. The album is a reference to his stage name and his first album which is a backronym for "Niggaz on (the) Run Eatin'", which makes "S.O.R.E.", "Still on (the) Run Eatin'". The term was first used in late 2007, when N.O.R.E. released a song titled "Still on the Run Eatin'", featuring Lil Wayne. N.O.R.E. said in a video blog that he didn't approve of this album. He stated the album's artwork was of him at 310 pounds, adding that he had lost 62 pounds since then. He also mentioned that five songs on the album were actually handed in, while the rest were pulled off the internet, some of which were recorded in 2007, probably stemming from his label's financial issues. He later stated he was working on an album known as N.O.R.E. Pt. 2: Born Again, later retitled Student of the Game.

2009–present: Student of the Game and podcasting career

In 2009, N.O.R.E. collaborated with Capone once again, to release their third studio album Channel 10, which charted at No. 136 on the Billboard 200. A fourth Capone-N-Noreaga album, titled The War Report 2, was released in 2010. Its lead single was "Hood Pride", featuring Faith Evans. In June 2011, fellow American rapper Busta Rhymes, with whom N.O.R.E. has collaborated several times in the past, stated on his Twitter account that he had officially signed N.O.R.E. to his newly founded record label Conglomerate Records. N.O.R.E. has since launched his own label imprint, Militainment Business.

Between 2009 and 2011, N.O.R.E. teamed up with DJ EFN to host a satellite radio show for Sirius XM called Militainment Crazy Raw Radio, a title that gave equal weight to N.O.R.E.'s Militainment brand, EFN's Crazy Hood, and 66 Raw, the channel on Sirius XM which carried the show.

In early 2013, N.O.R.E. stated that he would yet again change his moniker, this time to P.A.P.I. (Acronym for Power Always Proves Intelligence), which stirred mixed reactions from his fans. On April 16, he released Student of the Game and announced a sequel would be released as his next album.

On September 27, 2013, N.O.R.E. told MTV that his next album, Melvin Flynt II: Da Final Hustle, would be his final album. He stated he planned to stop touring and releasing solo albums to focus on being a music executive and CEO. On October 30, 2015, he tweeted: "New and last album in July!!!", followed by "Melvin Flynt 2? Or N.O.R.E. 2?". By July 2016, it appeared the rapper had abandoned his plan for retirement as he continued making music.

N.O.R.E. reunited with DJ EFN to begin hosting the "Drink Champs" podcast in March 2016. Celebrity hip-hop guests are featured in most episodes, sharing stories and updates while drinking alcohol. The podcast has achieved more than five million listens per month. Since November 2016, the show has been aired on Revolt. In 2017, N.O.R.E. signed with Nas' Mass Appeal Records. He released his seventh album, 5E, in July 2018.

Legal issues

On February 24, 2009, N.O.R.E. was arrested at a Fatburger restaurant in Miami Beach, FL, after a fight with a customer.

Discography

Main articles: N.O.R.E. discography and C-N-N discography

Studio albums

Video game appearances

The rapper appears as himself and is a playable character in the video games Def Jam Vendetta (2003) and its 2004 sequel Def Jam: Fight For NY.

Notes

  1. At the time of its release, he was known as Noreaga, although he changed his stage name to the album's title, N.O.R.E. in late 1999.

References

  1. "N.O.R.E. At Venue". 20 November 2013.
  2. Estevez, Marjua (26 September 2017). "N.O.R.E. On Creating The Biggest Reggaeton Record Of His Time: "I Believed In My People"". Vibe.com.
  3. Thorpe, Isha (November 11, 2022). "DJ EFN says the sky's the limit for Drink Champs". Revolt.com.
  4. "Noreaga - Biography, Albums, Streaming Links - AllMusic". AllMusic.
  5. "N.O.R.E. talks "On The Run Eatin'" food show on #SwayInTheMorning [VIDEO]". hip-hopvibe.com. 7 March 2018. Retrieved 2018-03-07.
  6. Sheftell, Jason. "LeFrak City in Queens turns 50", New York Daily News, September 13, 2012. Accessed February 14, 2018. "Former Net point guard Kenny Anderson learned to dribble in the back where rapper Noreaga rhymed with friends. In 1962, when LeFrak City first opened, men in top hats greeted residents as they entered their section with buildings named after parts of the world — London, Paris, Mexico, Mandalay."
  7. Breihan, Tom (2017-05-30). "Noreaga Pays Tribute To Noriega". Stereogum. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
  8. Sanfiorenzo, Dimas (2017-07-29). "N.O.R.E. Explains Why People Kept on Defacing the Prodigy Mural". Okayplayer. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  9. "N.O.R.E. Changes His Name To P.A.P.I." The Source. 2013-01-04. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  10. Stanley, Leo (1997-06-17). "The War Report - Capone-N-Noreaga". AllMusic. Retrieved 2012-04-17.
  11. ^ Coleman II, C. Vernon; High, Kemet (2023-03-08). "Rappers Who Unsuccessfully Tried Changing Their Names". XXL Mag. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
  12. "Bits: Grand National, N.O.R.E., Molotov & More". Billboard. 27 June 2007. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  13. "Video: N.O.R.E.: Don't Support S.O.R.E." Nah Right. 2009-09-24. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  14. Langhorne, Cyrus (2009-09-13). "N.O.R.E. Pleads W/ Fans To Not Cop "S.O.R.E." LP, "That's Not My Real Album" (Video)". Sohh.Com. Archived from the original on 2009-11-25. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  15. "VIDEO: N.O.R.E. Says Don't Support "S.O.R.E."". broken cool. 2009-09-24. Archived from the original on 2009-09-29. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  16. "Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  17. Langhorne, Cyrus (2011-06-26). "Busta Rhymes Clears Up N.O.R.E. Situation, "I Didn't Really Sign Him" (Video)". Sohh.Com. Archived from the original on 2012-11-09. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  18. "Militainment Crazy Raw Radio on Hip-Hop Nation | 57thAve". Archived from the original on January 2, 2014. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
  19. "N.O.R.E. Changes His Name to P.A.P.I." Complex. 2013-01-04. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  20. Cooper, Roman (2013-04-20). "N.O.R.E. (a/k/a P.A.P.I.) Reveals Plans For "Student Of The Game 2"". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on 2013-10-02. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  21. ^ "N.O.R.E. Says He Will Focus On Being CEO After Next LP 'Melvin Flynt II: Da Final Hustle' - XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-09-28. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  22. "N.O.R.E on Twitter: "New and last album In July !!!"". Twitter. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
  23. "N.O.R.E on Twitter: "Melvin flynt 2? Or N.O.R.E 2?"". Twitterm. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
  24. Schwindt, Oriana (2016-11-17). "'Drink Champs' Podcast Coming to Diddy's Revolt TV Network (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2021-07-01.
  25. Estevez, Marjua (2017-09-20). "N.O.R.E. On Signing With Mass Appeal And Reviving Friendship With Nas (Watch)". Vibe. Retrieved 2021-07-01.
  26. WALLACE, RILEY (2018-07-30). "REVIEW: N.O.R.E. KEEPS IT AVERAGE ON "5E"". HIPHOPDX. Retrieved 2021-07-01.
  27. "New York rapper N.O.R.E. arrested after fight at Miami burger joint - NY Daily News". New York Daily News. Associated Press. Retrieved 22 October 2018.

External links

N.O.R.E.
Discography
Studio albums
Singles
Featured singles
Related articles
Capone-N-Noreaga
Studio albums
Singles
Related articles
Def Jam Recordings
Founders
Subsidiaries
Roc-A-Fella Records
Founder(s)
Related articles
Categories: