A multi-talented artist steals the spotlight today as this day in Hip-hop recognizes the birth of Kirk Jones, more prominently known as, Sticky Fingaz.
Jones started making a name for himself dishing out rhymes alongside Fredro Starr, Sonsee, and Big DS in the multi-platinum bestselling rap group, Onyx. Entering the scene in 1993, the Queens-based group released their memorable debut album, Bacdafucup, which proved to be a tremendous commercial success. The record listed numerous critically-acclaimed tracks, including their hit-single “Slam” which peaked at #4 off the Billboard Hot 100 and attained RIAA Platinum.
In 2001, Jones proved to be as formidable on his solo ventures with his debut album, Black Trash: The Autobiography of Kirk Jones—an album he authored around a fictitious narration revolving around the rapper's life, emphasizing life after prison, building up to a climactic demise. The album also attained critical acclaim, and featured a colorful collection of guest appearances, such as Eminem, Raekwon, Redman, and Canibus.
Throughout his twenty-eight years in the music industry, Jones's resume catalogs an impressive list of memorable collaborations, ranging from Snoop Dogg's No Limit Top Dogg, Mobb Deep's The Infamous Archives, MC Eiht's Underground Hero, as well as his iconic performance on Eminem's single, “Remember Me” off his Marshall MathersLP.
Jones was known for his grit and steel style of rapping, which stood out even during his earliest years performing with Onyx. While this always fit well into the hardcore blend of rap he concocted, Jones was also known for his clever lines and dark sense of humor. Alongside all these qualities, Sticky Fingaz also flaunted his loud, domineering voice which often, if not always, managed to steal the audiences attention.
By Jods Arboleda for RAPStation.com
