N.O.R.E is a rapper from Queens, New York, who appeared on the “I AM Athlete” podcast. While on the podcast, he claimed that he was hotter than D.M.X., Big Pun, and Cam’ron in 1998.
N.O.R.E Rapping Career
For those who do not know the former rapper, here is a mini autobiography. Victor Santiago Jr is the rapper’s real name; he grew up in Queens and is half Puerto Rican. In an interview with the “I Am Athlete” podcast, the N.O.R.E spoke about how many artists sign with terrible labels because they do not read the contract well. As a result, this leads many artists not to own their music and not have ownership of their masterpiece. For instance, in the podcast, he said, “Once you sign a contract, you’re being pimped.” He made this statement because he has experienced the wrongdoing of most labels.
During the interview, N.O.R.E claimed he was the hottest rapper of his time. He was comparing himself with other artists in his era. When he was with Penalty/ Tommy Boy Records in 1998, he released his self-titled debut album back in July of that year. Moreover, in the podcast, N.O.R.E was referring to this hit. Furthermore, with the claim he made, He had stats to prove his point, and he did just that in the podcast.
“I was!” N.O.R.E shouted. “In 1998? Who was it? Me, D.M.X., Big Pun, Cam’ron. I was the hottest at the time I signed. And, other than D.M.X., I sold the most in my first week. D.M.X. did 220[K], I did 163[K]. Plus, the other 18,000 that they pre-sold from me because they bootlegged it and they still counted it.”
Above all, N.O.R.E is known for his natural style in his music. Many fans took his work seriously during this period. He has retired from making music because he wants to be his boss. “Nobody has to tell me to, and that’s what I retired from,” he said. His a C.E.O. of Militainment Business and is now known for his “Drink Champs” podcast as a host. At the show, he welcomes the most prominent artists and interviews them.
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By Amandine Shadia, Twitter @AmandineShadia