Capone-n-Noreaga also were not so quiet in the whole East Coast/West Coast beef which after the shooting death of 2 superstars, gangsta rap’s reputation came to the realization of being forever tainted on both ends of the map. The culture was grieving the loss of 2 of the most prolific MC’s we’ve had in 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G., and rap was reaching levels of mainstream success it had yet to see with the popularity of Puff Daddy and his debut album dropping around the same time.
Good reviews and dope music, unfortunately, was not enough to get the amount of attention this group deserved but to know why is to understand the tumultuous climate of Hip Hop at the time. The album features multiple producers including Havoc from Mobb Deep and an appearance from Tragedy Khadafi on over half of the tracks who also served as the project’s executive producer. With the success of fellow Queens MC’s such as Nas and Mobb Deep at the time, CNN entered the rap game with a voice of their own and able to rep Queens confidently and commanding respect as another heavyweight to be heard. The album received favorable reviews from critics and fans alike even earning a 4 out of 5 mic rating from The Source magazine. This year, as part of Tommy Boy's 40th anniversary celebration, this classic project will be reissued as a limited, colored vinyl release that will for sure be a must have for golden era Hip Hop heads.Rap duo Capone-n-Noreaga aka CNN from Lefrak City “Iraq”, Queens, NY, released “The War Report” in mid ’97 which eventually went on to sell over 500,000 copies being certified Gold. Topping out at #21 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop albums chart, "The War Report, " continues to prove itself as a must have amongst record collectors. 's unorthodox lyrical delivery and Capone's streetwise slang and Five Percenter references, Capone-N-Noreaga brought new life into the Gangsta Rap subgenre, becoming an instant underground phenomenon, and making them both a household name within the hardcore Hip Hop community.
(Top of New York), " "Closer, " and "Illegal Life, " "The War Report" has since been certified Gold by the RIAA and continues to garner spins on radio stations around the globe. Despite the projects underground appeal, it also found massive commercial success.
The now cult-classic, featured strong underground overtones and served as a turning point in Hip Hop, bringing a more hardcore sound and is credited for reviving East Coast Hip Hop and signaling a return to realistic, gritty, street aesthetics. Upon their release, the duo hit the studio, concocting their debut album, "The War Report, " and launching Capone-N-Noreaga in 1997. Tommy Boy Reissues exclusive limited edition pressing of Capone-N-Noreaga's "The War Report" on Octoas part of Tommy Boy's 40th anniversary Hailing from Queens, New York, Capone and Noreaga first met while both serving time in prison.