On October 24, 1995, the gritty Queens-based hip-hop group Onyx released their sophomore album, *All We Got Iz Us*. Known for their aggressi...
*All We Got Iz Us* pushed the boundaries of the genre, delving deeper into themes of urban chaos, violence, and social unrest. While *Bacdafucup* captured listeners with its grimy, rebellious sound, *All We Got Iz Us* doubled down on the darkness, painting an even bleaker picture of life in the streets. It was raw, unapologetic, and reflective of the harsh realities that many inner-city youths faced during the turbulent mid-90s.
A Darker, Grittier Sound
Unlike their debut, *All We Got Iz Us* didn’t focus as much on party anthems, but rather on storytelling and atmosphere, weaving narratives of struggle, frustration, and survival. Tracks like "Last Dayz," a standout single, showcased Onyx’s signature hardcore rap style, with eerie, minimalistic beats and haunting lyrics about living in dangerous environments. This track remains one of their most iconic songs, capturing the apocalyptic tone that permeates much of the album.
The production was handled largely by Onyx themselves, with Sticky Fingaz taking the reins on several tracks. The album’s sound was stripped down but potent—featuring sinister, boom-bap beats, with hard-hitting, aggressive vocals that felt like a musical embodiment of the group’s surroundings.
Lyrically, *All We Got Iz Us* was a stark commentary on life in the inner city, touching on topics like systemic racism, police brutality, and the hopelessness that can arise from living in poverty. Tracks like "Betta Off Dead" and the title track "All We Got Iz Us" revealed the group's frustrations with society and their sense of alienation. In this way, the album was not just a musical project but also a reflection of the social and political climate of the time.
Onyx's lyrics weren’t for the faint of heart. The aggressive and sometimes nihilistic content was a reflection of the bleakness the group saw in the world around them, making *All We Got Iz Us* a gritty and poignant album that still resonates with many fans today.
Critical Reception and Legacy
While *All We Got Iz Us* didn’t achieve the same commercial success as *Bacdafucup*, it was praised for its cohesiveness and the strength of its message. Many consider it Onyx’s best work, with its introspective lyricism and gritty production earning respect from critics and hardcore hip-hop fans alike.
Today in Hip Hop History:
— O.T.G (@365OTG) October 24, 2024
Onyx released their second album All We Got Iz Us October 24, 1995 pic.twitter.com/UI7jseHd7x
*All We Got Iz Us* was more than just another album—it was a raw, unfiltered look at life in the trenches of mid-90s urban America. Onyx crafted a project that balanced hardcore beats and aggressive rhymes with real social commentary, making it one of the most impactful albums of its era.
As we remember the release of *All We Got Iz Us* on October 24, 1995, we celebrate an album that still resonates nearly three decades later, a testament to Onyx’s enduring influence in the world of hip-hop.
--- **Sources:**
1. [Hip-Hop DX on Onyx's *All We Got Iz Us*](https://hiphopdx.com)
2. [HotNewHipHop on Onyx's influence](https://hotnewhiphop.com)
Written by CHATGPT.
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