Capone speaks on New York rap

Capone Gives His Take on New York Hip Hop and Asks For Unity

In a city known as the birthplace of hip hop, the sound of New York rap has been noticeably quiet in recent years. Yet, for Queens native Capone, that silence is an opportunity for reinvention. As one-half of the legendary duo Capone-N-Noreaga (C-N-N), Capone is taking bold steps to reignite the flame of New York hip hop. His recent collaboration with Wu-Tang Clan legend Raekwon, through a one-album deal with IceH2O Records, may be the spark that the city needs.

Capone’s message is clear: unity is the key. “You know, it’s good for New York right now. Because if we can do it, a lot of other people can do it, man,” Capone recently told HipHopDX. “New York could just make one supergroup, you know what I’m saying? We just need to come together.”

Raekwon, IceH2O, and the Power of Collaboration

The new partnership between Capone and Raekwon represents more than just business. It’s a statement. Raekwon is long serving as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. So, Capone coming from the hardcore Queensbridge scene, the move shows that heavyweights from different boroughs can align and elevate the culture.

Their deal—uniting IceH2O, Thugged-Out, and Militainment—has stirred excitement across the city. “It just shows that no matter how big of an artist you are, you can always merge with other big artists and make magic,” Capone emphasized. “And that’s what we’re doing, making magic.”

Capone’s Journey Through the NYC Hip Hop Trenches

Capone’s voice carries weight not just because of his music but because of what he’s endured. Raised in Queensbridge by Haitian parents, Capone’s early years were shaped by hardship and survival. His career took off in 1995 when he and Victor “N.O.R.E.” Santiago launched C-N-N. Their debut album, The War Report, remains a cult classic, celebrated for its raw depiction of urban struggle.

Despite repeated prison stints that interrupted his momentum, Capone has never stopped pushing. His solo projects, including Pain, Time & Glory and Menace 2 Society, may not have topped charts, but they reflect a relentless work ethic and a deep love for the game. His continued efforts prove that he’s not just preserving the legacy of Queens rap—he’s still building it.

A Divided Scene: Can New York Rap Reunite?

While Capone sets an example with his collaboration, others in the game have been vocal about the fractures within the New York hip hop community. New Jersey rapper Joe Budden recently took to Twitter to outline his vision for a comeback, suggesting that acts like Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, Cam’ron, The LOX, and a well-funded Jadakiss could help revitalize the scene.

“I really believe that,” Budden tweeted. “A Rae & Ghost album… More $ behind Kiss… I’m tellin’ y’all, I know how 2 fix this sh*t!”

Capone’s approach echoes Budden’s sentiments but puts action behind the words. By partnering with Raekwon, he’s proving that working together isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.

Jay-Z’s Influence: A Beacon in a Dimming Skyline

Even critics acknowledge Jay-Z’s enormous role in keeping the New York rap flag flying. With The Blueprint 3 selling over 530,000 copies in its first week last fall, the album demonstrated that New York artists can still dominate nationally.

Cam’ron, despite past tensions, acknowledged the feat: “Jay-Z really definitely did help out New York a lot,” he said. “Whenever there’s ever anybody out in New York still doing over half a million in a week, it’s still available.”

Jay-Z’s success offers a blueprint—no pun intended—for how New York artists can maintain relevance: innovate, collaborate, and elevate.

50 Cent’s Unity Blueprint: The This Is 50 Fest

Another powerful figure in New York hip hop, 50 Cent, has also made strides toward unity. Last fall, his This Is 50 Fest brought together a wide range of New York artists—from veterans like Jadakiss and The LOX to up-and-comers like Cory Gunz, Trav, and Maino.

“Tonight we have everybody that means something to us musically in one spot,” 50 Cent said. “We could work together and get more money than we can get apart, and they gonna see us do it in the future.”

The festival wasn’t just a concert—it was a declaration. If there was ever doubt that New York artists could share a stage and a spotlight, that night in Queens proved otherwise.

Capone’s Vision: A Supergroup for New York?

Capone’s suggestion of a New York supergroup may sound ambitious, but it’s grounded in logic. If acts like Wu-Tang Clan, G-Unit, Dipset, and Ruff Ryders could dominate in their respective primes, imagine the cultural and commercial impact of a unified collective.

By showing that pride doesn’t have to block progress, Capone and Raekwon’s collaboration provides a roadmap for others. “No matter how big you are, you can make magic together,” Capone insists.

That spirit is already seeping into C-N-N’s new material. The duo is currently hard at work on The War Report 2: Report the War, due later this year in July. N.O.R.E. has been teasing studio sessions with Raekwon and Imam Thug on social media, showing that the momentum is real.

The Young Guns: New York’s Rising Talent

Alongside veterans, a new wave of talent is attempting to break through the static. Artists like Maino, Mims, Saigon, Papoose, and Reek da Villain are carving their paths despite industry challenges.

Maino, for instance, has openly criticized Jay-Z and Nas for holding onto the spotlight, arguing that their dominance makes it harder for newcomers to rise. It’s a controversial take, but one that reflects the frustrations of many young artists.

Still, with mentorship and inclusion, these artists could become key pieces in a broader New York renaissance.

Conclusion: Rebuilding Brick by Brick

Capone’s vision isn’t just nostalgic—it’s necessary. New York hip hop may no longer dominate the charts like it once did, but the city still holds the blueprint for authenticity, lyricism, and innovation. Through unity and strategic collaborations, there’s every reason to believe that the Big Apple can rise again.

By partnering with Raekwon, preparing a new C-N-N album, and calling on his peers to unify, Capone isn’t just speaking on New York rap—he’s fighting for its future. The next chapter in New York’s hip hop story is being written now, and if the artists heed the call, it could be legendary.