Onyx

Although sometimes mistakenly associated with the West Coast, Onyx is actually a pioneering hardcore hip-hop group from South Jamaica, Queens, New York. The group, consisting of Sticky Fingaz, Fredro Starr, Sonsee, and Big DS, gained fame in the early 1990s. They became a cornerstone of East Coast hip-hop with their aggressive delivery.

Onyx is best known for their 1993 debut album "Bacdafucup," which was certified Platinum and won Soul Train's Best Rap Album award. The album's massive hit single, "Slam," brought their aggressive style to the mainstream and helped popularize slam dancing in hip-hop. The track famously samples the Luther Vandross song "Don't You Know That."

Yes, both Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr transitioned into successful acting careers while still making music. Sticky Fingaz notably starred in the film "Clockers" and played the lead role in the UPN television series "Platinum." Fredro Starr appeared in several popular films, including the cult classic "Sunset Park" and "Save the Last Dance."

Yes, Onyx famously collaborated with the heavy metal band Biohazard on the track "Slam (Bionyx Version)" for the 1993 "Judgment Night" movie soundtrack. The soundtrack was highly acclaimed for its unprecedented mashups of rock and hip-hop artists. This crossover collaboration helped cement Onyx's reputation for a loud, rock-influenced style.