O.C.

One of hip-hop's tightest (and shamefully underated) emcees, Omar Cradle first appeared on "Fudge Pudge" from Organized Konfusion's 1991 debut. His first solo album, 1994's Word...Life showcased smooth storytelling flows and vivid lyrical imagery, set to funky beats provided by Lord Finesse and others. 1997 brought forth Jewelz which further enhanced his growing rep as a champion emcee. With exquisite production from heavy-hitters like Premier, Finesse, and Da Beatminerz, O.C.'s introspective verses give listeners more insight into his lyrical gift. He still composes high-quality narratives, both as a solo artist and D.I.T.C. collaborator. His prowess on the mic continues to inspire the next generation of emcees.