Cory McKay, better known as Cormega, is an American rapper noted for his street topics and style representative of Queensbridge. He is also famous for his hip-hop feud with childhood friend and fellow rapper Nas, whom he had settled his differences with. Long Island City, New York, often abbreviated L.I.C., is an area in the borough of Queens in New York City. ... Queensbridge Houses is the largest public housing development in the United States. ... This article is about the state. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Hip hop music is a style of music which came into existence in the United States during the mid-1970s, and became a large part of modern pop culture during the 1980s. ... See also: 1989 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 1989 Record labels established in 1989 // January 7 - Genesis 88 and Sunrise/Back to the Future stage large-scale illegal Acid House party in London January 14 - Paul McCartney releases Снова в СССР exclusively in Russia. ... In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. ... Def Jam Records is an American based hip-hop record label that operates as a part of The Island Def Jam Music Group, which is owned by Universal Music Group. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Rapping is one of the elements of hip hop and the distinguishing feature of hip hop music; it is a form of rhyming lyrics spoken rhythmically over musical instruments, with a musical backdrop of sampling, scratching and mixing by DJs. ... Hip hop music is a style of music which came into existence in the United States during the mid-1970s, and became a large part of modern pop culture during the 1980s. ... This article or section contains information that has not been verified and thus might not be reliable. ...

History

Born in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Cormega grew up in the Queensbridge Housing Projects in Long Island City, Queens, forming childhood friendships with future rappers such as Nas, Mobb Deep, Nature and Capone-N-Noreaga. When he was 4, his mother was murdered; he then moved in with his father and stepmother. Cory's stepmother insisted that he read one book a week, which he credited with getting him interested in writing.^[1][2] (He has since denied it was "a book a week").^[3] He became a rapper well-known in his projects, though by his later teen years, he was in jail. Bedford Stuyvesant (aka Bed-Stuy) is a neighborhood in central Brooklyn, New York City. ... Queensbridge Houses is the largest public housing development in the United States. ... Industrial Long Island City, Manhattan Skyline behind. ... For other uses, see Nas (disambiguation). ... Mobb Deep are a hip hop duo which consists of rappers Havoc and Prodigy. ... Nature (born Jermaine Baxter) is an American rapper, best known for his association with fellow Queensbridge associate Nas. ... Capone-N-Noreaga (C-N-N for short) is an East Coast hip hop duo that consists of Capone (Kiam Holley - born in 8 February 1976) and Noreaga (Victor Santiago - born in 6 September 1976). ...

Along with fellow QB-native Tragedy Khadafi, Cormega is perhaps most respected for his candid and often poignant rhymes which characterise inner-city living without ever seeming verbose. Despite never garnering the mainstream appeal of contemporaries such as Nas, Mobb Deep and Noreaga, he remains respected as an emceee's emcee who tells it as it is without glamourising the world of crime as many other emcee's are known to do. Cormega recorded an album as MC Cor with Marley Marl in the late 80's, due to an unknown incident he ended up in jail and the album shelved. Later, he was brought to the hip-hop world's attention in 1989. He was featured on Hot Day's "Going Straight Up" from his album "It's My Turn". He was also featured on Blaq Poet & DJ Hot Day's track "Set It Off" from their album "Without Warning" in 1991. Tragedy Khadafi (born Percy Chapman) is a black hip-hop artist. ... For other uses, see Nas (disambiguation). ... Mobb Deep are a hip hop duo which consists of rappers Havoc and Prodigy. ... N.O.R.E. (formerly known as Noreaga, born Victor Santiago) is an African-American rapper and member of the hip hop group C-N-N (formerly known as Capone-N-Noreaga). N.O.R.E. stands for Niggaz on (the) Run Eatin. Half African American and half Puerto Rican... Screwball is an underground hip-hop group that hails from Queensbridge, New York. ...

In the early '90s, like fellow QB-native Lakey The Kid, despite still being incarcerated, Cormega gained notoriety following a shout-out from Nas on the Q-Tip-produced "One Love", from his critically acclaimed Illmatic album. Coupled with Cormega's already established rhyming prowess this created considerable street buzz despite an obvious lack of outstanding material. Lakey the Kid or Lake is a rapper from Queensbridge, New York. ... For other uses, see Nas (disambiguation). ... Q-Tip can refer to one of the following: Q-tips, a brand of cotton swabs or cotton buds Q-Tip (rapper), American MC, former leader of A Tribe Called Quest This is a disambiguation page: a list of articles associated with the same title. ... Illmatic is the debut album by rapper Nas, released on April 19, 1994 through Columbia Records. ...

Hence following his release from prison in 1995, Cormega became determined to pursue rapping. Nas let him guest on a song entitled "Affirmative Action" for his second album It Was Written. The song also featured AZ and Foxy Brown, and became The Firm's first appearance. Based on his performance, he was signed to Def Jam and recorded an album called The Testament. Based on the buzz from "Affirmative Action," Nas, his manager Steve Stoute and producers Dr. Dre and Trackmasters joined to produce The Firm. Cormega was replaced with another artist, Nature, because either he would not sign a contract with Stoute or Stoute felt Nature was a better rapper. This led to an alleged altercation between Cormega and Nature. Cormega's dispute with Stoute also ended his friendship with Nas. Meanwhile following a falling-out over creative differences with his manager Chris Lighty and Def-Jam imprint Violator Records, his debut album The Testament, was indefinitely shelved. It Was Written is the second album by Queensbridge rapper Nas. ... Anthony Cruz (born March 9, 1972 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York), better known as AZ, is an American rapper currently residing in Englewood, New Jersey. ... For the 1974 blaxploitation film, see Foxy Brown (film). ... The Firm included four New York rappers -- Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Nature -- but was actually the pet project of its producers: Nas Escobar (as he referred to himself at the time), Steve Commissioner Stoute, Dr. Dre, and the Trackmasters. ... Def Jam Recordings is an American based hip-hop record label that operates as a part of The Island Def Jam Music Group, which is owned by Universal Music Group. ... The Testament is the fourth release from underground Hip Hop artist Cormega. ... Steve The Commissioner Stoute is an American record executive, most famous for being rapper Nass off-and-on manager since 1995. ... For the New York radio and television presenter, see Doctor Dre. ... Trackmasters Entertainment is a successful record production company, run by Jean-Claude Poke Olive and Samuel Tone Barnes. ... Jermaine Baxter, known by fans as Nature, went to school with rapper Nasir Nas Jones. ... Violator Management/Records logo. ... In the film industry, a film is considered shelved if it is not released for public viewing after filming has started, or even completed. ...

In 2000, he was released from his contract and he started his own record company, Legal Hustle Records. Cormega vented his disappointment with Nas and The Firm in a mixtape song titled "Never Personal (Fuck Nas N Nature)". In 2001, he released his new debut album, The Realness, which was acclaimed by critics. Many of the songs share a theme of betrayal. Nas responded to Cormega on his song "Destroy and Rebuild" from his album Stillmatic. Cormega retaliated with more mixtape tracks, "A Slick Response" and "Realmatic". His followup albums The True Meaning which won the Source Magazine's prestigious Underground Album of the Year award. In 2004 He followed up with Legal Hustle (a compilation album showcasing his label's artists) and other talented hip hop lyricists such as Ghostface Killah, Large Professor, AZ, Kurupt, Jay-O felony, and several others. This album is considered by some as more of a project than an actual solo album; nonetheless it was well received. In 2005, he was able to release The Testament on his own label, which saw good reviews and sales and featured the original banned version of Dead Man Walking as a hidden track. For the album by Los Abandoned, see Mix Tape (album). ... The Realness is the critically acclaimed debut album from Queensbridge rapper Cormega. ... Betrayal, as a form of deception or dismissal of prior presumptions, is the breaking or violation of a presumptive social contract (trust, or confidence) that produces moral and psychological conflict within a relationship amongst individuals, between organizations or between individuals and organizations. ... Stillmatic is a hip hop album by Nas. ... This page meets Wikipedias criteria for speedy deletion. ... The Source Magazine The Source is a monthly full-color magazine covering hip-hop music, politics, and culture. ... Legal Hustle is third album released by East Coast hip hop artist Cormega. ... A compilation album is an album (music or spoken-word) featuring tracks from one or multiple recording artists, often culled from a variety of sources (such as studio albums, live albums, singles, demos and outtakes. ... “Ghostface” redirects here. ... William Paul Mitchell (born March 21, 1972 in Flushing, Queens, New York), best known as Large Professor, also as Large Pro and the Extra P, is a New York based hip hop record producer and MC. He is best known as a member of the influential underground hip hop group... Look up AZ and az in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

In early September 2005, Cormega posted a statement on his website that he and Nas had spoken and ended their feud. Cormega explained that their conversation had come about due to the death of Cormega's Grandmother. Both rappers have stated the possibility of a collaboration. Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Currently, Cormega is working on an album which was to be entitled Urban Legend before T.I.'s album of the same name was released; the new title is; "The Inevitable"^[4]. An album collaboration with Lakey The Kid entitled "My Brother's Keeper", was released independently on August 22nd, 2006. This article is about the musician. ... Lakey the Kid or Lake is a rapper from Queensbridge, New York. ...

On December 22nd 2006, Cormega appeared on stage at a Nas concert and went on to perform with Nas (and Nature as well), further evidence that their feud is over^[5].

Cormega will also be releasing a mixtape entitled The Prelude, featuring production from Large Professor, Heatmakerz, and Emile. It will also feature appearances by Nature, Immortal Technique, Jacka of the Mob Figaz, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Tragedy Khadfi, Styles P., Little Brother, Lil Fame of M.O.P., Lil Skeeter, Large Professor, and Dipset members Juelz Santana & Hell Rell. It is to be released in early 2007. [2] William Paul Mitchell (born March 21, 1972 in Flushing, Queens, New York), best known as Large Professor, also as Large Pro and the Extra P, is a New York based hip hop record producer and MC. He is best known as a member of the influential underground hip hop group... The Heatmakerz is a hip-hop production duo from Bronx, New York. ... Emile or Émile may refer to: Emile: Or, On Education (1762) by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a treatise on education. ... Nature (born Jermaine Baxter) is an American rapper, best known for his association with fellow Queensbridge associate Nas. ... Felipe Coronel (born February 19, 1978), better known as Immortal Technique, is a hip hop MC and political activist. ... The Mob Figaz are a Bay Area rap group consisting of AP.9, Fed X, Rydah J. Klyde, Husalah and The Jacka. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Mobb Deep are a hip hop duo which consists of rappers Havoc and Prodigy. ... Born David Styles in Yonkers, New York, Styles P is a member of rap group The Lox, which includes Jadakiss and Sheek Louch. ... Little Brother is an American hip-hop group from North Carolina that consists of Phonte, Rapper Big Pooh, and producer 9th Wonder. ... M.O.P., short for Mash-Out Posse, is an American hardcore rap duo from Brownsville, Brooklyn, comprised of rappers Billy Danzenie (born Eric Murray, November 15, 1974), and Lil Fame (born Jamal Grinnage, on April 11, 1976). ... Cousin Skeeter Logo Cousin Skeeter is a comedy television show which ran on Nickelodeon from 1998 to 2003. ... William Paul Mitchell (born March 21, 1972 in Flushing, Queens, New York), best known as Large Professor, also as Large Pro and the Extra P, is a New York based hip hop record producer and MC. He is best known as a member of the influential underground hip hop group... The Diplomats is a Harlem, New York-based hip hop group who are more commonly known as Dipset. ... LaRon Louis James (born on February 18, 1983) is a rapper, small time actor and producer. ... Durrell Muhammed (born on May 5, 1974 in South Bronx, The Bronx, New York City, New York, USA), better known as Hell Rell, is a member of Dipset. ...

Trivia

• Cormega has said that if he "didn't know how to rap, [he] would definitely be a pro boxer right now."[3]
• According to Red Cafe, Cormega was an undefeated boxer while serving his prison term at Riker's Island.[4]

Red Cafe is a rapper signed to R&B singer Akons Konvict Muzik and DJ Clue and DJ Envys Desert Storm. ... View of Rikers Island Rikers Island is New York Citys largest jail facility, sitting on a 415 acre (1. ...

Discography

Albums

The Realness is the critically acclaimed debut album from Queensbridge rapper Cormega. ... is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... This page meets Wikipedias criteria for speedy deletion. ... is the 162nd day of the year (163rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... Legal Hustle is third album released by East Coast hip hop artist Cormega. ... is the 145th day of the year (146th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Testament is the fourth release from underground Hip Hop artist Cormega. ... is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Inevitable will be the fourth studio album from Queensbridge, New York rapper Cormega, to be controversially released in Summer 2007 on The Jones Experience/Def Jam Records through Cormegas own Legal Hustle Records. ... is the 324th day of the year (325th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

Compilations

• 2002: Hustler/Rapper
• 2004: Special Edition: The Realness & True Meaning
• 2007: Legal Hustle Volume 2

References

TSS Presents Smoking Sessions with Cormega, Part I
TSS Presents Smoking Sessions with Cormega, Part II

External links

• Legal Hustle forum
• Cormega's Myspace
• Cormega Interview (http://www.ukbestkept.com)