HANZ ON
Hanz On, the lyrical warrior from Staten Island, representing Park Hill, is in the building. Born Anthony Messado, this hip-hop artist delivers unapologetically raw bars, weaving gritty tales of street life in “Shaolin.”
He’s not about flashy drug-dealing, luxury cars, or designer clothes. Hanz speaks for those grinding just to survive, shining a light on the realities and struggles of the streets.
After a stint in jail, Hanz connected with the Wu-Tang Clan. Method Man played a key role in helping him adjust to life after prison and even assisted in easing his parole restrictions. That support opened the door for Hanz to tour with the crew, where he put in work behind the scenes—selling merchandise and handling equipment—earning respect along the way.
His name draws inspiration from Hannibal Barca, the legendary Carthaginian general who battled Rome during the Punic Wars. Though ultimately defeated, Hannibal’s strategic brilliance and relentless drive left a lasting legacy. Hanz channels that same perseverance and leadership, viewing himself as a conqueror in the rap game.
In 2010, he released his debut album Out of Chef’s Kitchen, featuring appearances from Wu-Tang members like Raekwon and Inspectah Deck, along with hip-hop heavyweights like Busta Rhymes. The project marked his emergence as a solo artist while still closely tied to the Wu-Tang movement.
In 2012, he released his second solo project, Method Man Presents: Hannibal The Great, which included contributions from Method Man, Ghostface Killah, and Inspectah Deck, launching his independent label, Hanz On Music Entertainment, and officially moving beyond his earlier affiliations. That same year, he dropped the Back to Sicily Mixtape, hosted by DJ Kay Slay, featuring collaborations with Method Man and Inspectah Deck. A video for the lead single “We Did It” followed soon after. He toured the Westcoast under that mixtape, which was a huge accomplishment.
He later dropped the "Meth Lab" collaborating with Method Man, which morphed into a series of installments from one to three as well as releasing solo projects "Barca" and "Carthage."
Now carving his own lane, Hanz On continues pushing forward with independence and authenticity. Backed by respected figures from the Wu-Tang circle, he’s focused on building his legacy and bringing raw, unfiltered hip-hop back to the forefront.
HUE HEF
Hue Hef is a Staten Island–bred lyricist whose pen game, commanding stage presence, and battle-tested résumé place him firmly in the lineage of New York’s most respected emcees. Raised in the borough that birthed the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, Hue Hef embodies the raw, unfiltered energy that defines Staten Island hip-hop culture.
His journey began in 1992 at just seven years old. After receiving a boombox for Christmas, Hef became captivated by the art of DJing, creating his own mixtapes and immersing himself in sound. Recognizing his passion, his mother taught him how to rap—planting the foundation for a career rooted in authenticity, discipline, and lyrical precision. From that moment on, hip-hop wasn’t just music—it was survival.
By 2005, Hue Hef’s hunger for recognition brought him to the national stage on Freestyle Friday on 106 & Park, where he showcased the sharp punchlines and aggressive delivery that would become his signature. Since then, he has contributed to multiple Wu-Tang–affiliated projects and shared stages with some of the culture’s most respected names.
A seasoned battle rapper, Hue Hef has gone head-to-head with elite competitors including K-Shine, Rosenberg Raw, and other top-tier opponents—earning a reputation as a fearless wordsmith capable of standing toe-to-toe with the best.
Now, Hue Hef is preparing to release his highly anticipated album Survival, executive produced in collaboration with longtime friend and industry veteran Hanz On of Hanz On Music Ent (H.O.M.E)—the force behind the Meth Lab series alongside Method Man.
Survival is a return to hip-hop’s foundation: hard-hitting production, intricate wordplay, relentless punchlines, and vivid storytelling—where substance takes priority over gimmicks. The project features appearances from Method Man, Cappadonna, Hanz On, Cortez, and Murda Mook, bridging raw street lyricism with legacy craftsmanship.
Hue Hef represents the essence of hip-hop: bars first, respect earned, culture preserved. In an era hungry for authenticity, he delivers the grit, intellect, and hunger the game has been missing.
Hip-hop isn’t just back.
It’s surviving.