HANZ ON
Hanz On, the lyrical warrior from Staten Island, representing Park Hill, is in the building! Born Anthony Messado, this hip-hop artist spits straight fire with unapologetic roughness, weaving gritty tales of street life in "Shaolin."
Don't get it twisted, he's not about that flashy drug-dealing, big cars, and expensive clothes. Nah, Hanz is the voice for the ones hustling just to survive. He's here to shed light on the struggles of the streets.
After a stint in jail, Hanz connected with the Wu-Tang crew. Method Man came through, helping him navigate the post-prison life and even securing relaxation of his parole. That move opened doors for him to join the Wu-Tang Clan on tour, doing all the heavy lifting, selling merchandise, and loading equipment. Respect.
Hannibal, the legendary Hannibal Barca, inspired Hanz's moniker. This African general led Carthage in a fierce battle against Rome during the Punic Wars. Despite the eventual loss, Hannibal's strategic brilliance and relentless spirit left an indelible mark. Hanz relates to his perseverance and leadership, seeing himself as a conqueror in the messed-up rap game.
Dropping his debut album, "Out of Chef's Kitchen," in 2010, Hanz showcased his skills alongside Wu-Tang members, Raekwon and Method Man, as well as hip-hop heavyweights Busta Rhymes and the late Pimp C. Now, he's breaking away from Icewater and Wu-Tang to prove his solo talent.
The man's got his own label, Hanz On Music, and is about to bring that authentic heat back to the industry. And guess what? The one and only Method Man has his back, supporting his upcoming album, "Method Man Presents Hanz On," set to drop in 2012.
It's Hanz's time to shine, to carve his path in this tough market. While he appreciates the support from his crew, he knows a man has to make his own fortune happen. Brace yourselves for Hanz On, the conqueror, bringing the realness back to hip-hop. With generals like Meth, Cap, and Inspectah Deck by his side, he's ready to reclaim the throne. Stay tuned for the elephants, 'cause he's taking that rap shit back!
MUSIC CAREER
Out Of Chef's Kitchen
Hanz On released his debut album, Out Of Chef's Kitchen, after signing to Ice Water Inc. in 2010. He had previously been a part of Ice Water and featured on their debut crew and compilation albums. The solo album contained verses from Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, and Busta Rhymes among others.[2]
In August 2009, Hanz attained notoriety after an incident during that year's Rock The Bells festival. Hanz punched rapper Joe Budden in the face because of a feud that Budden had with Raekwon and other members of the Wu Tang Clan.[3]
Hanz On Music, Back to Sicily Mixtape, and Method Man Presents: Hannibal The Great
In 2012, Hanz On launched record label Hanz On Music, formally leaving Ice Water Inc. In late 2012 it was announced that the new label's first release would be the "Back to Sicily Mixtape"[4] hosted by DJ Kay Slay. Back To Sicily featured appearances from Method Man and Inspectah Deck.[5] A music video for lead single We Did It was produced in September 2012. Hanz On's second solo LP titled Method Man Presents: Hannibal The Great was released in 2013 and featured Method Man, Ghostface Killah, and Inspectah Deck. - via Wikipedia
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.