BX Bred: The Bronx's Hip Hop Heavyweights

Stars who rep the birthplace of hip hop.

BX Bred: The Bronx's Hip Hop Heavyweights - Friday (Feb. 7) marks 14 years since Big Pun, at the young age of 28, died from a heart attack. An immense talent who had only put out one album, Pun was gone far too soon, but still managed to leave a lasting legacy of songs, verses and influence. It's safe to say that he did his native Bronx proud. In his honor, here are some other heavyweights from hip hop's birthplace. (Photo: Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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BX Bred: The Bronx's Hip Hop Heavyweights - Friday (Feb. 7) marks 14 years since Big Pun, at the young age of 28, died from a heart attack. An immense talent who had only put out one album, Pun was gone far too soon, but still managed to leave a lasting legacy of songs, verses and influence. It's safe to say that he did his native Bronx proud. In his honor, here are some other heavyweights from hip hop's birthplace. (Photo: Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

It's All About Joe - Like "Lean Back," Fat Joe's 2006 single "Make It Rain," featuring Lil Wayne, was wildly successful. It was, and still is, a popular strip-club anthem that will have gents throwing dollars in every direction to the beat.  (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

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Fat Joe - From his early days as a member of D.I.T.C. to bringing Pun and the Terror Squad to the masses to his own success in the early 2000s with hits like "What's Luv" and "We Thuggin," Fat Joe has enjoyed a longevity in the game that rarely gets the credit it deserves. He dropped Darkside Vol. 3 in 2013 and shows no signs of slowing down. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Melle Mel - As the lead performer on Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's 1982 release "The Message," Melle Mel will forever live in hip hop history. The song, widely recognized as one of the greatest rap songs of all-time for its pioneering social messages, is just one in a lengthy list of releases from this Boogie Down native. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Melle Mel - As the lead performer on Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's 1982 release "The Message," Melle Mel will forever live in hip hop history. The song, widely recognized as one of the greatest rap songs of all-time for its pioneering social messages, is just one in a lengthy list of releases from this Boogie Down native. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Grandmaster Flash - The namesake of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Flash was an early hip hop groundbreaker with his DJing techniques, and is considered one of the music's earliest leaders. He and the group were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.  (Photo: Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

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Grandmaster Flash - The namesake of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Flash was an early hip hop groundbreaker with his DJing techniques, and is considered one of the music's earliest leaders. He and the group were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.  (Photo: Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Grandmaster Caz - A leading member of The Cold Crush Brothers, Grandmaster Caz was an integral part of hip hop's first generation. In 2008, he was elected to the Bronx Walk of Fame. (Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images)

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Grandmaster Caz - A leading member of The Cold Crush Brothers, Grandmaster Caz was an integral part of hip hop's first generation. In 2008, he was elected to the Bronx Walk of Fame. (Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images)

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KRS-One - Year of Honor: 2007Activist. Teacher. Pioneer. Even though a few emcees will be remembered as hip hop’ founders, only KRS-One is universally heralded for his loyalty and continued advancement of the culture. The definition of dropping jewels, KRS-One always leaves a lesson on the microphone.One thing you should remember: Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everything. (Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

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KRS-One - Recognized both for his work with Boogie Down Productions as well as his solo efforts, KRS-One has justifiably earned the nickname The Teacha. In addition to his slew of albums and general outspokenness, KRS is also known for repping hard for the Bronx in a beef with Marley Marl and MC Shan in the late 1980s.(Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

Afrika Bambaataa - One of the true innovators of both hip hop culture and DJing, Afrika Bambaataa deserves credit for much of what came after him and also founded the Universal Zulu Nation. (Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images)

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Afrika Bambaataa - One of the true innovators of both hip hop culture and DJing, Afrika Bambaataa deserves credit for much of what came after him and also founded the Universal Zulu Nation. (Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images)

Knockin' - Rapper Swizz Beatz joins A$AP onstage for their banging collabo "Street Knock."(Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images For BET)

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Swizz Beatz - Beginning his career as a producer for the Ruff Ryders, Swizz Beatz has solidifed himself among rap's top tier hit-makers, who's also stepped in front of the mic and contributed creatively to a number of major brands.(Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images For BET)

Photo By Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images For BET

DJ Kool Herc - DJ Kool Herc is understood to be the father of hip hop. That's quite a title, but it's one that's well-deserved, as the Jamaican-born, Bronx-raised legend created break beats, which would serve as a launching pad for the music and culture. (Photo: WENN.com)

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DJ Kool Herc - DJ Kool Herc is understood to be the father of hip hop. That's quite a title, but it's one that's well-deserved, as the Jamaican-born, Bronx-raised legend created break beats, which would serve as a launching pad for the music and culture. (Photo: WENN.com)

French Montana - Though he was born in Morocco, French Montana was raised during much of his adolecence in the Bronx. After making waves with his Cocaine City DVDs in the early 2000s, French released a ton of mixtapes before earning the backing of the streets and, eventually, both Bad Boy and Maybach Music Group. (Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for BET)

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French Montana - Though he was born in Morocco, French Montana was raised during much of his adolecence in the Bronx. After making waves with his Cocaine City DVDs in the early 2000s, French released a ton of mixtapes before earning the backing of the streets and, eventually, both Bad Boy and Maybach Music Group. (Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for BET)

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Slick Rick - Celebrated for his unique style and storytelling abilities, Slick Rick was born in London but moved to the BX when he was 12. Though he's only released four albums, his impact has been vast. (Photo: Ethan Miller/BET/Getty Images for BET)

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Slick Rick - Celebrated for his unique style and storytelling abilities, Slick Rick was born in London but moved to the BX when he was 12. Though he's only released four albums, his impact has been vast. (Photo: Ethan Miller/BET/Getty Images for BET)

Diamond D - A founding member of D.I.T.C., Diamond D put his multi-talents as both a producer and MC on display often. In addition to his group work and a handful of solo albums, he's produced for a number of artists, including fellow BX natives Fat Joe and KRS-One.  (Photo: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images)

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Diamond D - A founding member of D.I.T.C., Diamond D put his multi-talents as both a producer and MC on display often. In addition to his group work and a handful of solo albums, he's produced for a number of artists, including fellow BX natives Fat Joe and KRS-One.  (Photo: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images)

Once Again, It's On! - Remy Ma is almost back home. Though her release was delayed, the Bronx Bombshell is expected to soon end the eight-year sentence she was handed on weapons and assault charges in 2007, at the height of building a fan base as one of the best female rappers. She received the crown at the 2005 BET Awards and released her debut album, There's Something About Remy, a year later. The fire-spitter slayed memorable verses on club anthems like "Whateva" and "Conceited" and she's held her own on tracks with everyone from Fat Joe, Three 6 Mafia, Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes. Now, with her "new outlook," who will she get into the booth with next? Keep reading to see BET.com's Top 10 collabos we want to hear from Remy Ma. — Dominique Zonyeé (@DominiqueZonyee)(Photo: Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images)

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Remy Ma - After linking with Fat Joe's Terror Squad and delivering a standout verse on the inescapable hit "Lean Back," Remy Ma was poised for big things. In 2006, she released her well-received debut, There's Something About Remy: Based on a True Story. In 2008, she was convicted on multiple counts and has been in prison since, scheduled to be released in 2015. (Photo: Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images)