O.C.

Whenever people talk about slept-on emcees, the name OC is always mentioned. Omar Credle's history of under-promoted albums and sample clearance issues is familiar to anyone who knows their hip-hop history. In 1994 his classic debut album Word…Life knocked the wind out of people's chests and put the Bushwick, Brooklyn emcee on the map. But somehow after 11 years, 4 albums, and a dozen movie soundtrack inclusions, OC has remained largely unnoticed by the masses.

OC first got into music as a kid when he learned how to hijack power for his Technics turntable from street lampposts. As he watched his neighborhood come to life as he spun records, OC knew music would always be a part of his life. By high school he was writing rhymes and made his recording debut with neighbor Pharaoh Monch on Organized Konfusion’s 1991 classic "Fudge Pudge." This initial success led to him being signed by MC Serch’s (3rd Bass) production company and he hit the road on the first Source Tour in 1991 along with Biz Markie, Lord Finesse, Shante, and Buckwild. While on tour, OC and Buckwild quickly became friends and began working on concepts for an album that was to be his first taste of commercial and critical success: 1994's timeless Word…Life. With virtually no promotion, the album sold well and created a buzz on the streets. Word of the album made it's way to Puff Daddy who approached OC with an offer to remix the album. OC declined Puffy's bid on artistic grounds and instead opted to join one of hip-hop's most beloved and respected crews, Diggin' In The Crates.

In 1997 OC dropped his sophomore album, Jewelz, which featured high-profile appearances from Organized Konfusion, Freddie Foxxx, and DJ Premier. Similar to his debut album, this record was a critical success but was under promoted and didn't do well commercially. The next few years saw a flurry of activity, including songs on the first Lyricist Lounge compilation, the soundtrack for "A Low Down Dirt Shame", and the single "Bonafied" featuring Jay Z.

OC released his third album Bon Appetite in 2001 featuring production and guest appearances from Show and A.G, Lord Finesse, Buckwild, Ghetto Dwellas, A. Bless, and Ahmed. It was a testament to OC's history, touring, and reputation as a true lyricist that the album sold well despite not having a video or promotion. Around that time his lost one of his closest friends, fellow DITC member, Big L. With his good friend gone and his under promoted album languishing, OC found himself at a crossroads. He wasn't enjoying making records anymore so he took a break for a few years.

In early 2005, OC returned with Starchild, one of the most bootlegged albums of the year. Only available in Japan, the 5000 official copies flew off the shelves in a matter of weeks. Word of the limited edition album spread worldwide and fans everywhere downloaded the album. "I just got back from Europe performing in front of 600-800 people every night and I was trippin' because everyone there was singing the lyrics right along with me," says OC.

Despite his tribulations along the way, OC has always maintained his integrity and never looked back. He is a testament of perseverance in the fickle entertainment industry.