Bronze Nazareth (born Justin Dante Cross; December 8, 1979 in

Grand Rapids, Michigan Grand Rapids is the largest city and county seat of Kent County, Michigan, United States. With a population of 198,917 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census and estimated at 200,117 in 2024, Grand Rapids is the List of municipalities ...

) is an American rapper and record producer associated with the

Wu-Tang Clan Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip hop collective formed in Staten Island, New York City, in 1992. Its members include RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and, until his death in 2004, O ...

. He has a solo career as an emcee and is also a part of the hip-hop group Wisemen along with his brother Kevlaar 7.

Biography

He was born and raised in

. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in

psychology Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. Its subject matter includes the behavior of humans and nonhumans, both consciousness, conscious and Unconscious mind, unconscious phenomena, and mental processes such as thoughts, feel ...

from

Michigan State University Michigan State University (Michigan State or MSU) is a public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in East Lansing, Michigan, United States. It was founded in 1855 as the Agricultural College of the State o ...

in 2003. Around 2001, Bronze Nazareth contacted Wu-Tang producer and rapper Cilvaringz who was impressed by his work and added him to his own production team and label Ringz & Partners Inc. Bronze Nazareth, who got his name from Cilvaringz accompanied him during the recording of his debut album and was present for most of the recordings in

Steubenville, Ohio Steubenville ( ) is a city in Jefferson County, Ohio, United States, and its county seat. Located along the Ohio River west of Pittsburgh, it had a population of 18,161 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census. The Weirton–Steubenville m ...

and the legendary D&D Studios where Bronze first met with prominent

affiliates 4th Disciple,

Killarmy Killarmy () is an American hip hop group that is affiliated with Wu-Tang Clan. It is one of the earliest and most successful of the many Wu-Tang affiliates along with Sunz of Man. Killarmy's music consists of lyrics and songs focused on the ...

and

Sunz Of Man Sunz of Man is a New York–based List of Wu-Tang Clan affiliates, Wu-Tang Clan-affiliated group that currently consists of Prodigal Sunn, Killah Priest, Hell Razah, and 60 Second Assassin (emcee), 60-Second Assassin. The group's first incarna ...

. Eventually Cilvaringz introduced Bronze Nazareth to The RZA who was impressed by his works and added him to the Wu's in-house team. He furthered his technique and sound. Bronze went on to contribute two beats to RZA's solo album Birth of a Prince. He produced most of the 2005 compilation album '' Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture'', released on Dreddy Kruger's label Think Differently Music. In 2006 he released his solo debut on this label titled '' The Great Migration'' to critical acclaim. It features Wu-Tang Clan affiliates such as Timbo King,

Prodigal Sunn Lamar Ruff, known professionally as Prodigal Sunn, is an American rapper. He is a member of Sunz of Man and Wu-Tang Clan original affiliate. Career The name "Prodigal Sunn" was given to him by childhood friend Killah Priest. Along with Hel ...

and Killa Sin. He produced the majority (11 out of 13 tracks) for

member 60 Second Assassin's debut solo album ''Remarkable Timing'', along with contributing to affiliated 9th Prince, Timbo King, and Prodigal Sunn. 9 beats were made for his group the Wisemen's second album ''Children Of A Lesser God'' released in 2010. He released his 2nd solo album in 2011 called ''School for the Blindman'' with features from

Canibus Germaine Williams (born December 9, 1974), better known by his stage name Canibus, is a Jamaican-American rapper. First having gained recognition for his freestyling abilities, he signed with Universal Records to release his debut studio al ...

Killah Priest Walter Reed (born August 16, 1970), better known by his stage name Killah Priest, is an American rapper, a member of Sunz of Man, and a Wu-Tang Clan affiliate who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He is known for his intensely spiritual ...

, The Wisemen,

RZA Robert Fitzgerald Diggs (born July 5, 1969), better known by his stage name RZA ( ) or the RZA, is an American rapper, record producer, composer, actor, and filmmaker. He is the '' de facto'' leader of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, having pro ...

Masta Killa Jamel Irief (born Elgin Evander Turner; August 18, 1969), better known by his stage name Masta Killa, is an American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He was only featured on one track on their 1993 debut album '' Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chamb ...

Raekwon Corey Woods (born January 12, 1970), better known by his stage name Raekwon ( ), is an American rapper. He rose to prominence as a founding member of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, which achieved mainstream success following the release of the ...

Inspectah Deck Jason Hunter (born July 6, 1970), better known by his stage name Inspectah Deck, is an American rapper and hip hop producer. He is a member of the groups Wu-Tang Clan and Czarface. He has acquired critical praise for his intricate lyricism, ...

La The Darkman Lason Jackson (born July 23, 1979), better known as La the Darkman, is a Wu-Tang Clan affiliated rapper and MC. Biography Jackson was born in New York City, New York and grew up Crown Heights, Brooklyn with his brother William Jackson. He negoti ...

& Willie the Kid again to critical acclaim. Furthermore, that same year he released ''Knowing Project Manzu'' with the Italian duo Project Manzu, providing all production for the album alongside various Wu-affiliates, producing his first non English work.

Discography

Albums

* '' The Great Migration'' (2006) * '' Wisemen Approaching'' (2007) (with Wisemen) * ''The Unknown'' (2007) * ''Original S.I.N.'' (2008) (with Almighty) * ''Bronzestrumentals Vol. 1'' (2009) * ''Children Of A Lesser God'' (2010) (with Wisemen) * '' School for the Blindman'' (2011) * ''Knowing Project Manzu'' (2011) (with Project Manzu) * ''The Migration Sessions'' (2012) * ''The 2nd Coming'' (2013) (with Almighty) * '' Phillie (Bronze Nazareth Produced)'' (2013) * '' Blenders - Bronze Nazareth'' (2013) * '' The Living Daylights - Willie the Kid and Bronze Nazareth'' (2014) * ''Time Flys, Life Dies... Phoenix Rise'' (2015) (with

) * ''Instrumental Mourning'' (EP, 2016) * ''Gravitas'' (2019) (with

KXNG Crooked Dominick Antron Wickliffe (born September 23, 1976), better known by his stage name Kxng Crooked, (stylised as KXNG Crooked and pronounced "King Crooked"; formerly Crooked I) is an American rapper from Long Beach, California. He formed the hip ho ...

) * ''Bundle Raps'' (2021) (with Leaf Dog)

Mixtapes

* ''Thought For Food Vol. 1'' (2005) * ''Thought For Food Vol. 2'' (2008) * ''Thought For Food Vol. 3'' (2014)

Appearances

* Various artists - Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture ''(

Studio album An album is a collection of audio recordings (e.g., music) issued on a medium such as compact disc (CD), Phonograph record, vinyl (record), audio tape (like 8-track cartridge, 8-track or Cassette tape, cassette), or digital distribution, dig ...

released October 14, 2005)'' : 12. "Street Corners" (Performed by Bronze Nazareth, and Byata) : 19. "Black Dawn" (Performed by Bronze Nazareth) * Hell Razah - Renaissance Child ''(

released February 20, 2007)'' : 05. "Los Pepes Pt. 1" (featuring Bronze Nazareth) * "Gun Barrell Prison" - Shaka Amazulu The 7th featuring Bronze Nazareth (2008) * "Brain Swell" - Chronicredeye featuring Bronze Nazareth, Franko Fraize & Lyrical T * "Old Flicks" - Shaka Amazulu The 7th featuring Bronze Nazareth & Cilvaringz Cilvaringz * "7 Pounds feat. Bronze Nazareth" - Genius/GZA (Unofficial remix released on the internet) * "Thirsty Vampires - Shaka Amazulu The 7th ft. Jedi Mind Tricks & Bronze Nazareth, Produced by Bronze. * "Story of Sadness" - Tragic Allies feat. Bronze Nazareth (The Tree of Knowledge of Good & Evil) * "Ask About Me" - Kevlaar 7 & Woodenchainz ft

Styles P David R. Styles (born November 28, 1974), better known by his stage name Styles P (also known Mononymous person, mononymously as Styles), is an American rapper, best known as a member of East Coast hip hop group the Lox. Formed with fellow rappe ...

& Bronze Nazareth * "3 Bricks Apollo Figures Remix" ft

Ghostface Killah Dennis David Coles (born May 9, 1970), better known by his stage name Ghostface Killah, is an American rapper and a member of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. After the group achieved breakthrough success in the aftermath of ''Enter the Wu-Tang ...

* "Times Change" - Anthony Vex ft Bronze Nazareth.

Production discography

; 2003 * The RZA - '' Birth of a Prince'' (

released October 7, 2003) : 13. "A Day To God Is 1,000 Years" : 15. "The Birth" ; 2005 * Black Market Militia - '' Black Market Militia'' (Studio album released March 22, 2005) : 01. "Intro: Children of Children" : 08. "Righteous Talk" *

Afu-Ra Aaron Ocosice Phillip (born January 31, 1974), known professionally as Afu-Ra, is an American rapper. A member of the Gang Starr Foundation, he has worked closely with its members, including Gang Starr, Jeru the Damaja, Big Shug and Group H ...

- ''

State of the Arts ''State of the Arts'' is the third studio album from hip hop artist Afu-Ra. The album features production from DJ Premier and Bronze Nazareth. It contains guest appearances from Royce da 5'9", Masta Killa and Gentleman. "God of Rap" was release ...

'' (Studio album released June 14, 2005) : 06. Livin' Like Dat (featuring

) * Various artists - '' Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture'' (Studio album released October 14, 2005) : 01. "Introduction" : 02. "Lyrical Swords" (Performed by

GZA Gary Eldridge Grice (born August 22, 1966), better known by his stage names GZA ( ) and the Genius, is an American rapper. A founding member of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, GZA is the group's "spiritual head", being both the first member in ...

and

Ras Kass John R. Austin II (born September 26, 1973), better known by his stage name Ras Kass, is an American rapper. He is a member of the hip hop Supergroup (music), supergroup The Hrsmn, along with Canibus, Killah Priest, and Kurupt in 2014. He is als ...

) : 03. "Slow Blues" (Performed by Timbo King,

Vast Aire Theodore Arrington II (born February 5, 1978), better known by his stage name Vast Aire, is an American rapper from New York City. He is one half of the New York hip hop duo Cannibal Ox, which consists of him and fellow rapper Vordul Mega. He is ...

and Byata) : 06. "Think Differently" (Performed by Casual,

Roc Marciano Rahkeim Calief Meyer (born February 11, 1978), better known by his stage name Roc Marciano, is an American rapper and record producer. He is known for his intricate internal rhymes and wordplay detailing mafioso and pimp themes over sample bas ...

Vordul Mega Shamar Gardner (born March 24, 1979), better known by his stage name Vordul Mega (a.k.a. Vordul Megallah), is an American rapper from New York. He is formerly one half of underground hip hop duo Cannibal Ox and a member of the hip hop group Atom ...

and

Tragedy Khadafi Percy Lee Chapman (born August 13, 1971), known by his stage name Tragedy Khadafi (formerly Intelligent Hoodlum), is an American rapper and record producer. Hailing from the Queensbridge Housing Projects in Queens, New York City,Brown, Marisa. ...

) : 09. "O.D.B. Tribute" (Performed by DJ Noize) : 10. "Fragments" (Performed by Del tha Funkee Homosapien) : 12. "Street Corners" (Performed by Bronze Nazareth, Solomon Childs and Byata) : 13. "Listen" (Performed by Littles, Khalid and

Planet Asia Jason Green (born October 24, 1976), better known as Planet Asia, is an American rapper from Fresno, California. He is prominent for being one half of the now reunited Hip Hop duo the Cali Agents and is currently a member of the groups Gold Cha ...

) : 19. "Black Dawn" (Performed by Bronze Nazareth) * Blue Raspberry - ''Out of the Blue'' (Studio album released 2005) : 02. "Growing Up" ; 2006 *

- '' Made in Brooklyn'' (Studio album released August 8, 2006) : 05. "Nehanda & Cream" : 10. "Street Corner" (featuring

and

) : 11. "Ringing Bells" ; 2007 * Hell Razah - '' Renaissance Child'' (Studio album released February 20, 2007) : 05. "Los Pepes Pt. 1" (featuring Bronze Nazareth) : 12. "Millennium Warface" * Wisemen - '' Wisemen Approaching'' (Studio album released February 27, 2007) : 01. "Introducing (No Matter How)" : 04. "Associated" (featuring

) : 05. "Mixture Of Muhammad" : 06. "Iconoclasts" (featuring

and

) : 07. "Founder Of Pain" : 09. "Up There Beyond" : 10. "Verbal Joust" : 11. "Words From Prodigal Sunn..." : 12. "Goblins (Tablets)" (featuring

and

) : 13. "Welcome Home" (featuring Altaire and Gooch) : 15. "Wisemen Approaching" * Cilvaringz - '' I'' (Studio album released June 12, 2007) : 8. "Christ & Judas (Skit)/Brothers Ain't Brothers" ; 2008

Immortal Technique Felipe Andres Coronel (born February 19, 1978), known artistically as Immortal Technique, is an American rapper, activist and songwriter. His lyrics are largely commentary on issues such as politics, religion, institutional racism, and govern ...

- '' The 3rd World'' : 11. "The Payback" (featuring

and Diabolic)

- ''

Pro Tools Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed and released by Avid Technology (formerly Digidesign) for Microsoft Windows and macOS. It is used for music creation and production, sound for picture (sound design, audio post-productio ...

'' : 4. "Groundbreaking" (featuring Justice Kareem) : 10. "Columbian Ties" (featuring True Master)

- ''Megagraphitti'' : 6. "Trigganomics" * "Lady Whirlwind" - Shaka Amazulu The 7th featuring Darkim Be Allah & Allahwise (AIG), lack Stone of Mecca* "Thirsty Vampire" - Shaka Amazulu The 7th ft. Jedi Mind Tricks & Bronze Nazareth ods of the Universe* "Knights & Armor" - Shaka Amazulu The 7th ft. Black Knights & Wasabifunk hildren of the HeavensAlmighty - ''Original S.I.N. (Strength in Numbers)'' 3. "Handle The Heights" (featuring Canibus & Keith Murray) 7. "Daylight" (featuring Kevlaar 7) 9. "Interlude #1" 10. "Killer Bee Swarm" (featuring Timbo King) 16. "Dead Flowers" (featuring 60 Second Assassin) ; 2010 * 60 Second Assassin - ''Remarkable Timing'' (Studio album released June 22, 2010) : 01. "Words From The Assassin (Intro)" : 03. "M.O.A.N. (Mind Of An assassiN)" (feat

) : 04. "Clockz N' Kingz" (feat 12 0' Clock, Chi-King & Timbo King) : 05. "Remarkable Timing" (feat

, M-80 & Poppa Wu) : 07. "Cloud 9" (feat T.H.U.G. Angelz, Son One & Kristina Green) : 08. "No Face" : 09. "Paradise" (feat Timbo King,

& Kristina Green) : 10. "Love Burns" (feat

& Phillie) : 11. "The Throne" (feat

) : 12. "Dead Flowers Part II" (feat

C-Rayz Walz Waleed Shabazz (born August 3, 1975), better known by his stage name C-Rayz Walz, is an American rapper from the Bronx, New York. He has been a member of the collective Stronghold. Early life Waleed Shabazz was born and raised in the Bronx, Ne ...

& Bronze Nazareth) : 13. "Fizza Funky" *

Vinnie Paz Vincenzo Luviner ( Luvineri born October 5, 1977), better known as Vinnie Paz (formerly known as Ikon the Verbal Hologram), is an Italian-born American rapper and producer behind the Philadelphia underground hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks. He ...

- '' Season of the Assassin'' (released June 22, 2010) : 14. "Role Of Life" * Hell Razah - ''Heaven Razah'' (Studio album released September 28, 2010) : 04. "Medical Kush" (co-produced with Kevlaar 7) *

9th Prince Terrance Hamlin (born February 10, 1977), better known as 9th Prince, is an American rapper and one of the founding members of rap group Killarmy. He was initially responsible for bringing the various members together, under the guidance of his ...

- ''One Man Army'' (Studio album released October 11, 2010) : 03. "Concrete Jungle" * Wisemen - ''Children Of A Lesser God'' (Studio album released October 26, 2010) : 02. "Children Of A Lesser God" : 06. "Lucy" : 07. "Get U Shot" : 08. "Hurt Lockers" : 10. "Words From Big Rube (Skit)" (feat

Big Rube Ruben Bailey (born September 27, 1969, Atlanta, Georgia), professionally known by his stage name Big Rube, is an American spoken word artist, rapper and hip hop producer. He is a first-generation member of the Dungeon Family and of Society of ...

) : 13. "Panic In Vision Park" : 15. "Interlude: Toxic" : 16. "Makes Me Want A Shot" : 18. "Corn Liquor Thoughts" ; 2011 *

- '' Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang'' (Studio album released March 7, 2011) : 01. "Butter Knives" * Bugsy Da God - ''The Terrorist Advocate'' (Studio album released February, 2011) : 03. "The Sound Of Gunz" (feat Dom Pachino &

Shyheim Shyheim Dionel Franklin (born November 14, 1979) is an American rapper from New York better known simply as Shyheim. He initially gained fame as a teenager, releasing his debut album ''AKA the Rugged Child'' at the age of 14 in 1994. He has sp ...

) * Timbo King - ''From Babylon To Timbuk2'' (Studio album released September 13, 2011) : 01. "The Book Of Timothy (Intro)" : 05. "The Two Babylonians nterlude : 06. "High Ranking" (feat RA The Rugged Man) : 09. "Identity Crisis nterlude : 10. "Youth" : 13. "Tombstone" : 16. "Timbuktu nterlude : 17. "Thinking Cap" *Tragic Allies - ''Collecting Dust'' BONUS CD included with ''The Tree of Knowledge of Good & Evil'', debut album of the Tragic Allies released September 27, 2011.) : 03. "Undeniable" *Dom Pachino - ''The Last Armageddon: Disc 2 (Omega)'' (Studio album released November 15, 2011) : 03. "No Perseverance" feat Chapelz *Project Manzu - ''Knowing Project Manzu'' (Entire album released December 15, 2011)

References

External links

Bronze Nazareth's official website

Bronze Nazareth's biography at the official Wu-Tang Clan website

Bronze Nazareth Interview by VibeRated.com

Discogs.com
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bronze Nazareth Rappers from Detroit Underground rappers Midwest hip-hop musicians Wu-Tang Clan affiliates Living people 1979 births 21st-century American rappers