Anthony Messado (born July 24, 1974), better known by the

stage name A stage name or professional name is a pseudonym used by performers, authors, and entertainers—such as actors, comedians, singers, and musicians. The equivalent concept among writers is called a ''nom de plume'' (pen name). Some performers ...

Hanz On or Hannibal The Great, is an American

rapper Rapping (also rhyming, flowing, spitting, emceeing, or MCing) is an artistic form of vocal delivery and emotive expression that incorporates "rhyme, rhythmic speech, and ommonlystreet vernacular". It is usually performed over a backing ...

and an affiliate of 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 released his solo debut, ''Out Of Chef's Kitchen'' in 2010, and has since co-founded a record label called Hanz On Music. He is closely tied to another Wu-Tang Clan affiliate named Carlton Fisk.

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 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, ...

, and

Busta Rhymes Trevor George Smith Jr. (born May 20, 1972), known professionally as Busta Rhymes, is an American rapper, singer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the moniker Busta Rhymes, after National Football League, NFL and Canadian Football Lea ...

among others. In August 2009, Hanz attained notoriety after an incident during that year's

Rock The Bells Rock the Bells is an annual hip-hop festival that originally took place in Southern California only, but has since toured throughout the world. The concert features a line-up of high-profile alternative hip-hop artists, often headlined by a mo ...

festival. Hanz punched rapper

Joe Budden Joseph Anthony Budden II (born August 31, 1980) is an American broadcaster and former rapper. He first gained recognition with his 2003 single " Pump It Up", which peaked in the top 40 of the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and preceded the release of h ...

in the face because of a feud that Budden had with

and other members of 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, Ol' Dir ...

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" hosted by

DJ Kay Slay Keith Grayson (August 14, 1966 – April 17, 2022), professionally known as DJ Kay Slay, was an American disc jockey (DJ) from New York City. He is referred to by ''The New York Times'' as "Hip Hop's One-Man Ministry of Insults". He released fou ...

. ''Back To Sicily'' featured appearances from

Method Man Clifford Smith, Jr. (born March 2, 1971), known professionally as Method Man, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. He is a member of the East Coast hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, and is half of the hip hop duo Method Man & R ...

and

. A music video for lead single ''We Did It'' was produced in September 2012. Hanz On's second solo LP titled ''

Presents: Hannibal The Great'' was released in 2013 and featured Method Man,

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 ...

, and Inspectah Deck.

Legal issues

In June 20, 1994, Hanz On was sentenced to 3 years in prison after third-degree criminal possession of weapon substance. On January 28, 1998, Hanz On was released from prison. In February 16, 1999, Hanz On was sentenced to 3 years in prison after third-degree criminal sale control substance. On October 24, 2002, Hanz On was released from prison. In May 1, 2003, Hanz On was sentenced to 3 years in prison after third-degree attempted criminal sale control substance. On June 23, 2006, Hanz On was released from prison.

Discography

Studio albums * 2010: ''Out Of Chef's Kitchen'' * 2013: ''Method Man Presents: Hannibal The Great'' * 2017: ''Barca'' Mixtapes * 2012: ''Back to Sicily Mixtape'' Collaborations * 2007: Raekwon's "Ice Water - Polluted Water" * 2009: Raekwon "BabyGrande Recordings"

References

External links

* {{Authority control Living people 1974 births 21st-century American rappers Rappers from Staten Island