Victor James Santiago Jr., better known by his stage names N.O.R.E. and Noreaga, is an American rapper. Santiago first rose to prominence as one half of the East Coast hip-hop duo Capone-N-Noreaga, which he formed in 1995 with fellow Queens-based rapper Capone. The duo released five studio albums, briefly disbanding after their second to pursue solo careers. Santiago signed with Penalty Recordings as a solo artist to release his self-titled debut studio album in 1998. The album peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top 40 single "Superthug". He followed up with his second album, Melvin Flynt – Da Hustler before signing with Def Jam Recordings to release his third album, God's Favor...