Anthony “Treach” Criss, born Anthony Shawn Criss on December 2, 1970, in East Orange, New Jersey, is a renowned American rapper and actor.
He rose to prominence as the lead rapper of the influential hip-hop group Naughty by Nature, where his dynamic flow, charismatic delivery, and sharp lyricism helped define the early 1990s East Coast rap scene.
Treach’s distinctive style blended street narratives with catchy, anthemic hooks, making him a standout figure in hip-hop.
Siblings
Treach is the older brother of Diesel, a fellow rapper who is a member of the group Rottin Razkals.
This affiliated act maintained close ties to Naughty by Nature, sharing similar East Orange roots and collaborative opportunities within the hip-hop community.
Diesel’s involvement in music has kept the family legacy connected to the genre, though Treach has remained the more prominent figure.
Career
Treach formed Naughty by Nature in 1986 alongside high school friends Vin Rock and DJ Kay Gee, initially under the name New Style.
The group rebranded and broke through with their self-titled 1991 album, which featured massive hits like “O.P.P.” and “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.”
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These tracks propelled the group to platinum success and widespread recognition.
Subsequent albums, including 19 Naughty III (1993) with the iconic “Hip Hop Hooray” (directed by Spike Lee) and Poverty’s Paradise (1995), further cemented their status.
Treach’s solo-like verses often drove the group’s biggest singles, showcasing his commanding presence.
Beyond music, Treach transitioned into acting, debuting in the 1992 film Juice (with help from friend Tupac Shakur) and appearing in projects like The Sopranos, Playas Ball, and various television roles.
Accolades
Naughty by Nature, with Treach at the forefront, achieved significant recognition throughout their career.
They won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 1996 for Poverty’s Paradise, marking a historic moment as one of the early recipients of that category.
The group earned an American Music Award for Favorite New Artist – Rap/Hip-Hop in 1992.
Their singles garnered Grammy nominations, including for “Hip Hop Hooray” in 1993 and “Feel Me Flow” in 1996.
Multiple albums achieved platinum certification, and tracks like “O.P.P.” and “Hip Hop Hooray” became enduring anthems that influenced hip-hop’s mainstream crossover.
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