One of the first groups to show the East Coast exactly what wilin’ out means was the fearsome foursome known as ONYX. Formed in 1988, Sticky Fingaz, Fredro Starr, Sonny Seeza, and Big DS would go on to create their critically acclaimed, Def Jam released, debut album, Bacdafucup in ’93 and the rest is history.

Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz, the last remaining members of the group, sit down with Peter Rosenberg on the Juan Epstein Podcast to discuss their beginnings. In an interview that rests at just over an hour, Fredro and the gritty voiced Sticky discuss the beginnings of their career (5:00), the invention of their group name (8:00), and the introduction of Sticky into the group (10:00) to kick things off.

Throughout the rest of the interview, Sticky and Fredro discuss the release of their first album (14:30), getting sued by Fat Boys over a sample clearance for their cut, “Phat (‘N’ All Dat),” Fredro’s extensive and successful barber shop career (23:00), and competing with Das EFX with the release of “Throw Ya Gunz” (32:00).

One of their most pivotal moments as a group came during an unexpected encounter with Jam Master Jay (11:00) that eventually led the group to signing with Def Jam. Stuck in traffic for over two hours after a day at Jones Beach, Sticky and Fredro peered out their car window and noticed smoke pouring out of Jay’s van. Seeing as they weren’t going anywhere anytime soon, the two jumped out of their own car to see if Jay wanted to smoke with them. After a long conversation and mentioning their role as upcoming rappers in the game, Jay explained his position as a label exec and the three kept in touch until their eventual signing with Jam Master Jay Records and later Def Jam. Once at Def Jam, the group released their debut, Bacdafucup. Famously known for the hit radio single, “Slam,” the album sold over two million copies and their careers took off like a bat out of hell.

Catch the full interview below.

Related: ONYX Relesase Some More Mean-Mugging Fight Music (Video)