Lord Finesse

Lord Finesse (real name Robert A. Hall, Jr.) was born on February 19, 1970, in The Bronx, New York and is a rapper, producer, and member of the legendary D.I.T.C. (Diggin' in the Crates) crew. Known for his clever wordplay, punchlines, and signature production style, he has been a key figure in East Coast hip-hop since the late 1980s. Finesse made his debut in 1989 with the album Funky Technician, produced by DJ Premier and Diamond D, which showcased his sharp lyricism and laid-back flow. He later transitioned into production, crafting beats for artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Big L, Dr. Dre, and Fat Joe. As a founding member of D.I.T.C., alongside Showbiz & A.G., Diamond D, Fat Joe, Big L, Buckwild, and A.T.G.O.C., he played a significant role in shaping the underground hip-hop scene of the 1990s. Beyond rapping, Lord Finesse has remained influential as a producer and mentor, continuing to impact hip-hop with his signature boom-bap sound and crate-digging approach to beat-making.