Rapper Mic Geronimo, born Michael McDermon on September 14, 1973 in Queens, New York, got his big break when he drew the attention of DJ Irv at a talent show. That led to Geronimo’s debut album, The Natural, being released on TVT in 1995. Filled with hard-hitting raps, it would climb to number 23 on the R&B album chart, powered by the debut single, “Shit’s Real”, a number 23 rap hit that managed to get to 117 on the pop chart. Three more singles all landed on the rap chart. For his sophomore album, 1997’s Vendetta, Geronimo worked with Puff Daddy’s circle, who helped him shape a more radio friendly sound. The gambit worked, with the album hitting 112 on the album chart, and number 20 on the rap album chart while the single “Nothin’ Move But the Money” went top 40 on both the rap and R&B charts, as well as number 70 on the Hot 100. After a six-year layoff during which Geronimo changed record labels, he released Long Road Back, and in 2007 he issued Alive 9/17/73 on yet another label.
