Known for his influential podcast and his unwavering commitment to justice, culture, and storytelling, Combat Jack, whose real name was Reggie Osse, was a true pioneer in the industry. Now, his legacy will be forever commemorated in his hometown of Brooklyn, where a portion of Bergen Street will be named after him.
Before his rise to prominence in the world of hip hop, Reggie Osse pursued a law degree at Georgetown University Law Center, where he honed his legal skills and laid the foundation for his future success. Osse’s legal career took off when he secured an internship at Def Jam Recordings in 1989, representing some of hip hop’s biggest names, including JAY-Z, Dame Dash, and Busta Rhymes. Throughout his 12-year tenure as an attorney, Osse continued to make a significant impact on the industry, with clients such as LL Cool J, Missy Elliott, and Sean “Diddy” Combs.
In the early 2000s, Combat Jack decided to transition from the courtroom to the world of writing and media. He authored the critically acclaimed book, “Bling: The Hip Hop Jewelry Book,” which delved into the relationship between hip hop and extravagant jewelry. This endeavor served as a catalyst for Osse’s foray into blogging and ultimately led to the creation of The Combat Jack Podcast in 2010. As one of the first podcasts of its kind, Combat Jack’s show quickly gained popularity and became a platform for candid conversations with some of the biggest names in hip hop. From insightful interviews to thought-provoking discussions on social issues, Combat Jack’s podcast became a must-listen for hip hop enthusiasts around the world.
While Combat Jack’s career continued to soar, tragedy struck in 2017 when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Despite undergoing surgery and exploring alternative treatments, Osse ultimately succumbed to the disease on December 20, 2017. The news of his passing sent shockwaves throughout the hip hop community, prompting an outpouring of love and appreciation for the man who had become a beloved figure in the industry.
To honor the immeasurable contributions of Combat Jack, Brooklyn will forever remember him by naming a portion of Bergen Street between New York Ave. and Brooklyn Ave. after him. This momentous occasion, set to take place this week on June 22 at 1:00 PM, in front of Brooklyn City Hall, will be a testament to the lasting impact Combat Jack had on his community and the world of hip hop. Furthermore, July 8 will officially be designated as “Reggie ‘Combat Jack’ Osse Day,” a day to remember and celebrate the iconic figure who brought marginalized voices to the forefront and championed justice and culture.
The legacy of Combat Jack, the hip hop influencer, attorney, and podcasting pioneer, will forever be remembered in the streets of Brooklyn. Through the street naming ceremony and the establishment of “Reggie ‘Combat Jack’ Osse Day,” his contributions to the world of hip hop and his unwavering commitment to justice and storytelling will
be celebrated and honored. Combat Jack’s impact on the
industry and his community serves as a reminder of the power
of one individual’s passion and dedication.