Kool G Rap
Encyclopedia
Nathaniel Thomas Wilson (born July 20, 1968), better known by his stage names Kool G Rap (or simply G Rap), Kool G. Rap, and Giancana (Meaning of the abbreviation "G."), is an American rapper
, from the Corona
neighborhood of Queens
, New York. He began his career in the mid-1980s as one half of the group Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and as a member of the Juice Crew
. He is often cited as one of the most influential and skilled MCs of all time as he is a pioneer of mafioso rap/street/hardcore content and multisyllabic
rhyming. On his album The Giancana Story, he stated that the "G" in his name stands for "Giancana" (after the mobster Sam Giancana
), but on other occasions he's stated that it stands for "Genius".
He has also been cited as a major influence to some of hip-hop's most critically acclaimed figures such as Eminem
, Nas
, Jay Z, Big Pun
, RZA
and more.
Queens
, New York with legendary producer Eric B. In an interview with The Source
he stated;
Around this time, Wilson was looking for a DJ, and through Eric B., he met DJ Polo, who was looking for an MC to collaborate with.
producer, and Mr. Magic
DJ; Marley Marl
knew Polo, and allowed him and G Rap to go to his studio to do a demo, which resulted in the song "It's a Demo." The song was written and recorded in one night, and had Marley so impressed, that he instantly embraced Kool G Rap and DJ Polo as Juice Crew members (it's worth noting that this was the first time G Rap had ever met Marley.) In 1986 on Mr Magic's Rap Attack radio show on 107.5, the duo got their first exposure which created more buzz. They eventually released "It's a Demo" as a single with "I'm Fly", along with two more singles. Shortly after this, Kool G Rap appeared on the Juice Crew
's classic posse cut 'The Symphony' before they released their debut album, Road to the Riches
in 1989. This album and their two later albums, Wanted: Dead or Alive (1990) and Live and Let Die
(1992), are highly regarded and considered Hip-Hop classics. Eventually in 1993, Kool G rap parted ways with DJ Polo in pursuit of a solo career.
, which featured production from Buckwild
, and guest appearances from Nas
, MF Grimm and B-1 – it has been his most commercially successful record, reaching No.24 on the US Billboard 200
album chart. This was followed by Roots of Evil
in 1998.
He was then meant to release his next album, The Giancana Story
in 2000, on Rawkus Records
, but due to several complications with the label, the album was pushed back several times, and eventually released in 2002. "My Life" the hit single from the album featuring Talk Box legend G-Wise reached No.5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts. In 2008 he released the EP Half a Klip
on Chinga Chang Records, featuring production from, among others, DJ Premier
and Marley Marl
.
Criticisms of Kool G Rap's solo albums usually focus on the production not being up to the standard of the rapping.
While Kool G Rap has always been popular and well respected in Hip-Hop circles for his lyrical skills, he never crossed over and saw the same level of commercial success as rappers such as Biz Markie
and Big Daddy Kane
, both also members of the Juice Crew
. He is known for consistently making records which are hardcore, dark, intelligent, and underground.
rapper. Music journalist Peter Shapiro suggests that he "created the blueprint for Nas
, Biggie and everyone who followed in their path". Kool G is described by Kool Moe Dee
as "the progenitor and prototype for Biggie, Jay-Z
, Treach
, Nore
, Fat Joe
, Big Pun
, and about twenty-five more hard-core emcees", and Kool Moe Dee
also claims Kool G Rap is "the most lyrical" out of all of the artists mentioned. MTV describes Kool G Rap as a "hip-hop godfather", adding that he paved the way for a lot of MCs who we would not have heard of otherwise. Rolling Stone says, "G Rap excelled at the street narrative, a style that would come to define later Queens MCs like Nas
(who was hugely influenced by G Rap on his early records) and Mobb Deep
".
Other artists who have named Kool G Rap as a major influence include Notorious B.I.G., Eminem
, Jay-Z
, Tajai
of Souls of Mischief
, Vinnie Paz of Jedi Mind Tricks
, Steele
of Smif-n-Wessun
, Havoc of Mobb Deep
, Rock of Heltah Skeltah
, MC Serch
, Termanology
, Black Thought
of The Roots
, M.O.P.
, R.A. The Rugged Man
, Bun B
of UGK
, Rah Digga
, RZA
and Raekwon
of Wu-Tang Clan
, Adil Omar
, Lady Of Rage
, Big Pun
, O.C.
of DITC, Memphis Bleek
, Kurupt
, Pharoahe Monch
, and Twista
, among others.
He is also often very highly rated in terms of his technical ability and is often ranked alongside other highly regarded golden age
MCs, such as Big Daddy Kane
, Rakim
, and KRS-One
. In Jay-Z
's track 'Encore', Jay-Z
raps, "hearing me rap is like hearing G Rap in his prime", comparing his skill level to that of Kool G Rap. Allmusic calls him "one of the greatest rappers ever", "a master", and "a legend".
A number of rappers, such as Ice Cube, Rakim
, Big Daddy Kane
, Lloyd Banks
, and Nas
have put him in their lists of favorite rappers. Kool Moe Dee
ranked Kool G Rap at No.14 in his book There's A God On The Mic
: The True 50 Greatest MCs, and MTV gives him an 'Honorable Mention' in their Greatest MCs Of All Time list.
since his debut (in a similar way to other golden age MCs such as Big Daddy Kane
and Rakim
), and this remains a hallmark of his style, along with his rapid-fire delivery and "superhuman breath control". Although many of today's MCs use multisyllabic rhymes
extensively (such as Eminem
, Pharoahe Monch
, Nas
, Papoose
, and many others), Kool G Rap is known for taking the technique to its limits and packing in as many multisyllabic rhymes
as possible, sometimes all in the same rhyme scheme for a whole verse, such as on Sway & King Tech
's 'The Anthem'.
He has also been cited as one of Hip-Hop's greatest storytellers, alongside Slick Rick
and Notorious B.I.G., with "laser-like visual descriptions", and "vivid narratives". Rolling Stone states that, "Live and Let Die
continued G Rap's reign as rap music's premier yarn-spinner".
Kool G Rap provided the foreword for the 2009 book How to Rap
: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC, also providing insight into his rhyming technique.
This can be seen as early as 1989 in the song "Road to the Riches" where he makes a reference to Al Pacino (who plays mobster Tony Montana
in the 1983 crime drama movie Scarface
) – this was long before albums such as Raekwon
's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… (1995), and Jay-Z
's Reasonable Doubt
(1996) made such references popular.
Since his debut, he has used various references to mob
movies in his lyrics, album covers, and titles. For example, the first line of 'Bad to the Bone' from Wanted: Dead or Alive (1990) is, I'm bad to the bone / with a style like Al Capone
, the album Live and Let Die
(1992) uses samples from the film The Untouchables
, the album cover of Roots of Evil
(1998) uses elements from The Godfather
and Scarface
theatrical posters, and The Giancana Story
(2002) album title references Mafia boss Sam Giancana
.
Rolling Stone says, "before Kool G Rap, New York didn't really have the street rap that could hold its own against what artists such as L.A.'s Ice-T
and N.W.A were churning out" and that "G Rap excelled at the street narrative".
His take on crime, violence, and the mafioso lifestyle ranges from remorse and contemplation (e.g. 'Streets of New York', described by Rolling Stone as "a vivid look inside the misery of the hood"), to glorification (e.g. 'Fast Life' featuring Nas
).
, they have one son, but he also has children with other women.
Rapping
Rapping refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book How to Rap where it is separated into “content”, “flow” , and “delivery”...
, from the Corona
Corona, Queens
Corona is a densely-populated neighborhood in the former Township of Newtown in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York, United States...
neighborhood of Queens
Queens
Queens is the easternmost of the five boroughs of New York City. The largest borough in area and the second-largest in population, it is coextensive with Queens County, an administrative division of New York state, in the United States....
, New York. He began his career in the mid-1980s as one half of the group Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and as a member of the Juice Crew
Juice Crew
The Juice Crew was a hip hop collective of largely Queensbridge-based artists in the mid- to late-1980s. Founded by producer Marley Marl and radio DJ Mr. Magic and housed by Tyrone William's Cold Chillin' Records, the Juice Crew would introduce New School artists Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie,...
. He is often cited as one of the most influential and skilled MCs of all time as he is a pioneer of mafioso rap/street/hardcore content and multisyllabic
Multisyllabic rhymes
In rapping and poetry, multisyllabic rhymes are rhymes that contain two or more syllables In rapping and poetry, multisyllabic rhymes (also known as compound rhymes, polysyllable rhymes, and sometimes colloquially in hip-hop as multies) are rhymes that contain two or more syllables In rapping...
rhyming. On his album The Giancana Story, he stated that the "G" in his name stands for "Giancana" (after the mobster Sam Giancana
Sam Giancana
Salvatore Giancana , better known as Sam Giancana, was a Sicilian-American mobster and boss of the Chicago Outfit from 1957-1966...
), but on other occasions he's stated that it stands for "Genius".
He has also been cited as a major influence to some of hip-hop's most critically acclaimed figures such as Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
, Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
, Jay Z, Big Pun
Big Pun
Christopher Lee Rios , better known by his stage name Big Pun , was an American rapper who emerged from the underground rap scene in The Bronx in the late 1990s...
, RZA
RZA
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA , is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in Hip Hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost...
and more.
Early years
Wilson grew up in the poverty-ridden streets of CoronaCorona, Queens
Corona is a densely-populated neighborhood in the former Township of Newtown in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York, United States...
Queens
Queens
Queens is the easternmost of the five boroughs of New York City. The largest borough in area and the second-largest in population, it is coextensive with Queens County, an administrative division of New York state, in the United States....
, New York with legendary producer Eric B. In an interview with The Source
The Source (magazine)
The Source is a United States-based, monthly full-color magazine covering hip-hop music, politics, and culture, founded in 1988. It is the world's second longest running rap periodical, behind United Kingdom-based publication Hip Hop Connection. The Source was founded as a newsletter in 1988...
he stated;
Around this time, Wilson was looking for a DJ, and through Eric B., he met DJ Polo, who was looking for an MC to collaborate with.
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo
Juice CrewJuice Crew
The Juice Crew was a hip hop collective of largely Queensbridge-based artists in the mid- to late-1980s. Founded by producer Marley Marl and radio DJ Mr. Magic and housed by Tyrone William's Cold Chillin' Records, the Juice Crew would introduce New School artists Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie,...
producer, and Mr. Magic
Mr. Magic
John "Mr. Magic" Rivas, was an important figure in the world of hip hop radio.-Biography:Mr. Magic debuted in 1981 on WHBI-FM in New York City with the first exclusive rap radio show to be aired on a major station...
DJ; Marley Marl
Marley Marl
Marlon Williams , better known as Marley Marl, is an American DJ and record producer, who is considered one of the most important and influential hip-hop producers in the history of hip hop.-Biography:...
knew Polo, and allowed him and G Rap to go to his studio to do a demo, which resulted in the song "It's a Demo." The song was written and recorded in one night, and had Marley so impressed, that he instantly embraced Kool G Rap and DJ Polo as Juice Crew members (it's worth noting that this was the first time G Rap had ever met Marley.) In 1986 on Mr Magic's Rap Attack radio show on 107.5, the duo got their first exposure which created more buzz. They eventually released "It's a Demo" as a single with "I'm Fly", along with two more singles. Shortly after this, Kool G Rap appeared on the Juice Crew
Juice Crew
The Juice Crew was a hip hop collective of largely Queensbridge-based artists in the mid- to late-1980s. Founded by producer Marley Marl and radio DJ Mr. Magic and housed by Tyrone William's Cold Chillin' Records, the Juice Crew would introduce New School artists Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie,...
's classic posse cut 'The Symphony' before they released their debut album, Road to the Riches
Road To The Riches
Road to the Riches is the debut album by hip hop duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, which was released in 1989 on then-prominent hip hop label Cold Chillin' Records...
in 1989. This album and their two later albums, Wanted: Dead or Alive (1990) and Live and Let Die
Live and Let Die (album)
Live And Let Die is the third, and final, studio album by the American hip hop duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, released November 24, 1992, on Cold Chillin'. The album features guest appearances from Ice Cube, Big Daddy Kane, Scarface, and Bushwick Bill...
(1992), are highly regarded and considered Hip-Hop classics. Eventually in 1993, Kool G rap parted ways with DJ Polo in pursuit of a solo career.
Solo career
In 1995, G Rap started his solo career with the album 4,5,64,5,6
4,5,6 is the solo debut by hip hop artist Kool G Rap, released in September 1995 on Cold Chillin' Records. The release followed his break-up with DJ Polo in 1993. The album was mostly received neutrally among critics, but was warmly accepted by underground fans...
, which featured production from Buckwild
Buckwild
Buckwild is a Hip hop producer hailing from The Bronx, New York. Originally a DJ, Buck began producing after meeting MC/Producer Lord Finesse. He later joined Finesse's super-crew D.I.T.C., along with Showbiz and A.G., Diamond D, Fat Joe, and the late Big L and brought O.C. with him...
, and guest appearances from Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
, MF Grimm and B-1 – it has been his most commercially successful record, reaching No.24 on the US Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
album chart. This was followed by Roots of Evil
Roots of Evil
Roots Of Evil is the second solo album by Mafioso rap artist Kool G Rap, released in 1998 by Kool G's short lived record label, Illstreet/Downlow. It boasts two singles, "Foul Cats" and "Can't Stop The Shine", and reached #43 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart...
in 1998.
He was then meant to release his next album, The Giancana Story
The Giancana Story
The Giancana Story is the third solo album by Mafioso rap artist Kool G Rap. It was released on November 12, 2002 on Koch Records and it contains two singles "The Streets"/"Thug 4 Life" & "My Life." The album, however, was not very commercially successful by not making it to the Billboard 200...
in 2000, on Rawkus Records
Rawkus Records
Rawkus Records is an American hip-hop record label known for jump-starting the careers of both Mos Def and Talib Kweli. Rawkus started in 1996 with initial releases ranging from hip-hop to drum and bass...
, but due to several complications with the label, the album was pushed back several times, and eventually released in 2002. "My Life" the hit single from the album featuring Talk Box legend G-Wise reached No.5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts. In 2008 he released the EP Half a Klip
Half a Klip
Half a Klip is an EP from Kool G Rap, released on February 5, 2008. It was the first new solo release from Kool G Rap in six years, and its producers included DJ Premier, Marley Marl, Domingo, and Marks...
on Chinga Chang Records, featuring production from, among others, DJ Premier
DJ Premier
Christopher Edward Martin , better known by his stage name DJ Premier , is an American record producer and DJ, and was the instrumental half of the hip hop duo Gang Starr, together with emcee Guru...
and Marley Marl
Marley Marl
Marlon Williams , better known as Marley Marl, is an American DJ and record producer, who is considered one of the most important and influential hip-hop producers in the history of hip hop.-Biography:...
.
Criticisms of Kool G Rap's solo albums usually focus on the production not being up to the standard of the rapping.
While Kool G Rap has always been popular and well respected in Hip-Hop circles for his lyrical skills, he never crossed over and saw the same level of commercial success as rappers such as Biz Markie
Biz Markie
Marcel Theo Hall better known by his stage name, Biz Markie, is an American rapper, beatboxer, DJ, comedian, singer, reality television personality, and commercial spokesperson. He is best known for his single "Just a Friend", an American Top 10 hit in 1989...
and Big Daddy Kane
Big Daddy Kane
Antonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...
, both also members of the Juice Crew
Juice Crew
The Juice Crew was a hip hop collective of largely Queensbridge-based artists in the mid- to late-1980s. Founded by producer Marley Marl and radio DJ Mr. Magic and housed by Tyrone William's Cold Chillin' Records, the Juice Crew would introduce New School artists Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie,...
. He is known for consistently making records which are hardcore, dark, intelligent, and underground.
Legacy
Kool G Rap is regarded as a hugely influential golden ageGolden age hip hop
Hip hop's "golden age" is a name given to a period in mainstream hip hop—usually cited as being a period varying in time frames during the 1980s and 1990s said to be characterized by its diversity, quality, innovation and influence. There were strong themes of Afrocentricity and political...
rapper. Music journalist Peter Shapiro suggests that he "created the blueprint for Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
, Biggie and everyone who followed in their path". Kool G is described by Kool Moe Dee
Kool Moe Dee
Mohandas Dewese , better known as Kool Moe Dee, is an American Hip Hop MC prominent in the late 1970s through the early 1990s. He was born in Manhattan, New York...
as "the progenitor and prototype for Biggie, Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
, Treach
Treach
Anthony Criss , better known by his stage name Treach, is an American rapper and actor. He is best known as the lead rapper of the hip hop group Naughty by Nature.-Career:...
, Nore
N.O.R.E.
Victor Santiago, Jr., best known by his stage name N.O.R.E. or Noreaga , is an American rapper of Puerto Rican descent...
, Fat Joe
Fat Joe
Joseph Antonio Cartagena , better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper, CEO of Terror Squad Entertainment, and member of musical groups D.I.T.C. and Terror Squad....
, Big Pun
Big Pun
Christopher Lee Rios , better known by his stage name Big Pun , was an American rapper who emerged from the underground rap scene in The Bronx in the late 1990s...
, and about twenty-five more hard-core emcees", and Kool Moe Dee
Kool Moe Dee
Mohandas Dewese , better known as Kool Moe Dee, is an American Hip Hop MC prominent in the late 1970s through the early 1990s. He was born in Manhattan, New York...
also claims Kool G Rap is "the most lyrical" out of all of the artists mentioned. MTV describes Kool G Rap as a "hip-hop godfather", adding that he paved the way for a lot of MCs who we would not have heard of otherwise. Rolling Stone says, "G Rap excelled at the street narrative, a style that would come to define later Queens MCs like Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
(who was hugely influenced by G Rap on his early records) and Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep is an American hip hop duo from Queensbridge, Queens, New York, U.S., that consists of Havoc and Prodigy. The duo is "one of the most critically acclaimed hardcore East Coast hip-hop groups." The group is best known for its dark, hardcore delivery, as exemplified by the single "Shook Ones...
".
Other artists who have named Kool G Rap as a major influence include Notorious B.I.G., Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
, Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
, Tajai
Tajai
Tajai Massey, known by the stage name, Tajai , is an American rapper and producer. He is one of the four founding members of Oakland, California-based underground hip hop group Souls of Mischief, and, with the Souls of Mischief, a part of the eight-person, alternative hip hop collective, the...
of Souls of Mischief
Souls of Mischief
-Studio albums:-Singles:-External links:* [ Allmusic Biography]* *...
, Vinnie Paz of Jedi Mind Tricks
Jedi Mind Tricks
Jedi Mind Tricks is a hip hop duo with Vinnie Paz from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Jus Allah from Camden, New Jersey. The group was founded by two high school friends, rapper Vinnie Paz and former producer/DJ Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind...
, Steele
Steele (rapper)
Steele is an American rapper, famous as half of the underground rap duo Smif-N-Wessun, and as a member of Hip Hop supergroup Boot Camp Clik. Steele and Smif-N-Wessun partner Tek made their debut on Black Moon's classic 1993 album Enta Da Stage on the tracks "Black Smif-N-Wessun" and "U Da Man"...
of Smif-n-Wessun
Smif-N-Wessun
Smif-n-Wessun is a hip hop duo consisting of members Tek and Steele . Smif-n-Wessun comprise two-fifths of the Brownsville, Brooklyn supergroup Boot Camp Clik, with Buckshot, Heltah Skeltah and O.G.C...
, Havoc of Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep is an American hip hop duo from Queensbridge, Queens, New York, U.S., that consists of Havoc and Prodigy. The duo is "one of the most critically acclaimed hardcore East Coast hip-hop groups." The group is best known for its dark, hardcore delivery, as exemplified by the single "Shook Ones...
, Rock of Heltah Skeltah
Heltah Skeltah
Heltah Skeltah is a hip hop duo consisting of members Rock and Ruck . The two are members of New York supergroup Boot Camp Clik, along with Buckshot, Smif-N-Wessun and O.G.C....
, MC Serch
MC Serch
MC Serch is a Jewish-American hip hop MC and former member of 3rd Bass.-Biography:Serch grew up in Far Rockaway, Queens, attending Far Rockaway High School, and graduated from Music & Art High School...
, Termanology
Termanology
Daniel Carrillo , better known as Termanology is a rapper from Lawrence, Massachusetts. He first came to wide attention with the 2006 single "Watch How It Go Down". A solo album, Politics As Usual, was released in 2008...
, Black Thought
Black Thought
Tariq Trotter , better known as Black Thought, is an American hip-hop artist who is the lead MC of the Philadelphia-based hip hop group The Roots and occasional actor...
of The Roots
The Roots
The Roots is an American hip hop/neo soul band formed in 1987 by Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are famed for beginning with a jazzy, eclectic approach to hip hop which still includes live instrumentals...
, M.O.P.
M.O.P.
M.O.P., short for Mash Out Posse, is an American hip hop duo. The duo, composed of Billy Danze and Lil' Fame, is known for the aggressive delivery typically employed by both emcees. Although they maintain a strong underground following, they are mainly known for the song "Ante Up," released on...
, R.A. The Rugged Man
R.A. The Rugged Man
R. A. Thorburn, better known as R.A. the Rugged Man, is an emcee from Suffolk County, Long Island, New York.-Career:At 18, R.A. signed with Jive Records and then in the mid-1990s signed with Priority Records/EMI. His contract was later absorbed by Capitol Records but he began recording...
, Bun B
Bun B
Bernard Freeman better known by his stage name Bun B, is an American rapper and was one half of the southern hip hop duo UGK . He is also a guest lecturer at Rice University located in Houston, Texas...
of UGK
UGK
UGK was an American hip hop duo from Port Arthur, Texas formed in 1987 by the late Chad "Pimp C" Butler . He then joined with Bernard "Bun B" Freeman, who became his longtime partner...
, Rah Digga
Rah Digga
Rah Digga is an American rapper. Well known as a long time member of the Flipmode Squad, a hip hop group led by Busta Rhymes, she parted ways amicably with the group in 2007. She has been called "one of rap's most prominent women MCs" by Allmusic and "one of hip-hop's most skilled female MCs" in...
, RZA
RZA
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA , is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in Hip Hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost...
and Raekwon
Raekwon
Corey Woods , better known by the stage name Raekwon, is an American rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He released his solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... in 1995, and has since recorded four solo albums, as well as work with Wu-Tang and an extensive amount of guest contributions with...
of Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
, Adil Omar
Adil Omar
Adil Omar is a rapper and singer-songwriter from Islamabad, Pakistan. He is one of the few hip-hop artists from Pakistan and musicians from the region to write and perform in English. He has also collaborated with mainstream artists such as Cypress Hill, Xzibit, Everlast, Kool G Rap, DJ Lethal of...
, Lady Of Rage
Lady of Rage
Robin Yvette Allen , better known by her stage name The Lady of Rage, is an American rapper and actress best known for collaborations with several Death Row Records artists, including Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg on the seminal albums The Chronic and Doggystyle...
, Big Pun
Big Pun
Christopher Lee Rios , better known by his stage name Big Pun , was an American rapper who emerged from the underground rap scene in The Bronx in the late 1990s...
, O.C.
O.C. (rapper)
Omar Credle , known by his stage name, O.C., is an American rapper who has been involved with several renowned underground hip-hop groups and also released many solo albums.-Recording career:...
of DITC, Memphis Bleek
Memphis Bleek
Malik Thuston Patrick Cox , better known by his rap persona of Memphis Bleek or "Bleek", is a New York rapper mainly known for his tenure with Roc-a-Fella Records and CEO of his own label Get Low Records...
, Kurupt
Kurupt
Ricardo Emmanuel Brown , better known by his stage name Kurupt, also known as Kurupt Tha Kingpin, Kurupt Young Gotti or Young Gotstra is an American rapper and former Executive Vice President of Death Row Records...
, Pharoahe Monch
Pharoahe Monch
Pharoahe Monch is an American hip hop artist. He is known for his complex lyrics, complex delivery, and internal and multisyllabic rhyme schemes.-Biography:...
, and Twista
Twista
Carl Terrell Mitchell , better known by his stage name Twista, is an American rapper. He is known for once holding the title of fastest rapper in the world according to Guinness World Records in 1992, being able to pronounce 598 syllables in 55 seconds...
, among others.
He is also often very highly rated in terms of his technical ability and is often ranked alongside other highly regarded golden age
Golden age hip hop
Hip hop's "golden age" is a name given to a period in mainstream hip hop—usually cited as being a period varying in time frames during the 1980s and 1990s said to be characterized by its diversity, quality, innovation and influence. There were strong themes of Afrocentricity and political...
MCs, such as Big Daddy Kane
Big Daddy Kane
Antonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...
, Rakim
Rakim
William Michael Griffin Jr. , known by his stage names Rakim , Rakim Allah, R.A.K.I.M., and The Master, is an American rapper. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and most skilled emcees of all time. Eric B...
, and KRS-One
KRS-One
Lawrence Krisna Parker , better known by his stage names KRS-One , and Teacha, is an American rapper...
. In Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
's track 'Encore', Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
raps, "hearing me rap is like hearing G Rap in his prime", comparing his skill level to that of Kool G Rap. Allmusic calls him "one of the greatest rappers ever", "a master", and "a legend".
A number of rappers, such as Ice Cube, Rakim
Rakim
William Michael Griffin Jr. , known by his stage names Rakim , Rakim Allah, R.A.K.I.M., and The Master, is an American rapper. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and most skilled emcees of all time. Eric B...
, Big Daddy Kane
Big Daddy Kane
Antonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...
, Lloyd Banks
Lloyd Banks
Christopher Charles Lloyd , better known by his stage name Lloyd Banks, is an American rapper and member of the rap group G-Unit. Raised in South Jamaica, Queens, he dropped out of high school in 1998. G-Unit released two albums, Beg for Mercy in 2003 and T.O.S. in 2008...
, and Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
have put him in their lists of favorite rappers. Kool Moe Dee
Kool Moe Dee
Mohandas Dewese , better known as Kool Moe Dee, is an American Hip Hop MC prominent in the late 1970s through the early 1990s. He was born in Manhattan, New York...
ranked Kool G Rap at No.14 in his book There's A God On The Mic
There's a God on the Mic
There’s a God on the Mic: The True 50 Greatest MCs is a book by the old school hip hop MC Kool Moe Dee, where he ranks what he believes to be the Top 50 greatest MCs of all time, giving a breakdown of each artist...
: The True 50 Greatest MCs, and MTV gives him an 'Honorable Mention' in their Greatest MCs Of All Time list.
Rhyme technique
Kool G Rap is known for using complex multisyllabic rhymesMultisyllabic rhymes
In rapping and poetry, multisyllabic rhymes are rhymes that contain two or more syllables In rapping and poetry, multisyllabic rhymes (also known as compound rhymes, polysyllable rhymes, and sometimes colloquially in hip-hop as multies) are rhymes that contain two or more syllables In rapping...
since his debut (in a similar way to other golden age MCs such as Big Daddy Kane
Big Daddy Kane
Antonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...
and Rakim
Rakim
William Michael Griffin Jr. , known by his stage names Rakim , Rakim Allah, R.A.K.I.M., and The Master, is an American rapper. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and most skilled emcees of all time. Eric B...
), and this remains a hallmark of his style, along with his rapid-fire delivery and "superhuman breath control". Although many of today's MCs use multisyllabic rhymes
Multisyllabic rhymes
In rapping and poetry, multisyllabic rhymes are rhymes that contain two or more syllables In rapping and poetry, multisyllabic rhymes (also known as compound rhymes, polysyllable rhymes, and sometimes colloquially in hip-hop as multies) are rhymes that contain two or more syllables In rapping...
extensively (such as Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
, Pharoahe Monch
Pharoahe Monch
Pharoahe Monch is an American hip hop artist. He is known for his complex lyrics, complex delivery, and internal and multisyllabic rhyme schemes.-Biography:...
, Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
, Papoose
Papoose (rapper)
Shamele Mackie , better known by his stage name Papoose , is an American rapper.-Biography:Born March 5, 1978 in Brooklyn, New York City by Sierra Leone and Native American parents, Papoose made his first attempts at rapping at the age of 7. He was given his name by his grandma Vivian because of...
, and many others), Kool G Rap is known for taking the technique to its limits and packing in as many multisyllabic rhymes
Multisyllabic rhymes
In rapping and poetry, multisyllabic rhymes are rhymes that contain two or more syllables In rapping and poetry, multisyllabic rhymes (also known as compound rhymes, polysyllable rhymes, and sometimes colloquially in hip-hop as multies) are rhymes that contain two or more syllables In rapping...
as possible, sometimes all in the same rhyme scheme for a whole verse, such as on Sway & King Tech
Sway & King Tech
Sway & King Tech is an American hip hop group composed of Bay Area rapper Sway and DJ King Tech. Also known as Flynamic Force or Sway & Tech, they are the hosts of the nationally syndicated show, The Wake Up Show...
's 'The Anthem'.
He has also been cited as one of Hip-Hop's greatest storytellers, alongside Slick Rick
Slick Rick
Richard Walters , better known by his stage name Slick Rick is a Grammy-nominated English-American rapper...
and Notorious B.I.G., with "laser-like visual descriptions", and "vivid narratives". Rolling Stone states that, "Live and Let Die
Live and Let Die (album)
Live And Let Die is the third, and final, studio album by the American hip hop duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, released November 24, 1992, on Cold Chillin'. The album features guest appearances from Ice Cube, Big Daddy Kane, Scarface, and Bushwick Bill...
continued G Rap's reign as rap music's premier yarn-spinner".
Kool G Rap provided the foreword for the 2009 book How to Rap
How to Rap
How to Rap: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC is a book on hip-hop music and rapping by Paul Edwards. It is compiled from interviews with 104 notable rappers who provide insights into how they write and perform their lyrics.- Publication :...
: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC, also providing insight into his rhyming technique.
Mafioso/Street content
Kool G Rap is often credited as the first rapper to infuse his lyrics with mafioso and hardcore street content.This can be seen as early as 1989 in the song "Road to the Riches" where he makes a reference to Al Pacino (who plays mobster Tony Montana
Tony Montana
Antonio Raimundo "Tony" Montana is a fictional character from the 1983 film Scarface. He is portrayed by Al Pacino in the movie, and is voiced by André Sogliuzzo in the 2006 video game Scarface: The World Is Yours. Tony Montana has become a cultural icon and is one of the most famous movie...
in the 1983 crime drama movie Scarface
Scarface (1983 film)
Scarface is a 1983 American epic crime drama movie directed by Brian De Palma, written by Oliver Stone, produced by Martin Bregman and starring Al Pacino as Tony Montana...
) – this was long before albums such as Raekwon
Raekwon
Corey Woods , better known by the stage name Raekwon, is an American rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He released his solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... in 1995, and has since recorded four solo albums, as well as work with Wu-Tang and an extensive amount of guest contributions with...
's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… (1995), and Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
's Reasonable Doubt
Reasonable Doubt
Reasonable Doubt is the debut album of American rapper Jay-Z, released June 25, 1996 on Roc-A-Fella Records in the United States and on Northwestside Records in the United Kingdom. The album features production by DJ Premier, Ski, Knobody and Clark Kent, and guest appearances from Memphis Bleek,...
(1996) made such references popular.
Since his debut, he has used various references to mob
Mafia
The Mafia is a criminal syndicate that emerged in the mid-nineteenth century in Sicily, Italy. It is a loose association of criminal groups that share a common organizational structure and code of conduct, and whose common enterprise is protection racketeering...
movies in his lyrics, album covers, and titles. For example, the first line of 'Bad to the Bone' from Wanted: Dead or Alive (1990) is, I'm bad to the bone / with a style like Al Capone
Al Capone
Alphonse Gabriel "Al" Capone was an American gangster who led a Prohibition-era crime syndicate. The Chicago Outfit, which subsequently became known as the "Capones", was dedicated to smuggling and bootlegging liquor, and other illegal activities such as prostitution, in Chicago from the early...
, the album Live and Let Die
Live and Let Die (album)
Live And Let Die is the third, and final, studio album by the American hip hop duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, released November 24, 1992, on Cold Chillin'. The album features guest appearances from Ice Cube, Big Daddy Kane, Scarface, and Bushwick Bill...
(1992) uses samples from the film The Untouchables
The Untouchables (1987 film)
The Untouchables is a 1987 American crime-drama film directed by Brian De Palma and written by David Mamet. Based on the book The Untouchables, the film stars Kevin Costner as government agent Eliot Ness. It also stars Robert De Niro as gang leader Al Capone and Sean Connery as Irish-American...
, the album cover of Roots of Evil
Roots of Evil
Roots Of Evil is the second solo album by Mafioso rap artist Kool G Rap, released in 1998 by Kool G's short lived record label, Illstreet/Downlow. It boasts two singles, "Foul Cats" and "Can't Stop The Shine", and reached #43 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart...
(1998) uses elements from The Godfather
The Godfather
The Godfather is a 1972 American epic crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, based on the 1969 novel by Mario Puzo. With a screenplay by Puzo, Coppola and an uncredited Robert Towne, the film stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard...
and Scarface
Scarface (1983 film)
Scarface is a 1983 American epic crime drama movie directed by Brian De Palma, written by Oliver Stone, produced by Martin Bregman and starring Al Pacino as Tony Montana...
theatrical posters, and The Giancana Story
The Giancana Story
The Giancana Story is the third solo album by Mafioso rap artist Kool G Rap. It was released on November 12, 2002 on Koch Records and it contains two singles "The Streets"/"Thug 4 Life" & "My Life." The album, however, was not very commercially successful by not making it to the Billboard 200...
(2002) album title references Mafia boss Sam Giancana
Sam Giancana
Salvatore Giancana , better known as Sam Giancana, was a Sicilian-American mobster and boss of the Chicago Outfit from 1957-1966...
.
Rolling Stone says, "before Kool G Rap, New York didn't really have the street rap that could hold its own against what artists such as L.A.'s Ice-T
ICE-T
* Ice-T, an American rapper and actor* ICE T , a tilting model of the German InterCityExpress series of high-speed trains...
and N.W.A were churning out" and that "G Rap excelled at the street narrative".
His take on crime, violence, and the mafioso lifestyle ranges from remorse and contemplation (e.g. 'Streets of New York', described by Rolling Stone as "a vivid look inside the misery of the hood"), to glorification (e.g. 'Fast Life' featuring Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
).
Personal life
Wilson was once married to Karrine SteffansKarrine Steffans
Karrine Steffans is an American author, most notably of the Vixen series of books. She has worked as an actress and as a hip hop model, having appeared in more than 20 music videos, many by multiplatinum-selling rap artists...
, they have one son, but he also has children with other women.
Discography
| with DJ Polo | Year |
|---|---|
| Road to the Riches Road To The Riches Road to the Riches is the debut album by hip hop duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, which was released in 1989 on then-prominent hip hop label Cold Chillin' Records... |
1989 1989 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1989.-Events:*January 14 – Paul McCartney releases Снова в СССР exclusively in the USSR... |
| Wanted: Dead or Alive | 1990 1990 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1990.-Events:*January 21 – MTV's Unplugged premieres on cable television with British band Squeeze... |
| Live and Let Die Live and Let Die (album) Live And Let Die is the third, and final, studio album by the American hip hop duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, released November 24, 1992, on Cold Chillin'. The album features guest appearances from Ice Cube, Big Daddy Kane, Scarface, and Bushwick Bill... |
1992 1992 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1992.-January–February:*January 11**Nirvana's Nevermind album goes to #1 in the US Billboard 200 chart, establishing the widespread popularity of the Grunge movement of the 1990s.... |
| Solo Albums | Year |
| 4,5,6 4,5,6 4,5,6 is the solo debut by hip hop artist Kool G Rap, released in September 1995 on Cold Chillin' Records. The release followed his break-up with DJ Polo in 1993. The album was mostly received neutrally among critics, but was warmly accepted by underground fans... |
1995 1995 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1995.- January–February :*January 18 – Jerry Garcia crashes his rented BMW into a guard rail near Mill Valley, California, USA, but is not injured in the accident.... |
| Roots of Evil Roots of Evil Roots Of Evil is the second solo album by Mafioso rap artist Kool G Rap, released in 1998 by Kool G's short lived record label, Illstreet/Downlow. It boasts two singles, "Foul Cats" and "Can't Stop The Shine", and reached #43 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart... |
1998 1998 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1998.-Events:*January 28 – "Weird Al" Yankovic gets LASIK surgery to cure his myopia... |
| The Giancana Story The Giancana Story The Giancana Story is the third solo album by Mafioso rap artist Kool G Rap. It was released on November 12, 2002 on Koch Records and it contains two singles "The Streets"/"Thug 4 Life" & "My Life." The album, however, was not very commercially successful by not making it to the Billboard 200... |
2002 2002 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 2002.-Events:*February 3 – U2 perform during the halftime show for Super Bowl XXXVI... |
| Half a Klip Half a Klip Half a Klip is an EP from Kool G Rap, released on February 5, 2008. It was the first new solo release from Kool G Rap in six years, and its producers included DJ Premier, Marley Marl, Domingo, and Marks... |
2008 2008 in music 2008 was a huge year in music history with the emergence of pop superstars Lady Gaga and Katy Perry into the mainstream. Also, this is the year that is widely agreed upon by critics as the start of the fall of hip hop from the mainstream and the rise of Synthpop into the mainstream due to acts such... |
| Riches, Royalty, Respect Riches, Royalty, Respect Riches, Royalty, Respect is the fifth solo album by hip-hop artist Kool G Rap. The video for In Too deep was Uploaded by FatBeatsRecords on Jun 20, 2011.-Track listing:#Pimptro #Ya Chic Chose Me #In Too Deep Riches, Royalty, Respect is the fifth solo album by hip-hop artist Kool G Rap. The video... |
2011 |
| Compilations | Year |
| Killer Kuts | 1994 1994 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1994.-January–February:*January 25 – Alice in Chains release their Jar of Flies album which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming the first ever EP to do so.... |
| Rated XXX Rated XXX Rated XXX is a compilation album by East coast rap group Kool G. Rap & DJ Polo released in 1996.-Track listing:... |
1996 1996 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1996.-January:* January – At the trial of two American teenagers, Nicholaus McDonald and Brian Bassett, for the murder of Bassett's parents and young brother, defense lawyers attempt to lay the blame for the murders on the fact... |
| The Best of Cold Chillin' The Best of Cold Chillin' (Kool G Rap & DJ Polo) The Best of Cold Chillin is a compilation album by rap group Kool G Rap & DJ Polo.-Track listings:Disc 1:# "I'm Fly"# "It's a Demo"# "Rikers Island"# "Rhyme Tyme"# "Poison"# "Road to the Riches"# "Truly Yours"# "Men at Work"# "Butcher Shop"... |
2000 2000 in music See also:* 2000 in music Record labels established in 2000-Events:*January – Gary Glitter is released from jail, two months before his sentence for sexual offences ends.*January 1**John Tavener is knighted in the New Year's Honours List.... |
| Greatest Hits | 2002 2002 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 2002.-Events:*February 3 – U2 perform during the halftime show for Super Bowl XXXVI... |
| Kool G Rap & Twinn Loco Present – I Live Hip Hop – The Mixtape | 2010 2010 in music 2010 in music may refer to:*2010 in American music*2010 in Australian music*2010 in British music*2010 in Canadian music*2010 in European music *2010 in Irish music*2010 in Japanese music*2010 in New Zealand music... |
| Collaborative Albums | With | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Click of Respect Click of Respect Click of Respect is a collaboration album by American rapper Kool G Rap and 5 Family Click group.- Track listing :# "Intro"# "I Die 4 U"# "Cold World"# "Blackin Out"# "Breaker Breaker"# "Click Of Respect"# "Get da Drop on Em"# "Gully"... |
The 5 Family Click | 2003 2003 in music -January:* January – following an investigation by The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry and London detectives, police raids in England and the Netherlands recover nearly 500 original Beatles studio tapes, recorded during the Let It Be sessions. Five people are arrested... |
| Legends Vol. 3 (digital album – Napster) | J-love Enterprise | 2004 2004 in music See also:* 2004 in music Record labels established in 2004-January:*January 1**The Vienna New Year's Concert is conducted by Riccardo Muti.**Kurt Nilsen wins World Idol.... |
| The Godfathers | Necro | 2012 2012 in music 2012 in music may refer to:*2012 in African music*2012 in American music*2012 in Australian music*2012 in British music*2012 in Canadian music*2012 in European music *2012 in Irish music*2012 in Japanese music... |
| TBA To be announced To be announced, To be confirmed, and To be determined are placeholder terms used very broadly to indicate that although something is scheduled or anticipated to happen, a particular aspect of that thing remains to be arranged... |
The Alchemist The Alchemist (producer) Alan Daniel Maman , better known as The Alchemist, is an American hip hop producer, DJ and rapper. He hails from Beverly Hills, California... |
2012 |
Featured appearances
- 1988: "The Symphony" (on the Marley MarlMarley MarlMarlon Williams , better known as Marley Marl, is an American DJ and record producer, who is considered one of the most important and influential hip-hop producers in the history of hip hop.-Biography:...
album In Control Volume 1In Control Volume 1In Control, Volume 1 is an album by hip hop producer Marley Marl of the Juice Crew, released September 1, 1988 on Cold Chillin' Records. The album compiles ten studio recordings by Juice Crew members and artists affiliated with Marley Marl. It showcased his style of hip hop production and sampling...
) - 1991: "Don't Curse" (from the Heavy D album Peaceful JourneyPeaceful Journey-Reception:The album was released on July 2, 1991, for Uptown Records and was produced by Pete Rock, DJ Eddie F, Teddy Riley, Marley Marl and Howie Tee. This marked the group's first album since the death of member, Trouble T Roy, who died almost a year before the album's release, and several on...
") - 1991: "The Symphony Vol. II" (on the Marley MarlMarley MarlMarlon Williams , better known as Marley Marl, is an American DJ and record producer, who is considered one of the most important and influential hip-hop producers in the history of hip hop.-Biography:...
album In Control Volume 2: For Your Steering Pleasure) - 1992: "Death Threat" (from the Brand New HeaviesBrand New HeaviesThe Brand New Heavies are an acid jazz and funk group formed in 1985 in Ealing, a suburb of London, England.-Biography:The Brand New Heavies began in the 1980s as an instrumental acid jazz group called Brother International....
album Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol. 1) - 1993: "You Must Be Out of Your Fuckin' Mind" (from the Fat JoeFat JoeJoseph Antonio Cartagena , better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper, CEO of Terror Squad Entertainment, and member of musical groups D.I.T.C. and Terror Squad....
album Represent) - 1993: "Pee-Nile Reunion" (from the MC ShanMC ShanMC Shan is an American rapper. He is perhaps best known for collaborating with Snow in "Informer", an international number one hit single.-Biography:...
Don't Call It Comeback 12") - 1993: "This Is How We..." (from the Pudgee Tha Phat Bastard album Give Em The Finger)
- 1996: "Representin'" (Ruffa featuring Kool G Rap)
- 1996: "Stick To Ya Gunz" (from the M.O.P.M.O.P.M.O.P., short for Mash Out Posse, is an American hip hop duo. The duo, composed of Billy Danze and Lil' Fame, is known for the aggressive delivery typically employed by both emcees. Although they maintain a strong underground following, they are mainly known for the song "Ante Up," released on...
album Firing SquadFiring Squad (album)Firing Squad is hardcore rap group M.O.P.'s second album released on Relativity Records in 1996. It features production by DJ Premier, Big Jaz, Ali Dee, and M.O.P. & Laze E. Laze and guest appearances by Kool G. Rap, Teflon, and Battle. The whole album was mixed and overseen by DJ Premier, a...
) - 1996: "Know Da Game" (from the Frankie Cutlass album Politics And Bullshit)
- 1998: "Truly Yours 98" (from the Pete RockPete RockPeter Phillips , better known by his stage name Pete Rock, is an American record producer, DJ and rapper. He rose to prominence in the early 1990s as one half of the critically acclaimed group Pete Rock & CL Smooth...
album Soul Survivor) - 1998: "Guns Blazing (Drums of Death, Pt. 1)" (from the UNKLEUNKLEUnkle are a British musical outfit founded in 1994 by school friends James Lavelle and Tim Goldsworthy. Originally categorized as trip-hop, the group once included producer DJ Shadow and have employed a variety of guest artists and producers.-First incarnation :Lavelle and Goldsworthy were joined...
album Psyence FictionPsyence Fiction-Samples:*"Intro "**Quannum MCs – "Blue Flames"**Massive Attack – "Teardrop"**Air – "All I Need"**Invisibl Skratch Piklz – "Invisibl Skratch Piklz vs...
) - 1998: "40 Island" (from the N.O.R.E.N.O.R.E.Victor Santiago, Jr., best known by his stage name N.O.R.E. or Noreaga , is an American rapper of Puerto Rican descent...
album N.O.R.E.N.O.R.E. (album)N.O.R.E. is the solo debut album by rapper Noreaga. It was released on July 14, 1998. N.O.R.E. opened up with sales of 163,000 in its first week of release and eventually went platinum...
) - 1999: "Friend of Ours" (from the E-Moneybags album In E-Moneybags We Trust)
- 1999: "The Anthem" Also feat. RZARZARobert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA , is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in Hip Hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost...
, Tech N9neTech N9neAaron Dontez Yates , better known by his stage name Tech N9ne , is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri. In 1999, Yates and Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music. Throughout his career, Yates has sold over one million albums and has had his music featured in film,...
, EminemEminemMarshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
, XzibitXzibitAlvin Nathaniel Joiner , better known by his stage name Xzibit , is an American rapper, actor, and television host. He is known as the host of the MTV show Pimp My Ride, which brought him mainstream success...
, Pharoahe MonchPharoahe MonchPharoahe Monch is an American hip hop artist. He is known for his complex lyrics, complex delivery, and internal and multisyllabic rhyme schemes.-Biography:...
, Jayo FelonyJayo FelonyJames Savage, better known by his stage name, Jayo Felony is a rapper from southeast San Diego, California. He is known for being the first San Diego rapper to be signed to a major label...
, Chino XLChino XLDerek Keith Barbosa , better known by his stage name Chino XL, is an American hip hop lyricist, battle rapper, and actor of Puerto Rican and African American descent...
& KRS-OneKRS-OneLawrence Krisna Parker , better known by his stage names KRS-One , and Teacha, is an American rapper...
and "3 to the Dome" also feat. Big Daddy KaneBig Daddy KaneAntonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...
& Chino XLChino XLDerek Keith Barbosa , better known by his stage name Chino XL, is an American hip hop lyricist, battle rapper, and actor of Puerto Rican and African American descent...
(from the Sway & King TechSway & King TechSway & King Tech is an American hip hop group composed of Bay Area rapper Sway and DJ King Tech. Also known as Flynamic Force or Sway & Tech, they are the hosts of the nationally syndicated show, The Wake Up Show...
album This or ThatThis or That (album)This or That is the second album released by Sway & King Tech. It was released on June 15, 1999 through Interscope Records and was produced by King Tech and DJ Revolution...
) - 1999: "The Realest" (from the Mobb DeepMobb DeepMobb Deep is an American hip hop duo from Queensbridge, Queens, New York, U.S., that consists of Havoc and Prodigy. The duo is "one of the most critically acclaimed hardcore East Coast hip-hop groups." The group is best known for its dark, hardcore delivery, as exemplified by the single "Shook Ones...
album Murda MuzikMurda MuzikMurda Muzik is Mobb Deep's fourth album, which was released in 1999. It features one of the group's best-known and most acclaimed songs, "Quiet Storm." It is also the duo's most commercially successful album to date, for shipping over 1 million copies and was certified Platinum by the RIAA,...
) - 2000: "Fall Back" (from the Big LBig LBig L may refer to:* Lamont Coleman , better know by Big L, American hip-hop artist.Or a number of British radio stations:*Big L 1395, a British radio station.*Radio Luxembourg's English-language progammes ....
album The Big Picture) - 2000: "Ghetto afterlife" (from the Reflection EternalReflection EternalReflection Eternal is a hip hop duo composed of emcee Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek. They released their first album, Train of Thought, in 2000...
album Train of thoughtTrain of Thought (Reflection Eternal album)Train of Thought is the debut album of American hip hop duo Reflection Eternal, released October 17, 2000 on Rawkus Records. Collaborating as a duo, rapper Talib Kweli and DJ and hip hop producer Hi-Tek recorded the album during 1999 to 2000, following their individual musical work that gained...
) - 2000: "Legendary Street Team" (from Lyricist Lounge 2Lyricist Lounge 2Lyricist Lounge 2 is the second installment in Rawkus Records Lyricist Lounge album series. The release was one of Rawkus' most commercially successful releases, featuring the hit crossover singles, "Oh No" and "Get Up", the former charting on the Billboard Hot 100...
) - 2001: "Let 'Em Live" (from the Chino XLChino XLDerek Keith Barbosa , better known by his stage name Chino XL, is an American hip hop lyricist, battle rapper, and actor of Puerto Rican and African American descent...
album I Told You SoI Told You So (Chino XL album)I Told You So is a hip hop album by Chino XL released by Metro Records on August 21, 2001. The album peaked at #98 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart. Kool G Rap has a guest appearance on the song "Let 'Em Live".-Track listing:#"Rude Awakening" – 0:59...
) - 2001: "I Am" (from the G. DepG. DepTrevell Gerald Coleman , better known by his stage name G. Dep , is an American rapper from Harlem, New York City. He joined Bad Boy Records in 1998 and released his debut album Child of the Ghetto in 2001.- Early life :Trevell Coleman was born on November 19, 1974...
album Child of the GhettoChild of the GhettoChild of the Ghetto is the debut album by rapper G. Dep. It was released on November 20, 2001 for Bad Boy Records and featured production from Sean Combs and members of The Hitmen, among others....
) - 2001: "Gorillas" (from the ScrewballScrewball (group)Screwball is a New York City hip hop group, with members Hostyle, KL, Blaq Poet, & Solo. Their debut Y2K The Album was released in 2000 on Tommy Boy Records. The album yielded two singles; "H-O-S-T-Y-L-E" and the surprising and virtually unbroadcastable "F.A.Y.B.A.N."...
album LoyaltyLoyalty (Screwball album)Loyalty is the second album from the Queensbridge hip-hop group, Screwball. It is produced mainly by Ayatollah & Godfather Don.-Track listing:-Samples:*"Gorillas"**"When There's a Will, There's a Way" by The Crusaders*"Torture"...
) - 2001: "No Surrender" (Shabaam Sahdeeq featuring Kool G Rap)
- 2002: "Allied Meta-Forces" (from the CanibusCanibusGermaine Williams , better known by his stage name Canibus, is a Jamaican-born American rapper. He is a part of supergroup The HRSMN. Canibus rose to fame in the mid-nineties...
album Mic Club: The CurriculumMic Club: The CurriculumMic Club: The Curriculum is the fourth studio album by rapper Canibus, released on November 19, 2002 through Canibus' own label, Mic Club Music. It is generally recognized for its scholarly vocabulary and complex lyrics. Much of the production is handled by relatively unknown producers, though the...
) - 2002: "Nuthin Has Changed" (from King TeeKing TeeRoger McBride, mostly known as King Tee , is an American West coast rapper from Compton, California.-Career:...
album The Kingdom ComeThe Kingdom ComeThy Kingdom Come is the fifth studio album by West Coast hip hop artist King Tee. It was released in 2002 on Greedy Green Entertainment and Mo Beatz. The album was originally titled The Kingdom Come and was slated for a release on June 30, 1998, on Aftermath Entertainment. The 2002 release contains...
) - 2003: "Animal Rap" (from the Jedi Mind TricksJedi Mind TricksJedi Mind Tricks is a hip hop duo with Vinnie Paz from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Jus Allah from Camden, New Jersey. The group was founded by two high school friends, rapper Vinnie Paz and former producer/DJ Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind...
album Visions of GandhiVisions of GandhiVisions of Gandhi is the 3rd album from underground hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks. Jus Allah split from the group after the release of their album Violent by Design , returning the group back to its original lineup of Vinnie Paz and Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind...
) - 2005: "AIDS" (from the MF Grimm album Scars and MemoriesScars and MemoriesScars & Memories is the fourth full-length album by Manhattan, New York rapper MF Grimm, released in 2005 via his own Day by Day Entertainment label. While most of the tracks were written during the early 1990s, the original song reels were stolen, forcing Grimm to re-record many, if not all of...
) - 2005: "Ghost & Giancana" (from the Ghostface KillahGhostface KillahDennis Coles , better known by his stage name Ghostface Killah, is an American rapper and prominent member of the Wu-Tang Clan. After the group achieved breakthrough success in the aftermath of Enter the Wu-Tang , the members went on to pursue solo careers to varying levels of success...
album Put It on the LinePut It on the LinePut It on the Line is an album by Ghostface Killah & Trife Da God, released on Ghostface's own Starks Enterprises label on November 18, 2005 . According to Trife's Myspace profile, the album has sold over 100,000 copies independently. Trife's former T.M.F...
) - 2006: "We Gone Go Hard" (from the Ras KassRas KassJohn Austin IV, better known by his stage name Ras Kass, is an American rapper. He is also a part of hip hop supergroup The HRSMN along with Canibus, Killah Priest, and Kurupt...
album Revenge of the Spit) - 2006: "Reckless Eye-Ballin" (from the VERBAL THREAT album The Golden Era)
- 2006: "Full Metal Jacket" (from the MolemenMolemenMolemen is a trio of Hip Hop producers from Chicago, Illinois, consisting of Panik , Memo and PNS. The trio runs Molemen Records, which features a stable of affiliated artists, including Vakill, DJ Presyce, Scheme, Astonish, Decay, and Longshot...
album Killing FieldsKilling Fields (album)Killing Fields is an album by the American production triplet called the Molemen. The album boasts a wide variety of guests from New York as well as the midwest.-Track listing:# "Intro"#* Performed by DJ Presyce#* Produced by DJ Presyce...
) - 2007: "Hood Tales" (from the Marco PoloMarco Polo (producer)Marco "Polo" Bruno is a Canadian hip hop producer. Born in Toronto, he moved to New York City in the early 2000s to pursue a career in hip hop production, and has since gone on to become one of the most sought-after underground producers on the US East Coast....
album Port AuthorityPort Authority (album)Port Authority is the debut studio album of Canadian hip hop producer Marco Polo, released May 15, 2007 on Soulspazm/Rawkus Records.The album is entirely produced by Marco Polo, and features guest appearances from Masta Ace, Kool G Rap, Buckshot, Wordsworth, O.C., Kardinal Offishall, Large...
) - 2007: "100 Roundz" (from the DomingoDomingo (producer)Domingo Padilla, better known as Domingo, is a producer from New York of Latin origin. He has produced for some of hip hop's most respected and well-known artists.-Albums:*Domingo Presents—Behind the Doors of the 13th Floor compilation...
album The Most Underrated) - 2007: "Come one, come all" (from the Styles PStyles PDavid Styles better known by his stage name, Styles P, is an American rapper, author, and entrepreneur. He is prominently known as a member of Hip Hop group The LOX and is also a part of the Ruff Ryders hip-hop group, and in addition has released multiple albums and mixtapes as a solo...
album The Ghost Sessions) - 2007: "Next Up" (from the UGKUGKUGK was an American hip hop duo from Port Arthur, Texas formed in 1987 by the late Chad "Pimp C" Butler . He then joined with Bernard "Bun B" Freeman, who became his longtime partner...
album Underground Kingz) - 2007: "6 in the Morning" (from the Statik Selektah album Spell My Name Right: The Album)
- 2007: "Buck Buck" (on the Red CafeRed CafeJermaine Denny , better known as his stage name Red Café, is an American rapper. He was born to Afro-Guyanese parents and is signed to Akon's Konvict Muzik, Diddy's Bad Boy Records and DJ Clue's Desert Storm label.-Biography:...
and DJ EnvyDJ EnvyDJ Envy is a mixtape DJ from New York. He is known as New York's leading mixtape gardener. He currently serves as the President & CEO of BLOK Entertainment, his own management and production company that has already produced tracks for such artist like DMX, Murderers, Funkmaster Flex, Foxy...
album The Co-Op) - 2007: "And Wot (Remix)" (Album "Unified: He Whanau Kotahi Tatou" featuring Sweet Tooth & Carbon Kid)
- 2007: "Terrorise the City(on the KlashnekoffKlashnekoffDarren Kandler, known by his stage name Klashnekoff or Ricochet Klashnekoff, is a Jamaican-English rapper from east London. Klashnekoff was born in Hornsey, but then moved to Hackney in London where he began his career in rapping...
album Lionheart: Tussle with the Beast featuring Kyza) - 2008: "Queens" (from the LL Cool JLL Cool JJames Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...
Exit 13 Promo EP) - 2008: "One Shot" (album Hood 2 Hood: The Blockumentary Soundtrack, Pt. 1)
- 2008: "The Next Step" (from the Big JohnBig JohnBig John may refer to:*Big John, a rapper/entertainer born John McCullough from Detroit, MI. Founder and CEO of Game. Set. Mansion.*John Cornyn, a United States Senator from Texas....
album The Next Step featuring R.A The Rugged Man) - 2008: "Same Old Hood" (Saul Abraham featuring Kool G Rap & St Laz)
- 2009: "Das Leid / The Light" Azad featuring Kool G Rap (from Brisk Fingaz album Einzelkämpfer)
- 2009: "Gunz From Italy" (from the Club DogoClub DogoClub Dogo is an Italian rap group from Milan that consists of the rappers Guè Pequeno and Jake La Furia, and the beatmaker Don Joe.- Sacre Scuole :...
album Dogocrazia) - 2009: "Ill Figures" (from the Wu-Tang ClanWu-Tang ClanThe Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
compilation album Wu-Tang Chamber Music) - 2009: "Legendary" (from the 67 Mob album Raising The Bar)
- 2009: "ALC Theme" (from The AlchemistThe Alchemist (producer)Alan Daniel Maman , better known as The Alchemist, is an American hip hop producer, DJ and rapper. He hails from Beverly Hills, California...
album Chemical WarfareChemical Warfare (album)- References :http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=47125...
) - 2009: "KGR & Honda" (from the DJ HondaDJ Honda, better known as DJ Honda, is a Japanese hip hop DJ, turntablist, music producer, CEO, clothing line designer, and entrepreneur.-Biography:...
album IV) - 2010: "Cursed" (from the Diabolic debut album "Liar & A Thief")
- 2010: "Boot Rap" featuring Canibus (from the Mark Deez album "Bootstrap Theory")
- 2010: "White Sand Part 2" Rick RossRick RossRick, Ricky or Richard Ross may also refer to:* Rick Ross , American rapper* Richard J. Ross, a Massachusetts State Senator* Richard Ross , an American photographer...
Ft. Triple C'sTriple C'sTriple C's, also known as Carol City Cartel, is a hip hop group founded by Rick Ross. It includes members Gunplay from Miami, Torch from the Bronx, New York, and Young Breed.-Early career:...
from The Albert Anastasia EPThe Albert Anastasia EP-Track listing:... - 2010: "Knife Fight" Rick RossRick RossRick, Ricky or Richard Ross may also refer to:* Rick Ross , American rapper* Richard J. Ross, a Massachusetts State Senator* Richard Ross , an American photographer...
Ft. Kool G Rap from The Albert Anastasia EPThe Albert Anastasia EP-Track listing:... - 2010: "Ready For War" CHI-ILL Ft. Kool G Rap from The Last Chance Lounge EP.
- 2010: "Controlling Tha Game" Tyger Vinum FT. Kool G. Rap from "Grindin Muzik" album
- 2010: "Frozen" (From The Left album "Gas Mask")
- 2010: "3 Extremes" (from Dusty Philharmonics album "The Audiotopsy", Unexpected Records)
- 2011: "Kies in tha game" (from Duo Kie album "De Cerebri Mortis")
- 2012: "Summertime" (from Adil OmarAdil OmarAdil Omar is a rapper and singer-songwriter from Islamabad, Pakistan. He is one of the few hip-hop artists from Pakistan and musicians from the region to write and perform in English. He has also collaborated with mainstream artists such as Cypress Hill, Xzibit, Everlast, Kool G Rap, DJ Lethal of...
album The Mushroom Cloud EffectThe Mushroom Cloud EffectThe Mushroom Cloud Effect is the upcoming debut studio album by rapper Adil Omar. The album is due to be released in Spring 2012.-Background:Regarding the album title, Omar revealed on his website that it's "a metaphor for the aftermath of a catastrophe...
)
Further reading
- Paul Edwards, foreword by Kool G Rap, 2009, How to RapHow to RapHow to Rap: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC is a book on hip-hop music and rapping by Paul Edwards. It is compiled from interviews with 104 notable rappers who provide insights into how they write and perform their lyrics.- Publication :...
: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC. Chicago Review Press. - Kool Moe Dee, 2003, There's A God On The MicThere's a God on the MicThere’s a God on the Mic: The True 50 Greatest MCs is a book by the old school hip hop MC Kool Moe Dee, where he ranks what he believes to be the Top 50 greatest MCs of all time, giving a breakdown of each artist...
: The True 50 Greatest MCs, Thunder's Mouth Press. - Brian Coleman, 2007, Check The TechniqueCheck the TechniqueCheck the Technique: Liner Notes for Hip-Hop Junkies is a book by music journalist Brian Coleman that covers the making of thirty-six classic hip hop albums, based on interviews with the artists who created them, also providing a track-by-track breakdown for each album entirely in the words of the...
: Liner Notes For Hip-Hop Junkies, Villard, Random House. - Peter Shapiro, 2005, The Rough Guide To Hip-Hop, 2nd Edition, Penguin.
- William Jelani Cobb, 2007, To The Break Of Dawn: A Freestyle On The Hip Hop Aesthetic, NYU Press.
- Mickey Hess, 2007, Icons Of Hip Hop, Greenwood Publishing Group.
External links
- Kool G Rap interview March 5, 2008 – Kool G Rap interview with HipHopDX
- Kool G Rap interview 2003 – Kool G Rap interview with MVRemix
- Conspiracy Worldwide Radio September 2010 Uncensored Interview
- Kool G Rap interview with Platform8470 2011-09-19