KOOL G RAP
“What motivates me to get in the studio is really being in that creative zone that you cannot just enter on demand. It is more like an extremely powerful vibe that overcomes you. It can be triggered by hearing a particular track, or being inspired by another artist; or, a life experience that makes your mind and heart open up, where lyrics just come from your soul in the capacity of an avalanche…” Kool G Rap
“G Rap is a Hip Hop godfather: There are plenty of MCs who might never have been heard if G Rap hadn’t paved the way.” – MTV.com
Nathaniel Thomas Wilson, born July 20, 1968, and known professionally as Kool G Rap (or simply G Rap, formerly Kool Genius of Rap), originates from the Corona area of Queens, New York City. He launched his career in the mid-1980s as part of Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and as a member of the Juice Crew. Regarded as one of the most influential and skilled MCs in Hip Hop history, he is a trailblazer in mafioso rap, street content, and complex rhyme schemes. In his album The Giancana Story, he mentioned that the “G” in his stage name stands for “Giancana” (after the mobster Sam Giancana), though he has also indicated it stands for “Genius.”
Kool G Rap has had a significant impact on numerous acclaimed Hip Hop artists, including The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Eminem, Jay-Z, and various underground rappers.
Growing up in the tough streets of Corona, Queens, alongside the renowned producer Eric B, Wilson shared his experience in an interview with The Source:
“Living in Corona was like being in a small Harlem; the street life mentality was hard to escape. By the time I was 15, my mother could no longer provide for me, and I was eager to make some money. The desire for material possessions drew me into a life of crime. I started dealing drugs, and soon, all my friends were getting caught up in violence. We were young and reckless.”
— Kool G Rap, The Source Magazine, Issue 72, September 1995.
At this point, Wilson was searching for a DJ and, through Eric B., he connected with DJ Polo, who needed an MC. Producer Marley Marl, associated with the Juice Crew and DJ Mr. Magic, invited them to his studio, where they quickly recorded “It’s a Demo.” Marley Marl was so impressed that he immediately welcomed Kool G Rap and DJ Polo into the Juice Crew. Their debut single “It’s a Demo,” along with “I’m Fly” and other tracks, garnered significant attention. Kool G Rap also featured on the Juice Crew’s influential track “The Symphony.” Their debut album, Road to the Riches (1989), and its follow-ups, Wanted: Dead or Alive (1990) and Live and Let Die (1992), are celebrated as Hip Hop classics. In 1993, Kool G Rap decided to pursue a solo career, parting ways with DJ Polo.
In 1995, Kool G Rap launched his solo career with the album 4, 5, 6, which included production by Buckwild and featured collaborations with Nas, MF Grimm, and B-1. This album marked his most commercially successful release, peaking at No. 24 on the US Billboard 200. He followed up with Roots of Evil in 1998. In 1997, G Rap appeared on Frankie Cutlass’ track “Know Da Game” from the Politic & Bullsht album, which also featured Mobb Deep.
Originally slated for a 2000 release on Rawkus Records, The Giancana Story faced multiple delays due to issues with the label and eventually came out in 2002. The album’s lead single, “My Life,” featuring Talk Box artist G-Wise, reached No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Following this, he released a collaborative album with his group 5 Family Click through his own Igloo Ent. label, which saw moderate success. Over the next few years, G Rap continued to release mixtapes and collaborate with various artists. There were speculations about him signing with Rocafella, G-Unit, and even Maybach Music.
In 2007, he dropped Half a Klip on Chinga Chang Records, featuring production from DJ Premier and Marley Marl. In 2011, he released Riches, Royalty, Respect, which showcased his classic style and lyrical prowess. He announced plans for future collaboration albums in 2012 under his new label, FullMettle.
Credit photo: “File:Kool G Rap & The Game.jpg” by Kanamedia from Tokyo, Japan is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5.
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