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Kool G Rap (born Nathaniel Wilson July 20, 1968) is an American hardcore rapper from Queens, New York. He began his career with the Juice Crew in the 1980s but achieved little commercial success.

G Rap began working with DJ Polo in 1986, releasing several underground hit singles including "It's a Demo"/"I'm Fly." Two other singles, "Streets of New York" and "Road to the Riches," received heavy rotation on Yo! MTV Raps and cemented his reputation as one of New York's top lyrical auteurs. His talent for telling a compelling, hard-luck story in a single song was considered second to only that of Rakim. While G Rap grew in popularity, he never crossed over like Biz Markie or Big Daddy Kane, both also members of the Juice Crew.

G Rap began a solo career in the mid-1990s, released 4,5,6. This and subsequent LPs saw little attention from critics or consumers, and G Rap began collaborating with others. Signing to Rawkus Records, G Rap released 2002's The Giancana Story. "Giancana" also is said by Kool G Rap to be the "G" in his name in the song "Drama". The album was well-received without commercial success.

A new album from Kool G Rap titled Half A Klip will be released on Chinga Chang Records Febuary 2007. The album features production by DJ Premier. The Queens-bred rapper inked a deal with Chinga Chang Records in December 2005. Sources told AllHipHop.com G Rap recently completed a track with LL Cool J to be featured on LL's upcoming album, which is executive produced by G-Unit's 50 Cent. "Kool G Rap is the greatest lyricist of all time and DJ Premier is the most sought after producer in the game so this is major," said Dan "Dmak" Herman, CEO of Chinga Chang Records.

Trademarks

Lyrical dexterity

Early in his career, Kool G Rap's (short for "Kool Genius of Rap") hallmark was his rapid-fire, multisyllabic delivery. He trademarked the ability to rhyme the same syllables in the same combinations, though with different words, for a whole verse (16 bars long). This style is mostly apparent on the 1990 album Wanted: Dead or Alive, on such songs as "Play It Again, Polo," "Jive Talk," and "Kool is Back." The style was later adopted by Souls of Mischief and Big Daddy Kane, to varying degrees, as well as Nas and Big Pun (the latter of whom cited G Rap as one of his biggest influences). Today many rappers use this style, though few follow it as strictly as G Rap does (or Big Pun did).

Example verse:

I sway the tech wit the Tech and Sway

Step away, weapons spray, rep the day

Who owe a debt to pay get swept away

Across the whole board like checker play

When I blaze your whole set could raise

Wake-Up Show for those slept away

Niggas that met the trey, hit the deck and prayed

DJ Revolution, spinning like lead from out the heck-a.k.

Tearing your neck away, flood up the street with blood redecorate

Until the head of jake investigate

- Kool G Rap, The Anthem

Mafioso rap

Starting with his third album (Live and Let Die), Kool G Rap became more known for Mafioso rap. He had hinted at this inclination on his second album with the song "Streets of New York." His later albums straddle the line between glorification and remorse in relation to the gangster lifestyle. He laments the violent lifestyle he rapped about on songs like "On the Run," yet boasts it on songs such as "Fast Life" (featuring Nas).

In his songs, album covers and titles, he has used various references to mob movies:

• The first line of "Bad to the Bone" states: I'm bad to the bone / with a style like Al Capone
• The album "Live and Let Die" uses many samples from the film The Untouchables.
• The cover of his 5th album, Roots of Evil, is an obvious reference to the popular poster for the film Scarface
• His 6th album is named The Giancana Story, referencing well-known Mafia boss Sam Giancana

Legacy

Kool G Rap is considered a legendary golden age and mafioso rapper. He is also considered one of the most influential rappers ever:

Albums

Kool G Rap and DJ Polo discography

Solo discography

Compilations

Notable tracks

• "It's a Demo" (1987)
• "The Symphony" w/the Juice Crew (1988)
• "Road to the Riches" (1989)
• "Men at Work" (1989)
• "Poison" (1989)
• "Streets of New York" (1990)
• "Talk Like Sex" (1990)
• "Erase Racism" (1990)
• "On the Run" (1992)
• "Ill Street Blues" (1992)
• "Fuck U Man" (1992)
• "4,5,6" (1995)
• "It's a Shame" (1995)
• "Fast Life" featuring Nas (1995)
• "Foul Cats" (1998)
• "Drums of Death (Part 1)" featuring U.N.K.L.E. (1998)
• "Cakes" w/RZA (2000)
• "Let Em' Live" Chino XL feat. Kool G Rap (2001)
• "Thug for Life" (2002)
• "My Life" (2002)
• "The Streets" (2002)
• "Animal Rap" Jedi Mind Tricks feat. Kool G Rap (2003)
• "The Letter P" Saigon feat. Kool G Rap (2004)
• "Reckless Eye-Ballin" featuring Verbal Threat (2006)

External links

• Kool G Rap & DJ Polo: All Music Guide Overview
• Kool G Rap: All Music Guide Overview (solo career)
• Kool G Rap Biography at VH1.com
• Kool G Rap Lyrics: OHHLA
• Kool G Rap: The Godfather of Hardcore Hip-Hop (Interview with hiphop-elements.com

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