Pure Hip Hop

Kool G Rap: The Definitive Guide to The Legendary Rapper's Life & Career - By Theo The Philosopher

Kool G Rap is a legendary rapper and pioneer of hardcore hip-hop. He rose to fame in the late 1980s with his groundbreaking work with DJ Polo, and he has been a major influence in the hip-hop industry ever since. Here is the definitive guide to Kool G Rap's life and career.

Early Life

Kool G Rap (real name Nathaniel Wilson) was born in Queens, New York in 1968. He grew up in the rough neighborhood of Corona, and his mother was a single parent. At a young age, G Rap started to focus on his music, and he was soon performing in local clubs and competing in rap battles

Work with DJ Polo

In 1986, G Rap met DJ Polo (real name Paul Sermon) and the two formed a successful rap duo. The duo released their first album, Road to the Riches, in 1989, which was a huge success. The album featured classic hip-hop tracks such as "Road To Riches" and "It's a Demo". The success of the album led to G Rap and DJ Polo becoming respected figures in the hip-hop industry and G Rap was shining as a top-tier lyricist with a strong street element in his rhymes that would go on to become a signature component to his style.

The Juice Crew

In the late 1980s, G Rap joined the legendary hip-hop collective The Juice Crew, which included some of the biggest names in hip-hop at the time, such as Big Daddy Kane, Marley Marl, and Biz Markie. G Rap was the only member to remain with the group for the entire duration of its existence.

Solo Albums & Collaborations

In 1990, G Rap released his first solo album, Wanted: Dead or Alive, and the follow-up Live & Let Die, in 1992. Both are dope pieces of material where Kool G Rap excelled in delivery and vivid storytelling. He released his first solo album 4, 5, 6, in 1995, the album featured the hit single "It's a Shame", and the classic Queens collaboration with Nas, Fast Life. To date, he has released seven albums in total including Roots of Evil (1998), and The Giancana Story (2002). G Rap has also collaborated with numerous other artists, including Nas, Mobb Deep, Fat Joe, Big Pun, and Raekwon.

Impact & Influence

Kool G Rap's impact and influence on the hip-hop industry cannot be overstated. He is credited with pioneering hardcore Mafioso hip-hop, and his work with DJ Polo, as well as his solo albums and collaborations, have been hugely influential. G Rap has been cited as an influence by a number of prominent hip-hop artists, including Eminem, The Notorious B.I.G., Ghostface Killah, and Jay-Z.

Conclusion

Kool G Rap is one of the most influential and important figures in the history of hip-hop. He rose to fame in the late 1980s with his groundbreaking work with DJ Polo, and he has been a major influence in the hip-hop industry ever since. Equip with one of the most distinctive flows he is one of the game's great storytellers His solo albums, collaborations, and membership of The Juice Crew have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

Bad to the Bone Lyrics