Cooly G

Cooly G

Cooly G is the recording name of Merrisa Campbell, a London singer, rapper, producer and DJ from Brixton. She works across UK funky, dubstep, UK garage, future garage and electronic music, and is often associated with the UK funky scene, although she does not describe herself as part of it.

Background and early experience

She grows up around her father’s studio and begins DJing at the age of seven. Soon after leaving school, she teaches music technology to older students. Before establishing herself as a solo artist, she also raps for funky producer Fingaprint.

Style

Her tracks are noted for strong basslines and a dancefloor-focused approach, but her sound is described as more minimal and deeper than the brighter end of UK funky. She draws on dubstep, house, grime and Afro-Caribbean rhythmic ideas, using space, intricate percussion and vocal snippets alongside her own singing.

Recordings and releases

Cooly G’s debut release is the Narst / Love Dub 12-inch and digital EP on Hyperdub. The release includes versions such as Narst, Love Dub, Love Dub Refix, Dis Boy Pt. 4, Ya Instrumental, Craze Refix and Floating. Another release associated with her is DUB OrGANIzER Vol.1, issued on Dub Organizer, which is also listed as a label connected with her.

Collaborations and remixes

Her work includes a remix of Zero 7’s Medicine Man. She is also linked with Kode9’s Hyperdub label, and her music receives support from Martyn in club sets.

Nightlife and scene

She runs a monthly night called The Producer’s House at Babalou in Brixton. Her music is positioned within a broader London bass-music context that includes UK garage, 2-step, grime and dubstep, but her own productions are noted for a darker, more spacious take on funky.