Kool G Rap is an American rapper from Corona, New York, associated with East Coast hip hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip hop and hip hop. Born Nathaniel Wilson in 1968, he begins his career in Queens and becomes a key figure in New York rap through his work with the Juice Crew and later collaborations.

Career

He starts recording with the Juice Crew in the 1980s, though he gains little commercial attention at first. In 1986 he begins working with DJ Polo, and the pair release underground singles including “It’s a Demo” and “I’m Fly.” Other singles such as “Streets of New York” and “Road to the Riches” receive substantial play on Yo! MTV Raps and help establish his reputation for detailed, hard-edged storytelling.

Kool G Rap is widely noted for his narrative style and for writing vivid, hard-luck crime and street stories in a single song. He is often regarded as one of the strongest lyricists of his scene, and his storytelling ability is frequently compared with that of Rakim. Despite his profile in New York rap, he does not achieve the broad commercial crossover of other Juice Crew members such as Biz Markie and Big Daddy Kane.

Solo work and later releases

He begins a solo career in the mid-1990s with 4,5,6, but this and later releases attract limited critical or commercial attention. He then works with other artists and signs to Rawkus Records, where he makes a comeback with The Giancana Story in 2002. The album is well received, although it does not sell widely.

In 2008 he releases Half a Klip on Chinga Chang Records, with production from DJ Premier and Marley Marl among others. His 2011 album Riches, Royalty, Respect continues in the same lyrical style.

Groups and affiliations

His associated acts include Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, Kool G Rap & 5 Family Click, The Godfathers, the Juice Crew, and Heavy D. & The Boyz With Friends. His releases also appear on the labels Full Mettle and Illville Publishing Inc.

Name

He says that “Giancana” is the “G” in his name, referring to the track “Drama.”