MCJ and Cool G were a seven time Juno Award–nominated Canadian hip hop duo from Halifax, Nova Scotia.[1] The duo were James McQuaid (MCJ), originally part of the Halifax hip hop group New Beginning, and Richard Gray (Cool G).[2] MCJ was the rapper and Cool G mostly sang the choruses. Their sound was new jack swing which was popular at the time. Mcj and Coolg have a lifetime achievement award from ANSMA and a pioneer award from the ECMAS Coolg is owner of Pyoor entertainment and host of his own podcast "so listen"
MCJ and Cool G | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Genres | Hip hop, new jack swing |
| Years active | 1986–1997 |
| Labels | Capitol Records |
| Past members | James McQuaid Richard Gray a member of JB and the Cosmic Crew in 1983 |
History edit
MCJ and Cool G grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia.[3] They relocated together to Montreal in 1988 with plans to enter the music business.[4] In 1989, they signed to Capitol Records in Canada, becoming the first Canadian rap group to be signed to a major label.[4]
In 1990, they released their debut album So Listen which featured the singles "So Listen" and "Smooth as Silk" which were typical of their rhythm and blues influenced style.[5][6]
MCJ and Cool G have been nominated for four Juno Awards. In 1991, they were nominated for Best R&B/Soul Recording with So Listen, Rap Recording of the Year with So Listen, and Single of the Year with "So Listen". In 1994, they were nominated for Best R&B/Soul Recording with Love Me Right.[7]
The African Nova Scotian Music Association awarded them the Music Pioneer Award in 2007.[8]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Chamberland, Roger; Lacasse, Serge; Roy, Patrick (2006). Groove: enquête sur les phénomènes musicaux contemporains : mélanges à la mémoire de Roger Chamberland (in French). Presses Université Laval. p. 4. ISBN 9782763783055. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
- ^ Quinlan, Thomas (2000-05-01). "Halifax Hip-hop Anticipates the Big Bang". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on 2012-08-13. Retrieved 2008-10-08.
- ^ "Halifax inspires Canadian rappers By Ingrid Abramovitch.". Medicine Hat News, via Newspaper Archives. November 17, 1990 - Page 25
- ^ a b "MCJ And CoolG". Canadian Pop Encyclopedia. Canoe Inc. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Caudeiron, Daniel. "Rap". Encyclopedia of Music in Canada. Historica Foundation of Canada. Archived from the original on 2010-12-02. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Mitchell, Tony (2001). Global Noise: Rap and Hip-hop Outside the USA. Wesleyan University Press. p. 310. ISBN 978-0-8195-6502-0. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ "Awards". The JUNO Awards. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017.
- ^ "ANSMA Award Winners 2007". ANSMA web site. African Nova Scotia Music Association. Archived from the original on 2008-12-13. Retrieved 2008-10-08.