| MCJ and Cool G | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Genres | Hip hop, new jack swing |
| Years active | 1986 (1986)–1997 |
| Labels | Capitol Records |
| Past members | James McQuaid Richard Gray a member of JB and the Cosmic Crew in 1983 |
MCJ and Cool G were a four time Juno Award–nominated Canadian hip hop duo from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The duo were James McQuaid (MCJ), originally part of the Halifax hip hop group New Beginning, and Richard Gray (Cool G). 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"
History
MCJ and Cool G grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They relocated together to Montreal in 1988 with plans to enter the music business. In 1989, they signed to Capitol Records in Canada, becoming the first Canadian rap group to be signed to a major label.
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.
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.
The African Nova Scotian Music Association awarded them the Music Pioneer Award in 2007.
See also
References
- 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
- ^ "MCJ And CoolG". Canadian Pop Encyclopedia. Canoe Inc. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- 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.