Kool G Rap

Today In Hip Hop History: Marley Marl Dropped The Juice Crew Debut Album ‘In Control Vol. 1’ 36 Years Ago

by
tumblr 575a810be23750438e695011bdd62aee 31a73e27 640

The title of “super producer” should not be taken lightly. For every era of Hip-Hop, there is a man behind the keys set the tone. Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, RZA, Swizz Beatz, Jermaine Dupri, Timbaland, The Neptunes, Mike Will Made-It, and Metro Boomin are among the few who have dictated what Hip Hop has sounded like over the years. Super producers have even spanned genres to influenced music as a whole, bringing the Hip Hop style to the masses.

On this day in Hip Hop history, the culture’s first super producer, Marley Marl, released his debut compilation, In Control, Vol. 1, and forever changed the sound of Hip Hop. Before this album, Marley Marl’s true importance to Hip Hop had yet to be openly stated. It was known that he had a hand in some of the biggest records to have out at the time but this album put them all in the same place, proving what Marley Marl was doing to help Hip Hop evolve.

Before Marley Marl, hip-hop production was quite primitive: the drums sounded synthetic, the loops were monotonous, and as a whole, production was more of a skeleton waiting to be filled by an MC. Marley Marl gave the instrumental life. His signature drum loops and soulful samples brought a new tone to Hip Hop. A Marley Mal beat served less as a compliment to the artist’s ability and more as fuel to jumpstart the intensity of the rapper, bringing out the best in him or her.

Commercially, this album was the success it was bound to be. Featuring Juice Crew members Biz Markie(RIP), Craig G., Roxanne Shante, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Heavy D, and more from Marley Marl’s private army. Pushed by the infamous Cold Chillin’ Records, the album peaked at #163 on the Billboard 200 and brought great publicity to Cold Chillin’ as a top label in Hip Hop. Following this album, the label rose to become a household name in Hip-Hop, and Marl Marley grew to become an immortal icon of Hip Hop culture.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Marley Marl Dropped The Juice Crew Debut Album ‘In Control Vol. 1’ 36 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Marley Marl Dropped The Juice Crew Debut Album ‘In Control Vol. 1’ 36 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

DJ Polo Of Juice Crew Has Died, And Rap Legends Have Plenty Of Tributes For The Hip-Hop Pioneer

by
dj polo
Getty Image

This past weekend, DJ Polo of the Juice Crew was confirmed to have died by his family, who shared the news via his social media accounts.

“”It is with a heavy heart we mourn the loss of my father, the incredible DJ Polo,” the post reads. “He was not only a legend to the hip hop community but also to his family and we celebrate his life and legacy now and forever. We would like to thank you all for your beautiful words and tributes – seeing the impact he made has been overwhelming and we are so grateful… Thank you all again for your condolences and for respecting the family’s privacy at this time. We miss you Cuzmo.”

DJ Polo’s status as one of hip-hop’s foremost pioneers of the Golden Era alongside Kool G Rap meant that the news was met with an outpouring of tributes from fellow rap legends such as fellow Juice Crew member Big Daddy Kane, DJ Premier, Eric B, Ice-T, and of course, Kool G Rap himself.

“R.I.P. to a dear friend and a Brother from another Household,” wrote his partner-in-rhyme. “He is a Legend to Hip Hop and Juice Crew history. DJ Polo! May Light from the Highest be upon him.” You can see more tributes below.

DJ Polo and Kool G Rap were added to the Juice Crew in the mid-80s after recording “It’s A Demo” at the group’s studio with DJ Marley Marl and Mr. Magic. They later released the demo as the single “I’m Fly,” then followed it with three albums: Road To The Riches (1989), Wanted: Dead Or Alive (1990), and Live And Let Die (1992).
These albums are credited with contributing to the rise of Mafioso rap and built G Rap’s reputation as a supreme rhyme technician.

DJ Polo Of Juice Crew Has Died, And Rap Legends Have Plenty Of Tributes For The Hip-Hop Pioneer

by
dj polo
Getty Image

This past weekend, DJ Polo of the Juice Crew was confirmed to have died by his family, who shared the news via his social media accounts.

“”It is with a heavy heart we mourn the loss of my father, the incredible DJ Polo,” the post reads. “He was not only a legend to the hip hop community but also to his family and we celebrate his life and legacy now and forever. We would like to thank you all for your beautiful words and tributes – seeing the impact he made has been overwhelming and we are so grateful… Thank you all again for your condolences and for respecting the family’s privacy at this time. We miss you Cuzmo.”

DJ Polo’s status as one of hip-hop’s foremost pioneers of the Golden Era alongside Kool G Rap meant that the news was met with an outpouring of tributes from fellow rap legends such as fellow Juice Crew member Big Daddy Kane, DJ Premier, Eric B, Ice-T, and of course, Kool G Rap himself.

“R.I.P. to a dear friend and a Brother from another Household,” wrote his partner-in-rhyme. “He is a Legend to Hip Hop and Juice Crew history. DJ Polo! May Light from the Highest be upon him.” You can see more tributes below.

DJ Polo and Kool G Rap were added to the Juice Crew in the mid-80s after recording “It’s A Demo” at the group’s studio with DJ Marley Marl and Mr. Magic. They later released the demo as the single “I’m Fly,” then followed it with three albums: Road To The Riches (1989), Wanted: Dead Or Alive (1990), and Live And Let Die (1992).
These albums are credited with contributing to the rise of Mafioso rap and built G Rap’s reputation as a supreme rhyme technician.

Rakim Releases First New Project In 15 Years ‘G.O.D.’S Network (Reb7rth)’, New Video “Love Is The Message”

by
unnamed 78

Hip-hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his new project, G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH), by flexing his skills both on the mic and behind the boards.  Widely lauded as the best lyricist of all time, The God MC himself is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career; and his first project in 15 years.  G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is now available.

“I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized,” Rakim said about his new project, which arrives nearly four decades after the release of his classic debut with Eric B., Paid In Full. Since then, he’s continued to shape the landscape and culture of hip-hop as we know it, inspiring rising artists with his hype live shows and incredible studio albums. And while he’s produced some of his previous work—notably “Don’t Sweat the Technique,” “Juice (Know The Ledge),” and “Paid In Full”—this feels like new territory for the 18th Letter, whose production and scratching talents are nothing short of remarkable.

G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is proof that Rakim is truly one of the most special artists we’ve known, not just in hip-hop, but all of music. You can tell he feels that level of praise when speaking about the genesis of the album. “Having the ability to showcase my talents behind the boards, coupled with the elite lyricism the world already knows and gives me infinite praise for, alongside some of the best talents to ever do it is truly a blessing and for that I am humbled,” Rakim declared.

The album’s first single, “Be Ill,” is the perfect introduction, as it pairs Rakim’s raw rhymes and head-nodding production with slick guest features from Kurupt and Masta Killa. Elsewhere, Rakim slows it down for the soulful “Love Is The Message,” which features Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King, Snoop Dogg, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt, and the LA Grand Choir. And then there’s the chest-thumping “International,” a straight-up slapper with hard-hitting rhymes from Kool G. Rap, Tristate, and Joell Ortiz.

The post Rakim Releases First New Project In 15 Years ‘G.O.D.’S Network (Reb7rth)’, New Video “Love Is The Message” first appeared on The Source.

The post Rakim Releases First New Project In 15 Years ‘G.O.D.’S Network (Reb7rth)’, New Video “Love Is The Message” appeared first on The Source.

Saigon And Onyx’s Fredro Starr Featuring Kool G Rap “Make Money”

by
unnamed 9

In conjunction with the celebration of Hip-Hop’s landmark 50th anniversary, legendary rapper Saigon & and Swedish multi-platinum producer Fredro have joined forces to create a love letter to Hip-Hop.  Specifically, 1986-1996, a/k/a The Jordan Era.  They have also tapped many other legendary voices to help join their celebration. 

After announcing their new album, and releasing the project’s first single and video, “Lyrical Genius,” which featured one of Hip-Hop’s “holy trinity of emcees” in Grandmaster Caz (co-author of “Rappers Delight” and the emcee with the longest running tenure atop the billboard Hot 100 Charts), Saigon and Fredro have continued to roll out singles that require the presence of legends only, following up with “Get Loose” featuring Pete Rock and “Think Twice” featuring Grand Puba. 

Now, with their latest single, “Make Money,” Saigon and Fredro collaborate with yet another legend, who is inarguably, one of the culture’s most influential and respected emcees in Kool G Rap (who was also recently inducted into the National Hip Hop Museum). 

“G Rap and I have a long-standing artistic history and I’m beyond impressed how he has been this dope, for this long” Saigon marvels.  “He is my favorite rapper, so it’s always a blessing to rap alongside him.  He doesn’t miss a step.” 

Saigon and Fredro’s forthcoming album, The Jordan Era, is produced in its entirety by Fredro, and features guest appearances from Grandmaster Caz, Pete Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Rockness Monsta, Craig G, Ill Skratch—with more features to be unveiled. 

Saigon and Fredro’s The Jordan Era album will be released on 5-3-24 via the iconic Payday Records. 

The post Saigon And Onyx’s Fredro Starr Featuring Kool G Rap “Make Money” first appeared on The Source.

The post Saigon And Onyx’s Fredro Starr Featuring Kool G Rap “Make Money” appeared first on The Source.

Kool G Rap Net Worth 2024: Updated Wealth Of The Rapper

by

Nathaniel Thomas Wilson, better known as Kool G Rap, is a pioneering figure in the world of hip-hop. Hailing from Queens, New York, Kool G Rap’s lyricism and storytelling have influenced a generation of rappers.

Estimating Kool G Rap’s Wealth

So, what is Kool G Rap’s net worth in 2024? According to Celebrity Net Worth, the figure stands at a respectable $1.5 million US Dollars. This wealth is a testament to his successful music career and his ventures outside of it.

Breakdown Of Kool G Rap’s Net Worth

kool g rap
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1970: Photo of Kool G. Rap Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Kool G Rap’s net worth primarily comes from his music career. With several albums both as a solo artist and as part of the duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, he has garnered significant earnings from album sales and streams. His live performances and tours also contribute to his wealth.

Other Ventures & Philanthropy

Beyond music, the rap icon has dabbled in other areas to diversify his income. He has appeared in films and TV shows, contributing to his overall worth. Despite his wealth, Kool has remained committed to giving back to his community. He has been involved in several charitable initiatives, particularly those to support disadvantaged youth. While these endeavors may not directly boost his net worth, they certainly enhance his public image and indirectly contribute to his overall wealth.

The Future Of Kool G Rap’s Wealth

kool g rap
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: Kool G Rap of The Juice Crew performs onstage during The Juice Crew show live at The Forum on November 10, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Ollie Millington/WireImage)

Looking ahead, Kool G Rap’s net worth is set to grow further. The rapper’s financial future looks promising with new music releases, potential collaborations, and other ventures in the pipeline. Given his talent and business savvy, the rap pioneer’s $1.5 million net worth will likely increase.

In conclusion, Kool G Rap’s net worth reflects his illustrious music industry career and entrepreneurial ventures. His journey from the streets of Queens to a net worth of $1.5 million is a testament to his talent, hard work, and business acumen. As he continues to make music and engage in business ventures, there’s no doubt that the rapper’s influence and wealth will grow. His story inspires, proving that talent, hard work, and smart business decisions can lead to significant success.

The post Kool G Rap Net Worth 2024: Updated Wealth Of The Rapper appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Black Thought Reveals His Top Five Favorite MCs

by

During a recent interview with HipHopDX, Black Thought revealed a list of his top five favorite MCs. Aside from the list of artists, the Roots performer also shared a theory that each of them represents one of his “primary colors.” According to him, his list of favorite artists “has always revolved around [his] foundation,” so there’s a great deal of meaning behind it.

First up on his list is Kool G Rap, who he commends for his “expansive vocabulary and “the breadth of knowledge that he was able to incorporate into his storytelling.” According to Black Thought, his work is “timeless,” and he could listen to him on repeat “forever.” Next up is Big Daddy Kane, who he says he chose for “some of the same reasons.” He claims the artist “was far more stylistic than technical, or just as stylistic as he was technical,” dubbing him a “smooth operator.”

Read More: Questlove Shares Heartfelt Throwback To Celebrate Black Thought’s 50th Birthday

Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, And More Among Black Thought’s Top Five

That brought him to his third pick, Rakim. “What both Kane and G Rap, and also Rakim, brought to the table was a different cadence that we hadn’t heard before — that Shakespearean type ‘to be or not to be’ style … They all incorporated that Shakespearean thing, but in a different way,” he added. Proceeding with his list, Black Thought also named Chuck D of Public Enemy, who he praised for his activism and “brave” stylistic choices. Last up is LL Cool J, who he’s toured with over the year. “He was so influential to me as a young person because I saw myself in him; we were so close in age,” he described.

“LL was the royal chief rocker but he was 16 years old, and he moved like a seasoned veteran,” he also noted. “And that’s something that, even having toured with him this summer, is authentic. That’s just who he is. He’s a class act.” What do you think of Black Thought’s top five favorite MCs? Who’s in your top five? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: The Roots’s “Game Theory” Marked A New Era

[Via]

The post Black Thought Reveals His Top Five Favorite MCs appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Today In Hip Hop History: Marley Marl Dropped The Juice Crew Debut Album ‘In Control Vol. 1’ 35 Years Ago

by
Screen Shot 2023 09 20 at 8.50.54 AM

The title of “super producer” is not one to be taken lightly. For every era of Hip-Hop, there is a man behind the keys set the tone. Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, RZA, Swizz Beatz, Jermaine Dupri, Timbaland, The Neptunes, Mike Will Made-It, and Metro Boomin are among the few who have dictated what Hip Hop has sounded like over the years. Super producers have even spanned genres to influenced music as a whole, bringing the Hip Hop style to the masses.

On this day in Hip Hop history the culture’s first super producer, Marley Marl, released his debut compilation, In Control, Vol. 1, and forever changed the sound of Hip Hop. Before this album, Marley Marl’s true importance to Hip Hop had yet to be openly stated. It was known that he had a hand in some of the biggest records to have out at the time but this album put them all in the same place, proving what Marley Marl was doing to help Hip Hop evolve.

Before Marley Marl, Hip Hop production was quite primitive: the drums were sounded synthetic, the loops were monotonous, and as a whole production was more of a skeleton waiting to be filled by an MC. Marley Marl gave the instrumental life. His signature drum loops and soulful samples brought a new tone to Hip Hop. A Marley Mal beat served less as a compliment to the artist’s ability and more as fuel to jumpstart the intensity of the rapper, bringing out the best in him or her.

Commercially, this album was the success it was bound to be. Featuring Juice Crew members Biz Markie, Craig G., Roxanne Shante, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Heavy D, and more from Marley Marl’s private army. Pushed by the infamous Cold Chillin’ Records, the album peaked at #163 on the Billboard 200 and brought great publicity to Cold Chillin’ as a top label in Hip Hop. Following this album, the label rose to become a household name in Hip-Hop and Marl Marley grew to become an immortal icon of Hip Hop culture.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Marley Marl Dropped The Juice Crew Debut Album ‘In Control Vol. 1’ 35 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Marley Marl Dropped The Juice Crew Debut Album ‘In Control Vol. 1’ 35 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Big L’s Second And Final Album ‘The Big Picture’ Dropped 23 Years Ago

by
tumblr 39ffb906a23a708bb59b07c97c97bc90 5df5a0bb 1280

On this date in 2000, Big L’s posthumous album The Big Picture was released on Rawkus Records. The LP was originally slated as the late Lamont Coleman’s debut album, but L was tragically murdered in Harlem while the album was in production.

The album was produced by DJ Premier, Ron Browz, Ron G, Lord Finesse, Pete Rock, Shomari, Mike Heron, Ysae, and Showbiz and features appearances from Fat Joe, Guru, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane and the late Tupac Shakur.

Big L is regarded as one of the games best emcees that never got their chance in the spotlight, however, because of his ability to foresee great talent, he was the one who introduced Jay-Z as a force in 90s era crime rhyme, which dominated NYC Hip Hop via the Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show in 89.9 FM in 1995.

Big up to the Rawkus team, the entire DITC and Big L himself for this eternal Hip Hop classic!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Big L’s Second And Final Album ‘The Big Picture’ Dropped 23 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Big L’s Second And Final Album ‘The Big Picture’ Dropped 23 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Happy 54th Birthday To Lyrical Legend Kool G Rap!

by
Kool G Rap

Today, July 20 marks the birthday of one of Hip-Hop’s most innovative emcees of all time, Kool G Rap. The Golden Era icon turns 54.

Along with DJ Polo, the Corona, Queens wordsmith was recruited into the Juice Crew by Marley Marl and launched his debut album Road to the Riches– solidifying the blueprint of mafioso rapping. With the use of stacked syllables and intense delivery, G Rap detailed the journey of the ideal Black male youth in New York City. Not just any young Black male. The Black male who was born into an impoverished foundation who wishes to embellish the lifestyle of a millionaire in a mob-like method. Owning the job to tell the New York street narrative, G Rap went on to lay out the blueprint for hardcore storytelling. His ability to paint the picture of an average day is deemed to be complex and the post-generation influence is evident on classics such as Only Built 4 Cuban Linx and Reasonable Doubt.

Two years ago, the Hip-Hop legend dropped his fifth solo album, Return of the Don, an overall comforting trip through his legacy as a mafioso rap pioneer. The album hoard several collaborations with renowned mafioso rappers among the likes of Raekwon, N.O.R.E., and Sheek Louch, which overall confirm G Rap’s grand influence. Without a shadow of a doubt, Kool G Rap is one of Hip-Hop’s most straightforward, yet complex personalities to ever contribute to the rap element and street tale spits are vital to his legend.

Happy Birthday to the Kool Genius of Rap, Kool G Rap!

The post Happy 54th Birthday To Lyrical Legend Kool G Rap! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy 54th Birthday To Lyrical Legend Kool G Rap! appeared first on The Source.