MCJ and Cool G were a four-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 Cool G | |
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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 |
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]