MCJ and Cool G
| Company type | Musical duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Halifax , Canada |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
MCJ and Cool G were a Canadian hip hop pair originating from Halifax, Nova Scotia, recognized with four Juno Award nominations. The duo comprised James McQuaid (MCJ), who had previously been part of the Halifax hip hop collective New Beginning, alongside Richard Gray (Cool G). MCJ primarily took on rapping duties, while Cool G contributed mainly through singing the choruses. Their musical style combined elements of new jack swing with strong rhythm and blues influences. The pair received distinguished honors including a lifetime achievement award from ANSMA and a pioneer award from ECMAS. Currently, Cool G operates Pyoor Entertainment and hosts the podcast So Listen.
History
Raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, MCJ and Cool G moved to Montreal in 1988 to advance their music careers. By 1989, they secured a deal with Capitol Records, marking them as the first Canadian rap act to sign with a major label.
Their first album, So Listen, arrived in 1990 and included singles such as "So Listen" and "Smooth as Silk," which highlighted their rhythm and blues–infused sound.
Throughout their career, they garnered four Juno Award nominations: three in 1991 for Best R&B/Soul Recording, Rap Recording, and Single of the Year for "So Listen," followed by a 1994 nomination for Best R&B/Soul Recording with "Love Me Right."
In 2007, the African Nova Scotian Music Association recognized their contributions by presenting them with the Music Pioneer Award.
See also