Born Nathaniel Thomas Wilson on July 20, 1968 in Queensbridge, New York, Kool G Rap emerged in the mid-1980s as one of hip hop's most gifted lyricists. As a founding member of the legendary Juice Crew, he helped shape the sound and culture of rap music.

A pioneer of multisyllabic rhyme patterns and a key figure in the development of mafioso rap, Kool G Rap's intricate wordplay, storytelling and unmatched delivery have influenced generations of artists across the globe.

With a catalog that includes over 30 solo and collaborative albums, he remains a towering figure in hip hop-40 years strong.