Craig G (born Craig Curry) is from New York City’s Queensbridge, New York, which has spawned some of Hip Hop’s greats from Marley Marl, Nas & Mobb Deep. He is known as one of the original members of Hip Hop producer Marley Marl’s Cold Chillin’ Records group the historical Juice Crew.
Craig G’s career began in the late ’80s when he ran with legendary producer Marley Marl and his Juice Crew posse. The Queensbridge rapper teamed with Marley early on, back in 1985, when the two recorded “Shout” and “Transformer,” both released by Pop Art Records. The latter track in particular stands out as a landmark moment in the evolution of hardcore rap, establishing the blueprint that endless East Coast posses like the Wu-Tang Clan would emulate a generation later, yet the former remains probably G’s most lasting solo performance; both classics later compiled on Marley’s House of Hits best-of (1995).
He was later signed by Atlantic Records and released two albums in 1989 and 1991. Even without the know-how to properly promote Hip Hop music, Craig G still managed reached the Billboard charts with “U are not the One.” After his experience with Atlantic his career went quiet for much of the 1990s although later in the decade he regained popularity with underground rap fans. He released another album in 2003 on the D&D label, This Is Now, featuring collaborations with Marley Marl, DJ Premier, and Da Beatminerz.
Craig G was a leading freestyle battle rapper, memorably battling Supernatural on several occasions and becoming the undisputed, decorated rap battle champion. In the early 2000s, he wrote and coordinated the battle verses used by Eminem’s opponents in the film 8 Mile. and penned many lyrics for 50 Cents’ Get Rich or Die Trying for the character Dangerous.
In 2008, he was part of a reunited Juice Crew, performing at the A3C Hip Hop Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. He currently continues to be featured on many international Hip Hop tracks. His talent was also displayed on the soundtrack for Grand Theft Auto IV’s video game soundtrack. Recently Craig G was ‘thanked’ in Ice Tee’s 2012 release of The Art of Rap. He has appeared in many Hip Hop documentaries due to his long lasting and consistent career in Hip Hop.
Craig G still continues to perform all over the world from Africa, Europe, Asia and everywhere else in between. He remains a well sought out emcee for the undeniable credibility that a single verse of his can lend to any album. His electrifying performances continue to draw crowds anywhere and everywhere they take place. The new album, due out October 30th, speaks to the classic Hip Hop pillars of hard core beats and masterful word play. Featured artists and producers include Sadat X, Big Pooh, Chaundon, Marco Polo, DJ Nastee, Da Beatminerz and many more. The lead single,Heaven & Hell (feat. Styles P), made its debut on August 21st and is being worked to press and radio.
