Craig G (born Craig Curry) is from New York City’s Queensbridge, New York, whic has spawned some of Hip Hop’s greats from Marley Marl to Nas and 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 the 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. The former remains probably G’s most lasting solo performance; both classics were 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, reaching 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 becomiing 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 Cent’s 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. In 2012 he released his album Ramblings Of An Angry Old Man. Craig G has a new album titled I Rap & Go Home scheduled for an early 2016 release. He recently leaked music from the project here.