Nice & Smooth join the rest of the legends for a special performance at Just Laughs Festival in Toronto at Russell Peters’ Old School Mixtape Live. What’s better than a classic hip hop and dance music party?

A free one that’s jam-packed with stars! Join Toronto’s very own Russell Peters and the legendary DJ Starting From Scratch as they host an unforgettable outdoor show that’s sure to be the ultimate throwback party to squeeze that last bit of summer in. With very special musical guests Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, Flavor Flav, Nice & Smooth, Crystal Waters and Renée Neufville from Zhané. Get ready for this once in a lifetime free concert event in the heart of the six!

HISTORY OF NICE AND SMOOTH

Nice & Smooth is a hip-hop duo that emerged in the late 1980s, consisting of Greg Nice (Gregory Mays) and Smooth B (Daryl Barnes). Known for their catchy hooks, lighthearted lyrics, and smooth flows, they brought a unique and fun vibe to hip-hop at a time when the genre was expanding in style and subject matter.

Greg Nice is known for his high-energy delivery, party rhymes, and crowd-hyping chants, while **Smooth B** brings a more laid-back, suave delivery with a focus on melody and clever wordplay. The duo’s contrasting styles blended well, creating a sound that was both playful and skillful.

DEBUT ALBUM

They made their debut on the hip-hop scene with their self-titled album Nice & Smooth in 1989, featuring hits like “Funky for You” and “Early to Rise.” The song “Funky for You” became one of their biggest hits, combining humor, storytelling, and a memorable beat.

Their most commercially successful album, *Ain’t a Damn Thing Changed* (1991), included one of their signature tracks, “Sometimes I Rhyme Slow,” which creatively sampled Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” The song showcased their ability to mix rap with a more reflective and melodic tone while still keeping it accessible.

GANG STARR COLLABORATION

Nice & Smooth were also part of significant collaborations, including their feature on the classic track “Dwyck” with Gang Starr, which became another standout moment in their career.

Although they never achieved the same level of mainstream success as some of their peers, Nice & Smooth remain beloved in hip-hop for their originality, charisma, and memorable contributions to the genre. They are often cited as pioneers in blending humor with hip-hop and are regarded as an important duo in the golden age of rap.