Salone Cool J: Profile of a Sierra Leone Hip Hop Artist

Cool J, born Shitta Taju Deen in Freetown, Sierra Leone, is a prominent musician, rapper, and producer recognized for his significant contributions to Sierra Leone music and the broader Sierra Leone Hip Hop scene. He began his career as a veejay for SLMTV Radio, gaining fame by forming the group Ital Leone in 2009 and later the Black Conscious Movement in 2010.  

After relocating to the United States in the early 2000s, he released his debut album "The Pain" in 2012, followed by hit singles like "Holiday Bluffer" and "Prove Dem Wrong," which solidified his status as a dynamic entertainer among leading Afrobeat artists. Over the years, Cool J has produced songs that have gained massive airplay locally and throughout the diaspora. His major hits, including collaborations with other prominent artists, have further strengthened his position as a versatile entertainer, while his solo projects showcase his originality.  

In addition to his music career, Cool J is known for his philanthropy, especially for feeding over 1000 children in Kroo Bay and actively supporting the growth of the Sierra Leonean music scene through production and mentoring.  

He is happily married with two sons and remains committed to enhancing the global recognition of Sierra Leonean music, while inspiring young people to pursue their dreams through hard work and resilience.  

Cool J’s journey is still unfolding, but what remains certain is his unwavering dedication to his craft.