Gerald Earl Gillum (born May 24, 1989) better known by his stage name G-Eazy is an American songwriter, rapper, and producer most known for his sample of the 1960s hit Runaround Sue. With success from his earlier mixtapes, Gillum continued to release further songs, notably “Waspy” and “Candy Girl“. The latter as of 2011 having attained over 400,000 plays via Myspace. Continuing to combine both his studies and music, 2009 saw G-Eazy nominated for the annual mtvU Best Music on Campus Woodie.
G-Eazy hits the stage tonight at Beauty Ballroom for an all ages show supporting the NYC based rapper and songwriter Hoodie Allen presented by Austin’s popular show throwers Knuckle Rumbler. Tickets are going fast kids and at midnight his new album “Must Be Nice” hits the universe, so we’re pretty damn sure Mr. G-Eazy with have something hidden up his sleevy.
G was super cool enough to take some time out of his bizzay schedule to answer some things that many inquiring young minds have been wanting to know.
HOW DID THE NAME G-EAZY COME ABOUT?
Well my real name is Gerald, so it naturally just came from that. Plus it sounded cool.
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO THESE DAYS?
I’m always listening to The Beatles and Johnny Cash. As far as new stuff, I’m listening to the new XX. I’ve also been jamming out a new compilation from Kanye West’s Label, G.O.O.D. Music.
HOW DID YOU ENTER THE RAP SCENE?
Growing up in the Bay area that’s all that was around. That’s what all my friends were into and what we all got into together when we played music.
OBAMA OR ROMNEY? WHY?:
Obama all the way. His polices hit home. Obama-care takes care of my Mom.
SAMPLING 50′S BEAT MUSIC?
I listen to certain elements in the songs to see what I can sample, all that 50′s pop and doo-wop has a lot of rhythm behind it. I’m always interested in trying to bring together certain styles and elements together to see what works. It is always interesting to bring together some old school with conetemprary hip hop.
TOURING VS STUDIO?
The grass is always on the greener on the side. Whenever I’m in the studio I can’t wait to get on the road and vice-versus. But I know they go hand in hand. You can’t do one without the other.
HOW FAR HAVE YOU COME, ARE YOU SATISFIED?
I feel like I’ve gone miles from then, but it’s a process. I’m growing and evolving as an artist, and that’s going to be a continued process. Someday when I hit the peak, I will reflect and be satisfied on my accomplishments.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Taking over the world. I’m Releasing an album on Wednesday. Then I’m going on a headlining tour of my own to support the album. And right when that’s done, I go right back in the studio. I”ll do a few one off shows here and there and in the beginning of 2013 we’ll be gearing up for a big national tour leading directly back to Austin for SXSW.
ARTIST SHOT OUT? Shot out to Aaron at Knuckle Rumbler.
