A particular sound and aesthetic come to mind when mentioning Bay Area rap music. However, local artist G-Eazy worked the indie scene operating as the outlier and his grind is finally paying off.
G-Eazy, a bubbling rapper and potential heartthrob, released his debut album These Things Happen via RCA records back in 2014. Since then, he’s been on an upward trajectory, becoming a recognized name and brand in the process, as well as performing on some of the biggest festivals — last year’s Roots Picnic in Philadelphia and Bonnaroo 2015 included.
Some of G-Eazy’s success can be attributed to his love and adoration for the Bay Area (he’s collaborated with legends E-40 and Too $hort, and performed with fellow up and comers like IamSu!). But he also scored a major look on Lil Wayne’s “America’s Most Wanted” tour and dons a look more equatable to the late Johnny Cash than any hometown rap star.
G-Eazy has spent much of his time touring following his first major label release. During a weekend stint in New York City, during which fans experienced his “From the Bay to the Universe” tour concept, he spoke with Hip-Hop Wired about why his experiences make him Certified Fresh.
Who: G-Eazy, an Oakland native with his sights set on a global takeover, represents the Bay Area with pride. In actively releasing projects ranging from mixtapes, EPs, and albums since 2007, it was 2014’s These Things Happen album that earned him national appeal.
Credentials: At just 25-years-old, the rapper has amassed some major co-signs from Bay Area legends like E-40 and Too $hort
Fun Fact: G-Eazy recognizes that his name is pretty dated. While speaking with Interview magazine, he said “The name probably sounded cool to me when I was 13, [like G-Unit]. The climate has definitely changed since: the fashion trends, the style of music I listen to.”
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Photo: YouTube
