How can an art-form that is so steeped in history just die out?. The streets were abuzz with the now cliche phrase "Hip-hop is dead". What they did not realise during this dark period was this - "culture does not die, it only evolves to reflect the state of its new environment"

When we asked the fans why Hip-hop was dead, they said they were getting tired of the repetitive gangsta theme in music, the lack of creativity in rhyme content, the generic beats - basically hiphop fans were thirsty for something new, it was not fun anymore. We wanted something FRESH.

The year is 2009, a new generation of youth from all walks of life have taken it upon themselves to resuscitate the genre. I cannot help but feel the excitement in the air once again. Creativity, fun, inclusiveness and collaboration are back on the table. A new wave of young artists are bringing back the genre to the pinaccle of musical innovation. They are not afraid to push the envelope and at the same time show an appreciation for the essence of the music. They tell their unique stories and world views in ways that everyone can relate to.

This ladies and gentleman!, is art evolving to reflect its new environment whether it be social,political, economic,or whatever. Hip hop is up to the time once again.

One such person is the everFRESH G-Eazy. He is definitely at the vanguard of this new revolution, we caught up with him to discuss a few things about the state of the game.





What's good man. Introduce yourself?

G-Eazy.

How young are you?

19 years young.

Cool, give us a brief summary of your background

Grew up back and forth between Berkeley and Oakland CA. Been making music since freshman year in high school!



You been at it for a while son. How did it all start, this music thing, when did u realize it was a definite career choice?

It started when I was about 14 and I got a free copy of the program Reason. I had already been writing raps, but not seriously just as something to pass the time when I was bored in class. So before too long I put the two together and started making s**t happen! I was crap at first lol. But I'd say around the time I was 17 I realized it was the only thing I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Right about the time I put out my first SOLO album.



How would you describe your typical fan?

Fat, bald, 40 year old white guy living at his moms house who stays on the computer all day and all night with Star Wars playing in the background. LMAO naw, I'd say my typical fan is a hot teenage girl who has an iPod filled with G-Eazy. She probably looks like your girlfriend.

Many people say, hip-hop aint what it used to be, are you bringing something new to the game?

Hip-Hop definitely aint what it used to be! I think artists are just not as experimental and daring as they used to be. They aren't rapping to have fun and be creative. They're trying to follow a formula and make a song that sounds just like the last hit that went #1. I definitely wanna bring something new... But I really just wanna do me, and if people like that, then fa sho, but if not then oh well.


How do you come up with your song concepts?

I get ideas for songs at random ass times. So either they'll come to me when I'm doing something random like brushing my teeth, or I'll make a beat and it'll come to me as I'm making it.




Which artists influence you and your style?

All types of artists man... I listen to a lot of Beatles albums. I listen to a lot of s**t from that time period.


Cool. It is always good to widen your musical scope. Many are talking about this new wave of hiphop, with artists like Kanye, Cool Kids, Charles Hamilton etc...are you part of this movement?

Yea this new wave is definitely a move in the right direction I feel like. It's finally allowing us to do something new without having to be all about that gangsta s**t all the time. 99 % of that s**t is fake as f**k anyway, so I feel like this wave of hip-hop is more honest and true.

What is your view on internet downloading and piracy?

There's pros and cons. It's much easier to get product to more people. So on one hand ppl own more music than they ever would have had and that's dope. But on the other hand it hurts the pockets of those trying to sell their music. But overall I'm pretty much in support of giving away music, because you're gonna make your money off of concert ticket sales. And you can't download a concert and experience that. So that's not gonna go away.


What about myspace and them platforms , do u think they have improved quality of music ( some folks say there is more garbage being made)?

It's MOS DEF more garbage being made... simply for the fact that ANYBODY can "rap" and "make songs", and put those "songs" out there for people to hear. People don't get it that being a musician takes real genius, real talent, and everybody isn't born with that. But I mean, i'm not hatin on that, and it def gives more people opportunities to be heard, cuz back in the old days, it was either a record deal or nothing. Now there's kind of a middle ground, you get these artists who have a decent buzz on myspace and can do shows and sell music off of that. Back in the day that range didn't exist so much. It was really a deal or nothing.

Are you looking to be signed to a major label or do you want to stay indy?

Haven't decided yet, I'm considering my options.There's pros and cons to both sides.


Have you released any mixtapes, LPs or singles?

Yea a gang of em. Since I've been doin this s**t I've put out like 12 mixtapes (and get it straight, that's not burning a cd and handing it to you, they all had cover art and s**t! lol) ummm, a few singles on iTunes, and an EP I put out on iTunes last march. I've finished two mixtapes that I'm dropping on Feb. 9th!! And the official debut LP coming out this summer (The Epidemic, which is gonna be crazy!!).


Where can fans hear more of your music, any tours coming up?

You can hear all the music at www.g-eazy.com and yea!! I'm supposed to be on tour this summer! We're finishing working out the details and s**t, but it should be big!!

I know many will ask this, but do you think the presence of Barack Obama in office is going to change the tone of hiphop from gangstar to more "wholesome" topics?

I feel like it's about to be huge. I hope it inspires a change in the tone of hip-hop. Maybe encourage more mature and thought out topics to write about.


Besides music what else inspires you?

Pop art. Fashion.

Your dress sense is fresh! What is it all about, bright colours, who are your style icons?

Thanks. I rock bright colors and s**t because I feel like that's my perspective on life. I don't wanna live no boring life and just fit in with everything everybody else is doing... like get a degree, get a good job, a family, move to the suburbs, work til your 65, retire and chill with your grand kids. I wanna live life to the fullest and standout!



What do u think about Skewlbuoy and its message?

I think it's dope! I wish there were more folks aimed at stuff like that, with that kind of positive mission and mentality.

Which of our T-shirts would you wear?

I would rock all of em but I like the Paint Splash ones the best.

OK cool. So I am just gonna ask you a whole bunch of random stuff here. mostly from fans . You got any other hobbies?

Never really have any time for anything but music.

Favourite food?

McDonalds!!! I'll take sum micky D's any day of the week!!


Who is your favourite Wu-Tang member?

Method Man!!


If we all lived in a world like the one depicted in the TV series "HEROES" , which super power would you prefer to have and why?

Don't watch TV, so I've never seen that show. lol sorry gotta keep it real.

Thanks for making the time. Stay Fresh and Stay Blessed!

more material from G-Eazy.