BIRMINGHAM
Q Dot Davis' ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: GET TO KNOW "2G" (YUNG ROD GGUCCI) ONE OF ALABAMA'S TOP RISING ARTIST
Q DOT DAVIS' ARTIST SPOTLIGHT- YUNG ROD GGUCCI "2 G"
Q Dot Davis: What city and state are you from?
YungRod 2G (GGucci): : I was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. You know the real "Magic City".
Q Dot Davis: What is your musical background?
YungRod 2G (GGucci): : I grew up singing in the church choir where my grandad was assistant pastor. Since around age 4 I've been singing solos at church. In my early teens I began studying choral music at Center Street Middle School, and later became a member of the Ramsay High School chorus. I also picked up playing the cello at age 14, I don't play as often as I would like to, however, the passion to play still lives.
Q Dot Davis: What inspired you to pursue music?
YungRod 2G (GGucci): : As crazy as it sounds my dead uncle was my inspiration. While I was deployed he visited me in dreams often encouraging my inner hopes of starting my music career. His only words were " 2G you gotta focus on music and your education, it's like you were BORN to do this". He actually gave me the nickname 2G from beyond. Anyway, I made a promise to myself and God that night that I would at least attempt to share my talents regardless of response, and share my story with the rest of the world.
Q Dot Davis: What are your songs about?
YungRod 2G (GGucci): My songs are generally about life and the stories of my own experiences and those of people I've encountered. From Love to Lust, hustle to business; it's all message music. I try my best to give a different perspective of a situation and explain every detail to the point that one can close their eyes to see, hear, and FEEL the moment.
Q Dot Davis: Do you write your own lyrics?
YungRod 2G (GGucci): Yes I do, I'm also hoping to venture into ghost writing, depending on the artist. I've written a two songs for an artist in Birmingham known as Mi$hap. Both songs will be featured on my mixtape Raw.Uncut.Lyrical.Dope Vol 2: Mishaps in Birmingham; along with a few tracks we co-wrote. I love writing so my need for a ghost writer is almost obsolete.
Q Dot Davis: Who are your musical influences?
YungRod 2G (GGucci): My musical influences are so diversed I can't pick one. I listen to everything from Bach to Pac and all that is in between. I grew up listening to the like's of George Cliton, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Areatha Franklin... The list is endless. To sum it up, music is my musical influence. I have yet to meet a genre of music that doesn't have at least ONE song that I like. As far as Hip Hop is concerned my influences are simple: Lauryn Hill, 2Pac, Jay-Z, and the whole southern hip hop movement ( No Limit, Ca$h Money Records, Grand Hustle etc).
Q Dot Davis: How would you describe your music to people?
YungRod 2G (GGucci): Close your eyes and see sound. That's the only way I can think to explain my music. From the instrumentals to the lyrics I try my best to add a bit of my personality into my music.
Q Dot Davis: What makes you stand out from other artists?
YungRod 2G (GGucci): I actually had a fellow local rapper tell me he admires that I'm comfortable with being a square and make it look so gangster, lol. That makes me different; I understand that some people have to wear masks, however I choose to be me with my supporters or fans, however I'm suppose to refer to them (I see them as my people) . That's what I stand for, individual creativity and love for what you do. I don't care about what you wearing, smoking, or riding on; I'm a geek and that's fine. If you trap to support your family that's great, I'm gone bump that, however I want you to be aware of the circumstances and admit to such in your work. If you do gangster/street rap that's what's up, however you have to be willing to explain the circumstances of what you do and ultimatley accept them. Unlike most artist who believe that following a trend will gain them acceptance in the music industry, I accept that my core values and moral codes may make success more difficult. I like difficult.
Q Dot Davis: What are some upcoming projects you are currently working on?
YungRod 2G (GGucci): Currently I'm finalizing my second mixtape Mishaps in Birmingham. It's a nice little EP for the summer: something for the twerkers, every day workers, and even a few hood anthems. We've tested most of the tracks out here and there within the past year I'm hoping to have a good response once I do give a release date. The only other planned music venture is my freshman album Controversy. The name pretty much explains itself. This album is intended to make sleeping minds wake up and listen. Hopefully inspire other individuals who have the talent yet doubt themselves for some reason. I use to be that guy. Other than that my main focus is school, my two projects including a few performances is definitely enough of a load.
Q Dot Davis: What are your career goals? Where do yourself in 10 years?
YungRod 2G (GGucci): As an artist I simply want to be a concrete part of creating a music scene here in the Magic City. I'm going to school to insure I have adequate knowledge and supporting creditials to make me a viable asset to the music industry here in Birmingham. In 10 years I hope to hear people speaking of myself and other local artists as they do Eddie Kendrick and some other musical greats from Birmingham, but more so speak of what we create for generations to come.
Q Dot Davis: How can your fans access your music and contact you?
YungRod 2G (GGucci): I can be found on https://www.twitter.com/
