Reporting by Georgette Pierre
So how does an upcoming artist that was born in Brooklyn but raised in Miami build a following? By spitting what he calls ‘reality rap.’ If not building upon his Gmuzik TV empire, he’s working on new music and other ways of expanding his brand. While on tour, MikeG checked in with Killer Boombox to chat misogyny in hip-hop, strip clubs, and his dream collaborations.
Killer Boombox (KBB): Your music has a strong following in Miami. Is that where you’re from?
MikeG (MG): Born in Brooklyn, NY but Miami raised.
KBB: Why music? Why not something else?
MG: Music was by chance. I always had love for it and with time, the opportunity presented itself to make it a career. Credit to Nacho Typical & Jynx13 for giving me my initial push. If not music, I would probably be getting some form of fast money. #MillionaireMentality
KBB: Since releasing your mixtape on Datpiff, it officially went silver (has over
50K downloads). Congrats on that. Is this the only mixtape you have out?
MG: Appreciate it. I had a mixtape prior to Gmuzik titled Rapping Ain’t 4 Every Body. #Gmuzik is my debut body of work. Shout out to every fan that grabbed that. I dropped five visuals [videos] for that project, which are all available on YouTube.
KBB: How would you describe your music to someone who isn’t a mainstream hip-hop fan and stumbled across you?
MG: Reality rap. I have a distinctive style. I rap about my realities and surroundings. From the streets to money to love, it’s my experience and I allow you in my world through my music. #gmuzik
KBB: How often do you get mixed up for Mike G that’s part of Odd Future?
MG: It wasn’t until recently that my fans brought it to my attention. I never took the time to listen to his music but we’re from two separate walks of life and are in our own lanes so there isn’t any real confusion on who’s who.
KBB: What other music are you currently working on?
MG: “Pressure” is the current single I’m pushing. We recently filmed the video with super director Edgar Esteves, which will drop early summer. “Barbancourt & Bullsh*t” is another single that will drop late summer that features some of the hottest MCs in Miami and myself. My second album will drop shortly after that, title TBA. I’m currently working on that now while on tour.
KBB: I feel like the music I hear today is becoming more and more misogynistic, which is frustrating as a woman. Do you agree with that? Why or why not? Let’s use the Rick Ross controversial lyric [from U.O.E.N.O.] as an example.
MG: I can’t speak for how women feel but I don’t feel like those records are about women. There are other words we call those types of females that I don’t want to use during this interview. I feel like the word “woman” is how a female carries herself but I do understand that some songs can be offensive. That’s why in this beautiful world we have a choice, a choice not to listen to something we don’t like. On the “U.O.E.N.O” rhyme, I’ve heard rappers say way worst. Rick Ross is the biggest artist in the game. Anything he says is going to be watched. He handled the situation correctly and apologized to all who were offended like a G.
KBB: One of your videos really highlighted the misogyny. Obviously in music, it won’t be the first or last time I see but what’s this new open obsession with videos in the strip clubs, strippers in general, etc.?
MG: I was raised in Miami and believe it or not strip clubs and strippers are a strong part of Miami’s music culture. It’s a lot of music you hear on radio now that got their start in the gentlemen’s club. Strippers dance for a living so who’s opinion about music would be better than the individuals that have to dance to it. Strip clubs are a part of my reality so I have to put it in my music but I try to do it with taste.
KBB: In order to survive in this newfound music industry, artists are branching into other endeavors outside of music, Dr. Dre with headphones, Justin Timberlake with Budweiser, Jay-Z with Roc Nation Sports, etc. How do you plan on staying relevant with your brand?
MG: When preparing to release my debut Gmuzik, a lot of buzz was built around the name of the project so I created a website titled www.gmuzik.tv to focus on fashion, music, and culture. I also have a publishing company titled “gmuzik” which I do my songwriting for other artists through. I throw events and promote parties. As my popularity grows, different opportunities will present itself and if the money makes sense and it matches my image, I will make it happen.
KBB: Being from Miami, whom would you like to work with?
MG: Snoop Dogg, Scarface, 8Ball & MJG, etc. That’s some of the dudes I grew up listening to. It would be an honor to create good music with them.
KBB: Name three things that we don’t know or can’t find read about you online.
MG: I’m laid back. I’m aggressive when need be but in all I’m a cool individual. I’m a sports fanatic [I’m a die hard Hurricanes and Heat fan] and I’m of Haitian descent.
KBB: What projects are on deck?
MG: “Barbancourt & Bullsh*t” is dropping ASAP. My second album will come shortly after that. Prepare for a lot of visuals. I’ll be putting a tour together also.
KBB: What’s the overall goal for your music?
MG: To make my stamp in the game, inspire people to make their dreams happen, and take care of my family.
KBB: How can readers find you online?
MG: You can find me on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter @mikegmusik. Email bookmikeg@gmail.com for any shows. Major shout out to you for the love. #Salute