G-Eazy

G-Eazy

G-Eazy in 2013
Background information
Birth name Gerald Earl Gillum
Born May 24, 1989
Oakland, California, U.S.
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s)
Years active 2006–present
Labels
Associated acts
Website G-Eazy.com

Gerald Earl Gillum (born May 24, 1989) better known by his stage name G-Eazy or Young Gerald, is an American rapper, songwriter and producer born and raised in Oakland, California. G has released numerous mixtapes and EP's, but his most recent release is his debut label studio album These Things Happen.

His 2014 album These Things Happen peaked at number one on various charts, including a peak at number three on the Billboard 200. In July 2014, G-Eazy was placed on MTV's Artists to Watch, following a successful worldwide sold-out tour and his top selling debut album.

Career

Early career

Raised in Oakland, California, Gerald has gained recognition as part of the growing rap scene in the area, joining artists such as Lil B and The Cataracs.[1] Having an interest in making music at a young age, G-Eazy put together a local group known as the 'Bay Boyz' who released a number of songs via their Myspace page.[2] Gerald began to produce a number of singles as a sophomore while attending Loyola University of New Orleans.[3]

Solo career (2009–present)

With success from his earlier mixtapes, Gerald continued to release further songs, notably "Waspy" and "Candy Girl".[4] The latter as of 2011 having attained over 400,000 plays via Myspace.[5] Late 2010 saw Gillum being handed the opportunity of appearing as an opening act for the rapper Drake.[6][7] In recent years, he has opened for a number of other artists such as Lil Wayne[8] and Snoop Dogg.[9][10]

In August 2011, G-Eazy released the mixtape The Endless Summer via his official site. The mixtape samples from a number of other songs, most notably an updated version of the 1961 US No. 1 hit "Runaround Sue" by Dion DiMucci, which has gone on to garner over four million views via YouTube (Directed By Tyler Yee).[11] It features collaborations with artists such as Greg Banks, Erika Flowers and American Idol contestant Devon Baldwin.[12]

During November 2011, Gillum embarked on a nationwide tour with Shwayze.[13]

Released on "Dreams and Dream Killers" by Circa '87, as well as G-Eazy's The Outsider, the track "My Life is a Party" was featured in the game Saints Row: The Third. The song can be heard on one of the in-game radio stations "95.4 KRhyme FM".[14]

Beginning from 16 June 2012, Gillum performed at every venue during the annual Summer Warped Tour.[15]

On July 25, 2012, the Excellent Adventure Tour was announced which featured Hoodie Allen and G-Eazy. The two performed in cities such as Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Columbia (Missouri), Lincoln, New Orleans, Atlanta, Charlottesville, and Philadelphia. On December 15, 2013 G-Eazy and Master Chen B performed the song Lotta That in New York City.

On January 15, 2014 G-Eazy announced a new tour with MMG's Rockie Fresh, KYLE, and Tory Lanez, the "These Things Happen" Tour. The tour will run for 40 stops throughout the United States and Canada from February until April.[16]

On June 23, 2014, G-Eazy released the album These Things Happen.

Personal life

He has confirmed that he was inspired to make music in his 9th grade geometry class, mostly because he couldn't pay attention. Gerald and his friend Marcus would make beats after school. He began by writing songs and raps as something to do that would let him express himself. He quickly fell in love with making music.

Gerald went by his initials G.E. since he didn't really like his name. When looking for a rapper name, a friend suggested the name "G-Eazy" since he already went by G.E. At the time it sounded "super awesome", although somewhat "cheesy now", he admits.

In the early stages, his producer Matt's parents lent them an SUV for their first tour.

As a young kid, he used to shoot BMX videos in middle school. He would also edit and press the videos on VHS tapes, and give them to friends. He did get in some trouble as a teen, and even had an ankle monitor for 6 months. During this time he was only in his house and he used this time to work on his music.

Gerald's mom was a single mother who moved her children in with her grandparents. He lived in a house full of family members. His aunt and uncle formed a band called "The New Easy Devils". This band was a rock band that would rehearse in the basement. They recorded music and had professional albums and posters for their shows. This inspired him and set the example that you don't need a music label to make music, or have a following.

He is often referred to as the "James Dean of hip hop" for his slick back hair and clothing. G-Eazy took piano lessons as a kid, however he hated it. Now as an adult, he regrets how uninterested he was in learning to play piano as he would like to play piano for his shows. A large part of his musical influence was The Beatles. His mother is a fan and raised Gerald with that kind of music.[17] He has a younger brother named James who also attended Loyola University New Orleans.

Gillum graduated from Loyola University New Orleans in 2011 attaining a BA in Music Industry Studies.[18]

Discography

Studio albums

List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
US US R&B/HH US Rap AUS CAN UK UK R&B
The Epidemic LP — — — — — — —
Must Be Nice
  • Released: September 26, 2012
  • Label: None
  • Format: CD, digital download
 — 33 — — — — —
These Things Happen
  • Released: June 23, 2014
  • Label: BPG, RVG, RCA Records
  • Format: CD, digital download, vinyl
 3 1 1 98 15 171 16
  • US: 131,000
"—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory.

Mixtapes

EPs

Singles

List of Singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US US
R&B		 US
Rap
"Lady Killers"
(featuring Hoodie Allen) 		2012 — — — Must Be Nice
"Marilyn"
(featuring Dominique Le Jeune)		 — — —
"Far Alone"
(featuring Jay Ant & E-40)		 2013 — — — These Things Happen
"Almost Famous" — — —
"Tumblr Girls"
(featuring Cristoph Anderson)		 2014 — — —
"Let's Get Lost"
(featuring Devon Baldwin)		 — — —
"I Mean It"
(featuring Remo)		 98 27 18
"Lotta That"
(featuring A$AP Ferg & Danny Seth)		 114 32 21
"—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory.

Awards and nominations

Year Event Prize Nominated work Result Ref
2009 MtvU Awards Best Music on Campus Nominated
2011 Best of the Beat Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist Nominated [19]
Best Rap/Hip-Hop Album or Mixtape The Endless Summer Nominated
Best Music Video Runaround Sue Nominated
The Best of the Booth Breaking Through in 2012 Nominated [20]

References

  1. ↑ "A Berkeley High star-turned-rapper takes tumble". Berkelyside News. November 21, 2011. Retrieved December 16, 2011.
  2. ↑ "Cornell University spotlight". Cornell University. 2009. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  3. ↑ Samuels, Diana. "Sir Remix-a-lot - A Loyola student discovers you don't need a recording contract to make money making music", The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana, September 29, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2011. (Also reprinted as a blog post titled "A Loyola student learns you don't need a recording contract to make money making music" on September 29, 2008.)
  4. ↑ "G-Eazy drops new album - Life & Times - The Maroon - Loyola University New Orleans". Loyolamaroon.com. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  5. ↑ "Myspace". Myspace. December 8, 2011. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  6. ↑ Brooklyn Projects. "Interview: G-Eazy". Brooklynprojects.com. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  7. ↑ "The LAST @a3c article: 18 top acts that smashed and The Most Honorable Mentions..EVER", Urb Magazine, October 19, 2011. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  8. ↑ Swan, Rachel. "The G-Eazy Life | Music | Oakland, Berkeley & the Bay Area". Eastbayexpress.com. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  9. ↑ "TUCP Spring Concert". Tulane University Campus Programming. March 15, 2011. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  10. ↑ Savage, Emily. "Localized Appreesh: G-Eazy" San Francisco Bay Guardian, November 22, 2011. Retrieved December 16, 2011.
  11. ↑ Official video of G-Eazy's "Runaround Sue" on YouTube
  12. ↑ "The Endless Summer (Free Album)". G-Eazy.com. August 12, 2011. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  13. ↑ Dirty Laces (November 2011). "Shwayze tour dates". Songkick.com. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  14. ↑ "Saints Row: The Third Soundtrack - 95.4 KRhyme FM". December 6, 2011. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Warped tour dates". Vans Warped Tour. June 16, 2012. Retrieved July 27, 2012.
  16. ↑ http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/g-eazy-announces-these-things-happen-tour-with-rockie-fresh-news.8933.html
  17. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puj-sP8lRzc
  18. ↑ Dirty Laces (August 23, 2011). "INTERVIEW: G-EAZY and The Endless Summer Release". Dirty Laces. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  19. ↑ "Best of the Beat 2011 Nominees". Offbeat Magazine. 8 December 2011. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
  20. ↑ "The Best of the Booth 2011". DjBooth.net. December 2011. Retrieved December 20, 2011.

External links