Dinner With Gerald: G-Eazy Talks Lollapalooza, Endless Nights In The Studio & The Golden State Warriors [TMN Exclusive Interview]

G-Eazy (1)

G-EAZY
Oh Well

G-Eazy‘s ascension to hip-hop stardom has been anything but typical. In just four years the Bay Area native has gone from indie rap darling to selling out nationwide tours. It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact moment where fantasy crossed over to reality for the rapper, though if you take the name of his debut album literally, you may be inclined to just assume These Things Happen. Except they don’t. Whether you enjoy his music or not, you have to respect the man’s hustle and the way he’s been able to expand his fanbase organically through a steady release of free music on his SoundCloud page. The hype is very real, so much so that G-Eazy was the only hip-hop artist to headline a stage at this year’s Lollapalooza, a testament to how far he’s already come.

I had a chance to catch up with Gerald prior to that performance as he prepared to take the stage Friday night at The Music Lounge 10 Years After-Party presented by Renaissance Hotels, BMF Media Group and Billboard. Having just landed in Chicago after playing a set at Osheaga Festival earlier that day, Gerald was about to dive in to dinner when we first shook hands. Like many rappers, Eazy’s persona is one that’s built on bravado, but in reality Gerald is an incredibly humble and pragmatic dude. At one point during our interview we were interrupted by a few friends and admirers who wanted to snap a couple pics, which G was more than happy to oblige as he posed with a huge grin while hilariously flaunting a stack of $2 bills (which he subsequently used to make it rain during his set about half an hour later). During this exchange an older gentleman pulled me aside and assured me that in all his years working in the industry, Gerald was one of the nicest individuals he’d ever met, also emphasizing that he was special and always made time for people. Perhaps it’s that charisma and magnetism that draws fans to him in the first place. It certainly translates to his live performance, as G-Eazy had one of the more entertaining sets all weekend. In my conversation with Gerald we touched on what it meant for him to be closing out the festivities on Saturday night, along with plans for his new album and some of his early Bay Area influences. Find out what he had to say below. 

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Blackbear ft. G-Eazy – 90210 (Matt DiMona Remix) [TMN Premiere]

Blackbear
90210 ft. G-Eazy (Matt DiMona Remix)

Good music knows no bounds. With that said, this is one of those tunes that will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Check out Matt DiMona‘s remix of Blackbear‘s “90210” as he comes back with another episode of “Feel Good House”.

Incorporating a chilled out house beat in the mix, the LA-based producer showcases his mastery of the feel-good element. The bassline provides a nice downtempo groove that’ll keep your ears occupied. Matt DiMona manages to keep his originality without overshadowing Blackbear’s one-of-a-kind vocals. It’s also exemplified when G-Eazy’s verse comes in, which will definitely catch your full attention.

It’s no question that Matt has perfectly engineered a soon-to-be household sound. This remix could as well be your next summertime jam. Make sure to grab a free download, listen to this addicting track and vibe away.

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[Hip-Hop] G-Eazy – Show You The World (Feat. Too $hort) (Prod. Christoph Andersson) + Why Thank You (Prod. Hit-Boy) + I Might (Feat. P-Lo & K Camp) (Prod. Cal-A)

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about G-Eazy in 2014, it’s that he doesn’t release music one at a time. With some holiday fumes still lingering in the air, the slick haired spitter decided to drop off three new tracks to celebrate a landmark year that saw the release of his debut album These Things Happen, and to thank his fans for helping him with his achievements. The first of these three singles finds Eazy globetrotting alongside fellow Bay Area native Too $hort over an upbeat instrumental from his go to producer, Christoph Andersson. The other two tracks have him connecting with some fresh faces, including a dope collaboration with Hit-Boy for “Why Thank You,” and a trap inspired cut called “I Might” which features appearances by P-Lo and K Camp. Check out the tracks below, and make sure to grab a free download for yourself as well.

’G Eazy – Show You The World Ft. Too $hort (Prod. Christoph Andersson)’
’G Eazy – Why Thank You (Prod. Hit Boy)’
’G Eazy – I Might Ft. P Lo & K Camp (Prod. Cal
A)’
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[Hip-Hop] G-Eazy – Monica Lewinsky (Feat. Skizzy Mars & KYLE) + The Day It All Changed

With his debut album These Things Happen set to drop later this month, the homie G-Eazy decided to share a few freebies that didn’t quite make it to the album. While it would be nice to hear a preview of what Eazy has in store for us on June 23rd, we’re not complaining about the two unreleased tracks we have below. The first of these songs, “Monica Lewinsky,” finds the talented spitter getting in touch with his ratchet side, teaming up with frequent collaborators, Skizzy Mars and KYLE, to floss about the perks of the typical rapper lifestyle.

Things get a bit more serious on the second of the two releases, “The Day It All Changed,” as the talented emcee describes the moment his life was forever altered over an ominous instrumental provided by Kane Beatz. Both tunes are incredibly solid, and in our minds, could have easily made it on to G-Eazy’s album, or at least one of his mixtapes. It only makes us curious however about the material that did end up on the finish product, if this was left on the cutting room floor.

’G Eazy – Monica Lewinsky ft. Skizzy Mars & KYLE’
’G Eazy – The Day It All Changed (Prod by Kane Beatz)’
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[Hip-Hop] G-Eazy – Let’s Get Lost (Feat. Devon Baldwin)

G-Eazy
Let's Get Lost ft. Devon Baldwin

After months of promotion and teasing that included multiple singles, videos, and even a nationwide tour, we finally have a solid release date for G-Eazy‘s upcoming album, These Things Happen. Shortly after revealing the June 23rd date last night, pre-orders for the project shot straight through the roof, landing the rapper at the number one spot on the iTunes hip-hop charts. It’s clear that the hype for this album is very real, and deservedly so. In case you needed a reminder though, we’ve got you covered with another brand new single from the Bay Area native.

“Let’s Get Lost” is a dulcet tune that’s all about letting go of reality, and living in the moment. This is portrayed beautifully through the single’s stunning visuals, which finds the smooth emcee engaging in a spontaneous, whirlwind affair with a stranger he encounters in a hotel lobby. With frequent collaborator Devon Baldwin assisting on the hook, you’re guaranteed to get swept up in the melodies as you lose track of time until the album drops.

As we mentioned above, pre-orders for the project can currently be found on iTunes, and if you’re curious, you can take a peek at the tracklist after the jump, which includes collaborations with A$AP Ferg, E-40, Blackbear, Jay Ant and more.

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[Grunge Rap] Jez Dior – Old No. 7 (Feat. G-Eazy) (Prod. Danny Score)

Jez Dior
Old No. 7 (featuring G-Eazy) (prod. By Danny Score)

Last time we heard from Jez Dior, he left us with the question, “Who Drank My Whiskey?” Thankfully, it seems as if the LA native has recovered his favorite beverage of choice, and has decided to pour a glass of that “Old No. 7,” while subsequently pouring his soul out over another angst ridden, guitar driven instrumental. Channeling his inner rockstar once more, this new single finds the rapper on shaky ground, taking a big gulp of that liquid courage as he delves into topics ranging from alcoholism and recreational drug use, to the rocky relationship he shares with his father. G-Eazy chips in with a supreme verse to discuss some of his own youthful mishaps, while the pair finally decide to reach out to the last two people they can rely on once they hit the bottom of their spiral: their parents. While the material is rather dark, some hope can still be heard in the chorus, and we’d like to believe there’s a story of redemption following all of this.

Stream the spectacular single above before grabbing a copy for yourself from iTunes. There’s still no word on a release date for Jezzy’s next project, but we’re praying we won’t have to wait long to hear more grunge inspired tunes from the crafty artist.

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[Remix] G-Eazy – Far Alone (Feat. E-40 & Jay Ant)

G-Eazy
Far Alone (feat. E-40 & Jay Ant)

“Far Alone” was already one of our early favorites from G-Eazy‘s upcoming album, These Things Happen, but now it’s ready to undergo the remix treatment. The talented emcee no longer has to kick it solo, recruiting Bay Area legend, E-40, to chip in with a brand new verse. The song is all about making it on your own as an independent artist, and overcoming adversity in the face of doubt, something we’d say Eazy has accomplished pretty successfully. While we’d heard Eazy’s story on the original, E-40 provides some insight into the early days of his career with his contribution to the upbeat single as well.

While there’s no indication whether this’ll be on These Things Happen, we’re looking forward to hearing more from the upcoming record in the coming months. Stream the terrific tune above, and make sure to catch G-Eazy on the road with Rockie Fresh, Tory Lanez, and a few others during their nationwide tour.

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