San Antonio's Greg G Brings The Feelin' Back To Hip-Hop

Love can be the greatest motivator of all. There have been many examples in poetry, songs and movies where folks have told of its power and how it can both create and destroy all at once depending on how it is used. With the release of his new mixtape, The Feelin, The multi-talented rapper/singer/producer/songwriter Greg G knows more than anyone how powerful the love and support of family and friends can be. Originally from West Palm Beach, FL, Greg didn’t start his music career until he moved to San Antonio, TX where he went to high school. There he performed in talent shows and started to build a buzz. At the age of 22, he was voted “Top Hip-Hop Artist” in San Antonio, he’s co-written songs with Toni Braxton and has performed alongside Bun B. Labeled as “The Golden Child,” I was able to catch up with Greg and discuss life both on and off the microphone.

“I wear a lot of hats when I’m working; rapping, singing, producing and songwriting. I try to do it all,” Greg laughed when asked how he would describe himself. He notes that although what he does is labeled as Hip-Hop/Rap, he tries to mix different genres together when he’s creating his music.

Greg recalled how he got his start in music thanks to his mother. “When I was 15 years old, my mom brought me a keyboard and I started playing ever since.” Being such an avid lover of music, a young Greg G would come home after football practice in high school to make music. It wasn’t until his senior year of high school that Greg started hustling his music to the general public. “I put out a single and made a bunch of CDs to sell at my school. I sold about 300 CDs before lunch time and that’s when I knew this is what I wanted to do,” he confessed. Even though he was offered a full scholarship to play football in college, Greg stayed in San Antonio to pursue a career as in music. It was there he spent most of his time in between going to classes, hustling the streets with his music by going on the local radio stations, performing at live shows and being interviewed by the various publications in Central Texas about his rising music career.

Not to speak ill of his beloved town of San Antonio but feeling like a big fish in a small pond, Greg wanted to try his luck in New York City. “Although I was making music and was pretty well-known in my area, I was stuck creatively. I felt like there was only so much I could do where I was at.” Regardless of being in NYC, Greg still reps San Antonio. Moving across the country has been a bit difficult for Greg, missing his family and friends, especially his son. “I didn’t want to leave him but the timing of everything that was happening at the time, I felt like it was a sign for me to do something else. I had just lost my job back in San Antonio, I crashed my car and I was struggling and I was looking for work, I filled out this application to be a music instructor for a job in New York. Long story short, it was a miracle I got it but it meant having to move. I may be away from my son now but I’ll always be there for him.” Greg pursues him dream of music so that he can show his son one day that anything is possible and that pass or fail, at least he tried. But don’t expect Greg to fail. His music speaks for itself and he’s far too talented to be denied if he continues to grind.

When asked why readers who might not be familiar with him should take a listen to his music, Greg G replied, “Life has always been an inspiration for me as I’m sure it is with a lot of people. The thing I try to do with my music is not only tell my story but the story of the people around me. If I had to sum it up for people I would say that it’s that champion music for everyday people on their grind.”

Greg’s latest mixtape, The Feelin mixes a chilled back blend of Hip-Hop and Jazz that’s a very easy listen for people wanting to experience something new. Greg also produces the majority of the project as he has done with most of his projects prior to this. There is probably no better title for the project as the music is sure to give you a feeling

“True success lies in appreciating the moment.” Greg knows that despite everything he’s been through and done, he’s been able to maintain a positive mindset when it comes to pursuing his dreams. “God put me on this earth for a reason and I feel that was to make music, which is something I’ve proven to myself and others that I am good at.” Greg encouraged other aspiring artists to follow their own path and not to rush their journey to greatness.

Greg G’s love for music may be big but the love he has for his family, friends, fans and supporters is insurmountable. His grind and his passion for the music can be respected even by those who aren’t avid listeners of Hip-Hop. On the other end of that spectrum, I challenge any music lover to listen to an entire Greg G project and not be moved by what you hear. Respect in Hip-Hop is earned. Greg G is more than deserving.