Real recognize real is what the hood usually says. There is a code and a way to move out here, and it seems Memphis, Tennessee rapper and street scholar, Yo Gotti, knows it all too well. The "Lebron James" rapper has come a long way from the Ridgecrest Apartments of Frayer, Memphis to touring and promoting his second studio album “I Am,” throughout the country. We had the chance to chop it up with this boss when he was running around NYC. Check it out!
Memphis … I think there are similarities in every city down South … you have your hustlers and gangsters. Memphis is a cutthroat city. Being able to survive Memphis prepared me for the world. I can adapt anywhere.
What people don’t know is Memphis is a murder capital, so I’m used to that. If you stay out the way and you are living right you’ll be good.
The Hood Been Messing With Me … I think Hip Hop is getting bigger and broader. I’ve traveled all over from New York City to the West Coast for a long time. I’ve been selling out clubs in all these cities … the hood been messing with me.
Saint Louis, Baltimore, Virginia and Chicago are some cities that show a lot of love. We know a lot of people out there. We are going to soul food restaurants because we know the people. When we touch down we hit the radio and it is nonstop from there until the show.
Collaboration … I have to be a fan of your music. It has to make sense for the record, and I don’t collaborate with someone because of a name. Everything has to be right … the right artist and production. Everything has to feel natural.
Workaholic … I’m always going over numbers, video edits, and I’m always laying tracks down in the studio. I am constantly going from bus to the stage. I’m a workaholic.
Growing Up … I grew up on the Ghetto Boys, No Limit and Cash Money.
Bosses & Moguls … I always had that business sense. Business sense is common sense … that is what the streets taught me. I learned a lot from Baby and Slim. A lot of things I thought were justified by watching them and observing how they did business. I also watched people like Master P, J Prince and 50 Cent do their thing. I studied these people because I thought they were handling business correctly.
Hate Rappers … I don’t like rappers! They are fake as f**k I don’t kick it with them. I chill with people I came up with. I think for someone to really relate to me and understand me they have to come from what I come from.
The Realest … Yo Gotti is real, and your favorite rapper is fake as f**k. I’m a real ni**a because I’m talking about things I went through. I talk about my personal struggle. I’m going to be the same person on my video that I am in person. I can talk about real life situations. When I meet people, I’m talking to them about one of their partners or just real life situations.
In 5 years … I’m chasing $100,000,000!!! I don’t care what it is. I want to do real-estate, movies … whatever. I just want to be successful at whatever hustle it is. I’m a hustler. I want to be at the top of whatever hustle it is.
Do you want to know what’s really happening in the world of hip-hop today? Yo Gotti is here to give you the inside scoop.
In a recent interview, he discussed everything from hoods all around the country to collabs, watching the bosses, fake rappers, and more.
Yo Gotti knows a thing or two about authenticity in the music industry. As someone who has been in the game for over 20 years, he understands that staying true to yourself is key.
He also recognizes that there are many fake rappers out there trying to make it big by copying others’ styles. But Yo Gotti stays focused on his own unique sound and message, and it’s paid off – he’s become one of the most respected artists in the game today.
So if you’re curious about what’s really going on behind the scenes in hip-hop right now, keep reading – Yo Gotti has some valuable insights to share with you.
The State of Hip-Hop Today
Hip-hop’s current state is a reflection of society’s values and it’s up to the artists to use their platform to inspire positive change.
Today, there are many rappers who promote negative messages that glorify drugs, violence, and misogyny. However, there are also many artists who use their music to empower and uplift their communities.
As a listener, you have the power to choose which type of hip-hop you support. You can choose to listen to music that reinforces negative stereotypes or you can seek out artists who use their voices for good.
It’s important to hold artists accountable for the messages they promote through their lyrics and actions.
Ultimately, it’s up to all of us – listeners and artists alike – to work towards creating a more positive future for hip-hop. By supporting those who uplift and inspire us, we can help shape the direction of this genre and create a better world for ourselves and future generations.
So as you listen to hip-hop today, remember that your choices matter and that you have the power to make a difference.
The Importance of Authenticity in the Music Industry
To truly make it in the music industry, you need to be authentic and genuine in your artistry. Nowadays, with the rise of social media and self-promotion, it’s easy for artists to create a false persona just to gain attention. However, these tactics are not sustainable in the long run.
Fans can easily see through the façade and eventually lose interest. Authenticity is what sets apart successful artists from one-hit wonders. It’s important to stay true to yourself and your craft because that’s what resonates with fans.
People connect with music on an emotional level; they want to hear something real that they can relate to. If an artist is not being truthful in their lyrics or sound, then their audience will sense it. Moreover, authenticity breeds longevity in a career.
The music industry is always changing and evolving, but if an artist has created a genuine connection with their fans through their authentic artistry, they have a better chance of staying relevant throughout these changes. In essence, being true to oneself allows for growth as an artist while also building a loyal fan base that will support them through any ups and downs of their career.
Conclusion
So there you have it, straight from Yo Gotti himself. The state of hip-hop today is all about authenticity and staying true to your roots.
From Memphis to Atlanta, Chicago to LA, every hood has its own unique sound and style that should be celebrated and embraced.
Gotti also stresses the importance of watching the bosses in the game and learning from their experiences. Don’t be a fake rapper trying to front like you’re something you’re not – fans can see right through that.
Collaborate with other artists who share your vision and passion for music, and keep pushing yourself to improve and evolve as an artist. With hard work, dedication, and a commitment to authenticity, anything’s possible in this industry.
