With so much new music released on a daily basis young rappers often get only one chance to make an impression on the listener. In the case of Dallas-bred MC G. Bailey, that first impression was a good one on this listener. I had the chance to chop it up with him recently for our first official DankLA interview.
DLA: So prior to listening to “The Life” I hadn’t heard your name before. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
G. Bailey: I’m 21 years old, started rapping when I was around 12. Growing up rappers always had the ill shit and I was and still am attracted to that lifestyle.
DLA: I know you’re from Texas, and when I think of the Texas rap scene I think of names like Scarface, UGK, Devin the Dude and Slim Thug. Who were your influences growing up?
GB: As far as Texas MC’s I’m UGK all day. Those guys just brought a whole new sound to not only Southern rap but rap in general. Pimp C is one of the reasons I don’t just limit myself to rapping. You know, he sang and produced as well, and those are things I’m gradually getting myself into. Outside of the South Jay-Z has also been influential, but then again I think every rapper is influenced by Jay in some regard. The way he carries himself, approaches the beat…dude is just out of this world.
DLA: What do you feel sets your music apart from other up-and-coming rappers?
GB: Just my approach. I think a lot of rappers are too focused on making money. Obviously money is an important part of the game, but I feel like you have to have a genuine love for music. Me being lyrically gifted and being from the South is going to separate me from a lot of rappers off the top, but beside that, I’m just offering people that good-feeling music again. When people hear my music I want them to feel the exact emotion I’m giving through the music.
DLA: I noticed “The Life” was produced by Johnny Juliano who has done production for a lot of big name rappers recently. How’d you link up with him?
GB: Honestly, his soundclick page. I rapped over one of his beats on my mixtape All Fun & Blaze and the record just came out crazy. I sent it to him and he liked it, but we haven’t really spoke since then. I know he’s busy working on Wiz’s next album but hopefully we can link up soon and get some real work started.
DLA: As I’m sure you’ve noticed weed is an essential element of DankLA. When did you first start smoking? Preferred method?
GB: Man…I started smoking when I was 16. I was a heavy blunt smoker up until my 20th birthday. Ever since November ’08 I only fuck with joints. Bongs are cool, but really I’m with the joints all day.
DLA: Any hilarious weed-related stories or close-calls?
GB: Definitely some close calls. One time me and the homie were on our way to Austin, the whole car is smoked out, and the homie had to be going at least 85 when we get stopped by a state trooper. Mind you the blunt is still in rotation and we’ve got about half an ounce in the car with us. I literally stuffed everything in my boxers and while the cop was starting to search us he got another, obviously more important, call. So he just let us go and we sat there for a minute and just took a deep breath. We knew we were on our way to jail, but it all worked out.
DLA: What can we expect to hear from you in the near future?
GB: Something epic. I have another video in the works right now. And my next tape is going to be crazy. Until then people can find my first mixtape All Fun & Blaze on www.gbaileyfsc.bandcamp.com
Don’t forget to follow G. Bailey on twitter: @gbailEyfsc
