G-Riot is an up and coming hip hop artist out of the Boston area who is as lyrically talented as he is clever. It is a difficult thing to stand out in the hip hop game while rising through the ranks, but we believe G-Riot has been able to do this through his genuine passion for music as well as having a very hard work ethic. Boston is still under the radar as far as the hip hop game is concerned, but hopefully G-Riot can put this city on the map. Check out more at his facebook page and be sure to become a fan.
G-Riot: Moony
G-Riot: Come See
G-Riot: Use To Be
How did you start rapping/get into the hip-hop game?
I started rapping at the age of 7 while learning how to speak English. I was obsessed with Doctor Suess and thus developed a passion for the art of rhyming. I appreciated the art form once I noticed that it transcended children’s literature and was incorporated as the backbone of multiple genres of music. I got into the hip-hop game at the age of 13. During middle school, I was a member of a rap group called “ The Grand Pri”. We would meet everyday at a near by friend’s house and record freestyles for hours on end.
How does living in a city like Boston influence your lyrical content and sound (if at all)?
Living in Boston has definitely broadened my perspective on music. Northeastern is minutes away from Berklee School of Music so I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some extremely talented musicians. Boston in it of itself is a college city, so there are a lot of lively music scenes within that category alone. Overall, Boston has added more to my foundation of music.
How would you describe your style/sound to someone who hasn’t heard you before?
I would say that my style is a mixture of a lot of different elements that define me. As far as content goes, I write a lot about prior experiences as well as current event and issues that are prevalent in either my personal life or society as a whole. I also enjoy the wittiness that exists within Hip Hop, so I often make use of similes/extended metaphors and utilize mix tapes as an outlet to really have fun with that aspect of Hip Hop. As far as my sound, I’ve been told that I sound like “Q-tip, Lupe, Ghostface Killah, Lil Wayne, and a young Drake”. All of those following artists have left an everlasting mark on the rap game, so I can only take it as a compliment and hope to do the same. I noticed that new artists are often categorized and compared to other know artists within the game, and that only truly talented artists are able to crawl out of that box and establish a name for themselves. I plan on being on the truly talented list. Haha.
What separates you from a lot of other up and coming artists out there?
I hate to sound cliché, but I think it’s my genuine passion for music. A lot of artists aspire to be in the hip hop game for the wrong reasons. From a young age, I recognized that I had a talent and worked tirelessly to cultivate it into what it is today. Although I’m twenty two years in age, I’ve been mastering my sound since 13. It took nearly a decade to get to where I am, so the last thing I want people to do is think that music is just a hobby for me or a “side hustle”. It has served as one of the most therapeutic aspects of my life, and as a result of that I feel as though I owe it to the art form as whole to really put my best foot forward with every song I make.
What has been your most exciting moment of your career thus far?
Despite the fact that I have recently been opportune enough to freestyle with Big Sean, and open for Wale… the most exciting moment of my career was last year when I opened up for Akrobatik. I received a 50 minute set to open for the Boston MC. The concert was held on Northeastern’s campus, and was one of the biggest venues I had performed for. The Boston Globe was snapping shots of me in a tank top while the audience cheered enthusiastically. The performance itself isn’t what made the moment so epic. It was the simple fact that upon completion of my opening set, 97% of the crowd left. This meant to that they were there strictly in attendance to see my performance. I have no beef with Akrobatik at all, but it was nice to see the underdog opening act outshine the headliner for a change. Afterwards, I went to a near by after party on Mission Hill in which a good amount of the people there witnessed my performance. I was asked to sign an autograph and pose for pictures. It was my first glimpse of what some would call “groupie love”. I prefer the term “appreciators of fine art.” Haha.
Do you prefer writing/recording or performing live shows?
There is nothing better than a live performance. I am the type of person to feed of off energy, so when I record and write I don’t really get the opportunity to do so. Performing surpasses everything because you receive live feedback. Performing also leaves a lasting impression because its more personable and the audience appreciates the connection they make with the performer.
Where do you see your rap career taking you?
I can see music being my long term career. Regardless of whether I’m in the forefront as an artist or behind the scenes as a writer/ producer I will be content. In some way shape or form, I will contribute my art to the world. Regardless of the fact that I may have to do it independently as oppose to being on a major label.
What’s next for G-Riot (new mixtape, upcoming shows)?
Unfortunately Mr. Riot’s days are numbered. G- Riot will be releasing his final album and mix tape this summer. I have been working on the album for the whole month of April and am pleased to report that I am two tracks away from completion of the project. The mix tape is also coming along and will be titled “Peace Out Riot”. I am dropping the stage name “G-Riot” and am going to perform under my government name Oumar. Although the name “griot” was very symbolic of the roots of hip hop, it had a gangster rap connotation attached to it. Seeing as I’m not a gangster rapper…I decided to rock with my government name which ironically is an Arabic name that means “long lived flourishing speaker”. It suits me well. As far as performances go, I am hungry for them! If anyone has any venues that could use a hip hop artist…sign me up! I have a bar mitzvah coming up sometime this summer, but aside from that I will be in Boston and am not shy to commute to perform..so holla!
