Exclusive Interview: DopeDrops x G-Scott

The latest member for Str8 Slammin and a Billionaire Block Boy veteran G-Scott, took some time to show me and the DopeDrops family some love. Hit the jump to see what the homie has to say about being reached out to by Freddie Gibbs & Edge, his latest mixtape and what we can expect from him in 2012.

Kaine (K)-So talk a little bit about the Michael G. Scott EP. I noticed you worked with a few different producers on this one.. Who was your favorite to work with or who helped you create your favorite sound?

G-Scott (G)- Honestly all the producers I chose to work with are ones that I have a good relationship with musically.  They all know the sound I’m pretty much looking to make so they keep me grounded sonically but also give differentiation and distinction in sound.

K- If you had to pick one, which track off of the EP could we find you bumpin in a Laundromat next time you’re partyin?

G- I’d have to say probably “Nom Nom Nom” with Mic Terror.  It just screams rage out in a Laundromat.

K- We’ve all seen your videos for “Faded”, “Folded”, and “Pressure”; are there any tracks off of the Michael G. Scott EP we could be expecting a video for? 

G- I’m actually planning a video with Mic for Nom Nom Nom right now.  We’ll be shooting that in the coming weeks; just a funny and fun visual for the song.

K- I know there’s a lot of aspiring artists out there who want success but aren’t willing to put in the work to get that far. What part of your grind would you say is the hardest? And what advice would you offer to any kid doing what you’re doing and trying to chase a dream…

G- I’d definitely say that funding everything that is needed to be successful in this industry independently is the hardest part for me.  Paying for video shoots, photo shoots and all the stuff needed to get the music heard definitely takes a toll on you as an artist when you still have to deal with regular life.  Most people I think believe if they make good music it will eventually be heard but fail to realize you have to make yourself heard.  Run yourself as if you signed yourself to your own label.  Also, the most important thing I can say is just be you.  Don’t make music about what you think people want to hear, do it as an expression of you; that goes really for anything you’re trying to accomplish.

K- I know it must have been dope to have Freddie Gibbs reach out and adopt you into the Str8 Slammin’ family. What was that like for you and how did it all come to fruition?

G- Yeah that has definitely been a blessing.  All those guys over there are really like a family.  Everyone works hard to reach a common goal so when Gibbs and Edge reached out it was almost a no brainer to come be a part of the movement being that from my area that camp is the one that’s making the most noise.  According to Edge they had been trying to contact me for a few months about it but had been busy.  I remember coming home from work a few weeks ago and having a Facebook message from Gibbs like “Lets rap when you get a second.”  Long story short we talked briefly about the buzz that I was building and ended with him saying “Let’s make the movement even bigger”.  Ended up meeting with Edge a couple weeks later and made it official.

K- I’m an Indiana native, so I love seeing an Indiana kid get put on. What does it mean to you to think that one of the ambassadors of Indiana hip-hop has noticed you and now wants to work with you?

G- I think it means that he recognized something that I was doing was right and could be big.  I’m honored  that they even were paying attention to what I was doing.  Sometimes it feels like no matter how many youtube hits you get or how many blog posts you get that people aren’t really listening or paying attention (especially being from Indiana).  It’s just a dope feeling to know that out of all the people in my area or anywhere for that matter to be hit up; they chose me.

K- I know it’s a cliché question, but seeing how it is that you’re up and coming and our readers don’t know much about the man behind G. Scott (hahaha), who are some of your biggest influences when it comes to hip-hop?

G- (Hahaha) My biggest influences when it comes to hip-hop are probably artists like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, N.E.R.D., KiD CuDi, B.I.G. , Jay-Z, Joe Budden, Em, Common.  I won’t be cliché’ and say a whole bunch of old emcee’s because I honestly didn’t grow up listening to rap and hip hop until I was in junior high due to my parents (haha). It took me awhile to learn about hip hop culture and learn music before I was able to say that people like Tribe Called Quest, Cannabis, Blackstar (Mos and Kweli), etc.  I’m also really influenced by a lot of music outside of hip hop but that’s a whole other conversation (haha).

K- Twitter has become a huge tool for aspiring artists, and even signed artists, to get involved with their fans and push music. How have social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook helped you get your name out there?

G- I wouldn’t have half the success I’ve had recently without social media.  As a upcoming artist that’s really you’re only outlet to get things heard aside from just street promo.  Twitter and Facebook really allow you to keep track of what people have to say about you and your music as well as reach a audience that you may not have reached otherwise.

K- What major moves could we look forward to from G-Scott in 2012? An album…??

G- In 2012 you can expect to see a lot of Freddie Gibbs, a lot of G-Scott, a lot of Str8 Slammin, a lot of BBB (haha).  I’m dropping a free album; “Weekend in Los Vegas” early 2012 which is some of the best work I’ve ever put together.  For the 1^st time I feel like I have found my lane and style as an artist so I’m blessed to have this extra push for it.  You can expect some other dope projects with me dropping as well.  Some of the other stuff I won’t give away yet but hopefully you’ll be seeing and hearing a lot of me shortly, Lord willing.