G-Eazy Reflects on Musical Influences and Personal Memories in UPROXX Interview
In a recent appearance on UPROXX’s Sound Check series, Oakland rapper G-Eazy delved into his musical influences and shared personal anecdotes, providing fans with a deeper understanding of his artistic journey. The session featured a captivating rapid-fire song selection game, where G-Eazy revealed stories that underscore the emotional and cultural significance of the music that shaped him.
Iconic Choices Reflect Personal Ties
The interview began with a challenging decision between hip-hop classics. G-Eazy selected Kid Cudi’s “Day ‘N’ Nite” over T.I.’s “Whatever You Like.” He described Cudi’s track as truly groundbreaking, stating, “Just how iconic that song was and how nothing has sounded like that. Every so often you get an artist or a song that you hear on the radio and it’s like, ‘This sounds like nothing I have ever heard before in my life.’” This acknowledgment highlights Cudi’s influential role in shaping G-Eazy’s musical taste.
As the discussion progressed, the focus shifted to songs that resonate with G-Eazy’s Bay Area roots and experiences at college in New Orleans. Noteworthy mentions included E-40 against Mac Dre, and Juvenile against Lil Wayne. However, the most significant choice arose when G-Eazy was asked to compare Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” and Nas’ “N.Y. State of Mind.” He unequivocally chose Nas, expressing the profound impact of Nas’ album, Illmatic, on his perception of New York City and hip-hop culture. G-Eazy reflected, “The impact of Illmatic and now I’m living in New York, that song just paints such a vivid picture of the city."
Memorable Encounters and Emotional Connections
The conversation also touched on memorable experiences, including a poignant exchange G-Eazy had with Drake following the release of “God’s Plan.” G-Eazy recounted the moment, saying, “I was riding with my best homie in the whip back from Orange County. [‘God’s Plan’] had just come out and we played it in the car like 10 times. I hit Drake immediately like, ‘This is the one.’ He hit me right back like, ‘Thank you so much, brother.’” This shared enthusiasm highlights the camaraderie that exists within the hip-hop community, especially among leading artists.
In a particularly heartfelt moment, G-Eazy confronted a more personal choice between his own songs “Everything Will Be OK” and “Opportunity Cost.” He opted for the latter due to a voice message from his mother that concludes the track. G-Eazy recounted the significance of that voicemail, saying, “I’m so happy that I didn’t pick up the phone that day because I got that voicemail. I called her because I was on my way to RCA to sign my deal, and she didn’t answer. By the time she called back, I was in the room doing it, so she left me that voicemail.” The tender memory of his late mother, who passed away in 2021, inspired a wave of emotion as he reflected on her influence in his life and music.
G-Eazy shared noteworthy feelings about his mother, stating, “She was a beautiful, brilliant person and she definitely had a way with language and communication." This personal connection illustrates how deeply intertwined G-Eazy’s life experiences are with his music, showcasing the power of storytelling and memory in hip-hop.
Conclusion: The Power of Music and Memory
Overall, G-Eazy’s candid discussions during the UPROXX interview offered fans a glimpse into not only his artistic influences but also the emotional weight of personal memories that inform his music. By exploring the crossroads of musical choice and personal history, G-Eazy provides insights that resonate well beyond the typical artist interview, reflecting the broader human experience and the significance of artistic expression.
For fans interested in exploring G-Eazy’s work further, his music is available on all major streaming platforms, and specific tracks mentioned in the interview can be enjoyed as a testament to his journey and influences in the industry. As G-Eazy navigates his career, it is evident that both his musical choices and personal stories will continue to shape his artistic legacy in profound ways.
