Upcoming 100: How long have you been in the music industry and has music always been a part of your life?
Officially GP: I began delving into music heavily in 2014.
Upcoming 100: Was there a specific momen in your life where you thoght, "music is what I want to do"?
Officially GP: Music has always served a special place in my life. M desire was for my own music to deliver a message.
Upcoming 100: What inspires you (or your music)?
Officially GP: Growing up, I was influenced by both local artists I was surrounded by as well as industry legends such as Tupac. Tupac stands out to me in particular as I felt he really understood my struggles and appreciated hid msic for getting me through everyday life.
Upcoming 100: Who's on your iTunes playlist?
Officially GP: My iTunes playlists are Kendrick Lamar, Yowda Teezy Juugah and J Cole.
Upcoming 100: The project you are currently promoting, how did the idea for it come about?
Officially GP: My latest project, a mixtape entitled 2035 is part of a series that chronicles the my seven years behind bars, a project called Life After 7. The tape's title, 2035, is a nod to te amount of days I spent in prison which led to self-reflection and hours and hours of writing. With thousands of pages full of rhymes, lyricism was my escape from years in isolation. When you're sitting behind bars, your mind is more open. You are more in tune with yourself, you get in your zone.
Upcoming 100: There are thousands of artists trying to do what you are doing, what do you think gives you an advantage to break into mainstream America?
Officially GP: I pull no punches in thought-provoking and smart lyrics. Unafraid of saying what's on my mind and speaking my truth, I am ready to leave it all out on the table My motivation is bigger than myseld, and my talent is at the heart of my message. I want to be in the position where when I speak, millions listen. Being able to leave a message behind where if something were to happen to me and all that was left was my music, people could listen and it could affect their lives.
Upcoming 100: I've heard your latest music and nt's amazing! I can definitely tell your sound has evolved over the past few years from previous songs we've heard from you online. What are your thoughts on the evolution of an artist and the evolution of music today?
Officially GP: I think hip hop has evolved in such a great manner - the wordplay is out of this world and these young boys be whipping up them hot beats With social media and streaming, hip hop has become vast.
Upcoming 100: Do you have other passions in life? Do you believe passion is an essential part of success?
Officially GP: My other passion besides hip hop is fashion and real estate.
Upcoming 100: With your current success and working with a renowned PR firm such as Starlight PR, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in his or her career who doesn't even have a studio to record but would love to do what you are doing now?
Officially GP: Keep it real.
Upcoming 100: Where can potential fans find out more about you?
Officially GP: Twitter: https://twitter.com/GpOfficially
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officiallygp/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/officiallygp
