G.T. Garza hails from a city that has produced some of hip-hops brightest stars, and is quickly gaining a name for himself as possibly Houston’s next breakthrough artist. Born in San Diego, California he moved to Houston at the age of five. At the age of 14 as a freshman in high school, he was inspired to stop listening to hip-hop and start creating it. Garza began to develop his own style and broke ground battle rapping in various Bars and Clubs. Once he perfected his style, he took his chances at the 2002 Import Expo.Garza caught the eye of Universal artist Rob G and was recruited to G Style Entertainment. He was also recognized by the Houston radio group “The Choppaholix," who then recruited him to represent the new era of hip-hop in Texas. With names such as "The Phenom," “The One Man Army," and "The Future," this young star is rapidly on the rise. His unmistakable flow and style even landed him a spot on an exclusive H-Town Remix of Ashanti's "Still on It" alongside Paul Wall, and the remix to Chris Brown's "Run It" which both hit heavy rotation on FM dials throughout the southwestern and western parts of the United States.
With many victories under his belt, including "Road to the Apollo" sponsored by Footaction and Adidas, as well as "The Sunkist Sound Lab" sponsored by Sunkist. Garza is no stranger to the grind. With his hard work and dedication he has made his name well known in the Houston area by appearing on shows, such as the Choppaholix XM radio show, Texas FM radio shows and many mixtape features. His first major mixtape release "Maverick Music" earned him the respect of his peers and his fans.
Working under his own independent label, The Machine, Garza is constantly grinding his gears trying to make the transition from underground to mainstream. He has been offered several deals by record labels in Houston but has turned them down in hope of something more. His ultimate goal is to be wearing a Houston T-shirt while accepting a Grammy. With his incomparably unique style and hard work ethic, if anyone has a shot at doing so, it’s Garza. If you see him out somewhere, he will undoubtedly have his headphones on listening to new beats while penciling down lyrics. With 11 mixtapes under his belt and more than 50 features, he knows what needs to be done to reach his goals. In the interview that follows we discuss GT's career, musical tastes, and more.
As a Latino rapper have you felt any pressures from in your community as far as your career choice?
Definitely. I haven't heard too many Latino Emcees, & the ones I have heard over the years got slept on, or just didn't get it popping. My family supports me, but they don't really understand the mechanics of the industry. I know at times it can be frustrating for them, as well as for me.
Right now I feel like it's a wide open lane, for a Latino artist to come in & represent his people & our story. To let the world know another side of life from a Latin perspective. It's tough when people of your color or nationality have no one to look up to or represent them, & I intend to do just that.
They probably do, but there's nobody to fill those shoes at the moment in my eyes. I've heard tons of Emcees from around the country that's dope, but they just haven't been heard. Maybe they just haven't had the right team behind them, or an image issue, etc... At the moment if Latino Hip-Hop fans had more artists to support, listen to, & watch on TV they would. Pitbull is a good example of that, he dominated this year. As a Hip-Hop Head or a Southern Emcee folks like myself want to hear that street shit, or some feel good Southern Music, nahmean?
What's GT stand for?
GT stands for my government name which is Spanish, Genaro Tomas. It was my Grandfathers' name, & my Pops passed it down to me. Teachers in school never could pronounce it properly so that's how the nickname came about.
What's the signifigance of 52 Pick Up?
52 Pick Up was actually just a flow I did on a Lil Wayne beat. I didn't know it was going to have the impact it did on my career. I've always rapped over other peoples beats to get a name or a buzz, but none of them ever picked up like this one. It's like the joint just stuck and people got attached to it. It was really a blessing to have folks relate to that track and make it as big as they did. We made shirts for it as soon as it hit 200k views, just to show the fans we appreciate the love and support.
UGK or Geto Boys?
I like them both, but I'ma go with U.G.K., Pimp C was & is the truth. His hooks, his beats, his I Don't Give a Fuck attitude, I loved it.
What's in your mp3 player that might surprise people?
Gnarls Barkley, them boys be jamming. Collie Budds old stuff, I don't know for some reason that shit is tight to me.
Do you think Houston artists are stereotyped by the national Hip-Hop media? Are people ever surprised by your lyricism?
I've always thought H-Town artists are stereotyped as all sounding the same. Maybe the mediathey've only heard a few of us. I don't think people are surprised by my lyricism, but I think they can appreciate someone working on their craft. There's tons of dope artists in the South. When I was growing up, it always felt like if you didn't rap about slabs or H-Town shit you were automatically considered an East Coast wannabe. I don't agree with that at all. I'm from the South, and I love it, I rep that shit! I got love for all coasts though, and I don't consider myself anything other than a lyricist.
Would you want a hologram of you to perform after you die?
I don't know, it depends on where the proceeds are going. If my family was involved then yes. If it's just for some entertainment purposes that don't reach back to the people, then Hell nah. Let me sleep in peace.
What's one subject that needs to be discussed in rap more?
I can't really say which subject, it may be a few. It depends on the listener. Some people might just want to dance & don't want to hear no preaching or positive messages. The "What you trying to kick knowledge" folks, then you got those who jam music because it get's them through the day. It just means more to them. Music can get you in & out, over & through a situation. That song might have helped that person become who they always wanted to be. You might fulfill someone's dream, or say something they can relate to & guide them in the right direction. That's the dopeness of music.
Tell us about your latest project?
Tell us about your latest project?
The new CD is called Batteries Not Included 2, & it's hosted by Don Cannon. I started it early this year, when I moved into my new studio.I didn't over record or over think things, I wanted to create unforced music.
What're the best places online for your fans to interact w/ you & find your music?
Follow @ITZGARZA
EMAIL @ GT.GARZA@GMAIL.COM
