GMO: First, can you start off telling a little about yourself?
G.L.C.: I’m from the Southside of Chicago, 87th street. It was very notorious when I was growing up over there. I was in one gang all throughout high school. I lost my dad at eight months, and my mom at the age of 12. Also, I found out I had diabetes at the age of 14. I’ve drawn inspiration from my music career world tours. I’m working on my album, I’m very happy, and always trying to be positive.
GMO: When did you start rapping?
G.L.C.: When I was a kid, my brothers and sister would have rap records and listen to them all the time. When they would listen to them, I started trying to learn how to rap. I was amazed at how people [artists] lived in a good life. I knew I didn’t want to work a 9-5 job every day. I like to have control of my destiny, future, and its outcome. If you have a plan, I don’t see how you can fail.
GMO: Where did you get your name G.L.C. from?
G.L.C.: I got my name from growing up in a mob. They use to call me Gangsta L because my name is Leonard. But the L stands for legendary. And crisis comes from my life situation.
GMO: How did you hook up with Kanye West?
G.L.C.: I met Kanye West through a mutual friend. I would make beats, and he (Kanye) would come up with the raps. We came up with a group first called “Outfit,” then we were called “Go Getters.” Kanye began to explore in New York, he had his beats, raps, and got himself a deal. While he was in New York, I was constantly sending him records every week. I quit hustling’, quit my job, and was dedicated to my rapping. I got a chance to shine on his album.
GMO: Were there any artists who influenced you?
G.L.C.: I loved Scarface, UGK, OutKast, Tupac and Biggie of course. Mystikal and Nas when he was in his prime. These were rappers I believed in. Also, I really like my friend Kanye.
GMO: Besides Kanye West, have you worked with any other artists?
G.L.C: I have been on tours with artists such as John Legend, Usher, Fantasia, and Christina Milian. I dreamed of being on stage at the United Center, and three years later, I was on the stage doing world tours.
GMO: How do you feel about your upcoming album Love, Life, and Loyalty?
G.L.C.: Those are three principles I lived by growing up. Those are principles the world is missing. People are killing others, not showing love to others, and people need to find a commitment, which is love for life. The album tells stories of all three things about life, love, loyalty for women, material things, or whatever. All of my beats come from up and coming producers out of Chicago. It’s a lot of talent in Chicago, and I want to help them get money.
GMO: Can you name any features on the album?
G.L.C: Of course I have Kanye West. I have T-Pain, Bun B, Rich Boy, John Legend, Shawnna from DTP, and many more. The album was supposed to drop in August, but I’m waiting to sign a deal. There’s an offer on the table right now, but they’re waiting on me.
GMO: What do you have planned for the remainder of this year?
G.L.C.: I’m talking with networks about getting a cartoon about the urban community growing up in Chicago. It will kind of be like “South Park” but the urban way. Spring of 2010 I will be getting my t-shirt line. Everything is coming together right now.
GMO: How can your fans reach you?
G.L.C.: Twitter page is GLTheGreat, MySpace page is MrGLC87, and my blog site is www.glcitymusic.com.