FLYING HIGH WITH G4 MUSIC

Interview by Randall B. Jones – Photos by Dolla Boi of KDL Studio

Is it hot around here…or is it just me? Oh yeah, South Florida just got a little hotter with the arrival of NBA All-Stars Lebron James and Chris Bosh (…please stop the hate people). With D-Wade rounding out the new Miami Heat trio, the spotlight is shining ever so brightly on the Sunshine State right now. And some of that spotlight is going to spill over onto the plethora of talent we have here in the South Florida music scene. We’ve brought you some of the hottest up and coming producers in this state (and out for that matter) over the past few years. Many of whom have gone on to do some big things in the industry. Well, we have found another one to add to the list. The name of the company is G4 Music and the man in charge is Mr. G Smoove. He’s already worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and you’ve probably partied to some of his tracks in the club but didn’t know he produced them. This young man is on a mission to make a name for himself in this hotly contested era of dope producers. He feels that there is enough room for everyone to fit in but he ain’t asking…he’s taking. G Smoove suffered a close personal tragedy which has only strengthened his focus, hunger and desire to become one of the best in the game today. And as you read his interview, you too will believe in his quest to reach the top. All you up and coming artist out there need to read this one if you are looking for someone to provide you with top notch production for your projects. Established artist need to do the same because this dude produces hits! With that said ladies and gent’s, please fasten your seatbelts and get ready to fly high amongst the clouds with Broward County’s own G4 Music!

What’s good G Smoove, how you groove’n today?

(G SMOOVE) - I’m feelin good. Blessed and highly favored thank you.

What part of Broward County are you from?

(G SMOOVE) - I’m originally from Pompano. I reside in Palm Beach for now. My next stop is Miami.

Any special story behind your name (G Smoove) you’d like to share with us?

(G SMOOVE) - No real special story. Growing up, I was always given the “pretty boy” tag. So my Uncle used to call me “G Smoove” (the G coming from my government name of course) and the name has stuck with me.

Why did you choose to become a music producer?

(G SMOOVE) - It was truly a calling. I was in the middle of studying Architecture at FAMU, when my partner at the time (45th) called me to come home to join the movement he had going on down here. It took some deliberation, but let’s just say I was home within a month. He was my best friend and I really looked up to him, so it was nothing for me to drop everything to follow the dream with him.

What’s the best and worst thing about being a producer?

(G SMOOVE) - The best thing about being a producer is simply the ability to touch people with my music. Its crazy how important music is to everyday life and how it can control ones emotions. It’s definitely a gratifying experience to have people move to the beat of your drum.

There is no bad part about being a producer. I would say getting turned down is the worst part, but it’s made me who I am today. I get stronger and hungrier with every rejection. So there is no downside to my job and soon to be career. No negativity over here.

Other than yourself, who would you say is the hottest producer out now and why?

(G SMOOVE) - That’s a tough one…because you’ve got a lot of young dudes in the game killin it, but you’ve also got your vets that are still making noise. As far as newcomers go, Lex Luger’s got it hands down in the rap game this year. He’s revolutionized a sound that everybody’s trying to mimic right now. On the Pop/RnB side you’ve got vets like Dr. Luke, Jim Jonsin, The Runners, and Cool & Dre who are on any and every project moving. There’s too much talent out there to name, but that’s also the glory of this biz. There’s enough for everybody to eat as long as you find your niche.

How did G4 Music get started and why did you pick this name?

(G SMOOVE) - I gave a briefing on how my partner and I started this production team earlier, but how we came up with the name was pretty funny, yet simple. We always talked about Jets and Yachts, and the dream of owning one someday, and our music implemented a lot of Jazz chords (which screams elegance to me). So it was only right that G Smoove + 45th made G4music…named after the private Jet series (G4). Thereafter came a lot of biters, but we all know who really came first.

Briefly, talk to me about your partner 45th who is no longer with us (may he rest in peace). What happened to him and how has his passing affected you personally and/or professionally to date?

(G SMOOVE) - 45th was special. Aside from the fact that we were blood related, he was also my best friend, my business partner, and my mentor. So it took a big toll on me. Ask anybody in Broward and they’ll tell you he was the “realist nigga” on earth. His funeral had about 2000 people there easily. I never saw anything like that on a local scale. You had cliques that had been beefing for years standing right next to each other just to come say their goodbyes. He was like a hood hero in Pompano. I remember sitting in sessions where people were so elated to meet him for the 1st time. And he was just a “regular guy”! He was far from regular though. He was fearless. He was loved and respected by everybody that had the chance to meet him. He touched and inspired so many people to progress in life (including myself). Unfortunately he was murdered in a robbery on October 30th of 2009. As much as it still hurts, it’s made me the strong man I am today. I can’t stress how much he motivates me on a daily basis to make it happen by any means necessary. I know you said briefly, but it’s impossible to sum him up in a few words. RIP my brother. PROGRESS!

That’s no problem man; I see he meant a lot to you so it’s all good. G4 Music has cranked out some tracks for some of the big names in hip hop! Give me the names of some of those artists.

(G SMOOVE) - We’ve worked with a lot of artists in the area and on a national scale. Not all of the records have been placed, but that’s the name of the game. We’ve worked with Trina, Waka Flocka, Brisco, Billy Blue, Ace Hood, Tay Dizm, JW, Triple C’s, Ballgreezy,... the list goes on. Hell, we even had Gucci Mane’s manager calling our phone at one point and he was the hottest rapper of 09’ besides Drake. So it’s really only a matter of time before we get “that one”.

How did you link up with these artists that lead you in turn to working with them?

(G SMOOVE) - Hard work and persistence. Nobody gave us shit. I can’t lie, I’m blessed to have a few loyal friends that put their neck on the line to get me in the room, but that’s not even half the battle. I remember nights where 45th and I would stakeout at this studio we knew Birdman was at just to get a beat cd to him. That’s just 1 of many crazy stories I have. But networking is the key. Talent will only get you so far. You have to be willing to go out there and get it.

Yezzir!! Now, out of those names you gave, who would you say definitely brought the heat in your sessions?

(G SMOOVE) - I love all of the records we’ve produced that have made it out. But I can’t even front, the song that’s made the most noise with no promotion is the Waka Flocka joint we did. And that was just a mixtape song. Check it out; it’s called “Yeen Aint Bout That”. That’s 45th on the hook written by the both of us.

I’ll definitely check that joint out. Who else in the industry are you looking to work with the most?

(G SMOOVE) - If I’m blessed to make it big enough in time, I would love to work with Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Jay Z, and Lil Wayne. I want to be able to put my stamp on the best of the best. It’s not too far fetched though. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.

Do you have any projects that you are working on now that the people can look forward to copping when it drops?

(G SMOOVE) - At the moment, I’m pretty much freelancing. I don’t like to name drop especially if the deal isn’t inked yet, but don’t be surprised if I’m behind your favorite artists’ next hit. I do have some major projects in the works, so keep your ears open.

And if any artists out there looking to work with one of the hottest young producers making moves in the game right now, how can they hit you up?

(G SMOOVE) - I’m not hard to find at all. I’ll respond to any serious inquiry. My contact info is as follows…www.gfourmusic.com , www.twitter.com/G4music , www.myspace.com/gfourmusic and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

What can we expect from G Smoove and G4 Music going into 2011?

(G SMOOVE) - Skies the limit. You can’t really put a timetable on your success in this game, or you will go crazy. But I’ll tell you this; expect to hear the G4 tag everywhere. I’m shooting for a #1 record or even a Grammy. I just pray that 2011 is the year.

It was real cool speaking with you G Smoove, I’m glad we were able to link up. Keep doin’ ya thang cause you are on the right track (no pun intended). Take a moment to drop a few shout outs my man!!

(G SMOOVE) - I gotta thank God, because none of this is possible without him. Everybody else that goes hard for the team knows who they are. My engineer Javier, Tamarah Katrise and the Lubin family, AJ The Rnb General, Patty, my asst. Lydia, Nyce, the list goes on. Free Young $tack$ and RIP Daniel “45th” Lubin Jr. (Takes Deep Breath)