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G-Eazy

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Not to be confused with Jeezy.

G-Eazy
G-Eazy in 2023
G-Eazy in 2023
Background information
Birth nameGerald Earl Gillum
Born (1989-05-24) May 24, 1989 (age 35)[1]
Oakland, California, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • actor
DiscographyG-Eazy discography
Years active2006–present
Labels
Websiteg-eazy.com

Gerald Earl Gillum (born May 24, 1989), better known by his stage name G-Eazy, is an American rapper, record producer and actor. Based in Oakland, California, he began his career in 2006 and released two independent studio albums until signing with RCA Records to release his third album and major label debut, These Things Happen (2014). It peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and spawned the single "I Mean It" (featuring Remo), which received triple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

His fourth album, When It's Dark Out (2015), was met with similar commercial success and spawned the single "Me, Myself & I" (with Bebe Rexha), which peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. His fifth album, The Beautiful & Damned (2017), saw continued success and matched These Things Happen on the Billboard 200. It was led by the single "No Limit" (featuring Cardi B and ASAP Rocky), which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his highest-charting song. His sixth album, These Things Happen Too (2021), was met with a commercial decline, peaking at number 19 on the Billboard 200. His seventh album, Freak Show (2024), failed to chart in any known territory.

Early life

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Gerald Earl Gillum was born on May 24, 1989, the eldest of two sons of Edward Gillum, an art professor at California State University, Fresno,[2] and Suzanne Olmsted, an artist and professor. He is named after his maternal grandfather. He has a younger brother, James (born 1992) who is also a musician.

When Gillum was in first grade, his mother left his father, and Gillum then moved in with his grandparents in Berkeley, California, where he attended Berkeley High School. They later moved to North Oakland, although Gillum continued to attend school in Berkeley. Gillum attended Loyola University New Orleans, where he graduated with a BA in music industry studies in 2011.[3]

Career

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2008–14: Career beginnings

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Starting out as a record producer, G-Eazy began working on singles while he was still a student at the Loyola University at New Orleans with his producer Christoph Andersson who also was a student there.[4][5] He gained some recognition for being a part of the new hip-hop scene back in the East Bay Area, joining with such artists as Lil B, Crohn and The Cataracs.[6][7] He became a member of a local hip-hop group called "The Bay Boyz", who had released several songs on their Myspace page.[8]

In 2008, he was performing at a college talent show and was nearly booed off, when Matt Bauerschmidt noticed him and signed him as a client to his new music management company The Revels Group that he started with Matt Davis.[9]

In 2010, G-Eazy was given an opportunity to open for some well-known artists, most notably Lil Wayne[10] and Snoop Dogg.[11][12][13]

G-Eazy's mixtapes at this period of time were met with limited success. In August 2011, he released The Endless Summer, with an updated version of the 1961 hit song "Runaround Sue", which garnered over four million views via YouTube. The music video was directed by Tyler Yee. The mixtape features guest appearances from Greg Banks, Erika Flowers and Devon Baldwin.[14] In November 2011, Gillum embarked on a nationwide tour with Shwayze.[15] "My Life Is a Party" was featured in the game Saints Row: The Third on an in-game radio station.[16]

G-Eazy performing in 2013

On June 16, 2012, G-Eazy performed all United States dates on the annual Vans Warped Tour.[17][18] On July 25, 2012, the Excellent Adventure Tour was announced, which featured Hoodie Allen and G-Eazy. The two performed in cities across the U.S., including Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Columbus, Des Moines, New Orleans, Atlanta, Austin, and Philadelphia.[19] On September 26, 2012, G-Eazy released his first full-length album, Must Be Nice. The album, which was completely independent of a label, landed at number 3 on the iTunes Hip-Hop Chart.[20] On July 9, 2013, G-Eazy, alongside 2 Chainz, opened for Lil Wayne's "America's Most Wanted Tour".[21] On December 15, 2013, G-Eazy and Master Chen B performed "Lotta That" from These Things Happen in New York City. On January 15, 2014, G-Eazy announced his "These Things Happen Tour" with Rockie Fresh, KYLE, and Tory Lanez accompanying him. The tour ran for 40 stops throughout the United States and Canada from February until April 2014.[22]

2014–16: These Things Happen and When It's Dark Out

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G-Eazy at Lollapalooza in 2015

On June 23, 2014, G-Eazy released his major-label debut album, These Things Happen. The album topped the U.S. Billboard's Hip-Hop/R&B and Top Rap Albums charts, also earning him the number 3 spot on the US Billboard 200 and the Top Digital Albums Chart. The album has sold nearly 265,000 copies to date.[23] On October 21, 2014, Gillum embarked on his sold-out "From the Bay to the Universe" tour.[24] The tour traveled across the globe to countries like Australia and New Zealand. This was his first headlining tour overseas.

During the summer of 2015, G-Eazy played some of the main stages at a series of notable music festivals, including Lollapalooza, Electric Forest, Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, Made in America, and Austin City Limits. With the rise of his music career, Gillum has also taken up in interest in fashion by releasing a collaboration with Rare Panther in the fall of 2015 and being named GQ Magazine's top 10 most stylish at New York Fashion Week.[25] Gillum's second album, When It's Dark Out, was released on December 4, 2015.[26] On January 6, 2016, G-Eazy launched his second world tour. The tour saw G-Eazy tour the United States, Europe, and Australia.[27] His single "Me, Myself & I", in collaboration with Bebe Rexha, peaked at number 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.[28]

He co-headlined the Endless Summer tour with American rapper Logic, along with YG and Yo Gotti as supporting acts, from June to August. Before the tour, he announced his new mixtape, Endless Summer II. He cancelled the tape due to problems with sample clearance.[29] In May 2016, G-Eazy confirmed that he would be featured on Britney Spears' single "Make Me...".[30] The single was released on July 15, 2016, and serves as the lead single from Spears' ninth studio album.[31]

G-Eazy performed "Make Me..." and "Me, Myself & I" with Spears at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards and the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Festival.[32]

2017–18: Step Brothers and The Beautiful & Damned

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Gillum released an EP with Guatemalan DJ Carnage called Step Brothers on March 27, 2017.[33] G-Eazy released his new single, a collaboration with American singer Kehlani called "Good Life", which is a part of the eighth installment of the film franchise Fast & Furious, titled The Fate of the Furious. He was also featured in the new Dillon Francis single titled "Say Less".[34]

On June 14, 2017, G-Eazy announced through Instagram and Twitter that his next studio album, The Beautiful & Damned, would be released in the fall of 2017.[35] On November 8, 2017, the official release day was announced as December 15, as well as an accompanying short film.[36]

On December 5, 2017, G-Eazy released his second single from The Beautiful & Damned titled "Him & I" with Halsey, with whom he was in a relationship. They performed the song together on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve of 2017.[37] On February 27, 2019, G-Eazy released the single, "West Coast", featuring Blueface and released the video on March 28, 2019, adding ALLBLACK and YG.

2019–21: Acting debut, B-Sides, Scary Nights, Everything's Strange Here and These Things Happen Too

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G-Eazy performing at Openair Frauenfeld in 2019

G-Eazy released an EP B-Sides on June 25, 2019, which contained the songs that wouldn't make it onto his then-upcoming album. The EP spawned the song "Bang" with American rapper Tyga. He later re-released the EP on August 22 and September 19 with additional tracks.[38]

He made his acting debut with crime-comedy movie Hustlers, where he played Johnny, released in September 13, 2019.[citation needed]

Gillum released the single "I Wanna Rock", featuring American rapper Gunna, as the lead single of his EP Scary Nights, on October 16.[39] The EP was released on October 18.[40]

In March 2020, G-Eazy announced a new project featuring an indie rock sound titled Everything's Strange Here.[41] The album was officially released on June 26, 2020.[42]

G-Eazy released his long anticipated fourth studio album These Things Happen Too on September 24, 2021. It was supported by the singles "Running Wild (Tumblr Girls 2)" featuring Kossisko, and "Breakdown" featuring Demi Lovato in the weeks leading up to the release date.

2022–present: Hiatus and Freak Show

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In April 2022, G-Eazy released the song "Angel" which is a tribute to his mother who died in November 2021.[43]

In March 2023, he released "Tulips and Roses", which is his comeback single after a year of hiatus.[44] G-Eazy appeared in a few interviews over summer 2023 to confirm that his next album will be coming soon.[45]

On April 4, 2024, he released "Femme Fatale" featuring Coi Leray and Kaliii as the lead single to his upcoming seventh studio album Freak Show.[46] On June 6, 2024, he released "Anxiety" as the second single from the album. The album Freak Show was released June 21, 2024.

Philanthropy

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In 2018, G-Eazy headlined a concert for Bay Area fire relief that raised $15 million, pulled out of H&M sponsorship deal after blowback about a sweatshirt advertisement that some considered to be racist, performed at an Everytown fundraiser on the eve of March For Our Lives, and used his platform to speak out against gun violence.[47][48][49] Also that year, G-Eazy launched the Endless Summer Fund, which is a non-profit dedicated to helping young people reach their full potential and strengthening the Bay Area community.[50]

In 2022, G-Eazy joined the ownership group of Purpose-driven, professional soccer team Oakland Roots.[51]

Personal life

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From 2017 to 2018, G-Eazy was in a highly publicized relationship with singer Halsey.[52][53] From 2020 to 2021, G-Eazy was in a relationship with actress Ashley Benson.[54]

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On May 2, 2018, Gillum was arrested in Stockholm, Sweden on suspicion of assault and possession and use of drugs after he allegedly punched a security guard and was found to have cocaine in his pocket.[55] Gillum pleaded guilty to violent resistance, drug possession, and assault against an official in court on May 4. He was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay a fine of $10,000 and a $900 compensation fee to the security guard he assaulted.[56][57]

On September 13, 2021, he was arrested and charged with assault in New York City.[58] It was reported that he assaulted two men at the Boom Boom Room at the Standard.[59]

Discography

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Main article: G-Eazy discography

Filmography

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Year Film Role Notes Ref
2019 Hustlers Johnny Movie
2022 Take Me to the River: New Orleans Himself Documentary
We Were Hyphy Himself Documentary
2023 Alone at Night Tom Montana Movie
All Souls Silas Antagonist

Awards

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MTV Europe Music Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2016 G-Eazy Best Hip-Hop Artist Nominated

iHeartRadio Titanium Award

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iHeartRadio Titanium Awards are awarded to an artist when their song reaches 1 Billion Spins across iHeartRadio Stations.

Year Nominee/Work Result
2018 "Him & I" (with Halsey) 1 Billion Total Audience Spins on iHeartRadio Stations Won

People's Choice Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2017 G-Eazy Favorite Hip-Hop Artist[60] Won

References

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  1. ^ "G-Eazy news: Rapper's new album 'The Beautiful & Damned' to come out on Dec. 15". November 16, 2017. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  2. ^ "Ed Gillum, Professor". Fresnostate.edu. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  3. ^ "G-Eazy Biography". July 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  4. ^ Samuels, Diana. "Sir Remix-a-lot - A Loyola student discovers you don't need a recording contract to make money making music", The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana, September 29, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2011. (Also reprinted as a blog post titled "A Loyola student learns you don't need a recording contract to make money making music" Archived July 2, 2015, at the Wayback Machine on September 29, 2008.)
  5. ^ "On the Trail with Christoph Andersson". On the Trail. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  6. ^ Hildebrand, Lee. Hip hopper G-Eazy on the brink, San Francisco Chronicle, November 19, 2014.
  7. ^ "A Berkeley High star-turned-rapper takes tumble". Berkelyside News. November 21, 2011. Retrieved December 16, 2011.
  8. ^ "Cornell University spotlight". Cornell University. 2009. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  9. ^ Payne, Ogden. "How The Revels Group Turned One Rap Client Into A Multifaceted Entertainment Company". Forbes. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  10. ^ Swan, Rachel (January 12, 2011). "The G-Eazy Life | Music | Oakland, Berkeley & the Bay Area". Eastbayexpress.com. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  11. ^ Brooklyn Projects. "Interview: G-Eazy". Brooklynprojects.com. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  12. ^ Savage, Emily. "Localized Appreesh: G-Eazy" San Francisco Bay Guardian, November 22, 2011. Retrieved December 16, 2011.
  13. ^ "TUCP Spring Concert". Tulane University Campus Programming. March 15, 2011. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  14. ^ "The Endless Summer (Free Album)". G-Eazy.com. August 12, 2011. Archived from the original on January 11, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  15. ^ Dirty Laces (November 2011). "Shwayze tour dates". Songkick.com. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  16. ^ "Saints Row: The Third Soundtrack - 95.4 KRhyme FM". December 6, 2011. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  17. ^ "Warped tour dates". Vans Warped Tour. June 16, 2012. Archived from the original on July 25, 2012. Retrieved July 27, 2012.
  18. ^ "Vans Warped Tour 2012 announce stage lineups". Alternative Press. March 19, 2012. Archived from the original on December 18, 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  19. ^ "Hoodie Allen + G-Eazy Excellent Adventure Tour Dates + "Plastic Dreams" (feat. Johanna Fay) | Tour Dates + New Song | this song is sick". this song is sick. Archived from the original on December 12, 2015. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  20. ^ "Must Be Nice, by G-EAZY". G-EAZY. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  21. ^ Zerbib, Kathy. "'America's Most Wanted' Tour Ends On High Note In Irvine". Archived from the original on October 10, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  22. ^ "G-Eazy Announces "These Things Happen" Tour With Rockie Fresh". Hotnewhiphop.com. January 15, 2014. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
  23. ^ "G-Eazy | ACL Music Festival". Aclfestival.com. Archived from the original on January 11, 2016. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
  24. ^ "G-Eazy | Videos | Photos | Editorial". baeblemusic.com. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
  25. ^ Sebra, Matthew (September 15, 2014). "The 10 Best-Dressed Men at New York Fashion Week". Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  26. ^ "G-Eazy Details The Creation Of His Sophomore Album. [New Video]". HNHH. September 29, 2015. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  27. ^ "G-Eazy Tour". G-Eazy Official Website. Archived from the original on February 25, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  28. ^ Trust, Gary (March 28, 2016). "Rihanna's 'Work' Leads Hot 100 for Sixth Week, Meghan Trainor's 'No' Hits Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  29. ^ [1] [dead link]
  30. ^ "Britney Spears' New Single Will Feature G-Eazy - Idolator". Idolator.com. May 25, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
  31. ^ "Britney Spears' "Make Me" Receiving Hourly Airplay On July 15; Officially Impacts July 19". Headlineplanet.com. July 14, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
  32. ^ Make Me... / Me, Myself & I ft. G-Eazy (Live from the 2016 MTV VMAs), August 28, 2016, retrieved May 18, 2023
  33. ^ "Wall". M.vk.com. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
  34. ^ "Wall". Instagram.com. Retrieved December 15, 2017. Non-loginwalled link at bibliogram.pussthecat.org[permanent dead link]
  35. ^ Lamarre, Carl (June 14, 2017). "G-Eazy New Album: Rapper Reveals 'The Beautiful & Damned' Title". Billboard. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
  36. ^ "G-Eazy Reveals 'The Beautiful & Damned' Release Date, Film Trailer". Rap-Up. November 8, 2017. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  37. ^ "A Timeline of Halsey & G-Eazy's Relationship". Billboard.
  38. ^ Saponara, Michael (June 25, 2019). "G-Eazy Releases Three-Track 'B-Sides' EP Featuring Tyga". Billboard. Retrieved October 19, 2019.
  39. ^ Reda, Natasha (October 17, 2019). "G-Eazy Shades Relationship With Ex Halsey on New Track 'I Wanna Rock'". PopCrush. Retrieved October 19, 2019.
  40. ^ Espinoza, Joshua (October 17, 2019). "G-Eazy Releases 'Scary Nights' EP f/ French Montana, Gunna, and More". Complex. Retrieved October 19, 2019.
  41. ^ "G-Eazy announces new project 'Everything's Strange Here'". NME. May 25, 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  42. ^ Mousdell, Daniel (November 21, 2020). "G-Eazy Confirms Lil Wayne Will Be Featured On His "These Things Happen Too" Album". Lil Wayne HQ. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
  43. ^ Larisha, Paul (April 15, 2023). "G-Eazy Rides the Waves of Grief on New Song 'Angel,' a Tribute to His Late Mother". Rolling Stone.
  44. ^ Emily, Zemler (March 30, 2023). "G-Eazy Reflects on His Career on Honest New Single 'Tulips & Roses'". Rolling Stone.
  45. ^ Bernadette, Giacomazzo (July 15, 2023). "G-Eazy Says He Wants To 'Reclaim' His Spot At The Top Of Rap: 'My Intentions Are Clear'". HipHopDX.
  46. ^ "G-Eazy Ushers In New Creative Era". RCARecords.
  47. ^ "Metallica, Dave Matthews and G-Eazy 'Band Together' to Raise $15M for North Bay Wildfire Relief". Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  48. ^ "G-Eazy Ends H&M Partnership Over 'Disturbing,' 'Racially Insensitive' Ad [not philanthropy]". Rolling Stone. January 10, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  49. ^ "Fall Out Boy, G-Eazy, More to Headline Anti-Gun Violence Concert". March 12, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  50. ^ "G-Eazy Launches Endless Summer Fund, Hosts Inaugural Event in San Francisco: 'The Bay Area Raised Me'". Billboard. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  51. ^ "Oakland Raised Hip Hop Superstar G-Eazy joins Oakland Roots Ownership Group".
  52. ^ Whittum, Connor (July 6, 2018). "A Timeline of Halsey & G-Eazy's Relationship". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  53. ^ "How G-Eazy Really Feels About Ex-Girlfriend Halsey's Pregnancy". E! Online. January 29, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  54. ^ Chiu, Melody (February 9, 2021). "Ashley Benson and G-Eazy Split After Less Than a Year of Dating". People. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  55. ^ "G-Eazy Arrested For Assault & Possession of Cocaine: Report". www.billboard.com. May 3, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  56. ^ "G-Eazy Pleads Guilty to Assault, Drug Possession in Sweden: Report | Pitchfork". pitchfork.com. May 4, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  57. ^ "G-Eazy Pleads Guilty to Assault and Drug Possession After Arrest". E! Online. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  58. ^ Ryu, Jenna (September 15, 2021). "Rapper G-Eazy arrested, charged with assault after alleged altercation in New York". USA Today. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  59. ^ Tracy, Thomas (September 14, 2021). "Rapper G-Eazy arrested for assaulting two men during quarrel over VIP room at posh Manhattan night spot". New York Daily News. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  60. ^ "People's Choice Awards: Fan Favorites in Movies, Music & TV - PeoplesChoice.com". Peopleschoice.com. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
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