"My main goal is for my music to outlive my physical,” proclaims Los Angeles Rap mainstay G Perico. While the veteran artist plans to be here for a long time, he makes his art and influence to be everlasting. “I aspire to be in museums, documentaries, and conversations for years to come,” he says. “I want to influence a generation or a genre within the culture.” In recent years, G Perico rebranded himself as an independent powerhouse after years in the old-guard music industry. He continues to build on that foundation through an onslaught of releases on his EMPIRE-distributed Innerprize label and top clothing brand, Blue T-Shirt.
Long before his latest album, G Perico represented South Central. His music drips with an authenticity reflective of LA’s gangland. “For most of my life, I met adversity with force,” he shares, building a reputation as someone who refused to back down. That attitude came with consequences—surviving shootings and jail stints. “I’ve realized that I’m not gonna get to $100 million meeting with people with force,” he reflects. “I’m going to a whole other place in the world.” In addition to his music career, Perico has invested in real estate and focused on philanthropy. “I spent a lot of money on my hood trying to do something great for the area.” Efforts include the Broadway boxing gym he owns with label-mate D Smoke and G’s 108th Building, which will house a Boys & Girls Club, coffee shop, and more. “The city is behind us,” reveals one of the area’s leaders, whose life shows growth and change.
HOT SHOT 2 follows 2023’s 7 FIGURES LATER and LA SUMMERS3. The artist who independently released 15 albums has enhanced his product. “I got a few new rhyme patterns and tones,” he admits, seamlessly switching from smooth to aggressive. “It all sounds good and in-pocket.” That music connected on the road, as Perico nearly sold out every stop of his Hot Shot Tour. He says, “I legit got lines around the block that know the lyrics word for word.