For those in the know, Huntsville, Alabama isn’t a bad place to starting hunting for new music. Their scene is a budding force of 21st century hip hop that is slowly molding a name all its own. Up-and-coming hip hop explosivo’s G-Side are the perfect example of big talent coming from the small town.
Tomorrow, they’ll be releasing their fifth album The Island here in Memphis at the Hi-Tone. Riding the wave of growing success and critical acclaim from their first four efforts, the evening is looking to be a night you won’t want to miss. Local mix-masters Redeye Jedi and Wukasch will be lending DJ support throughout the evening, and G-Side will also be sporting one hell of an explosive opener with Memphis’ own recent break-out act, Cities Aviv. I got the chance to catch up with Cities Aviv and talk about our mutual admiration for some explosive Alabam(ians?).
I’m pretty excited about G-Side coming through—can you tell me the significance of the show and why you set it up for that date?
It was just right; they’ve never been to Memphis before, the date was available for 11/11, they were doing an album release for 11/11. It was just perfect.
I dig their style: overtly personal lyrics over spacey “trippy” beats.
It’s very down to earth music, it’s very hopeful. It’s got this air of…
Subtle optimism?
Yea, exactly, subtle optimism. They’re talking about real shit… They used to work at a gas station. They’re talking about real things people can relate to.
Everyday lyrics.
It’s more than that too, I feel that they’ve created their own lane, their own little niche. These dudes from Huntsville, Alabama started their own label, and now they’re all over the world.
Yeah, and what I like about G-side is that they never shove their uniqueness in your face.
Exactly. It’s never “G-SIDE G-SIDE” overkill. They’re doing their own thing, which is kind of [the idea of] The Island.
Which is a great concept.
I remember reading about this album [The Island], and during production it was the state of mind that G-Side was in. It was their own special place. Their own weird cubby-hole away from everyone else.
The release of this record is set to be something special for sure.
[That] and the fact that it’s 11/11/11, and that only really happens once. It’ll be Memphis’ introduction to G-Side, but also, Memphis’ introduction to G-Side’s new era.
Hearing hot new music from Huntsville’s finest in tandem with the taste of Memphis’ best DJs and mic handling from the Bluff City’s newest rap rockstar is something I’d implore any sane music lover not to miss. Be sure to clear your calender tomorrow evening to make it out to this massive event.
