Daily Inspiration: Meet Gerald Rodriguez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gerald Rodriguez.

Hi Gerald, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started rapping when I was about 12 years old and haven’t stopped since. I got into Hip-Hop because of my cousins who would do freestyle cipher sessions every day. I wanted to be a part of what they were doing so I started practicing. One day I gathered the courage to jump in a cipher with them and it just felt right. I used to record songs on cassette tape through a karaoke machine until I was about 16. My high school technology teacher had a small studio in his home and invited me and my crew 8000 Feet to record some songs. It was the first time we used originally produced beats and recorded in a real studio. We created a demo and used it to start booking gigs. Our first album was titled “The Year of the 8” and was met with lots of praise.

At that time our group had about 8 members and two producers. When you have that many people involved in decision making things can get heated so our group didn’t last long. Eventually, I went on to do a solo project in 2011 called “Versatile” and I was able to work with a slew of great producers. Later that summer I released a Rap/R&B single called “I Want You featuring Json Martin” and was charted in the top 5 songs of the week on 96.1 The Beat for 5 weeks in a row.

From there I continued to put out solo projects until 2020 when I connected with my long-time friend and ex-producer (D.R.K. Beats) of our old group 8000 Feet. We formed a new group called 8Grand and we have successfully released three projects so far with a fourth dropping in the near future. Our projects are titled “The Ocho” volumes 1-3. We also did a collabo album with Quincy Mosby called “The Strange BoomBox”.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a rough road. Along the way I have had my studio equipment stolen, got into altercations with rappers and producers, had marital problems because of music, and even fist fights at concerts.

Through it all I kept pushing through. Music has always been a big part of my life so I will continue to overcome challenges and push through obstacles.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in Hip-Hop music but I am also known for producing, videography, and hosting podcasts and radio shows. I am most proud of my own music projects because I get creative control of everything and I can get things done a lot smoother.

I feel like my music catalog is very vast and eclectic. I am different than most rappers because I can switch up my style to fit any kind of song or music genre. I have a versatile flow that fits pretty much anything I get on.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I like that there is a lot going on with the music scene but as of lately, it is a lot harder for local musicians to get on shows. It seems like famous musicians from other states and countries have more of a chance of working in the city and getting paid.

Also, there are so many people moving to Denver and Colorado Springs that the city is started to become congested.

It makes it hard for a person to get known. With the amount of new music popping up you have to swim against a wave of music to get anywhere.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.g-stylez.bandcamp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gstylez8000/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stylez719
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gstylez719
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/g-stylez
• Other: www.8grand.bandcamp.com