Reading Glasses

With so many one hit wonders controlling the music charts as well as the airwaves, consumers are thirsty for a new sound. I’m claiming the year 2008 as the year of West Coast artist to show everyone how REAL music should have been done. I elect Glasses (G.) Malone for president. G Malone offers a refreshing raspy tone to your eardrums. Hailing from Watts California, Glasses is ready to bring the West Coast back into the lime light. With the love from the streets backing him as well as fans, G Malone is a force to be reckoned with.

With a story similar to that of many growing up in “Urban America”, that includes gang affiliations, and pushing weight, Glasses turned a negative situation into a positive one and acted on a passion for rapping. Coming from the streets gave G Malone that cut throat edge that most lack in the industry. Glasses ignited the mix tape scene with his mix tape “White Lightin” moving 30,000 copies creating an overkill of buzz in the streets and music executives alike.

G Malone’s sound can be described as coming from a regular standpoint and not “extraed out” like your average Joe. Signing with Sony in 2005, Glasses added yet another alias as Mr. $1.7 million, and unexpectedly turned down offers from many Major Labels. In the process of this, G Malone is building his own empire with his Blu Division Label.

Growing up, Glasses was influenced by many genres. Not your typical West Coaster that lists Tupac as his top choice rapper, Malone’s favorites range from West Coast veterans Ice Cube, and Mack 10 , to rock artist Creed, and old school favorite Minnie Rippelton. “This industry lacks a lot of variety, it’s not mental anymore”.

It’s a typical sunny afternoon in Los Angeles, and I’m waiting on a call from Glasses Malone. Once the call is received the surprisingly comedic rapper and I discussed everything from street racing, the state of Hip Hop, and even his aspirations of becoming a rapper turned DJ/ movie director.

His album, “Beach Cruiser,” is slated for an early 2008 release under Universal/Cash Money/Hoo-Bangin’/Blu Division. Receiving more than six spins daily, with his hit single featuring Akon, on Los Angeles’ popular radio station Power 106 FM, Glasses is proving that everything that he touches is “Certified”.

MD: Glasses…Where did that name come from?

Glasses: My neighborhood name was Glasses Loc, and I wore glasses so it just stuck. My OG homie added the Malone too.

MD: Do you feel it is your duty to bring the West Coast back?

Glasses: I mean… I feel The Game brought the West Coast back and continues to keep it going. I’m going to keep it going. This industry lacks a lot of variety, it’s not mental anymore.

MD: What can be expected on the Beach Cruiser album?

Glasses: Its good music and a great album concept. It’s like a movie in a sense, plays, scores, and skits. It’s refreshing. The features fit the story line. It’s a different story. It’s a personal and real stand point, and it’s not extruded out like your average Joe. You know a beach cruiser is a West Coast thing. It represents the West Coast. You know it’s slow and steady; a classic .That’s how I want my music to be….classic.

MD: Who can be expected on the album?

Glasses: Wyclef, Akon, Lupe Fiasco, Tyrese, Mack 10, and Lil’ Wayne…

What are some of the artist that you listen to today? Is Tupac high on your list?

Glasses: Just because I’m from the West Coast doesn’t mean Tupac is my favorite rapper, but “Shed so many tears” was one my favorite song. I like 50 cent, Jay-Z, Ice Cube, Mack 10, Creed, Mini Rippelton, Latoya Williams, and Scarface.

MD: What’s your take on the recent T.I. situation?

Glasses: That’s not a good look and I’m gonna pray for him. T.I.’s a regular dude and you’re gonna be who you are regardless of your money. You are who you are no matter what. A lot of people forget that.

MD: What is your position on the Hip Hop slander with the use of Bitch, Hoe, Ni**a etc..?

Glasses: A lot of these black leaders are House Ni**as. Oprah, Al Sharpton, and Jesse Jackson. You never fight family in front of outsiders. They made a big deal out of nothing. Only God can judge sin. That word is not in the Bible. We flipped everything and make the best of it. We changed the meaning of that word. That’s how we expressed ourselves to each other.

MD: What can you be caught doing outside of music?

Glasses: Street Racing. I’m a street racer. A lot of people don’t know that. It kept me out of a lot of trouble. There will be a DVD coming out about that side of what I do.

Is there anything that you plan on doing outside of music?

Glasses: I want to do some directing. I want to be a rapper turned DJ. I always wanted to DJ. I also want to movie produce.

MD: Do you feel any pressure to be a role model? And what are you doing for the people in your community?

Glasses: Anytime you’re in the public eye you are a role model for the next generation. Do what you want, don’t mind being you. I don’t drink or smoke so that’s a good image to have for the youth. I scored a 1320 on my SAT’s and I want kids to know it’s cool to be smart. I give back by taking 5th graders in Watts to Magic Mountain. I feel that’s the best age to reach them. More people with power need to give back. People doing music now don’t think people understand it’s all fictional.

MD: Finnish this sentence…In the next five years ____________.

Glasses: It will be the year 2012.

MD: (laughing) Come on now, you know what I mean!!

Glasses: I will be on my fourth album and last solo album. And I’m trying to sing like Teddy Pendergrass, Luther and the Commodores… 30 years from now.

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