The world of Latin rap is by far the quickest growing segment of the music industry today. With more and more radio stations offering air play and even market specific time slots and shows, it'll be just a matter of time before Latin rap plays a major role in the billion dollar music industry.
Gemini is one of those artists who best exemplify the talent found within the small but strong musical segment, and during his recent visit to L.A. (to film a video with Papa Reu) we had a chance to catch up with the Dallas, Texas, native. You see, Gemini is one of the few rap artists who'll be the first to admit that he's not a gangster, but when it comes to his flow, he's a lyrical assassin that'll compete, if not crush, some of the bigger names.
But Gemini's style goes beyond his smooth flow. With so many rap artists flaunting only one style and rapping only about bling and b*tches, Gemini breathes life as the content of his raps are broad and deep. While he does have his fair share of bling-derived tracks, he also has a deep content-driven well, dealing with the trials, tribulation and reality of daily life.
With a guest cameo in the upcoming MTV film called Rumble with Ciara, Gemini has his hands everywhere. His career is on the fast track forward so if you're smart you'll polish up on your knowledge of the game to prevent getting stuck in the mustard trying to catch up with the next big thing to come out of Texas.
How do you connect best with your audience and what do you think separates you from other rappers?
I like to shoot towards life. The bling-bling and the rims is cool and I might mention it here and there, but before all of this I was broke and just trying to get it. That's why I talk about the pain and the struggle because people can relate to it. I'm trying to touch everybody and the best way to do it is with life. Everybody knows or has gone through the struggles; not everybody rides hard and is into cars. That's why I'm on that life tip.
What relevancy do you feel that lowriding has to Hispanic culture and rap?
It's important especially for me. It's a part of how I grew up and a lot of my tios used to ride and until today a lot of the homies still do it big with their lowriders. It's a big part of the community that you can't forget. But it goes beyond even the Hispanics; lowriding is big worldwide and we should be proud of that.
My first car was an '81 Cutlass Supreme that I bought for $600. Man, it was busted. The headliner was hanging and it was a wreck.
Would you ever get another one?
Most definitely. If I free up some time, I'll go pick one up and restore it. I'll trick it out, redo the interior and have it out in no time.
Considering that you're from down South, would you roll with the 22s or the 13s on your Cutlass?
I'd have to roll with the 13s and keep it true. I've seen the 22s on the classics and all, but I need to ride with the small wheels. It's really about personal preference. It's just like booty, some like big booty and others like small booty.
Check out Gemini's web site at www.24skorpionz.com and myspace/therealgem.