Meet Gerardo Rodriguez

What’s your name and where are you from? Gerardo Rodriguez originally from Waterbury, Connecticut and moved to Virginia for middle and high school, joined the military, and now residing in Houston, Texas.

Why do you love what you do? Music is my passion, no matter what I do in life, music is fuel to my soul. Growing up I played a lot of instruments. I was even in a salsa band with my uncle and cousins. As years went on we started rapping, and getting more into hiphop. My older cousin Micario which I have just recently released some music with is the first contributor for me getting into the hiphop scene.

What makes you different?

What makes me different is that I have a lifetime of experience and still managed to witness myself survive the streets, survive the war across seas, and survive everyday the war within me. I was only supposed to be a statistic and be behind someone’s jail. But somewhere God knew what he was doing and lead me away just in time before I got to caught up in the life. At 17, before I joined the military I had won a contest at my school for Richmond 106.5 the beat, and got a chance to meet Mobb Deep, that life changing thinking I can be like them one day. At 18 I was deployed to Iraq, and despite the dangers I may have faced, I returned home on my feet and not in a box. Due to certain injuries I stutter when I talk and can’t think fast enough to freestyle like I used to. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 5 years I see me on thriving in the music industry, having my music on films, television shows, and video games. I see myself definitely actively on tour, and hitting the stage with other major artists.

What do you want to accomplish in life? I have always felt that I should be on television and successful, maybe that’s just the hustle in me. I just want to be successful. (In my Drake voice.) I want to be able to leave a legacy and enjoy my short life on Earth. I do not want to waste a single day of life not doing what makes me happy. I have been doing music for awhile and will continue to do it because I love music whether it brings success or not, but I know my time is right now.

What do you bring to your industry? My style and flow is unique, not only do I have swag and a story, I also stutter when I talk but spit fire when I rap. My style of music or rap, can’t really be compared to anyone else. It’s very unique to say the least, but I guess that’s what makes it so refreshing. It’s not only lyrical, but comical, crunk, party, and real. It’s also worded and structured that almost everyone can relate to and enjoy.

What do you want to be remembered by? My loyalty to all those around me. People who know me, know that I was raised in the old school and I fly straight, never crossing no one over, staying in my own lane, and staying true to those who genuinely have nothing but love in their hearts for me. I want to make an impact for my music and life, I know I may not reach the heights of everyone that is a goat but I definitely belong and want to add to our music and hiphop culture.