Legendz

In recent years, Interscope Records has become a massive juggernaut, taking the Hip-Hop world by storm. From Dr. Dre, to Eminem, and to Mr. Curtis Jackson himself; they've all contributed to making history behind the watchful eye of label head, Jimmy Iovine. Even with the slumping sales of some projects, the Interscope family tree still remains a power house in the industry.

One of the soldiers anxious to plant his own seeds in this fruitful garden, is Tory Gasaway, known to the world as 40 Glocc. This Texas native, by way of California, plans on engraving his name into an archive that's filled with plenty of marquee players already. After signing with Mobb Deep's imprint, Infamous/G-Unit Records, (one of the many subsidiaries), it´s safe to say that 40 is in the driver's seat.

After all, who wouldn't want production from The Doctor himself, Havoc, and Alchemist for their first project? Can you name an artist? Didn't think so.

So how did you first hook up with Infamous/G-Unit Records?

It was through Prodigy and Havoc. It was like they was doing their thing, and they said when their situation was right, they was going to pick me up. Then everything went through, and that's how it all happened.

What would you say you learned working alongside the likes of 50 Cent and Dr. Dre?

Man, I just learned to treasure sh*t, and when it comes to the music side, just to be really creative. Basically, just to appreciate sh*t. I'm a ghetto n***a, and school wasn't there for me. So I really didn't know what was out there, until [they] took me out there to travel the world. Now that I'm with G-Unit, I got to see spots that I've never been to before. It just opened up my eyes more.

What projects are you currently working on?

I'm just working on a new mixtape, and it´s the best one out there. A lot of people ain't stepped up their mixtape game, and mine is giving you 33 tracks. Then I'm going to be working on my album.

So at what age did you start taking Hip-Hop serious, and know you wanted to pursue this as a career?

That's what I wanted to do as a kid. I always wanted to rap and act; and so as a kid, I just learned how to express myself. I started to write my stuff down on paper, and it basically just came about like that.

What do you think makes your music different from a lot of other artists?

I'm really the only one that can do my type of music. All my music is based on true life experiences, and it´s all heart felt. A lot of these [rappers] just want to come out and make you dance. [They] do it with one hit; like a "one hit wonder." Those songs ain't nothing that you can go back to 10 years later, and relate to. But my music is something you'll always be able to relate to.

So what helps you stay focused? What keeps you motivated?

It's the people really. I don't get a lot of radio play, but for the people that do hear my music, they appreciate it. For those people that are sleeping [on me], they can keep on doing that. Because I'm going to do something else, that's going to shock them.

Do you feel any pressure to perform well since you're signed to such a high profiled label in Infamous/G-Unit?

Not really, I don't feel any pressure, because I feel that I am pressure. I'm that sh*t that's coming out of the pipes. I don't feel any pressure, because I feel like my work is the sh*t.

So why should the average Hip-Hop/Rap fan invest into 40 Glocc?

Because I'm going to educate you. Whether you're from the streets or from a suburban area, I'm going to educate you. If you're in the streets, I'm going to educate on the suburbs. If you're in suburbs, then I'm going to educate you on the streets. I'm going to give you both sides, and it´s all reality. I'm bringing you to church. All of our lives are similar to each other, so I'm just going to teach that to you all.

What's your game plan for staying around in the business?

I'm already sold out. Ain't no n***as out there like me, know what I'm saying. That's just how I feel. All these n***as out here are just "rappers", and they couldn't rap their way out of a paper bag. They just get on a track, and say a bunch of bullsh*t. So just me being real alone, is going to keep me around