This week we have another one of my co-workers from The Local Artist Show: Gene ‘G-Da-Man’ Hicks. We rewind 18 years back to 1996 with his first CD and starting with the Paign Family. G was also the first person to have his FCC license and have a call in line at his radio show. He also threw the hottest parties in Champaign and was never shut down. He’s also a rapper with an extensive history as an independent artist and in groups. He has a new album coming soon.
We discuss his involvement in three different groups, and many of his performances including opening for Twista. Playlisting is something we discuss that has brought G some money in. He happened to get on a really good playlist and gets a nice little check every quarter. We breakdown both of his solo albums and discuss stand out tracks. G makes a statement about the current affairs of the world through his music.
He also tells us a little about all his real estate ventures. Sony and Geffin approached G with contracts, and he turned them down. Listen to what he says about looking at contracts and deals and how you can stay flourishing alone. G has many talents and he’s also a Kung Fu master. He has a kung fu skit series with Crucial Conflict.
He also did breakdancing in high school with the Twin City Breakers. This was a hall pass to get out of school and make money. Since dancing is a major influence he eventually was teaching breaking to kids in various suburbs. This later evolved into Hip Hop Fit with Gene Hicks. He offers a slew of services and special events and this takes a big chunk of his time.
He also has an acting and directing career. He was on Chicago Fire Season 1 as a police officer. G also has a couple of independent films, one which won a T.O.M.Y award in 2008. Adding to his busy schedule he is also the host of The Local Artist Show which is currently on Season Two on CanTV. In the little spare time he gets he has started doing chainsaw art and hot wheels clocks. Stay in tune with Gene (G-Da-Man) Hicks using these links:
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