This week we got to catch up with Guy, a native of Teaneck, NJ, who shared insight with us into his life and musical journey, offering a glimpse into his formative years and the challenges he has faced. Born with the genuine name of Guy, he addresses the common curiosity about its authenticity, establishing a sense of openness and authenticity from the start. Teaneck, located just 25 minutes from New York, served as the backdrop for his upbringing, marked by resilience and curiosity. Despite experiencing financial hardships that led to multiple high school moves, Guy's creative spark and inquisitive nature persisted. He reflects on the impact of his hometown's culture, where the pursuit of fitting in and a passion for basketball were defining aspects of his early life.
Transitioning to his musical journey, Guy began taking music seriously in 2018. Before that, it was more of a lurking curiosity. The turning point came when he attended school in New Orleans, a city commonly known for its rich musical history. Collaborating with a fellow enthusiast, they experimented in the studio, leading to the creation of Guy's first original songs that gained popularity. This experience unveiled his natural ability and ignited the confidence to pursue a career in music.
Guy's latest single, "OKAY!," reflects on his commitment to making a mark as an artist from New Jersey. Expressing a desire to be a hometown hero and champion to his city, the song captures the essence of his hometown – smooth yet edgy. Guy, who typically writes and records his material, stumbled upon the beat while aimlessly searching for something new on his laptop, and with the first line popping into his head, he went forward with it, embodying the feeling of the moment. The song happened out of nowhere he explained, "that’s why I start it with the line “2-0-1 gotta rep my case.” Also adding, "my intention was definitely to bar up, while still describing my actually feelings of where I was in that moment."
In terms of musical influences, Guy credits Drake and Kanye West as his primary inspirations, shaping his formative years. While Sade, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, and Bon Iver, among others, also contribute to his eclectic musical palette. When reflecting on his journey thus far, he wishes he could advise his past self to let go of things beyond his control, saving mental energy and time. Something I feel a lot of us can relate with in todays world for our generation.
As Guy continues to navigate the intricacies of his musical journey, his latest release, "OKAY!" stands as a statement to his commitment to authenticity and his hometown roots. With a desire to be the champion that New Jersey deserves, Guy encapsulates the essence of Teaneck in his music – a blend of smoothness and edge.
Make sure to check out Guy's latest release "OKAY!"
+ Be sure to check out his socials @Imguyfromnj
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