We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Geno Gwap a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Geno, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I knew I wanted to be an artist as a kid even I first seen the Snoop Doggy Dogg Gin & Juice video.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I first got into the industry around 18 years old. I’m now currently 33. My producer Lil A On The Track linked me with his cousin Young Jai for a couple features on his project distributed via Def Jam. I always had the independent mindset and came into the game with my own brand and company and eventually got my LLC and everything to go along with it. I had my own studio, built in the back of a barbershop and eventually moved it to my house at 21 years old. My grandparents and my godmother were entrepreneurs so I learned business early on and have always had an entrepreneur your spirit and a good work ethic.
As far as the music business, I offer songwriting, production, marketing, and consulting. I’m also willing to collaborate as far as features go.
I’ve also been a barber 20+ years and I attended college as well so I’ve always been a critical thinker and a problem solver and a counselor of sorts. What sent me apart from others is my raw authenticity and my collection and wealth of knowledge and experience to be able to relate and be empathetic with others.
I am most proud of my resiliency and ability to be molded and adaptable to every situation that has came my way. Through ups and downs, I still remain the same as far as my nobility in nature and maintaining my morals and principles.
The main thing I want people to know about my brand is that we’re Making Dope Moves.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I learned that you can be loyal to a fault. Sometimes you could be loyal to the wrong thing and wrong people. I also feel as though it’s best to go with your first mind and your intuition. Sometimes it could be simple as making a right or a lift and other times it could be as harsh as life and death so whatever it is, if you have a urge to do it then follow the urge.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I have battled chronic nerve pain since I was a child and also have lost siblings and both parents. I have also lost my unborn child and a host of friends, grandparents and others. I’ve done this all while being an entrepreneur, so I’m saying that to say that the show must go on no matter the circumstance. The bottom line is you have to remain discipline through it all and get the job done.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @genogwap
• Facebook: @genogwap
• Twitter: @genogwap
• Youtube: @genogwap