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

Hi T, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on and have actually released for the world to hear is my debut album titled “Meet Me on the Moon.” This album gives you a first hand glimpse into my mind (T Gemz) and the trauma I endured as a child that has shaped me into the man I am today.

From characterization and vivd story telling on songs like “Duck” and “Traumatized;” to smooth vibes and intense production on songs like “Bingo” or “Bar God;” T Gemz delivers a lyrical body of work in a captivating way as a voice for the kids on the block. As someone who suffers from mental disorders such as ADHD, BPD, anxiety and PTSD; Gemz has delivered a very unique perspective on how these mental blocks can develop and take an effect on the average kid raised in a rough environment without anyone ever knowing or seeing the signs. Songs like “I Know” and “My Therapy” play a pivotal role and explain how systemic racism can shape said environments and the effects it can have on children.

“The Dark Horse” was a nickname given to Gemz by his peers in his hometown, Indianapolis, IN. The rapper that not too many are aware of but will be the one to put “Naptown” on his back. Because of his popularity (or lack thereof) the “Magembu” mixtape consisted of several disses aimed at rappers who challenged him. Many have asked Gemz “How do you come up with these lines? Why do you sound so angry?” “Meet Me on the Moon” is the album that will answer these questions.

T, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a Hip-Hop/Battle Trap Artist

When it comes to music, I’ve been writing since I was in 5th grade. I started off mimicking rappers who were already established in the industry like DMX, 50 cent, Bone Thugs N Harmony and many more. I would use their same exact cadence they used in their song and replaced their lyrics with my own and that’s how I started to learn about cadence, rhyme schemes and how to structure a verse without anyone teaching me. I pretty much trained myself and practiced over and over again until I reached the level and confidence needed to start recording professionally which was around age 21 when I was in college. Before I started recording music I would be in rap battles and would hop in cyphers to showcase my skillset.

What I hope listeners gain from my music is motivation and inspiration. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams no matter your age. If I can do it so can you. Don’t let your environment or circumstances stop you from being the best version of yourself you can possibly be.

What sets me apart from others is my creativity when it comes to the craft of rap but also being able to step outside of the world of lyricism and show people that I can still make music that appeals to the masses that you can just vibe and have a good time to. What I’m most proud of is being part of a team that accepts me for me and treats me like family. My team is “League Nation.” As of now; “League Nation” consists of seven members: MWK Da Goat aka G.O.A.T. BLVK(Founder), Mo’ Bandz, T Gemz(myself), Queen Vendetta, Jean-Luc Monroe, Brodie Barz, Flyboi Rich.

We are more than just rappers. We are locked in as a family.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing I think non-creatives will struggle to understand about my journey as a creative is the lack of time you may have for family and friends. When you combine that with mental illness, it’s a heavy cross to bear. Pursuing something you love can also be a gift and a curse, you’re going to have the highest of highs as well as the lowest of lows. You have to practice resilience even in those low times. That’s going to set you apart from everyone else.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I quick story that illustrates resilience is when I was homeless. I had a huge fallout with family which in turn caused my wife and I to move in with a friend but we were only allowed to stay at my friend’s place for a very limited time. At the same time this happened, my wife was diagnosed with polyneuropathy and was in the hospital. I wasn’t working a 9-5 at the time. All I had was income from instacart, doordash, and my comic book business I run on the side. During this time I was still a competitor in the “Barz Breakdown” competition hosted by “MWK Da Goat.” There was so much adversity I had to deal with. I was back and forth to the hospital constantly to be by my wife as much as I possibly could between work. I also had to raise over $2,000 in two weeks in order to get us moved in to our new home. While all of this was going on, I still managed to win the Season 3 Barz Breakdown championship. I fought, cried, was restless, had manic episodes, was depressed, anxious etc. but despite all of that, I did not let it stop me from pursuing my passion.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @tgemz_317
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tylove.3rdlyfe
• Twitter: @tgemz_317
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TGEMZ_317
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tgemz

Image Credits

Photo Credits:
@pajamapanorama
@phayesd_imagery
@imagicustoms