Gino Major

Gino Major, was born May 2nd, 1989 in Harvey Illinois, a south suburb of Chicago.  He was brought up under the guidance of his mother’s household, which included his uncle, grandfather, and older brother.  Despite living amongst a crowded and often hectic home environment, Gino’s family recognized his love for music at an early age.  In Grade School, he started playing a multitude of instruments, ranging from the clarinet, the saxophone, to singing in his church choir.  Because he was the youngest, he frequently was shunned from watching television due to his other family member’s constant control over the remote.  His only option for entertainment was to listen to the radio.  In turn, he developed his passion for music over the years, listening to a wide variety of genre’s and sounds.  At the age of 12, he began rapping—a decision that would change his life forever.  He began studying the rap game, dissecting the lyrical styles of mainstream and underground artists.  In High School, he often performed extemporaneous raps showcasing his uncanny ability to freestyle at any given moment. Over time, Gino continued to hone his skills as an M.C.  When he was 18, he made the decision to pursue his career as a rap artist knowing that nothing would ever be the same.

Soon after, he created Lockdown Entertainment, uniting some of his closest friends growing up who were chasing a career in music.  In 2009, while attending school at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, Gino adopted his alias, “Major”, and linked up with fellow rapper Robyn Dinero of SynCiti music group.  Often operating under the moniker of SynCiti-Lockdown, the two have generated a one-two knockout punch with their lyrical styles and have sent shockwaves through the student body of 20,000+.  In February 2011, Major released his first official debut mixtape “Major Mind”, generating nearly 1000 plays in the first week.  It became an instant success among his peers in the SIU community and back home around Chicago.  His second effort was released later that year, June 2011, entitled “Party & Bullsh*t”.  Arguably his most successful mixtape to date, it gained over 1000 plays in its first day.  It features hit singles “Muthaf*ckin Genius” and “G-Shock”.  A small quote from “Muthaf*ckin Genius” provides a glimpse into the mind of Major: “I ain’t made it yet, but I often dream it, was at the mountain top last night I seen it, take it to the top of the globe I really mean it….  Muthaf*ckin Genius.” Major’s mixtapes encapsulate more than just his witty punch lines and emotionally piercing lyrics, but also craft a vivid picture of his “no lose” attitude on a journey towards greatness.  In August 2011 he released his third mixtape, “After Party”, a sequel to the previous “Party and Bullshit”.  Major is constantly recording and writing; displaying his dedication, work ethic, and ambition to follow his dreams.

Major keeps his skills sharp by performing in a wide array of rap battle competitions, events, and other shows in SIUC.  He also maintains utilization of state of the art production facilities creating a pristine and distinct sound to separate him self from the rest of the competition.  Working to network his music across local radio and social media outlets, his increasing fan base and overall popularity continue to thrive.  The theme of his music is to accept the harsh realities of the world, to remedy the pain by doing what makes you feel good, and to relentlessly chase your dreams.  In spring of 2012, Gino will have earned a bachelor of arts in audio engineering for radio and television at Southern Illinois University.   As a student of the rap game, striving for progressive mastery of his craft, Major isn’t just satisfied.  His ambitions for success in a mainstream market won’t allow him to slow down.  The winds of change are roaring behind Major and he’s far from finished.   In fact, he’s just beginning.Written BY ANDREW MANSHOLT