Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
This band has no press
Discography
May 1, 2005, - Unity Day, Black Student Union at Rutgers Univ.
April 24, 2005 - Caribbean day at Rutgers University, Rutgers Univ.
March 24, 2005 - Old Skool concert and after party Feat Mobb Deep, the Beatnuts and Gist
February 2, 2005, - Our Voices Our Souls, Rutgers Univ.
December 12, 2004 - Paradigm’s HipHop Spillout Encore Presentation, Bowrey Poetry Club
December 9, 2004 - Seduction and Style Fashion, Sigma Lamba Upsilon Sorority Inc. at Rutgers Univ.
December 5, 2004 -Taste of Asia, Douglas Asian Women’s Assoc. at Rutgers Univ.
November 22, 2004 - Bhangra Nights, Bhangra at Rutgers Univ.
November 8, 2004 - “11th Annual Multicultural Talent Show & Exhibition, Omegal Phi Chi Soriority Inc. at Rutgers Univ.
November 6, 2004 - “Dance Competition” West Indian Student Org at Rutgers Univ.
September 30, 2004 - “Showtime at the Apollo” Haitian Assoc. at Rutgers Univ.
September 3, 2004 - at the Bowery Poetry Club, NY
July 23, 2004 - Bowery Poetry Club
July 9-11, 2004 - Selected Performer for Urban Talent Fest Competition at Madison Square Garden
May 2, 2004 - Unity Day at Rutgers University – opened for the Clipse
April 23, 2004 - Fordham University Fashion Show, Bronx Campus
April 17, 2004 - Opened for Joe Budden
April 8, 2004 - TWESE Fashion Show at Rutgers University
April 7, 2004 - WINNER of MC Masequere Free Style Battle with DJ ENVY
April 5, 2004 LPB Talent show at Rutgers University
November 23, 2003 - HARU Banquet at Rutgers University
November 13, 2003- BSU Comedy Show at Rutgers University
October 25, 2003 - Club Speed, New York, NY October 15, 2003
October 15, 2003 - LPB Multicultural Step Show at Rutgers University
May 4, 2003 - Unity Day 2003 at Rutgers University – opened for Mr. Cheeks
March 6, 2003 - Paul Robeson Club Fashion Show at Rutgers University
December 18, 2002 - CBS Building – an episode of BET’s special "Blueprint: Nas"
WGBB 1240.AM Radio Underground
"The King's Queen" on WVPH-RLC 90.3 FM in New Brunswick, NJ
"The Arthologist Intro" on WVPH-RLC 90.3 FM in New Brunswick, NJ
"Walk on By" on WVPH-RLC 90.3 FM in New Brunswick, NJ
"Get By Freestyle" on WVPH-RLC 90.3 FM in New Brunswick, NJ
"Love You" on WVPH-RLC 90.3 FM in New Brunswick, NJ
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Queens has done it again. “GIST AKA THE ESSENCE”, informally referred to as “Gist” is one of Hip-Hop’s newest lyricists hailing from Jamaica Queens New York. In similar accord with his predecessors, Queens' Hip-Hop Legends Run DMC, LL Cool J, A Tribe Called Quest, NAS, & Mobb Deep, Gist’s music is penetrates the Hip-Hop air waves with uncanny lyrical rhymes and a head bobbing flow.
GiIST AKA THE ESSENCE’” is a passionate artist, motivated by his love for music and Hip-Hop culture. He will often mention in jest how he was born for this; alluding to his birth date July 18th being the same as the area code (718) of his home. “I can always remember rapping,” says Gist who still has a Fisher Price recording of himself freestyling when he was five years old. His talent is also attributable to his lineage in music. His father, a former Kompa musician specialized in vocals and several instruments.
GIST AKA THE ESSENCE’s desire to surface in the Hip-Hop industry was ignited by his frustration with contemporary rap artist’s seeming embrace of materialism. In response, he coined the title of his first L.P. as “The Essence,” employing the definitional meaning of the word “gist.” He aims to take the lead among the movement of new rap artists seeking to bring rap music back to the originating “essence” of the art form. While pursuing his education at Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, “GIST AKA THE ESSENCE” has resourcefully used his surroundings to perfect his gift. “The Essence” album is a 100% pure dorm room production. He humbly admits, “The production formula consists of me, Ethe' [J Ether], Ab’ [Absolute], a mouse, and a pc mic!” He has performed in number shows both in Rutgers and at urban hang suites in NYC.
Now finishing his fourth and last year, the five campus University, populated with over 26,000 students, has become his official stomping ground. GIST AKA THE ESSENCE has broken out onto the music scene in New York City. His performances range from live shows at spots like Club Speed, to appearances on the studios of city colleges, and even the set of the BET Special, Nas: Blueprint. He has evolved into a relentless entertainer, with electrifying stage presence, captivating any viewing listening audience.
GIST AKA THE ESSENCE prides himself on writing his own lyrics. His profound message in music is matched only by his grounded character. Though only 21 years old, he recognizes that age is no excuse for lack of depth in one’s work. He cites Hip-Hop legends, Nas, Notorious B.I.G, and Big Pun, as well as The Jackson Five and many other past Motown Greats as his inspiration. In the last track of ”The Essence,” he dedicates the album to his mother, whose fight against cancer continually fuels his passion to succeed.
GIST AKA THE ESSENCE has recently released his New LP entitled "THE SYMPHONY". Once again in "The Symphony" GIST AKA THE ESSENCE exhibits his vast versatility. One need not listen too closely to witness the brilliance of this new album. Track to track of varied rhyme and style "The Symphony" uncovers Hip Hop at its purest.
Check out the website at www.gistmusic.com
Links
