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Rappers Love Peter Bjorn & John Like They’re Coldplay* - NYMAG.com
Rappers Love Peter Bjorn & John Like They’re Coldplay* - NYMAG.com
“I am the
vision, the
voice, and
the hope,” avows
Southside Chicago native and G.O.O.D. Music artist Leonard “GLC” Harris. An artist of the people, GLC desires transformation and it begins by being a trendsetter making a difference in the music industry just as his community. “We’re out here killing each other. I feel that genocide is winning,” mentions GLC shedding light on gun homicide among today’s youth and society. He continues, “Whites used to chop our [private parts], shove them down our throats, and hang us by a tree. We are our own enemy becoming hit men for the KKK.” He becomes frustrated with the mental slavery of Black people being “brainwashed, confused, and easily misled.” GLC takes note of other ethnic groups coming together and standing strong, creating alliances. “We are definitely not each others enemy. It’s about divide and conquer and I vow to make a contribution to change,” states the artist with assurance.
GLC has always been known for his street background, his smart business tactics, charm, persuasive people skills, and keeping the peace. “I shed unity and brotherhood among all street organizations.” These organizations are territorial where strangers are not welcomed. Instead of GLC playing devil’s advocate, he plays the angel in disguise as one of his recent creative endeavors such as his T-shirt line displays
me speaking against a certain individual belonging to another organization or preventing someone from engaging any coalition with others, I encourage both sides of the fence.” Indeed, GLC leads by example as many followed suite in “building relationships with others in sharing each others talents to better themselves and together make history.”
GLC takes the time to speak at music conferences and seminars, youth centers, group homes, high schools, and other places where the youth reside. “I show interest in the youth because when I was a shorty I seeked love and attention from family and friends. The youth don’t have many role models to idolize or family that care for them so they get the attention elsewhere.” Lack of guidance leads them to make bad choices. GLC advises the youth to “never limit yourselves. I used to sit there and watch people have the things I couldn’t afford. I applied myself, believed, and exercised determination, dedication, and primarily discipline.” Rather asking a best friend for a favor, he allowed himself to grow and learn from that person. It is important for the youth to stay focus and be aware of the company they keep. “Friends want you to hang out with them but at the same time you want to perfect your craft or make good use of your talents. You have the
a logo of an angel wearing a bandana over it’s face.
“As supposed of
GLC firmly believes anything “the youth can conceive they can achieve.” It is evident in the recent election of the first African American President of the United States Barack Obama, an inspiration to the artist. “[Having Barack] as the President was out of expectation and anyone from America would fathom it can ever happen. This made the youth open their eyes and dream big, while making them do the right thing,” states the passionate artist.
He is mindful of the youth and society with his creative endeavors. Other than the t-shirt line, he directs music videos not only for himself but also for other Chicago artists like Crucial Conflict under his film company “Get It Man Entertainment.” The good spirited GLC utters, “Who said Chicago artists can’t work together?” The cartoon character “Tatorchip” is at the final stages of animation for new episodes to be recorded. The cartoon will focus on some of the issues the youth face. His debut album Love, Life, and Loyalty has been push back but will see the light within the first quarter of 2010. “I was told before you go to work you got to have your money right. Plus, the delay gives me a chance to write and record content that will help elevate the community.” He has his blog to have direct contact with the public for them to know GLC not as an artist but foremost a human being. “I’m
touching a life one day at a time.”
GLC touches the lives of aspiring artists advising them to “work hard day and night cause while you are sleeping someone else is working. Show unity and love for one another and together everyone can build a dynasty.” As an artist people can approach, GLC is one to collaborate on records with artists and willing to share his networking contacts with them than being selfish. “Something I learned from this business is its too political. It can change your life and those around you for better or for worst.” He mentions how relationships can be severed making people become more distant and to where “people can respect or hate you.” For GLC, the business gave him tough skin and has sacrificed his social life. “You have to be careful what you wished for and be built for this.” He takes to consideration of how the business defines the characters of individuals as opposed of letting their characters define themselves. “I don’t get caught up with all the bogusness. Never come to the point where you want to assassinate or deprive the life of another. Love is universal.” GLC wants to be known for his supportive role in Chicago hip-hop, his positivism, and as quoted in his single “Honor Me,” his true “knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.” The year 2010 belongs to GLC. Real talk! H
power to make wise decisions. the solutions are simple.”
Don’t make things complicated when
40 JAN/FEB 2010 HASMAGAZINE.COM
7 - h_a_s magazine
Discography
"Big Screen" feat. Kanye West
"I Ain't Even On Yet"
Photos
Bio
G.L.C.
LIFE , LOVE AND LOYALTY
"My album is going to take you to a place, it’s not going to be a listening experience—it's going to take you to my world. Whenever you feel like you're in a certain mood and you want to escape all your problems, although you're still going to have to face that reality at the end of the day, whenever you need a simple escape, that's when you put my CD in. My album will make you laugh, it will make you cry and it make you feel unstoppable! “
G.L.C. (Gangsta L. Crisis) captured the attention of listeners looking for honesty and integrity in Hip Hop music with one heart-felt guest appearance. Just as much as it was his flow, it was the power in the words he rapped on Kanye West’s single, “Spaceship” that gained GLC an audience and fan base. Now more than three years after his entrance into Hip Hop’s mainstream, G.L.C. is preparing for the release of his debut album and solo career.
"My album is going to take you to a place, it’s not going to be a listening experience—it's going to take you to my world. Whenever you feel like you're in a certain mood and you want to escape all your problems, although you're still going to have to face that reality at the end of the day, whenever you need a simple escape, that's when you put my CD in. My album will make you laugh, it will make you cry and it make you feel unstoppable!,” G.L.C. expresses.
G.L.C.’s formula derives from a combination of Life, Love, and Loyalty. G.L.C. connects to listeners both in the streets, as well as professional walks of life by being himself in and out of the booth. He says, “When I go into the booth, I don't have a rap voice, or a rap character that I become. I'm the same dude at all times. I'm that man with an interesting life off 87th street. I speak for the common folk, as well as the hustlers and the street entrepreneurs, people trying to better themselves.”
G.L.C. has continually bettered himself and his music through hard work and dedication. He found poetry and Hip Hop at an early age, and used both to cope with the passing of his parents. In dealing with the pain, a growing talent presented itself. For years G.L.C. seemed to be caught between two worlds. He worked in clothing stores, while continually hustling in the streets. With dreams of being a Hip Hop artist, he infused his songs with lyrics that spoke to his people grinding in the streets of Chicago, as well as those working a 9-5. Eventually he decided that
-2-
music was the best way to accomplish his dreams and he would not let any roadblocks stop his journey to success.
His success started when childhood friend, Hip Hop icon Kanye West, offered G.L.C. a guest appearance on his debut album, The College Dropout. He took advantage and delivered a verse that will resonate with listeners for years to come. He followed up with another stellar performance on “Drive Slow,” from Kanye’s sophomore LP, Late Registration. Since then, G.L.C. has released mixtapes with DJ A-Trak (Drive Slow), DJ Geno (I Ain’t Even On Yet), as well as DJ RTC (Similar to the Letters). He has also been featured on Kanye’s recent tour: “The Glow In the Dark Tour” as the artist of choice during musical intermissions and after-party performances. From his feature in Midway Game’s “Blitz the League” video game to his feature in CBS’ CSI and HBO Hit Series Entourage, G.L.C.’s projects show that he is more than a one-verse wonder. In fact, he welcomes the doubters as they only propel him.
Recently named biggest Chicago artist by XXL Magazine, G.L.C. presents a refreshing perspective in the industry. After introducing himself to the world via Kanye West, G.L.C. is ready to take flight on his own accord. With blessings from the music industry’s biggest heavy hitters – Bun B, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Pharrell - G.L.C’s ready to take his audience into his world.
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