The GTW

The-Drum's considerable talents as producers are being put to great use in JODY, the new Chicago-based R&B collective featuring David Robertson, Khallee Standberry-Lois, and James King of The GTW. "Floodin" is stronger than the group's initial single, "Echos"; it's more cohesive in its production and vocals, possessing a calculated griminess and claustrophobic production. Each new second is used carefully, whether it includes adding a high-pitched vocal sample or a finger snap. "Floodin" is lush, but not overwrought. A lot happens throughout the song, but you can tell there's careful attention being paid to what happens next. As each of the vocalists are layered one on top of the other, we are given something rooted in R&B that's atmospheric and progressive. - Pitchfork Media

"Why can't you want me like the other boys do, I like this song I hope you like it to"
Short sweetness.

Artist:The GTW & Bengfang - Cravings
Site: http://soundcloud.com/bengfang/the-gtw-bengfang-cravings - FhinqMusic

Top Comment:
TOO MUCH PERFECTION IN ONE SONG!?

it's sampled from 'Crave You'. The part where it says "crave you" is also from 'Crave You'. I think the song title 'Cravings' might even? be a reference to 'Crave You'.

2:24 does not? do me justice!!! - tammyszu

Comments:
"Hazel Eyesss. - This song is soo relaxed; when?? I play it in my car on full volume at night on a long journey, oh my lord the bass sounds soo beautiful."

"song makes me wanna make sweet passionate? love to a panda bear in while looking up in to the sky while its raining in slow motion"

"this is the best rework of Crave You on youtube imho.?"

"subscribing? to this channel was the smartest thing I've ever done... amazing music"
- Majestic Casuel

1. Disclosure // What’s In Your Head
2. Cashmere Cat // Mirror Maru
3. Polkadot // Wasn’t Like That
4. The GTW & Bengfang // Cravings
5. AlunaGeorge // Your Drums, Your Love
6. Karma Kid // It’s Always
7. Aaron Lipsett & Fion // Cognac
8. Jessie Ware // Running (Disclosure Remix)
9. Kendrick Lamar ft. Jay Rock // Money Trees
10. MVSCLES // sweet n sour - TRNSCNDNTS

I created this with the mindset of the period of transition. Transitioning seasons are always my favorite and here in Chicago, we’re moving quietly from fall to winter. Earlier this week, I tweeted about the end of “the hunt,” the desire to lockdown a significant other before the seasons settled and were left with nothing but snow storms and the biting bitter cold of winter. And so, this playlist is a little bit of that as well. The desire to look and feel good, the pursuit, the curious yearning for companionship and the pull of independence.

CRAVINGS, a MIXICISMS (archive here)

Download CRAVINGS here or here (Scroll down to the grey box and use the “Download This File” link under the URL and Embed fields.)

“Night and Day” by Everything but the girl
“All Your Gold” by Bat For Lashes
“Northern Lights” by Kate Boy
“The Eveningtime” by Night Works
“Vitamin C” by CAN
“Forever” by Cities Aviv
“NY Excuse” by Soulwax
“Contort Yourself” by James White & The Blacks
“A CERTAIN PERSON (MOTHERLAND RADIO EDITS remix no. 2)” by Light Asylum
“My Week Beats Your Year” by Telefon Tel Aviv
“Thought We Were Alone ft. Milosh (Money vs Gold Remix)” by Lucky Paul
“Want You In My Soul ft. Stee Downes” by Lovebirds
“Confidence Boost (Trim)” by Harmonimix
“Faint” by Boddika, Joy O & Pearson Sound
“Whatnot” by Machinedrum
“If I Had You ft. D.R.U.G.S. & Thundercat” by TiRon & Ayomari
“‘Bout You” by Rainy Milo
“Lay You Down” by Schwarz Don’t Crack
“Cravings” by The GTW & Bengfang
“Be Safe” by Lulu James
“Casanova” by Denitia and Sene
“Parallel Lines” by Junior Boys
“Pull Me Down” by Mikky Ekko
“Moments” by After The Smoke
“Love You in Chains” by Arca
“Turns, Turns, Turns” by Majical Cloudz - Britticisms

Don’t you love how the internet has ushered in a new era of genre mash ups? We want it now. We want it fast and flashy. We don’t care what you call it, as long as it moves us. Twitter. Soundcloud. Bandcamp. As digital media continues its stranglehold, the music industry has seen radical and apathetic revisions. A major isn’t needed to spread an artists sentiment and finished product. This year, we’ve seen that double edged sword sharpen to a point. It remains to be seen if this new wave of creative output is headed towards a collapse of Myspace proportions. Quality, as it tends to do, will rise to the top. And the others? Expired domain names and fleeting memories.

Chicago seems to be leading the charge of re-imagined music and art. Known for its MC’s, soul singers and house music, Chi Town seems to balance on that ledge between saturation and absurdly dope. There’s the overkill and the perfectly pan-seared. The GTW is the latter, mixing his South Side cool with the finesse of a world traveled playboy. We got our hands on the 4814 EP, The GTW’s collaborative project with EDM producer BengFang, and we can’t push pause. It’s a world class effort blending the influences of Chicago’s electronic scene with their long-standing pedigree for high class hip hop.

The GTW carries cool like Theophilus London while remaining a bit more in touch with the world as the rest of us see it. Less talk of nine hundred dollar jeans, more introspection. BengFang’s production ushers in a wave of chill intent to gently buzz rather than bang bang us over the head. Fang’s instrumentals are densely layered affairs, busy but never chaotic, providing GTW with a sonic canvas to carve up any way he sees fit. “4814? bears witness to Chicago’s realism while “Blak Lux” is an embodiment of this collaboration, EDM flavor with pure Chi Town lyricism. A perfect though seemingly unnatural fit. Be sure to check out and follow @THEGTW and @BengFang on Twitter for more info. - Shiny Glass Houses

Chicago tag team The GTW (rhymes) & Bengfang (beats) turn around Flight Facilities hit “Cravings” into a languorous hip hop cooler. - Blahblahblahscience (Los Angeles)

Don't be put off by the gnarly, difficult name: the GTW & Bengfang are purveyors of a none-more-smooth puree of multifarious dance music styles, including downtempo house and hip-hop, funk and R&B, Brazilian jazz and UK bass. There are even township flavours in Nigerian-born singer/rapper James King and producer Eddie Yang AKA Bengfang's tunes, as well as nods to the woozy, off-kilter sound of glo-fi. The eclectic 22-year-old's favourite band are the xx, his favourite producers Jamie Smith and Hudson Mohawke, not that there's anything as manically fast and furious as HudMo's stuff here. The mood conjured by EDM whiz Yang is mellow, the melodies lush. Some of the songs, which you can hear at their bandcamp, such as LSD featuring Brandun DeShay, are like Odd Future minus the snuff movie atmospherics. We keep expecting King, who is the GTW, to start effing and blinding, but he would appear to have a more positive outlook than that. The initials stand for Greater Than Wealth, and he pushes an anti-materialist message in interviews. They've even got a track called Sublime that is like What's Going On revisited. Maybe King could play early-70s Marvin Gaye in Julien Temple's forthcoming biopic.

Or he could play the young Pharrell Williams if that movie ever gets made – he has got a similarly spacey-soul cadet quality about him, and a similar love of R&B and funk at their most languid and jazzy. We initially found out about the GTW & Bengfang via a tweet that described them as a cross between Jensen Sportag and Petite Noir. This was always going to make us prick up our ears because it suggested a combination of the former Nashville trio's immaculate 80s-fixated slap bass-centric musicianship and the latter Cape Town maverick's spikily esoteric electro. It's not quite that amazing, but there are some beautiful moments on their new 4814 EP that display a slow-jam loveliness that go some way towards realising a dream we probably once had about Jensen jamming with the Neptunes. Cravings is as hazy and dazed as you could want, the title track is breathy boho rap, Cold Shoulder ft Lili K almost as juicy-fruity as Mtume's 80s disco-funk. Somehow this obscure indie-soul kid from Chicago managed to solicit a cameo from Gwen Stefani for Blak Lux, and it was worth it, despite or perhaps because of the intrusively "wubwubby" dubstep bass. They'll never win awards for their name, but if there's anything else as funkily polished as this all week, we'll definitely bang a gong. - The Guardian (UK)

James King, also known as The GTW is one half of the dynamic duo, which brought us the impressive 4814 EP tape two months ago. This stunning 4 track EP featured some fantastic R&B style vocals and a spectacular sensual flow from the young Chicago rapper, this accompanied by Eddie Yang (Benfang) who’s sleek production brought groove and ambiance to the EP. These two created the perfect recipe for an innovative and unique project, which gained much praise in the blogosphere.Salacious Sound got a chance to talk to the Young rappers whose swagger is just as impressive as his flow. - Salacious Sounds (Vancouver)

afani - Swag Swerve


Clyde Carson ft. Problem, Iamsu! - Slow Down (Remix)


Flosstradamus - Rollup (Bauer Remix)


Def Sound - herbal.ess.ence.


Schoolboy Q ft. A$AP Rocky - Hands On the Wheel


Grand Prize Winners From Last Year - Electric Blue


Yellow Alex & The Feelings - Lisa Lisa Lisa


Oddisee - Ain't That Peculiar


Lucille Ghatti - St. James


Tessa Evans - She Will (Cover)


Purity Ring - Obedear


The GTW & Bengfang - Cravings


Jeremih - Fuck u all the time (Shlohmo Remix)


Twigs - Ache


Inc. - Heart Crimes


Durand Bernarr - Dear, Outkast...Sincerely, Erykah.


Alex Isley - Don't Do


TgooCH - BANG BANG


Kenyon Dixon - Circles


Ro James - Pledge Allegiance


Rashad - I Wanna Love You


The World Famos Tony Williams ft. Kanye Wes - Another You


Ester Dean - Baby Making Love


Erk Tha Jerk - Suicide


Solange - Losing You


Radio Galaxy - Feel Trip


Tinashe - This Feeling


REL - Welcome


Nicatyne - Real Talk


Dawn Gun - Skrilla


Raw Syl - Balle con Migo


Cris Cab - What Can't We Do (Here We Go Again Remix) - Really Not Radio

I received an email from The GTW, a Chicago-based artist with roots in Nigeria. “The GTW is short for Greater Than Wealth, which is stemmed off of my native name Akaninyene in the Ibibio language.” Through his music, he introduced me to his concept of Chigeria, “the movement of progressive Chicago-based Nigerians I’ve been pushing.” Through music, fashion and events, The GTW distills elements of his Nigerian heritage into the cultural life of Chicago.

While The GTW’s first project contained African samples and rhythms, references to Nigeria are more subtle on his new 4814 EP. “I wanted to make references that African people would connect with.” In “Cravings,” the song featured here, he asks: “Does jolof rice sound right tonight?”

“I really want to help push a progressive music scene in Nigeria similar to what’s going on in the South African Music scene. I see South African artists like Spoek Mathambo and Petite Noir making the music they want to make with subtle African influences, and mixing them with other genres they listen to.”

“Nigeria is a place I am currently seeing my music growing in. I have been making the extra push to get coverage out there. ” The 4814 EP was reviewed in a number of Naija blogs, including the popular Bella Naija, which GTW jokes about saying it’s “a website even my mom reads.”

The GTW’s Chigerian world goes beyond music, extending in particular to fashion. “My personal aesthetic contains mostly native kaftan material which I sow into pants, and dip them into western world influences, so that everyone can connect with [the look]. I am supported by successful Nigerian designer Emeka Alams, whose line Gold Coast Trading has been featured in Vogue Italy.”

After the release of the EP, GTW is keeping busy making his own line of hats, preparing the first Chigeria art show next February and widening his musical spectrum: “I started my own indie music production label called Saturday Youth, which has a few events I’ve helped curate out here.” “I want [Chigeria] to be something that everyone can identify to, especially Africans.” Seems to be right on track. - The FADER

As She Pretends to Be Sexy:

“Be Free Baby” by Andres
“Alone Together” by Daley featuring Marsha Ambrosius
“Blue Lullaby” by Szjerdene
“Live in Me (Paris 96)” by Theophilus London featuring Machinedrum and Jesse Boykins III
“Changes” by LOL Boys featuring Heart Streets
“Devotion” by Jessie Ware
“All Your Gold” by Bat for Lashes
“Cravings” by the GTW and Bengfang
“Be Safe” by Lulu James
“Lay You Down” by Schwarz Don’t Crack
“773 Love” by Jeremih - Britticisms

Who: The GTW, real name James King, is a Chicago-based Nigerian-American artist whose smooth, nu-soul style syncs up perfectly with producer/collaborator Bengfang, real name Eddie Yang, whose use of indie samples and spacey chords combined with tough percussion gives the duo a relevant edge. The music's feel maintains a multi-cultural, youthful energy, the use of downtempo dance and R&B influences making for something signature and special.

The Song: Almost reminiscent of early Pharrell, "4814" is a perfect mid-trip track, one that captures the attention of your ears while at the same time sending your psyche into a place of chilled-out reflection (or maybe you just like grooving to the song, who knows?). GTW's flow is assured and epically spaced out, leaving room for Bengfang's celestial, soulful sounds to sink in.

Upcoming Projects: "4814" is part of a recently released project of the same name, featuring three other tracks The GTW & Bengfang worked on together. Grab it here. - Interview Magazine

1. Janka Nabay & The Bubu Gang “Eh Mane Ah” [Luaka Bop/True Panther]

2. Amadou & Mariam ft. Tunde and Kyp of TVOTR “Wily Kataso” [Because Music/Warner]

3. Young Fathers “Deadline” [Anticon]

4. Spoek Mathambo “Let Them Talk” [Sub Pop]

5. The GTW x Bengfang “Cravings” [Self-released] ***

6. ?uestlove x tUnE-yArDs x Angélique Kidjo x Akua Naru “Lady” (Fela Kuti Cover) [Knitting Factory Records]

7. Just A Band “Probably For Lovers” [Self-released]

8. Petite Noir “Disappear” [Self-released]

9. Michael Kiwanuka “Home Again” [Polydor/Interscope]

10. D’banj “Oliver Twist” [Mo'Hits/Mercury] - OkayAfrica (OkayPlayer)

What are your 5 favourite tracks right now?


That’s a seriously tough question to answer, I’ve discovered so much good music in the past few days, let alone months. If I had to knock it down to a top 5, I’d say:

1) The GTW & Bengfang – Cravings

This is the tune that I currently have on constant repeat right now. It samples Flight Facilities’s Crave You (ft. Giselle), which is an amazing tune in itself, but it really does it justice. The extra singing and rapping that they added to it just gives it it’s own character. It’s on a free EP, so definitely go find that!

2) Bombs and Bottles – PreGame

3) Azealia Banks – 1991

4) Trimbal – Confidence Boost (Harmonimix)

5) Mt. Wolf – Life Size Ghosts (Catching Flies Remix) - Cradle 2 The Rave

On a day off from the 9 to 5, I began to play the mixtape that I have been sitting on for a while. As I sat working on projects using my computer, skimming and flipping through screens like a poker card shuffler the GTW’s “Don’t Smoke the Cigarette” mixtape was playing on full volume through my headphones(respect for my elderly/nosey neighbors). Coming from Chicago The GTW was first introduced to the URB next 1000 hip hop community as Jay Greedy. The GTW has made a new mixtape that endorses an eclectic mix of beats and rhymes into a cohesive sound of his own. Tracks that you should take a listen to include: “All I C,” “Half-way freaks,” and “Running all my life.” I dedicate the “PATA PATA” track to the GTW and the Nigerian soccer team. Though they lost to Argentina they are still contenders for the World Cup. Yep, yep, it’s Monday and this mixtape will smooth your work week over. So, let’s go, listen and download! - URB MAGAZINE

The GTW, also known as Greater Than Wealth, is an upcoming rapper/singer/producer based in Chicago and managed by the same chick who got G-Eazy where he is today. I was on the fence when initially hearing The GTW last year but have heard much progress in his new tracks, which are more diverse, not the typical chill hip-hop that was popularized in the 90's and overall each song songs different from the next. - Before The Bigs

The GTW featuring Brandun Deshay and the beautiful Rai Knight? And LSD? Swoop. But despite the misleading title, which prompted me to cop doses and trip ballz on this beautiful Tuesday night, this song is not about drugs. I’d explain, but I’m tripping ballz, so I’m going to hit the roof and see what’s good. Shoutout America. Shoutout Sweden. Shoutout Poland. - Pigeons and Planes

Who: James King of (THE GTW)?? and Eddie Yang (aka BengFang)
What they do: Composing Vocalist & Yam Collector / ??Music producer & assistant at parents’ gallery
Where they were born: CHIGERIA (north side of Chicago or better known as “Little Naija”??) / Sioux Falls, SD
Where they live now: South side of Chicago / Chicago, Pilsen
When they first started working together:
The GTW: I started working with BengFang in January of this year, after he was continually shutting down parties and art shows in the city by playing only his beats. I walked up to him and asked him to collaborate, he was cool about it then we connected.

BengFang: Early 2012 it took about 6 months to finish the project. The GTW was just everywhere at the time and I thought he was the most original artist coming out of Chicago. It took us a couple of months to figure out what we wanted the EP to sound like, but we just let things flow and it sort of just built on its own.

What they are currently working on:
The GTW: I’m just experimenting with different kinds of genre’s and bending them for some future label releases. A video for “Cravings” should be released soon.

BengFang: My main focus right now is “Cravings” music video. I want that to be as perfect as it can be. My next EP will be called Imperial Grade. That project will feature more vocals.

With whom they would like most to go on a “ tête à tête”:
The GTW: Not sure what “tête à tête” means, but I’m just going to assume that it means a DATE. Winona Ryder. I want her hand in marriage.

BengFang: Beethoven.

What they would be doing if they weren’t making music:
The GTW: I would be working for the National Geographic Channel documenting earthquakes & shaky tectonic plates around the world. I’m heavily into anthropology: my mom teaches it at a university level.

BengFang: I would be doing visual art or creating motion graphics and special effects for movies. I like to make the images in my head a reality.

What cracks them up:
The GTW: When people say, “You don’t look Nigerian.” Like how is a Nigerian supposed to look like?

BengFang: This.

The WILDEST situation they have ever experienced:
The GTW: I was 10 years-old in Nigeria in a car with my mom, sister and aunt. We were driving down a one-lane highway at two in the morning and a couple white vans were trying to run us off the road and hijack the car. Fortunately, my mom was keen to Chicago traffic, so ditching those crooks was not much of a problem to her. Thank God.

BengFang: I was thrown out of a windshield in a rolling car. I was two at the time and my dad was driving. It was snowy and dark and he slid on black ice and the mini-van with my family in it flipped several times. I was launched out of the car, but luckily I survived and no one was seriously injured. But I still have scars on my forehead from it.

?What they can’t live without:
The GTW: Well, I lived without a phone and Internet before. I can safely say the only thing I can’t go with out is a hope for the future. Hope fuels me every morning, without it, there’s no point in anything.

BengFang: The Internet and music. The Internet is almost an essential I will sometimes feel claustrophobic without it. Yeah it’s that bad.

What they would like to leave to future generations:
The GTW: I would like to leave a message of hope through my sounds. I would like for my art to be the timeline of life for people to vibe to. Laughter, love, dark times and even darker times – I just want people to relate, you know?

BengFang: I would like to develop a new style or genre for newer musicians to venture in, or just break the entire rule of a genres.

Their next challenge:
The GTW: Getting a Visa. Performing at Fader Fort SXSW. I want those two things sooo baddd!!

BengFang: Composing classical music. I find classical music to be the most difficult genre to make. Pop music and every other style is just loops that repeat. But classical is a flow of energy that is continuous and dynamic.

What they think there is too much of, and too little of:
The GTW: Too many rappers and singers; not enough storytellers. It’s all about sharing experiences as opposed to appearing cool in front of a camera, or singing/rapping on a whole lot of pointless topics.

BengFang: I think there is too much electro house pop on the radio. They need to switch it up a bit play some newer stuff like “Cravings” by The GTW and Bengfang

Their heroes:
The GTW: Any entrepreneur that makes a living off of a creative idea. People who live off of their talent really inspire me to do the same. I curate events, collab on designs all because I want people to experience the zone I’m in.

BengFang: My pops.

The GTW and BengFang’s WILD Wishes:
The GTW: My current wish is that I would like to meet Alexa Chung. Can you tell the Make-A-Wish Foundation that? My lifetime wish is that I want to go to Colombia and play 1 on 1 with Carlos Valderama. He was one of my favorite - The Wild Magazine (NYC)

Chicago’s GTW and Bengfang get experimental on 48/14, their new EP that they classify as Glo-Fi. They write about the new project,

“Glo-fi sound infused with etinan (nga) x nachn (cha) township flavor. Producer Bengfang and vocalist The GTW present their original mash up of modern & cultural influences. 48/14 identifies with the emotions of the socially obscure who’s actions aren’t based only on a capitalist approach. The EP is for those who see faces instead of opportunity, for those who disregard social “status” and replace it with a genuine liking. We create not because it’s popular, not because it yields $, but because it shows our own passionate imperfection.” - Ruby Hornet

I’m really happy to present this new song by Chicago’s GTW, with production from Thelonious Martin and co-production by Will Rise. Besides the song being really fresh, this is also the first single from my students in AEMMP Hip Hop, the Hip Hop division of Columbia College’s student run record label. I’ve been working with all the students in AEMMP Hip Hop since the start of the fall semester, when they first met Columbia College freshman and emerging producer, Thelonious Martin. Working together, the students worked with Thelonious and Will to create new music, recruit talented Chicago artists, and do everything in between to produce something new. The finished product, Class President, features a wide range of Chicago artists and styles, showcasing not only what Columbia has to offer, but the Chicago Hip Hop community as a whole.

Class President will drop later this spring with features from Legit, Naledge, GLC, Lili K., and more. You can also catch The GTW live at the AEMMP Records edition of An Epitonic/Saki Hip-Hop Session on March 11th at Saki Records located 3716 W. Fullerton, also featuring Lili K. and Legit. Enjoy “More” Below. - Ruby Hornet

The GTW (whose acronymic stage name stands for "Greater Than Wealth") is a Pilsen-based singer with a highly listenable smooth-but-ragged voice, a style equally influenced by the music of his Nigerian immigrant parents and radio R&B, and lyrics that cover social issues as well as his infatuation with model Alexa Chung. Bengfang is a Chicago beat maker with a thing for dark, brooding sounds and a mind broad enough to find the connections between, say, vintage UK two-step and the new wave of avant-R&B. Recently they released an EP called 4814 that feels entirely capable of making big waves beyond the city limits.
This Thursday they're playing at Reggie's with local rapper Sasha Go Hard, whose combination of girl-next-door charm and hip-hop bravado—not to mention a couple brief but fiery live appearances in NYC—have made her the darling of tastemaking media outlets. Should be a crazy good show. - The Chicago Reader

Jumpy and bumpy offering from a forthcoming collaborative project between Chicago rapper The GTW and producer Bengfang. Slinky chords aboard piano a half-timer with stuttering hats, deep bass kicks and bars of lady-pining and loungey falsetto. There’s a really nice mix of styles on this infectious number. Satisfy your own craving for the week’s end and get some ass shooken to that punk smooth sh*t. Their 4814 EP will be coming right up. - PinBoard Blog (UK)

Featuring a fairly pronounced fusion between soul, hip hop and dubstep, while 48/14 is not the most original release ever created, it does contain 4 gorgeously composed songs that are honest about what they are and how they wish to express themselves. And because of that commitment to staying true to the way they wish to express themselves, the GTW and BengFang, make sure they do each song much deserved justice. Opener, ‘Cravings’ features a doubly seductive use of the already seductive melody from Flight Facilities’, ‘Crave You’, turning it’s sophisticated house groove into a beautiful spectre of woozy soul. ’48/14' forays into rolling, snare-snapping dubstep territory, while ‘Cold Shoulder (feat. Lili K)’ minimally revamps 90's R&B. Closing track ‘BLAK LUX’ features a nice use of bouncy acid-bass to undercut the Gwen Stefani-sampling ‘Luxurious’. 48/14 is a pretty easy listening experience that is made more interesting by the fact that it is permeated with an ineffable feeling of melancholy. Every song sounds painstakingly put together but still unpretentious thanks to the duos meticulous efforts to keep things simple, and pure. 48/184's main draw back though is that it is a very evenly textured EP that rarely deviates from the “boom-tish” tempo of dubstep and its somewhat sleepy mood. - Art Nouveau (Atlanta)

The GTW & Bengfang - Cravings - MTHRFNKR (UK)

The seven track EP includes five new original songs and two remixes of previous songs from Lili K. Metal Petals includes a supporting cast composed rising Chicago's rising artists Chance The Rapper (of SaveMoney), The GTW and Treated Crew's Sulaiman. - EARMILK

With global bass soulfulness, south side of Chicago rawness and gut thumping West African drums, The GTW and BengFang find a way to experiment with their global influences in a manner that has been called genre agnostic. For years, the duo has individually carved their own lane with their solo projects “Don’t Smoke The Cigarette” and “The Gossip Hour”, so the members of the Saturday Youth creative collective decided to fuse their production, singing, rapping talents and create a joint EP called “4814?.

Compared to other trailblazers like Blood Orange, Ifan Dafydd, Theophilus London and AlunaGeorge, their project represents their will to work twice as hard in an internet generation that focuses on instant gratification over quality control.

The ”4814? EP showcases The GTW and BengFang’s ability to break convention barriers in urban music and blur the lines that separate Electronic Dance music, Soul and Hip-Hop. The duo simply calls this clash of sounds, “Glo-Fi”.
The Chicago music scene is historically known for being the home of game-changing rappers, sweet falsetto slinging soul singers and the heart thumping rhythms of house music; however, the elements that built the unique and diverse sound of Chicago have been rarely united and it is even rarer to see them blended with a plethora of influences that range from Brazilian jazz to 90’s R&B.

The four track EP is completely produced by EDM producer BengFang and features the young jazz sensation Lili K (from Chance The Rapper’s “Hey Ma”) as well as uniquely used vocal samples from Gwen Stefani and Giselle Rosselli (from Flight Facilities “Crave You”). On “Cold Shoulder”, The GTW’s syrupy sweet voice glides over loungey bass grooves, while on the titled track “4814”, he tells aching honest tales of youth violence and poverty over cranking gears, sputtering hi-hats and gut thumping drums. - Bella Naija (Africa)

n Friday up-and-coming Chicago rapper James King (aka the GTW) will drop 4814, a collaborative EP with local producer Eddie Yang (aka Bengfang); tonight they celebrate the release with a performance at Funky Buddha Lounge (728 W. Grand). King has a voracious appetite for variety—he's into a lot of styles, most notably hip-hop and house—and he's found a great foil in Yang, an EDM wizard who appears to operate with a genre-agnostic sensibility. The pair have already released a couple smooth, cool tracks from the EP—"Blak Lux" and "Cravings"—that showcase their eclectic tastes and ear for solid pop hooks.
The son of Nigerian immigrants, King grew up listening to Nigerian music and later explored a bevy of other genres—downtempo house, Brazilian jazz, UK bass. He also took a particular interest in 90s bass music and its various offshoots. "My favorite song is 'My Boo,'" King says, referring to the 1996 Miami bass track by Ghost Town DJ's.

"Originally I was just singing in church like everyone else that starts singing," King says. He made his first rap song about six years ago, under the name Greedy; he later changed his alias to Greater Than Wealth, or the GTW for short. In 2010 he dropped his debut mixtape, Don't Smoke the Cigarette.

King also began linking up with creative types in a variety of other media by helping establish a collective called Saturday Youth. The group's name comes from King's friend and producer Sunny Norway (who worked on Don't Smoke the Cigarette), not the similar title of M83's 2008 album. King says it refers to the feeling of the one day each week that he and his friends would have to themselves while growing up. "That was the time when we were free from our homework," he says. "It was really euphoric."
Through Saturday Youth, King connected with Yang; he invited the producer into into the creative family about a year ago. Since then the pair has worked on what eventually became the 4814 EP, creating experimental tunes anchored by elements of trap and soul (not to be confused with MC Tree's sound, which he calls "soul trap"). King and Yang will perform 4814 as a part of a Saturday Youth series at Funky Buddha called the Yacht Club; Sir Devin Hudson and Manny Muscles spin. The event is free and starts at 9 PM. - The Chicago Reader

n Friday up-and-coming Chicago rapper James King (aka the GTW) will drop 4814, a collaborative EP with local producer Eddie Yang (aka Bengfang); tonight they celebrate the release with a performance at Funky Buddha Lounge (728 W. Grand). King has a voracious appetite for variety—he's into a lot of styles, most notably hip-hop and house—and he's found a great foil in Yang, an EDM wizard who appears to operate with a genre-agnostic sensibility. The pair have already released a couple smooth, cool tracks from the EP—"Blak Lux" and "Cravings"—that showcase their eclectic tastes and ear for solid pop hooks.
The son of Nigerian immigrants, King grew up listening to Nigerian music and later explored a bevy of other genres—downtempo house, Brazilian jazz, UK bass. He also took a particular interest in 90s bass music and its various offshoots. "My favorite song is 'My Boo,'" King says, referring to the 1996 Miami bass track by Ghost Town DJ's.

"Originally I was just singing in church like everyone else that starts singing," King says. He made his first rap song about six years ago, under the name Greedy; he later changed his alias to Greater Than Wealth, or the GTW for short. In 2010 he dropped his debut mixtape, Don't Smoke the Cigarette.

King also began linking up with creative types in a variety of other media by helping establish a collective called Saturday Youth. The group's name comes from King's friend and producer Sunny Norway (who worked on Don't Smoke the Cigarette), not the similar title of M83's 2008 album. King says it refers to the feeling of the one day each week that he and his friends would have to themselves while growing up. "That was the time when we were free from our homework," he says. "It was really euphoric."
Through Saturday Youth, King connected with Yang; he invited the producer into into the creative family about a year ago. Since then the pair has worked on what eventually became the 4814 EP, creating experimental tunes anchored by elements of trap and soul (not to be confused with MC Tree's sound, which he calls "soul trap"). King and Yang will perform 4814 as a part of a Saturday Youth series at Funky Buddha called the Yacht Club; Sir Devin Hudson and Manny Muscles spin. The event is free and starts at 9 PM. - The Chicago Reader

Just got this dope mixtape from The GTW (Greater Than Wealth). GTW is a Chicago Born emcee who has a fiery passion for all things Hip-Hop, Afro Beat & Snythy. Three of my favorite things! GTW’s first solo project Don’t Smoke The Cigarette serves as celebration music for this years World Cup. Download Don’t Smoke The Cigarette below.

Download: The GTW – Don’t Smoke The Cigarette - Art Nouveau (Atlanta)

The GTW (Greater Than Wealth), a 20 year old producer/writer born in Chicago to two Nigerian immigrants is making his way in the music world, blending unique sounds of hip hop, afro breaks and alluring synth beats. He recently released his first mixtape, Don’t Smoke the Cigarette. Check out “Blow Me Away,” off the mixtape, below.

- OkayPlayer/OkayAfrica

The GTW & BengFang - Cravings - TRNSCNDNT (Wisconsin)

T R A C K L I S T:
1. Glam Shell // Champagne
2. MVSCLES // sweet n sour
3. LOL Boys // Changes (Star Slinger Remix)
4. Bondax // Baby I Got That
5. Tyler, The Creator // Hey You (Prod. Toro y Moi)
6. Sweater Beats // MLLNDLLR
7. Passion Pit // Take A Walk (Burns Remix)
8. Diafrix // Helicopter (Star Slinger Remix)
9. Usher // Burn (Equator Club Remix)
10. Star Slinger // Ladies In The Back (feat. Teki Latex)
11. Jeremih // Fuck U All The Time (Dpat Remix)
12. Maths Time Joy // Walk With Me
13. Freddie Gibbs // Kush Cloud (ft. Krayzie Bone & SpaceGhostPurrp)
14. Equator Club // Healing
15. Disclosure // Tenderly (Wiley & J2K Remix)
16. Flume // Holdin On
17. Druid Cloak // Glyph of Moonfire
18. Cashmere Cat // Mirror Maru
19. The GTW & Bengfang // Cravings
20. Justin Timberlake // My Love (Bear//Face Remix)
21. The xx // Angels (Nknwn Remix)
22. Capeface // Floose
23. Dream Koala // We Can’t Be Friends - TRNSCNDNT (Wisconsin)

Chicago emcee, The GTW releases his glo-fi track entitled “Cravings.” The track features an up tempo beat complete with melodic vocals and a few bars to make the perfect collab of GTW and fellow Sat Youth label mate, BengFang. The two will be releasing a collaborative ep entitled “4814? on August 23rd. If youre around our neck of the woods you can catch The GTW at Sneakers X Speakers on September 1. - 2LsOnACloud (Nashville)

The comparisons between GTW and Petite Noir abound for what they are worth. On his own merit, I think newcomer James King looks to be on the verge of coining his own movement.

For fusing soul and bass music, the 22-year-old “Chigerian” (that’s Nigerian via Chi-Town) has been placed alongside stages with Spoek Mathambo, Muhsinah, Iggy Azalea and more.

Get a load of his recently released collaborative EP 4814 with nu bass producer Bengfang. The 4-track gem blends future R&B with minimalistic Hip-hop flows. - AfriPOP!

When elements of Hip-Hop cross over to the world of production something magical always happens, so what better combination than having a rap/R&B production duo. James King lays down the lines while Eddie Yang makes us groove. The result of this Singer/Rapper, Producer combo is fantastic Glo-Fi dance. 4814 has got that down-tempo, house, R&B, hip-hop, and funk elements which make it so eclectically brilliant. 4814 has got some thumping percussion, lush melodies, its atmospheric, woozy, and dazed. The Guardian refers to this match made in heaven’s Ep as “Slow Jam Loveliness”, and we could not agree more. 4814 EP is available now. Click the link below to listen to EP on the duo’s soundcloud. - Salacious Sound (Vancouver)

It’s funny that today, with tracks like this we talk about fusing house and hip-hop, both of which came from the rhythm and blues genre that this song might have been classified as, had we been talking about it years earlier. Runnin All My Life fuses electronic production and a soulful house hook with the highly compatible and rhythmic lyrics of The GTW. You can follow his future work here – he is said to be releasing an album on June 1st. - Salacious Sounds

The latest up and coming talent from Chicago that I would like to introduce you all to is an artist that goes by The GTW. He is a Chicago based artist from Nigeria; you can really hear his roots in the various songs he currently has out. "Cravings" is my personal favorite from what I have heard so far, which is why I decided to highlight it and show you all. "Cravings" is off his latest project the 48/14 EP which you can download and listen to here. Enjoy - Dope Music Blog

I spotted this over at thefader.com so first off, respect to them. The GTW, which is short for Greater Than Wealth, hails from Chicago. “Cravings” is an awesome mix of some killer vocals accompanied by a verse just behind in terms of awesomeness. If you like what you hear, check out The GTW’s 4814 EP HERE. - DankLA

According to some reports, The Wave was invented by Pacific Lutheran University cheerleader Bill T. Peterson in the ‘60s, but until today the millions of sports fans haven’t had an official anthem to accompany their synchronized standing and sitting. Thanks Phresh James! Actually, James’ latest single, making its world premiere right here at The DJBooth, is far too mellow to pump out of stadium speakers, but it should get plenty of people moving in unison….if you’re picking up what I’m putting down. The Wave owes it mellow vibe to The GTW, who layers a not-quite-porn-but-close bass line over pounding percussion and then tops things off with a supremely smooth hook. It’s the perfect setting for James to put in work on the mic, flowing cleanly over the beat while he ensures the ladies that he’s far from the average player: “I’m committed ain’t with that foolishness / some call these perks I make them bliss.” If The Wave has you looking for more Phresh-ness to ride out to you’re in luck. James’ new album, Universal Lve Period, is set to hit our homepage for free stream and download tomorrow, Monday, January 16. - DjBooth.net

Being a producer isn’t easy. If you don’t find an emcee to do your work justice no one hears it the product of your blood, sweat and tears. No wonder more and more beat makers are taking matters into their own hands

mics. Case in point; GTW’s August. Originally intended for fellow DMV native Phil Ade, the versatile producer decided instead to get his Bo Jackson on and pull double duty, and the results were (obviously) good enough to earn him a first feature on the Booth. Befitting a man who makes his living behind the board’s August’s beat is cooler than a polar bear’s toe nails, sprawling across the track and anchored only by a solid percussion line. If a beat like that sounds like the perfect canvas to paint a picture of heartbreak and longing on GTW agrees, filling the verses and hook with bars that hover between singing, rapping and spoken word. The summer days are winding down, but I don’t think it’s too late to add August to your summer drive with the windows down playlist – a playlist you can supplement with GTW’s solo project Sublime...whenever it drops.

Main Vocals By: The GTW.
Background Vocals: Lili K.
Produced by: The GTW
- DjBooth.net

Remember Lili K. and Peter CottonTale? The singer/producer duo managed to melt my Grinch-like heart over the holidays. Well, she's back with some more musical goodness. Last summer's Prelude to Hello EP had plenty of solid tracks. One that stood above the bunch, however, was the jazzy groove "My Name Is," which featured rhymes by The GTW. Never one to rest on laurels, Peter CottonTale has gone ahead and flipped the track (which he originally produced). Adding harder hitting drums and a few flourishes, a new life is breathed into the song. The remix of "My Name Is" is available as a free download and serves to prepare audiences for the new sounds coming your way when the follow up to Prelude, titled Metal Petals, blooms this spring. Oh, and for those bouncers in Chicago, be sure to check Lili, Peter, and the rest of the crew when they play The Double Door tonight with BJ The Chicago Kid.
- SoulBounce

“This just ain’t earth to me.”

I got to know The GTW a little bit over the past year thanks to his involvement in the Class President EP. Today he sent me a new record from his forthcoming EP with producer Beng Fang, which is titled #4814. The numbers stand for working overtime in the Internet-age, and from what I know of GTW, he’s definitely on his grind. This record is built around a Gwen Stefani sample, which GTW and Beng Fang flip to tell their own unique story. Listen and grab it below. - Ruby Hornet

Vocalist/rapper The GTW and producer BengFang mold thumping beats out of their global influences. Their joint EP 4818 features a stew of global bass, South Side Chicago rawness and West African drums, cooked-up into a sound they call “glo-fi.” Stream the entire EP below — we’ve had lead-track “Cravings” on auto-repeat ever since we came across it a few weeks ago. - OkayPlayer/OkayAfrica

The GTW is a Chicago-based rapper/singer born to Nigerian immigrants. On “Cravings” he teams up with producer Bengfang for a “glo-fi” lounge take on a Flight Facilities tune. GTW showcases his solid falsetto and rhymes, peppering the story of a “24-hour date with a hazel-eyed gypsy” with plenty Naija/naira references. Download “Cravings” below, which you’ll find on GTW & Bengfang’s upcoming 4814 EP. - OkayAfrica

In Chicago there is a physical line between the rich and the poor. This line is known as LSD (Lake Shore Drive). The GTW teams up with fellow Chicago artist, Brandun Deshay, to illustrate their experiences with LSD. The song takes listeners on an exciting mental ride with a bass heavy ambient feel. The Chicago styled verses are coupled well with the flavored vocals of indie-hop singer, Rai Knight, & an electronic-trap hybrid beat from English Producer, Selasse (who is a producer in Saturday Youth Rec). - Indie Shuffle

Full Crate & FS Green
Mixing August 2012

Download: http://bit.ly/OD39Or

+ Dwele - Obey
+ Sivey - A Little Help
+ Jeremih - Go To The Mo
+ 5kinAndBone5 - Do You Really Know Me?
+ Bilal - Fast Lane (Ishfaq Remix)
+ The GTW & Bengfang - Cravings
+ Lakim - Future Bounce
+ Gizmo - Lift Me Up Ft. Nick Hakim
+ Andre 3000 - Sixteen
+ Moods - Arrived
+ Tall Black Guy - Enter (The Rain)
+ Aluna George - Your Drums, Your Love
+ Guynamite - Start Again Ft. D.Ablo
+ Dwele - Swank Ft. Monica Blaire - Full Crate & FS Green

Full Crate & FS Green
Mixing August 2012

Download: http://bit.ly/OD39Or

+ Dwele - Obey
+ Sivey - A Little Help
+ Jeremih - Go To The Mo
+ 5kinAndBone5 - Do You Really Know Me?
+ Bilal - Fast Lane (Ishfaq Remix)
+ The GTW & Bengfang - Cravings
+ Lakim - Future Bounce
+ Gizmo - Lift Me Up Ft. Nick Hakim
+ Andre 3000 - Sixteen
+ Moods - Arrived
+ Tall Black Guy - Enter (The Rain)
+ Aluna George - Your Drums, Your Love
+ Guynamite - Start Again Ft. D.Ablo
+ Dwele - Swank Ft. Monica Blaire - Full Crate & FS Green

Full Crate & FS Green
Mixing August 2012

Download: http://bit.ly/OD39Or

+ Dwele - Obey
+ Sivey - A Little Help
+ Jeremih - Go To The Mo
+ 5kinAndBone5 - Do You Really Know Me?
+ Bilal - Fast Lane (Ishfaq Remix)
+ The GTW & Bengfang - Cravings
+ Lakim - Future Bounce
+ Gizmo - Lift Me Up Ft. Nick Hakim
+ Andre 3000 - Sixteen
+ Moods - Arrived
+ Tall Black Guy - Enter (The Rain)
+ Aluna George - Your Drums, Your Love
+ Guynamite - Start Again Ft. D.Ablo
+ Dwele - Swank Ft. Monica Blaire - Full Crate & FS Green

Full Crate & FS Green
Mixing August 2012

Download: http://bit.ly/OD39Or

+ Dwele - Obey
+ Sivey - A Little Help
+ Jeremih - Go To The Mo
+ 5kinAndBone5 - Do You Really Know Me?
+ Bilal - Fast Lane (Ishfaq Remix)
+ The GTW & Bengfang - Cravings
+ Lakim - Future Bounce
+ Gizmo - Lift Me Up Ft. Nick Hakim
+ Andre 3000 - Sixteen
+ Moods - Arrived
+ Tall Black Guy - Enter (The Rain)
+ Aluna George - Your Drums, Your Love
+ Guynamite - Start Again Ft. D.Ablo
+ Dwele - Swank Ft. Monica Blaire - Full Crate & FS Green

Full Crate & FS Green
Mixing August 2012

Download: http://bit.ly/OD39Or

+ Dwele - Obey
+ Sivey - A Little Help
+ Jeremih - Go To The Mo
+ 5kinAndBone5 - Do You Really Know Me?
+ Bilal - Fast Lane (Ishfaq Remix)
+ The GTW & Bengfang - Cravings
+ Lakim - Future Bounce
+ Gizmo - Lift Me Up Ft. Nick Hakim
+ Andre 3000 - Sixteen
+ Moods - Arrived
+ Tall Black Guy - Enter (The Rain)
+ Aluna George - Your Drums, Your Love
+ Guynamite - Start Again Ft. D.Ablo
+ Dwele - Swank Ft. Monica Blaire - Full Crate & FS Green

Picture Summertime, riding around with the top down, with your bitty sitting pretty passenger side. That’s what LSD reminds me of. This track has the makings of a Summertime favorite. Smooth production courtesy of Selasse, compliments The GTW and Brandun Deshay’s ultra cool lyricism. Not to mention the sultry vocals from Miss Rai Knight. I swear this record is hypnotizing, you’ll definitely feel the effects of LSD. - Art Nouveau

mixtape post - 84 Area (ATL)

THE GTW is a Hip-House artist out of Chicago. He is a 20 year old producer/writer who has worked with many in the indie music scene. His music fuses house with hip-hop which propels his music to an innovative standard. His buzz is steadily rising and he is getting looks as the next rap artist to push the envelope of creative music not only in Chicago, but in everywhere in the world. He created “dont smoke the cigarette” as celebration music for the upcoming world cup. The project features artist and production from artists such as Criss Ruler, Sunny Norway, Braxton Holmes and Raheem Devaughn. With singles such as “Running all my life” he is definitely giving the listener a quality hearing. take a listen and enjoy. - URISTOCRAT (PHILADELPHIA)

This must be Christmas!!! It has to be. Don't Smoke The Cigarette by James “Akaniyene” King or The GTW is a fun, crisp and refreshing project. I randomly met this dude back in April after hearing him perform in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. I can not remember the exact songs that he performed that night but I do remember saying to myself "this dude reminds me of Theophilus London". So in my very own Buxxy™ way, I walked up to him complimented him on his music and asked him if he heard of Mr. London. Sure enough he said he worked with him the past. Pretty cool, huh? I think what I like most about his sound is versatile and can reach a wide range of people. My mom likes it and she is the Salsa & House music QUEEN! Lol


Anyway, time passed, life went on and I finally got around to hearing Don't Smoke The Cigarette. I haven't stopped listening to it since... First song that stuck out in my head was "Sweet & Sour". It's like Fela Kuti's afro-beat, house, and soul music blended to tell a painful tale. This sound is followed with track after track of great songs. Each one is well produced and provides for a head bopping listening pleasure. "Henessy Joint (Remix)", "Running All My Life" and "Halfway Freaks" are also my favorites. This Chicago boy has some serious talent and Don't Smoke The Cigarette definitely deserves your ear. Overall I like his style, delivery, and content. I would def go out of my way to catch a show of his.

I stole this from his tumblr site (click it!). I think he perfectly describes how he feels and his words are better left unchopped and screwed:

Music impacted my life around my Freshman year in Highschool. I fell in love with the crazy antics of Eminem and the Soulful delivery of artist like Kanye West and Little Brother. Deep Down I always had a burning passion to come out with songs that people would enjoy and relate to. For the past 2 years I have been scratching clawing, climbing the ladder of musical politics in my city. Trying to get music noticed in Chicago is as easy as crashing an Obama Dinner party. (TRUTHFUL HUMOR). I threw the thought away of trying to impress these Chicago politicians.
I inked up with my favorite the best producers out of my city, Sunny Norway, Criss ‘Zip’ Ruler, and Braxton Holmes with some production from my self. I wanted to come out with a musical project where i can express my thoughts through, singing, rapping or whatever way i can express my thoughts. I wanted to make something that the whole world could relate to. Therefore the phrase Dont Smoke The Cigarette came about for my first solo project. Don't Smoke The Cigarette is a short way of saying “Dont do what everyone else is doing.” This project is filled with my me and friends singing and going on the adventure of musical bliss. I would like to thank everyone who supports me, from the south side of Chicago to the green plains of Berlin. I present to you. #dontsmokethecigarette. - BUXXY BUNNY

This must be Christmas!!! It has to be. Don't Smoke The Cigarette by James “Akaniyene” King or The GTW is a fun, crisp and refreshing project. I randomly met this dude back in April after hearing him perform in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. I can not remember the exact songs that he performed that night but I do remember saying to myself "this dude reminds me of Theophilus London". So in my very own Buxxy™ way, I walked up to him complimented him on his music and asked him if he heard of Mr. London. Sure enough he said he worked with him the past. Pretty cool, huh? I think what I like most about his sound is versatile and can reach a wide range of people. My mom likes it and she is the Salsa & House music QUEEN! Lol


Anyway, time passed, life went on and I finally got around to hearing Don't Smoke The Cigarette. I haven't stopped listening to it since... First song that stuck out in my head was "Sweet & Sour". It's like Fela Kuti's afro-beat, house, and soul music blended to tell a painful tale. This sound is followed with track after track of great songs. Each one is well produced and provides for a head bopping listening pleasure. "Henessy Joint (Remix)", "Running All My Life" and "Halfway Freaks" are also my favorites. This Chicago boy has some serious talent and Don't Smoke The Cigarette definitely deserves your ear. Overall I like his style, delivery, and content. I would def go out of my way to catch a show of his.

I stole this from his tumblr site (click it!). I think he perfectly describes how he feels and his words are better left unchopped and screwed:

Music impacted my life around my Freshman year in Highschool. I fell in love with the crazy antics of Eminem and the Soulful delivery of artist like Kanye West and Little Brother. Deep Down I always had a burning passion to come out with songs that people would enjoy and relate to. For the past 2 years I have been scratching clawing, climbing the ladder of musical politics in my city. Trying to get music noticed in Chicago is as easy as crashing an Obama Dinner party. (TRUTHFUL HUMOR). I threw the thought away of trying to impress these Chicago politicians.
I inked up with my favorite the best producers out of my city, Sunny Norway, Criss ‘Zip’ Ruler, and Braxton Holmes with some production from my self. I wanted to come out with a musical project where i can express my thoughts through, singing, rapping or whatever way i can express my thoughts. I wanted to make something that the whole world could relate to. Therefore the phrase Dont Smoke The Cigarette came about for my first solo project. Don't Smoke The Cigarette is a short way of saying “Dont do what everyone else is doing.” This project is filled with my me and friends singing and going on the adventure of musical bliss. I would like to thank everyone who supports me, from the south side of Chicago to the green plains of Berlin. I present to you. #dontsmokethecigarette. - BUXXY BUNNY

It’s funny that today, with tracks like this we talk about fusing house and hip-hop, both of which came from the rhythm and blues genre that this song might have been classified as, had we been talking about it years earlier. Runnin All My Life fuses electronic production and a soulful house hook with the highly compatible and rhythmic lyrics of The GTW. You can follow his future work here – he is said to be releasing an album on June 1st. - SALICIOUS SOUND (VANCOUVER)

The GTW "Blow Me Away" f/ Danny Brusco & Aiva The Great
FULL, CDQ, Track off the mixtape, Don't Smoke The Cigarette *TIBS FAV.™

Now here's a track that will blow you away! Har har har. Lame pun aside, The GTW is the lone Chicago artist in this month's recap for this standout track from the new mixtape, Don't Smoke The Cigarette, called "Blow Me Away". The eclectic sounds and styles on display here are too much to count on both hands like the amount of rings possessed by one Phil Jackson. So where to start? Well, The GTW cleverly crafts a song based around the always relatable concept of courtship. He does so in a fast-paced and classy manner from the first verse onward, which is very entertaining to follow. Guest stars Danny Brusco & Aiva The Great add some vocals - the former on a fun hook that anyone can sing along to, and the latter adding a supplemental bridge and female perspective to the situation in a seductive voice that really drives the concept home. All three artists possess their own distinctive style and voice, which all shine over the uptempo, multi-layered production. Most notably, there are some African-inspired claps and some Dirty Vegas-reminiscent grooves that combine for a fresh sound unlike any other. Flat out, "Blow Me Away" comes complete across the board - lyrically, conceptually, and sonically - for a fun and relatable record that always puts me in a good mood when I ride with it. Any other month, it could have been an easy pick for the number one spot, but The GTW had this guy to compete with... - CHICAGO NOW!

mixtape post - 84 Area

It's about time we got some fresh local flavor in this city! DJs are well and plenty around here, but it seems that the local rappers, bands, and musicians are falling to the wayside these days. The GTW (Greater Than Wealth) is 20-year-old James King, writer and co-producer of his debut mixtape Don't Smoke the Cigarette.

The 12-track album flows through hip-hop and synth beats overlapped with rap lyrics that are equally quick, clever, and catchy. Don't expect to hear any nonsense about 'money to blow' either (these are recession times--who is Drake kidding?), instead, King chooses charm with tracks like "Blow Me Away." - UR CHICAGO MAGAZINE