What happens when survival instinct meets destiny? In this raw, unfiltered conversation, we meet (GI), who shares the extraordinary story of hitchhiking across states at just 13 years old to find his hustler father in Las Vegas.
GI's journey begins in Denver, Colorado—his proud hometown—before childhood circumstances land him in Northern California's foster system. Desperate to escape, he embarks on a dangerous solo mission to Vegas, asking strangers where to find pimps until he miraculously reunites with his father at the Flamingo Casino. What's striking isn't just the boldness of this act, but GI's matter-of-fact perspective: "It wasn't bold to me. It was survival."
The conversation weaves through significant life influences—from losing his virginity at 11 to his mother's friend, to learning hustle from Vegas streets, to inheriting musical and athletic legacies from his grandfathers. GI's maternal grandfather was musician Roger Trotman, while his paternal grandfather broke color barriers in professional basketball and football. These bloodlines instilled both artistic sensibility and athletic drive, though GI ultimately abandoned football dreams as his consciousness evolved.
Throughout the episode, GI drops gems about women's psychology, street wisdom, and the music industry. "Vegas is the make it or break it city," he observes, explaining how the environment forces people to either level up or crash down. His musical journey—surprisingly influenced by alternative rock before hip-hop—culminates in his upcoming mixtape "Before I Get Mad," releasing soon across all platforms.
Ready to hear how surviving extraordinary circumstances shapes a unique perspective on life, relationships, and art? Listen now, and catch GI on his summer tour kicking off this June.