Glasses Malone - otherwise known as G. Malone – hails from Watts and Compton and is the next artist to drop an album with the currently unstoppable Cash Money Records.  With his smooth, steady flow and slick style he’s about to breathe some fresh air into the West Coast rap game.  He talks to us about what’s behind the name, what he’s learned so far about the rap game, who he’s enjoyed working with, and what he knows about rap up North. Stay tuned for his debut album Beach Cruiser, coming soon.

So what’s behind the name Glasses Malone – it’s pretty unique.

It was a name given to me by an OG. It really refers to my bad vision. I lost the only pair of glasses I owned at the time. “Where are your glasses?” everyone asked me. Kinda just stuck.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?

A very detailed artist. I believe in hiding the complexity to give it longevity. The majority of my songs require multiple listens to comprehend everything fully.

How do you know when you’ve found the right beat?

It just touches my soul.

You signed with Sony in 2005 (after turning down offers from several other record labels) under which you were supposed to release Beach Cruiser in 2007.  Then the subsidiary of Sony that signed you shut down, and you ended up signing with Cash Money and will be releasing the album soon. What happened with that and how did it impact you and your career?

I was able to leave Sony with my masters and negotiate a new deal immediately. The whole Sony experience just gave me a crash course in the music industry. I had to grow as a business man overnight. It made me realize I had to be in control of my moves, also keep a closer eye on people making moves in the name of my career.

Tell us about working with Cash Money.

It’s a dream come true. It’s the number 1 label, with the number 1 artist, and the number 1 movement. Everyone is easy to work with and talk to!

You signed a four record deal with them.  In the age of Internet-downloaded music, what do you feel is the key to selling albums?

Put out great music. Constantly.

You come from Watts and Compton.  There’s always talk about West Coast rap – how would you describe the rap game out there right now and where it’s headed?

It’s heading in the right direction. People out west are getting that hometown pride again. It’s only a matter of time before hip hop is booming commercially out west again.

You worked with a lot of different artists for Beach Cruiser.  What collaboration did you really enjoy?

Certified! Akon, who was exploding commercially at the time came in and worked with me like I was a superstar. I’ll never forget that experience, and will always be thankful to Akon.

What’s behind the title of the album?

It’s just a metaphor for Glasses Malone’s style of music. I want my music to be as timeless as a Beach Cruiser. No matter how many trick bikes, mountain bikes, and 10-speeds come out people will always ride Beach Cruisers. It also speaks about the smooth and steady way I flow. Smooth and steady sound of the music. Beach Cruisers are the gangsta vessels of choice. Beach Cruisers just represent me and my music.

Have you ever been to Canada?  What do you know of/think of the hip hop scene here?

I’mma fan of Swollen Members. My label mate is Drake. I’m fairly aware of what’s goin’ on in Canada.

On your Myspace page it says that “when rap is at its best, it’s cinematic.”  That’s a very interesting quote – can you describe a little what that means to you, and an example of another artist whose music you would describe as cinematic?

I’m referring to the way you can paint a picture vividly with words alone. I really work hard on placing you in the scenario I’m rapping about. Emcees I get that cinematic style from would be the great Scarface, B.I.G, and Ice Cube.

We know you were a very strong student, and that your parents were both hustlers. Can you talk a bit about your early life and how it led you to doing music?

Street life, Street life, Street life. Music was fun at first. Battling with a couple friends. Then it became a thing I would do with my lil bro to keep him out of trouble. As all these things came together, they made me pretty ill musically. Between the talent and getting tired of going back and forth to jail, I decided to give it a try.

For more info, check out http://www.whoisgmalone.com or   http://www.whoisgmalone.com.

Nightmare on Seven Street the mixtape is out now and Beach Cruiser is coming soon, don’t sleep!

Interview by Killa Kellz