First Day Feature: Gio Dee talks his Never Going Back EP, relationship with IAMSU! & more

Aiming to put the city of Boston on the hip-hop map is the vision for 23 year old Gio Dee. With a strong musical background the rising rapper, songwriter and engineer has worked tirelessly on his craft and built a healthy fanbase over the past few years. His first mixtape in 2011, This Is Only The Beginning, was prophetic in a since as he has gone to much larger heights since then following with 2013’s Fashionably Late EP and TOTB: The Second Coming earlier this year. The quality of these releases have seen him sell out performances at the House Of Blues Boston and headline concerts throughout the states.

The leader of the #ChefBoyz crew, a Boston based collective/brand in which Gio Dee attaches his name, looks to certainly be a candidate for even bigger things soon enough. The releases given over the summer months have only shown progression in his work that leaves you longing for more and it will soon come in the form of his Never Going Back EP. As he places the finishing touches on the project we figured it to be a good time to get in touch with him and discuss it, among other things.

What is it like growing up in Boston and how does it reflect in your music?

Boston is my home. This is my city man. I’ve seen the ups & downs here more than anywhere else I’ve been. I’m grateful for that. My sound and lyrics come from what I’ve seen, gained & lost while living in Boston. Everyone who is from here can relate to my stories or even me as a person, shit you can still catch me somewhere on Newbury when I’m in the city.

What lead you to become a musician?

Just my experiences. I’ve always been around music. I grew up bumping all kinds of genre’s of music. Performed in talent shows when i was younger, been in multiple studios, I also went to Boston University for audio engineering. Right after that, I started dropping music. I got a few good responses and just kept going with it. Music is my passion, I had no other choice in my opinion.

Correct me if I’m wrong but it seems like you generally have an amazing time making music. I say this because more times that not you can just sense an energy there that’s infectious. What is your process like when you create music?

Your def right about that. I just to share stories but also have fun while making music at the same time. There are times when I’m going thru personal situations and I tend to release my stress by talking about it in music. I freestyle everything, hardly ever write. I always keep it real with myself 1st, cause I may never knew who else is feeling the same way I am.

Your first tape was in 2011 with T.O.T.B (This is Only The Beginning). Since then you’ve followed with the Fashionably Late EP and the sequel to TOTB. Of your catalog what are some of the songs that stand out to you more than others and why?

To be honestly I hardly go back and listen to my old stuff. I just keep moving forward and not look back. But if I had to choose a top 3, It would def be (Not in a specific Order):

1) “Match my Hustle” – Every person no matter what profession they choose, they want someone to match their hustle. Point blank period. (If) you don’t, well you should.

2) “Celebrity”- I had the most fun making this song and the response from it was amazing.

3) “Mind Your Business”- Its just personally my favorite. Something that i made that everyone could relate too.

Just wait til y’all hear the new music!

https://soundcloud.com/iamgiodee/fake-crazy-prod-by-que-b

Based on the past you tend to take a bit of time in between each release of yours. Is this a strategic move to create anticipation or do you just like to take your time with the music for quality purposes?

I have so many songs and projects in the vault. Its all about strategy. I believe every season gives off a certain vibe and emotion. So I go based off of that to release music.

What initially hooked me as a fan was how polished everything you do is. From the way every thing is engineered, to the visuals, to artwork, its always very crisp and not all upcoming artists have that same quality. How do you plan your rollouts and the way you present your work?

It’s all of of vibes and which songs go in what category of music. I don’t like to stay in one lane, I try to hit all lines. That way i can always give my fans more of me.

Could you share more about the Chef Boyz collective? What’s on the horizon as far as that goes.

The Chef Boyz brand is being rebuilt as of right now. Don’t wanna give out too much but when the brand is completely ready you guys will see and feel the change. But, shout to my team & Mayklens Don for all the heat he’s got!

You’ve returned to the scene in a major way over the course of the past month releasing a new video for Man of Your Word and new singles like Fake Crazy and Rags To Riches, a collaboration with IAMSU!. What was it like linking up with IAMSU! and what about his sound led you to reach out?

Man Su is the homie. Been a fan of his work since way back. Since that show we did at SSU, we clicked. We smoked a joint and just vibed out at my bro Nicks crib in Cali and he was like he wanna work after he seen me perform Celebrity. Haven’t met many genuine dudes in this industry who want someone to make other themselves but Su.

Outside of that, what else can we expect from your upcoming EP Never Going Back? What is the concept and direction you’re aiming for?

So much has changed within me and my life and I’m getting a better understanding of my own vision. And after people see what I do next they gonna understand I cant go back to the things I used to do. People are finally gonna (know) Gio Dee after this project.

Will there be any other features to look out for other than the one previously mentioned?

Naw Su is the only feature on this project. But there will be Big Production, Tracklist isn’t final. But their may be some Metro Boomin on there, might be some Zaytoven or some new David Greene. I don’t know. You just gotta wait and see.

To date what would you say has been the proudest moment of your career?

Having my Son and the day he was born i was holding him playing “For Tha Loe” and he was bopping his head.

Other than the EP, whats next for the Gio Dee?

Possible Tour. And just more music and visuals to be released. More work.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with everyone before we wrap up?

Stay creative. Challenege Yourself to be greater everyday. No Matter what you choose to do in life. If no one bleieves in you, Believe in yourself.

How can people hit you up?

Twitter/Instagram: @IamGioDee
Facebook.com/GioDee617
IAMGIODEE.COM