Read the full interview on YoungCalifornia.com!
At just 24 years old, Gabriel Tirado has successfully started his own companies and is now ready to focus his efforts on his first true love: music. While he may just be dipping his toes in the rap game, he already has what most artists want: a feature with Lil Baby. On top of serving as his debut single, the record “Cash Rules” is a statement for all aspiring artists to be cautious of the industry. Read more…
While Tirado officially fell in love with creating music and writing at the young age of 13, it wasn’t until 2016 he decided it was time to commit full-time. With an overarching goal of providing for his family, Gabe pairs talent with real life experience the people can relate to. Audiences can look forward to his forthcoming debut EP titled Progress Report, slated to be released next year.
For those who don’t know, who is Gabriel Tirado?
Gabriel Tirado is an all-around businessman and/or successful entrepreneur. I’m an artist, but definitely an entrepreneur.
What you got your hands in?
I just recently just did a song with Boosie, Beenie Man, and last but not least, I did a song with Lil Baby. I also have a couple companies of my own. Other than that, I went to school for pharmacy.
Can you prescribe me medication?
I can’t prescribe it, but I can dispense it.
Where do you fit in the realm of R&B and hip-hop?
Right in the middle. I would say my sound is unique, but that’s kind of a basic answer. I would say intriguing.
You’re from Florida, how does that play into your life and career?
The Florida market is saturated, for sure. I guess Florida is a big network. I mean really, it just adds the Florida hint to my style.
How important is it to come to LA as an up and coming artist?
It’s very important because most artists and events that are worth going to, happen in LA.
At what point did you realize this music thing was forreal?
When I started getting the feedback that I was getting from people who are already in the industry, and people who are already working with artists in the industry.
What was the inspiration in keeping your name?
My real name? Branding. I used to go by 2 Gudda. I felt like using my real name also symbolizes the change from me being in the streets to me wanting to do better with my life.
Talk about linking with Lil Baby on “Cash Rules.” What was the dynamic in the studio?
We were introduced by JRich (engineer). He made the connection, and the rest was history. It was in the studio, we were in there. It was good. I mean, Lil Baby is cool. I guess 2 people who are from a similar background, are able to relate easy. There’s like an unspoken respect.
I actually got to visit the video shoot in LA. What was the best part of filming the visual?
Haaaaa. [laughs] Honestly, the best part… I loved the whole video shoot. I liked everything about it. Rage really did a really good job. My team did a really good job. Everybody was ready. Everybody was prepared. Everything was there, so I had a lot of fun. A lot of people showed up, that didn’t have to. I appreciate that for sure.
The record actually speaks on the downsides of the music industry. Talk about your own personal experience.
I think the business aspect is very important. It’s way deeper than rap. It’s way deeper than rhyming your words. The biggest thing you have to realize is that you have a product, and you’re just trying to sell that product and market that product. The key to any business is good advertisement, which is why you see Pepsi and Coca-Cola spending all this money on having artists represent their product. The best advertisement always wins. I feel like that’s the key to any business, which means that’s the key to being successful as an artist.
What are some goals for yourself as an artist?
As an artist, to own my own label, and to bring people who really deserve it to the industry. Not just the people who have it to be in the industry, but the people who really don’t have it, but have raw talent. I feel like I have an ear. I wouldn’t bring anybody to the industry that isn’t better than me.
What can we expect on your upcoming Progress Report EP?
You can expect just a summary of what’s been going on lately. Everything that I talk about is facts. I don’t speak about anything that does not represent me. Basically, if I spoke about it or talk about it, I went through it. Anybody that went through it would be able to relate, and be able to verify that.
Any other features?
Only Lil Baby.
How important is social media for your career?
Social media is a very important marketing tool. Because so many young people use social media now — that’s basically their newspaper, their news channel, and everything like that. Social media is very important and you should spend at least 30% percent of your time trying to build your social media presence.
Damn, 30%?
30% because advertising is the key to any successful business. If you’re using social media to advertise and that’s your main advertisement, then you should spend half of your time advertising your product. Because you’re spending half of your time advertising your product and social media is one of the key players in advertising your product, you should spend a good amount of that time utilizing it.
Talk about being Hispanic in an urban-dominated industry.
I love it. I’m Puerto Rican and black, I’m proud of it. I think it just gives me the edge that a lot of artists in the industry don’t have.
Do you ever feel like the minority?
Of the industry? Sometimes, I could say that. Because it’s predominantly black, or darker-skinned people I guess I would say. A lot of people, they don’t think we could rap. [laughs] I’m light skin, a lot of people do confuse that. They think I’m totally something else.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Owning my own city.
What’s a normal day in the life? Walk us through.
Of course, you gotta wake and bake. I don’t know if that should be public information or not. [laughs] After that, saying or speaking my goals into existence. Then after that, I get to the money of course. Usually, I would see what’s going on across the board with all of my companies, and get the latest update with any of my companies. At that point, I try to be productive with the rest of the day by either contributing the rest of my time to the music or if any of the facilities need my assistance, I would contribute my time there. At the end of the day of course, my family comes first. Because I have a son, so I try to spend time with my family in the evening.
What business ventures, what are your companies?
Pharmacies, and I have a call center in Jamaica. Then one of my companies supplies medical supplies like wheelchairs, back braces, etc. We do diabetic supplies.
You started those on your own?
Not on my own. When I finished school, I started working in a pharmacy. That’s where I met my partner, and we started doing business together after that. I would say it was a joint effort, 50/50.
Who are your biggest influences music wise?
I wouldn’t necessarily say influencing my sound when I talk about these people, but I would say inspire me as an artist. The type of artist who gives me chills sometimes when I hear their music, I would say definitely, hands down, no matter what, Eminem. Another person who inspires me that is really good, is Drake.
3 things you need in the studio?
Weed, liquor, and a good engineer.
Who’s the most played artist on your phone?
Myself. If I had to say anybody, I’m just going to give it to Drake then.
Dream collab?
Drake, of course.
What advice do you have for an aspiring Gabriel Tirado?
Before you try to jump in the industry to try to do music, full fledge, I would say find a career. Find a normal career. Try to be stable. Find a stable career first so you can do what a normal person does before you try and say that you’re better, or try to go outside the box. Because you have to be successful to be able to support yourself and to be able to invest in yourself. If you’re not successful at being a business person or being able to handle your finances in the first place, then you’re never going to be successful at it when you get to a higher level. And when you get to that level, you’re just going to be counting on everybody else or just fail, so I would master the basics.
Anything else you would like us to know?
The feature with Lil Baby is dropping soon. We had to push the date back because Lil Baby has so much going on. The next thing is my EP is coming out next year. I already have 2 albums done, that’s ready. For sure, that’s going to come out after that. Everything happens in order. Basically, I want to see more successful young people. Instead of waiting until you’re 30 or 40 years old to start enjoying your life. You need to get on the ball and be ready so by the time you’re 24, 25, and 26, you’re able to enjoy the money and the fruits of your labor while you still look good.
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