He looks like Biggie. He even sounds similar to the Notorious One. But Compton-native Guerilla Black is his own man—and rapper. Lounging in the offices of his label, Virgin on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Monday, G. Black and various staffers parlayed with press to introduce the East to the West’s finest. Now backed by a major, his debut is star-filled. Guests include Mario Winans, who shares the same manager as G. Black, Nate Dogg, Jazzed Pha, Beenie Man and more. Between bites of fried chicken, greens, mac’ and cheese and red velvet cake, all courtesy of Diddy’s Justin’s, journalists listened as Guerilla Black relayed his lyrical inspirations and recording experiences. He was all smiles recounting chillin’ with Mario, Jazze and Nate. But his most important point was to let everyone know the West does have tight lyricists. It’s not all about Roger Troutman-styled funk. “Guerilla City” drops September 28.
Further uptown, Wyclef and his right-hand Wonder-man Jerry were filming the video for “If I Were President.” Shooting outside Grant’s Tomb on 122nd & Riverside, Wyclef strummed various guitars for various set-ups. He even was interviewed by a faux-reporter. Wyclef for President, indeed. His forthcoming album Welcome To Haiti: Creole 101 is due out in October.
