By Ismael AbduSalaam
Veteran West Coast producer and rapper Warren G is putting the finishing touches on his sixth solo album The G Files, which is due out in October.
In an exclusive interview with AllHipHop.com, Warren G shed light on the vision he has planned for the album.
“I don’t like to put a whole bunch of guest appearances of artists that are known, but I do like to take the unknown talent and let them get in,” Warren G explained to AllHipHop.com, alluding to his past work with artists such as Bishop Lamont, Ice Cube, Tha Dogg Pound and others. “So that way I can help them jump start their careers.”
One well known name confirmed for the album is singer Ray J, who is featured on the second single “Crush.”
While surprising to many, Warren discloses that the fit was natural.
“I knew him since he was a young buck hanging out at Snoop’s house,” he stated. “I called him up like ‘dude, I got this hot record, the hook is ready all you gotta do is learn it.’ He jumped on it and laid it down. The record’s been bubbling ever since.”
Warren verified that he will do his fair share of rhyming on the album.
However, the Grammy-nominated producer made it clear that his primary focus is providing the signature G-Funk sound that’s defined his career.
“I’m a producer,” states a steadfast Warren G. “I’m not one of those cats that’s gonna get on and say ‘I’m an incredible MC that should be in the top 5’ and all that. I’m not saying I can’t rap because I can, but I’m a producer first.”
While West Coast Hip-Hop continues to thrive on a regional level, nationally many talented artists fail to gain exposure in today’s climate.
As a West Coast artist whose name is still well-known to the general public, Warren G plans to use The G Files to create new avenues for artists in his region.
“I can be the door-opener because there’s a gang of talent out here and they ain’t got no avenues. Either you go through Interscope or you go through…sh*t I don’t even know who else!” Warren laughed. “The doors ain’t being opened. The talent not being heard out here is incredible.”
The G Files will also feature appearances from Snoop Dogg, Paul Wall, Lil Keke, and former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker.
The album is scheduled for release on October 28.
