Reigning G-Preme
Troy native to perform during weekend homecoming
Troy native hip hop artist G Premacy is coming back to the Capital Region for a one-night performance in his home area.
Eugene Kennedy, known to fans as G Premacy, is a nationally touring hip-hop artist, born and raised in Troy.
While visiting for his induction to the Troy High School Hall of Fame, a distinction earned for his accomplishments as an athlete, Kennedy is showing of his musical side to local listeners.
After graduating from SUNY Buffalo, where he majored in communications, Kennedy began heavily pursuing a his music career, and it’s taken him across the country.
In 2015, Kennedy was named the Colorado Solo Artist of the Year out of more than 100 competitors in all genres. This was around the same time he released his album The Move. On Saturday night, G Premacy will share his live act locally with a 8 p.m. show at The Low Beat in Albany. Other performers include Dope Knife, Mic Lanny, Elsphinx and Dephyant. Admission is $10 at the door.
Before this local gig, Kennedy shared the story of his journey to success and a little bit about what the future holds for him and his music career.
QWhat was the beginning of your music career like?
AI initially began making music while at Troy High School with Anthony Darnley, Acqueed Robinson, Nick Leone, Shay Lamai, and Jarrod Young under the group name M.M.E. (Money Makin’ Entertainment).
QHow does it feel to be inducted into the Troy High School Hall of Fame?
AThe feeling is unbelievable! It was very comparable to receiving the CO. Artist of the Year Award call. You always set your expectations high, but I feel as though only a few can ever honestly say they knew they’d win any type of competition of that caliber. Coming through THS I was just trying to keep up with my older brother, Herb Kennedy’s stats.
Q
Why did you decide to book this hometown area show? Have you performed much in the Capital Region before?
ASurprisingly enough I haven’t performed in the area since going “pro” in music in 2014. I had done a few when I was still figuring things out and doing it for fun. I went home last summer and ran into a girl I knew since elementary school working at a local store and she mentioned that although she never reaches out or anything, her and her circle of friends had been following my story and were rooting for me. It got me thinking about the support I had finally started receiving once I left and showed my sincerity to my art and career. Beyond that, my parents Herb and Carla have been supportive beyond belief, but have never been able to see me perform. I thought the night of the H.O.F. induction would be a perfect opportunity to bridge it all together!
QWhy did you chose Colorado as your destination? What’s the hip hop scene like in Colorado?
A
In 2015 I toured from Toronto, ON to Austin, TX with my musical mentor, Chuckie Campbell, for SXSW (South by Southwest Music Festival), one of the largest music festivals in America. While there I networked with bright and driven minds from all over the world with a common goal. We had a show with a group called Kind Dub and Q-Bala from Fort Collins, CO. I asked them the same question. “What’s it like?” They said it was a land of opportunity with the music scene booming more and more by the day. I kept that in mind and about a month later, while in Florida for a friends wedding, I opened my travel bag and found a flyer that I picked up while at SXSW. It was a photo of a guy having the time of his life in the center of a party and everything you’d imagine goes along with that. At the top of the flyer it simply ready, “What If?” That was the moment I realized that I needed to make a change for the moment. My girlfriend and I had just broken up, I had a great job, but it wasn’t what I wanted, and I felt I had saturated the Buffalo market at that moment. I had never been out west and knew I needed to make a mark on that side of the country. I didn’t know how I’d do it, but I knew the first step was to go there. I immediately
changed my return flight from going back to Buffalo, to Denver and moved with my best clothes, laptop, camera, studio equipment, and $500.
QHas your upbringing in Troy influenced your music at all?
AWhen I was growing up I did well in school and didn’t wear a lot of baggy clothes like a lot of my peers, but I also did very well in football and track so a lot of people didn’t know if they should view me as a nerd or a “cool kid” and the different types of interactions I’d have on a weekly basis proved as such. I think that sort of paradoxical persona transcends into my art. I have a lot of very positive and progressive messages, but they’re mostly delivered in a somewhat aggressive tone. So, although a ton of material doesn’t come from growing up in Troy, I’ll always attribute my style to Troy.
QWhat’s the message that you hope listeners take away after hearing The Move?
AThe main point I wanted to make through my lyrics, as well as my real-life actions, was to chase your dreams. You don’t have to conform to society. Be innovative and know that people will call you crazy for it. If you have a desire to pursue something, but are afraid, that’s normal. A lot of people
are a lot mentally stronger than they give themselves credit for. You’ll find a way to adapt to your new situation, it’s human nature, and once you do, your love of life will be taken to a whole different level.
QWhat’s your goal for the future of your musical career?
AThe newest goals, which are really more just a matter of doing than anything else, consist of a European tour in the next year or two with a couple of acts from my network, and releasing a couple of new projects, one of which will also feature an artist from our national network on every song. I’m pretty excited for that one!