GemStones, formerly known as Gemini, is a rapper and singer from Chicago, currently signed to Lupe Fiasco’s record label 1st & 15th.
Raised in Jeffrey Manor/South C on Chicago’s south side, Gemstones (formally known as Gemini) is the definition of a true talent. Being part of a musical family is only the beginning for the south side native. He went on to nurture his craft at Bowen High School, where he was a student in the visual and performing arts program. After graduating high school, In early 2001, Gemstones had a chance meeting with then unknown rappers Lupe Fiasco and the late Stack Bundles. Fiasco, who had his own company 1st and 15th Recordings, was impressed by the rapper/singer and later in that year decided to sign Gemstones to the 1st and 15th label. Gemstones spent many years writing and preparing for his time to showcase his talent. That time finally came in 2006 when Lupe Fiasco featured Gemstones on four out of the sixteen tracks (including a track which features Jay Z) on his debut album, Lupe Fiasco’s Food and Liquor. Gemstones was also featured in Fiasco’s video for the first single off the album “Kick, Push”. In that same year Gemstones was given the opportunity to headline the soundtrack for the MTV special “My Block: Chicago”, where the Chicago MC/Singer was featured. From that Gemstones released and shot a video for his buzz single “Got What You Need”. With the success of Food and Liquor and the feature on MTV it was time for Gemstones to release his own project and he did just that. In 2006, part five of the Fahrenheit 1/15 mixtape series named Untamed Beast was Gemstones solo effort and formally introduced the MC to the hip hop game. The mixtape was featured on all the major hip hop websites, receiving a 5 star rating, and is still getting downloaded via his Myspace page. In 2007 Gemstones released his first single from his debut album “Troubles of the World”. The single “We On” features Lupe Fiasco and generated a massive buzz, gaining Gemstones fans and supporters from across the globe. Following the release of “We On” Gemstones was featured once again and even wrote on Lupe Fiasco’s sophomore LP “The Cool”. Gemstones was featured on “Dumb it Down”, the first single from that project. In support of the album Fiasco embarked on a nationwide tour, where Gemstones served as one of the featured artist on the sold out venture. He’s received plenty attention from the press, being featured in prominent hip hop magazines such as The Source and XXL. Presently Gemstones is preparing to release his follow up mixtape “The Testimony of Gemstones” as well as his highly anticipated debut effort “Troubles of the World”, due to drop in 2008. Gemstones is one of a kind and definitely not your ordinary MC. His versatility as a singer and his ability to deliver rhymes with substance is what catapulted this Chicago double threat into superstardom. “Troubles of the World” is sure to be a solid debut. Be prepared…Gemstones is ready to Show and Prove.
GemStones Exclusive Interview With Gowhere Hip Hop - The #1 Chicago Hip Hop Blog http://www.gowherehiphop.com/2008/04/22/gowhere-hip-hop-exclusive-interview-gemstones-pt-1/ Part 1 http://www.gowherehiphop.com/2008/04/24/gowhere-hip-hop-exclusive-interview-gemstones-pt-2/ Part 2 |
