So we made a quick stop at the Hennessy VS class auditions. HipHopHead was able to get across to Gochi and he speaks on how Hip Hop came to be an important part of his life. In case you do not know who he is, Gochi is a prolific Nigerian cat with metaphors for weeks.
He had one of the best audition sessions at the Hennessy cypher 2018. Even Vector and Zoro could not contain their excitement as Gochi masterfully delivered his bars. You can find the video at the end of this post. He also talks about how he intends to move further with it. Towncrier spoke with him, read the chat below.
TownCrier: What is your name and give me a brief history of yourself
Gochi: My Full name is Goodluck Chibuike Chidebere. I’m an indigene of Abia State but I grew up In Surulere, Lagos but now I stay at Isolo, Lagos. I schooled in Lagos State polytechnic where I got my OND and that’s about it
TownCrier: What made you fall in Love with hip hop??
Gochi: My elder brother made me love hip-hop basically. I wasn’t interested in it then until he started buying hip-hop albums from the likes of Pac, biggie, Nas and also that watch the throne album. That was around 2010.
TownCrier: So which rapper is your biggest inspiration?
Gochi: Well, there are many like Jay z, Biggie, Kendrick, Cole, Old kanye west, Cyhi the prynce, Locksmith, Joey badass, Cassidy, Big Krit, Slaughterhouse, Common, The game and many other.
TownCrier: But is only American artistes that inspire you?
Gochi: No, there are a few Nigerian Hip Hop acts who inspire me as well. Rappers like Modenine, Vector, MI, Falz, Seriki, Dagrin, Reminisce and others.
TownCrier: How do you see the state of hip hop in Nigeria?
Gochi: To me I think Nigerian hip hop is in its best state. Some many people are now doing rap. Not just rap, I mean lyrical rap but most of these emcees don’t have mainstream recognition yet. Sometimes when I go for a gig in Lagos and hear some folks spit I’ll be like “This one dey vex o. I still dey learn for this one side”.
I think hip-hop can be given the same respect and recognition as Afrobeat. But only if the guys at the top support budding rappers. Not necessarily by giving them money or signing them but they should create some kind of platform to support these guys. I love what MI is doing with the WAHA stuff and what Hennessy is doing with the Vs class. With more platforms and opportunities like these, I think hip hop music will top music charts all over Nigeria just like it is doing in South Africa.
TownCrier: Dope talk, so where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Gochi: I want to be on the same level as MI and Vector I’m the next five years, if possible surpass them.
TownCrier: Finally what is your advice to other upcoming acts in the game?
Gochi: My advice to upcoming artiste like me is to stick to your art. Be original, be yourself and make the best use of every opportunity you get.
Watch his impressive video here.
View this post on Instagram#godofmeta4 God's grace worked for me, no be my power or might. I'm grateful @vectorthaviper @iamjimmie @zoroswagbag @douglasjekan @thebeat999fm @605intl #hiphop #HennessyVsClass2018 I thank #HennessyNigeria for this wonderful opportunity. I'm grateful
@gochi94
About the author
Dablacceinstein is a rap artiste, a hip hop observer and a human rap music encyclopedia who is driven by the practice of the true culture. He was inducted into HipHopHead as a contributor in October 2017.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of HipHopHead.
The post Exclusive Interview: Rapper Gochi On His Way To Stardom – Shocks Vector And Zoro At Hennessy VS Class Auditions appeared first on HIPHOPHEAD.
