Crenshaw District's Steven G on Nipsey Hussle, Going Viral & 'ShowGreat3'

Crenshaw District's Steven G just dropped the 3rd installment in his ShowGreat mixtape series and it's definitely one for the books. 'ShowGreat3,' features 8 tracks of solid vibes and was released via EMPIRE and ArtClub International, which also happens to be the home of fellow Los Angeles native, Jhene Aiko.

In case you aren't familiar with Steven G, he is a rapper, singer/songwriter, founder of ShowGreat Record Label, won Mozzy’s “Sleep Walkin’” challenge and has been recognized by Keyshia Cole, DJ Mustard and RJmrLA. In addition to all the accolades, Steven G is currently on the CLASSCFIED tour with the Princess of Compton, Azjah and has opened for Eric Bellinger, plus The Baddest, Trina.

So, press play on 'ShowGreat3' below. But before you dive in, get to know Steven G in this exclusive Hype Off Life interview, as he gets into bouncing back after being shot 5 times, Nipsey Hussle's impact and the track that hit 1 Million+ streams and views, effectively putting him on the map: "Hotline Remix."

Photo credit: TopShelf Junior

Thanks for coming through. How has your upbringing in the Crenshaw District influenced your sound and outlook on life?

It didn’t just influence my music and sound. I grew up in the Crenshaw District, and with everything that has been going on there over time, including recently with Nipsey Hussle, a will developed in me that makes me want to go harder in everything.

You blend your love of R&B and Hip Hop well. What are some of your favorite R&B albums?

I listened to a lot of R&B. So, it’s really hard to pick a few, but 'Confessions' by Usher is one of my favorites. He’s one of the G.O.A.T.s. A lot of what The Dream has released are some of my favorites too.

" When I started the ShowGreat movement, I thought “Why not expand it by having a Record Label?”, and I did just that."

Steven G

Your “Hotline Remix” is dope, and almost at 800,000 streams. Did you know it was gonna take off like that?

I honestly didn't know it was going to take off, that track just grew wings on its own. I feel like that's the best part of it. Sometimes the song you feel is going to do it, doesn’t, but the one you least expect takes off. All I did was post a short clip of the song on Instagram, and when I dropped the video, everybody knew it. It’s like I just put it out and it caught on real quick. It’s an amazing feeling.

Actually, a couple of your tracks have recently gone viral. What opportunities have come your way with the higher profile?

I got some new ones that's coming out like “Handcuffs” that I feel that's going to do well. It's not a remix, but an original track that I feel will give me more looks.

After being shot five times and spending nine months in rehabilitation, what were some of the thoughts in your head when you decided that music may be your way out?

A lot really. Thoughts about what was I going to do afterward came. I didn't know if I was going to continue to do music after that, and at that time I was working a regular job. When I couldn't walk, I didn’t know what I was going to do next. There was a lot going on. It all ended up working out though. I found my way and started going harder. I’m doing music full time now.

You have a new mixtape, 'ShowGreat3'. What kind of flows and vibes can we expect?

You can expect a lot of vibes on this one. I’m putting out different types of music. Sometimes I go into the studio and I’m like, “They got to play this in Forever 21” or “the girls gotta play this in Forever 21 while they shop”. As a matter of fact, one of the songs on the mixtape is called “Forever 21”. Everything on this mixtape has a different vibe, and I can't wait for everybody to hear.

"Follow your dreams, don’t worry about what people got to say about it. "

Steven G

The project marks #3 in the ShowGreat series. How did you come up with the concept?

ShowGreat is my tag, as in that’s what I go by apart from Steven G. After I did the first 'ShowGreat' tape, I decided to just make it a series. Right now, the 3rd one is the best one, and I’m really excited to drop it.

Speaking of ShowGreat, it’s also the name of your Record Label. What made you decide to start your own label?

Well, I feel like being independent is the best. We all want to own something as artists. When I started the ShowGreat movement, I thought “Why not expand it by having a Record Label?”, and I did just that.

You’re from the same district as the late Nipsey Hussle. How has his life and career influenced the way you move, especially when it comes to economic ownership and love for the community?

Nipsey and his impactinfluenced me a lot. I’ve been listening to his music since the 7thgrade. Heshowed us a lot about businesses and how you should plan things and stick to them. Wealso learned about staying close to our circle especially when you come fromthe streets. How you move, and being conscious of one’s self, Nipsey had a lotof influence there too. He was a huge influence on my life for real. Rest inpeace Nip.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

Winning GRAMMYs and other awards, traveling the world, and giving people this good music.

Anything else we should know before you go?

Follow your dreams, don't worry about what people got to say about it. Do you and you’ll be successful in your own way.