Today we’d like to introduce you to El G.Nie.
Hi El G.Nie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started as a young boy surrounded by musicians, watching them play and feeling the unity between energy and expression. My passion for music stemmed from being enveloped in salsa-style patterns and rhythms of songo and reggaeton. Having a percussionist as a father and a dancer as my mother only reinforced the connection I had with music. In the summer of 2005, my mother bought me 2 CDs as a graduation gift: Chosen Few El Documental and United Kingdom by Manny Montes. Both of those albums watered the seed that was placed in me years before and I began writing my own songs as poetry and forms of worship to God. From there, we entered a new phase in our lives as a family: moved states, became members of a new church, met new people, and the formation of Christian rap group “Property of God (P.O.G.)” occurred. As part of the group, I developed my creative writing skills, performance skills, and stage presence. This was the birth of El G.Nie.
El G.Nie (pronounced “El Genie”) is comprised of my real name, Eliezer G. Nieves. The bilingual nature of the name (“el” means “the” in English) represents the impactful lyrics written in a mixture of two languages. The second half (G.Nie) represents my ability to adapt to any style and genre, just as a genie can create itself into any form it wants. It represents the magic made in the studio; the way something gets created from nothing. It represents performance in a way that captivates an audience. Whether rapping hip hop lyrics, performing spoken word poetry, producing reggaeton vibes, writing books, or just sharing my creative process with others, I pour every ounce of passion and give an 100% authentic, genuine representation of who I am as an artist, an individual, and a professional.
In 2014, I released my first self-produced song and video, “100 bars,” and later that year my first album, “Mental Piece.” Two years later, I won the Ultimate Bull Talent show at the University of South Florida with my great friends, Sabrina Santos and Donnavin Justin, performed at the USF Homecoming Carnival and met the great Latin GRAMMY and EMMY award-winning, multi-instrumentalist and Doctor of Music, Jose Valentino. He mentored and coached me into taking my music business to the next level, so in 2017 we released the collaborative album “Shade & Color,” a video series titled “Saxy Hip Hop Sessions,” and a book titled “From the Lamp: Vol 1. Ego, Essence & Edification.”
Since then, I have released numerous singles and projects, both in English and Spanish, and have performed in various venues including The Nuyorican Poets Café, Florida State Fairgrounds, Raymond James Stadium, the Orpheum, and the Carrollwood Cultural Center. My music can be found on all major streaming platforms and YouTube.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has been very enjoyable, and the ride has been quite nice, even though the road isn’t always smooth. What makes it easier to bear is the love, support, and encouragement from my family, friends, fans, and support group. By far, the biggest obstacle and hindrance is my own mind in deciding which path to take to progress my brand forward and expand my horizons while remaining true to myself, my culture, and my roots. This rebranding process from a strictly hip hop lyrical rapper into an artist with many facets (writing, producing, directing, performing, English, Spanish, poetry, reggaeton, etc.) helps me reinforce my name and prove to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to.
The cancellation and suspension of events in 2020 hindered my ability to perform, as some of my biggest shows were booked for that year. However, it did give me a chance to take a step back and figure out how I wanted to make my next move. I plan to use all obstacles and stumbling blocks as stepping stones to get into higher positions and do greater things.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create lyrics, produce music, perform live, film videos, and write books, all specializing in the hip hop and rap genres. Known for my ability to rhyme and perform my heart out on stage, my work is based on faith, the internal struggle between good and evil, enjoying the beauty of life, and our imperfect nature as humans.
The trait I am most proud of is my sheer determination. Determined to learn new things, determined to hone my craft, determined to do everything with excellence, and determined to be successful in what I do. The moment I am most proud of is performing at the Raymond James Stadium alongside my father, brother, pastor, and friend, where we raised funds and represented Puerto Rico in the midst of their devastating 2017 crisis.
What sets me apart from others is my versatility. I cannot be put in a box. I am a rapper, a poet, an author, an actor, a producer, a director, a writer, a student, and a business owner. Once I tapped into my Latin roots, I began reaching audiences I would not be able to normally reach. Now I create content in a second language and have the fervor to expand my brand further.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is Christmas season with my family. The games, the unity, the celebrations, the cold weather, hot chocolate, jokes, and (the most fun part as a kid) the presents! Even as a child, I knew there was something special and warm about the closeness of my family and I longed for that sense of community. Going back to that time makes me smile and want to give that same feeling to my future children. Family is everything for me and they are one of the main reasons I grind as hard as I do.
Contact Info:
- Email: elgnie@elgnie.com
- Website: www.elgnie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elgnie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elgnie
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/elgnie
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPUzPWesa620VG2xtcnp0Sg
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/elgnie
Image Credits
Eric Visions
