G-Eazy 

G-Eazy is living proof that appearances can be deceiving. A six-foot-four Caucasian male clad all in black like a Johnny Cash throwback, he has also been likened to a "young Elvis" (Billboard), with slicked-back James Dean hair (Rolling Stone). He looks more like a greaser from The Outsiders or American Graffiti than anything resembling a contemporary rap star. But when he picks up a mic, he is unmistakably hip hop. His rhymes are underpinned by slow southern, trap rhythms and minimal synths, though sung choruses boost his crossover appeal — he makes no apologies for his pursuit of fame. As comfortable working with Lil Wayne and Chris Brown as he is with Britney Spears, he told Rolling Stone in 2014 that "I've always wanted to be a star. I've always wanted to be an Elvis Presley or a Tupac... I have an addictive personality and fame is the most addictive drug there is."

How Gerald Became G-Eazy 
Gerald Earl Gillum was born on May 24, 1989 in Oakland, California. His father, Edward, is a professor of art at California State University, Fresno; his mother, Suzanne Olmsted, is an artist and teacher. He has a younger brother, James, who is a musician. After his parents split when he was in the first grade, Gillum and his brother were raised by their mom — who worked two teaching jobs to keep their heads above water. But money was tight: all three of them shared a room at his grandparents' house. Gillum followed his mom's example, and worked for the Top Dog restaurant chain from the age of 14. "That's the only way we brought money in," he told Rolling Stone. "If I wanted something I had to go work for it."