Neo-soul rapper G. Finesse unveils inspirational, jazz-fusion/hip-hop track “We Gon’ Make It”
The second single to drop from his forthcoming debut LP East Side Pain, featuring an all-star cast of internationally acclaimed musicians
Columbus-based rapper G. Finesse is an expert at distilling his lived experiences into new perspectives.
Raised by his grandmother on the east side of Columbus, Ohio, G. Finesse began rapping from an early age over his brother’s homemade beats, crafting the meticulous flow and lyricism he would later become known for.
As much a music listener as he is a music maker, the rapper’s turbulent upbringing was soundtracked by a slew of 90s legends. Nas, Biggie, Erykah Badu, The Roots, D’Angelo – these are some of the names that shaped the rapper’s environment, a roster of talent that helped him cultivate a neo-soul-inflected hip-hop style defined by a raw, honest expression.
Integrating himself into the greater Columbus hip-hop scene through consistent performances at local shows and festivals (sometimes as the frontman of his band G. Finesse & Black Eagle), G. Finesse endeared himself to audiences with his unique style and charisma, becoming a beloved Columbus figure in the process.
However, G. Finesse’s current journey began when he wasn’t rapping at all. Overwhelmed by music, the wordsmith moved to Denver three years ago to pursue other artistic opportunities – only to then meet producer/multi-instrumentalist Jay.Greens (aka Jake Leventhal) , founder of Denver’s newest, community-oriented record label Perception Records.
The two formed an instant bond, connecting over in-depth conversations and shared musical sensibilities. After showing G.Finesse around the Denver music scene, they started developing the foundations for the rapper’s debut full-length album: East Side Pain, a raw, potent exploration of G. Finesse’s life story and gained wisdom.
Listeners got their first taste of East Side Pain with the lead single “Keep The Fame (feat. Kim Dawson),” a track with immaculate, layered production, masterful, cutting wordplay, and live instrumentation from the likes of Pretty Lights Live Band and Break Science keyboardist Borahm Lee, Harry Styles trumpeter Parris Fleming, Tauk drummer Isaac Teel, SunSquabi bassist Josh Fairman, and more.
Now, the rapper unveils the LP’s second single “We Gon’ Make It,” an inspirational, jazz-fusion/hip-hop masterclass about hope and resilience. Once again featuring drums from Isaac Teel, keys from Borahm Lee, production from Jay.Greens and Josh Fairman, backup vocals from Kim Dawson, and music from longtime collaborator/guitarist Brian Harrington, “We Gon’ Make It” imbues G. Finesse’s infectious, melodic flows with a smokey, smooth instrumental.
The track kicks off with a driving drum rhythm and tasteful, affected guitar samples as G. Finesse sings the title refrain. The rapper then comes in with introspective verses, spitting about how he uses his mistakes as a source of growth, not allowing his regrets to stop him from pushing forward.
“And even if the wheels on the ride gettin’ loose/we gon’ make it yea, yea, yea/no matter if it’s hard times baby push through,” G. Finesse sings on the hook, utilizing a jubilant melody to drive home the song’s consoling message.
Few are as well equipped to translate their experiences into rhymes as G. Finesse, who on “We Gon’ Make It” showcases his powerful storytelling abilities. The song’s seamless narrative is only matched by the head-bopping instrumental behind it, promising a full-length album that’ll have listeners thinking as much as they will be vibing.
