Brooklyn rapper 22Gz has been a key competitor in the Northern drill scene since his 2018 hit “Suburban”. The “Twirlanta” artist is all too familiar with beefing, most notably with fellow New York rapper Sheff G. In addition to Sheff, 22Gz has had conflict with Tekashi 69 and CJ. Now, it looks like he may be changing his approach, focusing on the positive, and encouraging others to do the same.
22Gz gives an honest take.
In an interview with HipHopDX earlier this week, 22Gz got candid about the New York hip hop scene. “All these young n-ggas, they got heat, I ain’t gon’ lie. They got heat. They doin’ they thing.” He replied to being asked his opinion on new artists. “Just gotta dumb they dissin’ down cause n-ggas don’t hear you, n-ggas straight hear the dissin’ and say fuck the whole song, ya heard?”
When asked if that mindset impacts how he makes music, 22Gz was quick to clarify. “It’s how diss though, It’s dayroom how they do it type shit. Like bro, a n-gga moms can’t hear that type shit. You really trying to make it or what? You playin’.”
Turning over a new leaf.
This peaceful philosophy can be seen in some of 22Gz’s recent actions. Last year, April 2021, he opened up to Ebro on Apple Music 1 about ending his longtime beef with Sheff G.
“Sometimes it be deeper than just the rappers and rap, but that would be like being 40 years old chasing each other down the street. It don’t make sense, so we might as well start figuring it out.” He said. 22Gz was seen taking the high road even before then during the 2020 passing of Pop Smoke. The two drill rappers had some conflict based on a claim that 22Gz created the Brooklyn drill sound. Despite their hard feelings, the 23-year-old offered condolences to Pop Smoke’s family after the tragic event.
“All beef aside, I feel sorry for boy, This type of stuff is the reason I move with who I move with and move the way we move. Becoming another casualty isn’t that plan for any of us. Sleep in peace to homie. May his family find peace in all of this madness” he typed.
All beef aside, I feel sorry for boy. This type of stuff is the reason I move with who I move with and move the way we move. Becoming another casualty isn’t that plan for any of us. Sleep in peace to homie. May his family find peace in all of this madness.
— 22Gz (@22Gz) February 20, 2020
This shift in attitude in one of Brooklyn’s biggest rap stars is certainly a breath of fresh air. New York particularly is an area prone to up-and-coming rappers falling victim to senseless violence. Last year, Jul. 8, Bronx rapper Ty Swish was shot in the eye in his apartment lobby. Just a couple of months earlier on May 30, budding Brooklyn rapper Supa Gates passed away from injuries sustained in a drive-by shooting. Hopefully, young NY rappers can take this advice from 22Gz and make their mark in a less risky way.
You can watch the full interview below:
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