In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, few artists embody authenticity and resilience like GB Gutta Da General. Born in Roanoke, Virginia, GB’s story is one of struggle, survival, and self-discovery through music. From the streets of Lincoln Terrace Projects to sharing stages with major acts, his journey represents the voice of those who fought their way out of the chaos and into creativity.
Forbes Global Music: GB, let’s start at the very beginning. You’ve said before that music chose you early in life. Can you take us back to where it all started?
GB Gutta Da General:
Early in life, I decided that music was gonna be the thing that changed my life. I kind of knew it from the beginning — music attracted me more than football, basketball, or even the streets. I jumped off the porch early. My grandmother lived on 1846 Gandy Drive in Lincoln Terrace Projects, to be exact — LTP4L. But before we even get into that, it really started on 7th Street and McDowell Avenue.
I was truly born on the block — no exaggeration. I was born at Burrell Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. My mom said I was one of the last babies born there before they closed it down. That hospital meant something — it was the only Black hospital we had, and my grandmother literally lived across the street from it. That’s how deep my roots go in the community.
Forbes Global Music: You mentioned the Gainesboro area — known for its historic Black culture and community. What was it like growing up there?
GB Gutta Da General: That area was called Historic Gainesboro, and back then, it was still filled with Black-owned businesses and pride. We had our own little version of Black Wall Street. But this was the ’80s crack era, and the streets were changing fast. You’d see junkies, hustlers, and young dudes learning how to make money early. At 11th Street, it was wild — you’d see cats with four-finger rings, drop-top BMWs — that was the image we saw every day.
We didn’t have the best role models, but we had ambition. A lot of my homies were already hustling. Me? I was the young one on the block watching it all — learning what to do and what not to do.
Forbes Global Music: You talk a lot about family and loyalty. How did that shape your mentality?
GB Gutta Da General: Family was everything. I split my time between both sides — my grandmother’s house in Lincoln Terrace and 11th Street. Eventually, my pops got locked up. Like any son, I wanted to make him proud. My brothers and I tried to get money and survive, but we were young and dumb. We didn’t think about consequences — until we caught cases.
But through all that, one thing we learned was loyalty. Snitching was never an option — still ain’t. That’s how we were raised. My GB and LTP family, that’s a brotherhood that can’t be broken.
Forbes Global Music: You said even when you were caught up in the streets, music never left your mind. When did you first fall in love with it?
GB Gutta Da General: Man, I’d say since I first heard “Jam On It” — that record made me fall in love with the sound of music. I’d be on the block beatboxing, rapping, battling with my homies. That’s how we expressed ourselves. People used to tell me I was different — I thought they were hating at first, but they saw something I didn’t yet.
I kept working, kept developing my craft, and eventually became one of the top MCs in my area.
We started getting booked to open for major acts — that’s when I knew this wasn’t just a dream.
It was real.
Forbes Global Music: What was your first big break or taste of the industry?
GB Gutta Da General: Me and my partner had a connect in New York with Uptown/MCA Records — this was around the time Diddy was still an intern there. That was my first time being in a real studio, seeing a vocal booth, watching professionals work. That’s when I said to myself, “This is it — this is where I belong.”
Even though that situation fell through, it lit a fire in me. I was hooked. I knew I had to make this my life.
Forbes Global Music: Every artist faces setbacks. You mentioned a tough time after that deal fell through. How did you bounce back?
GB Gutta Da General: Yeah, I fell into a depression for a while. I didn’t think I was good enough. Then I ran into a crew called Broken Kings — the realest group of brothers I’d ever met. Together, we made noise in the city. We threw our own shows, we got booed off stage sometimes, but we never quit.
One night, we threw a show that started a full-fledged riot — not because of violence, but because the energy was that real. Nobody got hurt, but it showed how powerful music can be. We made a name for ourselves from that night forward.
Forbes Global Music: Looking back, what’s the biggest lesson your early life taught you about the music game?
GB Gutta Da General: That your environment might shape you, but it don’t define you. I came from two of the toughest blocks in my city — 11th Street and Lincoln Terrace — but I also came from music. Even when I was in juvie at 14 or 15, music stayed in my heart.
Now, when I look back, I realize every lesson — every loss, every struggle — it all gave me the voice I have today. And I’m still writing my story.
Forbes Global Music: So what’s next for GB Gutta Da General?
GB Gutta Da General: I’m focused on legacy now. I’m still representing GB and LTP, but I’m also building something bigger — showing the next generation that no matter where you come from, you can turn pain into power. Music gave me that chance, and I’m not wasting it.
Forbes Global Music: Powerful words. GB, your story is living proof that greatness can rise from the hardest environments. We appreciate your time and look forward to what’s next from GB Gutta Da General.
GB Gutta Da General: Appreciate that. This is just the beginning.
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