Geko (Rapper)
Hodifa (Abdalla) Al-Shibli known by his stage name Geko is a British rapper, who was born on June 15th 1997, in Manchester, England..[1]. Geko is known as a key figure for "Putting manny (slang for Manchester) on the map"[2] spreading the UK music genre; 'Grime' from London where it originated, to Manchester. He is North African (His mother is Algerian, and his father is Libyan, which therefore makes Geko Arab)[3].
Early life[edit]
Musical skills begun to shine through at the age of 8, when his little brother passed away from cancer, writing music lyrics to help him cope with the pain. Listening to Grime MCs in Manchester, inspired young Geko to go to London to pursue a career, as well as being encouraged by his peers on how good he was at rapping, that he should continue his talent further, thus growing his confidence. He gained 7 GCSEs, then went onto studying business during his college years [4].
Alongside his studies, he was also the youngest member of a UK rap group called ‘USG’, he was signed to this group since he was 13 years old. He was recognised by the member ‘K Koke’ by sending him his music to listen to on Ustream[5]. As he became older, he left the group and later created his own record label called ‘One Tape Records’ [6].
From a young age he was inspired by old school music like Tupac, Ice Cube, Biggie, Jadakiss and many more [7].
Career[edit]
Stage name was created by people in Cardiff, due to the lizard’s slimy, quick and hiding abilities [8].
He worked with artists such as French Montana on a song called ‘New Money’[9], Lady Leshurr on a song called ‘Vibe’[10] and ‘Dappy’ from ‘N-Dubz’[11]. As well as performing in festivals like ‘Wireless’ [12] and ‘Reading’ [13]. He also performed alongside artists such as Tinie Tempah and Big Sean[14].
At the age of 14 he recorded his first ‘Fire in the booth’, which is a series that demonstrates a musicians skills set, hosted by Charlie Sloth on BBC Radio 1. He is the youngest rapper who has done a fire in the booth [15].
At the age of 18, when he sold out the ‘O2 Islington Academy’[16].Known for his hit singles; ‘Baba’[17] which currently has 14 million views, ‘Frenemy’[18], ‘Heartless’ which reached No. 9 on the iTunes chart[19], ‘6:30’ (currently at 25 million views) and ‘Yo Darlin’ (currently at 32 million views) both going silver[20].
He was called a legend of Grime by Grime MC: Stormzy, on the Glastonbury stage in 2019[21].
Geko’s music influences other artists such as Grime MC: ‘Deno’ Driz who was recognised by singing Geko’s song ‘Over & Under’ in his school playground, which went viral over social media[22].
Alongside music, he has also modelled in adverts for brands such as ‘Scotts Menswear’[23].
He has also used his platform to raise awareness about mental health such as depression and schizophrenia in an interview on the YouTube channel of his record label 'OneTape Records' with Hussain Manawer [24].
Tours[edit]
· Official UK Tour [25].
· Iluvlive Hot List 2017 Tour [26].
· The LionHeart Tour [27].
· Iz Going Off Tour [28].
· The 22 Tour [29].
Artistry[edit]
Style[edit]
“You’re the king of that and you make it work” – Paigey Cakey. Paigey Cakey, describing Geko’s statement of ‘happy accidents[30].
His music also influenced by other genres such as; Afrobeats, Raggae and Bashment [31].
Geko acknowledges how his city has had a big influence on him during his visit at Tate Modern. “I wouldn’t be who I am, there’s nothing about me that’s not Manchester, everything is Manchester about me, every single thing” – Geko[32].
His musical abilities were complimented by 'K Koke', who referred to his talents as "exceptional"[33]. He is also referred to as the "king of melodies"[34].
Fashion[edit]
Merchandise sold on the One Tape Records website [35].
One Tape Records[edit]
At 16, created his own record label known as ‘One Tape Records’, which consists of himself and other Manchester Grime MCs [36].
Discography[edit]
Albums[edit]
With USG[edit]
· Best of U.S.G. Vol. 2 [37].
· Untouchable Street Generals [38].
· Best of U.S.G. Vol. 3 [39].
Leading artist[edit]
· LionHeart [40].
· 22 [41].
Mixtapes[edit]
· Voice of the future [42].
· The moment [43].
· Thoro in The South [44]
· Baba – EP[45]
References[edit]
- ↑ "Geko biography". Last.fm. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ Rymajdo, Kamila (2016-12-19). "Hashtag 0161: Did Bugzy Malone put Manny on the map?". Popular Music History. 10 (1): 82–98. doi:10.1558/pomh.32559. ISSN 1740-7133.
- ↑ "Geko". Top Facts You’ve Always Wanted to Know about Celebrities and Famous People. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "UK rapper Geko: From tragedy to triumph". Voice Online. 2014-04-17. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ McQuaid, Ian (2015-10-15). "UK rap doesn't need mainstream exposure to prove its potency". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "UK rapper Geko: From tragedy to triumph". Voice Online. 2014-04-17. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "UK rapper Geko: From tragedy to triumph". Voice Online. 2014-04-17. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ Paigey Cakey and Geko get inspired at Tate | GRM Daily, retrieved 2019-12-16
- ↑ "Geko Enlists French Montana, Stefflon Don, Mr. Eazi & More On "22"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "Geko Addresses The Fakes On New Release, 'Middle Fingers' | MTV UK". www.mtv.co.uk. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "Geko Enlists French Montana, Stefflon Don, Mr. Eazi & More On "22"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "Wireless Festival". Wireless Festival. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "28 — 30 August, Richfield Avenue". Reading Festival. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "UK rapper Geko: From tragedy to triumph". Voice Online. 2014-04-17. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ Geko #ChartShowChat, retrieved 2019-12-16
- ↑ Geko Celebrates Selling Out O2 Islington Academy!, retrieved 2019-12-16
- ↑ McQuaid, Ian (2015-10-15). "UK rap doesn't need mainstream exposure to prove its potency". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "GEKO | Sony Music UK – Artists". Sony Music UK. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "UK rapper Geko: From tragedy to triumph". Voice Online. 2014-04-17. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "3 Beat on course to double Geko streams to 400m in 2019". Music Business Worldwide. 2019-04-24. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ Stormzy - Glastonbury 2019, retrieved 2019-12-16
- ↑ "Cadet & Deno Driz Biography, Discography, Chart History". Top40-Charts.com. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "scottsmenswear: Seen On scotts | Geko x Napapijri". Milled. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ Geko Talks About Mental Health With Hussain Manawer, retrieved 2019-12-16
- ↑ "Gig Review- Geko at the Old Firestation". Nerve Media. 2016-11-10. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "INTERVIEW: Manchester rapper Geko". Salford Now. 2017-09-06. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ Stickler, Jon. "Geko Sets Up 'Lionheart' Spring Tour - Stereoboard". Stereoboard.com. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "Geko - Iz Going Off Tour". PhotosByAJ. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "Geko Tickets | 2019-20 Tour & Concert Dates | Ticketmaster UK". www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ Paigey Cakey and Geko get inspired at Tate | GRM Daily, retrieved 2019-12-16
- ↑ GEKO [Interview] 14 yr old doing Fire In The Booth, Tour Life & Learning from Mistakes, retrieved 2019-12-16
- ↑ Paigey Cakey and Geko get inspired at Tate | GRM Daily, retrieved 2019-12-16
- ↑ Geko Interview With @AmaruDonTV: "The Journey of Geko", retrieved 2019-12-17
- ↑ GEKO [Interview] 14 yr old doing Fire In The Booth, Tour Life & Learning from Mistakes, retrieved 2019-12-17
- ↑ Merch, OneTape. "Home". OneTape Merch. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ "Geko at Manchester Academy". Manchester’s Finest. 2017-02-15. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ Best of U.S.G. Vol. 2, retrieved 2019-12-16
- ↑ Untouchable Street Generals, retrieved 2019-12-16
- ↑ Best of USG, Vol. 3 by Various Artists, retrieved 2019-12-16
- ↑ LionHeart by Geko, retrieved 2019-12-16
- ↑ 22 by Geko, retrieved 2019-12-16
- ↑ "Voice Of The Future, by Geko". Link Up. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ The Moment by Geko, retrieved 2019-12-16
- ↑ "Thoro In The South, by Geko". Link Up. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
- ↑ Baba - EP, retrieved 2019-12-16
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