A Diamond in the Rough- Rapper International Gem
November 11, 2011
A Diamond in the Rough- Rapper International Gem
by Jason Pollak
International Gem is currently one of the realest rappers coming out of the New York area. With a true, old school feel to his music, he is slowly bringing back the old school vibe to the new school era. Gem is able to combine a unique understanding of the streets with the knowledge of a scholar to truly deliver an intellectual message to his listener’s and fans. Being, a true student of the game, Gem has worked tirelessly studying the grass roots of New York rap to give us music that is reminiscent of rappers like Nas and The Wu Tang Clan.
Already a veteran in the mixtape game, Gem recently dropped his fifth installment called “Old Gold” and is also working on his debut EP. He has also built a steady following from New York to Atlanta through a steady stream of viral releases and extensive touring. Aside from rapping, Gem also co-founded his own multimedia label named “Green Leaf Media”, where he helps to edit, direct and produce films. Slowly, but surely, International Gem is crawling his way to the top. It will be a tough grind but this is one MC that won’t stop until he reaches greatness.
Jason
So where were you born? Where’d you grow up?
International Gem
I was born up in White Plains, New York. I’m an 80’s baby. I’ve also lived in Yonkers and Atlanta.
Jason
Which rappers inspired you to start rapping?
International Gem
Definitely rappers like Rakim. He was one my uncle’s favorites. As far as getting into the craft, I would say like Nas and Kool G Rap, you know the more lyrical rappers. That’s definitely more of my style.
Jason
How did you begin writing and developing your flow?
International Gem
You know, I would say around 12 is when I started writing. I started rapping just to get emotions out and things of that nature. It was a way to vent.
Jason
How did that progress go over the years?
International Gem
I would recite some raps for family members and friends and they would like it. So I just kept going from there, working hard. I try to stay true to myself as far as my flow is concerned. I wasn’t mimicking anybody. It’s just poetry in motion. That’s the best way I can explain it. (laughs)
Jason
You are very diverse and mature when it comes to your writing. You seem to be able grasp what is going on the streets, but can kind of take a look back at it from a different perspective. How do you do that?
International Gem
Yea, I mean, that’s just me being true to myself. I am from Westchester, but I have experienced the State of New York to its fullest. I’ve also lived down in Atlanta. I grew up in a fast environment; I’ve seen a lot things happen. I try to combine what I see with my own morals and ethics as well.
Jason
Do you think seeing the world through your own morals and perspectives has helped you grow as a musician?
International Gem
Definitely. They have helped me progress with life; period, but definitely music too. I’ve grown a lot as far as content is concerned and I have always been sort of a deep thinker. I think my lyrical skills show that. I think hip-hop has progressed too, but I don’t think it’s quite where it should be. It is what it is though.
Jason
How are you trying to bring hip-hop back to the state you envision it in? Where do you think some of these guys have taken a wrong turn?
International Gem
I think mainly they have taken a wrong turn with their substance, you know, what their saying and how they say it. If I can bring it back, I just have to do that by being myself and staying true to the art that made me love it to begin with. I’ve always loved the lyrical skill that was present in rap. That’s what drew me to hip-hop. Groups like Wu Tang, who were very lyrical, the actual craft, I think that needs to come back. Shout to the Wu.
Jason
Are you involved in full production with your company Green Leaf?
International Gem
We started Green Leaf back in 2009. We are a full multimedia company. We shoot a lot of videos. I do most of the video editing you see in my videos. We are basically just trying to create an outlet for cats that are trying to be seen as well as heard. We’ve done some work with Joell Ortiz. We have done some interviews as well.
Jason
What has the support been like around New York and the rest of areas you have been in thus far?
International Gem
Well, Atlanta is like my second home. So that’s always a great outlet. New York has been great too.
Jason
What do you love most about New York hip-hop? There’s just a certain style and feel that you don’t see any where else.
International Gem
I think what I love the most is the aggression you hear. You know being from here, understanding the struggle, it’s different than a lot of places. There are so called gangsters and outlaws no matter where you go, but I think New York is home to some of the greatest thinkers. We put a lot of thought into the music and the way we express our self.
Jason
Where would you like to see your music go? What’s your vision?
International Gem
I would like to see it go as far as it goes. I don’t like to put a cap on it. I don’t know where I’ll end up. I just want to be heard, period. I produce, I can engineer, I wouldn’t even mind being a ghost writer. I just want to be involved with music.
Jason
What’s your process like when you make a record?
International Gem
I take all routes. I’m writing all the time. Whether it’s a piece of paper or my phone, I just start writing when inspiration strikes. Whenever my mood changes…I’m writing. I usually don’t have music around me when I write. If I hear a good song on the radio, I’ll start writing out my own verses. You know, I’m just a writer. Sometimes I’ll take what I write and put it to a beat later on. If I come across a track that coincides with a certain mood, I’ll just start putting it together.
Jason
Do the words kind of come naturally to you?
International Gem
I’m not a freestyler for the most part. When a beat comes on, it puts me in a certain mood and I got some bars for it. I have crates full of lyrics. I’m basically set for the next 15 years (laughs). I can put those words to a beat that comes naturally. A lot of cats can’t do that.
Jason
Is it hard to memorize all of your lyrics?
International Gem
The thing is, once I write something, I kind of just know it. You would think it was a freestyle by how quickly I put it together, but once I come up with it in my mind, it’s kind of just there. By the end of writing 16 bars, it’s just there and I don’t need the paper. I already know it. I honestly don’t how to explain it.
Jason
How do you keep digging deep within yourself to stay strong and keep working hard until you make it?
International Gem
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve had my moments where I go, “Oh, this isn’t gonna get me anywhere.” Yet at the same time, I’ve been doing this for so long, I can’t stop writing. It doesn’t make any sense just to have the paper sit, this is what I really want to do. Now I have a child too and I have a lot of goals as far as she is concerned. It’s just like, I got to do this.
Jason
How do you juggle being a father and trying to make it in the music business at the same time?
International Gem
Being a father is a beautiful thing. As far as juggling responsibilities, when it comes to being a father, it’s just second nature. It doesn’t come in the way of being an artist. She loves it. She looks up to me like a super hero. Every time she sees me on the internet or TV, she’s like “Oh, there’s Daddy!” It feels really good.
Jason
So I guess that brings us to my last question. What can we expect from you in the near future? You got a lot of positive things going on right now.
International Gem
Well yea, I recently just dropped my fifth mixtape, “Old Gold”. I’m currently in the process of trying to find a DJ to host it. I’m also working on an EP. I’m just always working, just always be lookin’ out. You can find me on Twitter @LouiShoeGem.
Old Gold Mixtape- http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/international-gem-old-gold-the-mixtape-mixtape.29289.html
