Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – BIG FACTS feat. G HERBO

Date: August 10, 2021
Hosts: DJ Scream, Big Bank, Baby J
Guest: G Herbo

Overview

This episode of BIG FACTS features Chicago rapper G Herbo in a raw and honest conversation about his journey, the realities of street life, fatherhood, community work, and the responsibilities that come with his success. The discussion flows between personal stories of trauma, the evolution of his music, advice for the next generation, and candid talk about the challenges facing artists and young people from similar backgrounds.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. G Herbo's Personal Growth and Career Evolution

• Starting Young, Staying Solid:
  G Herbo describes how he started his music career at 17 with "Welcome to Fazoland," and remained independent throughout, often feeling like he "took the long route."

  "I stayed solid through everything...I was really, like, in the streets more so than anything." (06:32)

• Transition from the Streets:
  The switch from street life to music was a huge challenge. He talks about distancing himself from negative influences, emphasizing that leaving the old environment was necessary for growth both as a man and an artist.

  "Leaving the streets for real and just chasing only music...I couldn't really grow if I was staying in my same environment." (06:54)

• Music as Therapy:
  Herbo shares that writing and recording music helps him process trauma and stress—it’s his "form of therapy." (08:09)

2. The Power and Pressure of Cosigns

• Life-Changing Features:
  Discusses the impact of industry cosigns, focusing especially on how Nicki Minaj’s feature launched him onto another level, and names other notable artists with similar influence (Drake, Hov, Future, Thug).

  "A feature from Nicki Minaj is life-changing...the right cosign will definitely take you all the way over the top." (03:39, 04:01)

• Paying It Forward:
  G Herbo talks about co-signing new Chicago talent and supporting upcoming artists, insisting his motivation is genuine and rooted in wanting others to win.

  "I really be fucking with it...I'm just showing love. I want to see niggas win." (04:35)

3. Swervin’ Through Stress – Mental Health Advocacy

• Origin of the Initiative:
  Inspired by his own struggles and seeing himself in today’s Chicago youth, Herbo started "Swervin’ Through Stress" to provide alternatives and real support.

  "I see myself and my homies...in so many of the kids I interact with on a day to day." (09:43)

• Obstacles to Change:
  He highlights that simply telling kids to leave the streets is not effective unless real, tangible alternatives are provided.

  "You can't have nobody...change their life around in the blink of an eye, but you ain't got else for them to do." (10:30)

• Role Model Reality:
  Describes returning to Chicago as someone who "made it," with property and tangible results, to show young people what’s possible beyond street life.

4. Coping With Loss & Emotional Struggles

• Losing His Brother:
  G Herbo opens up about his brother’s death and how grief has deeply affected him.

  "Thinking about my little brother though. I ain't gonna lie right now…that should be like fucking me up a lot." (19:59)

• Coping Mechanisms:
  Admits to isolating and drinking as ways of managing pain and stress; highlights the difficulty of expressing pain as a man, especially when expected to always appear strong.

  "As a man, bro, you can't really even complain about…being stressed out...But you gotta let it out, dog." (21:25, 21:26)

5. Relationships, Fatherhood, and Co-Parenting

• Importance of a Strong Partner:
  Talks about the necessity of a supportive woman and emotional intimacy at home.

  "You want to feel peace, you want to feel your woman being there for you." (22:08)

• Navigating Multiple Families:
  Advises on blending families and managing relationships between current and former partners.

  "You just gotta be the man...it's all about...being a family, for real." (24:07)

• Lessons for His Sons:
  Emphasizes three life lessons: the world is cruel, work ethic is crucial, and respect for women is paramount.

  "Ain't nothing gonna come to you...You gotta really go hustle...respect women." (66:55)

6. The Dark Side of Rap and Street Culture

• Respect & Materialism:
  Breaks down how respect is often tied to image and material wealth rather than integrity.

  "People respect look, money, and fame...over actual respect." (25:43)

• Competition & Authenticity:
  Rejects participating in “the jewelry competition” and cautions artists to avoid trying to measure up materially.

  "I'm from the real live trenches…who is to tell me I ain't winning cause I ain't got this watch or this car?" (26:28)

• Chicago Rap – Old vs. New:
  When asked for his Chicago Rap Mount Rushmore, he mentions Sosa (Chief Keef), Juice WRLD, Polo G, himself, and nods to Kanye, but clarifies the generational differences in city culture and impact. (29:03-29:19)

7. The Relentless Cycle of Street Violence & Music’s Role

• Why It's Hard to Escape:
  Discusses the impossibility of completely escaping street beef, even after success. Moving away helps, but isn’t a cure-all.

  "You can move to LA, but now you just have beef with LA niggas if you ain't moving the right way." (41:12)

• Music as Influence:
  Recognizes that violent rap content escalates real-world dangers for young artists, but also that the industry and fans expect it.

  "All that music...ain't doing nothing but getting niggas killed for real." (34:51)

• Manifesting Reality:
  Points to Snoop Dogg and others manifesting violence by constantly rapping about it; encourages a shift towards positive narratives.

  "You manifest that when you keep speaking that shit...Start talking about some money and some women and some other shit." (44:28, 44:51)

8. Business, Independence, and Advice for Artists

• The Business of Being Independent:
  Shares that being a successful independent artist requires strong internal structure, investment in oneself, and a team (lawyer, engineer, PR/publicist).

  "You gotta have good internal business...you gotta spend money." (61:22-62:06)

• Team Building:
  Argues that a lawyer and engineer might be more important than a manager early on; a good publicist can be just as critical as a manager.

  "A lawyer, engineer, and you should have a PR or a publicist..." (65:32)

9. Mental Health, Motivation, & Longevity

• Overcoming Slumps & Industry Pressure:
  Speaks honestly about being in a slump, wanting to give up, and the impact of online hate. The pandemic and legal troubles sidelined him, but finishing his album "PTSD" was a turning point.

  "Once I finished my album…I knew they was gonna have to respect it." (59:33–60:46)

• Staying Motivated:
  Encourages anyone from the streets or other walks of life to keep going, focusing on their growth, not others’ expectations.

10. Reflection, Legacy, and What’s Next

• Bucket List Dreams:
  Wants to "jump off an airplane" (skydive) and travel more for leisure, not just work.

  "I want to travel...take my mama to go do...see some shit like that." (71:43)

• Why He Came to BIG FACTS Podcast:

  "I wanted to come here...Other blogs and podcasts...don’t pick your brain and make you say something that motivates or inspires." (72:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the power of positivity and persistence:

  "Life gonna be hard...there’s going to be pressure on everybody who doing something...But when you lean towards the pressure, you’re gonna overcome it..." (72:52)

• On community responsibility:

  "I don't want to go back to my hood if I can't bring my kids over there." (11:53)

• On tragic consequences of rap beef:

  "Don't start nothing...you created this problem...Now you nowhere to be found." (37:17)

• On advice to the next generation:

  "If you respect women, it'll just take you a long way." (68:59)

Important Segments & Timestamps

| Topic | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------|---------------| | Introduction, Herbo’s Mindset Today | 02:43 | | Impact of Nicki’s Co-sign | 03:39 | | Giving Back to Chicago Artists | 04:25–05:58 | | Growth & Maturity as an Artist | 06:23–07:00 | | Starting “Swervin’ Through Stress” | 09:30–13:49 | | Loss of His Brother & Grief | 19:58–21:26 | | Co-parenting, Relationship Balance | 23:40–25:12 | | Mount Rushmore of Chicago Rap | 29:03 | | Cycle of Violence in Chicago | 31:23–35:26 | | Realities of Industry Competition | 25:34–28:58 | | Importance of Team for Independents | 61:14–66:46 | | Lessons for His Sons | 66:46–68:59 | | Bucket List Goals | 69:55–71:43 | | Final Thoughts on Motivating Others | 72:25–74:12 |

Tone & Vibe

The conversation is real, vulnerable, and grounded in lived experience. G Herbo is candid about his faults and struggles but hopeful and focused on creating a positive impact, not just for himself but for his community.

For Listeners

If you haven’t heard this episode, expect a deep, insightful exchange that goes beyond typical hip hop interviews. It’s an honest look at the cost of success, the psychological and social challenges facing young men from the streets, and the strength it takes to break cycles, all told in Herbo’s unfiltered, reflective style.

Listen for:

• Real talk about trauma, change, and growth
• Hard-earned advice about business and independence
• Resonant street wisdom and community responsibility

Skip: Advertising blocks, intros, outros – the best content is the conversation itself.