The first time we met SAUCEMEUPGQ, at that time known as “GuapKid”, he described himself as a producer/DJ/engineer that manages artists and “raps sometimes.” From that very first meeting it was obvious that he was a multitalented person with big dreams and in the almost 4 years since then, he has realized many of them while still evolving. GQ has traveled the country producing and engineering, been credited on a RIAA certified gold project and even went on tour with artists like Peso Peso and Maxo Kream.
These experiences have added a very important role to his plate, ambassador for the Oklahoma hip hop scene.
“In a lot of instances… I feel like I’ve been an introduction to people, for Oklahoma and I always leave a good impression,” GQ said.
Nationally, Oklahoma music is associated with the many country artists the state has produced and there has long been a running joke in the Oklahoma’s hip hop community that people from other states think that we ride horses around town. These narratives have created the attitude that we need a connection to the mainstream in order to get past them. However GQ has a different idea, saying “we can’t sit around and wait on the one,” instead deciding to take steps to put himself and Oklahoma in a better position.
While Oklahoma has yet to see a rapper reach widespread mainstream success, there are several producers in the state that consistently work with some of the industry’s top stars. “Oklahoma got producers sh*ttin’ on the rappers… honestly”, GQ said before listing some of the state’s top beat makers like Rob Stovall, K10beatz, Icy Chill Out.
“Throughout the last 5 years, producers been smackin’ sh*t… we been living life, we’ve been balling out… if you want to be real, the flyest [in Oklahoma are] producers” he went on. But, when asked who he believed the current face of the state was he said, “honestly, me… That might be a cocky answer… I really do feel like I am though… I make sure people know who I am when they see me.”
Taking on the role of “the face or Oklahoma” comes with more responsibility than flying the flag around the country. You’re also put into a position to make sure that the product coming out of the state is quality and that people in other regions gravitate towards it. At this point, it is almost a necessity for any up and coming rapper from the area to get in the studio with GQ, and he doesn’t take that lightly. “I think it’s cool.. when people hit me up or want to work with me like ‘you really ain’t doing sh*t if you not [working with GQ]’. That’s a very humbling thing, I love [it].”
If you plan to hop on one of his beats, make sure you come prepared though, I have personally seen how he gives his honest feedback to artists in sessions and does not hold back. “I would want people to be honest with me like that,” he said, referring to telling people that the song they’re doing isn’t up to par, “I really care about my craft, I really care about my music forreal, I care about my music more than anything.”
GQ’s main goal now? Realizing his potential and making sure he doesn’t end up on the long list of “should-have-beens” from Oklahoma.
“We’ve had a few people in history that have had the capability to be greatness.. and they got good, but they didn’t get over that edge and that presses me forward,” said the gold producer.
If anyone is primed to break those ceilings, it is definitely GQ.
