The G Behind The Music
Words: N. Ali Early

Napa Valley may be 420 miles from Warren G’s hometown of Long Beach, but the similarity between wine country and his brand of music are closer than a little bit. Like an aged bottle of California’s finest Chardonnay, Warren has undoubtedly gotten better in time. His mind is sharper than it was the day he released his first album Regulate… G Funk Era. His beats have more depth and his commitment to the people that need him is easily more pronounced.

Without reservation, he has clearly worked to define himself as one of the most productive artists the West Coast has ever seen, in effect adding an imaginary ‘O’ in front of the latter part of his handle.

Like any O.G. raised in Southern California though, Warren G has a weakness that absorbs him intermittently as he moves forward through his daily trek. A little over a year ago, it consumed him in the worst way to the extent he found himself in an unforgivable stupor.

Akin to Los Angeles Lakers fans like him, Warren G watched as his home team was bounced by its most storied rival in the Boston Celtics on June 17, 2008. Kobe and company absorbed the most convincing ass whooping ever in a Finals clincher. Subsequently, enthusiastic followers like Warren, were left to ponder what it would take to regain that championship edge.

“I think they kinda got burnt out,” he admitted. “That series they had with Utah was serious and I think that really drained ‘em. So when they did got to the Finals and lost, cause they should’ve won the first and second game, it kinda burnt em out even more. I was feelin’ their pain.”

With his album nearly finished, Warren tried to move forward. However, negotiations to distribute the G Files broke down and he missed a couple of drop dates. Much like the Lakers, he spent upwards of a year refocusing on and remembering what made him an elite talent.

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