Spotlight on GUSAVIJ DA DUNNZ
Name: Aterick Burks
Birthday: July 6
From: Gary, IN
Genre: HIP-HOP/RAP
Websites: Soundcloud.com/gusavijdunnz
Hey world. My name is Aterick Burks, but i go by my stage name, Gusavij Da Dunnz. I'm 36 years old. With a heart of gold. I've been into hip hop since I was 6 yrs old. It all started with the Fat Boys in the early 80s. I have 2 brothers and 3 sisters. My parents are still together and are happy as can be. I have been composing music as far back as starting to talk as a toddler. My moms and pops always kept some kind of music playing. My moms always bought me something pertaining to music. Keyboards, piano, drums, whatever. By the 7th grade, I was writing rhymes and battle rapping with the older kids in school and I was smashing them. It fueled me to get really good at it. By my freshman year in high school, I established myself as an EMCEE. I battled and did talent shows doing both, singing and rapping. Me and my close friend, Gregory Stewart, started our own rap crew and during lunch hour, we would entertain the entire school, everyday, with our creative skills. Beatboxing, drumming on the walls and doors, all that. During the summer of 95', I met Mike Check of Mic Check Record store. He had great confidence in me and gave me a chance to do what I do best. It worked. And I truly solidified myself in Gary. I became a part of the Gatekeepers and had a song on the compilation. I opened up for No Limit Recs, Lil Kim, Junior Mafia, Rome, and many other artists at that time. I worked with The Legendary Traxter and other producers in and out the city.I was placed into another group but was passed up because I was told I was "street" enough. I still continued to do my music and recorded at the times I could. After a while, in 2002, I began doing open mics to help other artists get noticed. It became a great success. I still do that til this day. I have new music coming out soon and it will be different from all that we hear now. I always been told that my music is different, and it is. And I am proud of that and who I've become. GUSAVIJ...
QUESTION AND ANSWER WITH GOOD KORNER MUSIQ:
1. Where do you see Hip-hop as a whole?
Answer
I see that hip hop isn't really hip hop anymore. It has become watered down and no real lyrics are being used. Its all about money, drugs, sex, and lies now.
What would you want a Distribution or Record deal?
Answer
I would like both. But it would have to be with the right people.
Who do you want to work?
Answer
I would love to work with Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, Drake, Alicia Keys, and the pioneers of Hip Hop.
What would you tell a young emcee coming into the game?
Answer
I would tell them to stay true to themselves and never give up on their dreams.
What is your definition of a emcee?
Answer
Executing Metaphors Cleverly Everytime, Everyday......
How did you get your name and what does it mean?
Answer
I got my name from my good friend Father Tyme. He said that I was a SAVAGE at this rap game and I am the best battle rapper he had heard at that time. I always had the name Gus, so I just combined the two and changed some letters. And that's how GUSAVIJ came to be.
