AG has come to carry the torch of those before him and bring it like no other! Rhyming since the Doctor smacked him at birth AG hasn’t closed his mouth since! The only thing young about this talent is his age, because his skills are known throughout the place he calls home; St Louis! It’s been a long road traveled like with any Artist that has made it as far as AG has!
His superior work ethic and professionalism have place him in a position to have his music worked around the globe in coordination with the capable team that surrounds him. Going from Hood Star to being on the industries radar, AG’s determination to never quit shines through. To AG, confidence is everything and he has a firm understanding of what it takes to be successful in this game having been influenced by the likes of industry legends such as LL Cool J, DMX and Jay Z. But success doesn’t come without struggle!
And the word struggle simply put, in AG’s world is ‘challenge’. The biggest challenge in life he has faced is the fact that he cannot control everything that happens around him. This is a powerful statement in it of it’s self and stands strong in his ability to work within the foundations of a powerful team. For years musically speaking his biggest challenge has been the fact of knowing his skills are real and if the shot presented itself AG’s image and style will capture the marketplace, but yet never really being given that chance just the same.
Well that chance is here, and now AG is more focused then ever to bring it!
So keep your eyes open cause AG is here!
Tell our readers, where you’re from? I am from Downtown ST.LOUIS born and raised. Where did your name originate from? Well my actual name is Allen Gates and growing up in the hood the only time I ever heard my real name was when I was in trouble (Parent, Police ,or Teacher). You know how the hood is, everybody has a nickname. Everybody always called me AG so it just stuck.
What is a typical day like for you? It is still your typical hardworking short nights and long days. Get up go to work( yeah I still have a 9 to 5) and handle my business. Take care of most of the TEAM AG online networking, check in with my manager coach K (Kazia Steele) and make sure I didn’t forget to do a Interview or call a radio station. I also workout then listen to a few tracks, eat, then LISTEN TO A FEW TRACKS, shower, then LISTEN TO A FEW TRACKS again, Pray a lil’ bit then try to sleep. Wake up and go do it all again. Other then music what do you do to make that paper? Well I work with the Media Relations department with the St. Louis Cardinals, which is a BLESSING. I also got the opportunity to do a little modeling, so I try to get it in every now and then along with a couple of little odd jobs. It still very new too me with how hard it was growing up to think that I would make it even this far. To be working with a MLB team and being nationally recognized for modeling and my music, it helps me keep focused on these very big goals that I have with my music. I can always remember that at one time I couldn’t afford a radio now my songs are getting played on them…. Crazy right!
When did you first become introduced to hip-hop? Well growing up in one of the roughest areas in any urban setting there are two thing that are universal. Ramen noodles and music. My earliest memories are of me being stuck in my room because I either did something bad at home or at school and sneaking to listen to my moms little old school radio… Magic 108 baby (oldschool).
Coming up who were your influences in music? Aw man the first was LL Cool J. He is so versatile, skilled, and very confident. I loved how he could pack a show with 40,000 women and still kill another artist lyrically. Another was DMX. I could always see similarities with my life and the pain he put into his music and especially his shows. He had a passion that was and still is un-matched.
What artists/people in your life intrigued you to get into the business? As far as ARTIST, it had to be DMX. I loved how he didn’t have a gimmick or a trick, it was just passion and intensity. My cousin Chris and Curtis used to always freestyle and I would sit back and listen, but the whole time I would be rapping in my head so I have to give them credit for that at least. But, I was mainly motivated by people who expected me to not be as good as I am. It’s a great feeling to see that SHOCKED look on people’s faces… I love that!
How would you describe your style? Passionate, deliberate, Versatile, and very thought out. But that’s just how I feel about it.

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What artists are you currently working with? Well at this current time I am in talks with a couple well known artists from a couple of well known places but nothing has been confirmed YET. But you should check with me in a month when people get back from touring. I am working with some very talented young producers like LAZY GENIUS from Detroit and Trifeckta from St. Louis. I have also worked with Kasmir From Denver. Great producer’s man.
Who would you enjoy to work with? I would love the chance to work with J.Cole or Lupe, I feel like their skills would challenge me to take it up a level. T.I. because his flow would be a great contrast to what I do and he also would make me step up a notch, which would only elevate my performance.
Tell us about your current projects? I am in the last stage of finishing a project called “THE TRACK MEET” which is a collection of songs that are all metaphors for how life and music is so similar to competition. I am very proud of this and can’t wait till its ready.
What one reason would your fans say separates you from the norm? Well now in this stage of hip hop there are not many artists that have a REAL story to tell. It’s a whole lot of people TELLING STORIES but not many that you can look to for inspiration and that still has the skill to compete in any cipher or on any stage. People can relate to real passion. People can relate to AG.
What shows do you currently have lined up for this fall? Well I have a big show planned in Phoenix at the U.S. Airways Center but haven’t cemented the date yet. There are a few other places I have been in contact with like N.Carolina and Dallas but until we get confirmation It wouldn’t be cool to speak on it. But as soon as its in ink. I will get you that info.
What would you say makes you different than the average recording artist... I actually care about being better….. Most people just want to make a little bit of money but I want to be the best. So I will work my butt off to get there.
What's currently in your CD/MP3 player? Man… a lot of music, Jay-Z, Lupe, J Cole, T.I., BLU, Crooked I, Joe Budden, Rick Ross, Mos Def, DMX, Erykah Badu, Lauren Hill, and even a couple of Green Day tracks… gotta keep it flexible.
What’s your formula, how do you come up with the concepts for your material? I just zone out and let the beat talk to me… A good track will tell you what you should do. My job is to make sure I don’t forget what makes me a ARTIST, AND THAT’S THE ART BEHIND IT. I look at every song as if it’s a painting. So I make sure I give the listeners a view of me.
Where do you see yourself in the industry in the next 5 years? As a breath of fresh air and respected for not only my skill and words but how I treat other artists and the hard work I put into my success and the success of those who are apart of mine.
Where do you see the industry in 5 to 10 years? I actually don’t know…. If I had my way, things would be great but.. we will see… we WILL SEE. Do you have any shout outs, FU’s, Links, etc? Yeah big shout out to Trifeckta on winning that beat battle. Big shout out to Koncrete Clothing and Drjays.com and Joel Anderson the Video extraordinaire. MUCH LOVE TO TEAM AG and the few people who believe! FU to whoever thinks we stopping! And check out the Twitter(twitter.com/314ag), Facebook(facebook.com/314ag), and Youtube(youtube.com/314ag)
What final words do you have for our community? STAY SEXY, STAY SAFE, BUT NEVER STAY IN PLACE…KEEP IT MOVING!
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