For much of the ‘00’s, Josh Gent, p.k.a. EL GANT – an acronym for Everything Lacking Greatness Accomplishes Nothing Tangible – was a major fixture on the scene as far as New York City’s prominent Boom-Bap culture. Gant, a Poughkeepsie, NY, native, is also one-third of Jamo Gang, alongside both Ras Kass and J57.
First things first, last year (August 11th 2023 to be exact) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
It’s amazing to me that it has been 50 years (arguably of Hip-Hop). What it means to me is that I believed in something since a young age that has now been powerful to people all over the world. I don’t doubt there will be 50 more, and I’m excited to see where it goes.
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
I really couldn’t have imagined it. Back when I was a kid, it was often written off as a fad, or not taken seriously by other genres of music. I think because it’s a music form that’s so in the moment representative of the people, it spread like wildfire. Unfortunately, when corporations got their hands on it towards the late ‘90’s, it really lost itsedge for awhile. But I’m glad there are so many talented artists new and old to this day!
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
Definitely when I started, how nervous I was performing for even 10 people. I never forgot that feeling, and I still get it a little when I perform. But that just tells me that the music still means a lot to me, and I’m still passionate about it. Meeting and working with people who were / are my heroes also never gets old for me. Traveling to Czech Republic and playing in an old Soviet-era airplane hangar for thousands of people is also one of those moments I’ll never forget.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?
This (next) year I plan on releasing two solo albums with two separate producers. I’m very excited about that because I’ve never put out two solo albums in the same year, and I feel like it’s my best work.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I’m never one to saturate myself on social media or even with releases and I know it’s part of the game now, but it’s just not who I am as an artist. I just want people to always get that I’m a real one, that always stood on his principles, never bowed to trends, and always put the quality of the music first.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Black Thought would have to be up there. Man, he is just the most consistently dope MC of all time and versatile; I think we would sound incredible together.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
The Colosseum in Rome. Just take that energy of such an iconic ancient place, and summon the spirits of those warriors!
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
I think you can’t know what’s dope if you don’t know what sucks. And, there are plenty of things that suck. But, I’m happy there are also still a ton of MC’s constantly raising the bar. I just wish more artists took chances creatively. That’s when the legendary material comes out.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
I think it’s because I never bowed to trends. I was asked through the years to do music like whatever sounded hot at the time, and I always did my own thing. I think the fans remember and respect that.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
I always have my hands in other endeavors, so I aspire to own some properties overseas, make some passive income, and have a second place other than NY I can call home.
What’s an average day like for you?
I wake up everyday at 7:30am with my dog staring at me for a walk. After that, always a cold brew and a workout. I love being creative earlier in the day now, so I’ll usually do some writing, and then it’s off to handle business. A couple days a week, I like to get dinner in Brooklyn with friends, and be to bed by 11. Sleep has gotten way more important these days; I love getting out of bed feeling charged up, instead of hungover now, haha!
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I respond to everybody, and I’m always very appreciative; normally through DM’s, but I love talking to people in person at shows. Seeing some of the older albums they bring sometimes always sparks a conversation, and I always reciprocate the enthusiasm.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite by far is creating. I’m an artist, it means more to me than anything. My least favorite are the networking events. I stopped going to these types of things, and I don’t like the fake-ness often associated with it. I also don’t like a lot of the social media aspect. I’m not about to be on IG 10 hours a day telling people everything I do. There needs to be some element of mystery.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Always go with your gut. Your instinct is always the best choice. Also, you should have less yes men around you and more no men. Too many people aren’t telling their friends that something they are doing might be wack. I love when my crew critiques me; it tells me they really care.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I’m not really sure, and that’s my favorite part. The exciting thing is not knowing where I’ll be!
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Be on the lookout for a new album!
Any “parting” words for our readers?
Spend less time on your phone, and more time looking around. There’s a lot of inspirational shit going on right in front of you.
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