On June 11, 2016, singers, musicians, and performers from all over Georgia gathered at the Grand Opera House in Macon for the 5th annual Georgia Music Awards. Macon native Curtis Worthy was nominated for Best Male Hip-hop Artist 2016, and Macon Community News was fortunate to ask him 10 questions about his music.
Q: What is your performing name?
A: My stage name is 9th Gutta.
Q: How would you describe your music?
A: I’d describe my music as worldly. I try to make music that people from different walks of life cdivan identify with. I incorporate as much of my real life experiences in my music as I can. However, I also like to do concept songs where I can use my imagination and provide some level of escapism for my listeners.
Q: When did you begin making music?
A: I began performing when I was 17 or 18 with a band my cousin was in called Soul Disiac. He used to let me be his hype man. It was my first taste of what it was like to be on stage. Over the years I was able to meet and work with a lot of talented people, and that really helped my growth as an artist. As I gained experience in writing and performing I started to get better at both. Eventually I developed my own style.
Q: Where do you perform?
A: I perform everywhere from night clubs to charity events. My shows are usually on weekends locally and out of state. My shows are booked through my management, LJM Entertainment.
Q: How did it feel to be nominated for a Georgia Music Award as the Best
Male Hip-hop Artist?
A: The nomination for the Georgia Music Awards was really big for me because there are only a handful of acts chosen throughout the entire state. Some of the [other nominees were] signed to major record labels, or are represented by celebrities that were big names in years past, so I was honored to be in the company of those guys. I work really hard to put my music in front of the right people and it felt great to be recognized for what I do.
Q: Who are your musical influences?
A: My influences are all over the place…I love all types of music, but my favorite artists are Stevie Wonder, Prince, Tupac Shakur, Andre 3000, Eminem, T.I.P., 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Aerosmith, and Big Punisher.
Q: What would you like younger performers or fans to know?
A: I’d like to influence the people that feel as if they don’t matter…The people that feel like no one understands the things they go through on a daily basis. My message to them is “You do a matter, you are important, and there are people that can empathize with what you are going through because they face those same obstacles as well”. We have to lean on each other and help one another instead of tearing each other down. Understanding and encouragement can go a long way.
Q: What else do you do besides perform hip-hop?
A: In addition to making hip-hop music, I also write different genre’s of music spanning from Country to Gospel. In my day job I work at a warehouse as an Equipment Operator.
Q: What are your goals?
A: Artistically and professionally, my goal is to build my brand to the point of financial independence.
Q: How has Macon influenced your style and sound?
A: This city made me who I am musically, the memories created here are in my music, my experiences growing up here are in my music. I feel as though Macon’s musical history has a direct effect on all of its artists. We have something to live up to, astandard that we want to surpass. I’m conscious of that and it makes me try to top whatever I do and be even better every time I write a song, film a video, or have a performance. You always want your city to acknowledge you and be proud to say you’re one of them.
For contact and booking for 9th Gutta, contact: Leighala J Management (626)787-1301, leighalajmanagement@gmail.com
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