Gibrilville — New Year, Still Here | Exclusive Interview | @wazzuptonight

Brooklyn, NY — Gibril “Gibrilville” Mansaray is back and better than EVER — Recently releasing Black Cadillac Season 3 and smacking the competition around with his distinctive sound and panache.

A lot can happen in a year, and much has occurred in Gibril’s life since he last sat down with us (in 2018). Throughout his roller coaster ride, Gibril has remained sat and strapped in tight so life wouldn’t hurl him to an imminent demise. Check out below what we mean, in another WAZZUP Tonight: EXCLUSIVE Interview with Gibrilville.

WAZZUP Tonight: Hi Gibril, great to sit down with you again! Always a pleasure. You just released your latest project Black Cadillac Season 3. Where did you record the album and what were your inspirations this time around?

Gibrilville: Thanks again guys for having me! I recorded most of the album in New York City. Jake Palumbo and I began in Manhattan and finished it in his new studio in Brooklyn. “No Man Alone” was recorded in Detroit with country artist Kat Beal and one of Detroit’s finest rap artists Solistic. The entire album was mixed in Space Lab, which is ran and operated by Jake. The world encompassing me is what inspired me for this album! I’m inspired by my life, my dreams, my loved ones, and my prayers. I’m inspired by history. The Biggie Smalls inspiration came to me when I moved to Brooklyn and moved into the same neighborhood Big grew up in (Bed Stuy). I elected to do some research on him, and it was only natural that one of the things that came up was his relationship with Tupac. During this research I discovered that they were actually friends for some time, and all the beef was hyped by the media and rap industry. So I wanted to put both of them on one song to unify their work. On “Siren feat Arra” I wanted to talk about police brutality in America by telling real factual stories.

WAZZUP: Presently, you are in Africa. The last time you were there was in 2001 … long while! What has changed there since the last time you visited?

Gibrilville: Wow, A LOT has changed! I am presently living in Accra. The country has developed so much. Also being away for so long, I miss how beautiful my people and the country is. I did not realize how much I missed Ghana. It’s really a dope vibe out here. I want to travel to Lagos, Lome, Cotonu and reconnect with all my childhood friends and memories. It’s a fresh breath of air, here. I’m in love all over again! It’s too good to see all my nieces and nephews I have not seen in the last 17 years. Can you imagine!?

WAZZUP: No … not at all! While in Africa, you are too taking care of your mother (who just had surgery) and commemorating the second year anniversary of your father’s passing (may he rest in paradise). When it came to parenting style(s), what was the difference(s) between your mom and dad? Too, which parent inspired/pushed you more to do music or was it both?

Gibrilville: They both definitely had different styles of parenting. Here is a good example – Growing up my dad traveled outside of Africa a lot. I would ask him for a pair of the latest sneakers like a pair of Air Max or Reebok Pumps at the time, and he’d come back with bootleg sneakers like some Top 3’s—which were extremely purple and ugly, lol. I loathed wearing them because all my friends were rocking the trendy stuff, and I always just had to be cool about it. On the other hand, when my mum would travel and I asked for coffee brown Timberland boots, I got the coffee brown Timberland boots! The love was always there from both parents, just different ways of expressing it. My pops made sure we got the best education, but not necessarily name brand/expensive items. It breaks my heart, knowing i should have been there with him during his last year on Earth; God’s timing is never off, though, and I trust it. My mum is currently recovering and grows happier/stronger everyday I am with her. She has always pushed me and inspired me musically. My dads love for music inspired me as a kid; he loved his music! He amassed a huge record collection, and I cant wait to get my hands on it. He would always play music, in the car on Saturday mornings growing up in Lagos. My older brother also exposed me to an array of music genres; I have to big him up as well.

WAZZUP: Losing your job (at Nissan) and breaking up with your now-ex girlfriend, turned out to be blessings in disguise, prompting you to leave New York and temporarily relocate to Africa/reunite with your family. Looking back on your life, what other heartaches turned out to be actual blessings in disguise?

Gibrilville: Hmm, great question. Looking back at my time in jail — the time I spent in detention with I.C.E. — turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Those 9 months constructed me into the spiritual man I am today; so, blessings come in a lot of ways you will be blind too. I’ve finally learned in life, that heartaches often come when you have to detach yourself from a situation that you are comfortable in. After pain always comes joy, therefore, pain is inevitable. What’s important is strength, and the lesson you learn to hold onto that newfound strength and blessing. Being back in Ghana and hearing my records on FM radio for the first time is cool also because I wasn’t receiving spins really in New York. It was a big heartache leaving Brooklyn for Ghana, however, the blessings continue to pour in from an assortment of angles. Btw, once I arrived in Ghana, my boss at Nissan offered me my job back! Uh yeah, thanks..

WAZZUP: On Black Cadillac Season 3, what are your favorite two songs and why?

Gibrilville: Tough to answer! Though, I’d have to say “Black Cadillac” and “Trial & Error”. They both hit a special place in my heart. The whole “Black Cadillac” concept, was developed after I was inspired to write a song combining Tupac and Biggie lyrics. In the beginning, there was no third verse; though after some time, we chose to add an original verse to give the record a more pioneering feel. The process of mixing that cut shaped the entire album. “Trail & Error,” is my exact journey through life up to this point. “So my father had money, came to America and ish got gully,” are some of my sincerest words. My dad and I didn’t converse much when I moved to Ohio at the age of 19; matter fact, we didn’t speak at all for the first 5 years! It was difficult out there with no support, so I had to man up and work hard for myself. By far, this entire album is my fav collection of work! Flipping the script … tell me, what are you guy’s favorite two songs on Season 3?

WAZZUP: Interviewing us now, huh?! Ha well, we’d have to say “So Painful” and “Trial & Error” for sure 👍 Lastly – Is Black Cadillac Season 4 on the horizon and shall we keep an eye out for it, or, do you plan on parking the black Caddy in the garage and taking a different direction by pulling out with something brand new?

Gibrilville: Phenomenal inquiry. Season 4, is in fact, ready for post-production and is super dope! I plan to spend some time in Jamaica this year, and going to procure more musicians and talent to finalize it. The Cadillac seasons end after 4 though, and just like you said it’s going to be one hell of a garage party!!! I worked on Season 3 and 4 at the same time. I wanted to make sure I kept Season 3 a Rap album with a lil’ twist. Season 4 is the grand finale – it’s a World sound. It is an exotic, sexy, hip hop, afro beat and reggae project you can dance to from the initial song to the last. Come out and witness the magic on stage when the black Caddy rolls into ya town! Love you all! ✌