Gio Washington Explained

Gio Washington
Birth Name:Governor Washington Jr.
Alias:Country Boy, Gentleman G, Governor
Birth Date:25 July 1983
Birth Place:Charles City, Virginia, U.S.
Genre:R&B, soul
Occupation:Singer, songwriter
Years Active:2000–present
Label:Charles City Music (current)
G-Note Records, G-Unit Records, Grand Hustle Records, Atlantic Records, Warlock Records (former)

Governor Washington Jr., known by his stage name Gio Washington (formerly Governor), is an American R&B and soul singer from Charles City, Virginia. He was initially signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle imprint, under the aegis of Atlantic Records.[1] [2] [3] [4] In 2010, he signed to the newly formed G-Note Records, a subsidiary label of 50 Cent's G-Unit Records.[5]

Life and career

1983–2004: Early life and career beginnings

Governor Washington Jr. was born in Charles City County, Virginia. His father was a preacher.[6] After declining an offer to attend the Berklee College of Music, he formed the Jodeci-style R&B group, Case Closed, where he performed under the moniker Country Boy.[7] After moving to New York City, then back to Virginia, Washington left the group and returned to New York. When the group disbanded, he tried to make it on its own. Warlock Records eventually signed Washington and released his debut album Another State Of Mind, in 2000.[8]

At that time he met the influential music executives and production team, Trackmasters, while he changed his style from R&B to hip-hop. 50 Cent was signed to the Trackmasters at that time as well, and Washington and 50 Cent recorded about six songs for a prospective album called Best of Both Worlds, which was never released. After the split-up with Trackmasters in 2002, Washington met Wyclef Jean, who helped him sign a deal with Atlantic Records. He even made a dozen songs with Dr. Dre, for his debut album on Atlantic, but frictions between Dre's Aftermath and Atlantic, made those songs never see the light of the day.

2005–2006: Grand Hustle signing and Son of Pain

In 2005, American rapper T.I. added Washington, to his Grand Hustle Records imprint, after Atlantic Records chose T.I. to act as his mentor. Atlantic Records' plan for Washington, who joined Atlantic's roster almost four years prior, was to market him a devotee, or a card-carrying member of T.I.'s "camp.".[9] Atlantic first tried to pair him with renowned record producer Dr. Dre, and then with gangsta rapper 50 Cent; however both plans fell through. In search of quick jolt of street credibility, the label brokered a deal for the singer to join T.I.'s imprint. In 2006, Washington appeared alongside T.I., performing the song "Hello", from T.I.'s album King, for the Atlanta-based rapper's AOL Sessions.[10] [11] After appearing on several of Grand Hustle'resident disc jockey, DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz mixtapes, Washington later released his Grand Hustle/Atlantic debut, titled Son of Pain, in September 2006. The album's production was handled by Just Blaze, Scott Storch, Wyclef Jean and Raphael Saadiq, among others. The album debuted at number 50 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

2009–present: G-Unit signing

After signing to G-Unit Records in 2009, Washington was signed to the newly formed subsidiary G-Note Records, where he released the first single off his upcoming album.[12] He had this to say about signing with the label, The song is called "Here We Go Again" and features 50 Cent.[13] The song will be released for digital download on December 27, 2010. In an interview with G-Unit Radio, 50 Cent said that Washington was "extremely talented" and that "he is about to blow".[14] Along with releasing his first single, "Here We Go Again" off his upcoming album, Washington reported that he was working on mixtapes as well as putting out new music on thisis50.com regularly to promote his album.[15] [16]

In an interview with HipHopNMore, Washington revealed the title for his upcoming album which is called, A Touch of Magic.[17] The album will be released under G-Note Records and was initially scheduled for a summer 2011 release date. Washington also spoke about upcoming music with 50 Cent on the album and had this to say, "The first two or three collaborations was to allow people to get used to a particular feel and sound, while being connected to one of the most successful rappers on earth. Now, we are focusing on releasing songs that showcase that sound, speaking of myself as a solo artist".

In 2013, Washington began performing under the pseudonym, Gio Washington. In March 2015, Washington and 50 Cent reunited on a song titled "Annie", recorded for the 50 Cent executive produced Starz series, Power.[18] [19]

Personal life

Washington was seriously injured in a vehicle accident on the night of August 8, 2015. The accident catapulted Washington from his vehicle, leaving him with a collapsed lung, broken ribs and internal injuries.[20] [21] [22]

Discography

Studio albums

TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
US
Heat
US
R&B
Another State of Mind
Son of Pain 44 50
Illumination
  • Release: May 27, 2015[25]
  • Label: Charles City Music
  • Formats: Digital download

Singles

SongYearAlbum
"Blood, Sweat & Tears"[26] 2006Son of Pain
"Here We Go Again"
(featuring 50 Cent)
2010
"On and On"[27] 2014

Guest appearances

Title! scope="col"
YearOther performer(s)Album
"PJ's"2002Wyclef Jean, ProlificMasquerade
"Since Supernatural"Santana, Melkie JeanShaman
"The World"G-UnitGod's Plan
"Can't Fuck with Queen Bee"2003Lil' Kim, Shelene Thomas with Full ForceLa Bella Mafia
"Hustlin' "2004T.I.Urban Legend
"Hello"2006King
"Destiny"
"Ooh Oh"[28] P$CThe Indictment
"Do You Think About Me"200950 CentBefore I Self Destruct
"They Burned Me"2010
"Kill It"Lloyd BanksH.F.M. 2 (The Hunger for More 2)
"When It All Goes Down"201150 Cent
"Ring on You"[29] 2015Bishup BicardiTBA
"Baby That's Me"[30] 2018High DefynitionNothing Is By Chance

Notes and References

  1. Crawford, ReGina (August 3, 2006). "The Governor is in", Call and Post 90 (31): 5–6.
  2. Leeds, Jeff (November 27, 2005). "Scenes From an Arranged Marriage", The New York Times. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
  3. Venable, Malcolm (February 16, 2006). "Candidate for stardom", The Virginian-Pilot, p. E8. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
  4. Mitchell, Gail (May 27, 2006). "Rhythm & Blues: Hi-Tek Hits The Dre Dream Team", Billboard 118 (21): 46. Convenience link.
  5. https://www.imdb.com/news/ni3786348/ 50 Cent's G-Unit signs deal with Emi: What does it mean and why does it matter?
  6. Ollison, Rashod D. (June 15, 2006). "A dream and a nightmare: Governor has been mistreated by the record industry, but he's not mad", The Baltimore Sun, p. T6. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
  7. Sims, Art (July 19, 2006). "An Evening of Performances", Chicago Defender 101 (43): 20.
  8. Davis, Hays (September 28, 2006). "Country boy done good: Virginia's Governor makes a statement on the soul scene", Richmond Times-Dispatch, p. F13.
  9. Leeds, Jeff (November 27, 2005). "Scenes From an Arranged Marriage", The New York Times. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  10. Web site: - YouTube. YouTube.
  11. Web site: "AOL Sessions" TI (TV Episode 2006) – IMDb. IMDb.
  12. http://www.thisis50.com/forum/topics/governor-x-50-cent-here-we-go Governor X 50 Cent
  13. http://www.emperormusic.net/2010/12/governor-x-50-cent-here-we-go-again-radio-rip/ Governor X 50 Cent
  14. Web site: 50 Cent Calls Into G-Unit Saturdays W/Jack Thriller Mimi & Nelson: Speaks On Premier Of 'Things Fall Apart' In March,Pimping Like Hugh Hefner, New Album Being 80% Done & More!... . January 30, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110203033555/http://www.thisis50.com/profiles/blogs/50-cent-calls-into-gunit . February 3, 2011 . dead .
  15. Web site: Emperor Music » Governor – Wish Me Luck [Feat. 50 Cent] . January 30, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110130021052/http://www.emperormusic.net/2011/01/governor-wish-me-luck-feat-50-cent/ . January 30, 2011 . dead .
  16. Web site: Governor – "Wish Me Luck" feat 50 Cent – ThisIs50.com . January 30, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110129234620/http://www.thisis50.com/profiles/blogs/governor-wish-me-luck-feat-50 . January 29, 2011 . dead .
  17. Web site: Emperor Music » Governor Reveals G-Note Records Debut Album Title . February 17, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110723115043/http://www.emperormusic.net/2011/02/governor-reveals-g-note-records-debut-album-title/ . July 23, 2011 . dead .
  18. http://rapdose.com/2015/03/12/50-cent-gio-washington-annie
  19. Web site: 50 Cent Drops New Song from 'Power' Soundtrack | Vibe . May 27, 2015 . May 27, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150527155727/http://www.vibe.com/2015/03/50-cent-and-gio-washington-annie/ . dead .
  20. Web site: Local singer 'stable' after being injured in Chesterfield Crash. August 12, 2015.
  21. Web site: Thousands pray for singer GIO, injured in Chesterfield crash. August 11, 2015.
  22. Web site: Former G-Unit Singer Governor Almost Dies in Severe Car Crash | 24urban.com . November 17, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150811232535/http://www.24urban.com/news/former-g-unit-singer-governor-almost-dies-in-severe-car-crash . August 11, 2015 . dead .
  23. Web site: Another State of Mind by Governor. iTunes. June 6, 2000.
  24. Web site: Son of Pain by Governor. iTunes. June 27, 2006.
  25. Web site: Illumination by Governor. iTunes. May 27, 2015.
  26. Web site: Blood, Sweat, and Tears – Single by Governor. iTunes. September 5, 2006. July 19, 2015. July 24, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150724115233/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/blood-sweat-and-tears-single/id184613919. dead.
  27. Web site: On and On – Single by Governor. iTunes. July 19, 2015. July 24, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150724103632/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/on-and-on-single/id919741813. dead.
  28. Web site: Archived copy . October 14, 2016 . October 29, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161029150134/https://play.google.com/store/music/album/The_P_C_and_Dj_Drama_The_Indictment?id=Bq347xctreuxjwhbydhxlqizidm&hl=en . dead .
  29. Web site: Bishup Bicardi Ft. Gio Washington ~ "Ring on You" (Prod. By Tunez) | @BishupBicardi @Giosmusic | ~ TripleHQ . November 12, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150930201153/http://triplehq.com/bishup-bicardi-ft-gio-washington-ring-on-you-prod-by-tunez-bishupbicardi-giosmusic/ . September 30, 2015 . dead .
  30. Web site: High Defynition – Nothing is by Chance (2018, CD). Discogs. October 10, 2018 .