The COVID-19 pandemic was a period of immense loss for many, and Boss Greedy vividly articulates the emotional toll it took on him. Losing his grandmother during the pandemic was particularly devastating. “Man, that was the most worst year of my life, brother,” Greedy recollects. “I lost my grandmother due to that. She was very dear to me. I lost aunts and uncles and everybody, too.” The pain of these losses seemed insurmountable, but it was his grandmother’s spiritual message that helped him channel his grief into his music.
“I felt like my grandmother came. She actually did come to me in my dream. She’s like, baby, you know, saying she basically was like telling me, your work ain’t finished,” Greedy continues. This dream became a pivot, helping him redirect his sorrow into his work as an artist. His grandmother’s words, “get up and do the damn thing,” resonated deeply, acting as both a comfort and a call to action.
Greedy’s experience shows how profound loss can serve as a catalyst for rediscovering purpose and direction. The pandemic did more than just isolate and challenge—it gave many artists a newfound depth in their craft. For Greedy, turning his pain into something constructive and healing through music was not just a coping mechanism but a tribute to those he lost.
Building and Evolving a Family-Oriented Record Label
Starting and maintaining an independent record label comes with its own set of obstacles. Greedy Boy Records, spearheaded by Boss Greedy, is a testament to resilience and familial support. “Greedy boy is based on a family-oriented company that I had built to just open up to people that have the same passion as me,” Greedy explains. It’s about creating a community where collaboration thrives.
The label is not just a business but a shared vision. His goal? “To bring that R\&B back, to bring that music that related to life experiences that we have been through in life,” Greedy emphasizes. Inspired by the spirit of collaboration, the label stands as a haven for artists to express themselves authentically, blending their unique stories with a sound that resonates with listeners.
While the company has its roots in family values, Greedy is not averse to reaching outside this intimate circle for growth and evolution. He’s open to broadening the circle by collaborating with more artists and producers who can add new dimensions to the label. “I have no problem collabing,” Greedy says. “That person could never be too young to understand, you know, saying the old school way to the new school.”
Independent artistry necessitates strategic thinking, especially when it comes to financing and career growth. “The challenge faces, man, it comes to finance, it comes to travel. Just getting out there,” Greedy admits. However, the journey doesn’t end there. He insists on the importance of setting a budget, planning meticulously, and focusing on building a strong foundation for growth.
“Take your time, decide what you want to do, set you a budget,” Greedy advises. The importance of financial planning cannot be overstated for independent artists. It ensures sustainability and allows for strategic investments in one’s career. But Greedy also emphasizes the value of patience and deliberate progress. “You could be great at what you do, but you can’t rush greatness,” he asserts.
The Symphony of Collaboration: Blending Old-School Influences with Modern Sounds
Boss Greedy’s music stands out for its seamless fusion of old-school influences with contemporary beats. This delicate balance is essential to creating a distinctive and memorable sound. “I balance it with what we have today,” Greedy says. “Simple type beat here. Simple type beat him. Bring a little Jamaican feel in there, too.”
His track “Party of the Year” perfectly encapsulates this blend. “The sonic, the blended, you know, I mean, it’s kind of like a DJ was in there, and they get in there, and artists came in and did his thing,” Shah Cypha compliments. The song not only harks back to the golden era of block parties but also speaks to contemporary musical sensibilities, making it relevant across generations.
Artists like Tupac, Scarface, and Busta Rhymes had a significant influence on Greedy’s music. However, he adapts these influences to suit his style and message. “Popp told the truth. He spoke truth and fact,” Greedy notes. Whereas his predecessors focused on social and personal realities through their lyrics, Greedy channels that same authenticity to reflect on current realities while infusing his unique experiences.
Collaboration, however, is more than just musical partnerships. It includes a broader spectrum of support networks and creative input from various spheres. “Yes, I plan on expanding outside of that collab and stuff like that. I’m always willing to collab with anybody,” Greedy confirms. His collaboration with QDH illustrates this point: “And we just got that energy that we could sit there and we could teach on together.”
This collaborative spirit is what allows artists to evolve and sustain their careers. It introduces new styles and influences, enabling continuous growth. Greedy acknowledges that this approach not only elevates his music but also opens the door for innovations that resonate with a wider audience.
As Boss Greedy continues to elevate his craft, blending the best of both worlds, he exemplifies the adaptability and resilience required to thrive in the music industry today. His journey is a testament to overcoming adversity, be it personal loss or industry challenges, through passion, strategic planning, and a community-oriented approach to music.
In taking a patient, strategic approach to budgeting and planning, Greedy embodies a forward-thinking, resilient artistry that’s well-suited for long-term success. And through his inclusive, collaborative spirit, he ensures that his music, much like his journey, is rich, dynamic, and deeply resonant. Through this interview, we glimpse not just the essence of his grind but also the blueprint for aspiring artists navigating their own paths in the intricate world of music.
