Gashi on Rap, Reinvention, Relationship and Reality
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Gashi, the Brooklyn-born artist of Libyan-Albanian descent, reflects on his extraordinary journey from refugee to multi-platinum independent musician, sharing raw insights into his identity, artistry, and the shifting landscape of hip-hop. From sleeping on couches and handing his CD to Jay-Z—only to have it discarded—to building his own label Orca Sound and releasing the critically acclaimed 'The Killer Whales of Gotham 2,' Gashi frames his career as a continuous act of reinvention. He discusses the emotional weight of fame, the challenges of relationships in the public eye, and his decision to step away from rap after this album, pivoting toward fashion, fragrance, and family. With candid reflections on immigration, the American dream, and the soul of music, Gashi positions himself not just as an artist, but as a cultural architect shaping his legacy on his own terms.
Gashi is retiring from rap after 'The Killer Whales of Gotham 2,' his final album, to focus on fashion, fragrance, and family.
He built Orca Sound to empower artists he believes in, including his high school friend Jimmy Banks and a Staten Island garbage man producer.
Gashi sees music streaming as devaluing artistry and longs for the tactile, immersive experience of buying physical albums.
His identity as a trisexual, empathic, and proudly unapologetic Black man shapes his approach to love, fame, and self-worth.
He believes the American dream is now a myth, especially for immigrants, and calls for more authentic storytelling in media.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
From Refugee to Rap Revolutionary
“At one point, he was homeless, sleeping on couches, grinding through New York, handing his CD to Jay-Z only for it to get thrown away. For most artists, that would be the end. For Gashi, that was the ignition.”
The Birth of Orca Sound and Creative Independence
“I felt like I belonged in the ocean. So I started Orca Sound Records and I decided to sign people that I liked.”
Rap, Reality, and the American Dream
“The American dream is a nightmare. I don't know that that can happen anymore.”
Love, Identity, and the End of an Era
Gashi opens up about his relationships, the emotional toll of fame, and his decision to step back from music. He emphasizes the importance of self-love, confidence, and finding partners who are secure in themselves.
The Future: Fashion, Fragrance, and Legacy
“If I have to replace music, it would be with fragrance because that's the only thing that would be something that reminds me of something else.”
“At one point, he was homeless, sleeping on couches, grinding through New York, handing his CD to Jay-Z only for it to get thrown away. For most artists, that would be the end. For Gashi, that was the ignition.”
“The American dream is a nightmare. I don't know that that can happen anymore.”
“I felt like I belonged in the ocean. So I started Orca Sound Records and I decided to sign people that I liked.”
Host
Guest
Gashi
person
Orca Sound
organization
Jay-Z
person
Brooklyn
place
Roc Nation
organization
G-Eazy
person
Kith
brand
Sex and the City
other
DJ Snake
person
New York City
place
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