“Love is where we need to start. The Lord Jesus is the answer and he told us to love one another and the youth today lack in that area. I know the answer seems simple, but without love the youth today will continue to face a harsh reality. It does not matter what the cost, but we need to find a way to help our children, in any way possible. There’s no price on a human life and with all the technological advances in the world today we still have not solved the equation of love versus hate.” – Garry Coleman
Today is a good of a day as any to feature entertainer, Garry Coleman. In fact, today is probably the perfect day to feature Garry. You see, today is the day that we, as a nation, celebrate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man of God who tempered wisdom and Christian values, to try to right the wrongs of humanity. Garry does that same type of work, albeit in a much quieter way.
The Heat first met Garry right before the 2011 Essence Music Festival that is held the first weekend of July in New Orleans, Louisiana and right after he had gotten a deal with Island/Def Jam, a hefty accomplishment for a music artist from South Louisiana. Due to scheduling conflicts, we weren’t able to get an interview with him at the time, but that may just have been for a good reason.
In September, Garry was struck with a debilitating disease called Bell’s Palsy. Garry’s condition is improving and he has come a long way since the Bell’s Palsy diagnosis, but now he has an even more important story to tell – one of faith and courage and how God can work in your life and use anyone as a positive example for the greater good.
Garry is a rapper from the Greater New Orleans area. He has such a compelling story to tell – one that we believe the world needs to hear. Through his artistry, he tells a story that has a positive and inspiring message – take a look:
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Tell us about yourself & your music that has such an important message?
GARRY COLEMAN: I am a 27 year old Christian rapper born and raised in the Dutch Bayou section of Reserve, Louisiana, (25 minutes from New Orleans). I have two young sons Naseem (6) and Raheem (4) with my wife Dionne of 4 years, as we are expecting our next bundle of joy in the coming months. I’m overjoyed to present to the world my debut album called “The Discovery of Life”. It focuses on the decisions we are faced with as teenagers going into young adulthood, the consequences/circumstances of the actions we took, and the salvation we received from Jesus Christ. I speak on abortion, drugs, alcoholism, denying the Lord Jesus Christ, redemption, etc. This album has a twist at every corner and we purposely added some special twists that the audience will have to listen for.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Growing up, who inspired you the most & why?
GARRY COLEMAN: My mother was my main inspiration because I never saw a person work as hard as she did. She made sure my sister and I never went without. I once knew her to have three jobs at one time. Seeing that made it natural for me to go to go to high school, a trade school, and hold down a full time job at the same time. She showed what real hustling is, because she never complained about anything. She just did what was necessary and I always admired that drive and tried to imitate that.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Who were your musical influences?
GARRY COLEMAN: My musical influences back in the day range from Nas, Jay, and Kanye, to Mary J. and Alicia Keyes, Korn, the old No Limit and Cash Money, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Common – the list can go on and on.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What do you do in your spare time? What do you do for fun?
GARRY COLEMAN: I love to travel with the family – vacation time is the best time. My wife and I are big on television and movies. I love watching sports – football, basketball, and boxing are my favs. I love to eat and enjoy spending time with my family. I am also big on reading and videography.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Where do you hope to see your career in the next few years?
GARRY COLEMAN: I really do not know. I will let the Lord guide my steps in the proper direction when it comes to making sound career moves. Right now it’s all about “The Discovery of Life” album. If the Lord gives me the vision to move forward after this into another album, it would be “The Discovery of Life 2”, because this album ends when a certain discovery is made, but it does not necessarily mean the struggle is over. I am in a great place in my career right now and can only go upward from here.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: How did growing up in the Greater New Orleans area influence your music?
GARRY COLEMAN: Well, New Orleans is rich in music, but primarily the underground rap scene in New Orleans taught me the music business. It’s all about who you know and if you do not have some money to spend, you will have to get in the back of the line when it comes to getting support. Only the bounce artists are in a high demand because that’s what made the women come to the clubs and the men want to go where the women are. The local scene for the rappers is a struggle like none other in and around the N.O., but you have an ear for good music when you frequently hear brass bands, jazz, gospel, bounce, and rap fused together like it is in the city.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Where do you think need we need to start in order to stop the violence that is plaguing our youth?
GARRY COLEMAN: Love is where we need to start. The Lord Jesus is the answer and he told us to love one another and the youth today lack in that area. I know the answer seems simple, but without love the youth today will continue to face a harsh reality. It does not matter what the cost, but we need to find a way to help our children, in any way possible. There’s no price on a human life and with all the technological advances in the world today we still have not solved the equation of love versus hate.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: If you could meet one person, living or deceased, who would it be & why?
GARRY COLEMAN: Well, I would want to see my earthly father again. I feel like he never had the opportunity to share a great moment with me. He was not able to see me graduate high school or get married and unfortunately, he only saw one of his grandchildren. So If I could, I would like to spend a little bit more time with him.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Keep your eyes and ears focused on Garry Coleman, a young man making some serious moves, in and out of the music world. He also seems to have some of the answers to the world’s questions that keep us pondering where and how to make our next move. Check him out – you will be glad you did.
