G Perico Talks Hustle, Growth, and Authenticity with Bootleg Kev

In his recent appearance on the Bootleg Kev Podcast, Los Angeles rapper and entrepreneur G Perico offered an unfiltered glimpse into his journey, mindset, and vision for the future. Known for his sharp storytelling and unapologetic authenticity, Perico delivered a conversation that touched on his come-up, business ventures, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

The Early Hustle and Staying Authentic

From the jump, Perico reflected on his roots and the drive that propelled him forward. He spoke candidly about navigating the streets of South Central L.A. while balancing his ambitions in music. "It's all about survival, but at some point, you gotta figure out how to thrive," Perico shared, emphasizing the importance of evolving beyond immediate circumstances.

The rapper detailed the struggles he faced early in his career, including financial setbacks and moments of doubt. However, his commitment to staying true to himself became a recurring theme throughout the episode. "You can't fake this. If you're real, people are going to feel it," he said.

Perico also opened up about the grind of self-promotion in his early days, from burning CDs to personally handing them out at shows. "Man, I had to hustle for every listen, every fan," he recounted. "Nowadays, you can upload a track and go viral overnight, but back then, it was boots on the ground."

Balancing Music and Business

As the conversation progressed, Perico opened up about his transition from being solely a rapper to embracing the role of a businessman. He discussed the launch of his clothing brand and other entrepreneurial endeavors, highlighting the importance of ownership and independence in today’s music industry.

"You gotta own something," he told Kev. "Music is dope, but it’s not forever. You need something solid outside of it."

His mindset reflects a broader shift among independent artists who are no longer content with just making music—they’re building empires. Perico highlighted the challenges of balancing multiple ventures while staying creative. "Running a brand, running a music career—it’s two different hustles, but both need the same level of hunger."

He also shared a candid moment about the lessons he learned from early missteps in business. "I lost a lot of money on bad deals early on, but every L was a lesson. Now, I move smarter," he admitted.

Reflections on the Industry

Perico didn’t shy away from addressing the state of the music industry and the challenges artists face. He spoke about the pressures to conform to trends and the temptation to chase viral moments. "If you start doing what everybody else is doing, you lose yourself," he warned.

He also offered advice to younger artists, stressing the importance of building a strong foundation and staying disciplined. "It’s easy to get distracted out here. You gotta stay focused, stay working, and block out the noise."

Kev and Perico dug into the streaming era and its impact on artist independence. Perico expressed mixed feelings about the digital age of music. "Streaming changed the game—it made music accessible, but it also made the hustle different," he said. "It’s easy to put music out now, but it’s hard to make it stick."

They also touched on gatekeepers in the industry and the shift towards self-sufficiency. "You don’t need a major label to blow up anymore," Perico noted. "But you still need discipline, strategy, and a vision."

Overcoming Adversity

One of the more reflective moments of the podcast came when Perico discussed the personal challenges he’s faced, including legal troubles and moments of self-doubt. He shared how those experiences shaped his perspective and fueled his drive. "Every setback made me hungrier," he said. "You either let it break you or build you."

Kev asked how Perico maintains his mental health amid the pressures of fame, business, and the streets. Perico’s answer was straightforward: balance and discipline. "I stay grounded with my family, with my circle. You gotta have people around you who keep it real with you."

Upcoming Projects and What’s Next

Toward the end of the conversation, Perico gave fans a glimpse into what’s next for him. He teased new music releases, upcoming collaborations, and expansions in his business ventures. While he kept some details under wraps, his excitement for the future was evident.

"This next chapter is about growth—personally, musically, and financially," he said.

Perico also spoke about his aspirations to uplift the next generation of artists. "I want to build platforms for other young hustlers coming up, give them opportunities I didn’t have," he said passionately.

He hinted at a new project dropping soon, describing it as his most personal and refined work yet. "This one’s gonna hit different," he said with a grin.

As the conversation came to a close, G Perico left listeners with a lasting reminder: "Whatever you do, make sure you own it and make sure it’s real. That’s the only way it’s gonna last."