Giveon Reflects on His Journey from Long Beach Roots to Global Success in Interview with Big Boi

Raised in Long Beach, California, R&B artist Giveon experienced a childhood rooted in music and strict discipline. In an interview with Big Boi on Big Boy's Neighborhood, the singer opened up about the environment that shaped him, describing Long Beach as "hood as hell" yet crediting his mother's strict rules for keeping him and his brothers out of trouble.

Music was a constant in the household. Giveon recalls weekend family functions filled with the sounds of West Coast legends like Warren G, Snoop Dogg, and E-40. On Sundays, soul music took center stage with artists such as Mary J. Blige, Luther Vandross, and Teddy Pendergrass. He noted that different genres became associated with his mother's moods, teaching him an early emotional connection to music.

"I learned to associate certain music with emotions," Giveon said. "I grew up more in tune with my emotions than I would even say musical."

Finding His Voice

Initially, Giveon expressed himself through short stories rather than songs. In middle school, he would craft detailed narratives, eager for feedback that rarely came. Eventually, the desire for quicker responses led him to condense his storytelling into songwriting. At age 12, he wrote his first song, a piece reflecting the struggles of school life.

Although he could sing, Giveon was hesitant to showcase his talent publicly. His mother often encouraged, and at times pushed, him to perform at family events, a practice he initially resented. It wasn't until his voice matured—developing the now-signature rich baritone—that he began to realize the uniqueness of his sound.

"At first, when my voice dropped, I thought, 'It's over. I can't sing anymore,'" Giveon shared. However, perseverance led him to embrace and refine his deeper tone, setting him apart in a crowded musical landscape.

The Path to Music Stardom

Giveon's path to the music industry wasn't straightforward. Before his career took off, he spent five years working at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company in Long Beach, moving from host to server. To supplement his income after quitting, he started a dog-walking business. Throughout it all, he continued to quietly hone his craft.

"I was always from the school of thought that I don't like just telling people, 'Hey, check out my music,'" he explained. "I wanted to get so good that they'd find out."

That patience paid off. After writing and recording privately for years, Giveon eventually signed a record deal, stepping away from his dog-walking side hustle for good. He released his breakout EP "Take Time" on the day the COVID-19 pandemic prompted widespread lockdowns. Despite the uncertainty, the project resonated.

The international success of "Heartbreak Anniversary" became a career-defining moment. "It was wild seeing people who didn't even speak English connect to the song," Giveon said, emphasizing the emotional power of melody over lyrics.

Life Beyond the Studio

While Giveon finds therapy in writing and recording music, performing live remains his favorite part of the job. "Performing live is number one for me," he said. "Music-making is a close second, but it's more therapeutic—it's stories I need to get out of my head."

Giveon approaches live shows with intentionality, understanding that fans often plan their entire day around his performances. Watching vlogs from fans preparing for his concerts reinforced his commitment to delivering memorable shows.

Despite his success, Giveon remains reserved in public life, preferring to avoid the spotlight when not onstage. "I sit at such a sweet spot where I can just move around," he said. "When people recognize me, they're always respectful."

Staying Grounded and Creative Evolution

Giveon's artistic journey continues to evolve, but he remains deeply committed to authenticity. Rather than chasing trends, he prefers to create "raw quality timeless music." His latest single, "20s," explores reflections on youth and missed opportunities. The track, like much of his work, is rooted in personal experience but resonates universally.

"Sometimes a conversation with a homie sparks it," Giveon explained about his songwriting process. "You think about wasted time, and it just hits you." He admits to adjusting some lyrics to protect the privacy of those he writes about. "I want to tell my story, but I don't want to make anyone feel any type of way," he said.

Giveon also touched on the pressure of success, particularly after the global impact of "Heartbreak Anniversary." Despite multiple Grammy nominations, he measures success by emotional connection rather than awards.

"When someone says, 'Your song got me through,' that's when I feel like I'm here," he said.

Looking Ahead

Now in his late 20s, Giveon is focused on refining his craft even further. With a new album on the horizon, he remains committed to being "a better version of me." "I want to be the artist that gets sampled," he said, expressing a desire for longevity and influence rather than fleeting fame.

As for his origins, Giveon remains proudly tied to Long Beach, despite ongoing jokes about his "British" demeanor.

"I'm from Long Beach," he insisted with a laugh, recalling times he had to prove it with childhood videos. Giveon's journey—from writing short stories at home to touring internationally—stands as a testament to perseverance, authenticity, and the emotional power of music.

"It's crazy," he said, reflecting on his success. "I just stayed true to myself. And somehow, the world listened."