100% G4 Boyz: the NYC duo with a scam-rap hit on their hands

G4 Boyz have been putting in work since they were teenagers. They first made a name for themselves back in the early 2010s, collaborating with the likes of Waka Flocka Flame and Lil Wayne. Following the success of 2017’s The African Plug mixtape, the Staten Island duo recently scored a viral hit with Local Scammer, which features the kind of bass-heavy drill sound that’s big on both sides of the Atlantic, while TikTok and Triller dances helped boost the streams.

G4 Ice Baby and G4 Buggy’s world is a sparkling re-imagination of the American Dream mixed with the richness of African identity, where they flex high fashion and scam anyone off the strength of their VPN with the bellicose, energetic architecture of Brooklyn drill, gangsta rap and trap.

After enjoying another taste of success with 419, G4 Boyz have dropped a remix of Local Scammer featuring Chicago drill originator Chief Keef. Today, they’ve shared yet another rework with UK YouTuber-turned-rapper Ivorian Doll.

You can soon expect G4 Boyz to be popping in your airwaves (look out for forthcoming single Prada) and if you’re not careful, maybe even in your bank statement. Check out the Ivorian Doll remix and read the 100% questionnaire below.

10%: Where were you born, where were you raised and where are you based?

G4 Buggy: Born in Staten Island, raised in Brooklyn and still based in New York City.

G4 Ice Baby: In Staten Island, we ran heavy broke. That was where we learnt a lot of game from.

20%: When did you find your confidence as an artist?

G4 Buggy: By being teased a lot, and for being African back in school. Me and my brother found our confidence from our uncles. My [Nigerian] uncle, Richmond, came through wearing Versace, gold chains and loafers with no socks. I was like ​“Oh, Africans… We look good.” This pride came from our Nigerian uncles.

G4 Ice Baby: My uncle Sammy and my dad always had confidence. People were doubting us, like ​‘you can’t do this, you can’t do that’ and dissing the whole African world. It made us want to show the people that we’re not.

30%: Break down your typical day at work…

G4 Ice Baby: Going to the bank, man. Getting money, non-stop working, non-stop creating.

G4 Buggy: As soon as I wake up I have this list, like a daily routine. I write in my notes, screenshot it and make it my screensaver. Then I pray to God, meditate, call Ice, we have a group meeting and we try to wire a few bank accounts.

40%: What kind of emotions and experiences influence your work?

G4 Ice Baby: Someone letting me down.

G4 Buggy: When I was younger, I didn’t care how I dressed – all I cared about was having fun. One day, some dude started making fun of me for the way I dressed.

G4 Ice Baby: I beat him up, though!

G4 Buggy: It was a lightbulb moment. I needed to flex on everyone! It’s about being fly and I’ve never looked back on it.

50%: What’s a bad habit you wish you could kick?

G4 Buggy: I be wanting money so much…

G4 Ice Baby: Jumping to conclusions. Also, I’m tryna to be less judgemental.

60%: How did you celebrate your last birthday?

G4 Buggy: In a club poppin’ bottles!

G4 Ice Bab: Praying to God on a jet.

70%: What’s a piece of advice that changed your life?

G4 Buggy: [Ice Baby] said to me whether I make a decision, always put yourself in that person’s shoes.

G4 Ice Baby: Be humble, you might think you’re running the show because you got a couple dollars but you could lose it all.

80%: Love, Like, Hate?

G4 Ice Baby: I love video games, like drinking soda and eating candy, and I hate people who try to find a negative in every situation.

G4 Buggy: I love God and learning the Quran and the Bible, I like fashion [flexes his Maison Margiela silk polo shirt on Zoom call] and I hate a disbeliever.

90%: Describe your seven minutes in heaven.

G4 Buggy: Beating a level in Metal Gear Solid is seven minutes in heaven to me.

G4 Ice Baby: Waking up with no anxiety and feeling inner peace.