IAmGBF, an artist and innovator from the Southside of Chicago, is capturing the attention of music enthusiasts and industry experts with his versatility and dedication to his craft. At 34 years old, born on July 18, 1990, IAmGBF has been creating music since his early teens, driven by a passion for hip-hop, rap, drill, trap, R&B, party, and juke sounds. With an expansive skill set that includes producing, engineering, and performing, he’s carving out a path for himself and his team, CashLyfe Visuals—a full-scale creative brand specializing in photography, videography, and graphic design. His story is not just about making music but about redefining what it means to succeed in the industry.
Breaking into the Industry: A Journey from Chicago to Minneapolis and Back
From a young age, IAmGBF felt a connection to music’s therapeutic power. What began as a simple curiosity in beat-making quickly grew into a lifelong passion for creating and performing his own music. By age 13, he was already producing beats, and it wasn’t long before he began rapping over his creations, bringing his voice and narrative into his work. With every beat and lyric, IAmGBF tells a piece of his story, offering listeners a genuine, relatable journey of struggle, ambition, and triumph.
After attending Olive-Harvey College to study entrepreneurship and management, IAmGBF moved to Minneapolis in 2013, where he expanded his skill set into videography. His time there allowed him to see that he could do more than create music; he could be a hands-on artist, producer, engineer, and visual creator. When he returned to Chicago, he established CashLyfe Visuals, bringing his unique approach to videography, photography, and graphic design to life. This return marked a turning point for him, as he realized the importance of creating a complete package as an artist. From music production to visuals, he could build and maintain control over his brand.
Versatility and Vision: Making Waves with a Multi-Genre Approach
In a crowded industry where standing out is essential, IAmGBF’s versatility makes him a unique force. His music spans several genres—hip-hop, rap, drill, trap, R&B, and more—allowing him to reach a broad audience while also staying true to his roots. This genre-blending approach doesn’t just create a distinctive sound but reflects the diversity of his influences and his experiences growing up in Chicago. He believes that music is therapeutic for the soul and uses his music to express himself authentically.
Beyond music, IAmGBF is deeply involved in the business side of the industry, learning as much as he can about marketing, promotion, copyrights, and ownership. This knowledge has been hard-won, as he’s had to pull back and relaunch some of his music in the past due to earlier misunderstandings of these essential components. Now, he sees his work as a “full meal,” with music as the main course and elements like copyrights, publishing, and ownership as essential side dishes that make the experience complete.
Facing Challenges and Embracing Growth
IAmGBF has faced numerous challenges in his career, from mastering the intricacies of industry marketing and promotion to understanding the legal aspects of copyrights and publishing. Early on, he faced setbacks, including having to take down previously released music due to gaps in his knowledge. However, he now uses these experiences to his advantage, seeing them as opportunities to learn and grow. With a better grasp on these aspects, IAmGBF is equipped to take his work and his brand to new heights, ensuring that every release is not only high-quality but also fully protected and profitable.
Looking Ahead: Building a Legacy and Creating Opportunities for Others
When asked where he sees himself in the next three to five years, IAmGBF is clear about his vision. He imagines his team and him working with major business partners and companies, creating better sources and material for the industry. He doesn’t just want to be an artist; he wants to be an innovator, one who brings new ideas and content to the table, ultimately creating opportunities for others in the industry as well. His goal is to create a sustainable, impactful brand that resonates with audiences and other artists alike.
With a growing brand and an evolving vision, IAmGBF has high aspirations, both for his music and for CashLyfe Visuals. His goal isn’t just to be heard but to be recognized as a multi-talented artist who’s paving the way for future artists and creative professionals. He wants to inspire others by proving that with dedication, versatility, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, anyone can carve out a place for themselves in the music world.
CashLyfe Visuals: An Extension of IAmGBF’s Creative Vision
Alongside his music career, IAmGBF manages CashLyfe Visuals, a brand that’s integral to his creative expression. With expertise in photography, videography, and graphic artwork, CashLyfe Visuals captures moments and creates visuals that complement his musical storytelling. For IAmGBF, this venture is more than a side project; it’s a way to control the narrative of his brand from all angles. CashLyfe Visuals also offers services for other artists, providing a platform to help them build their visual identities and connect with their audiences.
By merging his musical talents with his skills in visual arts, IAmGBF is establishing himself as a complete artist and entrepreneur. Through CashLyfe Visuals, he’s also contributing to the creative ecosystem, offering other artists the tools they need to succeed and helping to shape the future of the music and entertainment industry.
A Mission of Full Utilization and Audience Connection
As he moves forward, IAmGBF is committed to fully utilizing his skills and exploring new ways to blend into the industry while making a difference. His goal is to follow the correct algorithms for his content, leveraging data and insights to reach his target audience and expand his reach. For him, it’s about more than just creating; it’s about finding ways to connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.
Through his music, visuals, and brand, IAmGBF is building something unique, a legacy that reflects his journey, his resilience, and his commitment to the art. He’s here to bring something fresh to the industry, driven by a deep love for his craft and an unwavering belief in the power of music to heal, inspire, and unite.
Connect with IAmGBF:
For more updates on IAmGBF’s music, productions, and visual art, explore his full suite of social media and music links through his Popl account:
Stay Tuned for More
As IAmGBF continues his journey, fans and followers can look forward to new projects, innovative collaborations, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines his brand. Whether he’s producing a beat, recording a new track, or crafting a video, one thing is clear: IAmGBF is just getting started, and his influence on the music industry is only set to grow.
