Up-and-coming artist, Giffy Pluggo, is creating a stir in the hip-hop scene. Straight off the stage of his recent SXSW performance, the rapper is reminding us that dreams do come true and television isn’t always based on fantasy through his latest album, Douda.
Based off personal experience with a dose of the hit television series, “The Chi,” Douda is a shout out to the character Otis “Douda” Perry. According to Giffy, “Douda is one of the characters in the streets—he’s both a villain and the Mayor of Chicago. My story is similar, because I’m a person who grew up in the streets but got an education and went to school and all of that. It’s kind of showing two worlds and what happens when those two worlds collide.”
“Douda is a corrupt villain but he’s showing that you can come from the streets and come out of the streets and see positivity and light at the end of the tunnel. You can be whoever and whatever you want to be in life.”
Giffy Pluggo’s life tells a similar tale—sans the villain title. Born on the Southside of Chicago, Giffy Pluggo was raised in the Roseland area with his mother and two younger brothers. “My family always believed in education and going to college, but we always enjoyed listening to all types of music,” shares the artist, who began writing poems and raps at a young age. At 16, he began recording his first songs and continued rapping and putting out mixtapes during his studies at Illinois State University.
After college, Giffy Pluggo went on to become an elementary and high school math teacher. After a while, he realized it was time to return to his true calling: music. He took on the stage name Giffy Pluggo to represent being gifted and being “the plug,” always in the know of people and resources.
“A lot of my music details who I am and what I’ve been through. If you start listening to my first album all the way to now, that’s about five projects of personal material that talks about growing up in Chicago, in the streets,” tells Giffy. “But it’s also about going to school and working a job and all the things that come with maturing and becoming an adult. And then taking a leap and going back into music to do it again. Listeners just have to haul it in and really enjoy it. It’s real and comes from a personal space.”
The album, released by ATIP Records, was produced by Benny the Butcher’s label; Benny the Butcher is a talented artist known for his lyrical style and a member of the Black Soprano Family. According to Giffy, he wanted it to be “edgy with a street element.” “Brainstorming what would make sense to me being from Chicago, what came to mind was, ‘I’m kinda like Douda.’ The album has an edge, a soulful lyrical sound. It’s about merging two worlds known for their soulful sound.”
The 10-track album includes the featured single, “Casino.” Three variations are included: the original “Casino,” “Casino - Remix” featuring Jae Skeese, and “Casino - Radio Edit.”
Giffy enjoyed working on the album with fellow collaborators and family. “One of my friends is also an artist—Brandon Ross—so I got him on there as well. Getting the Benny the Butcher stamp gave the whole album a cohesive, edgier sound.”
With support from collaborator Rick Hyde, Giffy Pluggo gained traction quickly on social media. “I opened up at SXSW and performed with Rick Hyde, and Benny showed me love and told me ‘Casino’ was one of his favorite songs. The album was also reviewed by different magazines who love how cohesive it is and incorporates the TV series throughout the album.”
“Working with Myles on production was natural,” shares the rapper. “When I heard the beat [to ‘Casino’] on his Instagram, I inboxed him, ‘let’s do this.’ It was the first beat I recorded to. We did that song last summer, and from there, he wanted to do an EP after hearing the love we received.” The months-long endeavor paid off with the release of the full album this past month.
Up next for the artist is more music and touring. Coming off the high of performing at SXSW, Giffy is excited to share his music with live crowds. “Performing was exciting,” he shares. “Seeing the crowd’s reactions… Sometimes you don’t get to see strangers’ reactions when you make songs. I had people say ‘keep doing what you’re doing—your style is unique.’ That reassured me to keep going.”
Giffy Pluggo is also working on the Deluxe version of Douda, slated for an autumn release.
At the end of the day, he just wants fans to know that “anything is possible.” “That’s how we came out with ATIP Records. People need to chase their dreams and realize it’s not over until it’s over. If you can wake up every day blessed on this earth, then dream big and keep trying. It’s all up to you to go after it.”
Make sure to stay connected to Giffy Pluggo on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
Spotify (Album)
Spotify (Single)
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
