It’s hard not to be familiar with the age-old tale of disadvantaged Black youth.  The typical is no storybook ending; violence, crime, despair.  This rings true for New Orleans, a city best known for its fine Creole cuisine, unparalleled defensive football and year-after-year record breaking murder count.  What is a novelty however, is story of Rydell Wilson a.k.a. Gambino Santana, a 24- year old rapper whose message, drive and hustle transcend struggle and poverty.  

It’s easy to get lost in the music when you’re trying to escape the rough streets of downtown NO.  In the locker room, headphones on, head bobbing to the likes of Nas, Tupac and B.O.N.E., Rydell Wilson was doing just that getting lost in the music while preparing himself for another Friday night football game. But when tackles and touchdowns turned out to no longer be an option of a way out, Wilson returned to the one most familiar thing to him, hip-hop.    

Gambino Santana pushed his sound on ear-hungry crowds at various showcases and venues across New Orleans, including performances at the Essence Festival Weekend and some of the hottest urban clubs.  His unique and gritty style landed him a buzz-worthy appearance on BET in 2010.  

In 2014, GS moved to Atlanta, the music factory of the South, to seriously pursue his music career.  Opening for artists like Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta’s Rasheeda, and capturing a substantial fan base through social media, the name Gambino Santana is echoing in Atlanta streets.  Living by the mantra, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat,” GS is satisfying his appetite mashing on his upcoming debut mix tape “I Had 2.” 

In an industry drowning in bubbly superficiality and watered-down monotony, Santana boasts an original and distinctive flair, delivering a much needed breath of fresh air to hip-hop.

Robert Smith 13 is following