GCB2 | GOTHAM CITY BOYS

INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPH TERRELL “REALIFE” BLACK

In this exclusive interview, VALIDATED dives into the gritty and passionate world of the Gotham City Boys (GCB), an emerging hip-hop collective with roots across New York and Boston. Representing Harlem, Mount Vernon, and the Bronx, each member of GCB brings their unique background and style to the group, creating a powerful blend of East Coast hip-hop. With deep connections to the culture, from Harlem’s street vibe to the unforgettable beats of Run DMC and KRS-One, they’re on a mission to keep real hip-hop alive and thriving.

The story of GCB is one of resilience and authenticity. Founding member Ricky Bats met Pop Burna in prison, bonding over their love for cyphers and shared Bronx connections. As they reconnected on the outside, Gotham City Boys began to take shape, with each member bringing a unique influence that helped form the group’s iconic sound. In this interview, the GCB crew reflects on their origins, the lessons they learned from hip-hop legends like Queens icon Fredro Starr, and the vision behind their music.

With the release of their highly anticipated second album, GCB2, Gotham City Boys explore new depths, blending hard-hitting tracks with more versatile themes that showcase their growth. Featuring in-house production from team members like Biggs and Pauly Cicerio, and collaborations with industry greats such as Fredro Starr, GCB2 highlights their raw authenticity and versatility. In this conversation, they open up about the impact of fan feedback, the experience of touring with Onyx, and what fans can expect from their evolving sound and upcoming live performances.

VALIDATED: Where are you from and what’s your earliest memory of hip hop culture?

POP BURNA: I'm from Harlem, NYC, born on the Westside but it was the Eastside where my grandmother raised me. I would say it was when staying with my mom's in the Bronx is where I fell in love with hip hop. It was everything the dancing, the music, graffiti, just the way people dressed, walked and talked was just exciting to see.

REL LYFE: I’m from Harlem, NYC and my earliest memory of hip hop was the Ja-Rule to 50 Cent transition. 50’s and G-UNITS way of entering the game is one of my earliest favorite hip hop memories.

PAULY CICERIO: I’m from the Boston, Massachusetts area, and my earliest memories are Run DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis” and “Raising Hell”.

BIGGS: I'm from money earnin’ Mount Vernon, New York. My earliest memory of hip hop culture would probably have to be the Heavy D and Pete Rock and CL Smooth movement.

SMILEY DA GHETTO CHILD: I’m from the Bronx and my earliest memory of hip-hop is KRS-One.

DREW WOLF: I’m from Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn and it started for me in high school.

VALIDATED: What’s the story behind how you became a part of Gotham City Boys?

POP BURNA: I met Ricky Bats in prison in like 2011 I believe, found out we had a lot of mutual friends in the Bronx. We used to write and tear up cyphers while inside. Bats put out a mixtape from prison called “Bars Behind Bars: True Story, No Gimmicks”, I had a verse on there. We both went our separate ways when we got out but we always stayed in touch. Soon as I was clear of certain situations I was in and able to move around, Bats made the call to come to the studio and the rest is history.

REL LYFE: Pop Burna is my Uncle and he had a good relationship with Ricky Bats. They shared with me the vision for GCB and I was on board.

PAULY CICERIO: I Iinked up with Ricky Bats from a mutual contact, sent him some beats and the rest is history.

BIGGS: The story behind GCB and I was a natural fit because I've been with and producing for Bats for years.

SMILEY DA GHETTO CHILD: It’s a little complicated but the simple version is I met up with Onyx, got introduced to Ricky Bats and the rest is history. 

DREW WOLF: The universe put me here, Gods plan. (Laughs)

VALIDATED: What specific characteristics or qualities in an artist or music producer lead you to the decision that they should be included in the Gotham City Boys, and how do those factors influence your choice?

RICKY BATS: Number one is authenticity in character and you gotta be nice. The dopest rappers been through some thing's in life to talk about where people can relate to. Gotham City Boys, have their own personalities, their own style which makes us dope. And when we come together we form like Voltron. I also like creativity… I’m an artist, who isn't afraid to try new concepts and styles.

VALIDATED: How does the GCB2 album differ from your debut album in terms of style, themes, and overall sound?

POP BURNA: I would say the second album shows more diversity. The first one was more so to let niggas know that we was coming. The second one shows nigga we here living and loving this shit.

REL LYFE: The GCB2 album shows our range. We delivered on our first album with a grungy New York hip hop sound, and on this second album we deliver that along with anthems, songs catered to women and we had fun with this one.

PAULY CICERIO: The vibe and feel of GCB is still there, maybe just a few more tracks for the females to relate to.

BIGGS: GCB2 album in my opinion, we stepped it up a notch with a variety of hard tracks that the fans will love.

SMILEY DA GHETTO CHILD: Honestly when we got together for the first time it was magic. It just blended right the second album.

DREW WOLF: We bringing it back to the essence.

VALIDATED: How has fan feedback from your first album influenced your approach to this second album?

POP BURNA: The fan feedback was definitely real and appreciated. Because we was able to perform joints off the first album like right after we dropped it, so we got to see first hand how people reacted to the songs. I had personal conversations with people who gave me some pointers on certain things which was extremely helpful. So we just gonna continue taking over… DA WORLD IZ GOTHAM!

REL LYFE: Our confidence as a group grew. When recording the first album, we recorded a bunch of tracks including some that made the second album. After the release of the first album and us touring we became tighter as a group, our chemistry got stronger which influenced everything from our recording process, how we present ourselves as a unit, even translated to our music videos.

SMILEY DA GHETTO CHILD: All of us is bar masters. The reaction from the fans was right and exact, they know we fire. I would say that’s what influence the second album.

DREW WOLF: It’s been positive feedback to keep doing what we do.

VALIDATED: Who did you work with on GCB2 in terms of producers and artist features?

POP BURNA: For the most part we kind of stay in house for production, shout out to Biggs, Pauly Cicerio , Fredro Starr, Rob and Dre, to name a few producers. Ricky Bats records and mixes, shoot videos and edits. So right now the team is small but strong... GCB.

REL LYFE: We worked with the same producers on this album including Fredo Starr, Pauly Cicero, Biggs and Inphamus Amadeuz… Similar producers, different sounds.

VALIDATED: In April you all dropped the visual for the “Who” record featuring Ricky Bats, Drew Wolf and Smiley Da Ghetto Child, what’s been the response?

REL LYFE: We need to do shows and movies because people really appreciated the concept of that video.

SMILEY DA GHETTO CHILD: The reaction was “WHO” the fuck are these dudes, they fire?!

VALIDATED: Which record and visual is dropping next of the GBC2 album?

POP BURNA: For the “Hmmm” video we just dropped, I've been getting good feedback, they say it gives that real street feel. Shout out to you guys as well for pulling up and making that day happen.

VALIDATED: What can fans expect from the Gotham City Boys 2 album? What do you want the listeners to take away from the album?

RICKY BATS: Good authentic music, which is what you're gonna get out of “GCB2”.

POP BURNA: Well like I mentioned earlier this second album is to let people know that we here. There is just good music on there, which is something that we all appreciate. We be working our asses off cutting no slack, people see it in the videos and hear it in the songs.

REL LYFE: I want fans to understand the versatility the group offers. We give you a little bit of everything at a high level. Don’t put us in a box.

PAULY CICERIO: Expect some hard beats and bars as well as a variety of different rappers with unique sounds and styles. Listeners can take away the fact that real hip hop and east coast rap is alive and well, it’s not going anywhere.

BIGGS: The fans can expect more grittiness for the streets from us.

SMILEY DA GHETTO CHILD: Pure hip hop bars subject matter, and concepts.

VALIDATED: What’s your favorite track off the album and why? Any particular song you’re most excited for fans to hear?

RICKY BATS: There's a few of them… One of them is "Who?!", that’s the first single off the “GCB2” album. Another one would be "Run Back", it features me, Wolf, Pop and Hitta on the hook.

POP BURNA: To be honest I can't say I have a favorite song because theres so many different varieties to choose from. It's not all just one sound. It's a journey you just have to get the album and walk with us.

REL LYFE: “Freak In You”… It’s different from what the fans expect from us but I think they’ll appreciate it. “Loopy” is another record I’m excited about. 

PAULY CICERIO: Hard to pick one but the guns to my head right now, I’ll say “All That” even if it ain’t one of my beats. (Laughs)

VALIDATED: Are there any plans for a tour to support the new album? If so, what can fans expect from your live performances?

REL LYFE: Yes, hopefully… We plan on touring and they can expect a similar experience from our last tour times two.

VALIDATED: Speaking of touring, GCB recently toured with legendary Queens Hip Hop group Onyx. What can you tell us about the experience?

POP BURNA: Man, the tour was amazing! Got to meet new people, try new foods and see different things. Every show just got better and better. ONYX energy is crazy, we had to turn the fuck up messing around with them. Much love to the fellas ONYX!

REL LYFE: An amazing experience for me personally and for us as a group. I got some good insight into why Onyx will forever be one of the greatest performers. I grasped a good understanding of the energy needed when on the road and grew closer with my GCB brothers.

VALIDATED: What does the remainder of 2024 look like for GCB and you as a solo artist?

POP BURNA: Just working, the grind doesn't stop. Finishing up a new project that will be produced by Pauly Cicero titled “Schoolyard To The Prison Yard”. Just dropped a single from there called “Let Me Vent” by Pop Burna. Ya’ll tap into that.

REL LYFE: The release of GCB2 album, multiple video drops from the album, multiple shows, and prepare for a tour. Solo wise, I plan to release a single and at least two rap battle releases this year as well.

SMILEY DA GHETTO CHILD: I got three solo projects, I’m dropping one produced by the legendary Lord Jamar, a heat tape called From My Mouth To Gods Ears” and my third installment of “The Antidote Part 3” called “Million Dollar Slave”. We’re going to end this year out with new visuals and new music keeping our fans satisfied.

DREW WOLF: I’ve got an album out called “Aintnothingnice” and I’m working on a new one coming soon called “Wolf Of All Streets”.

VALIDATED: Where can the fans and readers support GCB?

POP BURNA: Follow me on Instagram @PopBurnaGCB, “Let Me Vent” out now on all platforms.

REL LYFE: Support our music on all streaming platforms “GOTHAM CITY BOYS”. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video releases and follow the @GothamCityMusicGroup Instagram page for updates on GCB members and events. 

SMILEY DA GHETTO CHILD: At @GothamCityMusicGroup and @SmileyDaGhetto_S.D.G on instagram.