Get familiar with Oakland's GQ, who 9th Wonder calls his "secret weapon" at Jamla Records. The former UNC Tarheel is fresh off the release of Death Threats & Love Notes: The Prequel:, a precursor to his debut album under Jamla.

Standout: "The Town"

Also check out: "Im Gone"

And: "Last Breath"

Name: GQ (Quentin Thomas)

Age: 27

Hometown: Oakland, California

I grew up listening to: Tupac, Biggie, Jay-Z, Outkast, Snoop, Ice Cube, Eminem, DMX, Too Short, The Luniz, Wayne... The list is endless.

Most people don't know I: Love watching cartoons (especially old school cartoons like The Flinstones, Jetsons, Pink Panther, etc.) and HGTV (Property Brothers, House Hunters and Million Dollar Homes are my favorites)

I've been compared to: Not too sure...

My standout moment to date has been: Making it out of Oakland positively, graduating from UNC with a NCAA Basketball Championship ring, being an artist on Jamla Records, and having my debut video reach the #8 spot on BET's 106 and Park countdown.

My goal in Hip-Hop is: To tell my story and the story of others who couldn't tell theirs, while giving people good music they can not only listen to but feel.

I'm gonna be the next: One from Oakland to show the light of my city.

To check out more of my music: Follow me on Twitter @LifeofGQ. Check out my latest project Death Threats & Love Notes: The Prelude on iTunes.

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