The independent grind isn’t an easy one. With a bevy of obstacles in the way of stardom, many artists falter before even having the opportunity to stare success in the eye. This past Tuesday, Bay Area rapper G-Eazy inched a step closer to fortifying his name in the rap game after his intimate show at the Apple Store in SoHo.

Prior to delivering die-hard fans with a performance to celebrate his newly released album, These Things Happen, he sat down for a 30 minute Q/A session highlighting his journey.

During the Q/A session, G-Eazy revealed the costly decisions he faced in order to make his rap dream become a reality. By adopting the legendary Hyphy sound of the Bay and implementing his own flavor to the mix, he concocted the formula to ensure himself success. The young star ruminated on his humble beginnings where he started writing raps at the age of 13.

“[I]started when I was 13, first making beats, first writing raps, learning how to structure songs, and record and all of that," he said. "It was just me and the homies. It was like a competitive thing. We would freestyle battle each other at lunch time."

When the Q/A session ended, the fun really began. G-Eazy turned the Apple Store—a place where geeks marvel in awe—into his personal playground. Performing in his signature all-black attire, G-Eazy’s exuberance oozed through the crowd, as everyone followed his each and every move. The rapper fired away a multitude of bangers, starting with his Jay Ant and E-40-assisted single, “Far Alone.” Then, the ladies man provided a titillating performance for his single “Lady Killer,” which had the women in attendance hysterical. After that, he tore the house down by performing arguably his biggest hit to date, “Loaded,” which earned a thunderous response from the crowd.

In just 20 minutes, G-Eazy delivered a taste of Cali for the Big Apple to feast on and had the crowd itching for more. While his Q/A showed his humble side, his performance showcased his wild and fun persona, making a claim as a potential star on the rise. —Carl Lamarre

Previously: Review: G-Eazy Pushes Genre Barriers On These Things Happen 
G-Eazy’s Hip-Hop Hustle Is Finally Starting To Pay Off

More From XXL