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Gio Washington

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Not to be confused with Gino Washington or Geno Washington.

Gio Washington
Birth nameGovernor Washington Jr.
Also known asCountry Boy, Gentleman G, Governor
Born (1983-07-25) July 25, 1983 (age 41)
Charles City, Virginia, U.S.
GenresR&B, soul
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Years active2000–present
LabelsCharles City Music (current)
G-Note Records, G-Unit Records, Grand Hustle Records, Atlantic Records, Warlock Records (former)
Websitegovernormusic.com

Governor Washington Jr. (born July 25, 1983), known professionally as Gio Washington (formerly Governor), is an American R&B and soul singer from Charles City, Virginia. He was initially signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle imprint, under the aegis of Atlantic Records.[1][2][3][4] In 2010, he signed to the newly formed G-Note Records, a subsidiary label of 50 Cent's G-Unit Records.[5]

Life and career

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1983–2004: Early life and career beginnings

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Governor Washington Jr. was born on July 25, 1983 in Charles City County, Virginia. His father was a preacher.[6] After declining an offer to attend the Berklee College of Music, he formed the Jodeci-style R&B group, Case Closed, where he performed under the moniker Country Boy.[7] After moving to New York City, then back to Virginia, Washington left the group and returned to New York. When the group disbanded, he tried to make it on its own. Warlock Records eventually signed Washington and released his debut album Another State Of Mind, in 2000.[8]

At that time he met the influential music executives and production team, Trackmasters, while he changed his style from R&B to hip-hop. 50 Cent was signed to the Trackmasters at that time as well, and Washington and 50 Cent recorded about six songs for a prospective album called Best of Both Worlds, which was never released. After the split-up with Trackmasters in 2002, Washington met Wyclef Jean, who helped him sign a deal with Atlantic Records. He even made a dozen songs with Dr. Dre, for his debut album on Atlantic, but frictions between Dre's Aftermath and Atlantic, made those songs never see the light of the day.

2005–2006: Grand Hustle signing and Son of Pain

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In 2005, American rapper T.I. added Washington, to his Grand Hustle Records imprint, after Atlantic Records chose T.I. to act as his mentor. Atlantic Records' plan for Washington, who joined Atlantic's roster almost four years prior, was to market him a devotee, or a card-carrying member of T.I.'s "camp.".[9] Atlantic first tried to pair him with renowned record producer Dr. Dre, and then with gangsta rapper 50 Cent; however both plans fell through. In search of quick jolt of street credibility, the label brokered a deal for the singer to join T.I.'s imprint.[9] In 2006, Washington appeared alongside T.I., performing the song "Hello", from T.I.'s album King, for the Atlanta-based rapper's AOL Sessions.[10][11] After appearing on several of Grand Hustle'resident disc jockey, DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz mixtapes, Washington later released his Grand Hustle/Atlantic debut, titled Son of Pain, in September 2006.[9] The album's production was handled by Just Blaze, Scott Storch, Wyclef Jean and Raphael Saadiq, among others. The album debuted at number 50 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

2009–present: G-Unit signing

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After signing to G-Unit Records in 2009, Washington was signed to the newly formed subsidiary G-Note Records, where he released the first single off his upcoming album.[12] He had this to say about signing with the label,

The new situation is an honor in itself. 50 and I grew up together in this music, so to speak. I hate to even give names sometimes dealing with my story because I hate to even give some of the haters light by mentioning their names. Regardless of any of that, it was a blessing to be able to re-connect to 50. We always shared a genuine respect for each others music and destiny had it so that we end up being able to work with each other again. The sweet thing about this situation on G-Note is that it's an independent label, with major money behind it. It's not like being on a major for me. On G-Note, I don't have to deal with certain issues that come along with being attached to a major. I actually talk to the owner of the company, ride in the same vehicle on the way to the airport. I have his telephone number and he actually answers….I don't have the pressure of selling 2 million records to actually make a profit.

The song is called "Here We Go Again" and features 50 Cent.[13] The song will be released for digital download on December 27, 2010. In an interview with G-Unit Radio, 50 Cent said that Washington was "extremely talented" and that "he is about to blow".[14] Along with releasing his first single, "Here We Go Again" off his upcoming album, Washington reported that he was working on mixtapes as well as putting out new music on thisis50.com regularly to promote his album.[15][16]

In an interview with HipHopNMore, Washington revealed the title for his upcoming album which is called, A Touch of Magic.[17] The album will be released under G-Note Records and was initially scheduled for a summer 2011 release date. Washington also spoke about upcoming music with 50 Cent on the album and had this to say, "The first two or three collaborations was to allow people to get used to a particular feel and sound, while being connected to one of the most successful rappers on earth. Now, we are focusing on releasing songs that showcase that sound, speaking of myself as a solo artist".

In 2013, Washington began performing under the pseudonym, Gio Washington. In March 2015, Washington and 50 Cent reunited on a song titled "Annie", recorded for the 50 Cent executive produced Starz series, Power.[18][19]

Personal life

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Washington was seriously injured in a vehicle accident on the night of August 8, 2015. The accident catapulted Washington from his vehicle, leaving him with a collapsed lung, broken ribs and internal injuries.[20][21][22]

Discography

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Studio albums

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Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
Heat 		US
R&B
Another State of Mind — —
Son of Pain 44 50
Illumination
  • Release: May 27, 2015[25]
  • Label: Charles City Music
  • Formats: Digital download
 — —

Singles

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Song Year Album
"Blood, Sweat & Tears"[26] 2006 Son of Pain
"Here We Go Again"
(featuring 50 Cent) 		2010 —
"On and On"[27] 2014 —

Guest appearances

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List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Other performer(s) Album
"PJ's" 2002 Wyclef Jean, Prolific Masquerade
"Since Supernatural" Santana, Melkie Jean Shaman
"The World" G-Unit God's Plan
"Can't Fuck with Queen Bee" 2003 Lil' Kim, Shelene Thomas with Full Force La Bella Mafia
"Hustlin' " 2004 T.I. Urban Legend
"Hello" 2006 King
"Destiny" none Grand Hustle Presents: In da Streetz Volume 4
"Ooh Oh"[28] P$C The Indictment
"Do You Think About Me" 2009 50 Cent Before I Self Destruct
"They Burned Me" 2010 —
"Kill It" Lloyd Banks H.F.M. 2 (The Hunger for More 2)
"When It All Goes Down" 2011 50 Cent —
"Ring on You"[29] 2015 Bishup Bicardi TBA
"Baby That's Me"[30] 2018 High Defynition Nothing Is By Chance

References

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  1. ^ Crawford, ReGina (August 3, 2006). "The Governor is in", Call and Post 90 (31): 5–6.
  2. ^ Leeds, Jeff (November 27, 2005). "Scenes From an Arranged Marriage", The New York Times. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
  3. ^ Venable, Malcolm (February 16, 2006). "Candidate for stardom", The Virginian-Pilot, p. E8. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
  4. ^ Mitchell, Gail (May 27, 2006). "Rhythm & Blues: Hi-Tek Hits The Dre Dream Team", Billboard 118 (21): 46. Convenience link.
  5. ^ "50 Cent's G-Unit signs deal with Emi: What does it mean and why does it matter?". IMDb.
  6. ^ Ollison, Rashod D. (June 15, 2006). "A dream and a nightmare: Governor has been mistreated by the record industry, but he's not mad", The Baltimore Sun, p. T6. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
  7. ^ Sims, Art (July 19, 2006). "An Evening of Performances", Chicago Defender 101 (43): 20.
  8. ^ Davis, Hays (September 28, 2006). "Country boy done good: Virginia's Governor makes a statement on the soul scene", Richmond Times-Dispatch, p. F13.
  9. ^ a b c Leeds, Jeff (November 27, 2005). "Scenes From an Arranged Marriage", The New York Times. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  10. ^ "- YouTube". YouTube.
  11. ^ ""AOL Sessions" TI (TV Episode 2006) – IMDb". IMDb.
  12. ^ Governor X 50 Cent thisis50.com [permanent dead link]
  13. ^ Governor X 50 Cent emperormusic.net [permanent dead link]
  14. ^ "50 Cent Calls Into G-Unit Saturdays W/Jack Thriller Mimi & Nelson: Speaks On Premier Of 'Things Fall Apart' In March,Pimping Like Hugh Hefner, New Album Being 80% Done & More!..." Archived from the original on February 3, 2011. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
  15. ^ "Emperor Music » Governor – Wish Me Luck [Feat. 50 Cent]". Archived from the original on January 30, 2011. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
  16. ^ "Governor – "Wish Me Luck" feat 50 Cent – ThisIs50.com". Archived from the original on January 29, 2011. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
  17. ^ "Emperor Music » Governor Reveals G-Note Records Debut Album Title". Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
  18. ^ "50 Cent & Gio Washington". Archived from the original on March 18, 2015.
  19. ^ "50 Cent Drops New Song from 'Power' Soundtrack | Vibe". Archived from the original on May 27, 2015. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
  20. ^ "Local singer 'stable' after being injured in Chesterfield Crash". August 12, 2015.
  21. ^ "Thousands pray for singer GIO, injured in Chesterfield crash". August 11, 2015.
  22. ^ "Former G-Unit Singer Governor Almost Dies in Severe Car Crash | 24urban.com". Archived from the original on August 11, 2015. Retrieved November 17, 2015.
  23. ^ "Another State of Mind by Governor". iTunes. June 6, 2000.
  24. ^ "Son of Pain by Governor". iTunes. June 27, 2006.
  25. ^ "Illumination by Governor". iTunes. May 27, 2015.
  26. ^ "Blood, Sweat, and Tears – Single by Governor". iTunes. September 5, 2006. Archived from the original on July 24, 2015. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  27. ^ "On and On – Single by Governor". iTunes. Archived from the original on July 24, 2015. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  28. ^ "The Indictment". Archived from the original on October 29, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  29. ^ "Bishup Bicardi Ft. Gio Washington ~ "Ring on You" (Prod. By Tunez) | @BishupBicardi @Giosmusic | ~ TripleHQ". Archived from the original on September 30, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  30. ^ "High Defynition – Nothing is by Chance (2018, CD)". Discogs. October 10, 2018.
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