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VENTS MAGAZINE: Hi Gaine$, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
GAINE$: I’ve been excellent!
VENTS MAGAZINE: “The Otherside Of $$$” has been describe as deeply personal, almost like a journal entry set to music. Was there a specific moment in your life that made you realize it was time to tell this chapter of your story?
GAINE$: Well I’d say the current time. I speak more reflectively when creating yet I feel this song/project mirrors my current position musically. Still growing yet progressed to the Otherside of “trying to make it”.
VENTS MAGAZINE: The track explores your evolution from hustling and survival mode to finding balance and moving with more intention. How difficult was it to be that honest about your past on record?
GAINE$: It actually hasn’t been difficult at all. I opened up and have been honest with my audience for several years both creatively as well as in person. I feel it’s best to be honest about who you are, how you feel and what you have been through. It’s easy to tell the truth, I find difficulty in sugar coating or presenting a lie.
VENTS MAGAZINE: Sonically, the track has this glacial, almost late-night atmosphere that perfectly matches the reflective lyrics. What was the creative chemistry like working with NOM on building that sound?
GAINE$: We spent a small bit of time just figuring what sounds I prefer, which then led to him designing/preparing sounds that fell right into that pocket I wanted to explore. More than just looped samples, songs with more structure and that keeps the listeners attention.
VENTS MAGAZINE: Your upcoming album Mr. Gaine$ takes its inspiration from A Different World and specifically the character of Mr. Gaines. What about that character connected with you on such a personal level?
GAINE$: Well, besides the fact that the character had the same last name I feel he represented a man of wisdom and a injected a bit of good sense of humor. Mr. Gaine$ was a staple on the show and I just felt the need to spotlight that and find ways that I could relate to him musically/sonically.
VENTS MAGAZINE: You mentioned wanting to pass on wisdom the way Mr. Gaines did on the show. At this stage of your life, what lessons do you feel most compelled to share with your listeners?
GAINE$: Just the notion of not being afraid to fail, approaching things with passion/energy and just by not doubting yourself so that you can actually move into success.
VENTS MAGAZINE: A lot of your music documents personal transformation. Do you see your catalog almost as chapters of your autobiography?
GAINE$: Absolutely, I can point at any project I released and tell you exactly what I was going through, what I was thinking and what each record meant to me.
VENTS MAGAZINE: You have this great visual for “The Otherside Of $$$,” directed by Austin Barker. How important is visual storytelling when bringing your music to life?
GAINE$: I feel it’s very important, sometimes in planning a visual you can overthink it so I tend to keep my visuals simple yet cinematic. It kind of puts a face to the art. Whether it’s performative or just visually a day in the life.
VENTS MAGAZINE: Buffalo has become one of the most respected cities in underground hip-hop in recent years. How has your hometown shaped your identity as both an artist and a person?
GAINE$: Buffalo has made me exactly who I am. I grew up in the east side, I witnessed, participated and avoided trouble so I’d say it made me very vigilant yet quite sociable because you have to be outside to touch the people here.
VENTS MAGAZINE: You’ve kept the guest features on Mr. Gaine$ very selective, including collaborators like Brother Tom SOS and your longtime creative circle. Was it important for this project to feel close to home in every sense?
GAINE$: Yes, because although I did have a few features I’m still in the process of developing and present myself as an artist so I definitely had to keep it in house until I strike a bigger opportunity that makes sense.
VENTS MAGAZINE: “The Otherside Of $$$” suggests that success isn’t just about money but rather about growth, discipline, and perspective. After everything you’ve been through, what does “wealth” actually mean to Gaine$ today?
GAINE$: Wealth is family, support, and honestly just freedom to create and put it out in the world. I still live a simple life but can also dive into certain arenas and perform at peak level so it’s just about being capable to provide for yourself and invest in yourself to reach your goals.
Stream Mr. Gaine$ on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5rMgQLQfMsSYHr3Ngr3OYL?si=NPyW4OlfTl2iOFbwOU1tpQ
Follow Gaine$ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaines90/
