Gerald Walker facts for kids

Gerald Joshua Walker (born July 14, 1987) is an American rapper and singer. He grew up in Chicago, Illinois. Gerald Walker is known for his unique hip-hop style, which has a soulful sound. He has worked with famous artists like Yelawolf and Rockie Fresh. In 2018, he joined the Blue Collar Gang record label, which belongs to rapper Stalley.

Gerald Walker's Music Journey

Early Life and Starting Music (1987–2010)

Gerald Walker was born in Chicago, Illinois. He spent his childhood in Bellwood and Matteson, Illinois. His father was a college professor and served in the Air Force. His mother worked as an executive assistant. When Gerald was five, his parents separated. This event had a big impact on his personality and later on his music.

After finishing high school, Gerald started rapping. He was inspired by hip-hop groups like Little Brother and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. He moved to Chicago to work in television. While there, he also connected with other new artists in the city's music scene.

In September 2009, Gerald Walker released his first mixtape. It was called "Evening Out With Your Girlfriend". In 2010, he released his second mixtape, I Remember When This All Meant Something.... This mixtape had fifteen original songs. It also included three bonus tracks. One song was produced by Symbolyc One, who worked on Kanye West's song "Power". Gerald also released a Christmas album that year. It was called A Gerald Walker Christmas. It had original songs and new versions of classic Christmas tunes.

New Music and Tours (2011–2012)

In January 2011, Gerald Walker bought a hip-hop beat from producer Cardo. Cardo is known for working with Taylor Gang. Gerald wrote and recorded a song called "Here's Everything I've Always Meant to Say". He released it online for free. He later sent the song to Cardo, who was very impressed. They started making more songs together for fun.

In April 2011, Gerald announced he would go on tour with artist Yelawolf. While on tour in May 2011, he released his third mixtape. It was called On Your Side. This mixtape was a team effort with producer Cardo.

In June, Gerald Walker was featured on MTV's RapFix Live show. He appeared alongside popular artists like Lloyd Banks and Jim Jones. In September, he released his fourth mixtape, The Other Half of Letting Go. This project was a collaboration with the street-wear brand Diamond Supply. The mixtape quickly made Gerald a rising star in the hip-hop world. XXL Magazine praised the mixtape. It was also the only hip-hop album on the Shepherd Express "2011 Essential Albums of the Year" list.

In November, The Source magazine shared details about Gerald's second Christmas album. It was titled It's Christmastime Again, Gerald Walker. He re-recorded and released seven new songs for it. This was Gerald Walker's third release in 2011, all within six months.

Album Releases and Tours (2013–2017)

In May 2013, Gerald Walker hinted about his new album on Twitter. He tweeted: "Everything's Done. New Chapter Begins. My debut album 'Target' coming this Fall!" This confirmed the title of his first independent album, Target.

On February 3, 2014, Gerald Walker announced "The Target Practice Tour". This tour had 16 dates across North America. It started on February 8, 2014, and lasted until the end of April. A mixtape called "Yesterday You Said Tomorrow (A Prelude to TARGET)" came out with the tour. It featured demo songs that didn't make it onto the final Target album.

In June 2015, Walker announced his book, Target: 52 Weeks to Completing My Album. This book is a memoir about his life. It shares stories and memories. It was released at the same time as the album. On June 5, 2015, the first song from Target was released. It was called "No Heart Feelings" and featured The Family. The second song, "Follow Through," came out on August 25, 2015.

Target was also supported by two tours. The first was the "TARGET Listening Sessions". This tour had 10 dates in 8 cities. It included album listening parties and concerts. In May 2016, Walker started a 15-date international tour. This tour, called the "TARGET World Tour," also supported the album.

Blue Collar Gang and Recent Work (Since 2018)

In July 2018, Gerald Walker spoke with Billboard magazine. He announced a music partnership with rapper Stalley's Blue Collar Gang record label. On December 7, 2018, Walker released his third studio EP. It was titled People Tell Themselves Anything to Justify Everything.

In February 2019, ESPN's show First Take used Walker's song "Time" as its theme song. This song was from his EP People Tell Themselves Anything to Justify Everything. On March 8, 2019, Walker released his fourth studio EP. It was called The Little Foxes, That Spoil The Vines.

On August 1, 2019, Walker released his single and music video "Win Streak". This song was from his upcoming EP, "And Only a Few Ever Find It". In November 2019, Walker also joined Stalley's 'The Head Trip Tour'. He opened the shows along with other artists from the label, like LifeDutchee.

Other Projects

In December 2019, VIBE magazine reported that Gerald Walker started a new business. It is called Ayọ Fragrance + Design Studios. This company makes unisex fragrances and scented candles.

Music Releases

Studio Albums

Books

• 2016: TARGET Practice: 52 Weeks to Completing My Album

Albums and Mixtapes

• 2010: I Remember When This All Meant Something...
• 2010: A Gerald Walker Christmas EP
• 2011: On Your Side
• 2011: The Other Half of Letting Go
• 2011: It's Christmastime Again, Gerald Walker
• 2012: Believers Never Die
• 2012: On Your Side Part Deux
• 2012: Gerald Walker Christmas Collection Vol. 1
• 2014: "Yesterday You Said Tomorrow"
• 2015: Target
• 2017: Target: Redux
• 2018: People Tell Themselves Anything to Justify Everything
• 2019: The Little Foxes, That Spoil The Vines
• 2019: And Only a Few Ever Find It
• 2020: The World Will Spin Without You
• 2020: What Happened In Between...

Magazines and Features

• URB (March 2008)
• Stuck Magazine (2007)
• Annex Magazine (2013)
• Newsome WolfTracks newspaper (2013)