Gerald Walker facts for kids

Gerald Joshua Walker (born July 14, 1987) is an American rapper and singer from Chicago, Illinois. He is known for his unique style of hip-hop music that is influenced by soul music. In 2018, he joined the record label Blue Collar Gang, which was started by another rapper, Stalley. Walker has worked with many famous artists, including Layzie Bone from the group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Yelawolf, and Rockie Fresh.

Walker's Musical Journey

Getting Started in Music

Gerald Walker was born in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in nearby towns. His father was a college professor and an Air Force veteran, and his mother was an executive assistant. When Walker was five, his parents separated. This event had a big impact on him and his music later on.

After graduating from high school, Walker 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 and connect with other musicians. In September 2009, he released his first collection of songs, called a mixtape, titled "Evening Out With Your Girlfriend."

In 2010, Walker released his second mixtape, I Remember When This All Meant Something.... It had fifteen original songs and featured production from Symbolyc One, who also worked with Kanye West. Later that year, he released a Christmas-themed album called A Gerald Walker Christmas, mixing holiday songs with hip-hop beats.

Gaining Popularity

In 2011, Walker's career started to take off. He worked with a producer named Cardo, and they created music together. In April 2011, Walker went on tour with the popular rapper Yelawolf. While on tour, he released another mixtape with Cardo called On Your Side.

That same year, Walker appeared on MTV's show RapFix Live with other well-known artists. In September, he released his fourth mixtape, The Other Half of Letting Go. This project made him a rising star in the hip-hop world. A writer for XXL Magazine said that Walker was an artist people should pay attention to.

He ended the year by releasing his second Christmas album, It's Christmastime Again, Gerald Walker. This meant he had released three different music projects in just six months.

Releasing His First Album

In May 2013, Walker announced that his first official album, Target, would be coming out. To get fans excited, he went on a tour called The Target Practice Tour in 2014. He also released a collection of demo songs that didn't make it onto the final album.

In 2015, Walker released a book called Target: 52 Weeks to Completing My Album. The book shared stories about his life and the making of the album. He also released two songs, or singles, from the album: "No Heart Feelings" and "Follow Through." To support the album, he went on two tours, including an international tour in 2016.

Joining Blue Collar Gang

In July 2018, Walker announced he was partnering with rapper Stalley's record label, Blue Collar Gang. In December of that year, he released a new project called an EP, titled People Tell Themselves Anything to Justify Everything.

In 2019, one of his songs, "Time," was used as the theme song for the ESPN show First Take. He released another EP called The Little Foxes, That Spoil The Vines in March. Later that year, he released the single "Win Streak" and went on tour with Stalley.

Other Projects

In December 2019, Walker started a business called Ayọ Fragrance + Design Studios. The company creates fragrances and scented candles for everyone.

Discography

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
• 2014: "Yesterday You Said Tomorrow"
• 2015: Target
• 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