Making the ‘Gangsta’ Music Video: Interview with Gball da Godfather & Safehouse Records, Inc.

Just recently Gball da Godfather did a video shoot for his hit song, Gangsta featuring Chilla, Alazae, Marzette Griffith and LA. It was an exciting project to work on and required plenty of preparation. The video was directed by by Lil E Films and produced by Lamoyne Alexander ASCAP. The song was written by Glen M. Stallworth ASCAP, Charles Paxton ASCSP and Albert Whitehead, and manufactured and marketed by Safehouse Records, Inc.

For this article, we spoke with Gball da Godfather and Monique Stallworth from Safehouse Records, Inc. on the video making process. Gball da Godfather, otherwise known as Glen M. Stallworth, was born and raised on Chicago's West side. No stranger to inner city violence, he always viewed music as a way to build and expand. He has shared the stage with many top entertainers from around the globe.

The Safehouse was started by GBall and Charles Paxton [ Lil Chilla aka Harvey II Face} on 79th and Langley {7902 S. Langley} in 2007. In a small empty two room store front that could not be understood by many in the early years of inception, but soon became by word of the street "the place to be" for aspiring recording artist as well as many well-known artist to come visit, hang out, record, write, produce, buy beats, consult, broker deals, book shows, etc. The studio location was a second home to many great artists and, from time to time, a first home to some. So many classic unreleased records were produced here and our second location 6740 S. Dorchester 2009. These classic recordings have been unavailable to the public…. until now.

Check out the interview below to find out more about this magical music video was created:

How did you come up with the theme for this music video?

Gball: It was pretty organic how it all came together. I was thinking this doesnt need to portray anything but real gangsta music. So my thoughts were geared towards showcasing the hood. And when you're starting from the bottom aint no script or dress for that!!! It has to be about the feel!!

Safehouse: We were in Chicago while there was a snowstorm brewing!!! Which made any orginal thoughts about the theme shift on the fly. So the locations changed to indoor venues, with limited people available due to the storm. We drove to Gary Ind. for the club scene in the thick of the storm!!

What did the process of putting this music video together look like?

Gball: Having all the components coming together in some cases strenuous conditions, turning on the track and the director yellin action. It was basically letting the music direct the video!

Safehouse: Well we had to schedule the time for Gball who lives in Seattle and Chilla who lives in Minnesota to get to Chicago to shoot the video. We had been in constant communication with the director Lil E about the vibe so he was clear about the look we wanted which was Chicago!!!

How did Gball, the artist, prepare for the shooting of this music video?

Gball: By rolling up a phat one!!

What inspired the song, Gangsta?

Gball: Life outside my door

Safehouse: The song was recorded in 2007 and everyone in the room knew it was a hit!!! Gball and Chilla work together so well in the storytelling of life in Chicago that you could feel this song was special. When you add Alazae and his ability to take a riff and give you chills you know something hot is going to come out of the studio.

Why did you choose to collaborate with Chilla, Alazae, Marzette Griffith and LA for the video shoot?

Gball: All living legends!!

Safehouse: We knew Gball, Chilla and Alazae would be the principles, but adding Marzette came as a result of wanting a real OG to pass the baton to the principles on how to win in the music business. And noone is more qualified to do that then Marzette. LA came out of neccesity. When the snowstorm seemed to shut down production we reached out to LA who owns Backstage on Broadway in Gary Ind. We told him what we needed and he opened the club for us!

What do you hope your viewers will gain from watching the music video?

Gball: A glimpse of the true spirit of Chicago's urban setting.

Safehouse: Gball is a great storyteller. We wanted the video to showcase that gift!