1134 – GASHI

Fluidly switching between tough rapping and yearning, sentimental crooning, GASHI delivers personal, introspective lyrics over hazy, atmospheric synths and trap beats. He was born Labinot Gashi in Libya to Albanian parents, and he spent his childhood in several African and European countries before moving to New York City during the late ’90s. Rap music helped him learn English, and eventually he decided to pursue a career in music. After dropping out of college, he started working on a mixtape as the Kid Gashi. Later he shortened it to just Gashi, and then modified the spelling to GASHI. Following the 2011 mixtape Last of a Rare Breed, he formed the group Moxy in 2012, in addition to releasing the single “Rocket.” Mixtapes I’ll Be Right with You (2013) and 4Play (2014) followed. GASHI’s Stairs EP appeared on The Order Label in 2016. He also made two appearances on DJ Snake’s Encore album, including “Oh Me Oh My,” also featuring Migos and Travis Scott. GASHI’s 2017 “Disrespectful” single ended up being his biggest hit so far, racking up millions of streams. ~ Paul Simpson