Loyola’s music industry program aims to facilitate young artists’ beginning career opportunities, cultivate creativity for their students’ work and future, and teach that passion combined with persistence can result in a rewarding career. The entertainment industry is a one in a million shot, yet there are over 300 students enrolled in the Film and Music Industry Studies program at Loyola.

Gerald Gillum, or G-Eazy, was a student at Loyola who defied those odds. Gillum sat every Monday from 4:55 to 6:10 p.m. at forum where many young, aspiring artists sit today. Loyola takes great pride and advertises G-Eazy’s achievements, but is it with and for good reason? Every entertainment major recognizes his name, but most are unaware of what he did to accomplish his status now. With all the school’s hype and without knowing his full story, G-Eazy is overrated to some.

Recently, G-Eazy returned to Loyola to speak about his adventures since college. He told the audience he started his music career producing here at Loyola as a sophomore. He produced numerous singles, often collaborating with other artists like Lil B, Crohn, and The Cataracs. G-Eazy recalled releasing his first mixtape, The Endless Summer, which sampled several songs, most popular being Dion DiMucci’s 1961 “Runaround Sue” which procured around four million views on YouTube.

G-Eazy’s first shot at fame came in 2010 where he opened for Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg. He continued working, eventually releasing his first independent album, Must Be Nice, which climbed to number three on the iTunes Hip-Hop Chart without being signed to a major label. His next albums would be These Things Happen and When It’s Dark Out.

But all of this is mute next to G-Eazy’s gracious attitude and humble perspective on his journey so far. He told the audience stories about cramped tour buses, crazy fans, trying to pay rent, and his favorite animation character, Jack Skellington. He was engaged in each student’s question. G-Eazy connected much of his success to lessons the faculty stress, like working with people who share the same values. His accomplishments became tangible with notes we have seen from PowerPoint slides.

The name, G-Eazy, transformed into something real, a story Loyola students could relate to and remember.

On the forum stage, he was no longer an idol, but someone that sat in our seats just a few years ago. He stressed that to make it in the industry, what you do has to wake you up every morning. His words resonated with many of the audience members, reminding Loyola’s students that their dreams are not unreachable.