So Gaudy
AKA SoSo

“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” is a saying often used by those who visit. However, native son and hip hop artist So Gaudy wants the world to know that when it comes to him, what happens in Vegas should be told all over the world.
I’m town for a wedding, I receive an Instagram DM. “Yo’, you in Vegas? Hit my line,” reads the message from Gaudy. I call him and an hour later I’m in the backseat of a BMW so smoked out Uncle Snoop would be proud. Gaudy at the helm, with International comedian/artist M2THAK riding shotgun, looks at me in the rearview mirror and says, “Man why didn’t you tell me you were coming? This is my city for real! I got you!”
As we flip through the city streets we pull into The Gamblers General Store, where Gaudy explains how he’s about to be famous this year. “It’s all money in right now. I’ll know I’m doing something right when I’m getting a check in the mail,” he explains. “This shit I do is a hobby but I work it like a job. Not everybody has hustle and I understand that. People don’t realize how much the little things count.”
During our talk and impromptu photo session, M2THAK is getting casino chips printed out in the name of a famous strip hotel. He and Gaudy are in the process of filming a movie loosely based on a true story out of Vegas. After showing me the trailer, I inquire how they were able to get clearance from the hotel to do the scene. “We told the casino it was a scene in the movie of us robbing their rival and they agreed,” says M2THAK. I can’t help but laugh as I watch them discuss possible props and the scenes they can best be used in. “I’m going to be famous this year,” Gaudy says with a smile.
After the chips are printed, it’s back into the foggy BMW and off to his state of the art recording studio. While in route I ask: ‘What do you think you mean to this city?’ “As far as the streets and the city, they fuck with your boy. But yo, let me play you this song big homie,” he says. “This shit right here talks about my life on some real shit.” The track comes on and immediately I recognize the voice of televangelist Joel Osteen. I laugh: “You know I’m from Houston, right?” He looks surprised and turns around in his seat. I tell him: “This is Slim Thug’s song ‘Chuuch’ I know him.” “Maaannnnn,” he says. “This is my shit!”
Upon arrival at the studio Gaudy plays me tracks from his album currently in stores, ‘Key’s & Tree’s’, 20 cuts all of which have visuals to accompany them. ‘Bitch I Aint’ Broke’, with over 15,000 YouTube views, is the lead track, but its hidden, he explains: “Back in the day rap had hidden tracks that were never really pushed, it was just hidden on the album,” he says. “I pushed it because I wanted fans to look for the track. They’re going to have to listen to every damn song to find it.” The album is a mix of a little bit of everything, from hardcore rap to radio friendly jams. “I wanted something that would play in these clubs,” he says. “Something that can make people dance, you know?”
t’s time for me to head out, I have to be at one of the wedding events soon. My hope for an unfogged ride back to my hotel is quickly shattered as Gaudy & M2THAK roll up three blunts for the five-minute trip. In the haze of smoke I wonder how hard it must be for a native artist to breakout in a city always filled with superstars coming in and/or taking up residency at the casino hotels. Gaudy pulls up to drop me off. I say my goodbye’s, he looks at me and says: “Famous! Remember I said that.” For some reason I believe him and I realize it won’t be hard for him at all. Chuuch!