Trevell Gerald Coleman[1][2] (born November 19, 1974),[3] better known by his stage name G. Dep (which stands for "Ghetto Dependent"),[4] is an American rapper from Harlem, New York City. He joined Bad Boy Records in 1998 and released his debut album Child of the Ghetto in 2001.[5] He released his second album Ghetto Legend on September 7, 2010 with Famous Records.
G. Dep | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Trevell Gerald Coleman |
| Also known as | Ghetto Deputy |
| Born | November 19, 1974 |
| Origin | Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation | Rapper |
| Years active |
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| Labels |
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Early life
editTrevell Coleman was born on November 19, 1974. He was raised by his grandmother in the James Weldon Johnson Housing Projects.[1][6]
Music career
editHis rap career started with the label Tape Kingz, releasing two 12" singles in 1996 and 1997. After meeting with Sean Combs in 1998, G. Dep was signed to a $350,000, five-album deal with Bad Boy Records.[1][4] In the next year, he appeared on two songs on Black Rob's 1999 debut album Life Story.[5] G. Dep released his debut solo album Child of the Ghetto in 2001. Child of the Ghetto peaked at #106 on Billboard 200 and #23 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.[7] Single "Special Delivery" from the album peaked at #59 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and #3 on Hot Rap Singles.[7][8]
G. Dep was subsequently dropped from Bad Boy Records.[9] G. Dep and Loon released independent album Bad Boy in 2007. He released his second album Ghetto Legend on September 7, 2010 with Famous Records.
Personal life
editColeman stated in an interview that he has been convicted of robbery and served time in Rikers Island.[10] Coleman's criminal record includes arrests for drug offenses, burglary and grand larceny more than 25 times since 2003.[1]
After the release of Child of the Ghetto, Coleman had a long-time struggle with PCP addiction.[11] In 2008, Coleman told XXL about his substance abuse problems and rehabilitation.[12] At the time of his latest arrest Coleman was in Narcotics Anonymous' twelve-step program.[13]
Coleman married Laticia Evans Coleman in May 2017, and wed at Elmira Correctional Facility. Evans is a recording artist who performs under the stage names Hustle Bunny. The two met in 2015 over the phone during Coleman's incarceration and instantly bonded, both were previously married. Laticia comes to the marriage with five children.[14]
Murder case
editOn December 15, 2010, Coleman walked into the 25th Precinct to confess to a cold case crime, the murder of a Queens man in 1993. Coleman had attempted to confess twice before, but was previously considered to be under the influence of drugs and incoherent.[13]
On October 19, 1993, John Henkel was shot in the chest by a .40-caliber handgun outside of James Weldon Johnson Houses on Park Avenue and East 114th Street. Coleman stated that he ambushed and shot Henkel during an attempted robbery and fled the scene, throwing his weapon into the East River.[1] Coleman's information matched with the case and he was charged with murder. Coleman stated in an interview that he confessed because the case weighed on him and he was "just trying to get things right between himself and God."[15] Coleman claimed that he did not know that his victim had died.[6]
Coleman pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder at his appearance in the New York Supreme Court on January 13, 2011. He was convicted of the second-degree murder charge on April 17, 2012, and was sentenced to 15-years to life in prison on May 8, 2012.[16] He was housed at Fishkill Correctional Facility in Beacon, New York. In December 2023, Coleman's sentence was commuted by Governor Kathy Hochul, making him eligible for parole. In April 2024, he was released.[17]
Discography
edit- Child of the Ghetto (2001)
- Ghetto Legend (2010)[18]
- Influential (2024)
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Schram, Jamie (December 18, 2010). "Rapper confesses to murder from 17 years ago". New York Post. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
- ^ Graham, Brittany (November 20, 2008). "Still Relevant: G-Dep Returns". Hip Hop Lives. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
- ^ "Inmate Details - Trevell Coleman". New York City Department of Correction. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
- ^ a b Reid, Shaheem (November 13, 2001). "G. Dep Learning The Ropes From Diddy And His Bad Boy Family". MTV News. Archived from the original on June 28, 2007. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
- ^ a b Birchmeier, Jason. "Biography - G. Dep". allmusic. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
- ^ a b Walker, Joe (December 19, 2010). "'Killer' hip-hopper who turned himself in didn't know victim died". New York Post. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
- ^ a b "Child of the Ghetto". Billboard. Retrieved January 21, 2011.
- ^ "G. Dep - Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Retrieved January 21, 2011.
- ^ Hova, Tray (January 19, 2011). "G. Dep's Wife Opens Up About Murder Case, Drug Abuse & Why He's Innocent Until Proven Guilty". part 1. Vibe. Retrieved January 21, 2011.
- ^ "G. Dep Interview". Champ Magazine. 2008. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
- ^ Hova, Tray (January 19, 2011). "G. Dep's Wife Opens Up About Murder Case, Drug Abuse & Why He's Innocent Until Proven Guilty". part 2. Vibe. Retrieved January 21, 2011.
- ^ Mancini, Elan (September 23, 2010). "G. Dep Opens Up About Drug Addiction". XXL. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
- ^ a b Grace, Melissa (December 21, 2010). "Harlem rapper Trevell Coleman aka G. Dep, who was signed by Diddy, fessed up to 17-year-old shooting". New York Daily News. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
- ^ "G-Dep Marries Soulmate and Has Non Profit To Help Inmates!". Behindtherhyme.com. May 25, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
- ^ Concepcion, Mariel (January 14, 2011). "G-Dep Pleads Not Guilty In '93 Murder". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved January 21, 2011.
- ^ Gonnerman, Jennifer (November 16, 2012). "Why Trevell Coleman Charged Himself With Murder -- New York Magazine - Nymag". New York Magazine. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "NY governor commutes sentence of rapper G. Dep who turned self in for killing". The Associated Press. December 23, 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
- ^ "G. Dep Preps Long-Awaited Sophomore Album". Theboombox.com. 21 September 2010. Retrieved 2020-04-05.