MGE: The Label, The Talent, The Grind

Not many independent music labels based in the DMV have the formula for talent/success. Not only that, but to have the ability to execute projects thoroughly. However, MGE has been efficient in dominating the local music scene with their first-rate lineup of artists. This lineup includes Z Wayne, 23 Racks and newest NSC Kai. The conglomerate is spearheaded by a reputable manager and A&R, @hugosquirl_mge. Many became familiar with the label after they headlined a local Pooh Shiesty and Lil Durk concert in April of 2021, We Back Outside Tour. All hailing from the District, the label has provided a blueprint for independent artistry in the city to many other labels and teams.

DMV Music Plug had the opportunity to sit down with the artists, their manager Squirl and their producer Kidd, to talk about this game plan performed by this championship team. We also talked about their starts in music, signing to MGE, the future of DMV music and more.

NSC Kai performing for Squirl before being signed to MGE (First Day Meeting)

Where did ya'll get yall's names from?

-Z Wayne: Z comes from the name associated with where I'm from and my real name is Dwayne.

-23 Racks: My name basically came from an old Instagram name, but the 23 is associated with where I'm from too.

Where are ya'll from?

-Z Wayne: Southeast. Originally from One Deuce, but I rep 15th.

-23 Racks: Southeast, 23rd and Savannah.

What makes you want to do music? Was it self-prompted or did people around you encourage it?

-23 Racks: I already knew how to rap and had been playing around with it, but it was really Z that pushed me into it after I came home and was on the box. I already knew Squirrel, but we had a conversation and he told me I might as well take this sh*t serious. We locked in after that.

-Z Wayne: My sh*t is similar. We both had older mentors who had put us up on game. I was playing around with it until I connected with Trel. We met through PS4 and he started inviting me to the studio, we would be in there from midnight 'til like 10am the next morning. Eventually I started taking it more and more seriously.

INTERLUDE:

During the interview Z Wayne also talked being the first in the city to sample and remix theme music from memorable television shows. He also talks being the oldest artist on the label and his self-declared responsibility to be a guide for 23 Racks and NSC Kai.

"I ain't no old nigga, I'm only 23. But I didn't have a nigga older than me telling me sh*t...I'm young too in the game, but I'm gonna make sure these niggas don't fuck up the spotlight while they have it." Z Wayne expresses.

We expect to see more greatness from the label and those associated. Projects from all three are said to be in the works.

What's yall's favorite tracks by each other?

-Z Wayne: Poke ft. Memo 600

-23 Racks: Gang Winnin' (unreleased)

How did ya'll link with Memo 600?

- 23 Racks: We caught up with him after the We Outside concert, but MGE already had history with OTF.

What made ya'll trust MGE with yall's careers?

-23 Racks: I was already family, MGE was bred around Savannah. I was basically off the strength of Z and Squirrel for me though.

-Z Wayne: I didn't know what the sh*t was at first. I was at the studio with Trel and I thought this n*gga was just one of Trel's hittas or something. I ain't know who he was. One day he hits me up asking me to send him videos I had out, saying he booked me an interview. I did the interview and from there he kept booking me more sh*t and we locked in.

-Kidd: I met Wayne through my man Crankshop, but I met all these other niggas through him (Z Wayne) for real. Then he introduced me to Squirrel and he was already f*ckin with Trel. Everybody was going up and they were lit so I was in.

As yall get bigger as a conglomerate, what do ya'll feel like ya'll will be able to do for the area?

-Kidd: What I want these two n*ggas to do is bring the swag back. Everybody is the same, ain't no originality. As a city we are missing the music that's gonna last.

-Z Wayne: Thats what I wanna do, I'm gonna bring back the versatility and diversity.