TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa rapper Tom G. is out to do more than just record hit songs. He's out to put his hometown on the map as a draw for young music talent everywhere.
- Tom G recently performed on BET Hip Hop Awards
- Remix of 2004 hit "City Boy Wit It" inspired #CityboyChallenge
- More Hillsborough County stories
Tom G, also known as Thomas Godbolt, was recently in the national spotlight when he rapped to a remix of his 2004 song "City Boy Wit It" during the BET Hip Hop Awards.
Godbolt said the opportunity came out of nowhere. One day in September, he recalled Lil' Duval contacting him through Instagram, letting him know he wanted to remix his song.
They made the remix and video and a few weeks later he said Lil Duval told him they’d be performing it on the awards show.
“You couldn’t have paid me to believe that something I made 15 years ago would be something that would get me to a national platform,” said Godbolt.
Next thing he knew, people started taking on the #Cityboychallenge, creating a dance to the song. Godbolt said they gave away $1,000 to five people who had the most creative dances to the song.
A veteran in the rap game, he said he’s made more than 30 mixtapes. This past week, he just released a song, "Fresh Off BET."
He’s working on a new album that he plans to release by February, as well as working to sign young talent to his label, Team Fetti Inc.
“We’re putting the area on the map — that’s what I’m on right now," Godbolt explained. "I want to turn Tampa into a music mecca. That’s the vision.”
When he’s not in the studio or performing, Godbolt said he’s helping his wife raise their five kids, getting them to school, and even cooking dinner.
He said he’s also in the gym, focusing on his health. He was excited to learn he’d lost 30 pounds.
His next show is Thanksgiving night at Club Skye in Ybor City.