Governor Washington Jr. (born May 9, 1983), known professionally as Gio Washington (formerly Governor), is an American R&B and soul singer from Charles City, Virginia. He was initially signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle imprint, under the aegis of Atlantic Records.Crawford, ReGina (August 3, 2006). "The Governor is in", Call and Post 90 (31): 5–6.Leeds, Jeff (November 27, 2005). "Scenes From an Arranged Marriage", The New York Times. Retrieved July 2, 2010.Mitchell, Gail (May 27, 2006). "Rhythm & Blues: Hi-Tek Hits The Dre Dream Team", Billboard 118 (21): 46. Convenience link. In 2010, he signed to the newly formed G-Note Records, a subsidiary label of 50 Cent's G-Unit Records.

Life and career

1983–2004: Early life and career beginnings Governor Washington Jr. was born on July 25, 1983 in Charles City County, Virginia. His father was a preacher.Ollison, Rashod D. (June 15, 2006). "A dream and a nightmare: Governor has been mistreated by the record industry, but he's not mad", The Baltimore Sun, p. T6. Retrieved July 2, 2010. After declining an offer to attend the Berklee College of Music, he formed the Jodeci-style R&B group, Case Closed, where he performed under the moniker Country Boy.Sims, Art (July 19, 2006). "An Evening of Performances", Chicago Defender 101 (43): 20. After moving to New York City, then back to Virginia, Washington left the group and returned to New York. When the group disbanded, he tried to make it on its own. Warlock Records eventually signed Washington and released his debut album Another State Of Mind, in 2000.Davis, Hays (September 28, 2006). "Country boy done good: Virginia's Governor makes a statement on the soul scene", Richmond Times-Dispatch, p. F13.

At that time he met the influential music executives and production team, Trackmasters, while he changed his style from R&B to hip-hop. 50 Cent was signed to the Trackmasters at that time as well, and Washington and 50 Cent recorded about six songs for a prospective album called Best of Both Worlds, which was never released. After the split-up with Trackmasters in 2002, Washington met Wyclef Jean, who helped him sign a deal with Atlantic Records. He even made a dozen songs with Dr. Dre, for his debut album on Atlantic, but frictions between Dre's Aftermath and Atlantic, made those songs never see the light of the day.

2005–2006: Grand Hustle signing and Son of Pain In 2005, American rapper T.I. added Washington, to his Grand Hustle Records imprint, after Atlantic Records chose T.I. to act as his mentor. Atlantic Records' plan for Washington, who joined Atlantic's roster almost four years prior, was to market him a devotee, or a card-carrying member of T.I.'s "camp.".Leeds, Jeff (November 27, 2005). "Scenes From an Arranged Marriage", The New York Times. Retrieved March 18, 2013. Atlantic first tried to pair him with renowned record producer Dr. Dre, and then with gangsta rapper 50 Cent; however both plans fell through. In search of quick jolt of street credibility, the label brokered a deal for the singer to join T.I.'s imprint. In 2006, Washington appeared alongside T.I., performing the song "Hello", from T.I.'s album King, for the Atlanta-based rapper's AOL Sessions. After appearing on several of Grand Hustle'resident disc jockey, DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz mixtapes, Washington later released his Grand Hustle/Atlantic debut, titled Son of Pain, in September 2006. The album's production was handled by Just Blaze, Scott Storch, Wyclef Jean and Raphael Saadiq, among others. The album debuted at number 50 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

2009–present: G-Unit signing After signing to G-Unit Records in 2009, Washington was signed to the newly formed subsidiary G-Note Records, where he released the first single off his upcoming album. He had this to say about signing with the label, The song is called "Here We Go Again" and features 50 Cent. The song will be released for digital download on December 27, 2010. In an interview with G-Unit Radio, 50 Cent said that Washington was "extremely talented" and that "he is about to blow". Along with releasing his first single, "Here We Go Again" off his upcoming album, Washington reported that he was working on mixtapes as well as putting out new music on thisis50.com regularly to promote his album.

In an interview with HipHopNMore, Washington revealed the title for his upcoming album which is called, A Touch of Magic. The album will be released under G-Note Records and was initially scheduled for a summer 2011 release date. Washington also spoke about upcoming music with 50 Cent on the album and had this to say, "The first two or three collaborations was to allow people to get used to a particular feel and sound, while being connected to one of the most successful rappers on earth. Now, we are focusing on releasing songs that showcase that sound, speaking of myself as a solo artist".

In 2013, Washington began performing under the pseudonym, Gio Washington. In March 2015, Washington and 50 Cent reunited on a song titled "Annie", recorded for the 50 Cent executive produced Starz series, Power.

Personal life

Washington was seriously injured in a vehicle accident on the night of August 8, 2015. The accident catapulted Washington from his vehicle, leaving him with a collapsed lung, broken ribs and internal injuries.

Discography

Studio albums Title Album details Peak chart positions USHeat USR&B Another State of Mind Released: June 6, 2000 Label: Warlock Records Formats: CD, cassette, digital download — — Son of Pain Release: September 12, 2006 Label: Grand Hustle Records, Atlantic Records Formats: CD, digital download 44 50 Illumination Release: May 27, 2015 Label: Charles City Music Formats: Digital download — —

Singles Song Year Album"Blood, Sweat & Tears"2006 Son of Pain"Here We Go Again"(featuring 50 Cent) 2010 "On and On" 2014

Guest appearances + List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name Title Year Other performer(s) Album "PJ's"2002Wyclef Jean, ProlificMasquerade "Since Supernatural"Santana, Melkie JeanShaman "The World" G-UnitGod's Plan "Can't Fuck with Queen Bee"2003 Lil' Kim, Shelene Thomas with Full ForceLa Bella Mafia "Hustlin' "2004 T.I.Urban Legend "Hello"2006King "Destiny"rowspan="1" Grand Hustle Presents: In da Streetz Volume 4 "Ooh Oh" P$CThe Indictment "Do You Think About Me"2009 50 Cent Before I Self Destruct "They Burned Me"2010 "Kill It"Lloyd BanksH.F.M. 2 (The Hunger for More 2) "When It All Goes Down"201150 Cent "Ring on You"2015 Bishup BicardiTBA "Baby That's Me"2018High DefynitionNothing Is By Chance

References

External links