Published on July 5th, 2018 | by Jameelah "Just Jay" Wilkerson

Mari and DELLO, CEO of New Generation Records

LaMarius Gates (p.k.a. “Lil Mari”) a music product of Lexington, Kentucky, started his journey as an artist at the tender age of 9 years-old. Influenced by the likes of Boosie Badazz, C-Murder, and others, Lil Mari blends street essence with southern swag. Lil Mari has performed for showcases regionally to acclaimed success, and his inaugural single release, with indie recording label New Generation Records, “Can’t Tell”, has caught the attention of Music Directors across the globe, while gaining radio chart status.

As you see your self, who is Lil Mari?

I am just a man who never quits. A lot of odds were always against, but I’m the type of person that never let anyone stop me from my dreams!

And, as the CEO of New Generation Records, as you see your self, who is Dello?

I’m a humble man that’s focused on influencing not only my community but the next generations to come that you can achieve whatever your goals may happen to be and stay focused in the hardest situations.

What brought you to the entertainment industry and music specifically?

Mari: I can’t remember what brought me, all I can remember is just putting words on paper when I was 9 years old and soon after realizing I had a gift.

Armond: The untimely death of my big brother “Balla” prompted such urgency to get out of the streets and become the man I am today “CEO DELLO’ Owner and Chairman of New Generation Records.

What and/or who influenced the sound you bring today?

Mari: I grew up listening to Gucci Maine, Yo Gotti, Jeezy, Boosie,

What’s happened in your career that makes you feel this is the industry for you?

Mari: Making the video for “Can’t Tell” really boosted me up. I felt like the superstar I always knew I was. Shoutout to Dello and the whole NGR team for believing in me and making my dreams a reality!!!

Armond: I know I have the potential to build an Empire, I’ve already beat the odds against myself many times leading up to this point.

What was the biggest obstacle in getting to your current career phase?

Mari: Honestly, I was my biggest obstacle. I mean, making the choice to be around people with no goals, you begin to act and think like them… Making the break changed everything for me.

Armond: The biggest obstacle for me would be making the transition from the streets to corporate America.

What do you want people to get from your music?

Mari: I will just put it in one word, pleasure! I want people to be in the park, driving their car, or chilling wherever, and feel my flow overtake them.

Armond: I want the New Generation to know they have the potential to be whatever they want to be. I want to inspire the young men who come from troubled backgrounds to stay focused and reassure them that the streets do not have to be the end result for them.

Tell us about your current project?

Mari: Well I’ve got “LaLa”, and I know that Armond can speak on the plan for that single. But we have several mixtapes coming out real soon, and the single “Hold Ya Head” have hit too.

Armond: Lil Mari has several mixtapes releasing this summer NGR Presents: Lil Mari is already out and available on all platforms go listen to that right now!!! Lil Mari also has two singles out getting radio play nationwide “Can’t Tell “ and “La La “ which are on the upcoming DJ HOLIDAY Mixtape IAMNEWGZ. So be on the lookout for those projects.

What do you feel has been your greatest life achievement so far?

Mari: For me, being with the NGR Team!!!

Armond: Becoming a Father and being the head of my family after my Big Brother passed.

If you could collaborate with one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Armond: J-Prince because he’s the forefather of the south, it would be an honor to work with him

If you had to pick one song of yours, that really explains YOU, what would it be?

Mari: “Can’t Tell” is the one, I wrote it because it’s my anthem.

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment…

Mari: Filming “Can’t Tell”. .. It blew my mind! It was one of the best days of my life!!!

Website: marimusiconline.com

Twitter:

@lilmari_newgz
@ceo_dello
@ngthelabel