While his father enjoyed marginal success in the late '90s, Cory dreamed of expanding the Gunz legacy. But when he got serious about the family business at 14, his father didn't embrace the decision wholeheartedly. "Cory was phenomenal at a young age," remembers Pappa Gunz, Peter Pankey Sr. "But with hip hop being so fickle, I wished he would have been a doctor or a lawyer. I'm living proof that it doesn't last forever."
With his father's reluctant blessing, Cory set the streets ablaze via the now infamous Smack DVD freestyle in 2004. In just a few months, the brash youngster signed on with Tommy Mottola's Casablanca Records. Once Shawn Carter settled in as president of Def Jam, however, he made it a priority to go after the burgeoning talent. At press time, the three parties were in talks.
But Cory's support isn't just limited to big men in the music industry. Shaquille O'Neal says, "He's gonna be the next king of New York within 5 years, especially if he signs with Jay."
His riveting delivery, showcased in his Apprentice mixtape series, has rap fans anticipating Gunz's debut album, The Commencement. Pegged by many as a catalyst to resurrect New York hip hop, Cory downplays the praise: "I just want to make music you can enjoy, be consistent, and let the streets determine what's hot."
Page printed from:
http://www.vibe.com/news/magazine_features/2005/05/vibe_magazine_next_cory_gunz_son_shine/
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