Shock G – The Piano Man
Are you looking for some information on the late Shock G?
Here you’ll find information on Shock G, his life and career, and what he was known for in the music industry.
Enjoy!
Gregory Jacobs, aka Shock G or Humpty Hump, was a legend in the rap game and was famous for his iconic piano skills. In this blog post, we will explore Shock G’s life, music, and legacy.
Who is Shock G?
His real name is Gregory Edward Jacobs (August 25, 1963 – April 22, 2021), but he is better known as Shock G and Humpty Hump, was an American rapper and musician who served as the frontman for Digital Underground. As he mentioned in an interview, his nickname Shock G was suggested to him by one of his companions in the early days of his career, and he stuck with it ever since.
Where was Shock G born?
Shock G was born in Brooklyn in New York on August 25, 1963.
Digital Underground & Tupac
Shock G was known for being the founder of Digital Underground. However, the thing that Shock G is probably most known for is being one of the first people to providing the late Tupac Shakur with an opportunity of showing off his rap skills.
He was involved in the creation of 2Pac’s debut album, 2Pacalypse Now. Digital Underground were also known for their 1991 album ‘Sex Packets’ and other successful albums like ‘Sons of the P’ and ‘Future Rhythm’.
How did Shock G meet Tupac?
Shock G met Tupac when Leila Steinberg, a close friend of Tupac and one of Tupac’s early mentors, introduced the two. Tupac was initially hired as a team member who would perform on stage, rap some parts of their songs, and help to set up all the gear.
Their chemistry sparked an immediate friendship that would last even after both of them had become famous stars. When Tupac was in jail for a crime he didn’t commit, Shock G also came to visit him, which speaks to their friendship and mutual respect.
Money B from Digital Underground was also one of Tupac’s good friends, as they both were close in age and shared the story of their parents both being involved in the Black Panther Party.
Songs
The Humpty Dance
The Humpty Dance is a song that was released as the lead single from their second album, Sex Packets, in 1990. The song became their biggest hit, reaching number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Hot Rap Songs chart.
Songs that feature Shock G at the piano
Shock G played the piano on multiple Digital Underground hits, as well as some known songs by Tupac.
The list of songs in which Shock G played the piano includes:
- I get around
- Shed so many tears
- Freaks of the Industry
- What I Won’t Do for Love (Live version with Tupac)
As both Shock G and Money B mentioned, this was the very song that had the group enter the global music scene in an instant.
Why did Shock G become known as “piano man”?
Shock G became well-known because of his piano skills. He was known for playing the piano on nearly every Digital Underground album, but that’s not all. In an interview, Shock G described himself as ‘the man who put the piano behind Tupac Shakur’.
Not surprisingly, Shock G has produced several of Tupac’s songs, the incredible beat from the hit song ‘I get around’, and, it is even said to have played the piano in the “I Ain’t Mad at Cha” video. Also, Shock G had piano keys tattooed on his arm.
Was Shock G married?
No. Shock G was not married and did not have a wife.
Did Shock G have siblings?
Yes, his brother is named Kent Racker.
How did Shock G die?
Shock G died on April 22, 2021, at the age of 57. The cause of his death has not been released to the public.
Which legacy does Shock G leave behind?
Shock G left behind a legacy of one of rap’s earliest legendary figures that he himself would describe as “Humpty Hump”, “cool nerd rapper”, “the original big nose rapper”, and “the one who put the satin on your panties”.
Shock G was and will always be respected for all his work. In conclusion, Gregory Jacobs was a musical genius and an icon in the rap game. He will be remembered for his skillful piano playing and for giving Tupac Shakur a chance to shine.
