Meet Lil Dicky’s On and Off Screen Hype Man

On March 4th, a brand new comedy premieres on FXX called “Dave.” It stars rapper Lil Dicky playing a fictionalized version of himself and telling the story of his come up in hip-hop. And while many of the show’s characters are pure fiction, his hype man GaTa is 100% the real day. GaTa has been Lil Dicky’s hype man for years and he’s making his on screen debut in a very unconventional way. We sat down with GaTa to learn about how he first became acquainted with with Lil Dicky and how he was introduced to playing himself on TV.

Take us through meeting and coming to work with Lil Dicky.

I met LD six years ago through an ex-manager that we both knew in the industry. LD was just starting to do live shows and was looking for a dope hype man. So I ended up meeting him and we’ve been rocking ever since.

What does it mean to be a hype man in 2020 and what does the job entail?

Being a hype man in 2020 means the same thing it did 20 years ago. You’ve gotta be tuned in with the artist you’re hyping. These days, you just have more of a social platform to showcase your other talents. The job entails being on point and not slipping up, both on and off stage.

How were you approached about “Dave” and what were your initial thoughts on the project?

It was presented to me one day on tour. We were chilling and going over the set list when he told me that he wanted to be part of his TV show. First, I was like “Damn, that’s crazy,” but after he started putting it together and I had to audition, I knew it was really going down.

What percentage of your character is accurate to your personality and your come up with Lil Dicky?

It’s 100% authentic. I play a heightened version of myself, but it’s still me to the core. Our come up in real life is highlighted in the show and I can’t wait for the world to see the process.

What role will your character have in the show?

My role is Dicky’s right hand man. I always keep it real with him and try my best to enhance his swag and confidence.

What can hip-hop fans look forward to about this show?

Hip-hop fans can look forward to seeing some huge names in the music industry. It shows why Dicky is on his way is on his way to being one of the best in the rap game because greatness attracts greatness.

What do you hope fans will take away from the show and learn about your story?

I hope the fans take away that you can do anything that you put your mind to, no matter what social challenges or stereotypes you face. Never stop believing in yourself no matter what you’re doing.

Take us through your own music and any new releases you’re putting out soon.

I just put out a project called “Locked In,” it’s on Apple Music and Spotify. I will be releasing new material in the future, but right now, I’m focused on acting and seeing where the screen leads me at the moment.

How do you balance your music and your work with Lil Dicky?

It’s easy to balance the two because we’re both setting goals all the time and trying to become the best entertainers we can be. I actually learned a lot from Dave, he taught me about patience. I used to be in a rush to get things done and eager to put things out. But watching him create has really helped me with the things I’m trying to accomplish.

What else should our readers know about you?

I’m a diehard “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” fan, I love pizza and I collect vintage sunglasses.