G. Love

G. Love, born Garrett Dutton in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American singer, rapper, guitarist, and harmonica player recognized as the frontman of G. Love & Special Sauce. The Philadelphia-based group is known for its blend of Delta-style blues and old-school hip-hop. As a teenager, Dutton began writing original songs, drawing influence from Bob Dylan, John Hammond Jr., and the hip-hop sounds of Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, and Schoolly D. After leaving Skidmore College, Dutton moved to Boston, where he busked and played in bars, eventually establishing G. Love & Special Sauce as the house band at The Plough and Stars in Cambridge.

The group gained attention with its self-titled debut album, "G. Love & Special Sauce," which featured the single "Cold Beverage" and achieved gold status. The album also included "Baby's Got Sauce," which was named song of the year by KEXP-FM 90.3. The debut marked the beginning of Dutton's career in what he describes as hip-hop blues, a genre that merges elements of blues and hip-hop. G. Love & Special Sauce toured extensively, including a spot on the H.O.R.D.E. tour, and released albums such as "Coast to Coast Motel," "Yeah, It's That Easy," and "Philadelphonic."

"Philadelphonic" featured an early appearance by Jack Johnson, who performed "Rodeo Clowns," a song later included on Johnson's album "On and On." Despite lineup changes, Dutton has continued to lead the group, exploring soul and psychedelia on "Electric Mile" and further developing his blend of hip-hop and blues on albums like "Superhero Brother," "Sugar," and "Love Saves the Day." G. Love & Special Sauce has performed at major music festivals, including Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, and Dutton maintains an active touring schedule.

The group released "The Juice," co-produced with Keb' Mo' and featuring Marcus King, Robert Randolph, Ron Artis, and Roosevelt Collier. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart and received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album. After a long tenure with Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records, Dutton founded Philadelphonic Records and released "Philadelphia Mississippi," produced by Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi All-Stars. The album features collaborations with Alvin Youngblood Hart, Schoolly D, and Speech from Arrested Development.

Over more than three decades, G. Love has become a regular presence at music festivals and has collaborated with artists including Lucinda Williams, Dave Matthews, The Avett Brothers, Jack Johnson, Keb' Mo', and DJ Logic. Dutton's career highlights his roots in street performing and his ability to blend blues and hip-hop, establishing him as a distinctive voice in American roots music.