When you listen to Carta Gino, you’re not just hearing music – you’re experiencing a raw, unfiltered journey of life. Born Raysyaun Hastings, this Cleveland/Canton, Ohio-based artist is a testament to the authenticity of 90s hip-hop, delivering not just music, but stories that speak to the heart. His journey through music has been anything but ordinary, and his sound reflects that struggle and triumph.
Drawing inspiration from legends like Rick Ross, Tupac, Biggie, LL Cool J, and even the ones closest to him – his children, Carta Gino is a reflection of his influences. His style is a throwback to the golden age of hip-hop, yet carries a modern edge that speaks to today’s realities. Describing his sound as “authentic old school textbook 90s” with “realistic music vibes,” Carta Gino is the voice of a generation yearning for the realness and depth of hip-hop’s roots.
For Carta, music creation is personal. “Music comes from life,” he says. “I take in that mindset before writing or making a beat. Everything is realistic – if I’ve been through it, it’s a frame of mind that makes the music 90% relatable to the masses, not just a particular person.” His music is a mirror to the struggles, hopes, and dreams that people face every day, encouraging his listeners to keep pushing forward, no matter the odds. “Believe in yourself more than anybody else could ever do,” he adds. “The only person not making it happen if it doesn’t happen is you.”
Carta Gino’s most recent release, Official OG Status, under New MoThugs Records, is a celebration of his journey. It’s his debut album under the second major label he’s signed to in the past five years, marking a new chapter in his already impressive career. His music isn’t just about the accolades or recognition – it’s about staying true to himself, especially as he navigates the complexities of the industry. “Having two decades in the game has helped me stay grounded,” he explains. “I’ve seen so many artists come and go, but I’m grounded and rooted in where I’m from – the streets that made me who I am. I can’t switch up, because that’s not who I am.”
The journey hasn’t always been easy. Music, for Carta Gino, became a way of surviving. “Music helped me beat cancer,” he reveals, adding that his passion for the craft was never about fame or fortune – it was about survival. “When I started, I thought these were going to be my last days. All I had was my studio and my dream.”
Despite the hardships, the milestones keep coming. From owning his own energy drink brand, DaSauce EnergyDrink, to having one of the largest music catalogs known from an up-and-coming 40+ artist, Carta Gino is building something that lasts.
With long-term goals focused on success, longevity, and solidifying his place among the elite, Carta Gino is a force to be reckoned with. His music is a mix of love, inspiration, heartache, and pain – all the things that make life what it is. And as for his fans, he hopes they walk away with something meaningful. “We make music for those who like and love music that makes sense,” he says. “We talk about life, love, inspiration, and heartache. We’ll keep you moved and entertained.”
Check out his new single on Spotify and follow him on Instagram @ funknabentertianment.
