Geko (rapper)

{{Short description|British rapper and singer from Manchester}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} {{Infobox musical artist |name = Geko |birth_name = Hodifa Abdalla Elshabli |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1997|6|15|df=yes}} |birth_place = |label = {{flatlist| * [[U.S.G.]] (2010-2014) * OneTape (2015-present) * [[3 Beat Productions|3 Beat]] * [[Sony Music]] }} |genre = {{flatlist| * [[British hip hop]] * [[afroswing]] }} |years_active = 2010-present |occupation = {{flatlist| * Rapper * singer * songwriter }} |associated_acts = {{flatlist| * [[K Koke]] * [[NSG (group)|NSG]] }} }}

'''Hodifa Abdalla Elshabli''' (born 15 June 1997), known professionally as '''Geko''', is a British rapper and singer from [[Manchester]]. He is best known for singles such as "6:30" (featuring [[NSG (group)|NSG]]) and "New Money" (with [[French Montana]] and Ay Em) which charted on the [[UK Singles Chart]] and were certified by the [[British Phonographic Industry|BPI]].<ref name=UK/>

Geko was signed to [[K Koke]]'s [[U.S.G.]] at the early age of 13.<ref name=Voice>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voice-online.co.uk/entertainment/music/2014/04/17/uk-rapper-geko-from-tragedy-to-triumph/|title=UK rapper Geko: From tragedy to triumph|date=17 April 2014|work=[[The Voice (British newspaper)|The Voice]]|access-date=22 March 2022|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125052251/https://www.voice-online.co.uk/entertainment/music/2014/04/17/uk-rapper-geko-from-tragedy-to-triumph/|url-status=live}}</ref> With them, he made the EP ''Heartless'' and several singles, leaving them in 2014 to start his own label, OneTape Records. He released the EP ''Baba'' and several singles under his own label and in 2017 released his debut album ''LionHeart'' with [[Sony Music]]. His breakthrough to the mainstream came in 2018, after signing to [[3 Beat Productions]], with a series of successful singles including "6:30", "Will Smith", "New Money" and "Link Up", all of which charted on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name=UK/> In 2019 he released his first major album ''22''.

== Early life == Geko is of Libyan and Algerian heritage.<ref name=Caramanica>{{cite news |last1=Caramanica |first1=Jon |title=Grime Sets Today's Music Agenda in Britain, and Tomorrow's |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/19/arts/music/grime-stormzy-j-hus-geko-giggs-nines.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=19 May 2017 |access-date=22 March 2022 |archive-date=22 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322171937/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/19/arts/music/grime-stormzy-j-hus-geko-giggs-nines.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was excluded from school but still managed to finish seven [[GCSEs]] .<ref name=Voice/> As his early music influences he lists [[50 Cent]], [[Eminem]], [[Jadakiss]], [[Styles P]] and [[K Koke]], which he thought of as his mentor.<ref name=Flavourmag>{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Noel |title=Introducing: The Voice Of The Future – Geko |url=https://www.flavourmag.co.uk/introducing-the-voice-of-the-future-geko/ |website=Flavourmag |access-date=25 March 2022 |date=17 December 2012 |archive-date=25 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125052252/https://www.flavourmag.co.uk/introducing-the-voice-of-the-future-geko/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Career == === 2010–2014, early career with USG === Geko began rapping at the age of 8; at 13, he signed to [[K Koke]]'s UK music collective [[U.S.G.]], becoming their youngest member.<ref name=Voice/> Under USG, he released the single "Mommy" featuring Jay Soul,<ref>{{cite web |title=Mommy (with Jay Soul) - Single by Geko |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/mommy-with-jay-soul-single/510255714 |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=18 March 2012 |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429002531/https://music.apple.com/us/album/mommy-with-jay-soul-single/510255714 |url-status=live }}</ref> followed by the [[mixtape]] ''Voice Of The Future'',<ref name=Flavourmag/> the EP ''Heartless'' and a single "Crazy Life" (now only available via [[SoundCloud]])<ref>{{cite web |title=Geko - Crazy Life (Prod. By @HTBeatsUSG) |url=https://soundcloud.com/realgeko/geko-crazy-life |access-date=23 March 2022 |language=en |via=SoundCloud |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323085702/https://soundcloud.com/realgeko/geko-crazy-life |url-status=live }}</ref> which garnered him some underground following.<ref name=Voice/> He was the youngest rapper to record a session for [[Charlie Sloth]]'s ''Fire in the Booth'' on [[BBC Radio 1]].<ref name=Voice/> In 2014, at the age of 16, he left USG, a move which K Koke wasn't happy about, calling him a "snake"<ref>{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Tom |title=Preview: Born & Bred Festival |url=http://insynctm.com/preview-born-bred-festival/ |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=inSYNC |date=9 May 2016 |archive-date=4 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204232043/http://insynctm.com/preview-born-bred-festival/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and an "ungrateful little shit".<ref>{{cite news |last1=McQuaid |first1=Ian |title=UK rap doesn't need mainstream exposure to prove its potency |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/oct/15/uk-rap-hip-hop-grime-j-spades-mainstream-exposure |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=15 October 2015 |language=en |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323094156/https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/oct/15/uk-rap-hip-hop-grime-j-spades-mainstream-exposure |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2015–2017, independent releases, ''Baba'' and ''LionHeart'' === After leaving USG, Geko started his own label, OneTape Records.<ref name=Voice/><ref name=Wireless2016>{{cite web |title=UHH Goes To Wireless Festival 2016: Interviews With Geko & Afro B For Their Festival Debut |url=http://upcominghiphop.net/2016/07/14/uhh-goes-wireless-festival-2016-interviews-geko-afro-b-festival-debut/ |website=Upcoming Hip-Hop |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=14 July 2016 |author=Nicola |archive-date=25 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191125152329/http://upcominghiphop.net/2016/07/14/uhh-goes-wireless-festival-2016-interviews-geko-afro-b-festival-debut/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2015, he released the EP ''Baba,'' which he debuted at the [[O2 Academy Islington]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Geko Debuts His EP 'Baba' |url=https://nationofbillions.com/geko-debuts-his-ep-baba |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=A Nation of Billions |archive-date=6 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506033611/https://nationofbillions.com/geko-debuts-his-ep-baba |url-status=live }}</ref> Following that, in 2016 Geko released several singles to digital platforms independently, starting with "Y", featuring [[Afro B]], the video of which was shot in Cova da Moura, Portugal.<ref>{{cite web |title=Geko brings the summer vibes in new visual for "Y" featuring Afro B |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-afro-b-y/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=13 June 2016 |first=Elle |last=SM |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323124720/https://grmdaily.com/geko-afro-b-y/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was followed by "Make You Come", featuring Canadian singer RamRiddlz<ref>{{cite web |title=Geko teams up with RamRiddlz for new video "Make You Come" |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-ramriddlz-make-you-come/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=22 July 2016 |first=Alex |last=Griffin |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323124658/https://grmdaily.com/geko-ramriddlz-make-you-come/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and "Khalas" featuring Ard Adz.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Griffin |first1=Alex |title=Geko enlists Ard Adz for wavy new video "Khalas" |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-khalas-ard-adz/ |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=[[GRM Daily]] |date=17 September 2016 |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323124611/https://grmdaily.com/geko-khalas-ard-adz/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In July, he performed in [[Wireless Festival]].<ref name=Wireless2016/>

On 10 March 2017, Geko released his debut album, ''LionHeart'' with [[Sony Music]], although it was leaked earlier.<ref>{{cite news |title=Geko : LionHeart |url=https://hasitleaked.com/2017/geko-lionheart/ |work=[[Has it Leaked]] |access-date=23 March 2022 |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429002539/https://hasitleaked.com/2017/geko-lionheart/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was led by the single "Drunk on You", released on 10 February.<ref>{{cite web |title=Geko drops party banger "Drunk On You" |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-drunk-on-you/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=10 February 2017 |first=Marisa |last=Lee |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323124700/https://grmdaily.com/geko-drunk-on-you/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album was described by [[Jon Caramanica]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' as "sweet pop music with an international bent".<ref name=Caramanica/> After releasing the album, Geko went on a ''LionHeart Tour'' in England.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stickler |first1=Jon |title=Geko Sets Up 'Lionheart' Spring Tour - Stereoboard |url=https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/205067/9 |website=Stereoboard.com |access-date=23 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=5 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505170918/https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/205067/9 |url-status=live }}</ref> He went on to release multiple singles to digital platforms, including "Bipolar" with [[Sneakbo]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Geko & Sneakbo team up for new vibe "Bipolar" |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-sneakbo-bipolar/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=11 March 2017 |first=Alex |last=Griffin |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323155517/https://grmdaily.com/geko-sneakbo-bipolar/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "Diamond" with Team Salute<ref>{{cite web |title=Geko & Team Salut found a "Diamond" in new video |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-team-salut-diamond/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=21 May 2017 |first=Trudy |last=Barry |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323155516/https://grmdaily.com/geko-team-salut-diamond/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and "Ronaldo",<ref>{{cite web |title=Geko drops new video for "Ronaldo" |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-ronaldo/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=13 June 2017 |first=Trudy |last=Barry |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323155516/https://grmdaily.com/geko-ronaldo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in which he pays homage to [[Cristiano Ronaldo]] and compares Ronaldo's touch to his own.<ref>{{cite web |title=10 Grime and UK Rap Tracks That Were Inspired by Footballers |url=https://versus.uk.com/2018/07/10-grime-uk-rap-tracks-inspired-footballers/ |website=VERSUS |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=25 July 2018 |first=Jacob |last=Davey |archive-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226205735/https://versus.uk.com/2018/07/10-grime-uk-rap-tracks-inspired-footballers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In June, he was featured on [[NSG (group)|NSG]]'s "Yo Darlin'"<ref>{{cite web |title=Premiere: NSG & Geko come together for "Yo Darlin" |url=https://grmdaily.com/nsg-geko-yo-darlin/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=18 June 2017 |first=Trudy |last=Barry |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323155518/https://grmdaily.com/nsg-geko-yo-darlin/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and he brought them up to perform it in Wireless Festival that July.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kohli |first1=Sunjay |title=It's All About Timing With NSG |url=https://nationofbillions.com/its-all-about-timing-with-nsg |website=A Nation of Billions |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=5 May 2018 |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323155517/https://nationofbillions.com/its-all-about-timing-with-nsg |url-status=live }}</ref> The single would later be certified Silver by the [[British Phonographic Industry|BPI]] in 2019 and Gold in 2022.<ref name=BPI/> His last single for 2017 was "Lock The Door", which was described as "an afrobeats inspired groover, with hints of [[J Hus]]".<ref name=Stevenson>{{cite web |last1=Stevenson |first1=Will |title=INTERVIEW: Manchester rapper Geko |url=http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2017/09/06/interview-manchester-rapper-geko/ |website=Salford Now |publisher=6 September 2017 |access-date=25 March 2022 |date=6 September 2017 |archive-date=12 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512085846/http://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2017/09/06/interview-manchester-rapper-geko/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2018–2019, mainstream breakthrough and ''22'' === Geko started 2018 with "Likes That", his first release with [[3 Beat Productions]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Griffin |first1=Alex |title=PREMIERE: Geko switches it up with "Likes That" video |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-likes-that/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323165134/https://grmdaily.com/geko-likes-that/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In April, he was featured with Afro B on Ay Em's "Come to Me".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Griffin |first1=Alex |title=PREMIERE: Ay Em hires in Afro B & Geko for new joint "Come To Me" |url=https://grmdaily.com/ay-em-afro-b-geko-come-to-me/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=17 April 2018 |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323165134/https://grmdaily.com/ay-em-afro-b-geko-come-to-me/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, his breakthrough to the mainstream came in May 2018 with "6:30" (featuring NSG), his first single to make the [[UK Singles Chart]], peaking at number 56,<ref name=UK/> and later being certified silver in 2019 and gold in 2020 by the BPI.<ref name=BPI/>

In September 2018, he was signed by 3 Beat Productions for exclusive worldwide publishing of all his songs and future EPs and records, after already being signed to them earlier for records.<ref>{{cite news |title=3 Beat signs Geko for worldwide publishing |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/3-beat-signs-geko-for-worldwide-publishing/ |access-date=22 March 2022 |work=[[Music Business Worldwide]] |date=18 September 2018 |archive-date=5 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505072216/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/3-beat-signs-geko-for-worldwide-publishing/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The next single, "Will Smith" featuring [[Not3s]],<ref>{{cite web |title=PREMIERE: Geko & Not3s unite for "Will Smith" video |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-not3s-will-smith/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=25 October 2018 |last1=Griffin |first1=Alex |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323202037/https://grmdaily.com/geko-not3s-will-smith/ |url-status=live }}</ref> barely made the UK chart, peaking at number 100,<ref name=UK/> but both "Will Smith" and "6:30" were featured in [[Capital XTRA]]'s "Best Grime & UK Hip Hop Songs Of 2018".<ref>{{cite news |title=The Best Grime & UK Hip Hop Songs Of 2018 |url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/playlists/best-2018/uk-grime-hip-hop-songs/ |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=[[Capital XTRA]] |date=27 November 2018 |language=en |archive-date=17 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217212159/https://www.capitalxtra.com/playlists/best-2018/uk-grime-hip-hop-songs/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The first single of 2019, "Don Daddy", with a video shot in [[Paris]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spyrou |first1=Michael |title=Geko Heads To Paris For Criss "Don Daddy" Visuals |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-don-daddy/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=15 February 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323202037/https://grmdaily.com/geko-don-daddy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> did not make the UK chart  but "New Money" that followed it, in collaboration with [[French Montana]] and Ay Em,<ref>{{cite web |last1=A. |first1=Aron |title=French Montana Joins U.K.'s Geko & Ay Em On "New Money" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/161429-french-montana-joins-uks-geko-and-ay-em-on-new-money-new-song |website=[[HotNewHipHop]] |access-date=23 March 2022 |language=en |date=12 April 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323202037/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/french-montana-joins-uks-geko-and-ay-em-on-new-money-new-song.1982597.html |url-status=live }}</ref> made it to number 49, Geko's highest peak.<ref name=UK/> To end 2019, Geko released two more collaborations, "Hey Mama", featuring [[Maleek Berry]] and Latifah,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rasmin |first1=Sam |title=NEW: Geko ft. Maleek Berry & Latifah - Hey Mama - Prod by. Maleek Berry - Directed by. Labi |url=https://www.creativegenuk.com/single-post/2019/07/06/new-geko-ft-maleek-berry-latifah-hey-mama-prod-by-maleek-berry-directed-by-labi-2 |website=CGuk2.0 |access-date=24 March 2022 |language=en |date=6 July 2019 |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429002533/https://www.creativegenuk.com/single-post/2019/07/06/new-geko-ft-maleek-berry-latifah-hey-mama-prod-by-maleek-berry-directed-by-labi-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> and "Link Up", with [[Stefflon Don]], [[Deno (singer)|Deno]] and [[Dappy]], which samples [[Ja Rule]] and [[Ashanti (singer)|Ashanti]]'s "[[Always on Time]]",<ref>{{cite web |title=Premiere: Geko, Stefflon Don, Dappy & Deno "Link Up" In New Visuals |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-stefflon-don-dappy-deno-link-up/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=24 March 2022 |date=21 November 2019 |first=Courtney |last=W. |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429002534/https://grmdaily.com/geko-stefflon-don-dappy-deno-link-up/ |url-status=live }}</ref> peaking at number 84 on the UK chart.<ref name=UK/> Lastly, in December 2019, Geko released his first major album ''22'', including the six singles from "6:30" to "Link Up" and an additional seven tracks, including "Literally", featuring [[Mr Eazi]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=A. |first1=Aron |title=Geko Enlists French Montana, Stefflon Don, Mr. Eazi & More On "22" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/216766-geko-enlists-french-montana-stefflon-don-mr-eazi-and-more-on-22-new-mixtape |website=[[HotNewHipHop]] |access-date=25 March 2022 |language=en |date=6 December 2019 |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325093303/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/geko-enlists-french-montana-stefflon-don-mr-eazi-and-more-on-22-new-mixtape.119867.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The album was described by [[GRM Daily]]'s Jack Lynch as "mature and versatile".<ref>{{cite web |title=Listen To Geko's Latest Project '22' Featuring NSG, French Montana & More |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-22/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=24 March 2022 |date=6 December 2019 |first=Jack |last=Lynch |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429002535/https://grmdaily.com/geko-22/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "Bad & Boujie", a single by AJ which featured Geko, Ard Adz and Koomz, and also charted in the UK chart,<ref name=UK/> was nominated for the 17th [[Urban Music Awards]] in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nominations for the 17th edition of the annual Urban Music Awards 2020 |url=https://www.urbanmusicawards.co/nominations-for-the-17th-edition-of-the-annual-urban-music-awards-2020/ |website=Urban Music Awards |access-date=24 March 2022 |date=20 December 2019 |archive-date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607142454/https://www.urbanmusicawards.co/nominations-for-the-17th-edition-of-the-annual-urban-music-awards-2020/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2020–present === After releasing ''22'', Geko announced he will go on ''The 22 Tour'' in 2020,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Laura |title=Geko Announces Spring UK Shows For The 22 Tour - Stereoboard |url=https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/226560/9 |website=Stereoboard.com |access-date=24 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=16 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216223330/https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/226560/9 |url-status=live }}</ref> however, this tour was rescheduled due to [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Geko Tour Dates & Tickets |url=https://www.stereoboard.com/geko-tickets |website=Stereoboard.com |access-date=24 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516062829/https://www.stereoboard.com/geko-tickets |url-status=live }}</ref> Geko released only two major singles in 2020, the [[afrobeat]] influenced "Tantrum"<ref name=Tantrum>{{cite web |last1=Murray |first1=Robin |title=Geko's 'Tantrum' Is A Summer-Fresh Return |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/gekos-tantrum-is-a-summer-fresh-return |website=[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]] |access-date=25 March 2022 |language=en |date=3 August 2020 |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325105417/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/gekos-tantrum-is-a-summer-fresh-return |url-status=live }}</ref>and "Ride Or Die", a collaboration with [[Paigey Cakey]].<ref name="Ride Or Die">{{cite web |last1=W. |first1=Courtney |title=Premiere: Paigey Cakey & Geko Re-Unite On "Ride Or Die" |url=https://grmdaily.com/paigey-cakey-geko-ride-or-die/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=24 March 2022 |date=17 September 2020 |archive-date=24 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324162437/https://grmdaily.com/paigey-cakey-geko-ride-or-die/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was also featured on several singles, including Jorday's "Closer Part II"<ref name="Closer Part II">{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Elle |title=Rising UK R&B Artist Jorday Drops "Closer Part II" Featuring Geko |url=https://www.mixtapemadness.com/blog/music/rising-uk-rb-artist-jorday-drops-closer-part-ii-featuring-geko |website=[[Mixtape Madness]] |access-date=24 March 2022 |date=13 March 2020 |archive-date=16 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116020339/https://www.mixtapemadness.com/blog/music/rising-uk-rb-artist-jorday-drops-closer-part-ii-featuring-geko |url-status=live }}</ref> and "Plan Tonight" by [[Nafe Smallz]],<ref name="Plan Tonight">{{cite web |title=Nafe Smallz & Geko join forces for "Plan Tonight" visuals |url=https://grmdaily.com/nafe-smallz-geko-plan-tonight/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=24 March 2022 |date=11 April 2020 |last1=W. |first1=Courtney |archive-date=24 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324164541/https://grmdaily.com/nafe-smallz-geko-plan-tonight/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but none of those singles charted. 2021 brought more singles including "Woi Oi", in collaboration with [[Ms Banks]] and [[BackRoad Gee (rapper)|BackRoad Gee]],<ref name="Woi Oi">{{cite web |title=Geko, Ms Banks and BackRoad Gee reunite on "Woi Oi" |url=https://pan-african-music.com/en/geko-ms-banks-backroad-gee-woi-oi/ |website=PAM - Pan African Music |access-date=25 March 2022 |date=8 June 2021 |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610084716/https://pan-african-music.com/en/geko-ms-banks-backroad-gee-woi-oi/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "Jeepers Creepers" with [[Taze (rapper)|Taze]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Archibald-Powell |first1=Naimah |title=Premiere: Geko & Taze come together for "Jeepers Creepers" |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-taze-jeepers-creepers/ |website=GRM Daily |access-date=10 September 2024 |date=7 November 2021}}</ref> and "Drama",<ref>{{cite web |title=Geko Gifts Us With Playful "Drama" Visuals |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-drama/ |website=GRM Daily |access-date=10 September 2024 |date=12 November 2021}}</ref> as well as being featured by other artists such as KD Blockmoney's "No Calling",<ref name="No Calling">{{cite web |last1=Archibald-Powell |first1=Naimah |title=Premiere: Geko & KD Blockmoney link up for "No Calling" |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-kd-blockmoney-no-calling/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=25 March 2022 |date=24 January 2021 |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325073104/https://grmdaily.com/geko-kd-blockmoney-no-calling/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but none of those singles have charted as well.

2022 saw little activity from Geko, with only two titles widely released, "Problems" in January, another collaboration with Ard Adz,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wynter |first1=Courtney |title=Premiere: Geko & Ard Adz Re-Unite In Visuals For "Problems" |url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-ard-adz-problems/ |website=GRM Daily |access-date=10 September 2024 |date=6 January 2022}}</ref> and "Clio" in November with Shabizla.<ref>{{cite web |title=Clio - Single by Shabizla & Geko |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/clio-single/1655685089 |access-date=10 September 2024 |date=21 November 2022}}</ref>

==Personal life== Geko was a childhood friend of Salman Abedi, the assailant of the [[Manchester Arena bombing]] in May 2017. He said that when he heard about the bombing he wept.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rossi |first1=Alex |title=Manchester bomber was radicalised in the city, rapper claims |url=https://news.sky.com/story/manchester-bomber-was-radicalised-in-the-city-rapper-claims-10895652 |access-date=25 March 2022 |work=[[Sky News]] |date=28 May 2017 |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325091406/https://news.sky.com/story/manchester-bomber-was-radicalised-in-the-city-rapper-claims-10895652 |url-status=live }}</ref> Referring to the bomber, he said "he's an idiot and he's dead".<ref name=Stevenson/> Later in 2017, he falsely announced on Twitter that he had cancer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://grmdaily.com/geko-announces-cancer/|title=Geko Announces He Has Cancer|first=Alex|last=Griffin|date=13 June 2017|publisher=[[GRM Daily]]|access-date=22 March 2022|archive-date=22 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322184646/https://grmdaily.com/geko-announces-cancer/|url-status=live}}</ref> Two years later he revealed that the tweet was made while on medication in a mental health unit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/news/geko-cancer-tweet-truth-explaination/|title=Geko Reveals The Story Behind His Infamous Cancer Tweet|date=13 May 2019|publisher=[[Capital Xtra]]|access-date=22 March 2022|archive-date=9 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209193010/https://www.capitalxtra.com/news/geko-cancer-tweet-truth-explaination/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2019, he modeled for [[Napapijri]] at Scotts Menswear.<ref>{{cite web |title=scottsmenswear: Seen On scotts {{!}} Geko x Napapijri |url=https://milled.com/scottsmenswear/seen-on-scotts-geko-x-napapijri-SqMtLQMceAISux5V |website=Milled |access-date=25 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502221957/https://milled.com/scottsmenswear/seen-on-scotts-geko-x-napapijri-SqMtLQMceAISux5V |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Discography==

===Studio albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ ! style="width:22em;" | Title ! Album details |- ! scope="row"|''LionHeart'' | * Released: 10 March 2017 * Label: [[Sony Music]] * Format: Digital download, streaming |- ! scope="row"|''22'' | * Released: 6 December 2019 * Label: [[3 Beat Productions]] * Format: Digital download, streaming |- |}

===Mixtapes=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ ! style="width:22em;" | Title ! Mixtapes details |- ! scope="row"|''Voice Of The Future''<ref name=Flavourmag/> | * Released: December 2012 * Label: USG Entertainment * Format: Digital download, streaming |}

===Extended plays=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ ! style="width:22em;" | Title ! EP details |- ! scope="row"|''Heartless'' | * Released: 16 September 2013 * Label: USG Entertainment * Format: Digital download, streaming |- ! scope="row"|''Baba'' | * Released: 28 October 2015 * Label: Independent * Format: Digital download, streaming |- |}

=== Singles=== ==== As lead artist ==== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+List of singles, with year released, selected chart positions and certifications ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:22em;"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year ! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Certifications ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album |- ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"| [[UK Singles Chart|UK]] <ref name=UK>Peak positions on the UK Singles Chart: * For all except where noted: {{cite web |title=Geko {{!}} full Official Chart History |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/51220/geko/ |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=22 March 2022 |archive-date=22 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322182323/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/51220/geko/ |url-status=live }} * For "6:30": {{cite web |title=Geko Ft NSG {{!}} full Official Chart History |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/53774/geko-ft-nsg/ |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=22 March 2022 |archive-date=22 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322180924/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/53774/geko-ft-nsg/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- !scope="row"|"Mommy" {{small|(featuring Jay Soul)}} | 2012 | — | | rowspan=4 {{N/A|Non-album single}} |- !scope="row"|"Y" {{small|(featuring [[Afro B]])}} | rowspan=3 | 2016 | — | |- !scope="row"|"Make You Come" {{small|(featuring Ramriddlz)}} | — | |- !scope="row"|"Khalas" {{small|(featuring Ard Adz)}} | — | |- !scope="row"|"Drunk on You" | rowspan=7 | 2017 | — | | ''LionHeart'' |- !scope="row"|"Bipolar" {{small|(with [[Sneakbo]])}} | — | | rowspan=2 {{N/A|Non-album single}} |- !scope="row"|"Diamond" {{small|(with Team Salute)}} | — | |- !scope="row"|"Multi Task" {{small|(with Aystar and Safone)}} | — | | ''Scousematic 2'' |- !scope="row"|"Ronaldo" | — | | rowspan=4 {{N/A|Non-album single}} |- !scope="row"|"Blac Chyna" | — | |- !scope="row"|"Lock the Door" | — | |- !scope="row"|"Likes That" | rowspan=3 | 2018 | — | |- !scope="row"|"6:30" {{small|(featuring [[NSG (group)|NSG]])}} | 56 | *[[British Phonographic Industry|BPI]]: Gold<ref name = BPI>{{Cite certification|region=United Kingdom|artist=Geko|access-date=29 September 2022}}</ref> | rowspan=6 | ''22'' |- !scope="row"|"Will Smith" {{small|(featuring [[Not3s]])}} | 100 | |- !scope="row"|"Don Daddy" | rowspan=4 | 2019 | — | |- !scope="row"|"New Money" {{small|(with [[French Montana]] and Ay Em)}} | 49 | |- !scope="row"|"Hey Mama" {{small|(featuring [[Maleek Berry]] and Latifah)}} | — | |- !scope="row"|"Link Up" {{small|(with [[Stefflon Don]], [[Deno (singer)|Deno]] and [[Dappy]])}} | 84 | |- !scope="row"|"Repeat" (Remix) {{small|(featuring Lotto Boyzz)}} | rowspan=3 | 2020 | — | | rowspan=9 {{Non-album singles}} |- !scope="row"|"Tantrum"<ref name=Tantrum/> | — | |- !scope="row"|"Ride Or Die"<ref name="Ride Or Die"/> {{small|(with [[Paigey Cakey]])}} | — | |- !scope="row"|"Woi Oi"<ref name="Woi Oi"/> {{small|(with [[Ms Banks]] and BackRoad Gee)}} | rowspan=4 | 2021 | — | |- !scope="row"|"Over & Under" | — | |- !scope="row"|"Jeepers Creepers" {{small|(with [[Taze (rapper)|Taze]])}} | — | |- !scope="row"|"Drama" | — | |- !scope="row"|"Problems" {{small|(featuring Ard Adz)}} | rowspan=2 | 2022 | — | |- !scope="row"|"Clio" {{small|(with Shabizla)}} | — | |- | colspan="6" style="font-size:90%"| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |}

==== As featured artist ==== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+List of singles, with year released, selected chart positions and certifications ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:22em;"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year ! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Certifications ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album |- ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"| [[UK Singles Chart|UK]] <ref name=UK/> |- !scope="row"|"[[In2]]" (Remix) {{small|([[WSTRN]] featuring [[Wretch 32]], [[Chip (rapper)|Chip]] and Geko)}} | rowspan=2 | 2015 | — | | ''In2 (Remixes)'' |- !scope="row"|"NaNa" {{small|(Paigey Cakey featuring Geko)}} | — | | ''Red'' |- !scope="row"|"Yo Darlin'" {{small|(NSG featuring Geko)}} | rowspan = 2 | 2017 | — | *BPI: Gold<ref name = BPI/> | rowspan=7 {{N/A|Non-album singles}} |- !scope="row"|"Southside"<ref>{{cite web |title=Cadet & Geko head to the "Southside" in new collab |url=https://grmdaily.com/cadet-geko-southside/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=13 April 2022 |date=8 November 2017 |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429002536/https://grmdaily.com/cadet-geko-southside/ |url-status=live }}</ref> {{small|([[Cadet (rapper)|Cadet]] featuring Geko)}} | — | |- !scope="row"|"Come To Me" {{small|(Ay Em featuring Afro B and Geko)}} | rowspan=3 | 2018 | — | |- !scope="row"|"No Make Up" {{small|(J-Sol featuring Geko)}} | — | |- !scope="row"|"Again" {{small|[[Kida Kudz]] featuring Geko)}} | — | |- !scope="row"|"Wondering" (Remix) {{small|([[M.O]] featuring Geko and Ms Banks)}} | rowspan=6 | 2019 | — | |- !scope="row"|"Bally" (Remix) {{small|([[Swarmz]] featuring Geko, [[Jaykae]], Kwengface and 23 Unofficial)}} | — | |- !scope="row"|"Go Time" {{small|([[Ill Blu]] featuring Ay Em, Geko, [[ZieZie]] and [[C. Tangana]])}} | — | | ''The BLUPRiNT'' |- !scope="row"|"Bad & Boujie" {{small|(AJ featuring Geko, Ard Adz and Koomz}} | 71 | | {{N/A|Non-album single}} |- !scope="row"|"Back It Up" {{small|(Ms Banks featuring Geko}} | — | | ''The Coldest Winter Ever, Pt. 2'' |- !scope="row"|"Likin"<ref>{{cite web |last1=W |first1=Courtney |title=Premiere: Fastlane Wez Enlists Geko & Yungen For Fresh Tune "Likin" |url=https://grmdaily.com/fastlane-wez-geko-yungen-likin/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=7 April 2022 |date=12 September 2019 |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429002535/https://grmdaily.com/fastlane-wez-geko-yungen-likin/ |url-status=live }}</ref> {{small|(Fastlane Wez featuring Geko and [[Yungen]]}} | — | | rowspan=5 {{N/A|Non-album singles}} |- !scope="row"|"Confidence" {{small|([[Yung Filly]] and [[Chunkz]] featuring Geko)}} | rowspan=3 | 2020 | — | |- !scope="row"|"Closer Part II"<ref name="Closer Part II"/> {{small|(Jorday featuring Geko)}} | — | |- !scope="row"|"Plan Tonight"<ref name="Plan Tonight"/> {{small|([[Nafe Smallz]] featuring Geko)}} | — | |- !scope="row"|"No Calling"<ref name="No Calling"/> {{small|(KD Blockmoney featuring Geko)}} | rowspan=1 | 2021 | — | |- | colspan="6" style="font-size:90%"| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |}

===Other guest appearances=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of album guest appearances with other performing artists, showing year released and album name ! scope="col" style="width:22em;" | Title ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Other artist(s) ! scope="col" | Album |- ! scope="row"| "Get Rich" | 2014 | Brotherhood | ''Love Life Hate the World'' |- ! scope="row"| "Eko Miami"<ref>{{cite web |last1=Griffin |first1=Alex |title=Maleek Berry hires in Geko for new tune "Eko Miami" |url=https://grmdaily.com/maleek-berry-eko-miami-geko/ |website=[[GRM Daily]] |access-date=7 April 2022 |date=23 January 2017 |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407111638/https://grmdaily.com/maleek-berry-eko-miami-geko/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | 2016 | Maleek Berry | ''Last Daze of Summer'' |- ! scope="row"| "Money & Blood" | rowspan=3 | 2017 | Safone | ''The Link Up'' |- ! scope="row"| "Gone Bad" | [[Tion Wayne]], One Acen | ''Transition'' |- ! scope="row"| "Cold" | Clue | ''Free Smoke'' |- ! scope="row"| "Stepped In" | 2020 | Big Tobz | ''Issa Vibe'' |}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * {{YouTube|u=GekoArtist|Geko}} * {{YouTube|u=OneTapeRecords|OneTape Records}} * {{Facebook | GekoUpdates | Geko }}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Geko}} [[Category:English male rappers]] [[Category:Rappers from Manchester]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:1997 births]] [[Category:English people of Algerian descent]] [[Category:British people of Libyan descent]] [[Category:21st-century British rappers]]