Boston artist and entrepreneur Geechi The Goblin sat down with B. Luke on The Bounce Back podcast to reflect on his journey through music, business, and personal redemption. From navigating street life in Dorchester to building a thriving career in music production, Geechi opened up about the realities of entrepreneurship, fatherhood, and the lessons learned from his past.
Growing up in Dorchester during the ‘90s, Geechi had a stable home life—his father owned property, and both parents were present. However, attending Boston Public Schools exposed him to the harsh realities of the streets. Fighting was a regular part of his upbringing, something he notes has since shifted, with today’s youth more likely to resort to guns.
Despite excelling academically, attending schools like Boston Latin and Roxbury Charter High, he found himself in trouble, which ultimately affected his college trajectory. By the time he was 18-19, he faced an armed robbery charge, which was later dismissed due to conflicting witness statements. However, at 21, just months after his son was born, he served two years at Barnstable House of Corrections for a drug violation. While incarcerated, his DNA was linked to a separate home invasion case, putting him at risk of a 20-year sentence. Fortunately, the charges were dropped. His original conviction was later overturned due to the Annie Dookhan drug lab scandal, though he had already served his full sentence.
Following his release in 2018, Geechi interned at Phoenix Down Studio under John Scott, a pivotal move that helped shape his music career. He describes music as more of a “ritual” than a pursuit of fame, emphasizing the therapeutic aspects of creation. While he remains an artist, his focus is now on the business side—offering videography, photography, mixing/mastering, and running his own studio.
“People chase clout, but financial stability is more important,” he shared, stressing the importance of monetizing passion instead of settling for unfulfilling jobs. However, he acknowledges that entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone—the journey is filled with ups and downs, and the ability to bounce back is crucial.
Geechi encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to prepare for setbacks. “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail,” he says, emphasizing the importance of studying one’s craft. He also highlights the power of learning from others’ mistakes, though he admits that some people need to experience hardship firsthand.
Fatherhood played a major role in his transformation. While he struggled after his son’s birth, the arrival of his daughter became a turning point, pushing him to commit to a legitimate lifestyle. He took regular jobs when necessary and focused on building a positive future.
For individuals returning from incarceration, he stresses the importance of networking. “Your network determines your net worth,” he explains. Seeking guidance from successful mentors is key, but not everyone is willing to share knowledge due to fear of competition. Persistence and continual learning, however, can help break through.
Discussing Boston’s music scene, Geechi believes the city is full of talent but lacks collaboration. He argues that once artists work together instead of competing, the city will get the recognition it deserves. “Success in music isn’t just about your neighborhood—it’s a global game.”
Still, he acknowledges the challenges of working in Boston’s industry, where rivalries run deep. Even as a studio engineer, he has to navigate conflicts between artists, as grudges often spill into business. His focus, however, remains on progress rather than pleasing everyone.
When it comes to mentoring younger individuals, Geechi believes actions speak louder than words. “Preaching doesn’t work—young people need to see real success.” Many in the streets already make money and don’t feel they need guidance, so the key is finding the right people to invest in.
On the glorification of crime in music, he reminds listeners that the worst part of incarceration isn’t just losing freedom—it’s losing dignity.
