1983–2004: Early life and career beginnings

Governor Washington Jr. was born in Charles City County, Virginia. His father was a preacher.^[6] After declining an offer to attend the Berklee College of Music, he formed the Jodeci-style R&B group, Case Closed, where he performed under the moniker Country Boy.^[7] After moving to New York City, then back to Virginia, Washington left the group and returned to New York. When the group disbanded, he tried to make it on its own. Warlock Records eventually signed Washington and released his debut album Another State Of Mind, in 2000.^[8]

At that time he met the influential music executives and production team, Trackmasters, while he changed his style from R&B to hip-hop. 50 Cent was signed to the Trackmasters at that time as well, and Washington and 50 Cent recorded about six songs for a prospective album called Best of Both Worlds, which was never released. After the split-up with Trackmasters in 2002, Washington met Wyclef Jean, who helped him sign a deal with Atlantic Records. He even made a dozen songs with Dr. Dre, for his debut album on Atlantic, but frictions between Dre's Aftermath and Atlantic, made those songs never see the light of the day.

2005–2006: Grand Hustle signing and Son of Pain

In 2005, American rapper T.I. added Washington, to his Grand Hustle Records imprint, after Atlantic Records chose T.I. to act as his mentor. Atlantic Records' plan for Washington, who joined Atlantic's roster almost four years prior, was to market him a devotee, or a card-carrying member of T.I.'s "camp.".^[9] Atlantic first tried to pair him with renowned record producer Dr. Dre, and then with gangsta rapper 50 Cent; however both plans fell through. In search of quick jolt of street credibility, the label brokered a deal for the singer to join T.I.'s imprint.^[9] In 2006, Washington appeared alongside T.I., performing the song "Hello", from T.I.'s album King, for the Atlanta-based rapper's AOL Sessions.^[10][11] After appearing on several of Grand Hustle'resident disc jockey, DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz mixtapes, Washington later released his Grand Hustle/Atlantic debut, titled Son of Pain, in September 2006.^[9] The album's production was handled by Just Blaze, Scott Storch, Wyclef Jean and Raphael Saadiq, among others. The album debuted at number 50 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

2009–present: G-Unit signing

After signing to G-Unit Records in 2009, Washington was signed to the newly formed subsidiary G-Note Records, where he released the first single off his upcoming album.^[12] He had this to say about signing with the label,

The new situation is an honor in itself. 50 and I grew up together in this music, so to speak. I hate to even give names sometimes dealing with my story because I hate to even give some of the haters light by mentioning their names. Regardless of any of that, it was a blessing to be able to re-connect to 50. We always shared a genuine respect for each others music and destiny had it so that we end up being able to work with each other again. The sweet thing about this situation on G-Note is that it's an independent label, with major money behind it. It's not like being on a major for me. On G-Note, I don't have to deal with certain issues that come along with being attached to a major. I actually talk to the owner of the company, ride in the same vehicle on the way to the airport. I have his telephone number and he actually answers….I don't have the pressure of selling 2 million records to actually make a profit.

The song is called "Here We Go Again" and features 50 Cent.^[13] The song will be released for digital download on December 27, 2010. In an interview with G-Unit Radio, 50 Cent said that Washington was "extremely talented" and that "he is about to blow".^[14] Along with releasing his first single, "Here We Go Again" off his upcoming album, Washington reported that he was working on mixtapes as well as putting out new music on thisis50.com regularly to promote his album.^[15][16]

In an interview with HipHopNMore, Washington revealed the title for his upcoming album which is called, A Touch of Magic.^[17] The album will be released under G-Note Records and was initially scheduled for a summer 2011 release date. Washington also spoke about upcoming music with 50 Cent on the album and had this to say, "The first two or three collaborations was to allow people to get used to a particular feel and sound, while being connected to one of the most successful rappers on earth. Now, we are focusing on releasing songs that showcase that sound, speaking of myself as a solo artist".

In 2013, Washington began performing under the pseudonym, Gio Washington. In March 2015, Washington and 50 Cent reunited on a song titled "Annie", recorded for the 50 Cent executive produced Starz series, Power.^[18][19]

Studio albums

Singles

Guest appearances