Gregory Williams has been known by many names as he has navigated through the depths of the entertainment industry. Some of these names that represent him today are actor, music producers, and also recording artist. Gregory has also been known professionally as 80Degreez and recently Saint Gregory because of his spiritual awakening. Originally from Columbus, Georgia, Gregory was surrounded by family members that embraced all genres of music. The defining moment in his life came when he was introduced to the Sugar Hill Gang by his big sister, and immediately knew what he wanted to do.
One of Gregory’s first entries into the hip-hop industry was using his father’s stereo equipment to d.j. parties and school functions in his community. Within the Columbus, Georgia area, Gregory began to perfect his song writing and music production skills and showcasing those skills at local talent shows. During the beginning of the southern hip hop movement, 80Degreez found himself at a disadvantage in Columbus and made the move to Atlanta. Fully embracing the music culture of Atlanta and the north, 80Degreez evolved into one of the recognizable names on the streets.
Gregory or 80Degreez if you may, has worked with several underground artist on a production level and also some famous artist on a promotional standpoint. Recently recognized in the Clayton Daily for receiving a platinum plaque for his work with 95 South’s legendary “Whoot There It Is,” in the 1990‘s. 80Degreez has been diligently pushing the envelope to establish himself as a premiere artist and producer for some years.
80Degreez has several works available for retail sales which include, “Beats For The Cipher,” “Beats-Lyrics-And-Turntables,” and “Ready” that are available on CD Baby and Soundclick.com. One of 80Degreez’s most recent accomplishments was his debut single “First Love Only (F.L.O.)” produced by One of Uz? Productions. The song was created in an attempt to bring awareness to the Trayvon Martin murder case and has been noted by several online magazines and Face-book commentaries. “The song was our way of saying, pull the carpet up and now pay attention to the dirt that has been swept under it for years.” as said by 80Degreez AKA Saint Gregory.
Gregory did not stop with just the pursuit of music, but he also took a step in faith and ventured toward acting. The ambition to sway into acting has always been another passion of Gregory’s. The final involvement came when the doors were presented by a local county commissioner and the rest is history. Today Gregory has accompanied some famous actors such as Clint Eastwood and also acting in videos from Christian rap artist Trans-Lee and LaCrae. Gregory’s movie credits consist of the up and coming films: Georgia Justice, Redemption 316, Trouble With The Curve, and overseas release television crime drama Idle Times. “The transgression from music to movies was a no brainer for me, we are actors everyday of our life.”
80Degreez AKA Saint Gregory looks forward to the future as he undertakes a position with One of Uz? Productions, and also the release of his debut radical religion album “As It Was Written.” As far as actor goes, Gregory will continue to pursue roles that will bring focus to his talent and appreciation of the arts.
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