Blackalicious MC Gift of Gab is finally just weeks away from receiving a kidney after being on the transplant list for the past seven years.
Ahead of the surgery, the Bay Area Hip Hop vet has launched a GoFundMe campaign in an effort to offset travel costs to Arizona’s Mayo Clinic and the expenses that will incur while he’s recovering. Those who donate to the GoFundMe campaign will receive a free Gift Of Gab EP called Offering.
“I am reaching out to my fans and people in general with this GoFundMe because once I get the transplant it’s going to be costly,” he wrote in the description. “I will have to pay to put myself up in a hotel close to the clinic for up to 6 weeks.
“I need to bring a caregiver out, rent a car, buy food, and not to mention I can’t work for six weeks and bills and rent at home don’t stop. Reaching out to all to help me get thru this.”
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Since 2013, Gab has endured a grueling dialysis regimen that includes four sessions a week, ranging from three to four hours a pop. But even through all of his medical challenges, Gab has not only maintained a rigorous touring schedule but also a positive attitude, which he believes was crucial in getting him to this point.
“l’ll get the call any day to get a kidney and I am overwhelming grateful for all of the support thus far,” Gab tells HipHopDX. “Being on dialysis for me has been 90 percent mental. It’s all a state of mind. Luckily, even though it’s difficult and chaining at times, I’m still able to travel and do shows.
“That in itself has kept me going and kept my spirits up. You reach a point in life and say you something is either going to destroy you or make your stronger. I chose to make myself stronger.”
Gab is getting ready to drop a new solo project this year, which will mark the follow-up to 2017’s Rejoice! Rappers Are Rapping Again! Another installment of the Blackalicious album Imaniis also right around the corner.
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In the meantime, donate to the GoFundMe here. The goal is set at $8,000.
