G Herbo is redefining himself in every aspect. The Chicago-born rapper is back with a new album and a fresh look that reflects his personal growth, both inside and outside of the booth.

Since gracing the cover of XXL’s Freshman Class in 2016 at just 21, G Herbo has been one of the defining voices of Chicago drill music, ushering in a new sound and generation of rappers who helped spark a movement.

Now 30, Herbo has evolved into a father, fiancée, and budding fashion icon — even if reluctantly.

“I ain’t gonna say I’ve been into fashion, I just like getting dressed and being on some flashy, fly stuff for real,” the rapper told Blavity in an exclusive interview about his first New York Fashion Week appearance.

From drill to designer

In September, with encouragement from his team and his fiancée, Taina Williams, the rapper attended his first Fashion Week and quickly realized the trip wasn’t just about clothes — it was a step toward his personal evolution and rebrand.

“I think it was like this little elevation period and what I got going on with my music and just trying to rebrand myself as a grown man,” Herbo said.

He was spotted at several events, including the Who Decides War show, where he sat in the front row wearing designs by New York-based brand Private Policy.

The “My City” artist said stepping outside his comfort zone was necessary, as well as understanding that, as an artist, “you should never put yourself in a box.”

“You’ll get comfortable thinking this is the wave, and then everybody will be on to something else. So you should never really follow trends or follow the wave. You have to go with what makes you comfortable and what fits you. Fashion is really a way to express yourself,” he said.

Returning to his roots

The same growth Herbo is showing through his style is also evident in his music. His latest album, Lil Herb, marks a return to his roots, both in name and in content. “The project is a symbol of growth and just where I am mentally with my life … and I feel like it’s something that my fans are going to be able to appreciate,” he said of the Nov. 7 release.

Herbo explained the meaning behind the title. “The reason I named it Lil Herb was really just me trying to tap back into that old hunger that I had … and find a way to stay hungry.”

The album includes themes of fatherhood, resilience and grief, particularly on standout tracks such as “Give It All” and “Longevity.” Collaborations with Anderson .Paak, Jeremih and Wyclef Jean add emotional depth and showcase Herbo’s versatility, something he describes as “part of his elevation.”

Staying authentic through it all

Even as he enters a new era, Herbo remains grounded in his mission to serve as an example for young Black men and to help dismantle stigmas around mental health.

In 2020, he publicly opened up about his experience with PTSD and anxiety stemming from growing up in Chicago. He revealed that he began therapy after confiding in his lawyer about feeling the need to carry a gun and dealing with paranoia.

His openness sparked important conversations within hip-hop, encouraging others to speak up about their own mental health challenges. His album PTSD reflected those issues, serving as both personal therapy and a reflection of what he learned through professional help.

While Herbo embraces new sounds and a fresh aesthetic, one thing hasn’t changed — his authenticity.

“I think it’s really just being yourself. I never tried to think of ways to go viral or have gimmicks or anything like that,” he said.

“Tying people into your personal life in a way where you could broadcast … but still being yourself and it’s relatable. My lifestyle as a father and in my relationship, all those things are very relatable because it’s just me humanizing myself.”