GRIP: A Beacon of Lyricism, Resilience, and Evolution in Hip-Hop
- Anthony Lynn
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: May 13
In a time where lyricism often takes a backset due to the current state of a "quick club hit" trend in hip-hop, GRIP has remained a shining example of pure rap craftmanship. A product of underground rap in ATL, his raw storytelling, sharp pen skills, and an authentic approach separated him early from others trying to make a name for themselves in the hip-hop indie scene to the point he caught the attention of Goliath Record's founder Paul Rosenberg, who then referred GRIP to Shady Records founder Marshall Mathers. GRIP's signing to Shady Records in 2021 not only was a victory for his career, but for hip-hop purists everywhere.
For those who have followed GRIP since the early "Porch" and "Snubnose" days, it was clear from the jump that this East Atlanta artist wasn't cut from the same cloth. GRIP stood out as a beacon of lyricism in a hip-hop landscape often dominated by aesthetics over substance. "Let them do the theatrics, while I triple down on my bars like hat tricks," Grip stated on "Where U At?" featuring Young Saab & Femdot. His debut project under Shady Records, "I Died for This!?," showcased his versatility, introspection, and technical skill, earning him the respect of fans like myself and industry veterans alike, even being acknowledged as "Atlanta's best kept secret" from Slim Shady himself. The album included standout cuts with hip-hop icons like "Walkthrough" featuring Eminem and "Placebo" featuring Royce da 5'9 along with some underground artists including Wiley from Atlanta, Wara, Dead Cassettes, and Tate228. While the partnership with Shady Records brought heightened visibility and a spot on the 2021 BET Cypher, behind the scenes, things weren't as smooth.
In a private conversation with GRIP, he revealed despite no bad blood between him and Marshall, the label had gone "radio silent" for months. "It just ain't work out, man. No hard feelings. Still f**k wit Em but it just ain't work," he shared. Waiting in limbo was not an option for someone as hungry and focused as GRIP, who has a family depending on him. GRIP's departure from the label was officially announced on an interview with the "Dead End Hip Hop" podcast deciding to move forward independently, demonstrating once again the self-made spirit that got him signed in the first place.
Rather than viewing his departure as a setback, GRIP sees it as just another chapter in his story. He's currently collaborating with SCATTRBAIN on a new rap/rock project, a creative pivot that feels both unexpected and completely natural given his ability to push sonic boundaries. I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peak of the early works of his upcoming project during a listening session via SCATTRBRAIN's Instagram Live, and it's safe to say GRIP is crafting something special here. The album is titled "SCATTRBRAIN & The Unwavering Self Doubt" with no release date, featuring a fearless blend of hard-hitting bars and live instrumentation, proving he refuses to be boxed in by genre or expectations.
GRIP's journey is a reminder that real artistry can't be manufactured or stalled by industry politics. Whether signed or independent, GRIP continues to embody what true hip-hop is all about: resilience, evolution, and unshakeable commitment to the craft. The story is still being written, but one thing's for sure, GRIP's pen hasn't missed a beat and it's only up from here! Stay tuned for more updates on GRIP and the upcoming SCATTRBRAIN project exclusively here on Minnee Movement Media.
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