The Ivy League Mag: Grief: January 2012 Artist of the Month

Friday, December 30, 2011

Grief: January 2012 Artist of the Month

Miami rap artist, Grief lives and breathes music and from the microphone tatted on his neck, there's no doubt that he's most at home in the booth behind a mic. Grief's presence behind the mic is marked by his deep and daunting voice that feels almost sinister; it's no wonder his artist name is Grief. The depth in his voice and the grim reality portrayed in his lyrics coupled with bounce-worthy tracks allows his fans to feel both the joy and the pain of Grief's life.

Raised by a single mom who often worked two jobs to make ends meet, Grief spent most of his time in Miami's inner city streets but found music in middle school playing the trumpet and other brass and woodwind instruments. Influences of these instruments can be found in Grief's music today but more than anything, Grief's music is his reality: his life, his story.

I caught up with Grief at Hustleline Studios in Opa-Locka, FL where he was putting the finishing touches on his latest mixtape, Weed and Coffee, co-produced by Antwan "Razor" Daniels. We talked influences, the Grief sound and what 2012 will bring.

IVY LEAGUE: Music is an outlet for you, how did you get into music to begin with?

GRIEF: When I was 11 I learned to play some instruments, brass and woodwind instruments and I learned to read music. Since then, music has just helped me express myself, the joys and the pains of life, I can put it down on paper, set it to music and it all makes sense.

IL: So, you've experienced some tragedy in your life. Is that why you chose the moniker, Grief?

GRIEF: Life definitely hasn't been easy. Growing up with a single mom working all the time, so I was left alone a lot. I would roam the streets with my friends, saw a lot of violence as a kid growing up in Miami. I saw my uncle die in front of me when I was 5. Things like that affect you... but really "Grief" not only describes my story, it describes my sound.

IL: What is the Grief sound?

GRIEF: Gritty, rough, dark but melodic. You can definitely hear the influences of the brass instruments in the beats I choose. I'm arrogant but witty with my word play in my lyrics. There's a lot of showmanship in my music and performance. I'm a hook genius! Hahahaha... Seriously though, my music is about my life, me... the good and the bad.

IL: You've been hustling in this rap game for a few years now, right?

GRIEF: Yeah, since 2001. I did a lot of work with a rap group called Dark Half but you know shit happens and I took a break. I'm back though. Dropped "LMNOP" featuring Razor & Brisco and a few more tracks on the EP. Hosted a couple mixtapes and did features. 2011 was a good year, but 2012 is gon' be ridiculous! Da Undabosses just dropped Twin Towers and Weed & Coffee coming real soon.

IL: What should we expect from Weed & Coffee?

GRIEF: Weed & Coffee is my debut mixtape, which is somewhat a reflection of my lifestyle and experiences, the come up and the struggle. Even though Weed & Coffee is a dirty south sound I showed versatility in track selections for the club, streets, and radio, showcasing my songwriting skills with strong hooks and with creative lyrical content. In my opinion Weed & Coffee is going to go down as one of the classic mixtapes in the South.

IL: Ok, ok, I see you! Definitely can't wait to hear it. With the differences from track-to-track, which one is your favorite?

GRIEF: Hahahaha... that's funny! I like all my songs. I can tell you my three favorites "Tell Em' What", "All Day Errday", and my intro "Salute."

IL: I'mma play close attention to those tracks but you're right, after listening to the songs you've chosen as your singles and your EP, you're definitely putting out some good music... so what does the future look like for Grief?

GRIEF: Future is looking good. I'm in my prime in my opinion this is the best time for me to display my artistry. The vision is to bring awareness to Hustleline, which is now my new independent label and to make myself an iconic figure in the music industry. It's time to bless the world with my hot and classic music. LOL Don't forget the paper. Im also working on Weed and Coffee Vol. 2, Hustleline compilation, and another Unda Boss project.