Grit Grammer Interview

Where are you from and what was it like growing up there?
I have lived most of my life in various parts of North London. It’s a good place to live and very diverse culturally, and there are lots of opportunities in London creatively. Its also gully as fuck, but that’s the same in any big city.

How did you get your name and is there a story behind it?
There’s no real story to it. Over the years I’ve gone through various name changes. I used to call myself Grhyme years ago, but changed it to Grit, and at some point one of my boys added Grammar, which stuck. I’m also referred to as just Grit.


Was there a situation or a person who inspired you to rap?
My mate Creep got me started rapping. We always used to blaze in our cars listening to new shit, and Creep just started fucking about and freestyling all the time, and I just fed of that and started doing it myself. We started writing verses and doing tracks over instrumentals, but I started taking it more seriously and spent a lot of time writing. Creep eventually stopped rapping and concentrated on just producing.

Tell us about your latest release.
It’s called ‘Reflections In The Dark’ and it’s just a small promo project I put together to start promoting myself and getting my name out there a bit. Its got 13 original tracks on it, and also showcasing the talents of the various producers I have worked with over the years. Most of the tracks are old, but I threw in a couple of new joints in there as well. It only has 1 feature on it, which is Baron Samedi who is also fully producing my untitled forthcoming album.


What do you prefer; playing live, recording in the studio or battling?
I’m not a battle MC and it’s not a part of the game I have ever really tried developing much. However if some one wants to battle me I got no problem stepping up, and it is an essential part of any MC’s arsenal. I like recording, but find most pleasure in listening back to a completed track, and performing in front of a crowd.

How would you describe your personality?
Generally I’m pretty chilled and easy going. It takes a lot to wind me up but when I do, I tend to explode a bit.

What do you enjoy doing the most?
Making music, seeing my girl and watching movies.

What’s your favourite clothing label?
I’ve always been into garms and what I like busting always changes, but one brand I always liked and I feel has stayed consistent is Stussy. They pretty much created streetwear and in terms of T-shirt designs they always represent the elements of Street culture that I’m interested in, like Graffiti Culture, Tattoo Culture, and obviously hip-hop. The designs and printing is always top quality and they always collaborate with dope artists and other labels. I’ve also always liked the label Supreme for similar reason. I’m also it Japanese brands like Bounty Hunter and Neighbourhood. Saying all that I couldn’t give a hoot about a label if the design and concept of the item is good.

Do you ever buy clothes or music on-line?
Yeah definitely. I buy a lot of music online, and buy garms online as long as I know how a label fits in terms of size. SturbanClothing has got some sick items so make sure you lot support!!

What is your favourite record shop and why?
All my favourite record shops have closed down. I used to work in an independent music store as the hip-hop specialist, but the internet and downloading has destroyed them and most have now closed down, many of which where strong supporters of UK hip-hop. It’s a shame.


With so many artists out there, what are you doing different to get heard?
I don’t think I’m doing anything majorly different from anyone else determined to come up in the game. I do however try to network as much as possible and not necessarily only in the UK hip-hop scene. Even though the music I make is straight UK hip-hop, I feel its important to connect with people outside the genre, and people involved with street fashion and art to increase your exposure.

Okay, before you go please give us you’re My Space details.
You can check me on myspace.com/grituk and download Reflections in the Dark for free

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