— One of Atlanta’s biggest rising stars, GRIP, continues to ascend as he celebrates his signing with Eminem’s Shady Records with his new single, “Gutter”.
Following the release of his two very well-received 2020 EPs, Proboscidea and Halo, along with a series of incredible loosies, GRIP has presumably been in the lab concocting his next big move. Now, not only is he back with a brand new single and music video, but he’s also landed a spot on Eminem’s legendary Shady Records.
The announcement was delivered via social media posts from both GRIP and Eminem themselves along with fellow Shady members and affiliates such as Royce da 5’9”. The announcement was also made through Shady Records’ official website in which label president Paul Rosenberg says,
“Grip is the type of artist that brings you into his world and expresses himself through a complete composed body of work. If true album artists in this era are a rare breed- then Grip is a unicorn! We’re excited for him to join the Shady Records family.”
“Gutter”, produced by frequent collaborator TU!, is GRIP’s debut single on Shady Records and features fellow East Atlanta rapper WARA on the hook. The song serves as the perfect introduction of GRIP to a larger audience, especially as a new signee to one of the largest Hip-Hop labels in the world. He not only put his elite lyrical talents on display, but he also kept his content real and raw as he continues to present his most authentic self despite reaching new levels of stardom.
GRIP opens the track with a vivid verse depicting the extremely humbling circumstances in which he was somehow able to develop his intense hunger, passion, and purpose from. He also lists some gripes about some of the ‘corny’ and perverse ways of the music business even saying,
“What would you do if you came from the gutter
To a game to get some change in exchange for your struggles?
And you sing ’bout the pain that pertain to your color
Just for it to get appraised by some lame motherfuckers”
The music video, directed by Caleb Seales, is fun and energetic as GRIP plays on some of the music industry’s common tropes while even sporting a straight jacket in some scenes — likely paying homage to Eminem who did the same in his breakout music video for “My Name Is”.
About his official signing with Shady Records, GRIP says,
“It was one of those full circle moments because I grew up on Eminem so to have him reach out and let me know how dope my shit is was so cool. Excited to partner with Shady/Interscope and get the music out on a larger platform.”
With a new album on the way as an official Shady Records artist, GRIP is primed to introduce the world to his unique sound — and with so much left to accomplish, his next LP is sure to be special.
Check out the full project and music video right here and be sure to follow GRIP at his official Instagram page to stay updated on his latest moves.