The last time we saw Grip Plyaz he had hipsters fearing for their lives with “F%#k Dat Hipster Sh!t” down at A3C. He reappeared again, making a noteworthy appearance on SMKA’s 808 Experiment Vol. 2 with the the trunk-rattling “Jockin’.” Since then he’s been off the grid so to speak, to the point where I began to wonder if he’d ever be heard from again.

His time away from the spotlight was well spent, as he was holed up the lab furiously compiling new material for his forthcoming album Purp, Wind & Fire. In order to introduce him to most & allow him to get reacquainted with others, we’ve hooked up with Grip’s Governed By Loyalty family for the 6 Pack Vol. 1: A Prelude To Purp, Wind & Fire, a short set of original tracks with production by The Weathermen and features from other residents from Atlanta’s esteemed underground movement. Read the rest of this entry »

Grip Plyaz is cut from a different cloth. Or perhaps it’s better to say he’s taken from the original mold, reminding me of how early 8Ball and MJG and Triple 6 music used to cause the biggest fear for club security in the South. Much life YelaWolf, there are no words to really encompass the presence Grip brings to the stage and the mic (Reference: his performance of “Fuck Dat Hipster Shit” @ A3C). All I can tell you is that when he hits the stage, he has the crowd’s full energy backing him word-for-word. But above it all is always the tall, lanky Grip, commanding the moment. It’s intimidating. It’s beautiful. And it’s Hip-Hop.

The footage above features Grip performing “Jockin’” off 808…Vol. 2 and he’s joined on stage by Joe Scudda, A. Leon Craft, Sean Falyon, 808 Blake…and a small, hype segment of Atlanta’s population in the venue helping to hold it down. Peep the Alien appearance on the drums as well.

Footage by The SP Agency. Respect the comeup.

They gave you some hydro harmony with Aleon Craft and hit home with Yelwolf. Gave a monumental backdrop to Tanya Morgan and let Pill change the game up. By now, it’s crystal clear SMKA have the skill sets to be diverse while still allowing any given artists rest comfortably in their niche. Read the rest of this entry »

While driving over to The Five Spot, Contra™ commented on the full moon that was on the horizon. It was at that point that we suspected the night had the potential to be magical or disastrous. And it was actually a little bit of both. The Crew disassembled from Voltron form for the last night and actually covered two events. It was at point that I learned I was to be the red cat… literally as I was thrown into video camera duties. Much respect to BK and The SP Agency, because I felt like I would need an arm transplant by the end of the night. But enough about me, on to the next one… Read the rest of this entry »

Cover Art – Esperanza ATL

SMKA & the lovely Fadia Kader™ proudly present the official mixtape for “A3C Perfect Attendance” to give everyone a proper taste of what to look forward to come Thursday. Hit the link to listen/download the mixtape and get more info on the event. Read the rest of this entry »

With fifty artists to cover, we figure we’ll give you a musical dosage in advance of what you’ll be hearing down @ A3C’s Perfect Attendance showcase, co-hosted by The TSS Crew. So each day, we’ll do a little division and feature seven to eight of the artists & their music.

Now, let the countdown begin with today’s offering. Read the rest of this entry »