GrindCity
GrindCity is known for soul clenching lyrics, advanced musicianship, and a dope MC Grind City is socially motivated, NEVER SCARED, and is notorious for a giving killer live performance shows that appeal to the masses.
Grindcity has been astonishing fans of all ages and races with its powerful live show, delivering the band’s rock/hip hop/soul/funk fusion type of sound that dazzles audiences with advanced musicianship and entertaining showmanship. Grindcity's unique dynamic is lead by it's three charismatic front-men. Lead vocalist, rapper J-O commands the stage delivering his message with power and passion, while his rough edge is smoothed by the soulful and versatile sound of singer Damon Smalls. Ethiopian-born Gab Guma uses guitar as his second language, drawing influences from Jimi Hendrix to Steve Vai and Tom Morrello to classical into his own unique style of rhythmic, powerful riffs and solos. Grindcity has been compared to The Roots, Public Enemy, Living Colour and Rage Against the Machine.
Although GrindCity’s members hail from Philadelphia, PA, the band really emerged at the famed Longview Studios in Massachusetts. “Hannibal,” written and recorded at Longview, quickly gained media attention and has been played on radio stations across the country. The song is an analogy that compares the historic journey of 2nd century warrior to J-O, who is leading independent artists into battle to grind it out towards success. “Hannibal” was performed at the CMJ Festival in 2007 and was selected as one of the tracks on the CMJ compilation CD. “Hannibal”, like many of Grindcity’s songs, tells a meaningful story of life, strife, and survival. GrindCity represents the voice of the people; people in the grind trying to make a living. They highlight current events to capture the essence of their times. Grindcity performed the politically-charged song "We Want America Back" at numerous Obama election rallies around Philadelphia and will be featured in an Obama campaign documentary about the grassroots political movement that swept the nation last year. Philadelphia radio stations 93.3 WMMR-FM and 94.1 WYSP-FM have given airplay to Grindcity's sports anthems for the Phillies (Philly’s Red) and the Eagles (Go Green).By having great performances at Wimbash 2008 and 2009 in Hartford, CT, GrindCity formed a working relationship and friendship with Doug Wimbish of Living Colour and recently Grindcity joined Living Colour for some dates of their “Chair in the Doorway” fall tour for 2009. More recently Grindcity partnered with world class non profit organization Ubuntu Fund and in april 2010 they gave an exhilarating performance at Ubuntu's concert at the Brooklyn Bowl (Brooklyn ,NY) . At a time when the future of hip-hop is being questioned, Grindcity offers a breath of fresh air for music lovers who desire timeless lyrics, ceaseless energy, and a higher meaning. Their dynamic combination of rap, rock, R&B and soul is a truly unique experienced that must be seen and heard to be appreciated.
Grindcity has been astonishing fans of all ages and races with its powerful live show, delivering the band’s rock/hip hop/soul/funk fusion type of sound that dazzles audiences with advanced musicianship and entertaining showmanship. Grindcity's unique dynamic is lead by it's three charismatic front-men. Lead vocalist, rapper J-O commands the stage delivering his message with power and passion, while his rough edge is smoothed by the soulful and versatile sound of singer Damon Smalls. Ethiopian-born Gab Guma uses guitar as his second language, drawing influences from Jimi Hendrix to Steve Vai and Tom Morrello to classical into his own unique style of rhythmic, powerful riffs and solos. Grindcity has been compared to The Roots, Public Enemy, Living Colour and Rage Against the Machine.
Although GrindCity’s members hail from Philadelphia, PA, the band really emerged at the famed Longview Studios in Massachusetts. “Hannibal,” written and recorded at Longview, quickly gained media attention and has been played on radio stations across the country. The song is an analogy that compares the historic journey of 2nd century warrior to J-O, who is leading independent artists into battle to grind it out towards success. “Hannibal” was performed at the CMJ Festival in 2007 and was selected as one of the tracks on the CMJ compilation CD. “Hannibal”, like many of Grindcity’s songs, tells a meaningful story of life, strife, and survival. GrindCity represents the voice of the people; people in the grind trying to make a living. They highlight current events to capture the essence of their times. Grindcity performed the politically-charged song "We Want America Back" at numerous Obama election rallies around Philadelphia and will be featured in an Obama campaign documentary about the grassroots political movement that swept the nation last year. Philadelphia radio stations 93.3 WMMR-FM and 94.1 WYSP-FM have given airplay to Grindcity's sports anthems for the Phillies (Philly’s Red) and the Eagles (Go Green).By having great performances at Wimbash 2008 and 2009 in Hartford, CT, GrindCity formed a working relationship and friendship with Doug Wimbish of Living Colour and recently Grindcity joined Living Colour for some dates of their “Chair in the Doorway” fall tour for 2009. More recently Grindcity partnered with world class non profit organization Ubuntu Fund and in april 2010 they gave an exhilarating performance at Ubuntu's concert at the Brooklyn Bowl (Brooklyn ,NY) . At a time when the future of hip-hop is being questioned, Grindcity offers a breath of fresh air for music lovers who desire timeless lyrics, ceaseless energy, and a higher meaning. Their dynamic combination of rap, rock, R&B and soul is a truly unique experienced that must be seen and heard to be appreciated.
