— Grip delivers an undeniable classic with his debut album distributed through Eminem’s Shady Records titled, I Died For This?!
Since the announcement of his addition to the Shady Records roster along with the release of “Gutter!” last month, many of us have been on the edge of our seats awaiting Grip’s next move. Lucky for us, the Atlanta-bred wordsmith heard our cries and announced the release date for his Shady Records debut a month later. Now, the wait is finally over with the release of I Died For This!? this past weekend.
I Died For This!?, executive produced by frequent collaborator TU!, is yet another instant classic from Grip that flawlessly displays both his growth as an artist and rise in acclaim. I Died For This!? features a bevy of phenomenal Atlanta-based artists such as Wiley from Atlanta, AHYES, Tate 228, Dead Cassettes, Shellie Sweets, WARA, Kay Nellz, Kenny Mason, and Atlanta legend Big Rube — giving this album an authentic homegrown undertone that you can’t fabricate.
On the other hand, Grip’s newfound fame has landed him big time features from Shady Records labelmates and two of the most formidable lyricists in Hip-Hop history, Royce Da 5’9” and Eminem. Believe it or not, “held his own” would be an understatement in regards to Grip’s performance next to these giants — making I Died For This?! an eerie foreshadowing of Grip’s future dominance in Hip-Hop.
Although I Died For This!? is an incredible nonstop listen from top to bottom, some great individual tracks to visit first would be “And the Eulogy Read”, “IDFT!?”, “Momma Told Me!”, “Placebo”, “Gutter!”, “Walkthrough”, “The LOX”, and “Glenwood Freestyle!”.
If there’s one thing to take away from this project it’s that while Grip’s lyrical prowess has yet to waver, further experimentation with various flows, melodies, and production indicates that Grip, his Stray Society team, and his new partner, Shady Records, have plenty more to show us.
Check out the full album right here and be sure to keep up with Grip’s latest moves at his official Instagram page.
Also, for those in the city of Atlanta, catch Grip live and in action along with fellow Atlanta acts Wiley from Atlanta, Eastchain, and CashOnAble at Aisle 5 on September 23rd. Tickets are available here.
