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Interview - Grits

by Philip Rood

Wednesday, 01 November 2006

What do you want to achieve with your new album "Redemption"?
What we really want to achieve with "redemption" is awareness of the group, plain and simple. We feel like the music has gotten some great recognition, but our faces still seem unfamiliar. Now we will tie in the image along with music.

Redemption Album

Tell me about the new album.
The new album is hot and well needed. Its got substance, which isn't the norm in what you hear in music today. Not just hip hop, but music period.
We went against the grain (once again) and did a heartfelt album, instead of a typical "radio" album. But don't get it twisted, our songs can be played on radio and make sense in the process.

What inspired you writing the lyrics of the album?
The inspiration for the lyrics are life in general. When you choose to write about yourself and your experiences, you never run out of subject matter. Writers block is ever hardly an issue.

What's different about this album from your previous releases?
The difference with redemption and our other records, I feel, is the sound. We go into each recording process the same....out do what we did last time. Our hunger keeps us from slacking up. But for the most part, the sound has to evolve even more. People have to get with your music before they even care to hear what you have to say.

Why did you entitled the new album "Redemption"?
Redemption is a great title, because this marks the end of our album obligation to gotee, and it marks our ascent into musical manhood. We get to step into the realm of ceo and owners of our artform, verses just being an artist who has to walk to the beat of someone elses drum, especially on the politics side of the industry.

Which song(s) on the album speaks to you the most and why?
"Tight with these" stands out to me because we make the statement that we are here, and we're a force to be reckoned with. We are the glue in hip hop. There's been such a major breakdown in the genre, and we've come to ensure that the culture stands for something more than money, cars, and women.

What is your current mission statement?
"Open bar" makes the statement that we're about unity and excluding no one. What we have, is for everyone.

What is currently playing in your CD player?
Currently in my cd player, is nelly furtado, beyonce, outkast, ti, and ludicris.

What artist do you want to collab with?
Would love to collab with any of these artists or any artist who's serious about their craft and always strives to reach the top.

How has it been touring?
Tourings been great, non-stop, but great.

Any favorite or least favorites moments traveling on the road?
Lots of crazy moments on the road....living out of a suitcase. But we have a good grade of peope we travel with. Boanfide, myself,and DJ MANWELL, he's from columbus and our road manager/personal assistant Adam Davis (Adam the GREAT).

If you had to do another genre of music what would it be? and why?
There's really not any other genre I could pursue, without it somehow becoming hip hop, after I get my hands on it. And already our flavor of hip hop transcends what ears have been used to.

What's your favorite Bible verse?
John 15:16. Read it, see where I'm comin from!

Any last words?
take care of yourselves, and each other....good night
BIG COF (smashin all Suckas)

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When is the nxt 1?
written by Grace, May 10, 2009

wenz their nxt concert?????
i rilly need 2
now!

...
written by APEKSHA SOLANKI, July 03, 2008

HELLO,

I AM LOOKING FOR THE PAGES WHICH GIVES THE ANSWER ABOUT SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD CHECK BEFORE YOU GO FOR AN INYERVIEW. i WOULD GLAD TO YOU IF YOU PLEASE SEND ME THE REPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I AM SEARCH OF THESE PAGES.

I WANT THE EXACT IDEA OF WHAT TO DO BEFORE GOING FOR AN INTERVIEW OR BEFORE FACING THE INTERVIEW.

Lets close this
written by steady, April 26, 2008

Ok .... wow .... exausting ... Let me begin - My preference is Jesus infused music like CMR, 116 and all that.... BUT... The issue reflected here isn't as black and white as some of those noted above....Sippin some tea by Gritz may not put people on to Jesus - but it may make drinkin tea amoung strugglin christians who used to sip bub find a healthy social ulternative for relaxation - A persons entire spiritual life cannot be reflected in one cd - I have some ?'s - Those who appose Gritz music - as a christian/ leadler have you ever sworn - I have - Have you ever said a dirty joke - I have - these things are wrong - but you don't hear this in Gritz music...So I think if most of us were as critical with our own lives as we are with christian music I think we'd be better off - As far as whether or not chistian rappers should listen to secular rappars - Those who take the position that we should not and then refer to artist like 116 and CMR as alternitive artists should begin to listen closely - Da Truth on his Open Book Album quotes " Like ya boy on tha Blue Print who did it his way and before he left said I'm an example that crime do pay" - This line is from Jay Z - Da Truth listens to Jay Z right? Again, not as entertainment but to be culturally aware and to develope a response - I love Da Truth - I do feel that Grits could benifit from a little correction or wisdom in the since that the bragging and boasting/infisis on material things - even if it is playful sometimes makes it dificult to identify there motives - but I refuse to even for a second says that they are not of the faith or a falling away from it - I copped the cd and liked it - it didn't make me grow - but it's rap music - growth really is what we have the Bible for - I don't know if I said it all but I love everyone on this page and I hope that we can all do a self examination - Who knows maybe the holy spirit will convict Grits to be as Christ infused as CMR etc - in witch case I'm sure we'd all be bangin them - I'll be bangin em regardless as long as they profess the faith and stay wholesome and positive-

Smashin all suckaz (secular hip hop)
written by Twon Lee, March 18, 2008

People like yall have been baggin on Grits since they came out! No I dont agree wit their secular hip-hop choices but maybe they are using it to give us more smash hit records! Personally I wanna see Grits work wit 116 Clique and many other of the great gospel rappers. We just need to pray for them.

...
written by Twon Lee, March 18, 2008

I love Grits! I dont think there departing from God, I think they wanna get appricated for their songs about God just as much as dumb songs like crank dat soulja boy!!!!Everybody slips every once in a while and we as fans and CHRISTIANS shouldnt be so quick to judge. Grits keep doing ya thang but keep it Jesus!!!!!!!Peace!

...
written by Tmac, February 26, 2008

Stop sticking up for these guys, There walking the line between the world and Christ. They do this on purpose in order to maintain their image as well as pretend there glorifying Christ in their songs. There's to many other good Christian rappers out there, that blow these guys out of the water!!

More than an image
written by Pugs, January 09, 2008

Remember, we must have more than an image, but we must be real. And what we do when nobody knows is what makes us real. They didn't have that stuf in the CD player but lie on the interview to uphold an image. They were honest. As Timothy D said, we need to slow down and make sure we have the beam out of our own eye before we try to worry about the speck they have in theirs. Would I have something else in there, yeah. But I can't tell other people what to like to listen to. If I want Ludacris, I'll get Tedashii and get the same flow and beats with a beautifully different lyrical content. If I want TI, I'll get Trip Lee, and if I want Jay-Z, I;ll get Da t.r.u.t.h. I can get anything the world has but I will choose someone else who is going to tell me the things I need for my spiritual edification. These brothas came to my church and performed, and I thought they were alright then, and I think they are alright now. I just hope they keep God first and give him ALL the glory. And if they fall short, I hope that we are all praying for them to get up and fight the good fight of faith and win. We must also understand that there are levels for us. For younger Christians, T-Bone and Grits are very good starts, while 117 and CM are giving messages deep in the word. So if you are on the steak level, don't worry about someone else needing milk and getting it, and don't be mad at the milk man for bringing milk to those who need it while you are down in the meat section asking the butcher for top sirloin and filet mignon. Keep getting yours.

...
written by Too Good, November 22, 2007

A little disapointed as well but they are still my brothers in the Lord and are still anointed to do what they do, so lets just pray for them. Oh I was gonna buy their cd this weekend and still am.

Grits - "ROCK ON"
written by Joan, November 15, 2007

Hello,
I am a 47 year old woman and I am sick and tired of hearing that same old garbage about Chrisian Artists who are trying to minister to a certain group of kids. There is not a Hip-Hop fan in the world who would not LOVE these guys music. Can you tell that I have been in Youth Ministry??? As far as parents who have teens listening to this music, this music is NOT for the parents it is for the kids and I hope that your not telling your kid that you don't like their music especially 11-18 year olds because if you don't like what they do, it sends a message loud and clear (in their minds) that you don't like them. Talk about throwing up a wall between you and your child, WOW, that will do it. Relax and thank God for Christian Music and Artists. Why would you complain in the first place if your kids like Christian Music, are you out of your minds??? I will be praying for you all who are being critical. Also, this is the Artist's preferred style of music - so go do it to it - GRITS!!! You guys rock and don't even listen to those people because I can guarantee you that God LOVES what you are doin' and please don't stop. To those of you who are being critical, well, SHAME ON YOU.

God Bless You, Grits!!!

humilde
written by judah arbis, November 10, 2007

I just prayed for them both. That type of pride'll get a man hurt. God's gonna knock him down. I ain't sayin it to hate. I'm sayin it cause I know from experience. I got introduced to them through Dichotomy A, the liner notes were very telling, as were the lyrics. Unfortunately, I'm not surprised at all by this. Looks like he's tryin to take some of those talents and bury them in the ground. If you read the verse, it fits in with his declared aims. 1stCor.13

my son
written by mamma, November 05, 2007

my 14 year old son is a huge fan of Grits. I have followed their music for a few years. Tonight I watched the video for "Open Bar" I have to say there is a fine line and your on it. All my son could talk about was "look at those grillz" If thats what he is going to take away from "Christian" holy hip hop???....I pray the thoughts of our young teens will enter all "holy hip-hopper" minds before saying their stepping out for Jesus. And above that...If Jesus is who is to be glorified in your music...why all the "hype" Your right ...Jesus is for everyone...but He dosent become someone or something for us ...He is Holy, unchanging, and above all...we should become something for Him...To God be the Glory..

-1

True ambassadors of Christ
written by Tmac, November 01, 2007

True men of God:
Lecrae, Trip Lee, Tedashii, Flame, Da Truth, Ambassador, Phanatik, Tonic, Tru LIFE, Sho Baraka, Shai Linne, K-drama, Dillon Chase, JR, Thi'sl, Json, Cam, Diamone

What?
written by Tmac, November 01, 2007

Grits needs praying for, Glory needs to be given directly to Christ through their songs, but it doesn't.......their songs are watered down....yea, they might mention the word Jesus in their songs, but what meaning do they put behind the name....the true christian has no fellowship with the world, so how can these so called men of God listent to music from Beyonce, nelly fertado, outcast and Ti, come on!!

COOL
written by AWESOME, October 26, 2007

Grits are awesome, my life be like ooh aah

but seriously, secular music, listen ppls. I don't own any secualr. but these guys are song writers. like there one songs it goes, "go'in 90 down hell's highway depsite lifetime preach'in." well they might've got the idea from a song that possibly goes, "I went to church and it's all made up so hell here I come" SEE they use it for inspiration not for enjoyment

Take it easy brodas
written by Dusky, October 24, 2007

I think we should pray more for the Gritts,even though i am not in support of them mentioning those guys in a holy hiphop site,that is supposed to encourage christians especially our younger ones.They should understand that they are not only entertainers but ministers and role models to christians everywhere.I think they should emphasize Jesus more and not themselves.I do not judge them though, but i pray the lord gives them more understanding. Take it easy brodas

Hey!
written by Keith Brian, September 10, 2007

well hey wishing you guys the best! all I wanted to say is that I really like your song ooh ahh its the best song ever you guys rock!!!! well laters take care!!!

may God bless you guys and gives you blessings!!!

calm down
written by chris g, August 25, 2007

I think people are reading too much into this. I have heard countless Christian artist say they get their insperation from cecular artist. And I am sick of people saying they don't put God in their lyrycs. People say the same about T-bone too, and its not true, God is their, just read them. Like what pettidee says, "rappers get hit hard and its a 100 time tougher when you rap about God". So maybe we as christian should be more uplifting and not so quick to judge.

Souled out or sold out?
written by SLICKITO, August 09, 2007

I don't like hatin'on ppls but come on guys, where is the substance in what u talk about? Can u testify about JESUS when u bump that type of evil music. It's always about CHRIST not y'all. I ain't perfect but if I were y'all i would watch my back!

Slow Down
written by Timmy D, July 03, 2007

I've been a DJ in the Christian radio world for almost 20 years, and one thing I've always encouraged listeners to do is be VERY slow to judge and VERY quick to keep an eye on their own lives, because on Judgment Day the Lord is not going to ask any of us for an opinion on Grits or any other artist...He is going to ask us about us, one by one...so if you feel Grits is on the wrong path (as much as you could possibly know from one interview), pray for them and get back to your own life to make sure you're on track with Him. I would hope none of us would be judged by one or two comments we might make at any given point in our lives and that people would be gracious towards us...as for the comments about listening to Beyonce et al, are you assuming they listen to enjoy the lyrics, or perhaps (my guess is) instead could it be possible they listen to her & Ludacris etc to chew on what mainstream music is offering as they (Grits) works on their own sound? This is NOT saying they copy; rather, it is entirely possible they are looking to simply observe what's going on in the musical culture and keep pace (if not move ahead). I've promoted Grits in concert (about 4-5 years ago), had them on my radio show multiple times, and I have a lot of respect for them. One quick story. I used to work with a child sponsorship organization called World Vision while I was the morning DJ on 990 WZZD Philadelphia. The focus was to sponsor one child a day on the average to, among other things, emphasized the power of one. Over a 5-year period, about 1300 children were sponsored taking this approach. It was a great privilege to be a part of. During these 5 years, I had many hundreds (literally) of guests from all walks of life--music, sports, etc., and during each show I spoke about World Vision at least 2 if not 3 or 4 times. One day I had Stacy in-studio as a guest and spoke about World Vision before going to a commercial break. We had not gotten our sponsor for the day yet, and when I went to the break, Stacy said, "I'll do it." He is the ONLY artist out of the literally hundreds who said "Why not me? Why can't I be a sponsor?" instead of figuring he's the artist, he doesn't have to do that sort of thing (not to put down the other artists; I'm just saying that was a very neat thing for Stacy to do). He told me off the air, and I did not mention his sponsorship on the air--it was just something he chose to do to help. This is the Stacy I know. All of that said, I still go back to praying for Stacy & Teron and encourage you to do the same. You or I will never really KNOW them the way their closer circle does and certainly not like God does, so if there are things that concern you make sure to pray for them at least as much as you might talk to another fan about them.

grits, Hypocrites
written by Prophessor, June 30, 2007

Someone needs to check out bonafide on this video called sounds of war
he talks about how we should be careful what type of music we should listen too and how secular music affects us
then he say he listens to secular music
bad bad bad

come on
written by Jeff McMillan, June 17, 2007

im a huge fan of grits and i love gospel rap but when i read you guys had beyonce ti ludacris etc in your cd players i was wondreing why you didn't mention any gospel hip hop / rappers i mean come on

Ridin the fence
written by Jimmy, May 23, 2007

C'mon boyz keep it Jesus!!! ...Keep it JESUS!!!

Grits owe fans an explanation
written by rachel, May 17, 2007

I've loved GRITS from the time I discovered holyhiphop. I've been encouraged, inspired and jazzd by their rhymes and flows whenever there was nothing else to listen to but beyonce, nelly furtado and ludacris singing about booty, promiscuity and hos.

AND NOW THAT'S WHAT COFFEE IS ON? GRITS OWE ME, AND ALL CHRISTIAN HIP HOP HEADS, AN EXPLANATION. Preaching water then making your congregation feel stupid...

I still got love for but, please!

Dont be a half&half christian!!
written by Tangela, May 15, 2007

I used to like Grits the only songs I like is "Tight wit these" and "OOh ah..." But when they said Beyonce,TI,and Ludicris is in their cd player and NO GOSPEL OR GOSPEL RAP artist then how are you praising God with that come on now!!!

grits
written by elmo, May 05, 2007

i love grits...idk wut everyones problem iz wit dissin on them...but they really do have a good message. u need to read the music and understand wut they're sayin before u go judgin them. id like to see all of u ppl get out there n do wut they do, itz not easy....

???
written by jenns, May 02, 2007

what type of mess is this?! These guys arent Christian rappers rapping for Christ, they are rappers who just happen to be Christian. Im glad I have been able to invest in music that is more about glorifying God than this.

...
written by Conduit, May 01, 2007

wow listening to ludachris , beyonce, ect..and you would want to work with them.... so people can know who you are ...wow ...and then smashing all suckas... ?????

...
written by Wesley, April 17, 2007

grits is dope, my favorite from them so far is "we don't play" feat. Manchild.

...
written by chyna, April 10, 2007

i dont under stand yall aint u supposed 2 be talkig bout god not tryin to get yall name out but to spread the works of christ well jus know yal lost 25 fans because of this

...
written by Paden Rourk, April 10, 2007

GRITS has to be the numero uno christian hip hop duo ever

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