This article is part seven in a thirteen part series, on the artists from the Rhymesayers Entertainment label.  Rhymesayers Entertainment recently won URB Magazine’s Best Label of the Decade. The rappers covered in the series include BK-One, Atmosphere, Mr. Dibbs, Abstract Rude, Freeway, Brother Ali, Toki Wright, Eyedea & Abilities, Jake One, P.O.S, Evidence, Felt, and Grieves.

Grieves is an artist working in New York, with partner Budo, on a full length follow up to their first critically acclaimed album 88 Keys And Counting. It’s digital release in 2008 was a success, and in early 2010 after signing with Rhymesayers just a few months earlier, it was re-released on March 2nd. Grieves’ 88 Keys is an impressive release. It boasts 15 tracks – 16 on the original digital release – that are all completely original and sample free. They describe the album as “a combination of sining and rapping tethered together by guitar, horn, and keyboard driven instrumentals.”

Grieves was recently interviewed by Seth Feralin, and he had a few interesting things to say. This was a highlight for me:

Do you think you are successful?

I’m signed to my dream label, all my idols have become my peers, most days I laugh so hard I start crying, I travel around the world playing music, I’m surrounded by love and encouragement, and I have the best friends and partners anyone could ask for. Yes, in my mind and in my heart, I’m successful.

Over the next year we can expect to see Grieves at Soundset, and various other shows across North America. Watch for the follow-up to 88 Keys, which is said to be coming out fall 2010 – I fully expect their latent talent to shine through with the unbelievable support they’re sure to be getting from Rhymesayers.

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