Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Grindz.
Hi Chris, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’m Chris Grindz MC, vocalist, songwriter, record producer, and skateboarder. I’m independent, and my Label is Confisakted Nation. I’ve done crazy shows with Grammy award-winning artist like 21 Savage & Lil Durk and skated with skateboard Legends like Steve Caballero & Tony Hawk
Right before the world went into Quarantine, I was in Venice skating looking to make my way on a LA stage. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, I earned a name freestyle rapping in local ciphers until I eventually started landing shows in the city, “He’s known to enter a cipher and steal the show” & is “one of the town’s most valid up-and-coming MCs” – Tef Poe, Riverfront Times. In my hometown, I became “one of the city’s go-to rappers for touring hip-hop artists. He has opened for Freddie Gibbs, Young Dolph, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Durk, and more.” – Kevin C Johnson, St. Louis Post Dispatch
While skating around to get a feel for LA, I received a call from one of the owners of Sk8 Liborius to host the Red B Corner Stone skate competition back in St. Louis. Prior to leaving for LA, I was running a skate shop in an STL county ironically named Maplewood. That shop was the catalyst to getting the Maplewood Skate Park built. After the shop closed, I figured that I had made enough waves in both the Hip Hop & Skate Scene, and it was time to venture out to the skateboard capital, California. Although I was loving the LA lifestyle, I took the opportunity back in St. Louis, and that led to me getting on the board of directors and hosting the competition and other events for 2 more years.
I began to get comfortable with my position and influence as a Skate Liborius board member, and although I was doing shows in St. Louis, I knew I had to get back to LA. Then the unthinkable happened: Sk8 Liborius burned down.
Sometimes, side quests are worth doing because they build character, but when you get too comfortable on a side quest, you may forget what the main quest was. But then again, I believe everything happens for a reason. Now I’m back in Cali, hitting an LA stage. The Legendary “Whiskey a go-go” I’ll be there May 9th. Doors open at 6 pm. Shout out to Colin Rich & Di’Jon Lavell. My next Single drops the day before the show, “Self-Incrimination.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been smooth, but I also can’t complain. So far, hell of a ride.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I think I may have explained what I specialize in and what I’m known for. I’m most proud of my kids. What sets me apart from others, honestly, is I’m not faking anything. I’m just living life as an independent musician and skater, contributing to both cultures.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Skating is a risk in itself and I apply that to all aspects of my life. Even pro skaters fall, so as long as you anticipate that, get back up, and keep pushing, you can push through.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisgrindz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisGrindz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grindz-ab31819a
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrisgrindz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisGrindz
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/chrisgrindz
- Other: https://www.songkick.com/artists/8602459-chris-grindz
Image Credits
Dej Meyer
Brian Cummings
