Bakersfield rapper Grimstyles talks Music Videos, Live Performances, and Being Diagnosed With Cerebral Palsy (Full Interview)

"Nas' song "I Can" showed me that anyone could write a positive hit song."

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Mistah Wilson: Yo, Grimstyles! I can't express how much of an honor it is to finally have you here with us for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine! It's been a long time coming, but we're here. What's new?

Grimstyles: I am honored to be here! I have been a supporter of ThaWilsonBlock Magazine for years now, and I am so happy to see what it has grown into. Independent artists, much like myself, need all the help we can get in regards to getting noticed and heard. Thank you for all that you do to push Hip Hop forward, Mistah Wilson.

Mistah Wilson: For our audience reading this, would you mind giving us a quick background on yourself? 

Grimstyles: Sure! I am a rapper and songwriter from Bakersfield, California. I was born six weeks prematurely and I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at birth. I use Hip Hop as an outlet to deal with life's challenges.

Mistah Wilson: Mannn, we go all tha way back to when you dropped your music video for "Strong". I watched it tha other day and it is just so inspirational. You truly are a testament of strength and determination. What was it like making this song and shooting tha video for it?

Grimstyles: Man! Has it been that long?! Wow! I found inspiration for that song in adversity. Everyone goes through adversity at some point in their lives: Whether it's passing a test in school, or winning a football or baseball game - we all have experienced adversity. One night I was talking with a producer out of Boston, Massachusetts by the name of Mister K.A. and I told him this idea I had for a song. He whipped up the beat and sent it back to me in forty-eight hours, and we were off. I wanted to create a song that everyone could relate to and here we are! When it came to filming it, I drew inspiration from the rapper Hopsin; I was watching one of his videos where he was wandering around in a desert pondering the meaning of life. I took that concept and put my own spin on it - I spend the duration of the video trying to spread my own message of positivity.

 "Don't be afraid to share your songs and videos with the world - you never know what can happen."

Mistah Wilson: In 2016, you came thru to The Element event in Pasadena and rocked tha stage for us. What part of tha process do you enjoy most: making songs, shooting music videos, or performing at shows?

Grimstyles: That was a great night! I met some great people that night that I am still homies with to this day. Interestingly enough, my first couple of performances outside of Bakersfield was in Pasadena. I performed once at the SideWalk Cafe on Los Robles and then at Tha Element. You can actually watch my performance from Tha Element on my YouTube channel. I love being creative, and Hip Hop gives me the freedom to do that. I love all aspects of it from writing songs to shooting videos and performing. It's all art to me. To me, songs are how artists share their art with the world - music videos and live performances only enhance that further.

Mistah Wilson: Who are some musical figures that have influenced tha artist you are today?

Grimstyles: I was influenced by a couple different musical figures: I admire Nas for his vivid, gritty storytelling. Nas' song "I Can" showed me that anyone could write a positive hit song. That song received so much mainstream airplay, and I think it's underrated in Nas' discography. I admire Eminem for his storytelling as well; however, Eminem has the dexterity to spit bars and then write a Top 50 single if he wants to. Guilty Conscience is one of my personal favorite Hip Hop storytelling songs; the way that Eminem and Dr. Dre blended so well is a work of art.

Bakersfield emcee Grimstyles releases the music video for his single "Second Chance"

Mistah Wilson: If you could recommend only one of your songs to a new potential fan, which one would it be and why?

Grimstyles: There's so many songs I would recommend I can't pick just one. "Strong" or "Never Give Up" would be good choices if you are feeling down and need a pick-me-up. Another great song I would recommend: "Follow My Dreams". "Follow My Dreams" is about finding your passion and going after it. I believe that life is about happiness and fulfillment, so, no matter what it is, go after what you are passionate about. I picked those three songs because I believe they encompass my mission statement of spreading positivity the best.

Mistah Wilson: I enjoy your lyrics and appreciate how you open yourself up to share your story. What would you like to accomplish with your music?

Grimstyles: I appreciate that man, I really do. You have been one of my biggest supporters since the beginning and I cannot thank you enough for that. I want to inspire people through my music. I want to motivate people through my music. I want people to look at me and say: Because of you, I didn't give up. If I can inspire one person through my music, then I have done my job.

Mistah Wilson: Will we see an album any time soon? Why or why not?

Grimstyles: Yes, you will see an album soon. Creating an album is the ultimate goal; however, there's a lot of roadblocks in the way of completing the album. I have over one hundred songs recorded on my hard drive, but I have to work to get sample clearance and such and that can be a headache. I will keep everyone posted on when I will drop an album.

Mistah Wilson: What positive, encouraging words do you have for other aspiring artists out there?

Grimstyles: To all the aspiring artists out there: Keep going! There's people out there in the world who want to hear your art. Don't be afraid to share your songs and videos with the world - you never know what can happen. Anything is possible!

Mistah Wilson: Yo, Grimstyles! Thank you so much for coming thru for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine! It's been awesome!