Fly in Formation - Gritfall Interview
It’s not every 17 year old who I’ll play on #ATSIC. Not even as a talent thing, just because I try to stick to artists who I suspect might still be making music in 2 years (or 10 years). The reality is that there are a lot of 17 year olds who can probably rap a verse but don’t really have the dedication, or the surroundings, supports, or life plan to continue dragging themselves down the long road of artistry. BKRS CLB’s youngest member Gritfall is the exception there.
”Skate Home” rolls along like a skateboard on a sidewalk, each track like a single block of cement, smooth in short bursts with a bit of a changeup as the next begins, clicking by at regular (short) intervals with a standardized quality level. The dedication and skills built both by learning to kickflip and learning to write intricate lyrics are on full display, with smoothly delivered bars representing the highs and lows of Gritfalls’ Toronto life. The lyrics cruise along over self tailored beats that pay homage to RZA, MF DOOM, and Madlib’s dusty boom bap. While Gritfalls sound is still advancing, he’s well on the way to stomping the landing on something big, and he’s doing it with style along the way. Excited to see what comes next.
Speaking of up next, it was nice to talk to someone so young, get some perspectives that most of the 30 somethings who I’m usually speaking with don’t have to offer. That said, none of his views differed too wildly from what we normally hear from indie rappers across the country - he, like most of the people I play on #ATSIC, is driven, passionate, and confident that the music he makes satisfies the tastes of him and his peers. Beyond that, it doesn’t matter much.
We talked about his plans to set himself up with plenty of time to record during the days while most of his peers are still in school, his friendship and business relationship with Raz Fresco, and of course, his brand new album.
Go buy “Skate Home” at BKRSCLB.com, and check out the rest of the music and merch over there, it’s all top quality product.
I do these interviews on Twitch.tv/doobyis on Tuesdays, and if I’m not doing an interview I try to jump on to put together a new episode of After the Smoke is Clear, my mixshow where I play new release, under discovered Hip Hop from across the country. If you enjoy listening to new artists, supporting local musicians, and would rather listen to a cohesive hour long mix than a shuffled Spotify playlist, tap in. Do me a favour and tell a friend.
Stay Up.
