We’ve watched Grieves‘ onstage evolution of “Scar Gardens,” we’ve laughed our asses off at a very special “Whoa Is Me” performance and we’ve seen him tear up “Shreds” during his run as Crave’s Artist of The Month, but the gap-toothed Rhymesayers spitter has plenty more fire to offer before June is through.
The man born as Benjamin Laub has blossomed into a lethally excellent spitter, on a killer streak of performance and perspective following the release of his fourth album Winter & The Wolves. The record blossoms widely beyond Laub’s poetically lush 2011 Rhymesayers debut Together/Apart, depicting relatable struggles through poetically lush & vivid lyrical narratives that indicate not only a sharp upward trajectory of personal evolution, but a determination to connect to a core humanity. Melancholic rhymes over deliciously minimalist slow-drip production combines for an atmospheric weight that convey the lyrics’ hardships and heartbreaks, but isn’t mired in negativity and gloom.
We caught up with Grieves backstage at Swing House during our exclusive session taping, to discuss the power of honesty through music and the need to avoid fabrication. He recounted inspired childhood memories of sitting under the piano, listening to his grandfather play, before exploring the dynamics of the Rhymesayers family, and the ecosystem that’s buoyed by the success of the label’s de facto godfather, Atmosphere.
Check back on Thursday for the final CraveOnstage performance from our Artist of The Month session with Grieves!
While you’re at it, keep up with Grieves at his official site, as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
