Biography: Che Grand

Rap music has grown to embody many different elements, however it largely lacks a self awareness of its own hyperbole. Grand is human rap music, joyful, painful, motivating, relative, edgy and eclectic. His lyrics and style are gritty yet eccentric, mixed with a balance of serious and facetious themes. Che's music is a true testament that hip-hop music does not have to be skin deep.

Banned from Sam Goody for bagging CDs, Che Grand's insatiable appetite for music cost him the privilege of buying it during his high school years. In a relentless pursuit to satisfy his hunger, coupled with timely advice from a cousin who was later tragically killed, Che Grand's hustle to create his own music took on a new meaning. While his peers found troubles in the streets, Che managed to stay out of harm's way. He diligently studied the work of legends such as Rakim, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, ATCQ and Busta Rhymes and routinely penned his own lyrics. What began as a hobby instantly transformed into an obsession, creating an avenue for Che Grand to perfect his craft.

Raised by Nigerian parents in London he had the privilege of being exposed to many different types of people, cultures, and most importantly, music. At a young age, Che Grand's relationship with music included an affinity for 70's, Jazz, Funk, Soul and Rock, to name a few. The diverse music selection that played throughout his home cultivated the artist you read about today. However, only one genre consumes his passion: Hip Hop. Formally known as Ricochet in the early 90's, Che's family relocated to Virginia. In tenth grade, three high school friends joined Che Grand in forming the group 5th Element. Stealing numerous wins in local talent shows and emcee battles bolstered his confidence, refined his stage presence, and flooded the community with buzz.

Che's vision began to materialize when he moved to Pennsylvania to attend college. A collaborative effort comprised of Che's lyrical talent and his younger brother Nan's unique skills in music production gave way to the production team, Midnight Heat Entertainment. A series of mixtapes (Flamethrowers 1.0 & 2.0, Dat Fire Vol. 1, and Introducing...Che Grand) and a video (currently in rotation on the local cable network, LUTV) have lent to an established Che Grand fan base in the Phila/PA area. A Freestyle Friday appearance on BET's "106 & Park" and opening spots on the bills of artists including Mos Def, NORE, and Mobb Deep mark Che as an emcee to keep on your radar.

Currently residing in Brooklyn, NYC, Che Grand released his critically acclaimed mixtape, "Final Countdown" earlier this year on Loud Minority Music. He is now gearing up to put out his latest offering "Official Bootleg Import" an EP that will consist of production from Big Nan, Suburb and The Beatmaker along with features from Tanya Morgan and P.S. "Official Bootleg Import" set for digital/store release this winter. Following the EP will be "Everything's Good Ugly" Che Grand's highly anticipated debut album in 2006.

back to artists