Badnews interview’s The Grit Boyz (Part 1)

Posted on Sunday, September 30, 2007

Word up Yo, this your man's and em, Big Destro coming at cha on the interview tip with our sideline hood reporter BadNews as he introduces Midwest newcomers, The Grit Boyz. On the wings of their debut release "Ghetto Reality in Texas" (which is in stoes now), the group sat down and kicked it with us last week to talk about themselves, their comeup, and a few things that they have on their mind. In closing, this is part 1 of a 2-piece interview with them, Part 2 will be coming soon...

Badnews: Ok ok, ok, first of what does GRIT stand for?

Poppy: (laughs)… it stands for Ghetto Reality in Texas. The “I” part is small so it’s spelled GRiT.

Badnews: Ok I got it. Now I can’t lie I messed it up a few times before I got it (laughs) ok now we can get started (laughs)… how did you all meet and form? Pretty Todd and Poppy already had deals didn’t they?

Poppy: Well in 2001, I was with Gameface (records), and I knew Lil’ O and Scooby they came about a year later we grew up on the label you know. We represent every word we spit.

Badnews: That’s what’s up. Now at this point, there is a plethora of artist’s independent and major that are coming out of Houston. What separates you from the rest of them?

Poppy: Well there a lot of people in Houston that have been rapping since ’92. You know there’s screw music, Rap-A-Lot, but what sets us apart is the way we come across you know? It’s the way we carry ourselves. Most people that never really been in H-town and they thinks all we do is swang, ride candy paint, but there’s more than that. There people out here struggling, there’s people that go to school and go to work. We rep everybody and try to show people that in our lyrics.

Badnews: Awright. Now you all were nominated for an Ozone award, when you got the call or heard the news, what were you doing?

Poppy: (laughs) Well honestly I don’t remember. I knew I said to myself “finally, were starting to make noise”, but this is another notch were showing progress. We got our little pat on the back and now its time push harder. Were with the big boys now and its time to put in work.

Badnews: I see what you mean; now the CD that’s dropped Sept. 25th is self titled. Which is Ghetto Reality in Texas for those of you who didn’t catch up yet reading (laughs)? You sort of answered this already, but what does Ghetto Reality means to you, and how are you showing the world your definition of a Ghetto Reality?

Poppy: Its just hood livin’. You have the D-Boys, the ones that are hustling and getting money, then the Dude scraping up a few dollars to go get some cigarettes or a drink, we rep the half-knot niggas. There’s nobody shooting or killing a million people or drive bys, that does go on but not as much as you think niggas do get shot, but basically trying to paint a picture of everything that goes down and what we been through.

Badnews: Ahh now that’s really real. Ok, now you have a Picture up on your website of Mr. Paul Wall himself holding a sign that reads “GRiT Boys in stores Sept. 25th”… how did you get Paul Wall on your street team? (laughs)

Poppy: (laughs) Man Paul is a brother from another mother. For those that don’t know, Paul went to college and I went to college too we always known each other, he helped him out a little on his first album by giving him ideas and melodies on certain songs. Paul is GRiT Boy he will tell you that (laughs)

Badnews: (laughs) That’s what’s up that name rings bells so congratulations on that alone. Ok so who is the king of the south?

Poppy: (pauses then laughs) I can’t comment on that. T.I. said he’s the king of the south so I guess he is (laughs) I’m from H-town so what I say is going to be bias but as long as we get checks accompanied by zeros then it doesn’t matter who the king is

Badnews: (laughs) I know what you mean that is what really matters. That was my little blogger question so pardon me. (laughs)

Poppy: (laughs)

Badnews: Now are there any artists that are with TVT or anywhere else you would like to work with?

Poppy: Well (Lil’) Jon… Pitbull do there thing. I wouldn’t mind working with some alternative acts on there…(pauses) I'd work with anyone whoever gives out good tracks and does there thing, if we can make a good track together then we can sit down.

Badnews: Ok, now do you get any grief from other adults or older people in your life that question your career path? You know like you shouldn’t be doing music?

Poppy: Well I did. I was going to college then I stopped because I wanted to focus on music. But at the end of the day, I'm responsible for my own life. They already lived there lives. I’m trying to do something positive. And I don’t care about fame or none of that shit. As long as I’m happy at the end of the day, which I am then that’s all that matters.

Badnews: Ok well that’s really it. Aside from telling people about the album which is out Sept. 25th, anything else you want to add.

Poppy: (pauses) Just go get the album Sept. 25th (laughs)

Badnews: (pauses) What more can you say I ain't mad at that (laughs) thanks for for your time

Poppy: Thank you! (laughs)

*NOTE I only interviewed Poppy. None of the other members could make it before my deadline. We couldn’t get them all together before I could post this. However I want to add that this definitely part one of the Grit Boys interview. Whenever the rest of the members want to chop it up get at me. I must stress that Scooby isn’t the leader or the voice of the whole group. So with that being said GRiT Boys interview PART 2 coming very soon!!!!!)

Source: BadNews - Writer for HipHopRuckus

-If you have any questions or comments for Badnews, hit him up by E-mail, MySpace or AIM (TimbNews)