The Atlanta Hip Hop community suffered a major loss on Thursday (June 8). Quentin “Grip Plyaz” Hood, a stalwart of the scene who mentored the likes of Trinidad James and Two-9, died this week after battling cancer for two years.
In 2015, Grip was diagnosed with stage three pleomorphic sarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer. A surgery that removed 80 percent of the cancerous tissue did not provide positive results as the cancer quickly returned and forced him into radiation. His rough battle with the disease was extensively profiled in a piece by Creative Loafing’s Gavin Godfrey.
Earlier this week, Grip suffered a cardiac arrest as the cancer spread throughout his body. He fell into a coma and passed away just a few days later, according to a flood of social media posts from his family, friends and artists he influenced.
Grip got his start in 1995 as part of the Knobodies, who were managed by Quality Control Music founder Kevin “Coach K” Lee. After the duo broke up, Grip embarked on a solo career and found new heights in the 2000s. He became an associate of Yelawolf, who made him part of the Slumerican family. Grip’s versatility allowed him to collaborated regularly with traditional Hip Hop acts like Collective Efforts and trap artists like Slick Pulla.
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In the late 2000s, Grip created the anthem “Fuck Dat Hipster Shit.” The track became his most well-known song, receiving substantial blog coverage, getting featured on Killer Mike’s 2009 compilation Underground Atlanta and becoming an immensely popular record in his hometown.
Over the course of Grip’s career, he would release three full-length projects – 2005’s CUMGITSLUM, 2008’s GRIP HOP and 2012’s Purp, Wind, And Fire – along with two EPs – 2010’s 6Pack Vol. 1 and 2014’s reTURNT To Sender. His style showcased a different approach to Atlanta rap, ostensibly becoming a forefather to many rappers who blew up over the past five years.
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While Grip’s music was enough to establish a legacy, his guidance of fellow artists added to an impressive resume. Grip helped artists such as Key! break into the game and motivated Trinidad James to release the hit single “All Gold Everything.”
The death of Grip has sparked an outpouring of love on social media from inside and outside of the Atlanta scene. Check out the many condolences below. HipHopDX wishes the best to Grip’s friends and family, particularly his son Zaid, during this difficult time.
Long live @Gripplyaz it was an honor to know you bro ! Everytime we've seen each other it was always love! This sucks man .. it really does
— K A N E U S A (@CardoGotWings) June 8, 2017
Rest Easy @Gripplyaz . One of the first niggas to see potential in so many of us. Atlanta legend
— Venus & Doc (@EarthGang) June 8, 2017
GRIP Plyaz…RIP https://t.co/1ENqgZ5g9p
— Ray Murray (@dungeoneze) June 8, 2017
RIP to the brother Grip Plyaz. "Members Only" with Hollyweerd & Proton will forever jam.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) June 8, 2017
Rest In Paradise to OG/ true Atlanta Legend and someone I really look up to and respect @Gripplyaz. Atlanta lost a true son
— underrated. (@mOneyMakinNique) June 8, 2017
RIP @Gripplyaz…You fought a long, hard battle bro. Sipping some Limon Pepino for ya today ??
— Spree Wilson (@SpreeWilson) June 8, 2017
thank you for everything. one of the last real ones left. beautiful man with a great soul. we miss you already. real ATLANTA.❤️??
— tape. (@retroJACE) June 8, 2017
Man … I'm sorry Grip … so sorry .. why did it have to be you .. ❤️❤️❤️ love you forever @Gripplyaz
— Ball Mccartney (@REESElaflare) June 8, 2017
RIP @Gripplyaz ; a true ATL legend. so glad i got to see u rock the stage a few weeks ago one last time. #BallersEve family forever.
— JDR. ⛈ (@JayDotRain) June 8, 2017
RIP @Gripplyaz … Damn.https://t.co/oqef6GDzJi
— gravedoggy (@Kosherbeets) June 8, 2017
Cheers to you my friend. @Gripplyazpic.twitter.com/TpV4NXcG6x
— WLPWR (@WLPWR) June 8, 2017
RIP @Gripplyaz ??.
— Wally Sparks (@djwallysparks) June 8, 2017
RIP big brother @Gripplyaz.. Atlanta lost another legend…don't take shit for granted #fuckcancer
— Corporate Ethereal (@ETHEEEREAL) June 8, 2017
bro plz don't tell me this is true my bro Grip passed away
— ? TOTX ? (@TheOutfitTX) June 8, 2017
Damn! … Rest In Power to my brother @Gripplyaz great human being, pioneer to this current rap world … u will be missed homie
— Mic Terror O.P.S.N. (@MicDaTerrible) June 8, 2017