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.
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.”
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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.
