A NIGHT OVER SOUTH 2019 — Melodic Noise

A Night Over South returns May 18, 2019 to the Fallout Urban Art Center (2609 Stevens Ave. S) with headliner Skip Grandz, and performances by Elique Vaughn and Cariah Brinaé. A Night Over South will be collecting non-perishable food items from all attendees, talent and staff to benefit the FUAC food shelf. An all local line-up makes this one of the must see Hip-Hop events of the summer. We chatted with Skip Grandz earlier this month about their career, influences, and what it means for them to be headlining A Night Over South.

(Melodic Noise) How's your day going?
(Skip Grandz) Day is going well, just finished working. Outside watching my daughter shoot some baskets. How about yourself?
(MN) Good. Relaxing and playing fetch with my cat.

(MN) So, I wasn't able to to find a lot about Skip Grandz online, can you fill me and readers in on your background to this point?
(SG) So I've been on a hiatus for a few years. Had put out a few projects in the cities that were well received. I initially dropped my "Autobiography" mixtape, and sold 4K physical copies basically downtown mpls. Put out my debut album "Yooowww Mewsik", which was all original music with features from Gorilla Zoe, Max B & the Cheddar Boys. Dropped a mixtape called the "Doobie Brothers" (Me & my producer Drew Doe). That was hosted by Peter Parker that came inside of a baggie instead of a cd case & included a rolling paper in the packaging.

(MN) I saw you recently put out a new video "Insomnia", does that signal the end of your hiatus? Are you working towards putting out another project?
(SG) Yeah I've got a few new videos I'm going to be dropping in the next couple months. Most likely an EP as well still discussing that. Also have had music featured on TV shows in the past, most likely exploring that avenue again as well.

(MN) Very cool. Which shows?
(SG) Jersey Shore, Real World, Royal Pains, Black Ink crew, also had a song on the Fast & Furious 6 video game

(MN) Is there a story on how you settled on the stage name Skip Grandz?
(SG) So it's kind of a combination, Skip, came from skipping school. And Grand Ave is the street I grew up on. So I just threw a Z on that bitch!

(MN) Speaking of growing up, who were some of your musical inspirations growing up? Any one from the Twin Cities?
(SG) Jay-Z, Pac, Big, Snoop, Cam'Ron, Eminem. And I'm yeah from the cities Toki Wright & the Street Kings I always looked up to.

(MN) Who are some of you favorite current artists and do you have any favorites from the Twin Cities?
(SG) Really listening to a lot of the new R&B lately, Daniel Caesar, Frank Ocean, Bryson Tiller. Rap wise I really fuck with the whole Griselda tough, especially Gunn & Benny. My favorite Twin Cities rappers I'm pretty sure all locked up lbs. Hagi, Lil Vo, King Nite.
(MN) I'm not familiar with some of those, I'll make sure to check them out.
(SG) Underground street shit

(MN) Who are your dream collaborators?
(SG) Timberland & Alchemist. Timbo cuz u never know what we could create, and Al got that rugged shit, that's what I really rock with

(MN) What makes the Twin Cities an ideal place for your career instead of one of the coasts?
(SG) Honestly that's a good question, I guess I really never thought about "moving to make it". (As some people put it). I just feel the people close to me (friends, family, associates) are what makes me & create the experiences that turn into the music. Also being familiar with the music structure here & players in the city is helpful.

(MN) What does it mean to you to be headlining 'A Night Over South'?
(SG) It signifies a new chapter within music, to reintroduce myself & introduce to others. Very appreciative of the platform, and feel like it's a unique event.

(MN) Can you speak to what makes it a unique event and what fans can expect when they attend?
(SG) The venue it's held at, the forum, only having a few performers. They can expect a lot of energy, we like to make it a party when we perform. Nothing robotic, never know what could go down
(MN) Sounds like a fun time.

(MN) What message do you hope fans take away from your music?
(SG) To be yourself & do what makes you satisfied. & enjoy everything cuz nothing lasts

(MN) What’s your next big goal in your career?
(SG) 15-30 city tour always wanted to reach that plateau. Where your music is out there to the point your name is popping from state to state.

(MN) Anything else you want to promote or shout out before I let you go?
(SG) Just to follow on social media @skipgrandz for new videos & updates! Check out the new "Insomnia" video

Check out the video for”Insommnia” by Skip Grandz below, also check out music from Elique Vaughn and Cariah Brinaé. For tickets and more information click here.

Interview by: Andrew Perrizo