GrindCity has been astonishing fans of all ages and races with its powerful live show, delivering the band’s rock/hip hop/soul/funk fusion type of sound that dazzles audiences with advanced musicianship and entertaining showmanship. Lead vocalist, rapper J-O commands the stage delivering his message with power and passion, while his rough edge is smoothed by the soulful sound of singer Damon Smalls. Ethiopian-born Gab Guma uses guitar as his second language, drawing influences from Jimi Hendrix to Tom Morrello to classical into his own unique style of rhythmic, powerful riffs and solos. Kevin Prendergast is a 19 year old bass-playing prodigy drafted from the Paul Green School of Rock Music All-Stars. John Ardito drives the band with his multi-talented musical background as a drummer. Grindcity has been compared to The Roots, Public Enemy, Living Colour and Rage Against theMachine.
Although GrindCity’s members hail from Philadelphia, PA, the band really emerged at the famed Longview Studios in Massachusetts, which has recorded legends such as the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith. “Hannibal,” written and recorded at Longview, quickly gained media attention and has been played on radio stations across the country. The song is an analogy that compares the historic journey of 2nd century warrior to J-O, who is leading independent artists into battle to grind it out towards success. “Hannibal,” like many of GrindCity’s songs, tells a meaningful story of life, strife and survival. GrindCity represents the voice of the people; people in the grind trying to make a living. They highlight current events to capture the essence of their times.
Grindcity performed "We Want America Back" at numerous Obama election rallies around Philadelphia and will be featured in an Obama campaign documentary about the grassroots political movement that swept the nation this year.
Philadelphia radio stations 93.3 WMMR-FM and 94.1 WYSP-FM have given airplay to Grindcity's sports anthems for the Phillies (Philly’s Red) and the Eagles (Go Green).
By having great performances at Wimbash 2008 and 2009 in Hartford, CT, GrindCity formed a working relationship and friendship with Doug Wimbish of Living Colour and recently GrindCity joined Living Colour for some dates of their “Chair in the Doorway” fall tour for 2009.
At a time when the future of hip-hop is being questioned, Grindcity offers a breath of fresh air for music lovers who desire timeless lyrics, ceaseless energy, and a higher meaning. Their combination of Rap, Rock, R&B and soul is a truly unique experienced that must be seen and heard to be appreciated.
GrindCity’s Accomplishments include:
-2009: September, toured with Grammy Award-winning band, Living Colour.
-2009: August, obtained sponsorship from international non-profit organization Ubuntu Educational Fund
-2009: May, endorsed by Live Nation for representation at the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA)
-2009: April, Opened for N.E.R.D. at University of Hartford
-2009: March, album release of GrindCity’s first full length album, GrindTaytaShipp
- 2009: January, Signed with Forge Recording
- 2008: December, “We Want America Back” featured on 93.3 WMMR-FM Jaxon's Local Shots, Vol.5 CD
-2008: September, Song “Emma Stone” written for and featured on WYSP 94.1’s DJ Metro’s weekend show.
-2007: Performed at CMJ Music Marathon; song “Hannibal” featured on CMJ Compilation CD
-2007: Starred in an internet-based reality series at unsignedartists.com
-2007: Recorded at world-famous Longview Studios in Massachusetts
