When people think of Minneapolis out hip hop artists, the name one quickly associates is that of long time resident and out hip hop trailblazer Tori Fixx or the "White Lesbian Rapper" aka Alecia Leafgreen. Yet, they are not the only ones in the Twin Cities area doing their thing. There is a member of the new group of up and coming young and talented out rappers, and his name is GRANTHM. Here is our new artist spotlight on him:

Granthm is a pretty interesting name. What does it mean?

My name doesn’t mean anything to be honest. I got mine kinda like how Lupe Fiasco got his. I knew someone whose last name was Granthm and I liked it.Weird I know but shit, it had a nice ring to it so I've been using it ever sense.

Where do you call home, what city or area do you represent?

Minnesota is home...612. I represent Minneapolis though I was raised all over. Apple Valley, St.Paul for most my life though. Junior year I started coming to Minneapolis more and more and I've been here ever sense. It’s live over here. Shows, concerts, guys..Lol. Everythings over here. So yeah, I rep Southside Minneapolis till the end.

How long have you been rapping/doing hip-hop?

I've been rapping since '02 I think. I started doing the text thing like a lot of people these days it seems like. I decided to record in 04', and haven’t put a mic down sense.

What made you decide to be a hip hop artist who is out?

To be honest, I was doing music before I came "out”. Once I outed myself I kinda had to start over. I was about to start doing shows. I was messing with a few local acts who are doing their thing at the moment. Doing it well I might add. But for some reason, I don’t know, I decided to out myself. Felt right I guess. Then as I expected, people slowly backed off. Not on some homophobic shit, but we weren’t going in the same direction any more. We rap about the same shit, but to a different audience I guess. I'm happy to be out. It was a weight off my shoulders.

Who was the first out hip hop artist you ever heard of?

I think Johnny Dangerous. Im pretty sure.

Do you have any CDs or mix tapes out yet? Tell us about what you’re working on.

I’m working on "13.ombs" that’s the mix tape. It'll be 13 tracks. I’m being picky about it so I don’t know when it'll drop. Most likely early Oct. It's really me just flexing. So I didn’t really set out to make something for clubs or whatever. Me being random and doing something different, in my mind. Got a few collabs here and there but nothing major. Just something to hand around and get a buzz going.

What was the first hip hop record or CD you purchased?

To be honest, Im embarrassed to say it was "The Hot Boys-Gorilla Warfare". Paid 17 dollars for it too. Cheapo my ass. That was my shit at the moment though. Complete opposite of my taste now but man, that was my shit.

Describe your sound/style?

Lyrical/neo-soul/complete asshole. That’s my style.haha I like to be lyrical with it. I like to make people think. At the same time I like to be an asshole on a record. I like to say shit that people never expect. Basically my rap persona is totally opposite of me in person. I'm like fuckin Mr. Rogers to be honest. manners and all. But on songs I like to let it go...straight up like “how you doing, dont matter..fuck u" haha. At the same time my gentlemen side gets the best of me.Im a lover boy so yea..I get mushy. Not really into the whole songs about sex thing. As much as I like sex, it’s just not something I'd really rap about. M y sound is real underground hip-hop influenced. As a fan of Aesop rock, Lupe fiasco,doomtree,ect. I like to keep my lyrics deep.

Have you performed live yet? If so where can people see you live or get your

music?

Not yet. Once I get my mix tape done, I may start.

Who do you like musically (OHH artists and/or non-OHH artists)?

Joe budden,kanye west,copywrite,aesop rock,slug/atmosphere,doomtree,p.o.s,lupe fiasco.they stay in my headphones mostly.with a mix of santogold and some r&b here n there.

What are your plans/goals?

The mix tape is my plan.After that I'm on to the next one called "...Cause it appeals to h.i.m" .Which I can’t give too much info on. But yea.goals that I have now are mainly just to build. Meet whoever and do whatever.trying to "collab"my ass off. Get my name out there.

Any shout outs?

Yeah. Shout out to mistermaker,last offence,qboy,smokey..welcome back..lol,johnny dangerous,tori fixx!,cat eyez,Bry’Nt..I kno I forgot some of you, I’m sorry...everyone else whos doing their thing I guess.

and of course ghh.com and ohh.com...thank yall a bunch.

and of course some locals. doomtree,the watchmen,d.f.o.d.