This was an article in the Sun Sentinel newspaper that I never got to post as a blog. It was printed back in December in the Homegrown section. Good looking out on the interview Beth. The url is:

http://www.southflorida.com/music/sfl-homegrown.pg,0,546137.photogallery?coll=sfe-guide-4promos&index=28

E. Grizzly E. Grizzly

MP3: E. Grizzly -- Change the World

When E. Grizzly takes over the mike, he doesn't rap about expensive jewelry and cars.

"Most people don't have all that," he said. "I'm basically a regular guy. I try to make music that speaks for the people."

A Philadelphia native of Puerto Rican descent, Grizzly has been spreading his hip-hop message for the common man to average Joes for 11 years.

Grizzly, whose real name is Erik Tirado, said he earned his nickname on the streets of his hometown. "It's an urban term up North," he said. "Get on your grizzly. It means working hard to make money."

After moving to Miami in 2003, Grizzly continued to stay busy by performing at clubs and signing with the Miami-based record label Puerto Roc Records.

His recently released CD, Hip Hop Is Dead, earned Grizzly the shout out rap artist of the year at the 16th annual Los Angeles Music Awards. The honors, presented by LAmusiconline.com, were handed out Nov. 9.

Grizzly said another CD with Puerto Roc Records, The Revolution Will Be Televised, is due out in March.

Grizzly is booked 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursday at the Voices and Vibes open mike showcase at Troy's Package & Lounge, 2990 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-791-0120. Grizzly also frequently performs at the spoken word open mike nights on Wednesdays at Power Studios, 3701 NE Second Ave., Miami; 305-576-1336. Visit egrizzly.com and myspace.com/erikgrizzly.
(File photo)

Nov 30, 2006

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