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Atlanta Rapper Grip Plyaz Dies After Lengthy Battle With Cancer

Atlanta, GA - 

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.

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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.

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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.”

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.

You never know when your last time with someone will be. I knew Grip/Q for close to 20 years. I never saw him unhappy, no matter what was going on. He was funny as shit, crazy as hell and full of energy. He always checked on me, even when he got sick, he would check in and make sure me and my son were doing well. I'm going to miss him texting me random shit at all hours of the day. I laughed so hard every time we spoke. We spoke frequently, but I regret not seeing him more, especially after he got sick. Talk about somebody that could brighten your whole day. Genuine is an understatement. His heart was bigger than he was. You always think you'll have another chance to see someone or talk to them later because you're busy. From here on out, if I think about you, I'm calling or texting you.. because I don't want to take for granted that I'll get another chance. I did get to say goodbye, for that I am grateful. My condolences and love to the entire Hood family and to everyone in Atlanta that knew Grip and loved him. #Repost @itzcourtdigga (@get_repost) ・・・ #RestInHeaven #RestInPeace @gripplyaz ????? #Atlanta lost a real one. #Purp x #Wind x #Fire #gripplyaz

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I remember this pic like it was yesterday. So back in 2008 – I managed to book Proton a NYC show and talked the promoter into having Grip open for them. We all crammed into my apt in NYC I kept part time and had a blast. With the exception of Grip only bringing a windbreaker in the dead of winter in February and learning the art of layering! That's just one of the many memories I have of Grip. I want to think of you in my happy place , at the Royal at every single @thebrokeandboujee party, at MJQ , at Lennys , at SXSW , at Drunken Unicorn ! I want to always remember the time you bombarded my A3C stage after I told you you couldn't go on cause you missed your time but you still went on and KILLED YOUR SET! Pretty sure Kei and I almost got in a fight outside that night ?. I want to think of those late nights you came over to 940 Piedmont after a party and just chill. Or the time you damn near broke my ankles at piedmont park playing soccer with me ( y'all knew he was an amazing soccer star right?). QUENTIN GRIPPLYAZ HOOD influenced so many rappers out of ATL and it would kill me you never got your dues. But old and hopefully new atlanta knows where some of that sauce came from! I spent this morning praying and mediating while you transitioned. Transitioned to place where there's no more pain… where you can have an unlimited supply of PBRs and walk around with your shirt off showing off that "flat screen" … I have Thomas and Larry to thank for introducing me to you and the legend will live on. Rest in Power and Peace! Zaid , Kajuana , your momma , your loved ones , and all the folks that loved you are in my prayers! Atlanta lost a real one today. And remember ?F*CK THAT HIPSTER SHIT!????? #ripGRIP

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My guy @gripplyaz

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