Hip-Hop · US

Grand Agent

Gravel-voiced Philadelphia lyricism meets dusty, soulful loops. Intelligent boom-bap for late nights and urban commutes.

Browse Catalog
Intro

Grand Agent (Jared Taylor) is a pivotal figure in the late-90s and 2000s underground hip-hop movement, emerging from the fertile Philadelphia scene. His sound identity is defined by a 'gritty but articulate' vocal style, often compared to a more polished version of the raspy delivery found in East Coast hardcore rap.

Career-wise, he is notable for his 'By Design' debut which solidified his place in the indie-rap canon, followed by a unique period of expatriate living in Germany that influenced his later work. His cultural position is that of a 'traveling craftsman,' bridging the gap between US boom-bap and the European hip-hop scene, particularly through collaborations with Polish and German producers. Critically, he is respected for his technical proficiency and refusal to chase mainstream trends, maintaining a consistent 'adult' perspective on rap. His influence web connects the soulful production of the Soulquarians era with the rugged, independent spirit of labels like Rawkus and Landspeed.

Our Catalog8 Albums · 1998 · 2010
The Ghetto Ain’t a Place
The Ghetto Ain’t a Place
2010
Getting Away With Murders
Getting Away With Murders
2009
Adult Contemporary
Adult Contemporary
2008
UT
Under the Circumstances
2005
R
Regular
2005
Fish Outta Water
Fish Outta Water
2003
By Design
By Design
2001
LP
Lost Page Of The B-Boy Document
1998
The Sound · Center of GravityWeighted across the artist's discography. Tap a trait for examples.
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