Gripp is an unsigned rapper out of Rhode Island who's just uploaded his full-length debut, As Knowledge Kills Beauty -- and as the title suggests, it's a testament to razor-sharp, intelligent lyrics, with the tight production that indie hip hop often lacks.

Gripp's flow takes tracks from hands-in-the-air party anthem to aggressive battle rap to heady slam poetry, and barely misses a beat. "Part of the problem is you pointin' your Glock / Instead of the point of your pen / I got a point do I not" he spits on the triumphant opening track "Weaponry". What's crucial about this album is that he sounds confident -- not in the forced "best rapper alive" way of too many underground lyricists, but sounding like someone who's got a message and style he believes in.

Here are some key recs to get you started:

Sceritz Rec'd this on Jan 11, 2008:

Street Cred: 51 Rec's: 3

  Listen to Weaponry by Gripp

Track: Weaponry ( $0.32 )

Album: As Knowledge Kills Beauty

Artist: Gripp

“Powerful lyrics that stick to a creative concept, amazing beat, hype hook, good stuff”

mreplatinum Rec'd this on Feb 23, 2008:

Street Cred: 18 Rec's: 1

  Listen to The Fall by Gripp

Track: The Fall ( $0.18 )

Album: As Knowledge Kills Beauty

Artist: Gripp

“Nice dude, "Consumed by sardonic justice that blooms like a black dandelion" Haha I was crackin up on that and "....But I hate you....Can't think of a way to replace the missing bricks without tearing down the whole wall...Its a hassle really" ”

Support some real hip hop and cop this album!

Additional Tracks:
I Rhyme Better Than You
The Fall