Transforming the Hip-Hop scene with his mix of the Creole language and popular Hip-Hop club mixes, Mecca aka Grimo has become a household name. He has been publicized as the phenomenon of Creole Hip-Hop. With cuts like “Ayisien”, “In Da Club”, “One 4 Da Money”, and most recently “Lean Back” better known in the Creole language as “Kage”. Mecca is dominating the Creole Hip-Hop stage. His name has traveled in various circles in the Hip-Hop community as well as the Haitian community performing with such artist as Wyclef Jean, Carimi, Lil Kim, NuLook & Sweet Micky to name a few.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., this multi-talented individual is the offspring of Haitian parents. His family moved to Queens, N.Y. when he was 6 years old. This is when and where Mecca adopted a love for the art of writing and reciting. The Hip-Hop vibe on the streets would greatly influence him. This art form would become a way of life for Mecca. In 1985 his parents relocated again, this time to the tropical regions of Miami, Florida. Since then Mecca has been on the entertainment scene serving as a catalyst for up and coming artists. He established ground in 1995 as part of a Hip- Hop album “Yes-N- Deed”, (Society / Luke Records) which allowed him to tour for 8 months. He became a road manager for several local artists and earned a degree in Acoustical Engineering. Having access to the studio, Mecca started putting together what is now Hex Battalion Music Group Inc. / Kreyol Konneksyon I Hex Records.
Mecca’s love for music in combination with his love for his heritage has helped him transform his art into a vehicle of hope and pride in the Haitian community. The younger Haitians embrace his mastery of lyrics and the way he finesses American club beats. The older Haitians embrace his drive to educate through music. Mecca is also a Spoken Word Artist / Poet. In the recent celebrations of Haiti’s Bicentennial, Mecca drafted a poem in Creole about the struggle and history of his people. He has incorporated this poem in his show to revive the pride and love that has been so smeared by the recent political unrest.
Mecca aka Grimo resides in Miami, Fl. and continues to perform locally and abroad. He has been traveling to various cities promoting a Mix CD, “Kreyol Konneksyon”, which features some of the cuts he has done thus far. The CD is mostly renditions of popular hit songs in Creole and English. It features other artists who are also in efforts to establish “The Creole Hip-Hop Movement”. He just released a video for his second single “Kage” the Creole remix of Fat Joe’s “Lean Back”. This cut has definitely hit the scene with people buzzing about how hot it is. His follow up single “Creme de Ia Creme” is soon to be released in Europe, the Caribbean and the United States in early 2005. Mecca aka Grimo’s emanate success is near and you all heard it here first, this artist is making a name for himself and representing his culture. For additional information check the official website at www.MECCAakaGRlMO.com
Mecca also featured in an indie film project called Kidnappings, by The Miami Film Group. Commenting on the focus of the film, Mecca commented, “It’s about a hot topic in third world countries right now, especially in Haiti.” He added, “The topic speaks for itself. The purpose of the movie is to shed some light about why some of these kidnappings are happening. It also is a movie about power and control.”
Mecca went on to discuss how he had been hearing many rumors concerning frequent cases of kidnappings in Haiti He mentioned how since his last visit 11 years ago, he did not know what to expect this time around. Such stories of kidnappings have increasingly discouraged visits and tourism to the island nation. However, while being in Haiti, Mecca experienced a different scenario. He commented, “Ever since I started taking on this Hip-Hop Creole movement to the next level I knew it was a pilgrimage I was going to have to do ... Haiti is a Paradise.” He added, “It’s true it has been neglected. The rural streets need to be paved. Lots of businesses are closed. The hustle is on strong out there. Life is hard because everybody is making a living the only way they know how. If you look at the landscape you’ll be amazed. Haiti is the most beautiful island you will ever see. I got chills going through the valleys and the mountains. The water is as blue as you can imagine! Again I'll say it was Paradise.” For additional information check the official website at www.kidnappings.org
Bax Family
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