Indie under the radar underground Hip Hop


Simon Grimes shares love of hip-hop in many creative ways
Simon Grimes shares love of hip-hop in many creative ways

By Jim Shahen Jr. Published 7:45 pm, Wednesday, February 22, 2017

    Grimes performing. Courtesy SImon Grimes


"I'm a laid-back guy, the quieter dude in the room, just chilling," said Simon Grimes. Based on his existing body of work and slate of upcoming projects, you may find that hard to believe.

Since 2004, Grimes has performed as an emcee and DJ under the name Sime Gezus. This past Christmas, he released the sports- and sociopolitical-themed beat tape "Black Quarterback." He's currently putting the finishing touches on a sequel to his 2013 hockey-themed beat tape "The Manly Cup" and working on his second solo album, to be released on the Loose Joints imprint he started.

In the midst of all this, he hosts a weekly radio show on Skidmore College-based 91.1 FM to promote local and underground hip-hop. It was out of this that Loose Joints began.

"Loose Joints started as a radio show," he explained. "It's the best two hours of my week, every Friday night. (I play) vinyl, CDs, music on cellphones, it's real loose.

"Over 100 different artists have come to promote and play tracks," Grimes continued. "It's evolved to be a good backdrop for people to music out and play shows. There's a lot I want to do, have some really good shows to bring the community together."

Loose Joints' first release was "Black Quarterback." It was a chance for Gezus to combine his passions for sports and crafting quality beats, while subtly weaving in commentary on being black in present-day America.

"I've always had a thing for beat tapes and sports, and I wanted to slide a little message in there without going over the top." Gezus said. "I used NFL clips on YouTube, DVDs and old VHS tapes, and cut them up to different samples. It was real fun to make. "

With part two of "The Manly Cup" nearly complete, Gezus' focus is on a solo rap album. His last was 2013's "Plutonium," recorded in conjunction with Big Malk. The new album will feature appearances by and production from other area DJs and emcees, pushing Gezus out of the natural comfort he has in making his beat tapes.

"I prefer underground, '90s style (rap)," he continued. "My lyrics are religious, some are positive, some are negative, and I try to stay conscious."

In 2012, Gezus made music his top priority, and while this may only be his second proper album, he's put out several different compilations and collaborations with other area emcees and DJs. But even before 2012, music was his passion, since first receiving the tape recorder that spurred his musical creativity nearly 20 years ago.

"I was probably 12 or 13, going with my parents to church," he recalled. "I would make little tapes of Pastor Jack and put them over the radio, and some of my friends were into it."

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