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f you’re looking for an old school rapper bringing new life to the sound, look no further than Anthony Harper. Known as Mr. Gra$$ when he’s performing, Harper is known for bringing passion to everything he does. His formative years helped craft the artist and community leader he has grown into today, and while his lyrics are personal and innovative, his roots can be heard loud and clear through his style. Growing up in the Chicago projects near Stateway Gardens, Anthony Harper had an early love for writing. As early as fourth grade, he was lling notebooks with poems and words, alongside doodles and artistic beginnings.e poems quickly morphed into raps, inspired by music and break dancing he saw in the world around him. “I started practicing rapping and break dancing at home,while my brother played video games or watched wrestling on tv...I was always thinking of new things to write about or make up a skit or little stage play. My mom began to notice I was good at it and she began to buy me things like a double cassette radio with a lot of blank tapes. Mom bought me extra paper and pens because she saw that’s what kept me happy.” While Harper’s musical love continued to bloom, he contended with life in the projects. His father, known as Co ee, was involved in a local gang. Harper spent his teenage years hanging out with childhood friends and found himself getting into a bit of trouble. At the age of 18, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison. While he only served 5 years of that sentence, it was here that Harper fully committed to getting out and using music as his way o of the streets. Supported by his friends' belief in him, his venture into music transitioned from a casual hobby to a passionate drive.
While not making music, Harper supports other musicians and his home community of Madison. “I always wanted to be able to hold my own solo, but I really enjoy complimenting other voices and collaborating. I also develop talent. I helped develop Trap Pack JFK and many other Chicago and Madison artists.” Harper uses his connections locally and nationally to help others succeed. He is the owner and founder of Planting Seeds Ent, and strives to make a name for both himself and his kids. He also runs Great Minds on Business and has plans to create a full-edged record company, as well as a community business aimed at developing local talent further. Harper says, “I love working with the youth. I have a passion to teach the youth just as much as I want success for myself. I’d actually rather see the kids make it than me, but I understand that I have to help guide them and show them the way through.” He is an active and positive force in the black community in Madison, championing causes like youth safety, sports, and economic empowerment. From the release of his E.P. “Bout To Go Down” in 2000, to his newest track on YouTube “Kama Sutra One Uh Demangs”, his sound is consistently old school. His SoundCloud releases consistently showcase a smooth, controlled rap game, and tracks like “Shoulda Balled With Tupac” certainly invoke memories of rappers like Coolio and the song’s namesake Tupac Shakur. e last 20 years have helped hone his style, and each new release shows his growth as an artist. We look forward to more contributions from Anthony Harper, aka Mr. Gra$$, to the music world and our community. HARPER’S MUSIC CAN BE FOUND ON YOUTUBE, SOUNDCLOUD, AND DISCOGS.COM. FOLLOW HIS HAPPENINGS ON HIS FACEBOOK PAGE: ANTHONY HARPER.
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