Artist description The poet is a wordsmith, a master craftsman who creates lucid images through each stroke of his tool, his powerful and trusted pen. For Tyren “GRFX” Allen, his penchant for lyrical handiwork has genetic roots. When asked about the origins of his decision to become a poet, GRFX responds, “My grandmother was a writer, my father was a writer, so it only made sense that I would be a writer.” The world will surely be grateful for this literary inheritance once they hear the works of this dynamic artist. Why a singer? The answer also lies in his family ties. “My mother is a singer. My Godfather is a former producer in the 80’s. Singing and poetry just make sense as creative outlets.” GRFX was born and raised in Yonkers, NY, and first started writing and singing at the age of 9. He has consistently been involved with the arts of poetry and singing ever since. His first major performance was at the age of 17 at Fordham University. The emergence of this young, exciting poet was completed when he was first published in Fordham’s poetry anthology in 1991 and performed with Abiodun of the Last Poets, achievements that GRFX call two of his “biggest thrills.” Today, the Last Poets serve as “uncles” and mentors. Another one of his greatest accomplishments was his first live show appearance at the Red Room in 1994, where he performed with other noted artists Survival Sounds and Shariff Simmons. Illustrating his diverse tastes and comprehensive understanding of fine art, GRFX cites a myriad of different artists such as his father, Shakespeare, Dante, Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, Bill Withers, Octavia Butler and Sterling Browne as huge influences on his development as a poet and singer. His style can best be described as “kind of smooth, hard when needed; but complex without being complicated.” GRFX is a skilled conversationalist, and his storytelling ability is evident in all his masterpieces. His goal is to always take his audience on a sensual, exhilarating journey, and to “do something that people can look at as classic, timeless, something that is germane to any time period.” GRFX’s vision is one of collective support and growth. He seeks to make his art profitable, and to create financial opportunities not only for himself but for fellow artists as well. As he states, “I want to put money in the hands of myself and other artists while making art that we want to do, without catering to some corporate ideology.” This urge has led to the creation of the Bono Vox Media Enrichment Series. With the help of corporate America and other artists, like Mike Ladd and Jessica Care Morre, GRFX has created a music series that also inform indie artists with information on publishing, marketing and other industry “boardroom secrets.” he series also puts executives from media companies in classrooms to “show our children that there is more to music and film that the stars you see. There is the business of music and film.” GRFX’s resolute desire to remain true to his craft is further demonstrated when he declares, “I’m trying to do what I feel is right, without attempting to fit in, even if it may not work.” However, this does not mean that he wishes to produce works that are not accessible to all people. As he astutely proclaims, “I’m against making art that people don’t understand.” GRFX’s lyrical prowess and melodious sound has graced several recordings. His appearances include the Jazz Poets Society’s live album on 5th Child Records, the Eargasms poetry compilation on Manic/Mercury Records, Mike Ladd’s recordings on Big Dada/Ninja Tunes Records. GRFX has also teamed with Craig Knight, from the poetry collective A Touch of R.E.A.L.L.I.T.Y., and E. Joaquin, a former producer for Akynele & Queens’ Mussolini, to form the magnetic Saturn Return Music. GRFX has released his eagerly anticipated debut album The Beautiful Daye in the spring of 2001 on Underground Artworks Entertainment, LLC, distribution domestically by Groove Distribution. The world should prepare to be hit by an innovative, sonic force. GRFX is set to transform the poetry and music worlds with his intelligent, arousing tales and unique view of the world. Simply stated his legacy will be that of “an artist who did what he wanted and helped others do the same.” The beautiful daye is upon us. It is now time to sit back and bask in the glow of this radiant artist at work.

Music Style downtempo and soul

Musical Influences bill withers, gil scott heron, cream, jimi hendrix, donny hathaway, nina simone, aretha franklin

Similar Artists musiq, zero7

Artist History discography: mike ladd's easy listening for armageddon jazz poets society - poet's lounge jps, danja mowf, asheru (unspoken heard) - the cipha majesticons - untitled - to be released

Instruments vocals

Albums the beautiful daye

Location Brooklyn, NY - USA

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