Tee Grizzley: The Detroit Rapper Making Waves in the Hip Hop Scene

Detroit native Tee Grizzley burst onto the hip hop scene in 2017 with his breakout singles “First Day Out” and “No Effort”, immediately capturing attention with his gritty lyrics and aggressive delivery. Since then, Grizzley has established himself as one of the most promising young talents in rap, building a dedicated fanbase and collaborating with hip hop heavyweights like Lil Yachty and Lil Durk.

Introduction to Tee Grizzley

Terrance Terrell Grizzley, known professionally as Tee Grizzley, is an American rapper and songwriter from Detroit’s tough east side. Born on March 23, 1994, Grizzley had a difficult upbringing surrounded by poverty and crime. He began writing lyrics and rapping as a teenager as a creative outlet.

In 2014, aged 20, Grizzley was sentenced to prison on robbery charges. It was during this three-year period behind bars that he began to take music more seriously, honing his signature style mixing aggressive bars with emotional vulnerability.

Just months after his release in October 2016, Grizzley made waves with his first single “First Day Out”, which detailed his first day out of prison. The track quickly went viral, earning over 7 million YouTube views in under 6 months.

Musical Style and Influences

Grizzley’s music is often tagged as Detroit hip hop and midwest rap, combining the laidback yet hard-hitting production style popular in Michigan along with Grizzley’s own blend of lyrical tenacity and introspective street poetry.

His vocal style is raw and urgent, matching the intensity of his lyrics. In terms of flow, Grizzley alternates between swift syncopated deliveries and more methodical, drawn-out bars dripping with menace.

Grizzley cites his influence as coming from the streets rather than particular artists, though he names Lil Wayne, Jeezy, and fellow Detroit rappers like Blade Icewood as early inspirations. The timelessness of their street lyricism left an imprint on his own no-nonsense approach.

Discography and Labels

In April 2017 Grizzley released his debut mixtape ‘My Moment’, featuring early tracks like “No Effort” and “Shooters”. The mixtape made waves in the Midwest and began putting Grizzley on the map.

He quickly followed up with a debut studio album in December 2017 – ‘My Moment: The Beginning’ released via Grizzley Gang Music and 300 Entertainment. Standout tracks include “Wait On Me” featuring Drego and Beno, “Colors” and “2 Vaults”.

Grizzley has also released a number of singles, EPs and mixtapes over the years, including ‘Still My Moment’ (2019), ‘Load Freestyle’ (2020) and his latest mixtape ‘Built for Whatever’. He continues releasing music independently through his Grizzley Gang imprint.

Collaborations

In 2018, Grizzley was featured on the Lil Yachty x Valee track “Wombo”, exposing him to a wider pop-rap audience. He also featured that year on G Herbo’s track “Beef” along with Lil Durk.

Grizzley has collaborated multiple times with Quality Control artists like Lil Baby (“Baby Grizzley”) and Lil Yachty (“From the D to the A”) and remains closely affiliated with their Atlanta imprint.

Other key collaborations include:

Meek Mill – “That’s My N****”
Moneybagg Yo – “Draft Day”
G-Eazy – “Order More” (ft. A$AP Ferg)

Touring and Performances

As his popularity has grown, Grizzley has hit the road hard – becoming known for his lively, moshpit-inducing shows. Major tour highlights include:

My Moment Tour – Grizzley headlined his first US tour in 2017 immediately after signing with 300 Ent. Notable shows included New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta.
The Clarity Tour with YFN Lucci – extensive US support tour throughout 2018 sponsored by Think It’s A Game Records and Warner Music Group.
Go Crazy Tour 2019 – another headlining US stint with over 30 dates across major cities.

When not touring solo, Grizzley has made appearances at festivals like Rolling Loud Miami, the BET Hip Hop Awards, and opened for Meek Mill on later legs of the Motivation Tour. He continues to perform shows regularly when not in the studio.

Personal Life and Legal Issues

Little is known publicly about Grizzley’s personal life or family, and he likes to keep the focus on his music. His songs contain references in lyrics to losing his father and stepfather while growing up.

Grizzley has reportedly been in relationships with women named Deja and Glenda in recent years, but prefers not to speak publicly on the status.

Professionally, while finding success in music, he has also faced continued legal troubles. In 2018 Grizzley served another prison sentence for parole violations and illegal gun possession.

In 2019 his aunt and manager Jobina Brown was killed in a drive-by shooting in Detroit, which Grizzley said “changed him forever”. He tattooed a portrait of his aunt onto his forearm in her memory. The following year his stepbrother was also murdered in Phoenix, another blow to Grizzley’s family and circle.

Grizzley has spoken before about the importance of leaving street life behind and focusing on music as an outlet away from negativity and violence. Staying out of legal trouble remains an ongoing priority.

Net Worth and Income

In 2021 Celebrity Net Worth estimated Tee Grizzley’s net worth at approximately $2 million. As an independent artist with a loyal fanbase spanning the Midwest and beyond, Grizzley has built his fortune on music revenue from streaming, sales, shows and other business ventures.

With an engaging underground sound, Grizzley’s consistent output of mixtapes and singles provides a regular source of income from platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Income from his clothing line Grizzley Gang Apparel and other merch is also likely.

If Grizzley continues developing his mainstream appeal with hits like “Wombo” and arena tours while staying independent, his net worth has the potential to grow rapidly. Remaining out of legal trouble will be key.

At only 28 years old in early 2023, Tee Grizzley still has his best years ahead as he continues his post-prison rise from Detroit’s east side to wider hip hop acclaim.