Miami-based hip-hop artist and activist MECCA aka GRIMO was featured on Coming Home Haiti, Revolt TV’s documentary on Creole-language rap that appeared on the network recently. This marks one of several times that mainstream, international media has taken note of that musical genre. Mecca aka Grimo discussed being part of the doc, and what he has been up to lately.

Kreyolicious: How did you get involved with Coming Home Haiti?

Who’s Crazy Film Academy was asked to continue their film series and their next stop was Haiti. They already traveled to Cuba and Peru and Revolt Tv really liked their vision. So, as they were preparing to make arrangements for their trip, DJ Efn and Michael Garcia, who are two good friends of mine from the hip-hop scene in Miami. They invited me to roll with them since they knew that I am heavily involved in the Hip Hop Kreyòl scene and the Haitian Community. They both felt like I would be a helpful asset on the trip assisting in translating and introducing them to Haitian hip-hop artists that I’ve worked with on prior projects.

Kreyolicious: Was the fact that it was a Revolt TV production a major factor in your agreeing to be a part of it all?

Not at all. I would’ve been down to explore and bring light to the influence of hip-hop in Haiti—even if Revolt TV wasn’t involved. We are all thankful that Revolt TV embraced this series because it’s important to know how certain types of music styles integrated into different cultures, and how it affects the progression of the culture. Also, I was very delighted to be able to go back to Haiti and meet up with fellow artists, friends and family that I haven’t seen awhile.

Above: MECCA aka GRIMO poses with other members of Miami’s artistic community at a screening of Coming Home Haiti.

Kreyolicious: Why do you think the movement warrants so much attention?

The movement warrants this attention because Haiti has been through a lot of adversity. When a nation has gone through the struggle that Haiti has gone through you have to ask yourself what is keeping them inspired and alive. Hip-hop feeds the soul. It energizes the spirit. The youth in Haiti find hope in hip-hop. It’s a way for them to express themselves, and feel good about what they are accomplishing. We all feel the same when we say music crosses language barriers. So, no matter what language we speak, music operates on frequencies that drives us all. The movement also promotes social and political change. Through music, we are all messengers of the art form. So, we keep it alive in its truest form by talking about what is real to us.

Kreyolicious: What is the current state of Miami’s Creole rap scene?

There’s a few of us spread out through out Miami’s hip-hop Kreyòl scene, but the heavy hitters are in Haiti for sure. We are all influenced and driven by the beautiful country of Ayiti. We all want to do so much more. At the very least, our contribution is to preserve the language and culture so those that come after us have something to feel proud about. More artists of Haitian decent are coming out [of] the woodwork and making an effort to connect with the culture these days…which means that we are becoming more proud of who we are as a people when we are able to reflect our culture through our every expression.

Kreyolicious: What projects are you working on currently?​

I’m currently working on my book titled Haiti was Born in Me, which includes a cultural guide towards the rear of the book after the poems and readings. The book will be out in April for National Poetry Month. I’m also working on a project called “We Dem Zoes”, which is our musical expression and perspective being of Haitian descent living in America. Spearheaded by 103.5’s The Beat, DJ Epps, the project includes other artist such as Grimass, Stichiz—who is also an on air personality for 103.5 The Beat, myself MECCA aka GRIMO and the producer of the project, Magnificent Beats. Look for our first single and video “Test of Strength” to come out soon. On the last Friday of every month, I host a poetry venue called “Poetic Lakay”, which allows artists from the community to come and share their work of expression. Our 501(c)3 non-profit organization Children’s Hope Chest of Dreams reaches out to the underprivileged youth and teaches conflict resolution and anger management and resolution skills. The organization also offers cultural-based programs and mentors youth who have entered the juvenile system.

Be sure to keep up with Mecca aka Grimo…

MECCA AKA GRIMO ON INSTAGRAM | MECCA AKA GRIMO ON TWITTER | MECCA AKA GRIMO’S ORGANIZATION CHILDREN HOPE CHEST OF DREAMS | MECCA AKA GRIMO ON SOUNDCLOUD

The athletic coach Larry Bird once said, “A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.” The artist known as Mecca aka Grimo is such an individual. An actor, he has starred in films like Kidnappings, and acted in the stage morality tale “When Good Men Are Tempted”. With the artist’s participation in that theater production, he wants well-intentioned husbands and boyfriends everywhere to know that he sympathizes with their struggles to remain true to their spouses and significant others.

A life coach—Mecca aka Grimo motivates students living in the inner cities about self-esteem, character-building, and settling conflicts without having to resort to weapons or fists. A community leader, he devotes himself to Children’s Hope Chest of Dreams, a non-profit he created.

A spoken-word artist, he creates relatable and meaningful rhymes that promote pride and self-reliance. As a hip-hop artist, he bounces with natural swagger in the video “We Dem Zoes”, alongside fellow rappers Stichiz, Grimass, Jimmy Dade, and Billy Blue.

Ask around, and you’ll be told that Mecca aka Grimo is considered one of the pioneers of an earlier wave of the genre known as Hip-Hop Kreyol.

K. St. Fort: How is Mecca the artist different from Mecca the man? Or are they interchangeable?

They used to be different before I learned how to balance both. I am the same person on stage that I am when I am home. With the work that I feel I was sent to do, it would be a diservice to myself, my family and my community if my art and my personality were not merged. My art form is an extension of me and my vision.

K. St. Fort: What are you most proud of when it comes to your career?

I am most proud of embracing my culture at the early stages of my career when it wasn’t so popular to be Haitian. I also worked in the school system so again my art and what I did in the classroom fit together to send that message of positive identity and self esteem in young Haitian children that were ashamed to be called Haitian. I am proud to be Haitian and thrilled to leave a legacy for my family to look back at.

K. St. Fort: Were you really into music in high school?

I was into music since eight years young. My father played in a band with his four brothers. The frequency grabbed my attention at an early age. Since then, I’ve been involved in music and entertainment in one form or another.

K. St. Fort: Hip-hop plays a huge role in your community work. How come?

Well, it’s what I know how to do. I stay in my lane. The hip-hop culture has been an intricate part of who I am for most of my life. Actually, hip-hop saved my life, so I feel like it can do the same for others. It gave me identity and the reason I’m doing what I’m doing now, which is using entertainment to promote education. I look at the youth in my community and realize they gravitate to the hip-hop culture just as I do. Since I’ve been through trials and tribulations of my own I feel it’s necessary to use my experiences to warn, teach and give different direction to what may be harmful. Hip-Hop workshops help the youth to communicate and stay engaged, so I use it as a tool to promote confidence, communication and Knowledge.

K. St. Fort: If you had a little brother who was graduating high school right now, and wanted a career similar to yours, what would you tell him?

I would tell him to learn a skill. I would advise him that the behind the scene people make all the money. That producers make more money than the artist. So don’t just be an artist but produce your own show. Don’t just rap for yourself but write and produce for other artist as well. Don’t just act—but direct and produce your own idea—then copyright it.

Surrounded by the actresses from the stage play, “When Good Men Are Tempted”…

K. St. Fort: What do you enjoy creating the most…music, poetry or motivational speeches?

I enjoy each in their own element. That is why I’ve submerged myself in all of it.

K. St. Fort: And what do you like about each?

I love music because lyrics and music working in harmony to promote a message is an enlightening experience. To be able to make people dance and move with material you created. I love poetry because there are no limitations or pace as to what I want to say or when I say it. I feel free when I recite my spoken word and poetry pieces. My motivational speeches come from my experiences, so it’s only right I share what I’ve been through so the youth of today have a brighter outlook on their direction in life.

K. St. Fort: When was the last time you took a trip to Haiti?

I went to Haiti in 2009 right before the earth quake. I haven’t made it back yet but I have a planned trip coming in Dec 2014 to be more involved in educational projects involving the youth. There is so much good happening in Haiti right now and I applaud all of what’s taking place for the betterment of the country.

K. St. Fort: Are you one of those people who make five-year plans?

I try to create short-term and long term goals for myself but my schedule fluctuates often. My goals get shifted to other plans. I have an acoustical engineering degree but I’ve been so involved in the school system I’ve been advised to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Education and minor in Mental Health. You’re probably saying both have nothing to do with music or acting, but I create music and theater curriculum that help in those areas. Art can be used as therapy if approached the right way.

Main Photo Credit: MeWe Photography; Costume photo: Johnny Louis Photography

Connect with Mecca aka Grimo on TWITTER| FACEBOOK| INSTAGRAM