Queens rapper Grafh, a veteran voice in New York hip-hop since the early 2000s, sat down with SheaBabyTV to reflect on major moments in his career, including his work with Busta Rhymes and receiving a Roc-A-Fella chain from Dame Dash.
Grafh recalled that Busta Rhymes was the first major artist to recognize his talent when he was still a teenager battling in the streets. Years later, the connection came full circle as the two collaborated in the studio. Grafh described Busta as a relentless worker who brings unmatched creativity to every session. “He takes no days off,” Grafh said, adding that he has always learned from watching Busta’s approach to music and performance.
The pair also shot a high-energy video together, with Grafh noting that he intentionally matched Busta’s intensity to capture the spirit of New York.
Another highlight of Grafh’s journey came when Dame Dash handed him a Roc-A-Fella chain, a piece of jewelry he describes as a “hip-hop trophy.” For Grafh, the chain carries symbolic weight, representing both his past association with Roc-A-Fella Records and his ongoing commitment to represent the culture authentically.
Grafh explained that while he initially signed with Roc-A-Fella during its peak, label changes at the time prevented him from releasing an album under its banner. Receiving the chain years later, he said, allowed him to relive part of that legacy and carry forward the energy of the iconic label.
Despite industry shifts, Grafh emphasized that he continues to embody the same spirit that first connected him to Roc-A-Fella. Whether through collaborations with artists like Busta Rhymes or his own projects, he sees his work as a reflection of New York’s raw, authentic hip-hop tradition.
