Grand Daddy I.U.

Ayub Bey, known professionally as Grand Daddy I.U., is an American emcee who was born in Queens, New York, and was active during the golden age of hip-hop. He states that his nom de plume is similar to the pronunciation of his first name, "Ayub" (ah-yoo).[1]

Grand Daddy I.U.
Daddy I.U. at 2016 Juice Crew Reunion (BB Kings NYC)
Background information
Born (1968-08-23) August 23, 1968
OriginHempstead, New York
GenresHip Hop
Occupation(s)Rapper, Songwriter
Years active1989–1995, 2007–present
LabelsSteady Flow Records
Cold Chillin'/Reprise/Warner Bros. Records
Cold Chillin'/Epic/SME Records
Associated actsBiz Markie
Roxanne Shanté
Big Daddy Kane
MC Shan
Kool G Rap
Marley Marl
Craig G
Tragedy Khadafi
Big L
Lantz

Career

Grand Daddy I.U. was raised in Hempstead, Long Island, and was encouraged to begin performing by his brother, also known as Kay Cee. He recorded a demo tape and gave it to Biz Markie, who signed him to the label Cold Chillin' Records in 1989. In 1990 he released his debut, Smooth Assassin, which spawned two Rap Chart hits: "Something New" (#11) which sampled James & Bobby Purify's only hit—their signature tune "I'm Your Puppet", and "Sugar Free" (#9). He became noted for his high-end tailored attire, always appearing in public wearing a suit and tie.[2]

Grand Daddy I.U. appeared as a guest on several hip hop albums in the 1990s, including Big L's Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous and Positive K's The Skills Dat Pay Da Bills.

Grand Daddy I.U. did ghostwriting and production work for Markie and Roxanne Shanté but became disenchanted with Markie over a dispute involving publishing credits for the tracks on his debut.[2] He released a sophomore effort, Lead Pipe, in 1994. It's lead single "Represent" charted modestly on the US Dance Singles Chart. The album received little promotion, so after the standalone single "All About Money" in 1996, Grand Daddy I.U. quit emceeing for nearly a decade.

Grand Daddy I.U. continued to do production work in hip-hop for Das EFX, Heltah Skeltah, KRS-One and Ice-T among others. He issued a third album, Stick to the Script, in 2007, featuring production from Large Professor and Marco Polo and appearances from 2Pac, DV Alias Khryst and Pudgee Tha Phat Bastard. In 2017 he reunited with long-time collaborator Pudgee Tha Phat Bastard on the album Still Hear by Long Island emcee Lantz. The pair featured together on two songs, "Til The Casket" and "Yesterday".[3]

After a short break from releasing music, Grand Daddy I.U is set release a new single "Stay Fly" under Get@Em Recordz on July 2, 2021.[4]

Discography

Albums
Year Album Peak chart positions
U.S. R&B
1990 Smooth Assassin 91
1994 Lead Pipe
  • Released: June 21, 1994
  • Label: Cold Chillin' / Epic
 88
2007 Stick to the Script
  • Released: October 22, 2007
  • Label: Steady Flow
 –
2015 P.I.M.P. (Paper Is My Priority)
  • Released: February 17, 2015
  • Label: Steady Flow
 -

Singles
  • 1990 "Something New" (US Rap #11)
  • 1990 "Sugar Free" (US Rap #9)
  • 1990 "This Is A Recording"
  • 1990 "Pick Up The Pace"
  • 1994 "Represent" (US Dance #54)
  • 1994 "Don't Stress Me"
  • 1996 "All About Money"
  • 2005 "I Be Thuggin'"
  • 2021 "Stay Fly" (with Shawn Haynes & Monsta Mook)
  • 2022 "Trust Me" (with Paula Perry & Da Inphamus Amadeuz)

References
  1. Grand Daddy I.U.: The Unkut Interview Archived 2012-09-17 at archive.today July 12, 2010 (Retrieved November 14, 2011)
  2. Grand Daddy I.U. at Allmusic
  3. Lantz on Bandcamp
  4. "Grand Daddy I.U New Single "Stay Fly" Under Get@Em Recordz". Boom Bap Nation. 2021-06-01. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
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