About

About Grimmshi

Foster Owens Jr., better known by his stage name Grimmshi, is an American rapper, producer, filmmaker, artist, and actor born on July 17, 1996, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he is currently based. A multi-faceted creative, Grimmshi’s journey began in 2012 when he started writing poetry, drawn to the power of words as a way to vent his emotions and process life’s challenges. This passion for lyrical storytelling laid the foundation for his music career, initially focusing on hip-hop after being inspired by rapper Marcus Hopsin. Over the years, he has expanded his sound to include R&B, rock, EDM, and pop, often releasing projects under his birth name, Foster Owens Jr., to explore these diverse genres.

Grimmshi faced significant financial challenges early in his career, a common hurdle for independent artists. Despite studying marketing strategies to grow his brand, the lack of funds often held him back. To overcome this, he took on freelance filmmaking gigs, shooting music videos and photoshoots for clients across Pittsburgh and beyond, using the earnings to fund his own projects. Since 2012, he has produced numerous self-made albums and EPs, showcasing his resilience and dedication to his craft. “I had to learn never to give up and keep creating for the love of it, no matter what,” Grimmshi reflects, a mindset shaped by Pittsburgh’s competitive music scene, which he describes as having a “crabs in a bucket” mentality. This environment, while tough, prepared him for the realities of fame, teaching him to stay focused and resilient in the face of criticism.

In 2017, at age 21, Grimmshi graduated from the Douglas Education Center with an Associate’s Degree in Specialized Business, studying film and art under the mentorship of Robert Tinnell. He was part of the inaugural class overseen by the legendary George A. Romero, known for revolutionizing the zombie film genre with Night of the Living Dead. Following his education, Grimmshi worked on several feature-length film productions, taking on various roles that deepened his love for filmmaking. “The work was hard, but I learned so much,” he says. “Creating makes me feel so alive, and I want to continue making films alongside my music.”

Grimmshi’s music career took off in 2019 with the release of his debut solo hip-hop album, I R LEGEND, a milestone that marked the beginning of his rise as a professional artist. He gained further recognition with his 2022 single “Shut Up,” which earned praise from outlets like Jamsphere and SoundLooks. In 2025, he released “Way I Get It” featuring Rick Ross, followed by “Frozen” with Wiz Khalifa and Ty Dolla $ign, showcasing his ability to collaborate with rap heavyweights. His track “Always Balling” was featured on the TV show Panic, and his music has been added to numerous Spotify playlists, including workout, gym, and club music collections, reflecting his high-energy style. Grimmshi’s discography also includes deeply personal songs like “Dead and Gone,” a tribute to a friend who tragically took their own life under life’s pressures, highlighting his ability to channel raw emotion into his art.

A dynamic performer, Grimmshi has sold out shows at venues like Xtaza in Pittsburgh and performed in cities such as Philadelphia, New York, Portland, Los Angeles, and his hometown. One of his most memorable moments came during a Portland, Oregon, performance of his song “Toxic,” written about a real breakup. “I cried on stage for the first time because the song touched me in such a personal way,” he recalls. “The crowd was starstruck, and they kept telling me how much that moment connected us.” Grimmshi continues to expand his global reach, with an upcoming show in Japan in May 2025 alongside rapper Lexa Terrestrial. He’s also collaborated with other notable artists, including Gucci Mane on “Gucci,” Sean Kingston on “Can Do,” Krizz Kaliko (from Strange Music) on “Peep,” and an upcoming track with Snoop Dogg set to release later this month.

Beyond music and film, Grimmshi is committed to giving back. In a memorable act of philanthropy, he performed at a benefit show for the Dreams Foundation, raising money for the disabled, a cause close to his heart. In his personal life, he’s an avid gamer and anime enthusiast, but his favorite pastime is dancing—no matter where he is. “I’ll dance anywhere,” he laughs, a testament to his free-spirited nature.

Looking ahead, Grimmshi is working toward a full-time career as a creative, writing television shows, films, and acting. He’s open to signing with a label that respects his creative control and offers fair profit-sharing, ensuring he can continue to push boundaries across multiple art forms. With plans to relocate to Los Angeles to chase bigger opportunities, Grimmshi remains a Pittsburgh native at heart, channeling his roots into every project. For aspiring rappers and creatives, he offers this advice: “Never quit. If things aren’t progressing, take a look in the mirror, ask yourself how you can get better every day, and come up with a step-by-step plan to crush every goal.”

Follow Grimmshi on Spotify, Twitter ,and Instagram to stay updated on his latest releases, performances, and creative endeavors.