Wikipedia

Lil Bibby

(Redirected from Grade A Productions)
Not to be confused with Lil Baby.

Brandon George Dickinson (born July 18, 1994), better known by his stage name Lil Bibby, is an American rapper and record executive. Beginning his career in 2011, Bibby released his debut mixtape, Free Crack in 2013. The project was followed two sequels— by Free Crack 2 (2014) and Free Crack 3 (2015)—before he signed with Dr. Luke's Kemosabe Records, an imprint of RCA Records. However, he released no studio albums under the label.

Lil Bibby
Lil Bibby performing in 2014
Lil Bibby performing in 2014
Background information
Birth nameBrandon George Dickinson[1]
Born (1994-07-18) July 18, 1994 (age 30)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record executive
  • audio engineer
Years active2011–present
Labels

By 2017, he founded and shifted focus onto expanding his record label, Grade A Productions. The label has signed commercially successful acts such as fellow Chicago native, rapper and singer Juice Wrld, as well as Australian rapper and singer the Kid Laroi.

Career

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2011–2013: Career beginnings and debut mixtape

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In 2013, Lil Bibby released his debut mixtape, Free Crack. He cited Drake and Jadakiss as two of his favorite rappers. Vice stated that the mixtape was apparent in both rappers' influences.[3] The mixtape features guest appearances from fellow Chicagoans Lil Herb and King L, while production was handled by Hit-Boy, Young Chop and The Olympicks, among others.[4] DJ Scream hosted this mixtape. The tape combines his distinctive gruff and imposing voice, along with a solid delivery and flow.[5] Music videos were released for the songs "How We Move" (featuring King L), "Change", "Water" and "Tired of Talkin'".

2013–2015: 2014's Freshman Class, Free Crack 2 and Free Crack 3

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In December 2013, in an interview with XXL, Bibby hinted that the next step for his career could be an EP.[6] In 2014, it was also stated, that the rapper Drake was a huge fan of Bibby and that they'd spoken in 2013, before the release of Bibby's debut mixtape. Bibby said it pushed him onto improve his debut release, adding the tracks "Water" and "Whole Crew".[6]

In January 2014, Bibby appeared on Sway's radio show Sway in the Morning. On the show he spoke about the success of his debut mixtape, and also dropped a live freestyle.[7] During the same month, Bibby also featured on New York's radio station, Hot 97.[8] During the same month, Bibby stated in his interview with Billboard, that he was working on material for an EP, but was waiting on a couple of features.[9] Bibby also appeared on the list of 2014's XXL Freshman Class.[10] He was the last person selected to the list, due to Young Thug's last minute cancellation.

In August 2014, he guest featured alongside Young Thug and Nicki Minaj on Juicy J's single "Low," and was later featured on the remix of Kid Ink's "Main Chick."[11][12] After a few delays, Bibby's sophomore mixtape, Free Crack 2, was released on August 29, 2014. Hosted by DJ Drama, includes guest appearances from Lil Herb, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, Kevin Gates, Jadakiss and Anthony Hamilton, among others. The mixtape has production from Juicy J, Honorable C.N.O.T.E., Sonny Digital and DJ Pain 1, among others. It was released for free digital download and rapidly accumulated over 120,000 downloads.[13]

Free Crack 2 was received with critical acclaim. XXL magazine awarded the mixtape an XL, praising the mixtape's authenticity, catchy hooks and production, while also commenting that the mixtape showcases Bibby's "growth as an artist."[14] RedEye awarded the mixtape three stars out of four, commenting on the tape's maturity and versatility and praising the ability of the song 'Dead or in Prison' to let Bibby's "emotion and natural charisma do the heavy lifting."[15] BET gave the mixtape a positive review, awarding it five stars while commenting on its "new level of depth and introspection, detailing the difficult balance of fame and authenticity and how that effects everyday life in some of America's urban war zones."[16]

In 2015, Lil Bibby received his high school diploma. Initially, he had opted for a GED and after completing the necessary coursework (with straight A's), he decided to re-enroll in high school. His alma mater was from Chicago's Liberty High School.[17] A year later, after several universities had offered him scholarships, Bibby considered studying Computer Engineering at a university, although he ultimately decided against this.[18][19][20][21][22]

2015–2016: FC3 the Epilogue & Free Crack 4

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In 2015, Bibby released two singles "Ridah" and "Aww Man" (featuring Future) for an upcoming album, supposedly the fourth installment in his Free Crack series.[23] Both singles failed to reach any domestic charts. In late 2016, Bibby released "Thought It Was A Drought", which was produced by DJ L Beats and Roberto Mario.[citation needed] After a long period without any releases, in early 2018, Bibby began using the hashtag "Free Bibby" on social media, protesting his label's refusal to allow him to release the project.[24]

2017–present: Grade A Productions, Juice Wrld, and The Kid Laroi

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Bibby, with the help of his brother George "G-Money", launched their own record label known as Grade A Productions. In an interview with XXL, Bibby discussed his transition from being a rapper to starting a record label:

"I really don't know. I like to make people a lot of money. I got enough knowledge and I've studied this rap stuff and I got enough relationships to help an artist, help his family [and] I get a kick out of it 'cause I see how the label does it and my situation. I feel like just helping people."[25]

In 2017, they discovered then upcoming American rapper Juice Wrld after hearing his song "Lucid Dreams". Under the label, Juice Wrld released his debut studio album Goodbye and Good Riddance on May 23, 2018, which was followed by three singles "All Girls Are the Same", the aforementioned "Lucid Dreams", and "Lean Wit Me". In March 2019, Juice Wrld released his second studio album Death Race for Love which was followed by two singles "Robbery", and "Hear Me Calling".

In 2019, Bibby later discovered upcoming Australian rapper and singer The Kid Laroi after hearing his song "Blessings" from his debut EP 14 With A Dream. In March of that year, Bibby signed Laroi to Grade A. Under the label, Laroi released his debut mixtape F*CK LOVE in July 2020, spawning two singles: "Go" featuring labelmate Juice Wrld (a posthumous verse due to his death in December 2019), and "TELL ME WHY". On November 6, Laroi released a deluxe edition of F*ck Love titled F*ck Love (Savage) which was followed by the single "SO DONE".[citation needed]

On December 8, 2019, Juice Wrld suffered from an overdose at an airport in Chicago which led to his unexpected death. On January 22, 2020, Grade A announced that posthumous projects from Juice Wrld will be released to honor his legacy. His first posthumous album Legends Never Die was released in July of that year, which contained three singles "Righteous", "Tell Me U Luv Me" featuring Trippie Redd, and "Life's A Mess" featuring Halsey. In December 2021, it was followed up with his second posthumous album Fighting Demons. Throughout 2020, other posthumous releases from the artist included "Smile" with The Weeknd, "Real Shit" with Benny Blanco, "Reminds Me Of You" with The Kid Laroi and "Bad Boy" with Young Thug in 2021.[citation needed]

On May 27, 2021, Bibby announced Juice Wrld's third and final posthumous album, The Party Never Ends. On September 9, 2024, it was officially announced, with The Pre-Party EP. The Pre-Party consists of two songs, with an extended version of the EP, The Pre-Party (Extended), releasing on October 14, 2024. The album's supposed lead single, "Lace It" (with Benny Blanco and Eminem) was released in December 2023.[26]

On November 29, 2024, Bibby finally released Juice Wrld's highly anticipated album, The Party Never Ends. A deluxe version of the album is set to arrive in the following months. A website on which supporters could vote for the songs that are going to release on the deluxe was also set up.[27]

Grade A Productions

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Grade A Productions
Founded2017
FounderLil Bibby
Distributor(s)Various
Genre
Country of originUnited States
LocationLos Angeles, California

Grade A Productions is a record label founded by Lil Bibby in 2017.

Roster

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Act Year signed Releases Notes
Juice Wrld 2018 5 (3 posthumous) Jointly with Interscope; died in December 2019
The Kid Laroi 2019 2 (1 extended play) Jointly with Columbia; left Grade A's management on June 4, 2021, signing with manager Scooter Braun[28]
Clever[29] 2019-2021 2 (1 extended play) Jointly with Posty & Republic
Stunna Gambino[30] 2021 1 Jointly with RCA
Zzz. 2022 1 Jointly with Warner
Rocco[31] 4 (Extended plays) Jointly with Khalabo and Interscope
Nettspend[32] 2024 1 Jointly with Interscope

Discography

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Year Album details Details
2018 Juice Wrld – Goodbye & Good Riddance
  • Released: December 10, 2018
  • Label: Grade A Productions, Interscope Records
  • Formats: Vinyl, Streaming, Digital download
  • US Chart position: 4
  • RIAA certification: 5x Platinum
2019 Juice Wrld – Death Race for Love
  • Released: March 8, 2019
  • Label: Grade A Productions, Interscope Records
  • Formats: Vinyl, CD, Streaming, Digital download
  • Chart position: 1
  • RIAA certification: 2x Platinum
Clever – Who is Clever?
  • Released: October 11, 2019
  • Label: Grade A Productions, The Dispensary
  • Formats: Streaming, Digital download
  • Chart position: N/A
  • RIAA certification: Uncertified
2020 Seezyn – Tis
  • Released: January 30, 2020
  • Label: Kult Life Records, Grade A Productions
  • Formats: Streaming, Digital download
  • Chart position: N/A
  • RIAA certification: Uncertified
The Kid Laroi – F*ck Love
  • Released: July 24, 2020
  • Label: Grade A Productions, Columbia Records
  • Formats: Vinyl, Streaming, Digital download
  • Chart position: 1
  • RIAA certification: Platinum
Juice Wrld – Legends Never Die[33]
  • Released: July 10, 2020
  • Label: Grade A Productions, Interscope Records
  • Formats: Vinyl, CD, Streaming, Digital download
  • Chart position: 1
  • RIAA certification: 2x Platinum
2021 Clever – Crazy[34]
  • Released: March 12, 2021
  • Label: Grade A Productions, Republic Records
  • Formats: Streaming, Digital download
  • Chart position: 1
  • RIAA certification: Uncertified
2021 Juice Wrld – Fighting Demons
  • Released: December 10, 2021
  • Label: Grade A Productions, Interscope Records
  • Formats: Vinyl, CD, Streaming, Digital download
  • Chart position: 2
  • RIAA certification: Gold
2024 Juice Wrld – The Party Never Ends
  • Released: November 29, 2024
  • Label: Grade A Productions, Interscope Records
  • Formats: Vinyl, CD, Streaming, Digital download
  • Chart position: 4
2024 Nettspend – Bad Ass F*cking Kid
  • Released: December 6, 2024
  • Label: Grade A Productions, Interscope Records
  • Formats: Streaming, Digital download
  • Chart position: 197

Personal life

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In December 2022, Dickinson acquired an ultra-modern home in Los Angeles for US $7.9 million.[35]

Discography

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Extended plays

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List of Extended plays, with selected chart positions and sales figures
Title Album details
Big Buckz[36]
  • Released: August 22, 2016
  • Label: Grade A Productions
  • Format: Digital download
FC3: The Epilogue[37]

Mixtapes

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List of mixtapes, with year released
Title Mixtape details
Free Crack[38]
  • Released: November 29, 2013
  • Label: Grade A Productions
  • Format: Digital download
Free Crack 2[39]
  • Released: August 29, 2014
  • Label: Grade A Productions
  • Format: Digital download
Free Crack 3[40]
  • Released: November 27, 2015
  • Label: Grade A Productions
  • Format: Digital download

Singles

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As lead artist

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List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"Know That" 2013 Non-album singles
"For The Low"
"Doin Hits"
"How We Move"
(featuring King L) 		Free Crack
"Stressin'"
"Tired of Talkin" 2014
"Dead or in Prison"[41] Free Crack 2
"Sumn"
(featuring Blac Youngsta) 		2017 Non-album singles
"Complicated"
(featuring Ann Marie)
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List of singles as featured performer, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
R&B/HH
[42] 		US
R&B/HH
Air.
[43] 		US
Main.
R&B/HH
[44]
"Ex Bitch"
(N-Tune featuring Lil Bibby) 		2013 — — — Non-album singles
"Crazy"
(Gianni Blu featuring King L, EMP Dasme and Lil Bibby) 		— — —
"Main Chick" (Remix)
(Kid Ink featuring Chris Brown, French Montana, Yo Gotti, Tyga and Lil Bibby)[45] 		2014 — — —
"Low"
(Juicy J featuring Nicki Minaj, Lil Bibby and Young Thug) 		44 45 29
"Proud of Me Now"
(A Boogie wit da Hoodie featuring Lil Bibby)[46] 		2016 — — —
"—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory.

Guest appearances

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List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Flexing Finessing" 2012 Fredo Santana, Lil Herb It's a Scary Site
"How We Move" 2013 King L March Madness
"Fuck for Fame" Lil Durk, Boss Top —
"Knock a Hoe" Katie Got Bandz, Dreezy, Lil Herb Drillary Clinton
"Do It Like I Do" YP Restless
"Kilo" Tink, Lil Herb Boss Up
"All I Got" 2014 Lil Herb Welcome to Fazoland
"At Night" Welcome to Fazoland (No DJ Version)
"Holy Ghost" Juicy J Pure THC: The Hustle Continues
"Love Me Freestyle" Lil Reese We Are Chiraq Volume 1
"All I Need" Kid Ink, Shitty Montana 4B's
"Mechanical Animals" Saigon, Memphis Bleek, Kool G Rap Greatest Story Never Told 3: The Troubled Times of Brian Carenard
"Never Changed" 2015 Yo Gotti Concealed
"Faneto (Remix)" Chief Keef, Lil Herb, King L —
"Doin Me" Trae tha Truth, Nipsey Hussle Tha Truth
"Mirror" 2017 G Herbo Humble Beast
"Musty" Chief Keef, Ballout The W
"Tommy & Ghost" 2019 The Plug, 67 Plug Talk

Filmography

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Year Title Role Ref.
2021 Juice Wrld: Into the Abyss Himself [47]

References

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  1. ^ Satten, Vanessa (September 25, 2019). "How Lil Bibby Successfully Transitioned From Rapper to Hip-Hop Executive; Label CEO". XXL. Townsquare Media. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  2. ^ "Lil Bibby Signs To Kemosabe Records?". fakeshoredrive.com. May 18, 2015. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  3. ^ "Lil Bibby: Setting up the Perfect Shot". Vice Noisey. December 20, 2013. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  4. ^ "Lil Bibby – Free Crack Hosted by DJ Scream". DatPiff. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  5. ^ "Mixtape Review: Lil Bibby, Free Crack". Bet.com. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  6. ^ a b "Lil Bibby say Drake Scared Him". XXL. December 16, 2013. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  7. ^ "Lil Bibby Talks About Chicago's Violent Image, School & Drops A Freestyle On Sway In The Morning". Complex. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  8. ^ "Lil Bibby Talks Free Crack, Chicago, & More". Hip Hop Wired. January 15, 2014. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  9. ^ "Lil Bibby Talks Upcoming EP & Hints at Drake Collaboration". Billboard. January 21, 2014. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  10. ^ "XXL Freshmen 2014 Cover Revealed". XXL. May 5, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  11. ^ Frydenlund, Zach. "Listen to Kid Ink's "Main Chick (Remix)" f/ French Montana, Yo Gotti, Tyga, Lil Bibby & Chris Brown". Complex. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  12. ^ "Juicy J Featuring Lil Bibby "Holy Ghost + "You Don't Know" – XXL". XXL. July 5, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  13. ^ "Lil Bibby – Free Crack 2 Hosted by DJ Drama". DatPiff. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  14. ^ "Lil Bibby Serves Up Potent Product On 'Free Crack II' Mixtape – XXL". XXL. September 4, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  15. ^ "Lil Bibby's 'Free Crack 2': The beginning of something big". Archived from the original on September 5, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  16. ^ "Mixtape Review: Lil Bibby, Free Crack 2". BET.com. September 9, 2014. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  17. ^ "Lil Bibby Is Officially a High School Graduate". BET. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  18. ^ "Lil Bibby Is Going To College For Computer Engineering". The FADER. September 29, 2016. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  19. ^ Ivey, Justin (September 29, 2016). "Lil Bibby Is Going to College for Computer Engineering - XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  20. ^ "Lil Bibby Is Going to College This Fall for Computer Engineering". Hypebeast. October 1, 2016. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  21. ^ Schwartz, Danny (September 30, 2016). "Lil Bibby To Pursue College Degree In Computer Engineering". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  22. ^ "Lil Bibby Enrolling Back In College To Study Computer Engineering". HipHopDX. September 30, 2016. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  23. ^ "Lil Bibby Enrolling Back In College To Study Computer Engineering". HipHopDX. September 30, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
  24. ^ "Kollege Kidd on Instagram: "#LilBibby Says 'Free Bibby' Because His Label Won't Let Him Drop #FreeCrack4 😮 #fc4"".
  25. ^ Satten, Vanessa (September 25, 2019). "How Lil Bibby Successfully Transitioned From Rapper to Hip-Hop Executive". XXL. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  26. ^ Dickinson, Brandon. "X (formerly Twitter)". X.
  27. ^ "THE PARTY: VOTING". tpne.net.
  28. ^ Shafer, Ellise (June 3, 2021). "'Without You' Singer The Kid Laroi Signs With Scooter Braun for Management (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  29. ^ https://www.flaunt.com/blog/flaunt-qampa-clever
  30. ^ https://ourgenerationmusic.com/exclusive/stunna-gambino-interview-nyc-native-continues-to-stun-listeners-in-every-way/
  31. ^ https://consequence.net/2022/08/rocco-she-knows-grade-a-khalabo-music-interscope/
  32. ^ https://open.spotify.com/album/2j74DNrJ8TgnMEukERqnnm
  33. ^ Grant, Shawn (July 10, 2020). "Juice Wrld's Posthumous Album 'Legends Never Die' Is Now Available". The Source. Retrieved May 29, 2021.
  34. ^ Rose, Jordan (March 12, 2021). "Clever Unleashes Debut Album 'Crazy' f/ Lil Wayne, Lil Baby, Chris Brown, and More". Complex. Retrieved May 29, 2021.
  35. ^ Bowman, Wendy (December 20, 2022). "Record Producer Lil Bibby Tunes Into Sleek Los Angeles Contemporary". DIRT. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  36. ^ "Lil Bibby – Big Buckz". Retrieved January 25, 2017.
  37. ^ "FC3 the Epilogue – EP by Lil Bibby". March 8, 2017.
  38. ^ "Lil Bibby – Free Crack Hosted by DJ Scream". Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  39. ^ "Lil Bibby – Free Crack 2 Hosted by DJ Drama". Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  40. ^ "Lil Bibby – Free Crack 3". Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  41. ^ "iTunes – Music – Dead or in Prison – Single by Lil Bibby". iTunes. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  42. ^ "Lil Bibby | Billboard". www.billboard.com. Archived from the original on July 8, 2020.
  43. ^ "Lil Bibby". Billboard.
  44. ^ "Lil Bibby". Billboard.
  45. ^ "iTunes – Music – Main Chick Remix (feat. Chris Brown, French Montana, Yo Gotti, Tyga & Lil Bibby) – Single by Kid Ink". iTunes. July 8, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  46. ^ "Proud of Me Now (feat. Lil Bibby) – Single by A Boogie Wit da Hoodie on Apple Music". iTunes. December 2, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
  47. ^ "'Juice Wrld: Into the Abyss' Review: Gone-Too-Soon Rapper Tells His Story in Elegiac Documentary". November 13, 2021.
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