"Art for Pennies" by GRIP is a song where the artist reflects on his struggles and frustrations as an artist. The lyrics convey his frustration with the music industry and the lack of recognition he has received for his art. He starts off by expressing his determination to reclaim his rightful place in the industry, metaphorically referring to it as "all the plates," and calls for the authorities ("jakes") to solve the case of the unworthy artists who have gained success. GRIP then criticizes and mocks other rappers who are considered the greatest of all time ("GOATs") but believes they don't deserve the title. He highlights his disappointment in not receiving the recognition he believes he deserves, despite releasing what he considers the best music in 2019. The artist also mentions that he has been approached by record labels and had meetings with them, but he feels it was merely a formality to let him know he's on their radar. Throughout the song, GRIP emphasizes his unique style and talent, referring to himself as a pioneer ("fathered my own style") and suggesting that his flow and lyrics are unmatched. He boasts about his close-knit family and the influence they have had on his artistry. GRIP also touches on his struggles growing up without a father figure to guide him, drawing a parallel to the actor Cuba Gooding Jr.'s character in the movie "Boyz n the Hood." He raps about the hardships he has faced in life, putting his personal experiences and emotions into his lyrics. Despite the challenges, he remains dedicated to his craft. The title "Art for Pennies" reflects GRIP's frustration with the art industry's tendency to undervalue and underpay artists. He expresses his discontent with having to sell his art for very little compensation and implies that his art is worth more than what he has received. Overall, "Art for Pennies" is a raw and introspective song that showcases GRIP's unique style, frustrations, and determination to make a name for himself in the music industry.
