EPK: GRADES OF ABSOLUTE TRUTH

"The elements of hip-hop, blues, and soul are set with a foundation of Lupe Fiasco, Sly and the Family Stone, and Stevie Ray Vaughn." -Dallas Observer

"...has filled a void as his style is like no other, while the tracks here are from true life experiences, so each song plays out like a story." -JamSphere.com

"He seems fearless, and that goes a long way..." -D Magazine

"This elementary music teacher hails from Dallas, Texas, and represents The Intelligent South, bringing soulful indie music laced with melodic and poetic lyricism." -Industry All Access

"...not just something to bob your head to, but to open your mind with." -ArtLoveMagic

"The way he commanded their attention says something about his ability to perform, as well as the quality of music." -TheUrbanAdvocate.com

"Wall to wall with people, their groovy tunes attracted people like flies to honey." -AXS

"...a legitimate force to be reckoned with in the alternative hip-hop genre." -JamSphere.com

Hailing from Deep Ellum, Grades Of Absolute Truth (Justin Griffith) is a soulful indie songwriter who has been creating a unique brand since 2005.  The elementary school teacher by day embeds conscious lyricism and self-awareness into every calculated move.

With 6 independent tours and over 650 performances under his belt, he has shared the stage with artists ranging from Lupe Fiasco, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and B.o.B to Leon Bridges and The Revivalists to Everlast, Mod Sun, and Wax to Cody Cannon of Whiskey Myers.  How’s that for variety?  He’s grown confident in the grey area of genres he resides in, making it comfortable for music lovers that "listen to a little bit of everything."

Referred to as the illegitimate child of promiscuous genres, GOAT pulls inspiration from Brother Ali, CeeLo Green, Alice In Chains, Garth Brooks, Counting Crows, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, showing true diversity in his blend of music.  Expect the depth of an introverted poet, the precision of a perfectionist, and the relevance of a leader with an emphasis on concept projects.

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***Favorite for KXT 91.7 FM's Tiny Cake Contest for Original Song/Video (2019): "Yumminess"

***Semi-Finalist for Music City SongStar Songwriting Competition (2018): "Her Ear's Eyes"

***Two Songs Nominated for BEST RAP in the JPF Music Awards (2017): "HearSay" & "Lead"

***Nominated for BEST LOCAL MUSIC RELEASE by Dallas Observer (2015): the senseless ep