The GRRRD Academy.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Baby Bash represents the spirit of excellence, originality, longevity, and work ethic that defines the GRRRD Academy, an institution created to recognize artists and industry leaders whose contributions leave a lasting mark on culture.

With a career built around creativity, technical excellence, and the power of sound, Vic represents the behind-the-scenes talent that brings entertainment to life.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Vic Demone Nolasco embodies the Academy's commitment to recognizing the craft, creativity, dedication, and work ethic behind the culture.

As an independent A&R, M80’s work extends far beyond discovering talent.  His expertise includes A&R development, project construction, label and distribution strategy, executive production, marketing, radio, playlists, touring, and artist management.  His credits include A&R and executive-production work connected to projects featuring Wu-Tang-affiliated artists, Canibus, Masta Killa, Ghostface Killah, and others.

M80 is also the founder of Holy Toledo Productions, further establishing his role as an entrepreneur and behind-the-scenes force in the music business.  His career represents the power of relationships, knowledge, persistence, and putting in the work when nobody is watching.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Almighty M80 represents the very foundation of what the Academy stands for: work ethic, culture, leadership, creativity, and the people behind the music who help turn vision into legacy.

A longtime personality on Power 106 (KPWR), Khool-Aid co-created and hosted the groundbreaking Pocos Pero Locos, which launched in 1999 and grew from a local radio program into a nationally syndicated platform reaching audiences across the country.

Her influence has extended beyond radio into music, film, and entertainment.  Alongside Edward “E-Dub” Rios, she helped build Silent Giant Entertainment and contributed to the production of the acclaimed film Filly Brown, further connecting Latin hip-hop culture with mainstream entertainment.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Lisa “Khool-Aid” Rios represents the power of culture, perseverance, innovation, and work ethic, a true pioneer whose voice helped open doors for a generation of artists and creators.

Beyond music, Mac Tae has built his entrepreneurial vision through Like Dat Apparel, a custom apparel business specializing in custom printing, screen printing, airbrush, design, and promotional products.

His journey represents the true meaning of being more than an artist, creating, building, and turning your talent into a business and a legacy.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Mac Tae represents creativity, entrepreneurship, collaboration, perseverance, and the work ethic required to build something that lasts.

As a talent scout for the GRRRD Awards, Allina has helped bring talented artists and entertainers, including Lefty Gunplay and Yelo Hill, among others, to the GRRRD Awards platform, helping connect rising talent with an audience that recognizes hard work and achievement.

Beyond her work with the GRRRD Awards, Allina is also part of The 3 Podcast, using the power of conversation and media to spotlight people, culture, and entertainment.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Allina represents the importance of the people behind the scenes who discover talent, open doors, build relationships, and help give deserving artists the opportunity to be seen.

His talents extend into animation and voice acting, with voice work including King of the Hill and Squidbillies.  He has also continued developing his craft through comedy, live performance, and entertainment projects, bringing the same authenticity and personality that have defined his career.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Big Citric represents the power of versatility, perseverance, authenticity, and the ability to turn talent into a lasting career across multiple forms of entertainment.

Throughout his career, Ren has released acclaimed solo and group projects, including Undaground Mailroad and Da Mudville King, while collaborating with major names in West Coast hip-hop such as E-40, WC, Too $hort, Turf Talk, Suga-T, and Brotha Lynch Hung.  His work with Doja Clik has remained active across generations, including the 2025 Block Monstaz project.

Beyond music, Ren continues to build through entrepreneurship and media, including his Vegas Unkut platform, expanding his influence from recording artist to a voice and connector within the culture.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Ren Da Heatmonsta represents longevity, authenticity, independent spirit, and the relentless work ethic that has kept the underground alive for decades.

As a key partner in the GRRRD Awards, Dezarae works alongside her husband, C-Lim, helping bring the vision to life and supporting the continued growth of the GRRRD Awards, Black N Manly, and Cuzzalo Ink.  Behind the scenes, her organization, dedication, and ability to help turn ideas into reality make her an essential part of the GRRRD legacy.

With more than 20 years of experience as a nurse, Dezarae has built a career centered on compassion, discipline, service, and caring for others.  She is also a devoted mother whose commitment to her family remains at the heart of everything she does.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Dezarae represents the strength of the people who work behind the scenes, the partners, parents, entrepreneurs, and professionals whose dedication helps build lasting legacies.

Representing Marion, Indiana, C-Mob has spent years establishing himself as a distinctive voice in underground hip-hop, collaborating with artists across the culture.  His work includes the critically recognized GOTTI MOB partnership with West Coast legend Kurupt, which produced the collaborative album Don't Be Stupid, featuring heavyweight artists including Snoop Dogg, Too $hort, Spice 1, and KXNG Crooked.

Beyond music, C-Mob believes in using his platform to give back and make a positive impact in his community, demonstrating that success is not only about what you accomplish for yourself, but also about what you can do for others.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, C-Mob represents independence, resilience, authenticity, community, and the work ethic required to build a lasting legacy from the ground up.

A proud member of the Ruff Ryders, Angel represents the independent spirit, brotherhood, and culture that have made the movement a lasting force in hip-hop.

Angel has also been an important part of the GRRRD Awards family, having provided his DJ talents for past GRRRD Awards events and helping bring the energy and soundtrack of the celebration to life.  His creative connection with C-Lim extends into the studio as well, where the two have recorded music together.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Angel The DJ represents music, culture, loyalty, versatility, and the work ethic required to remain active and relevant in the ever-changing world of hip-hop.

Slink became widely known for starring as Black Jesus in Adult Swim’s Black Jesus and for portraying Lamar Davis through voice and motion capture in the blockbuster video game Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online.  His entertainment résumé also includes voice work on The Boondocks and numerous television and film projects.

But Slink's connection to the GRRRD Awards goes beyond his accomplishments on screen.  For several years, he has helped bring the GRRRD Awards to life as a host, bringing his signature humor, energy, and personality to the stage.  His role as host has helped make the GRRRD Awards experience memorable for artists, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and guests alike.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Slink Johnson represents versatility, authenticity, longevity, and the ability to turn personality and talent into a lasting entertainment legacy.

Beginning his journey in radio at just 12 years old, Damizza went on to become a major force in music programming and artist development, including leadership roles with Power 106 in Los Angeles and Hot 97 in New York.  His career has placed him alongside and behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in music, including Dr.  Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Nate Dogg, Ice Cube, Ludacris, Lil Wayne, and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.

As a producer and executive, Damizza has also released music projects including Damizza Presents...  Where I Wanna Be, which reached No.  28 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Today, through SynerG Marketing, Damizza continues to educate, mentor, and share his knowledge of music, media, marketing, and the entertainment business.  His work represents the importance of understanding not only the creative side of the industry, but the strategy and relationships that turn talent into lasting careers.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Damizza represents vision, innovation, mentorship, industry knowledge, and the relentless work ethic required to help build and shape culture.

As the founder of RMM, Percy has spent years building relationships and creating opportunities throughout the entertainment industry, including working behind the scenes with influential names such as Snoop Dogg and other major figures in hip-hop.

His entrepreneurial ventures include Golf Beef and Legacy Vodka, while his passion for media continues through his radio platform “We Got Our Own Radio,” where he provides another platform for entertainment, conversation, and culture.

Percy is also an author and a dedicated supporter of emerging and established talent.  As a GRRRD Awards Talent Scout, he has helped bring notable personalities and talent to the GRRRD Awards, including Slink Johnson, Kid Frost, and others, helping expand the GRRRD network and create opportunities for artists and entertainers.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Big Percy represents entrepreneurship, leadership, networking, mentorship, media, and the work ethic required to turn relationships and vision into lasting opportunities.

As the founder of the LBC Movement, Young Sagg has worked alongside Snoop Dogg to help unite and spotlight artists from Long Beach.  His music has also included collaborations with Snoop, including the single “Jealous” and other releases that have connected his sound with the West Coast hip-hop legacy.

Young Sagg's relationship with Snoop Dogg extends beyond music, and he has been a trusted friend and member of Snoop's inner circle.  His career has continued to bridge music, relationships, and community, while his involvement in initiatives such as the Community Father Walk reflects his commitment to giving back and encouraging positive connections within Long Beach.

As a GRRRD Awards Talent Scout, Young Sagg helps identify and bring notable talent and industry relationships to the GRRRD platform, contributing to the Academy's mission of connecting underground talent, established artists, and influential figures.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Young Sagg represents West Coast culture, loyalty, leadership, community, music, and the work ethic required to build something bigger than yourself.

As the founder of Perceptive by Princess Va’Shion, she has developed a multifaceted brand providing professional beauty, glam, wellness, and event services, while building teams and creating experiences for high-profile productions and entertainment events.  Her work has been featured across celebrity events and major entertainment gatherings, and she has been recognized for her ability to combine beauty, branding, production, and strategic public relations.

Her experience extends into film and entertainment production as well, including work as a makeup department professional and producer.  She has also created and directed entertainment experiences such as H1T Fest, bringing together music, fashion, wellness, and culture while providing platforms for both established and emerging talent.

Within the GRRRD Awards, Princess Va’Shion serves as the official publicist, helping shape the public image and visibility of the awards while working behind the scenes to make the event successful.  She also oversees the GRRRD Awards gift bags, helping coordinate the brands, promotional items, and presentation that reach the event's guests.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Princess Va’Shion represents leadership, creativity, beauty, entrepreneurship, public relations, networking, and the relentless work ethic required to build opportunities for yourself and others.

Working alongside his father, C-Lim, Drakkari helps produce the GRRRD Awards and plays a key role in making sure the event runs smoothly from behind the scenes.  From coordinating essential production details to making sure the awards themselves are in place and ready to be presented, his attention to detail helps keep the ceremony moving.

While the spotlight belongs to the artists and honorees, Drakkari represents the people who make the spotlight possible.  His willingness to handle the important details behind the scenes reflects the teamwork, responsibility, and work ethic that are at the foundation of the GRRRD Awards.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Drakkari Nesbit represents leadership, loyalty, organization, family, entrepreneurship, and the commitment to making the vision a reality.

Beyond his own catalog, Jayo Felony has continued to represent the independent spirit and longevity that define true West Coast hip-hop.  His willingness to collaborate and remain connected to the culture is part of what makes his legacy significant.

Jayo Felony has also recorded songs with C-Lim, connecting two artists through music, creativity, and the independent movement that helped inspire the GRRRD Awards.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Jayo Felony represents authenticity, longevity, originality, and the work ethic required to build a lasting career in hip-hop.

His work extends beyond traditional promotion.  Mike specializes in procuring sponsorships, securing advertising partnerships, and creating strategic ad placements that help businesses gain exposure while providing events with the support needed to grow.

As a member of the GRRRD Academy, Mike T represents the business side of entertainment, the relationships, marketing, sponsorships, and promotional work that often happens behind the scenes but plays a major role in bringing successful events to life.

His commitment to connecting businesses, brands, sponsors, and entertainment makes him an important part of the network and the culture surrounding the GRRRD Awards.

Founded in 2011 by C-Lim and David Orosco, Cuzzalo Ink became known for its distinctive custom masks and its connection to some of the most recognizable names in hip-hop and entertainment.  The company's work has included custom pieces associated with artists such as Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Tech N9ne, Brotha Lynch Hung, E-40, and Crooked I, with Cuzzalo Ink's work even appearing on the cover of Eminem's Shady XV project.

David's contributions, however, extend far beyond Cuzzalo Ink.  He has played an important role behind the scenes with the GRRRD Awards, serving as a talent scout and helping identify and connect the awards with artists, entertainers, and influential members of the culture.

Throughout the years, David has also represented the GRRRD Awards in a hands-on capacity, escorting honored guests, assisting with artist and celebrity relations, and serving as a media handler when needed.  His ability to work behind the scenes while maintaining professionalism and personal relationships has made him an important part of the GRRRD Awards organization.

As a GRRRD Academy member, David Orosco represents the spirit of loyalty, creativity, entrepreneurship, networking, and work ethic that the Academy was created to recognize.

From helping build Cuzzalo Ink from the ground up to supporting the growth and execution of the GRRRD Awards, David's contributions have helped strengthen the foundation behind the movement.

A professional special effects artist and tattoo artist based in Ventura, California, Nelson has worked in the film and entertainment industry and became nationally recognized as a contestant on Syfy's Face Off Season 12, where artists competed in the demanding world of special-effects makeup, prosthetics, sculpting, and fabrication.

Nelson's connection to Cuzzalo Ink goes back to the early years of the company.  As one of the creative artists behind the brand, he helped fabricate the custom latex and character masks that became part of Cuzzalo Ink's signature identity.  His work helped bring the likenesses of artists such as Tech N9ne and Brotha Lynch Hung to life through highly detailed, handcrafted masks.  Cuzzalo Ink's custom-mask work became associated with a number of major hip-hop artists and entertainment projects.

But Nelson's creative contribution to the Cuzzalo and GRRRD legacy goes even deeper.

When the GRRRD Awards began developing its first official trophy, the original Cuzzie/GRRRD Award, Nelson Cooper played a crucial role in bringing the concept from an idea into a physical award.  He helped design, cast, and produce the original trophy that would become a symbol of recognition within the GRRRD movement.

As the GRRRD Awards evolved, Nelson once again put his artistic talents to work, helping cast and produce the second-generation GRRRD Award trophy, creating the next physical representation of the organization's growth and legacy.

His work demonstrates exactly what the GRRRD Academy stands for: creativity, craftsmanship, originality, dedication, and the work ethic required to turn an idea into something real.

Beyond entertainment and special effects, Nelson is also a rancher and an accomplished tattoo artist, bringing the same hands-on creativity and attention to detail into every discipline he touches.  His professional portfolio includes latex masks, props, creature suits, and special-effects work, while his screen credits include special-effects makeup and effects work on film and television projects.

Nelson Cooper has been part of the Cuzzalo Ink and GRRRD Awards story since shortly after their beginnings.  For years, he has contributed his imagination, technical skill, and craftsmanship behind the scenes, often creating the very pieces that audiences ultimately see on stage, on screen, or in the hands of artists.

His induction as a GRRRD Academy Member recognizes not only his professional accomplishments, but his lasting contribution to the creative foundation of the GRRRD and Cuzzalo Ink legacy.

A talented artist with formal degrees in art, Zach became an important part of the Cuzzalo Ink creative team, using his skills in painting, design, fabrication, and custom-mask creation to help transform ideas into highly detailed physical works of art.

One of Zach's most notable contributions came through his work on the development of the Cuzzalo Ink prototype masks associated with Eminem's SHADY XV project.  Zach had a hand in developing the prototype that helped bring the concept to life.  The resulting Cuzzalo Ink hockey-mask design became part of the visual identity surrounding Eminem's SHADY XV album, whose official merchandise later included a replica of the hockey mask featured on the album cover.

But Zach's artistic résumé extends far beyond music.

As a Cuzzalo Ink fabricator, he has created custom masks, paintings, artwork, merchandise, and other creative pieces for the brand.  His design work has also extended into the worlds of Strange Music, Topps, Disney, Star Wars, and other major entertainment and collectible properties.

Zach has also taken his creativity into the world of technology and gaming.  He created the Bad Billard app, developing a unique digital world that features C-Lim as one of its characters, another example of his ability to take personalities, concepts, and artwork and turn them into interactive entertainment.

His work with collectibles and licensed properties demonstrates the range of his artistic abilities.  From custom fabrication and character design to trading-card artwork, merchandise, graphic design, and digital projects, Zach has consistently found new ways to turn his artistic vision into tangible products and experiences.

Outside of his creative career, Zach is also an entrepreneur with interests in real estate, graphic design, and multiple business ventures.  His ability to operate both as an artist and a businessman reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that has always been central to the GRRRD movement.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Zach Woolsey represents the kind of multidimensional creativity the Academy was created to recognize, an artist who doesn't simply create within one medium, but continually finds new platforms through which to express his vision.

From Cuzzalo Ink masks to music-industry merchandise, collectible artwork, gaming, graphic design, and entrepreneurship, Zach's work has helped build a bridge between underground creativity and mainstream entertainment.

His legacy is rooted in imagination, craftsmanship, innovation, and the willingness to turn an idea into something people can actually see, hold, wear, collect, or experience.

Currently serving as Vice President, Partner Labels - Global Marketing at Universal Music Group, Frank has built an extensive career inside one of the world's leading music companies.  His journey with UMG began in 2008, and over the years he has advanced through positions in label marketing, associated-label marketing, label relations, and artist-focused business development before reaching his current executive role.

Throughout his career, Frank has worked at the intersection of artists, record labels, marketing teams, and audiences, helping develop strategies that bring music and entertainment projects to the marketplace.  His professional background includes work with UMG's partner and associated labels, as well as earlier experience with Interscope Records.

Frank's work extends beyond traditional marketing.  He has also contributed in A&R and artist development, demonstrating an ability to recognize creative talent and help connect artists and projects with the right opportunities.  Among his documented credits is his involvement with Morris Day's Last Call, a project he described as his first A&R credit and an important opportunity to help steward an artist's legacy.

Beyond the corporate side of the music business, Frank is also an artist himself, giving him a perspective that bridges the creative and executive sides of the industry.  His experience allows him to understand both the vision of the artist and the business, marketing, and strategic work required to bring that vision to a larger audience.

Frank's career is a reflection of the power of relationships, creativity, longevity, and understanding the business behind the music.  From beginning his professional journey as an intern to becoming a Vice President at Universal Music Group, his path demonstrates the value of building a career through experience, knowledge, and an enduring passion for music.

As a GRRRD Academy Member, Frank Hensley represents another important side of what the Academy stands for: recognizing the professionals who work behind the scenes to help artists, music, and culture move forward.

His place within the Academy recognizes not only his accomplishments in the music industry, but also his continued connection to the creative community and his ability to operate on both sides of the equation, as an artist and as a music executive.

As the Founder of Black Sam Entertainment, Black Sam has built his career around entertainment, promotion, events, music, and connecting artists and audiences.  His experience as a promoter has given him a strong understanding of the business and relationship-building that happens behind the scenes in entertainment.

Black Sam currently serves as Vice President of Cuzzalo Ink, where he plays an important role in the company's business operations, with responsibilities that include merchandise and licensing.  His work helps extend the Cuzzalo Ink brand beyond its original custom-mask roots and into the broader worlds of entertainment, branding, products, and intellectual property.

His role is particularly important to the continued growth of Cuzzalo Ink because merchandise and licensing require more than simply creating a great product: they require understanding the brand, protecting its identity, developing opportunities, and finding ways to bring that brand to new audiences.

As part of the extended Cuzzalo Ink and GRRRD Awards family, Black Sam represents the business and promotional side of the movement.  His experience in entertainment promotion, combined with his entrepreneurial approach, has allowed him to contribute to the growth of the brands and relationships surrounding Cuzzalo Ink.

Black Sam's journey reflects one of the core principles behind the GRRRD Academy: the people working behind the scenes are just as important to a movement's success as the people standing in the spotlight.

From promoting entertainment and building his own company to helping manage merchandise and licensing for Cuzzalo Ink, Black Sam has continued to contribute his business experience, relationships, and entrepreneurial energy to the culture.

His induction as a GRRRD Academy Member recognizes his contribution to the business infrastructure surrounding Cuzzalo Ink and the broader GRRRD movement, and the importance of the people who help turn creative ideas into sustainable brands.