GOAT, born Justin Griffith, has been consistently building a respectable reputation as a well-rounded artist since 2005. Hailing from Dallas, TX, GOAT (G.rades O.f A.bsolute T.ruth) represents a mature and classy side of melodic hip hop with a rock tint, which has yet to be seen in the mainstream. PegasusNews.com states, "Each of his songs takes on its own distinct flavor, pulling from varied musical and lyrical sources." When writing, GOAT is a focused musician carefully crafting each phrase to perfection. On stage, he immediately attracts his audience with an inviting, endless energy.

Aside from GOAT's guitar obsession at the age of 12, his passion for writing quickly progressed into lyrical expression. After collaborating and performing in rock, blues, and metal bands throughout high school, he soon realized that his hunger for success outweighed that of anyone around him. GOAT began producing solo material that evolved toward hip hop, but he thirsted for more knowledge of the recording industry. Without skipping a beat, he ventured on to study audio engineering and music production at The Recording Workshop in Chillicothe, Ohio (2001). After returning, he continued honing his performance skills by studying Classical Voice at The University of North Texas in Denton, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree (2005).

In early 2005, GOAT and dj three6t, a long-time friend, began building a loyal fan base by performing several times a month in various venues throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. By the time of GOAT's CD Release Party for "Absolute Truth" (produced by GOAT) in August of 2006, they would perform for a packed house at Club Clearview. "Absolute Truth" received extremely positive reviews, thus increasing live sales of the LP and name branding merchandise.

Soon after the release of "Absolute Truth," GOAT and dj three6t took a look at the current mainstream mixtape frenzy and decided it was time to show some home-town love. "Dallas Got Next: The Mixtape" was released to an eager crowd at the Curtain Club in September of 2007. A solid 80-minute headlining performance concluded another strategically planned and perfect night.

While desiring to help unify the D/FW scene for a philanthropic cause, GOAT founded "Hip Hop Helps Heal," or "H4," in August of 2008. "H4" is a non-profit organization built on the love of music, where egos are left at home and people become selfless. They pledge to throw two events annually to financially aid specific concerns of the community, such as hunger, disease, and abuse.

GOAT's professionalism is at its peak, and his obsessive-compulsive tendencies fend for a keen sense of self-reflection; therefore progression is definite. He recently solidified a 5-piece band to accompany him at special events. Their debut performance was in August of 2008 at the "Hip Hop Helps Heal Breast Cancer Benefit Show." A West Coast Tour can be expected from GOAT and three6t in July of 2009 to promote the duo's release of "Mileage," which will include a guest appearance by Young Bleed. Though currently teaching music at an elementary school, GOAT is still in full pursuit of his life-long goals. The ultimate objective is to make a living creating music, but judging from his persistency, it won't stop there. According to LIT Monthly, "...you'll learn that, in this incarnation, G.O.A.T. ain't playin'."

Information submitted by the artist

Musicians

• GOAT: bass, drums, guitar, hip-hop producer, piano, rapper, vocals

Influences

C.V.C., Cee-lo, Lil Wayne, Outkast, Bubba Sparxxx, Young Bleed, Fort Minor, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Brother Ali, Sage Francis, Jay-Z, Nas, 2Pac, Kanye West, Chamillionaire, Devin the Dude, Alice in Chains, Incubus, The Used, Counting Crows, Rage Against the Machine, Guns-n-Roses, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Doors, Alabama, Trace Adkins, Garth Brooks, Edgar Allan Poe

Albums

Favorited by these users:

MistaLong, Vincent_Tucker, bruhnlaw, ch0

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