Curtis "Grandson" Bell says he's not pretending. "This is really me," says the 23-year-old Rochester resident, referring to his church upbringing, perfect manners and aura of positivity that he's not shy about promoting.
Whether it's truly authentic or a charming facade, Bell's demeanor is refreshing for a hip-hop artist who's shooting for the mainstream while trying to stay grounded. After all, Bell says he makes "motivational music."
"When you hear my music it should make you want to go out and do something positive," he says. That bubbly energy is never more apparent than on his new single, "Everybody Loves Me." With the song's Southern, club vibe and a hook that's downright infectious, Bell has hit his mark.
"Everybody Loves Me" was so catchy it caught the ear of Atlanta rapper Rich Boy, who added a verse to the song, giving Bell a rarity for a local artist: a platinum-selling artist on his single. The song even made it onto Rich Boy's recently released mixtape Pacc Man.
Born in Rochester and raised in Atlanta, Bell says music has always been a crucial part of his upbringing. His parents bought him his first drum set when he was 1 year old. He won his first talent show when he was 9. And his stage name further shows the impact Bell's family has had on his music.
"My grandfather would always call me that when I was little," Bell says. "He would say, 'That my grandson, that's my grandson.' He was the first person that really showed me music. He taught me how to play the piano."
Bell is continuing the tradition as he starts a family of his own. He says his 1-year-old son, Curtis Bell Jr., serves as motivation to help Bell Sr. turn his talent into a business commodity.
Bell says he's been asked to tour with Rich Boy this summer. Bell also says he's in talks with several record labels about a deal that he hopes will help him grow as an artist and a person.
"I'm just being me," says Bell. "I'm looking for a label that's just gonna help me mature. I'm anxious to put Rochester in the forefront where we deserve to be."
