Jerry Anthony Grigger: The Soulful Poet Redefining Urban Literature

Jerry Anthony Grigger, known to many as JAG, is a soulful scribe from Southwest Philadelphia whose words resonate like a finely tuned melody. From his early days as a ten-year-old penning lines in the margins of his notebooks, to drawing inspiration from the lyrical geniuses of Babyface, JAY-Z, and Nicki Minaj, Grigger has evolved into a self-published author with two poetry books. His work has graced the pages of prominent magazines and he has served as a lead writer at SUAVV Magazine and the Entertainment/Music Editor at OBVIOUS Magazine. Through his writing, Grigger aims to leave a lasting legacy that heals, inspires, and transforms.

Please enjoy our interview!

Can you share a specific memory from your childhood that sparked your passion for writing?

JAG: Oh most def, it was definitely listening to music as a little kid. I just used to say words in my head. I thought I was talking myself. As a kid, in like maybe 1st grade, I remember writing a rhyme on a piece of construction paper. I don't remember the lines though. I can see the cut up paper on the desk.

How has your writing evolved from those early notebook scribbles to your current published works?

JAG: I would say I got more lethal with it. I just listened to the lines in my head and go off, like an explosion. My early notebook scribbles were just like kiddy lines. Now, I feel like I haven't even peaked yet when it comes to writing lyrics.

You draw inspiration from the authenticity of artists like Kendrick Lamar and Jill Scott. How do you ensure that your own work maintains this level of authenticity?

JAG: I can only be me. All I feel, nobody feels but me. I don't know how to be anyone else authentically. That's part of why I fall out of love with acting and wanting to be an actor. I didn't feel like I was being me. I had to read all these lines for someone else, to be someone else. I was struggling with myself and my own lines. Then one day it just clicked.

Please walk us through your writing process. Do you have any routines that help you get into the creative flow?

JAG: They could be some long walks or some short ones. The process is always flowing. It's always moving until the pen stops at the end.

I don't have any routines. I write a lot, I just flow with it. Just let it flow and be like damn. That was cold.

What motivated you to self-publish your poetry books, and what challenges and rewards have you experienced through this process?

JAG: I honestly just wanted to get my writing out. I didn't think about the success or failure of it. I just know I wanted to become a published author as a poet and a writer. So many things in this life are a challenge each day. We will be here for a long time lol dealing with all that. The biggest reward is that I did it. I legit published my own book with my own money. I can go to a bookstore and request my book. The motivation to become a New York Times Best Seller and some other awards are part of the challenging experiences.

As you know the power of words can heal, inspire, and transform. Can you share a personal experience where writing had a profound impact on your life or the life of someone else?

JAG: My writing transformed, healed, and inspired me. Because I was dealing with myself more than anyone. It's been a lot to unpack for me. Waking up and all I had was my pen and my pad, or a pen and a napkin, or notes in my phone. All that pulled me up.

Any upcoming projects or collaborations you're excited about? What can our Vocal Media readers expect next from Jerry Anthony Grigger?

JAG: I am excited about the possibilities of another day. On that day a way to make a living off myself. To collaborate with the people I love and who love me back. I'm doing some videography work.

I have an anthology of poems I want to get out by the end of 2024. So, I can do fresh work. I'm getting back into doing behind the scenes work. I love being behind a lens and shooting the art of people and of life. I have some other things I am trying to swing into as well. I also do video editing. I like that. I want to do more poetry and writing some songs.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just beginning to explore their own voice and style?

JAG: Write. Learn. Listen. Write. Take some time for yourself. Write. Learn. Listen. Breathe. Take a walk, and be you wholeheartedly you. Be authentic. Push your pen. Blow up in your lines. Be free.

Connect on Instagram @itsjustjag