South Side rapper entertains CTA riders
El train rapper Albert Griffith gets star treatment in a Trib profile today.
While there are plenty of bus stop and platform performers, this guy takes his rap to the riders on the Green Line. And he's been at it for 14 years.
Even a CTA worker acknowledges "he's got talent. I don't know why he's wasting his time on the train."
Maybe because he makes anywhere from $80 to almost $700 in a (long) day's work.
Of course he admits that not everyone appreciates his rap. And he has to watch out for both cops and "stickup men." But that doesn't keep him from being a great self-promoter: "I don't want to sound egotistical or arrogant, but my favorite emcee is me."
Hear some samples here from his EP "The Mind of a Teacher."
(Chicago Tribune photo by Charles Osgood)
I ran into this fellow on the Green Line this morning. He's very loud and definitely disrupted my peace and quiet. If he's that good, people should be given the opportunity to CHOOSE to listen to him and the rest of us should be left to read quietly.
Posted by: Bill | October 31, 2006 at 10:16 AM
maybe he gets up to $700 a day by people paying him to shut up?
Posted by: adam | October 31, 2006 at 01:49 PM
Amen to that. I haven't encountered this performer, but there have been others. No matter how good they are, I don't want them imposed on me anymore than I want the preachers.
Posted by: Jamie | October 31, 2006 at 01:49 PM
I am okay with rappers/singers/preachers on the public way, but they have no place in a confined space with no escape route for those who do not want to be subjected to their sermon/song/tirade.
There are at least 2 people in that photo trying to read. I wonder how much they appreciate Mr. Griffith's artistry?
Posted by: Matt | October 31, 2006 at 03:00 PM
While I appreciate how hard it is to be an artist, being a writer myself, this guy is just being obnoxious. This is just air pollution and no different from a loud celler. I don't like being bugged on the El for any reason, let alone for some guy who wants to rap loudly.
Posted by: Kimberli | October 31, 2006 at 03:39 PM
If he's so talented, why's he been singing the same two songs for the past 5 years? Plus, I've heard him call a couple of girls who asked him to keep it down "white bitches" and other similar comments many times over the years.
Posted by: just me | October 31, 2006 at 04:51 PM
I've heard him. He sucks. He is an inconsiderate, untalented, wanabee.
So how do we get this jerk off the trains?
Posted by: J2K | November 01, 2006 at 12:21 PM
is it just me or am I the only one who can not find the rules and regulations for CTA passengers on their site. I'm looking for a list of rules like:
1. No eating or drinking on the train or bus
2. No smoking on CTA property
3. No flash photography of operators while the train is in motion.....
or am I just asking for too much?
Posted by: cmama | November 01, 2006 at 03:05 PM
there is no way to stop him or get him off the trains. you have the trib glorifying him, and apparently some people are crazy enough to call him a stress relief.
yep. sad.
Posted by: adam | November 01, 2006 at 04:09 PM
In general, I've gotten really fed up with people feeling the need to put on a show when they ride a train, whether it's rap or a long, loud monologue, or some sort of dramatic rant, or an "everyone listen to me; aren't I wonderful?" cellphone conversation. I'd love a car or two to be set aside for us introverts who are simply interested in riding to our destinations.
Posted by: Scott | November 02, 2006 at 08:20 AM
This is where an Mp3 player comes in very handy.
Posted by: Tim | November 02, 2006 at 10:19 AM