Grave Plott emerged as a notable hardcore/horrorcore rap duo in the late 2000s. Consisting of Killa C (Coul Hill) and Liquid Assassin (Cardell Avila Toombs, Jr.), the group made waves in the underground hip-hop scene.

Their debut album “The Plott Thickens” was released on May 20, 2008, through Strange Music and Dirty Thug Records, reaching #95 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the duo, showcasing their ability to break into mainstream rankings while maintaining their distinct sound.

Grave Plott’s music blended elements of hardcore rap with horror-themed lyrics and production, carving out a niche in the horrorcore subgenre. Their partnership with Tech N9ne’s Strange Music label helped expand their reach and solidify their position in the independent hip-hop landscape.

Origins of Grave Plott

Grave Plott emerged as a hardcore/horrorcore rap duo in the mid-2000s. The group brought together two talented artists with a shared vision for creating intense, dark-themed hip-hop music.

Formation Year: 2005

Grave Plott formed in 2005, marking the beginning of a new chapter in horrorcore rap. The duo quickly established themselves in the underground hip-hop scene. Their unique blend of hardcore beats and horror-inspired lyrics set them apart from other artists.

Grave Plott’s formation coincided with a growing interest in darker, more intense forms of rap music. The group capitalized on this trend, carving out a niche for themselves in a competitive industry. Their timing proved advantageous, allowing them to build a dedicated fanbase early on.

Founding Members: Killa C and Liquid Assassin

Killa C, born Coul Hill, and Liquid Assassin, born Cardell Avila Toombs, Jr., were the founding members of Grave Plott. Both artists brought their individual talents and experiences to the group, creating a powerful synergy.

Killa C contributed his gritty vocal style and hard-hitting lyrics. Liquid Assassin complemented this with his technical prowess and intricate rhyme schemes. Together, they crafted a sound that was both aggressive and introspective.

The duo’s chemistry was evident from the start. Their contrasting styles meshed well, allowing them to create music that resonated with fans of hardcore and horrorcore rap genres.

Musical Style and Influences

Grave Plott’s music was characterized by dark themes, aggressive delivery, and horror-inspired lyrics. The duo blended elements of hardcore rap with macabre storytelling to create their distinctive sound.

Genre: Horrorcore

Grave Plott firmly established themselves in the horrorcore subgenre of hip-hop. Their lyrics often featured violent imagery, supernatural elements, and psychological horror themes. The group’s production style incorporated ominous beats, eerie sound effects, and intense rhythms to complement their lyrical content.

Horrorcore allowed Grave Plott to explore darker subject matter than mainstream rap. They used this platform to craft intricate narratives filled with graphic depictions and twisted scenarios. The genre’s shock value and transgressive nature aligned well with the duo’s artistic vision.

Influential Artists

Several established artists in the horrorcore and hardcore rap scenes influenced Grave Plott’s musical direction. Brotha Lynch Hung was a significant inspiration, known for his gruesome lyrics and vivid storytelling. His impact can be heard in Grave Plott’s narrative approach and unflinching portrayal of violent themes.

Spice 1, another influential figure, likely shaped Grave Plott’s hard-edged delivery and street-oriented content. His gritty style and unapologetic attitude resonated with the duo’s own artistic sensibilities. Other artists who may have influenced Grave Plott include:

• Geto Boys
• Gravediggaz
• Three 6 Mafia

These artists contributed to the development of horrorcore and hardcore rap, paving the way for groups like Grave Plott to push the boundaries of the genre further.

Debut and Releases

Grave Plott made a significant impact with their debut album, which was released in 2008 through a notable distribution deal. The album’s release marked a milestone for the horrorcore rap duo.

First Album: The Plott Thickens

“The Plott Thickens” served as Grave Plott’s inaugural full-length album. The project showcased the unique style of Killa C and Liquid Assassin, blending hardcore and horrorcore rap elements.

The album was distributed through a partnership between Strange Music and Dirty Thug Records. This collaboration helped increase the album’s reach and visibility in the hip-hop market.

“The Plott Thickens” achieved commercial success, charting at #95 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in its first week of release. This accomplishment demonstrated the duo’s ability to attract a significant audience within their genre.

Release Date: May 20, 2008

Grave Plott officially released “The Plott Thickens” on May 20, 2008. This date marked the group’s entry into the commercial rap scene as a fully-formed act.

The timing of the release allowed Grave Plott to capitalize on the growing interest in underground and alternative hip-hop styles during that period.

The May release date positioned the album well for summer listening and potential festival performances, helping to build momentum for the group’s career.

Collaborations and Affiliations

Grave Plott’s musical journey has been shaped by key partnerships and collaborations. The group’s association with Strange Music and work with prominent artists have expanded their reach and artistic palette.

Connection with Strange Music

Grave Plott signed with Strange Music in 2018, joining the independent hip-hop powerhouse’s roster. This partnership provided increased exposure and resources for the group. Strange Music’s founder Tech N9ne took an interest in Grave Plott’s unique sound, featuring them on his 2019 album “N9NA.” The label’s support enabled Grave Plott to embark on national tours and access high-quality production facilities.

Krizz Kaliko, another Strange Music mainstay, has been a mentor to Grave Plott. He collaborated on their 2020 single “Midnight Run” and offered guidance on songwriting and vocal techniques. This relationship has been instrumental in refining Grave Plott’s artistic approach.

Collaborative Artists

Grave Plott has worked with a diverse array of artists beyond the Strange Music circle. Their 2021 album “Crossroads” featured guest appearances from Haystak, bringing a Southern hip-hop flavor to their sound. The group has also collaborated with rock and metal artists, blending genres on tracks like “Stone Cold” with members of Slipknot.

Electronic music producers have remixed several Grave Plott tracks, expanding their audience in the EDM scene. These collaborations have allowed Grave Plott to experiment with new styles and reach different fan bases, solidifying their reputation as versatile and innovative artists.

Production and Creative Process

Grave Plott’s album “The Plott Thickens” showcases a blend of horrorcore rap and polished production. The Strange Music team played a significant role in shaping the sound and quality of the record.

Notable Producers

Robert Rebeck, known professionally as Seven, was a key producer on “The Plott Thickens”. As Strange Music’s in-house producer, Seven brought his signature style to the album’s tracks. His production techniques helped elevate Grave Plott’s horrorcore sound, adding depth and polish to the duo’s dark themes.

Seven’s work on the album incorporated hard-hitting beats and atmospheric elements. These production choices complemented Killa C and Liquid Assassin’s aggressive lyrical delivery. The collaboration between Seven and Grave Plott resulted in a more refined horrorcore sound compared to many of their contemporaries.

While the production quality stood out, critics noted that it couldn’t fully compensate for the rappers’ limitations. Nevertheless, Seven’s contributions added value to the project, creating memorable moments within the album’s soundscape.

Notable Singles and Tracks

Grave Plott’s discography features several standout tracks that resonated with fans and showcased the duo’s unique style. Their music blended hardcore rap with horror-inspired themes and lyrics.

Hit Single: Puttin’ U In

“Puttin’ U In” emerged as Grave Plott’s breakout single. The track gained traction on underground rap circuits and helped establish the group’s reputation. Its gritty production and aggressive flow exemplified Grave Plott’s signature sound.

The song’s lyrics dealt with dark themes common in horrorcore rap. Its music video further emphasized these elements with striking visuals.

“Puttin’ U In” appeared on Grave Plott’s debut album “The Plott Thickens.” The single’s success contributed to the album reaching #95 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Fan Favorites

Beyond their hit single, Grave Plott produced several tracks that became fan favorites. “Snap” stood out for its intense energy and memorable hook. The song showcased Killa C and Liquid Assassin’s chemistry as a duo.

“Alcoholic Anthem” resonated with listeners for its raw honesty about substance abuse. The track’s dark humor aligned with Grave Plott’s overall aesthetic.

“Money” demonstrated the group’s ability to craft hard-hitting beats with sharp lyrical content. Its themes of financial struggle and ambition struck a chord with their audience.

These tracks helped solidify Grave Plott’s place in the horrorcore rap scene. They exemplified the group’s skill at blending shock value with genuine artistry.

Themes and Lyrical Content

Grave Plott’s music delves into the gritty realities of street life, exploring dark themes and motifs of survival. Their lyrics paint vivid pictures of urban struggles and the harsh world they inhabit.

Street Life Narratives

Grave Plott’s songs often portray life in dangerous neighborhoods. Tracks like “G-Shit” and “Felony Livin’” offer unfiltered glimpses into criminal activities and the daily challenges faced on the streets.

The group doesn’t glamorize this lifestyle but presents it as a harsh reality many are forced to navigate. Their narratives highlight the difficult choices individuals make when surrounded by poverty and violence.

Lyrics frequently reference drug deals, confrontations with rivals, and run-ins with law enforcement. These stories serve as both cautionary tales and reflections of lived experiences.

Exploration of Dark Themes

Death, violence, and mortality are recurring themes in Grave Plott’s music. Songs like “Welcome to the Land” create an atmosphere where loss is commonplace and danger lurks around every corner.

The group doesn’t shy away from graphic imagery. Their lyrics often describe violent acts in detail, creating a sense of unease and tension.

Mental health struggles, addiction, and paranoia also feature prominently. These themes reflect the psychological toll of living in high-stress environments.

Motifs of Survival and Struggle

Resilience in the face of adversity is a key motif in Grave Plott’s work. Songs like “In the Streets” and “My Life” emphasize the daily fight to survive and overcome obstacles.

The group’s lyrics often portray a world where trust is scarce and self-reliance is crucial. Characters in their songs must remain vigilant and tough to endure their harsh surroundings.

Despite the bleak outlook, there are undercurrents of hope and determination. The struggle itself becomes a source of pride, with survival seen as a form of success in a world stacked against them.

Legacy and Impact

Grave Plott left an indelible mark on the horrorcore subgenre of hip-hop. Their unique blend of hardcore rap and horror themes resonated with fans and influenced future artists in the scene.

Cultural Influence

Grave Plott’s 2008 album “The Plott Thickens” achieved notable commercial success, peaking at #95 on the Billboard charts. This mainstream recognition helped bring horrorcore to a wider audience.

The duo’s vivid storytelling and dark imagery captured the imagination of listeners. Their music videos and album artwork further reinforced their horror-inspired aesthetic, creating a cohesive brand identity.

Grave Plott’s success paved the way for other horrorcore artists to gain traction in the music industry. Their work demonstrated the potential for niche subgenres to find commercial viability.

Contribution to Horrorcore

Grave Plott refined the horrorcore sound, blending hardcore rap beats with horror-themed lyrics. Their polished production values elevated the genre beyond its underground roots.

The group’s collaboration with Strange Music helped legitimize horrorcore within the broader hip-hop community. This partnership opened doors for other artists working in similar styles.

Grave Plott’s lyrical content pushed the boundaries of horror themes in rap. Their detailed narratives and visceral imagery set new standards for storytelling within the genre.

The duo’s ability to balance shock value with technical rap skills influenced a new generation of horrorcore artists. They proved that the subgenre could be both commercially viable and artistically respected.

Controversies and Criticisms

Grave Plott faced several challenges related to their lyrical content and public image. The horrorcore rap duo’s graphic themes and violent imagery sparked debate about artistic expression versus social responsibility.

Lyrics and Public Perception

Grave Plott’s lyrics often contained explicit references to violence, gore, and dark themes. This led to criticism from parents’ groups and media watchdogs who argued their music promoted harmful behavior. The song “Don’t Bite the Hand That Feeds You” drew particular scrutiny for its graphic depictions of revenge.

Some radio stations refused to play Grave Plott’s music, citing concerns over lyrical content. This limited the group’s mainstream exposure and commercial potential. Defenders argued the lyrics were artistic expression not meant to be taken literally.

The track “Buckin’” faced backlash for its perceived glorification of gun violence. Critics claimed it sent the wrong message to young listeners. Grave Plott maintained their lyrics were horror-themed storytelling, not endorsements of real-world violence.