Grand Puba of Brand Nubian was born March 4, 1966

Grand Puba was born March 4, 1966 in Wilmington, North Carolina. He later moved to New York City and became a prominent figure in the Golden Age of hip hop, as a member of both Brand Nubian and Masters of Ceremony. Puba emerged as one of the most skilled emcees of the late ’80s and early ’90s. His natural flow and smooth delivery led him to the forefront of the conscious hip-hop movement with his socially and politically charged rhymes. As a keen student of the Five Percent Nation, Grand Puba infused his music with teachings of the cultural movement, which emphasized self-determination, knowledge of self, and righteous living.

Brand Nubian’s music tackled socially relevant issues such as racism and police brutality, and their message resonated with many fans. Grand Puba’s career continued to thrive even after leaving the group, and he released several successful albums as a solo artist. Hailing from New York City, Grand Puba’s influential style and lyricism helped pave the way for future generations of hip-hop artists, establishing him as a true legend of the genre.