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Biography Matthew Grady, known musically as M-16, is a native of Durham, NC. Born into a musical family, his father was the lead guitarist for the famous soul band, The Staple Singers [Alvis (Butch) Grady]. He has also played with musical great Chuck Jackson and is currently playing alongside Stanley Beard. Matthew developed a passion for music at an early age. Just like his father, he possesses a broad array of musical talents. At the age of 9, Matthew began playing the piano strictly ...

Biography Matthew Grady, known musically as M-16, is a native of Durham, NC. Born into a musical family, his father was the lead guitarist for the famous soul band, The Staple Singers [Alvis (Butch) Grady]. He has also played with musical great Chuck Jackson and is currently playing alongside Stanley Beard. Matthew developed a passion for music at an early age. Just like his father, he possesses a broad array of musical talents. At the age of 9, Matthew began playing the piano strictly by ear, but by age 12 he was classically trained to play. He also plays the trumpet and writes both music and poetry. With his love for music guiding his dreams, Matthew decided to channel all his time and energy into becoming a Rap Artist. Matthew's stage name M-16 is derived from his first name and his age at the time he began his career. His stage name is also fitting because of his fast paced (rapid fire) flow that was considered fully automatic like the M-16 military assault rifle. In 2005, M-16 joined forces with Flavor Fruit Entertainment and the Panama Red Production team. Since becoming a part of the Flavor Fruit Entertainment family, he has developed into a truly talented artist. Matthew states, “ I have learned how to make music that crosses all racial, age, and gender barriers. I make music that everyone can enjoy and relate to. I have become a REAL artist and because of that, I’m proud.” Matthew’s sound and creative writing style is unique; he credits being influenced by Lenny Kravitz, Kidd Rock, Tupac, Twista, Eminem and many more for his style and broad appeal. Matthew is very active in his community and has performed at various community events. He continues to be apart of his hometown "Book Bag and School Supply Give Away" for the City, held by the Durham Police Department and the Independant Record Label "Flavor Fruit Ent" that M16 is signed too, also the 2008 Community Day celebration. Some of his most recent career highlights include: A Rave review & write up posted in the 2008 Volume XXIII issue #9 BRE(Black Radio Exclusive) Magazine, in the SouthEast Regional Report with the likes of Big Boi, Ricky Smiley, DJ Laz, Sisters of Today & Tomorrow, and Miami's own Brisco. [(Performing on the CIAA 2008 Tour and ending that tour with a performance at the 2008 CIAA Tournament's Fan Experience in Charlotte,NC ; Headlining the 2008 Teen Fest Awards Show held at North Carolina Central University for the last two years. Currently M16 is the Ambassador for Teen Fest. Presenting an Award at the 2007 Social The Magazine's "Viewers Choice Awards" after being featured in the magazines Raleighwood Section highlighting artist creating a positive buzz in there state (www.socialthemagazine.com/awards.htm (2007 Social Awards Show Pt. 6); Performing at the 2007 MYRDC/CW22 TeenFest competition, where he meet one of his biggest fans, Mrs. Donna-Maria Harris (Marketing Director) CW22/MYRDC, as he had a chance to be judged by Christopher “Play” Martin (Kid & Play) along with DMC of (RUN DMC) and received rave reviews. Matthew also took first place in an urban music competition for Rap held by the Charlotte Music Awards. The Charlotte Music Awards salutes local independent artists throughout North and South Carolina for their musical talents as they hold competitions for all genres of music through out the year and award them at a huge award ceremony in Charlotte, NC. Matthew was asked to Perform as part of the opening for the Charlotte Music Awards inaugural Award ceremony that took place September 2007)]. Rapnetwork Record Breakers Top 30-2/23/09 TOP 30- 1, Royce da 5'9", Shake This, One Records 2, J the S, Automatic, Greater Good 3, Rapper Big Pooh, The Comeback, Hall Of Justus 4, Johnny Polygon, I Been Runnin', Future Green Records 5, Black O.C., Boom Box, Jeigh B records 6, Thad Reid, The Reason, FTP Records 7, M16, Them Cars, Flavor Fruit Ent. 8, P.O.S. Drumroll (We're All Thirsty), Rhymesayers 9, Statik Selektah, Get Out The Way, Showoff/Brick Records 10, Skit Slam, Just Like You, Freedom Ent. 11, Portable Payback, Relax, Ill Thought Ent. 12, Major League, Grustlin', Newrealm Records 13, Anonymous Twist, Que Pasa, Soul On Rice 14, The Package, Making Waves, PKG Records 15, Mantis, One For The Money (Remix), Across The Board Ent. 16, Sab, Get Life, Hiero Imperium 17, Recordkingz, Heat, Soulspazm/All City 18, N.A.S.A., Samba Soul, Epitaph 19, A-Alikes, Explode, Guerilla Nation 20, Kamal Supreme, I Go To War For You, Revolutionaryart/Soulgriots 21, Exile, It's Coming Down, Plug Research 22, One Pham, Touch Yourself, Fa'Sho Records 23, Seven, Holla At Your Boy, LRT Music 24, DKLA, All Over The World, Zeal Ent. 25, Loki Da Trixta, Where Ya At?, DTR 45 26, NYC, Probable Cause, 5G 27, The Primeridian, Bucktown, All Natural 28, B-Real, Fire, Duck Down 29, Legrand, That's How It's Going Down, WOA 30, Cymarshall Law & Mr. Joeker, Live While You Can, Freedom Ent. ADDS- 1, Kovas,Wax On Wax Off, Ghetto Beat 2, Perfeckt & Chance, Out Of Control, Git Tuff Ent. 3, GMK, College Girls, White Label 4, Alternate Reality, Fast Talk, pH Music/Pro Se Rapnetwork Record Breakers check it out at- http://www.myspace.com/recordbreakercharts