Jerrell Grimes

A distinguished figure born and raised in Newport, Rhode Island, a place renowned as "The Sailing Capital of the World." Currently residing in Tampa Bay, Florida, Jerrell's journey from a first-generation high school graduate to a trailblazing artist and entrepreneur embodies resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Raised in a devoutly religious household Jerrell's upbringing was steeped in the values of faith, determination, and the importance of forging one's path. His educational journey is a testament to his commitment to personal growth, marked by his studies in Elementary Education, Psychology, and Creative Writing at esteemed institutions such as Roger Williams University, in Rhode Island and Southern New Hampshire University, in New Hampshire. Further enriching his skills, Jerrell earned a career diploma in Freelance Writing from Penn Foster Career School, laying the groundwork for his future literary endeavors.

Jerrell's literary career began with the publication of his first book, "True Emotions of a Man: The Boy, The Man & His God" in 2009, marking his entry into the literary world and establishing him as Newport's first black author. His subsequent works, including "Confessions of a Nice Guy" and "True Emotions of a Man: Rewind & Fast Forward," further cemented his reputation as a profound voice in poetry and storytelling. His debut memoir, "Black Boys Don’t Speak," not only garnered critical acclaim but also earned him a presidential bronze medal from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, affirming his status as an award-winning author.

Inspired by his father's aspirations in the music industry and his grandfather's entrepreneurial spirit, Jerrell has always been driven by a legacy of creativity and self-determination. Since 2014, Jerrell has released several musical compilations and singles in various genres including Hip Hop and Spoken Word. 

His artistic and professional influences include several Hip-Hop luminaries such as Jay Z, The Notorious B.I.G, Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Wayne, Drake, Beyoncé and more; all of whom have shaped his approach to music and business. Patrick Haire, his recording/audio engineer, has played a pivotal role in Jerrell's development as a musician, helping him to find his unique sound and place within the cultural tapestry.

More recently, Jerrell Grimes' single, "Shut It Down (Set It Off)", was featured as the main soundtrack song for the Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival (TBUFF) nominated indie horror film, "Sammy Slick: Vampire Slayer". Jerrell Grimes is also credited as an Associate Producer of the film, marking his entrance into the film world.

Jerrell's life has not been without its challenges, notably his battle with osteosarcoma at the age of 10. Despite numerous surgeries and treatments, his spirit remained unbroken, and today he stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, having been in remission for 27 years. His triumphs extend beyond his personal health, including becoming a first-generation college student, a scholarship recipient in honor of Dr. Marcus Wheatland, and the founder of Ten19 Media Group and Jerrell Grimes Entertainment & Management Services.

Outside of his professional life, Jerrell is an avid traveler and connoisseur of new experiences, embodying a philosophy of justice, equality, and the power of voice. His belief that self-expression leads to liberation underscores his commitment to using his talents to inspire and empower others. Through his work, Jerrell has not only contributed significantly to his field but also impacted the lives of many, serving as a mentor, leader, and advocate for community service.

Jerrell Grimes’ journey from the shores of Newport to the vibrant community of Tampa Bay is a narrative of overcoming adversity, celebrating creativity, and making a lasting impact. His life and work continue to inspire those who seek to make their voice heard and to contribute positively to the world around them.