Literally a legend in the Texas underground scene, HipHopGrewUp founder Bavu Blakes is a Scholar Emcee, University of Texas at Austin broadcast journalism graduate and award-winning Hip Hop artist whose studio collaborators include Grammy winners Adrian Quesada [Grupo Fantasma / Ocote Soul Sounds / Brownout / Echocentrics], Symbolyc One (S1) [Kanye West / Beyonce / Jay-Z / Eminem / 50 Cent] and Gary Clark Jr. (Warner Bros.), as well as National Grammy Board Trustee Paul Wall.

Mr. Blakes teaches 7th grade English, tutors reading, mentors boys, leads bi-weekly emcee workshops and the monthly Transition Men’s Group, and often hosts community events including concerts.