Lawrence Wise McGriff

A Life from the Streets

A no nonsense type of guy. Baby Wise was an original Supreme Team member, a part of what they called “the original seed.” He was down since day one and his crew controlled the red top vitals. He worked as a lieutenant under his brother, Prince. He sold out of numerous drug spots in and around the Baisley Projects. He allegedly made $20,000 to 30,000 every other day and was a Supreme loyalist and supporter who answered to no one, but himself.

Baby Wise was known as a smooth ladies man who kept to himself and avoided the limelight, but would bust his guns when necessary, while handling the team’s business. He was one of the only members in the crew who refused to talk business on the phone and this was long before Goodfellas and The Wire. He didn’t take photos or go out to parties, preferring to stay low profile, get money and handle his business. He was one of the most intelligent members on the team and espoused his values on life, drug dealing and the Supreme Team freely. His word and advice was highly respected and people listened when he talked. His spots were steady and generated mucho illicit dinero for himself and the team. He was known as a fly dresser that rocked all the latest fashions and luxury automobiles of the era. It’s said that it was his crew that sported the infamous matching red Supreme Team jackets. He’s been mentioned in 50 Cent’s Ghetto Qur’an and other songs. He was known as one of Supreme’s main men.

Baby Wise was one of the originals and has remained loyal to his Uncle Supreme and flown the Supreme Team banner since the jump. His name has gone down as a legend, even as he has attempted to stay in the background and let other members of the team get all the hype and accolades. Baby Wise does not have a criminal record that stretches a mile long, but has served 16 years, A significant amount of time and has ducked all the big cases by always knowing when to cut out from the scene. He did 16 years in New York State for Murder and Manslaughter, various drugs and weapons chargers. He is currently the Director of Marketing for Def Jam Recordings, VP of Talent at All Def Digital, Industry Consultant, Industry Mentor, Motivational Speaker, and Community Activist.

Please, introduce yourself.

My name is, Lawrence Wise McGriff.

How did you get the name, Wise?

It’s my legal middle name.

How long have you been in the industry?

I’ve been in the industry for over 33 years.

What made you get into the music industry?

The industry kept me out the streets.

How long you been with Def Jam?

Since 1984.

And why did you pick Def Jam over all others?

I always looked up to Russell Simmons.

What does Def Jam mean to you?

A steady paycheck and a long running label.

Name some of the artists you have worked with?

Started with LL Cool J, currently with Mr Cheeks, DMX, Fred Da Godson, Loaded Lux, Murda Mook, LOX, Christopher Williams, Grandmaster CAZ, DOUG E Fresh, and a few others who shall remain anonymous.

So, what’s your opinion on the direction that today’s music is going?

Music TODAY is saturated. Lost it’s feeling.

How do you think Trump may effect the music industry?

Trump has no influence on the music industry. He’s going to make it hard for unsigned artists to hustle in the streets.

Being in the music industry, whats the craziest thing you have seen?

Artists with NO TALENT think they’re hot.

What mistakes are common when it comes to artists in the industry?

Thinking that unsigned artists shouldn’t have to pay for ANYTHING.

What will it take for an artist to get signed to a major label?

TALENT, A BUZZ & BUDGET.

What artist do you feel is hot currently and why?

J Cole, TL, Vic Damone, GFG, M3nice, Curtis Cash, UREG, Gang Muzik, Nfinity Music, Luminous, Russ Rooga, GOTAFLICKA, Matt Hustle, Papoose, Remy Ma, Uncle Murda, Mysonne, Jay-Z, Tl, Trey Songz, August Alsina. EVERYTHING OLD SCHOOL. They’re TALENTED and have music with a meaning and a message.

What advice can you give future artist?

SAVE your money, Invest in yourself, and Continue to grind no matter what! NOBODY OWES YOU anything!!