Brian Ladd / Hip-Hop Artist, Emcee, Music Producer, Community Organizer

Brian Ladd is a founding member of hip-hop duo "Granite State", one of the most well known and influential groups on the regional scene.  Brian was a key player in the forming of a hip-hop collective in Exeter that included eventual internationally-acclaimed industry producer Statik Selektah.  Brian has continued to produce award-winning original material with Granite State partner Doug York, as well as side projects like the recent release "BUGNef".  He has also stayed active as a leader in the regional hip-hop scene, often organizing events and mentoring younger artists. 

"As attractive as the Seacoast appears to be for artists, the “gatekeepers” aren’t offering a space for diversity and growth within the community, plain and simple. As a hip-hop artist from Exeter and founding member of the group Granite State, I have been part of a movement that helped put New Hampshire on the map within the New England scene. Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of misconceptions surrounding alternative arts, especially in the local music scene, and anything other than folk music and cover bands seems to be met with apprehension.  This is why it’s vital we have non-profit organizations like Arts Industry Alliance and TEAM to help usher in the next wave of talent. Like most artists I work with, I feel as if we need better opportunities (larger venues) and stronger support (financial backing for promoting and booking) to help us sustain a career in this field we’re so passionate about. I get so inspired talking to friends who own local businesses that are thriving in the community because of the support they get but unfortunately we as artists don’t see the same support from the people we need it from the most. Thankfully Scott Ruffner and his board, artists, musicians, volunteers and supporters have been actively carving out a space for us for a while now and they continue to push for more diversity and equal access to resources. Any expanded opportunity given to TEAM/AIA to oversee and curate programming would be a huge asset to our community and the future of the arts in NH."