It cannot be denied, the lyrical prowess and versatility of Mista SaGe surpasses the majority, far beyond the average hip hop artist. Born Edward "Eddie" Grant, SaGe lived most of his upbringing in the suburbs of Columbus Georgia, a small southern city with no recognition in the world of hip hop. His teenage years would be spent freestyling, ciphering & battling, as well as experimenting drugs and consistently finding himself in trouble. "I was lost" says SaGe. "I never had the opportunity to go to a public high school because I was always screwing up whether it be fighting or just acting an ass". As time progressed, SaGe grew more infatuated with the art form of wordplay and rhyme skill. " My big brother Will put me on all types of underground shit from Big L to Smutt Peddlers, after that I was hooked".
SaGe soon began to take music much more seriously, as he started writing his own songs, learning the craft of rhyme schemes and metaphors. Though his aspiration rose, the support of his local peers were much to be desired. "People laughed at me all the time when I was coming up. I'd lose battles just because I didn't sound “South” enough. But what the fuck does the “South” sound like? Every other muthafucker down the street? Fuck that, I don’t try to be different, I just am". Times would become a challenge during this period, in all aspects of SaGe's life. "So here you got this smoked out teenager with no job, no car, expelled from school with like 1 fuckin friend... yeah... shit kinda sucked back then". As experience came into play, SaGe's growth as an emcee greatly exceeded and he would soon come to be well respected throughout his city. His credibility took a vast turn for the better, when he began appearing on Foxy 105's "Freestyle Fridays", winning rap battles and competing amongst Columbus' elite emcees. By 18, Sage would be placed in the same category of other local legends such as Assassin, J.R. and few others. But a mere reputation was not enough to fulfill SaGe's hunger. Though he gained popularity from freestyles and rap battles, SaGe had not recorded an actual record, nor did he have the proper connections to broaden his audience.
In 2005, SaGe found himself in Tokyo Japan, a scene much more different than what he was used to. During the first month of moving to Japan, SaGe would meet an aspiring producer from Corona California by the name of "Robello", whom during the time was forming an independent record label, "Platinum Star Entertainment" (P.S.E). During the time, P.S.E. only consisted of Robello and California native "Takuma", another aspiring artist/ producer from East Oakland. "It was definitely a new experience" SaGe says humorously. "Working with 2 dudes from Cali and what not. Before Rob & T, I had never even met anyone from California in my life". In mid 2005, Robello took SaGe under the label and immediately began recording SaGe's very first project entitled "At The Last Minute". The mixtape displayed SaGe's intricate abilities to the fullest extent, which might have been a bit too complex for the fan base he strived to reach. "I think Rob helped me out the most during this time, as far as the business aspects and my overall sound goes". Over vast amounts of writing and recording, Robello and Takuma mentored SaGe, perfecting the sound to what would soon expand SaGe's fan base throughout the Tokyo district. In late 2006, Robello stepped into the shadows as Takuma took on the producer's role for SaGe's first independent album, "The .PerioD. LP". "It was real tough because this was my first actual album as well as T's first time producing anybody, but like anything else in life, you have to start somewhere to learn". In early 2007, Platinum Star Ent. released SaGe's first single from the LP, entitled "Don’t Come" featuring Takuma. The single gave SaGe and P.S.E. a foot in the door, gaining the exposure which lead to more opportunities across Japan. "That was my first real club song I've ever done", says SaGe. Soon after, SaGe along with P.S.E. became well known faces, performing everywhere in Japan from Tokyo, Yokohama, Yuigahama and many other major cities. On July 14, 2007, Platinum Star Ent. released The .PerioD. LP, which quickly sold out in Tokyo within the first week of sales. "Everything we've accomplished has been independently, with a lot hard work and non-stop dedication. Mista SaGe would soon part ways with Japan, moving back to the U.S. in late 07’.
After just releasing his 1st independent album, he quickly went right back to the drawing board, in conjunction with a fellow Southern group, “The Union”. “Mark my words when I say this” SaGe states, “The Union (Church and King James) are 2 of the most well-spoken, talented lyricists I’ve ever met, period. And that isn’t just a bias statement, just listen to the music yourself”. The Union (Church and King James) put their heads together along with SaGe to form their best work to date: “The MainGrounds Of The UnderStream.” What is next for Mista SaGe? Only time will tell. “I leave you with this: Let the music speak for itself… and just shut the fuck up.”
