Gregory Simmons II is a Brooklyn-based painter. Simmons's vibrant paintings capture moments in pop culture and everyday life. A life-long skater and hip-hop enthusiast, Simmons uses these cultural touchpoints to reflect his own identity in his work while broaching larger questions surrounding Blackness in America. Simmons is coming off of a busy 2022, which saw his involvement in group exhibitions at Strada World and Public Access in New York, as well as New Image Art Gallery in Los Angeles. He is also certified in the skate world, with DC, Zoo York, Vans, and Skate Jawn on his list of clients. GRIDLOCK spoke to Simmons about painting scenes from WorldStarHipHop, growing up in Atlantic City, and seeing life as art.