Philadelphia, PA — After more than two decades, hip-hop veteran Grand Agent returns with the powerhouse sequel to his groundbreaking debut, By Design. The much-anticipated follow-up, By Design 2, isn’t just an album—it’s a call to action for the hip-hop community, shaped by Grand Agent’s relentless work with PHILLY TRUCE.
Featuring an all-star lineup that includes Grand Puba (Brand Nubian), Cee Knowledge (Digable Planets), Tajai (Souls of Mischief/Hieroglyphics), MC Breeze (Joey B. Ellis), Culture Freedom (Poor Righteous Teachers), and Planet Asia, the album transcends underground purism, delivering a message that resonates with the entire hip-hop culture.
The Soundtrack to a New Hip-Hop Movement
The production on By Design 2 is as diverse as its message. Longtime collaborators Tribeca, Prickly Pear, and Bjorn Von Kalt make their return, but the real sonic evolution comes from teaming up with LE Square, a Philly production legend known for inspiring his little cousin Pharell, and his work with Gillie Da Kid and Sabbath, Grand Agent’s son. The result is a richly layered album that effortlessly blends soulful boom-bap with pop-leaning anthems.
One standout track, “The Finest,” reimagines Jay-Z and Biggie’s classic “Brooklyn’s Finest” with Grand Agent and Planet Asia trading razor-sharp verses—a nod to the original By Design while pushing forward with lyrical firepower. Then there’s “Philly Truce,” a fresh take on Snoop Dogg’s “Gin & Juice,” reflecting Grand Agent’s mission-driven work as the executive director of PHILLY TRUCE.
Bold Moves, Real Talk
Never one to shy away from controversy, Grand Agent’s fearless creativity shines on tracks like “Thank God I’m a City Boy”—a reimagining of John Denver’s hit—and “Can’t Say Love Enough,” an interpolation of the Black National Anthem featuring his original rap group, NAME. Both tracks exemplify his ability to bridge genres and tackle iconic pieces through a hip-hop lens.
Which track has garnered the most attention? Undoubtedly, “White People Do Your Job.” Grand Agent addresses those who supported Trump, confronting their role in perpetuating harm to marginalized communities while offering a hopeful challenge to change the status quo.
A Hip-Hop Call to Arms
“This album is for the entire Hip-Hop Nation—not just the underground,” says Grand Agent. “It’s about making moves in this Trumpian world, just like we did when hip-hop took root during Reaganomics. Hip-hop has grown up—we’ve got millionaires, billionaires, and real power. It’s time to act. This album is a rallying cry for bold, collective action.”
The album drops on the heels of Grand Agent’s 50th birthday, alongside his book, Brotherly Action: The Answer to Philadelphia’s 341-Year-Old Prayer. It’s more than music; it’s a movement aligned with the PHILLY TRUCE FOUNDATION’s mission to address gun violence and community healing.
A New Era of Hip-Hop Leadership
With By Design 2, Grand Agent proves that his influence is not only intact but growing. The album blends sharp social commentary with introspective storytelling, making it both a musical and cultural statement. It’s hip-hop leadership in action—authentic, fearless, and unapologetically real.
“If you’re part of the hip-hop nation, this is your album. It’s our time, and we’re making moves,” Grand Agent declares.
By Design 2 is available now on all major streaming platforms, with a deluxe edition slated for a Juneteenth release.