Rapper Pusha T is venturing into the coffee industry with the launch of his new brand, Grindin, which debuted through an exclusive pop-up event in Los Angeles. The premium coffee blend, which is notably high in caffeine, takes its name from the iconic track “Grindin’” by Clipse, Pusha T’s original rap duo with his brother No Malice, produced by Pharrell Williams.
To mark the release, Pusha T teamed up with Café Tropical, a local spot known for its historical connection to the ’70s drug trade, to distribute the coffee. The café’s original owners had ties to cocaine smuggling, further solidifying the collaboration’s alignment with Pusha T’s rough-and-tumble persona.
In an Instagram post, the rapper explained that his creative endeavors are driven by his passions. “All my dreams and ideas start from my passions,” he wrote, reflecting on how his collaborations help turn his visions into reality. “This is just a piece of me and how I start my day.”
On Nov. 16, Pusha T embraced his role as both an entrepreneur and barista, appearing at Café Tropical to serve Grindin coffee to fans. The blend, designed for traditional espresso drinks like cortados and hortados, is described as a “strong black coffee reflecting the artist’s taste,” according to a press release from Pitchfork.
Fans also had a chance to try Grindin at the Camp Flog Gnaw music festival, where Pusha T not only offered his coffee but also debuted exclusive merchandise, including T-shirts and hoodies.
The rapper, a multi-Grammy nominee, is expanding his entrepreneurial reach, merging his provocative public image with new ventures. For those outside of Los Angeles, Grindin will officially launch nationwide in early 2025. In the meantime, coffee lovers will need to attend one of the upcoming pop-up events to experience the blend.