About

Grindin’ Magazine, is a monthly Hip Hop magazine published by Thompson Strategies for the African American and Latino markets.  It is known as the Old School Voice for the Hip Hop Community and more commonly, “Hip Hop For Grown Folks.” It represents the 35 and up Hip Hop Nation as a cross between both Black Enterprise and Vibe magazines.  Grindin’ Magazine was founded in Houston, TX in 2008 as the brainchild of founder and Editor in Chief, Michele Thompson (originally from Brooklyn New York)  but is a completely virtual based enterprise.  

Michele,  an American entrepreneur and divorced mother of two teenagers, one in college and one in High School, states “My kids say I’m too old for Hip Hop…so I created Grindin’ Magazine... now no one has to be embarrassed when reaching for one of the other Hip Hop magazines who cater specifically to the younger urban markets... instead they can pick up Grindin’.”

According to Michele Thompson, “Grindin’ Magazne strives to always address Hip Hop issues, personalities, and interests in a positive and self-affirming manner.”  She wanted to create a better magazine than what is currently available.  One which is not compromised by those who pay to be featured on the cover, but a magazine which offers true investigative reporting. Grindin’ Magazines features hip-hop music, politics, personal finance, business and investment news, family, careers and culture.  The magazine also devotes several pages displaying high-end designer merchandise such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Jimmy Choo; as well as, sportswear by urban labels such as Rocawear and Fubu.  Most hip-hop celebrities, such as Sean Combs'- Sean John, Juelz Santana’s -RoyElz,  and Nelly's- Apple Bottoms will find plenty of exposure in Grindin’ Magazine along with exposure for their charitable foundations such as Lil’ Wayne’s One Family Foundation and Russell Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.

Michele prides herself on creating and running a virtually based enterprise with a small number of staff members and contributors, most of whom have never met in person, but who communicate via Skype conferences and online workspaces.  Even with the magazine launch in the fall of 2009, it plans to go global by late 2010.  “That’s what technology coupled with low overhead can do for any business,” claims Michele.