Remembering Biship

William Barona Graves “BISHIP”, of Hampton Virginia, passed away Monday, December 12, 2022. 

BISHIP was born December 12, 1973, in Harrisonburg, VA. He traveled the world as a military brat and graduated from Kaiserslautern High School “K-Town” in Germany, 1991. Shortly after high school, BISHIP joined the United States Army and served 6 years with the 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade as a Parachute Rigger, at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

After serving in the U. S. Army, he then continued his journey with his love of music. BISHIP was the CEO and Founder of MOB OUT Entertainment, a company that works hands on in promoting and networking artists. Recently signed to Chinaman Records, BISHIP was determined to turn heads as he continued to strengthen his foundation that was built by him from the beginning.

As a child, music surrounded BISHIP. As the years passed, he began to write songs which led to a stronger connection with the industry. Since becoming a registered BMI artist, he has been involved in many projects, including Executive Producer/Host on Xclusive Jamz Radio, collaborating with many Hip-Hop artists and Rock Band -Flat Land Hills. His drive and love of the craft is what separated him from other artists, and his goals and visions were like no other. Even if Biship wanted no part of music, there was no escaping it! Music was embedded into Biship through his family. Which only makes sense as to why he was so passionate about music.

Biship had the opportunity to collab with underground artists from all over the world and released many mixtapes. In September of 2012, Biship became a part of a group named "THE CRASH UNIT” and during their time together they released the mixtape “LOST.” Not to mention, Biship was involved with several radio blogs, but in November of 2012, became a huge part of a worldwide radio show called "LEKSIII Productions.” Biship not only helped this show to evolve, but he brought it to new heights. He spent several hours and days promoting, bringing new artists to the show and introducing them to this movement. In 2010, Biship established his own record label, MOB OUT ENT., and from there he became an A & R scouting for new talented artists. Not only did he study each artist, but he hand-picked them carefully to ensure that they were the right fit for the MOB OUT ENT FAMILIA. When it came to Biship, he was very direct and transparent and had no time for artists that weren’t willing to put in the work. In other words, the same energy he put out, was the same energy he expected in return and he wouldn’t allow anyone or anything to bring down his MOB OUT FAMILIA. Biship remained diligent and released two mixtapes, “United Powers” and “The Rebirth”, not to mention numerous features on projects. In 2016 Biship was asked to be part of Chinaman Records by the late Pioneer and Legend Fresh Kid Ice of 2live Crew. In 2017 the project Breaking Glass Ceilings was released https://open.spotify.com/album/5WSoVikD6GJ4wXee8ThGfx?si=k0fJ0eqRSU6bGO0zf N5d0w Shortly after the release, Rolling Stone Magazine published an article https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/2-live-crew-co-founder-fresh-kid-ice- dead-at-53-198672/ and the final project from his vision of Chinaman Records was featured in the Article. 

Biship had captured the hearts of many by the way he articulated his words of wisdom that flowed through his music. This was just one of the many reasons why his fans had gravitated to his artistry and original sound. Over the years, Biship had come a long way, but that is only because he believed in himself when no one else did, and strived for the best and to be the best version of himself. He refused to give up on what brought him to a place of solitude. Biship was a true testament of a “GO GETTA” and when he had a vision, he did not allow anyone or anything to get in the way of that. Once the vision had entered his mind, he planted both feet on the ground and got it done! He was a force to be reckoned with. 

BISHIP sought every opportunity and took the necessary steps to elevate to the next level by constantly thinking and looking outside the box. In 2021 Biship became an official shoe designer for “NEW VIBEZ ~ GO GETTAZ ~ https://new-vibez.italianfashion.design and the “FLEX SERIES” ~ https://www.aliveshoes.com/flex-series. 

In April 2022, Biship felt it was time to release a new mixtape under MOB OUT ENTERTAINMENT entitled “Welcome To #THEMOVEMENT”. This mixtape features himself and the MOB OUT ENT. FAMILIA https://moboutentertainment.com/mob-mixtapes

BISHIP was currently working his way through the ranks at the Hampton Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia where he was selected for a management position working logistics, policies, and resources.

BISHIP is survived by his sons – Isaac O’Brien and Cameron Bechtold, Clarksville TN; daughters – Tyesha Graves, Stevensville, MT and Olivia Bechtold, Clarksville, TN; father – William D. Graves (Michele), Hampton VA; mother -Nancy Graves (Barry), Clarksville, TN; brother – Micah Graves, Clarksville, TN; sisters – Tanja Hawkins. Yorktown, VA and Athenia Graves-Patterson (Rome), Clarksville. TN; grandmother – Alice Graves, Harrisonburg VA; grandson – Ashton Kinzer, Stevensville, MT; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Biship left this earth leaving an impact on many with his strong work ethic, kind soul, wisdom and knowledge he continued to share with the people he encountered. 

Biship will always live in our hearts and his legacy will carry on. 

In his own words.... "Welcome to #THEMOVEMENT #MOBOUT #LetsGetIt"

https://moboutentertainment.com