Grand Daddy I.U. is an American emcee who was born in Queens, New York, active during the golden age of hip-hop. He states his nom de plume is similar to the pronunciation of his first name, "Ayyub" (ah-yoob).Grand Daddy I.U. was raised in Hempstead, Long Island, and was encouraged to begin performing by his brother DJ Kay Cee. He recorded a demo tape and gave it to Biz Markie, who signed him to the label Cold Chillin' Records in 1989.