Adam22 is a controversial American podcaster, YouTuber, and entrepreneur who transformed from a BMX enthusiast into one of underground hip-hop’s most influential tastemakers. Born Adam John Grandmaison on November 24, 1983, in Nashua, New Hampshire, he created the wildly popular No Jumper podcast that has interviewed everyone from XXXTentacion to Lil Yachty.
With over 4.7 million YouTube subscribers and 1.7 billion views, Adam22 has built a media empire that spans BMX culture, rap music, and adult content. His journey from extreme sports blogger to cultural gatekeeper is as fascinating as it is polarizing.
Table of Contents
Quick Bio, Wiki
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Adam John Grandmaison |
| Stage Name | Adam22 |
| Date of Birth | November 24, 1983 |
| Age | 42 years old (as of 2025) |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius ♐ |
| Birthplace | Nashua, New Hampshire, USA |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Height | 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 225 lbs (102 kg) |
| Physical Features | Heavily tattooed, shaved head |
| Occupation | Podcaster, YouTuber, Entrepreneur, BMX Rider, Social Media Personality |
| Years Active | 2006 – Present |
| Known For | No Jumper Podcast, The Come Up BMX Website, ONSOMESHIT Brand |
| Famous Work | No Jumper (2015-Present) |
| YouTube Channel | No Jumper |
| Subscribers | 4.7+ million |
| Total Views | 1.7+ billion |
| Spouse | Lena Nersesian (Lena the Plug) |
| Marriage Date | 2023 |
| Children | 1 daughter (born November 14, 2020) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2-4 million |
| Education | Community College (Massachusetts), University of Massachusetts Lowell (Did not complete) |
| Previous Ventures | The Come Up BMX Website, ONSOMESHIT Clothing & Store |
| Other Podcasts | Plug Talk (with Lena the Plug) |
| Social Media | @adam22 (Twitter/X, Instagram) |
| Notable Interviews | XXXTentacion, Lil Peep, Juice WRLD, 6ix9ine, Lil Pump |
| Controversies | Sexual assault allegations (2018, 2023), Crypto scam (2025) |
| Record Label Deal | Atlantic Records (2018) – Terminated |
Early Life: Growing Up in New Hampshire
Adam 22 Grandmaison’s childhood in Nashua, New Hampshire, was marked by instability and a search for identity. Born into a troubled family, Adam discovered two passions early on: BMX riding and hip-hop music. His father’s involvement in white-collar crime and subsequent imprisonment left a lasting impact on young Adam, while his mother worked as a librarian to support the family.
During his teenage years, Adam immersed himself in extreme sports and hardcore music. The BMX scene became his escape, offering both a physical outlet and a tight-knit community. He spent countless hours perfecting tricks, filming runs, and connecting with other riders. Simultaneously, he developed a deep appreciation for hip-hop culture, particularly underground and experimental rap that most mainstream audiences overlooked.
Education and College Days
Adam attended community college in Massachusetts before transferring to the University of Massachusetts Lowell. However, his college experience was short-lived and troubled. He struggled to find purpose in traditional education and became involved in credit card fraud to make money. This illegal activity eventually led to legal troubles, forcing him to leave school.
After his failed college stint, Adam made a pivotal decision to move to New York City in the early 2000s. This move would set the foundation for his future career, exposing him to diverse cultures, underground art scenes, and the raw energy of urban life that would later influence his work.
The BMX Years: Building The Come Up Empire
Founding The Come Up (2006)
In 2006, Adam22 launched The Come Up, a BMX website that would become one of the premier online destinations for BMX enthusiasts worldwide. The site featured rider profiles, trick videos, event coverage, and industry news. What set The Come Up apart was Adam’s authentic voice and genuine passion for the sport. He wasn’t just documenting BMX culture—he was living it.
The Come Up quickly gained traction within the BMX community. Riders appreciated the site’s grassroots approach and dedication to showcasing both established pros and up-and-coming talent. Adam’s ability to spot potential and give unknowns a platform would later become his signature move in the hip-hop world.
ONSOMESHIT: From Team to Clothing Empire
Building on The Come Up’s success, Adam created ONSOMESHIT, which started as a BMX riding team before evolving into a clothing brand and lifestyle label. The brand embodied the rebellious, DIY spirit of BMX culture with bold designs and streetwear aesthetics.
By the early 2010s, ONSOMESHIT had expanded to include a retail store on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. The store became a cultural hub where BMX riders, skaters, and hip-hop fans could connect. Adam had relocated from the East Coast to Los Angeles, positioning himself at the intersection of action sports and music culture.
The Melrose Avenue location wasn’t just a store—it was a community gathering space. Adam often filmed content there, hosted events, and used it as a physical anchor for his growing online presence. The store operated successfully for years before financial challenges forced its closure in 2025.
The Birth of No Jumper: From Tumblr to YouTube Dominance
Origins as a Music Blog (2011-2015)
The No Jumper story began not with Adam22, but with George Potter, who created a Tumblr blog dedicated to underground hip-hop. Potter’s blog showed early interest in obscure artists like SpaceGhostPurrp and Clams Casino, treating underground mixtapes and unknown rappers with critical attention typically reserved for mainstream acts.
Adam Grandmaison saw potential in the concept and became the blog’s financial backer. The name “No Jumper” came from a Gucci Mane lyric in the song “Bricks”: “I’m ballin’ like an athlete but got no jumper.” This line resonated with Adam’s background—he was succeeding in different arenas without traditional credentials.
The Podcast Revolution (2015-Present)
In 2015, Adam revived No Jumper as a YouTube podcast with a simple premise: long-form interviews with artists and personalities that mainstream media ignored. The show initially featured BMX content and vlogs about running the ONSOMESHIT store, but everything changed when Adam interviewed Memphis underground rapper Xavier Wulf.
The Xavier Wulf interview went viral within hip-hop communities, revealing a hunger for authentic, unfiltered conversations with artists. Adam realized he had stumbled onto something special. He pivoted the podcast to focus almost exclusively on hip-hop interviews, particularly with emerging SoundCloud rappers who were reshaping the genre.
The XXXTentacion Interview That Changed Everything
On April 27, 2016, Adam22 conducted what would become his most famous interview: a conversation with a then-unknown Florida rapper named XXXTentacion. This was XXXTentacion’s first official professional interview, and it gave him exposure to a massive audience at a critical moment in his career.
The interview has since accumulated over 21 million views and is credited with helping launch XXXTentacion into mainstream consciousness. It demonstrated Adam’s uncanny ability to identify combustible talent before anyone else. Rolling Stone would later describe him as “underground hip-hop’s major tastemaker” and “an advance scout searching for combustible new talent.”
Building the No Jumper Brand
Following the XXXTentacion breakthrough, No Jumper became essential viewing for hip-hop fans. Adam interviewed an impressive roster of artists:
- Lil Peep (multiple interviews before his tragic death)
- Lil Pump (during his meteoric rise)
- Lil Yachty (early career)
- Juice WRLD (before mainstream success)
- Suicideboys (underground legends)
- 6ix9ine (controversial rapper)
- Young Thug (established star)
- Pouya (underground favorite)
But Adam didn’t limit himself to rappers. He expanded to interview a diverse range of personalities:
- Anthony Fantano (music critic)
- KSI (YouTuber and boxer)
- Riley Reid (adult film star)
- Sean O’Malley (UFC fighter)
- Charlamagne tha God (radio host)
- Shane Dawson (YouTube personality)
The New York Times’ Jon Caramanica memorably described No Jumper as “The Paris Review for the face-tattoo set,” highlighting how Adam brought literary-quality interviewing to a new generation of artists.
The Numbers Behind No Jumper’s Success
As of 2025, No Jumper’s YouTube channel boasts impressive statistics:
- 4.7+ million subscribers
- 1.7+ billion total video views
- Thousands of episodes spanning nearly a decade
- Daily uploads maintaining consistent content flow
- Multiple co-hosts and spin-off shows
These numbers represent more than success—they represent cultural influence. No Jumper became the platform where careers were launched, beefs were started, and the culture was shaped in real-time.
Cultural Impact: The Hip-Hop Tastemaker
Discovering Tomorrow’s Stars Today
Adam22’s greatest strength has been his ability to identify talent before it breaks mainstream. Unlike traditional media gatekeepers who wait for artists to prove themselves commercially, Adam took risks on unproven talent. This approach made No Jumper essential viewing for:
- Record label A&R representatives scouting new talent
- Music journalists tracking emerging trends
- Fans wanting to discover artists before they blow up
- Other artists seeking to understand the landscape
Influence on SoundCloud Rap Era
The mid-to-late 2010s saw the explosion of “SoundCloud rap”—a subgenre characterized by lo-fi production, emotional vulnerability, face tattoos, and DIY distribution. No Jumper became the unofficial documentary series of this movement. Artists like Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, and countless others used No Jumper appearances as career milestones.
Adam didn’t just report on this scene; he actively participated in shaping it. His platform gave legitimacy to artists that traditional media dismissed as “mumble rappers” or fads. When Rolling Stone wanted to understand underground hip-hop in 2017, they profiled Adam22—a testament to his cultural significance.
Criticism and Controversy Over Platform Power
Not everyone praised Adam’s role as gatekeeper. Critics argued that:
- He platformed problematic artists without sufficient accountability
- His interview style sometimes encouraged negativity or beef
- He profited from drama without addressing harmful behavior
- His power over young artists’ careers created imbalanced dynamics
These criticisms intensified as allegations against Adam himself emerged, raising questions about separating the platform from its creator.
Major Events and Controversies
The XXXTentacion Memorial Incident (2018)
On June 18, 2018, rising star XXXTentacion was murdered in Florida during a robbery. Two days later, Adam22 organized a memorial event in front of his ONSOMESHIT store on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. What started as a tribute with about 300 attendees quickly spiraled out of control.
The crowd swelled to over 1,000 people, overwhelming the area. Los Angeles Police Department officers in riot gear responded to restore order. Reports indicate rubber bullets and tear gas were used to disperse the crowd. The incident demonstrated XXXTentacion’s massive cultural impact and Adam’s connection to that audience.
The FouseyTube Event Disruption (2018)
In July 2018, Adam was one of several promoters for YouTuber FouseyTube’s event “Hate Dies, Love Arrives.” The event was shut down due to a bomb threat that led to 1,500 people being evacuated. In the aftermath, Adam was interviewing Shane Dawson when FouseyTube, Keemstar, Sam Pepper, and Ice Poseidon interrupted the interview mid-stream. The chaotic confrontation went viral, exemplifying the drama-filled nature of YouTube culture at the time.
Tory Lanez Trial Misinformation (2022)
During rapper Tory Lanez’s trial for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020, No Jumper faced criticism for promoting “an overeagerness to share unverified information.” On December 22, 2022, the podcast’s Twitter account falsely claimed Lanez had been found not guilty on all charges.
The following day, Lanez was actually convicted on three felony charges: assault with a semiautomatic handgun, carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm, and gross negligence in discharging his firearm. The incident damaged No Jumper’s credibility and highlighted the dangers of prioritizing speed over accuracy in news coverage.
Sexual Assault Allegations (2018 & 2023)
Adam22 has faced multiple serious allegations over the years. In 2018, two women publicly accused him of sexual and physical assault. Adam denied these accusations, but the allegations led to significant consequences:
- Atlantic Records severed its relationship with Adam and No Jumper
- His reputation within the industry suffered damage
- Many questioned whether he should continue having such influence
The situation escalated dramatically in June 2023 when Rolling Stone published an investigative exposé revealing allegations from multiple women and girls—the youngest just 16 years old. These women accused Adam of:
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Coercion and manipulation
- Pressuring them to film pornographic content with him and his wife
- Exploitative behavior using his platform’s power
One particularly disturbing revelation came from Adam’s own blog, where he wrote about an alleged victim: “She was 16, but come on man, look at her. She’s 18 or 19 in most of the pics here but she didn’t look much different at all then. If statutory rape is wrong I didn’t wanna be right.”
Adam denied the allegations, but the Rolling Stone investigation presented detailed accounts from multiple sources. The exposé raised serious questions about accountability, power dynamics in media, and the culture surrounding No Jumper.
Cryptocurrency Scam Scandal (2025)
In February 2025, Adam launched a meme coin on the Solana blockchain platform. He announced the cryptocurrency on Twitter just 30 minutes after deployment. Within hours, the coin’s market cap surged from $500,000 to $4 million.
However, insiders then dumped their shares, causing the coin to crash to a $100,000 market cap—a classic “pump and dump” scheme. Adam quickly deleted his promotional posts, but the damage was done.
Coffeezilla, a crypto journalist known for exposing scams, investigated the situation. He released screenshots of text messages showing that Adam “knowingly” scammed his fans. Rather than apologizing, Adam posted a tweet asking for feedback about what he could do to make his “next meme coin better,” seemingly confirming plans to repeat the scheme.
The cryptocurrency scandal reinforced Adam’s reputation for prioritizing profit over ethics and willingness to exploit his audience’s trust.
Adult Content Ventures: Pushing Boundaries
OnlyFans and the Sex Tape Announcement (2017-2019)
In 2017, Adam and his girlfriend Lena Nersesian (known online as “Lena the Plug”) announced they would release a sex tape once Lena reached 1 million subscribers on YouTube. They uploaded a 2-minute promotional video outlining this plan, which generated massive attention and controversy.
In December 2019, they followed through on the promise. The film was released as a professional pornographic production titled “Podcast Smash” in collaboration with Pornhub. The title referenced Adam’s No Jumper podcast, deliberately blending his entertainment brand with adult content.
This move was controversial even among Adam’s fans. Critics argued it was exploitative and attention-seeking, while supporters claimed it represented sex-positive content creation. Regardless of perspective, it demonstrated Adam’s willingness to push boundaries for publicity and profit.
Plug Talk Podcast (2021-Present)
In November 2021, Adam and Lena launched Plug Talk, a podcast that took boundary-pushing to another level. The show’s format involves interviewing pornographic film stars and OnlyFans creators, then having intercourse with them after the interview.
The first episode premiered on November 16, 2021, featuring adult film star Adriana Chechik. Plug Talk episodes are released on OnlyFans and other adult platforms, creating a subscription revenue stream separate from YouTube.
Plug Talk represents Adam’s complete integration of podcasting and adult entertainment. While some view it as innovative content creation, others see it as degrading and exploitative. The show has been particularly controversial regarding:
- Consent dynamics when Adam’s platform power is involved
- Impact on his marriage to Lena, who participates
- Blurred lines between professional interviews and sexual content
- Audience expectations and normalization of extreme content
Personal Life: Family and Relationships
Marriage to Lena the Plug
Adam’s relationship with Lena Nersesian has been central to his public image since they began dating in the mid-2010s. Lena, a vlogger and internet personality who later became a pornographic actress, shares Adam’s willingness to blur private and public life.
The couple announced their pregnancy on Valentine’s Day 2020, and their daughter was born on November 14, 2020. They married in 2023, cementing their partnership both personally and professionally.
Their relationship is unconventional by traditional standards. Both create adult content, sometimes together, sometimes with other partners. They’ve been open about having an “open relationship” arrangement, discussing it in podcasts and interviews. While some admire their honesty and modern approach to relationships, others question whether this arrangement is truly healthy or simply performative for content.
Life in Los Angeles
Adam has been based in Los Angeles for over a decade, taking advantage of the city’s position as an entertainment and cultural capital. His Melrose Avenue store (when operational) and various studio spaces became landmarks in the YouTube and hip-hop communities.
Los Angeles provided access to the constant stream of artists, influencers, and personalities that fill No Jumper’s interview schedule. The city’s culture of reinvention and tolerance for controversy also suited Adam’s brand perfectly.
Financial Troubles and No Jumper’s Uncertain Future (2025)
In April 2025, Adam made a shocking announcement: No Jumper was going broke. He revealed that the company was:
- Laying off employees to cut costs
- Closing the Los Angeles retail store permanently
- Selling the warehouse and relocating to smaller workspace
- Facing significant financial losses that threatened operations
Adam cited two major reasons for these difficulties:
- Instagram account deletion – Losing their main promotional platform significantly reduced reach and engagement
- Employee lawsuit – Two former employees filed legal action against the company, resulting in costly legal fees and potential settlement payments
This announcement surprised many observers who assumed No Jumper’s millions of views translated to financial stability. It revealed the precarious nature of digital media businesses and raised questions about No Jumper’s long-term viability.
The financial crisis also sparked speculation about Adam’s lifestyle choices, business decisions, and whether controversies had finally caught up with him commercially.
Music Career: Adam22 as Recording Artist
While primarily known as a media personality, Adam22 has also released music. In 2018, he dropped singles featuring major rap artists:
“Hard” (featuring Tay-K and BlocBoy JB)
This single, released in March 2018, featured two hot artists at the time. The song charted on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 and Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop charts, demonstrating that Adam could leverage his connections for musical success.
“Rivals” (featuring KILLY and Smooky MarGielaa)
Released in July 2018, this collaboration continued Adam’s strategy of featuring up-and-coming talent on his tracks. While his music career never reached the heights of his podcasting success, it showed his desire to participate in hip-hop culture beyond interviewing.
Adam’s music releases were met with mixed reactions. Some fans appreciated his passion and connections, while critics dismissed it as leveraging his platform for unearned musical credibility.
Adam22’s Interview Style and Approach
What Makes No Jumper Different
Several factors distinguish Adam22’s interviewing approach from traditional media:
Length and Depth: Most No Jumper interviews run 60-120 minutes, far longer than typical media appearances. This allows for deep exploration of topics, organic conversation flow, and revelations that wouldn’t emerge in shorter formats.
Minimal Editing: Interviews air with minimal editing, preserving the raw, unfiltered nature of conversations. This authenticity resonates with audiences tired of overly-produced media.
Controversial Topics: Adam doesn’t shy away from asking about beefs, legal troubles, drug use, and other topics mainstream media avoids. This creates compelling content but sometimes encourages negativity.
Casual Setting: The studio setup feels like a conversation between friends rather than a formal interview. This relaxed atmosphere helps guests open up.
Cultural Literacy: Adam’s genuine knowledge of hip-hop culture, BMX, and internet culture makes him a credible interviewer who earns guests’ respect.
Criticisms of His Approach
Critics have noted several problems with Adam’s interview style:
- Platforming without accountability – Giving voice to harmful individuals without challenge
- Encouraging drama – Questions designed to create viral moments or start conflicts
- Superficial engagement – Not pressing hard enough on serious issues
- Power imbalance – Young artists feeling pressured to answer inappropriate questions
Legacy and Cultural Significance
Democratizing Media Access
Adam22’s greatest contribution may be democratizing access to media platforms. Before No Jumper, emerging artists needed traditional media gatekeepers—radio DJs, magazine journalists, TV producers—to reach large audiences. Adam proved that an independent creator with a camera and YouTube channel could build a platform rivaling traditional media.
This democratization inspired countless other podcasters and content creators to build their own media empires. The “No Jumper model” of long-form YouTube interviews has been replicated hundreds of times across various niches.
Documenting a Cultural Moment
Whether you love or hate Adam22, No Jumper serves as an invaluable archive of a specific cultural moment. The SoundCloud rap era, the rise of face-tattooed emotional rappers, the intersection of YouTube and hip-hop—all are documented through No Jumper interviews.
Future music historians studying this period will inevitably reference No Jumper episodes. In that sense, Adam created something of lasting cultural value, even if his personal controversies complicate that legacy.
The Dark Side of Internet Fame
Adam’s story also illustrates the darker aspects of internet celebrity:
- Accountability gaps – Traditional media faces oversight; internet creators often don’t
- Platform power – The ability to make or break careers with minimal qualification
- Controversy as currency – Incentives to push boundaries and court outrage
- Parasocial relationships – Audiences feeling personally connected to problematic figures
Frequently Asked Questions About Adam22
How did Adam22 get famous?
Adam22 gained fame by creating the No Jumper podcast, which became known for early interviews with underground rappers like XXXTentacion before they became mainstream stars. His ability to discover talent and create compelling long-form content built a massive YouTube following.
What is Adam22 real name?
Adam22’s real name is Adam John Grandmaison. He adopted the “Adam22” moniker during his BMX days and carried it into his podcasting career.
How much is Adam22 worth?
Estimates of Adam22 net worth range from $2-4 million, though his 2025 announcement about No Jumper going broke suggests his financial situation may be more precarious than public estimates indicate.
Is Adam22 still married to Lena the Plug?
Yes, Adam22 and Lena Nersesian (Lena the Plug) married in 2023 and remain together. They have one daughter born in 2020 and continue creating content together, including the Plug Talk podcast.
What happened to Adam22 store?
Adam22’s ONSOMESHIT retail store on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles closed in 2025 due to financial difficulties facing No Jumper. The company also sold its warehouse and moved to a smaller workspace.
Why did Atlantic Records drop Adam22?
Atlantic Records severed its relationship with Adam22 and No Jumper in 2018 following sexual assault allegations made by two women against Adam.
What is the No Jumper podcast about?
No Jumper is primarily an interview podcast focusing on hip-hop artists, internet personalities, and pop culture figures. It features long-form conversations, typically 1-2 hours, with both underground and mainstream guests.
How tall is Adam22?
Adam22 is 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) tall. He is also known for being heavily tattooed and usually sporting a shaved head.
Conclusion
Adam22’s journey from BMX blogger to hip-hop kingmaker represents both the opportunities and pitfalls of internet fame. He built something genuinely influential—a platform that discovered talent, documented culture, and democratized media access. No Jumper’s impact on hip-hop culture is undeniable, and countless artists owe part of their success to appearing on the show.
However, that success comes with serious questions about ethics, accountability, and the responsibilities of platform power. The sexual assault allegations, cryptocurrency scam, and various controversies paint a picture of someone willing to cross ethical lines for profit and attention. His financial troubles in 2025 suggest that controversy eventually catches up with you, even in the forgiving world of internet media.
As No Jumper faces an uncertain future and Adam22’s reputation remains controversial, his legacy will likely be debated for years. Did he democratize media and give voice to the voiceless? Or did he exploit young artists and his audience for personal gain? The answer, frustratingly, might be both.
What’s certain is that Adam Grandmaison—the BMX rider from New Hampshire who became Adam22—changed how we consume music media. Whether that change was ultimately positive or negative depends on who you ask and what you value. His story continues to unfold, with each new controversy, scandal, or success adding another chapter to an already complicated narrative.
For better or worse, Adam22 remains impossible to ignore in conversations about modern hip-hop culture, internet media, and the wild west of digital content creation.
