Despite receiving generally mixed reviews from music critics, the album was a commercial success.
[9][10] On the international version of the album "X Gon' Give It to Ya" was added as a bonus track.
[15] Jason Birchmeier of AllMusic praised DMX's effort stating that, "It's a well-crafted and thought-out album but feels like a sequel, and as such, it serves its purpose: to satisfy fans and move units."
But Birchmeier also stated that it was "Not quite the big comeback DMX needed at this point in his quietly sagging rap career."
In addition, he stated that, "Longtime fans may decide to drop off at about this point, if they hadn't already, while those content with the usual—or new to DMX—should find plenty to savor on Grand Champ."
[24] Grand Champ debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 312,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
[25] On November 7, 2003, the album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments and sales of over one million copies in the US.