Aight here's an interview with one of the illest west coast MC's known as The Grouch of the Living Legend crew. Check it out!
Q. Whats up! So when did you start out as an MC?
A. I was doing little freestyle raps at parties and shit back in 91 92 but really didnt start writing and rapping serious til 93, 94. i just wanted to make beats. One of my friends forced me to write a rap one day.
Q. Who were some of your Hip Hop influences?
A. I used to like Big Daddy Kane, Too Short, Kool G Rap, The Doc, NWA, Krs, Rakim then Tribe, Pharcyde, Outkast, Pac, Black Sheeps first shit.
Q. How did you hook up with the Living Legends?
A. I met journeymen through a mutual friend. They showed me how to freak certain things (put out 4 track tapes and stuff). Then we just started meeting other fools along the way. Fools who clicked became crew. It all came together like clockwork.
Q. What was your first appearance as an MC?
A. I performed a song or two at an early broke ass summer jam in Oakland soon after that I was performing shit I had written but never recorded in Europe then I put out don't talk to me in 95.
Q. So you just released a new album right?
A. Yeah, making perfect sense. That's #6
Q. Who are the producers and guests on the album?
A. I produced all the songs except one was produced by Slurface. Just about every living legend member besides Arata is on there plus i got a song with Aceyalone and Ab Rude.
Q. What type of equipment are you using for production?
A. I use an asr 10 sampler/keyboard and i just bought a korg workstation but I'm not sure if I like it or not.
Q. Are you producing for any other artists?
A. I produce stuff for the crew but im looking to hear some other dope people over my beats when the time is right. I don't think other rappers really like my stuff though.
Q. What are some of your past releases?
A. "Don't talk to me" 95, "Nothing changes" 96, "Success is destiny" 97, "Fuck the dumb" 98, The CMA (me and psc) "Overall" 99, and now "Mps" for 99/2000.
Q. So is there any news on the Living Legend album that is coming out?
A. That's in the works currently. It's really hard to get the crew together in one place these days though but we have a few songs finished and we're shooting for an independance day release.
Q. Are you going on any tours this year?
A. We're working on that too. Trying to do Europe again and definately see the east coast soon.
Q. What was the livest country or city that you did a show at?
A. Austin, Texas and Colorado
Q. So whats your opinion on Hip Hop right now?
A. First off I love it no matter how much I complain about it. I think it's one of the most powerful forms of expression ever invented. I like the variety in it, theres something for everyone. I don't like a lot of the ignorance and stupidity that I'm hearing in some of the music though. A lot of people sound illiterate and it seems like anybody can put out records now just like anybody can play basketball at the park ( but who am I ?}. The rapping about money is way out of hand. Standards are down, artists are half assing etc.
Q. Is there any upcoming appearances (guest appearances, compilations, etc.) for us to check The Grouch on?
A. I did a song with Zion I for their album that should be out soon. It's tight, the whole albums cool. Plus im on sunspots shit. (get that if you don't have it already}.
Q. Who are you feelin in Hip Hop?
A. Abstract Rude and FF, Outkast, Lil Wayne, The Cuf, Talib Kweli, IQ from Hobo, Devin the Dude, Pep Love, Mac Mall. I like people who come different without trying too hard to do so.
Q. Aight, any final comments or shout outs?
A. If you like living legends music please tell your friends about it and request it on your favorite radio shows and at your favorite stores. Peace and thanks to those who are already knowin and keeping us going.
Living Legends Back to HipHop-WorldWide
