The Grouch, MC, producer and a living legend, is back with his new album Show You The World which was inspired by the birth of his daughter Rio. In this interview The Grouch talks about releasing his and Leving Legends´ albums on the same day, Planet Asia´s comments and if he would mind if somebody revealed his samples.
It kind of woke me up and reminded me that life’s not just about me. It also let me see things from a childs perspective again, which feels good. I like feeding ducks at the park and going to Disneyland. Really she just keeps me in check and helps me stay on track. I would be ashamed to not come correct for her.
Do you let your daughter listen to hip hop on radio and watch BET?
She likes her daddy’s music and of course! Her favorite artist forever was Joss Stone, She’s feeling Sade and Kanye. She likes Fela, Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys and Beyonce. She’s already singing "to the left, to the left"! It just happens. She can recognize a Raphael Saadiq song in a second or less! I’m not into having her watch too much T.V.
Why did it take long 5 years for you to make a new solo album?
Since my last solo album I did "No More Greener Grasses" with Eligh, "Classic" with Living Legends, "Sound Advice" with Daddy Kev, "Allover" with Luckyiam and "Heroes In The City Of Dope" with Zion I. A couple of tours and one daughter later equals five years.
First off Raphael Saadiq is one of if not my favorite artists ever. Before this I used to think thoughts like, "if I had some major label budget, who would I work with?" That’s the only way i thought it would go down. I mean his name was at the top of my list! So my boy Brick, who does a lot of work for me, (He hooked up the Living Legends shoe we had with Reebok) ran into Raphael in LA somewhere crossing the street or something. He told him to come into Reebok and he would hook him up with some gear. Raphael came in and Brick mentioned that he also works with me and that I was a fan. Raphael told him that he had just bought a copy of my album from Amoeba and they exchanged info. Within a week or so the song was done. It took me a whole year to try and get a mixed version man. We’re gonna do some more stuff though Saadiq!
In Show You The World you rap: „Only dummies believe Darwin.“ So you got your own theory of evolution?
I don’t believe in evolution. I believe in God. Even if they prove me wrong.
Living Legends´ The Gathering and your album are released on the same day. Do you think it´s a good thing?
Yeah, it was my idea. I don’t believe in what people say will or will not sell records. I’m into trying new things. I think it makes a statement. Record stores can’t ignore two Legendary releases on the same day!
The Gathering has every member of the crew on every song!
Was it hard to maintain working on two albums at once (The Gathering and Show You The World)?
My album was 95% done when we started The Gathering. The Gathering was made in two weeks. I didn’t finish the last 5% until The Gathering was all the way complete. It drove me a little crazy cause I was so close and then kind of got interrupted. It worked out though.
What is your Simple Man record label about? What are some of the upcoming releases?
Simple Man Records is just a means to release exactly what I want to without the opinion of anyone else. I’ve got a separate distribution set up for it. I put out a cd for some young up and comers, The Instant Messengers. I don’t really have the time to run it how I want to right now. I can’t really do artists justice yet so I’m gonna take things slow until I can.
When asked about the upcoming Cali Agents album Planet Asia said that it´s going to be real hip hop that he and Rasco are not going to start making some trendy stuff like Zion I. What would be your answer?
Cali Agents don’t want it with Zion I & Grouch!!!!! Naw, those are my folks. I’m gonna have to ask Asia about that. It doesn’t make much sense. Sounds like an answer that wasn’t thought out to me.
You´ve worked and been on tour with Mistah F.A.B. What is your opinion on his recent beef with Royce Da 5´9?
I watched the Youtube. F.A.B got him. I don’t like when people are bitter after they lose.
Last week, one website posted the original samples which Madlib used to make the Madvillainy album and was immediately asked by Stones Throw to remove it. If somebody posted samples used by The Grouch what would be your reaction?
No problem. I don’t care about that stuff. Maybe if the samples weren’t cleared and they were worried about that bringing light to that fact then i can understand.
You´ve worked with tens of artists, is there any collaboration that really stuck in your mind?
Working with Raphael Saadiq was definitely big for me. I always love working with Pigeon John, Abstract Rude, Marty James. I feel blessed that some of my closest friends and members in my group are as talented as they are.
