| Q1 : How did you get your alias/rap name? |
| Sunspot, a guy that I but heads with a lot in my group Living Legends, called me The Grouch in the middle of one of our arguments. It just kind of stuck. I'm a nice guy though. Believe that! |
| Q2 : What year did you first get into hip hop? |
| I've been listening since the late 80's. I made my fist tape in 1995. That's the last time I ever had a day job. |
| Q3 : Who have been the major influences on your career to date and
how? (musical or other) |
| Mystik Journeymen showed me the initial formula of home recording/manufacturing and selling product on the streets. That was the blueprint for me. Well over 10 years ago before it was the norm to see indy hip hop artists. |
| Q4 : If you could perform or record with anyone dead or alive - who
would it be and why? |
| Bob Marley. No explanation necessary. That's why. The music is undeniable and everybody in the world knows who I'm talking about when I give that answer. |
| Q5 : What countries and cities have you most enjoyed performing in?
Any interesting stories to tell? |
| I like performing in Hawaii and Japan. The most enjoyable shows I've ever had were called "Broke Ass Summer Jams" at The Maritime Hall in San Francisco. Back in about 99'/2000. They were put together by Mystik Jorneymen and Living Legends were getting really big in the Bay Area. We were still very young in the game and we were getting 2500+ fans out to these shows. The crowds were really diverse. It's a great feeling to have that support from people in your own home area. |
| Q6 : Across your career to date, what highlights will you hold onto
till you die? |
| Recording with one of my favorites, Raphael Saadiq. That was big for me. Doing world traveling at 18 off of money made from selling home made cassette tapes. Jumping into the Mediterranean Sea with Sunspot and Lucky in the South of France back in 1996. |
| Q7 : Vinyl and analog have played such a massive part of the
development of hip hop, how do you feel about the shift to digital? |
| I'm welcoming it. Change is good. We don't need to waste that much plastic. |
| Q8 : What advice do you have for young, aspiring artists
(MCs/DJs/Producers)? |
| Fuck what your saying. It's all about your image, your hook, and that one hot single! |
| Q9 : What one thing in your career you would most want to be
remembered for? |
| Being the only artist to do a song with Bob Marley after he comes back from the dead to save the world. That, and my ability to make people feel like they know me from listening to my music. |
| Q10 : What other activities do you enjoy doing when you're not making
music, rehearsing or performing? |
| I'm a father and I love it. I like being outdoors with my family. Hiking, traveling, soccer (trying to make it to South Africa in 2010!) |
| Q11 : Why hip hop? |
| It spoke to me deeply when I was young. |
