This guy seems to be somewhat of a renaissance man. Growing up in Oakland, CA, the Grouch was on the up n’ up, emerging in the Bay City underground scene in the 90s and covering new ground with his super MC skillz. He is a member of the Living Legend crew and has collaborated with all kinds of acts. Finding himself frequenting Los Angeles as his career progressed, he made it his second home and has gained a hometown love rivaling Oakland. Check out this feature for not one, but two stomping grounds locations covered. And there’s a bonus! Listen to this track from his new solo album, Show You the World, aptly titled “The Bay to LA” here. (If you want to download it, just right-click and select “download linked file.)

Oakland, CA
What’s your town’s nickname?
The Town
What’s your nickname for your town?
The Town
Why do you live there?
It’s where I was born and raised. Where I got all my game from. I’m back and forth though.
What is your favorite local attraction (monument, park, etc)?
Lake Merritt screams Oakland as far as monuments go.
What is your favorite local event/festival?
Broke Ass Summer Jam. It’s just like the commercial radio jams minus the sheeple (I’m playing).
What is the best time of year to be there?
Summertime of course! Whenever you can be.
Who is your favorite local celebrity/personality?
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien.
Where is the best place to drink and what’s their specialty or happy hour?
Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge (Alameda) The Coconut Calillou, That’s my drink!
Who has the best jukebox (and what’s in it)?
The best jukebox’s in Oakland are in the back of old school Caprices, Cutlasses and Cougars. They’re probably slappin’ F.A.B., 40, Short or Keak.
What is your favorite place to see live music and what was your favorite show there?
I like Yoshis in Jack London Square. Japanese and Jazz. My wife and I saw a great Bobby Hutcherson show there.
What is your favorite local band?
I like this little group outta Oakland called Green Day. Heard of ’em?
What is your favorite diner or restaurant and what is their best dish?
El Tio Juan! It’s a Taco truck in 41’st and Foothill. I don’t eat meat anymore but I can’t front. Their steak tacos are the bomb! You gotta get the spicy pickled carrots, and the grilled onion and alternate bites of each. Seriously, I have too many favorites. I’m a foodie. Since I don’t eat meat anymore I have to give one more that’s relevant to now. Manzanita Restaurant 4001 Linden St. It’s Organic, Vegan and Macrobiotic! They serve a fixed menu everyday, you just pick what size meal you want. You can’t go wrong.
What is your favorite record store and what was your best find there?
Oakland is lacking in that department. We’d have to head over to Amoeba in Berkeley. It’s a stones throw away. I used to get records out of their garbage cans and sample them, too many best finds there.
What is your favorite local shop?
Craigslist SF Bay Area
What is your favorite local publication (alternative weekly, zine, website or blog)?
Stash Magazine
Los Angeles, CA
What’s your town’s nickname?
Floss Angeles or Los Scandalous
What’s your nickname for your town?
Err A (Air Ray) (Like a Japanese person with a hard accent)
Why do you live there?
It’s sunny all the time and there’s money all the time. My family loves the beach. I have family in The Bay and my wife has family in San Diego. We have our own space in the middle and places to stay when we travel.
What is your favorite local attraction (monument, park, etc)?
Disneyland, Duh. I have a two year old. I like the Getty Museum too.
What is your favorite local event/festival?
Sunset Junction, Topanga Canyon Earth Day.
What is the best time of year to be there?
It’s nice on Christmas! There’s no bad time for real.
Who is your favorite local celebrity/personality?
Mark The Cobra Snake. He’s a 21 year old kid with great ideas and he’s ballin’ off of them.
Where is the best place to drink and what’s their specialty or happy hour?
Dukes in Malibu is my favorite, I go to their happy hour whenever I can. I think it’s M-F 4-6 Occasionally I’ll have their Mai Tai special but I mainly go for the Parmesan and Panko Crusted Daily fresh fish. It’s half off at happy hour. I’m not that much of a drinker anymore. Anything you drink while looking at dolphins jump out of the ocean and the California sunset tastes great!
Who has the best jukebox (and what’s in it)?
Undefeated on La Brea. I’ve heard them bumping MURS in there a lot. Somebody said “Show You The World” was in rotation.
What is your favorite place to see live music and what was your favorite show there?
Either House Of Blues on Sunset: Raphael Saadiq or The Hollywood Bowl: Sade.
What is your favorite local band?
Omar Rodriguez Lopez Quintet.
What is your favorite diner or restaurant and what is their best dish?
That’s hard. I’m gonna go with Inn Of The Seventh Ray. Their Roasted Banana dessert is superb. Fellas you’ve got to bring your lady. It’s too romantic to be there with anyone else.
What is your favorite record store and what was your best find there?
Amoeba again. I found a used Fela Kuti Music Is The Weapon 2CD/DVD set for like half off.
What is your favorite local shop?
Craigslist LA
What is your favorite local publication (alternative weekly, zine, website or blog)?
LA Record.