Playlouder - Music is the Network

From the word go, The Grouch’s latest LP, (and the latest Living Legends crew solo output, not counting MURS’ free collaboration which whatshisface that I’ve yet to listen to) ‘Show You The World’ displays a mature sound with super-sonically smooth production and an emphasis on melody to match the most soulful r ‘n’ b pop records around.

The character of the album is one of childlike playfulness combined with world-wise - as opposed to world-weary - wisdom. The cover sums up the mood of the album perfectly, with The Grouch staring or glaring with intent seriousness through his dark glasses while his daughter sits on his shoulders with a pair of toy binoculars, exploring the solar system from this vantage point above his globe-like head.

While The Grouch hardly displays the garbage-dwelling misanthropy of his Sesame Street namesake, he displays his ability to playfully gripe at the annoyingly self-righteous habits of others on the spaced-out diatribe ‘Artsy’ (video featured here).

On ‘Yardwork’ too, he bemoans the plight of the independent musician: “Illegal downloads are free, but this rap costs money”, while providing a pleasingly pastoral metaphor of the day-to-day existence “on the Pro-Tools, on the Photoshop / Doing my yardwork.” As an individual’s tale of staying in the black it’s got more to say to the average listener, in terms of empathy and hope, than another crack-dealing sob story.

It’s always been the Living Legends way, while never denying their roots or their influences, to be much more human in their approach to storytelling; the story here is one of hard work and diligence leading to a better way of life and art, rather than some rags to riches cliché. Being independent means being free, and having the freedom to be honest, which is one of The Grouch’s strengths.

‘The Bay to LA’ traces an autobiographical passage from the bay area to Los Angeles, along with a mini-history of west coast rap, and features Living Legends powerhouse MURS (Bicasso and Scarub also turn up on ‘Hot Air Balloons’). Meanwhile there are dietary tips on ‘Mom & Pop Killer’, tying in nicely with the ‘Show You LA’ competition on The Grouch’s MySpace where he offers to drive a lucky winner to Whole Foods Market in his veggie-oil-powered car, showing that he’s well capable of laughing at himself while he’s saving the world.

‘Never Die’ is a life-affirming tale of inner strength, ‘Watch Watch’ is an irresistibly-catchy opener, and ‘Shero’ is an uber-smooth lady-laudin' r ‘n’ b love song. 

Overall, if you’re looking for a global guide you could do a lot worse than The Grouch. 'Show you the World' is humble, human, and ultimately heroic. It’s hip-hop so far removed from the self-aggrandising brand-building staple of major labels that it’s difficult to recognise as being the same musical beast, which, ultimately, it is.