While commercial radio may often elude the independent Hip Hop artist, National Public Radio and its many programs have embraced Hip Hop culture at all levels. As Stones Throw‘s Egon and Madlib have appeared on NPR previously, along with some of the artists from their projects, this week saw another west coast Hip Hop veteran take the airwaves.
The Grouch [click to read] was a part of the June 3rd taping of The Sound of Young America, NPR‘s weekly variety show that looks at entertainment and issues aimed at young people. The show is syndicated, and still airing this weekend in many major markets. The Grouch was able to perform several tracks from his already critically-acclaimed Show You The World album [click to read].
In early April, the Living Legends crew member told HipHopDX of his positive connection to fans of all ages, “I get a lot of stories from fans about, “I
was going through hard times, I was slipping into drugs…One of my
relatives passed away and somebody brought your CD to me and it pulled
me out of a depressed…and I felt like there was reason to study music
or there was some hope out there.” I get that kind of stuff a lot.
And it makes me very proud. And it’s one of the most accomplishing
feelings that I have as an artist.“
The Grouch is presently touring with Living Legends bandmates on Murs‘ Paid Dues Tour.