The Grouch always wanted to make beats since he first heard about this music called hip-hop. His dad played keys and Grouch felt music was inside him also, but he hadn't planned on being an MC. Being from Oakland, Grouch grew up on the local heroes like Digital Underground, Too Short, Toni, Tony, Tone, and many others. Around 91'/92' Del and the Hiero crew were first starting to make noise in the bay and it was then that Grouch felt he could really make something out of this music thing. He had a friend who rapped and he convinced Grouch to start writing/rapping in 94'. He met the Mystik Journeymen soon after and they schooled Grouch on the independent hustle. From this moment, Grouch knew it was on. Grouch's first show as an MC was in 1995, it was at one the Journeymen's "Broke Ass" something shows in East Oakland. Grouch performed under his real name and the crowd showed him much love, which he says is the main reason he stuck with making music. Grouch's music influences include all the hip-hop greats from LL Cool J to the Beastie Boys along with the Bay Area classics and Jazz, Rock, and Soul music. Grouch has always taken the independent route and has done everything himself along the way, a fact he takes great pride in.

The Grouch will be teaming up with Toys for Tots during "How The Grouch Stole Chrismas" Tour!  A Toy Drive will take place Friday, December 4 at the Fox Theatre. Donation bins will be located outside the main entrance of the venue.