Around ‘91/’92 Del Tha Funkee Homosapien and the Hieroglyphics crew were first starting to make noise in the bay and it was then that he felt he could really make something out of this music thing. He had a friend who rapped who convinced The Grouch to start writing/rapping in ‘94. He met the Mystik Journeymen soon after and they schooled him on the independent hustle. It was on.
The Grouch’s first show as an MC was in 1995, it was at one the Journeymen’s “Broke Ass Summer Jam” shows in East Oakland. At that time he performed under his real name and the crowd showed him much love, which he says is the main reason he stuck with making music. The 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. The Grouch has always taken the independent route and has done everything himself along the way, a fact he takes great pride in.
Artsy
The Grouch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you got sideburns and a vintage tee
I said you ain’t artiser than me
Cuz you pluck a guitar, that ain’t fuckin bizarre
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you live in Los Feliz, bitch you ain’t Jesus
You ain’t artsier than me
So what you’re vegan?
It shows in your presence, you be geekin’
And you been seekin’ the same light
Speakin’ of game like the enemy, hang tight
I got a tail about 6 foot 1 by infinity
Full of sun, rain & potential energy
All you saw were the K-Swiss
Clean, crisp, creased jeans means this
So you thought and dipped
My walks hip, thoughts; hipper
unzip the zipper
No I don’t wear hemp or drink liquor
And that don’t make me the man, just a little bit sicker
Spit kicker with an eye for the big dipper
From an island cliff emerges a loud whisper
And I’m proud of this, it’s my art
You doin yoga just to look the part.
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you chop up breaks and you dig in the crates
You ain’t artsier than me
You just a trendy lesbian, dreadlock thespian
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you make weed brownies and knit wool hats
You ain’t artsier than me
You pseudo-elitist old-school sap
Don’t let an 808 scare ya
Shake stripes off your shirt and clear the whole area
I’m a humanoid too
and if you’re cool with me then I’ll look past the void in you
instead of through
I’m down with VW’s and flossed-out caddys on 22’s too.
I bang for good
Fools, kill for nothin’
I build for somethin’
Family and peace
Hand me the piece
I’ll hit it, I’m social
Hear my opinion
I’m proud, I’m vocal
Local in a foreign place
More digital than dusty
but trust me, I be tourin’ space
You be whorin’ at a comfortable pace
You be skippin a chore to jump in a race
I be bumpin my bass like you collect comics
I’m not weird, I’m honest
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you only read books, don’t watch T.V.
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you shop at Whole Foods in open-toed shoes
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you speak real soft and drink Chai tea
You ain’t artsier than me
I recycle too, I’m kinda like you
I just look cleaner, grown demeanor
Wear deodorant, registered voter
And a tree hugger too
Not in these clothes
Me lova you but it’s gotta be both ways
Most days I’m earthy, stay grounded
Often it’s a paper chase, I’m well-rounded
Straight to face, townish
it’s all boundless
I make it sound universally dope
Overcome adversity, reshape the worst of me
Do it for the love and release it commercially
Like a blockbuster started at Sundance
Can’t stop man you only get one chance
Presentation is key, hesitation ain’t see
Innovation is my A-R-T
Dedication is free, occupation is me
Innovation is my A-R-T
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you drive a hybrid and carpool with three
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you a 16th Mexican, you ain’t ethnic
And you ain’t artsier than me
You just a broke ass poet with the same old cadence
You ain’t artsier than me
We was conscious first, welcome to Earth
The Grouch’s song “Artsy” is an anthem that pokes fun at pretentious individuals who claim to be artistic, pointing out their flaws and challenging their authenticity. Through clever humor and wordplay, The Grouch asserts that true artistry cannot be bought or performed through superficial actions, like wearing vintage clothing or plucking a guitar. The song celebrates genuine creativity and individuality, urging listeners to embrace their unique selves and pursue their passions without needing to prove their worth to anyone else.
The lyrics are structured around a series of comparisons between The Grouch and the “artists” he is calling out. He challenges their claims to artistic superiority by pointing out their inconsistencies and perceived shallowness, highlighting the fact that true artistry is not a fashion trend or a status symbol. The chorus repeats the line “You ain’t artsier than me,” defiantly asserting the singer’s own creative authenticity.
Overall, “Artsy” is a clever and entertaining satire that encourages listeners to think critically about what it means to truly be an artist.
Line by Line Meaning
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you got sideburns and a vintage tee
Just because you wear vintage clothing doesn't make you more artistic than me.
I said you ain’t artiser than me
Cuz you pluck a guitar, that ain’t fuckin bizarre
Playing the guitar isn't a unique or bizarre artistic talent that makes you superior to me.
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you live in Los Feliz, bitch you ain’t Jesus
Living in a trendy neighborhood like Los Feliz doesn't make you more spiritually enlightened or artistically sophisticated than me.
You ain’t artsier than me
I got a colorful vocab, watch the low jab
I have a broad vocabulary and can use it expressively, so be careful what insults you throw my way.
So what you’re vegan?
It shows in your presence, you be geekin’
Your vegan diet affects your mood and demeanor in a noticeable way, making you seem unbalanced or overly focused on your dietary choices.
And you been seekin’ the same light
Speakin’ of game like the enemy, hang tight
You are chasing after the same spiritual or artistic enlightenment as others, but you talk like you are in competition with them.
I got a tail about 6 foot 1 by infinity
Full of sun, rain & potential energy
I have a unique and unending story filled with highs and lows, potential and growth.
All you saw were the K-Swiss
Clean, crisp, creased jeans means this
So you thought and dipped
You judged me by my clean and stylish clothing and assumed things about me without sticking around to get to know me better.
My walks hip, thoughts; hipper
unzip the zipper
No I don’t wear hemp or drink liquor
And that don’t make me the man, just a little bit sicker
I am cool and fashionable in both my actions and thoughts. I don't conform to stereotypes, and that makes me unique and a little rebellious.
Spit kicker with an eye for the big dipper
From an island cliff emerges a loud whisper
And I’m proud of this, it’s my art
You doin yoga just to look the part.
I am a talented rapper with a poetic sensibility, and I am proud of my craft. You only do yoga to fit in or look like an 'arty' person.
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you chop up breaks and you dig in the crates
Sampling music and digging for records is not an inherently artistic skill.
You ain’t artsier than me
You just a trendy lesbian, dreadlock thespian
Your trend-chasing, theatrical lifestyle doesn't make you more artistically sophisticated or unique than me.
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you make weed brownies and knit wool hats
Using drugs and crafting are not necessarily artistic pursuits.
You ain’t artsier than me
You pseudo-elitist old-school sap
You pretend to be an artistic elitist with old-school values, but that doesn't make you more authentic or sophisticated than me.
Don’t let an 808 scare ya
Shake stripes off your shirt and clear the whole area
Don't be intimidated by new and different sounds. Be open-minded and confident.
I’m a humanoid too
and if you’re cool with me then I’ll look past the void in you
instead of through
I am a human being too, and I can empathize with you if you treat me with respect.
I’m down with VW’s and flossed-out caddys on 22’s too.
I bang for good
Fools, kill for nothin’
I build for somethin’
I appreciate different styles of cars, but I am more interested in building and creating than fighting and destruction.
Family and peace
Hand me the piece
I’ll hit it, I’m social
Hear my opinion
I’m proud, I’m vocal
I value family and peace. I am social and outspoken, and I am not afraid to voice my opinion.
Local in a foreign place
More digital than dusty
but trust me, I be tourin’ space
You be whorin’ at a comfortable pace
You be skippin a chore to jump in a race
I am comfortable in new and foreign places, and I use digital technology to help me explore. You are too comfortable and focused on personal gain to take risks or put in effort.
I be bumpin my bass like you collect comics
I’m not weird, I’m honest
I enjoy listening to music loudly, just as you enjoy collecting comics. I am not weird or abnormal, just honest about my interests.
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you only read books, don’t watch T.V.
Reading books and avoiding television doesn't make you more sophisticated or cultured than me.
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you shop at Whole Foods in open-toed shoes
Shopping at a trendy grocery store and dressing in a certain way doesn't make you more sophisticated or artistic than me.
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you speak real soft and drink Chai tea
Speaking softly and drinking a certain type of tea doesn't make you more artistic or unique than me.
You ain’t artsier than me
I recycle too, I’m kinda like you
I am environmentally conscious just like you, but that doesn't make you more artistic or sophisticated than me.
I just look cleaner, grown demeanor
Wear deodorant, registered voter
And a tree hugger too
Not in these clothes
I dress nicely, have a mature attitude, and take care of myself and the environment, but I don't conform to typical hippie fashion.
Me lova you but it’s gotta be both ways
Most days I’m earthy, stay grounded
Often it’s a paper chase, I’m well-rounded
I care about you, but we both need to put in effort. I am sometimes in touch with nature, but also focused and well-rounded in other aspects of my life.
Straight to face, townish
it’s all boundless
I make it sound universally dope
Overcome adversity, reshape the worst of me
Do it for the love and release it commercially
Like a blockbuster started at Sundance
I am honest and direct in my rapping and embrace my roots in my hometown. My music transcends boundaries and connects with people universally. I overcome obstacles and use them to improve myself and my craft, and I aim to make great music that is also commercially successful.
Can’t stop man you only get one chance
Presentation is key, hesitation ain’t see
Innovation is my A-R-T
Dedication is free, occupation is me
Innovation is my A-R-T
I am dedicated to my art and have only one chance to make it great. I recognize the importance of presenting myself well and being innovative in my work. My occupation is my passion, and I strive to innovate and create every day.
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you drive a hybrid and carpool with three
Driving a hybrid and carpooling doesn't make you more artistic or sophisticated than me.
You ain’t artsier than me
Cuz you a 16th Mexican, you ain’t ethnic
Having a small amount of Mexican heritage doesn't make you more ethnic or diverse than me.
You ain’t artsier than me
You just a broke ass poet with the same old cadence
Being a poor poet with a simplistic style doesn't make you more artistic or talented than me.
You ain’t artsier than me
We was conscious first, welcome to Earth
We were aware and conscientious before you, so don't act like your trendy interests and lifestyle make you superior to us.
Contributed by Carter I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
thelivinglegends
It's saying that each of us are sometimes a little overly impressed with the things we do and poking fun at that in a creative way. Most people who have heard the song see the humor in it and think the song and video are great. Only when this video made it to the front of Youtube did I started to notice negative comments. I think that's saying something right there. I think it's hilarious that someone would call me a mainstream rapper!
Sadie Runnels
You inspire me. I would love to show you my music, you taught me by demonstration. it's ok to be different.thank you Thank you. ❤️😘
The Feds
True and it’s overly represented in artsy communities. I live near Joshua Tree, Ca and it’s like this song was written about the people there.
Cesar Garcia
Theres a reason as why you guys are called living legends
Cletus Yesk
Y'all are the best collective in rap history.
thelivinglegends
I've written plenty a verse against corrupt governments, unjust systems as well motivational pieces to make people who are down feel inspired. I'm almost known to be a "blue coller" rapper. There top that! (get it.) By the way Eligh loves the song Artsy, Clean Nikes has nothing to do with Nikes, I know Artsier is not a word, and I'm probably one of the least cocky rap artists you'll ever meet. Come out to a show, I spend time with my fans at every one of them. Thank you. Peace. The Grouch
Cragmortis
This makes me want to break dance, and I'm fat and have a bad knee
David Tarvin
You ain't artsyier than me
maca
😭🤣
Late Bloomer
You just made me lol myself