My City: Eligh is L.A. to the Marrow (Exclusive Interview)

From his solo work to this membership in the...um...legendary crew Living Legends, for over a decade Eligh has been at the forefont of Los Angeles' always evolving hip-hop sound. In the latest edition of our 'My City" interview series, the recent "Grey Crow" creator joins us to talk about L.A.'s diverse influences, his new album, Studio City's delicious sushi and much more.

RefinedHype: You've been a staple of L.A. hip-hop for well over a decade. What are the biggest changes you've seen in the city's music scene in that time?

Eligh: Hmmm, well, as far as whats going on in the clubs and social/night scene out here, I'm the wrong guy to ask..I've never been one to go out to shows, or clubs unless I have to, so its hard for me to say, but I do know this: L.A has always had a very progressive almost ahead of the curve underground scene..Dubstep exploded all over the world, and in my opinion, L.A was one of the first cities in the U.S to really have spots dedicated to playing it. So as far as L.A's music scene goes, its still a huge breeding ground for the next level shit.

RefinedHype Your music draws from an incredibly diverse array of sources - to what extent is that a product of living in a diverse city like Los Angeles?

Eligh: Man, to the fullest extent! Of course it all starts with my up bringing, and my mom in particular, who loves music, and exposed me to all kinds of music early on..From Bob Dylan to Bob Marley to Ruben Blades..It gave me a wide spectrum to view music in, and growing up in Echo Park, being bused everyday to South Central from 1st-9th grade, only widened my view of music, cultures, and ideas. So yes, L.A is a huge reason why I am who I am, and why I make what I make.

RefinedHype You're currently readying to release a new album, Grey Crow. How is that album influenced by your musical and physical environment.

Eligh: "Grey Crow" is out now! I'm so proud of this album, and think everyone who likes good music, period, should have it. My music is always influenced by what I'm into at the time because good music, regardless of the genre, inspires me! It makes me want to create, so of course my musical surroundings at the time I'm making my own music, has a huge influence on the outcome..

RefinedHype If I'm rolling through L.A. where can I find you?

Eligh: If you're rolling through L.A, you can catch me eating sushi in Studio City, or shopping at Amoeba records in Hollywood, or you might not even catch me at all..haha

RefinedHype Last words? Shout outs? Confessions?

Eligh: I want to give a shout out to all the awesome folks who contributed to "Grey Crow". From Pigeon John, to Brother Ali, to K-Flay to Aesop Rock..Too many to list! All I want to tell whoever's reading this, is "Grey Crow" is out now, and its worth every cent you put on it. I guarantee it! Check out my website, www.elighmusic.com, or come find me on Facebook guys, "Eligh"..MUCH LOVE!