He is a near master practitioner of Chinese martial arts, as seen in the episodes "Let's Nab Oprah," "Attack of the Killer Kung Fu Wolf Bitch", "Stinkmeaner 3: The Hateocracy", and "...Or Die Trying".
Riley can be seen as representative of misguided black youth and is a product of mass media influence, in that he refers to women as "bitches" or "hoes" and frequently alludes to his "rep" and his status on the "streets" and idolizes gangsta rappers and their lifestyle.
Riley's criminal aptitude is revealed when he goes on a crime spree with the incompetent Ed Wuncler III and Gin Rummy in the episode "Let's Nab Oprah."
Robert Jebediah "Granddad" Freeman (voiced by John Witherspoon), is the retired paternal grandfather and legal guardian of Huey and Riley, who lives in the peaceful suburb of Woodcrest.
He played a part in the civil rights movement but was prone to certain faux pas, such as donning a raincoat in preparation for getting doused by a police firehose.
Robert does not hesitate to use corporal punishment when he thinks it is necessary, often against Riley, and Huey on one occasion, and has developed a high degree of skill in wielding his belt for this purpose.
A running gag throughout the show involves Robert reminiscing about scenes from the movie Friday, which John Witherspoon also starred in, as if they were actual memories.