Dad Bod Rap Pod

This week we launch an ongoing series dedicated to Ghostface’s classic albums, with a deep dive on his debut Ironman. The second segment is an interview with author Dean Van Nguyen on his new book Age of Iron: The Art of Ghostface Killah. Dean joined us from his native Ireland for a fascinating conversation on how he approached Ghost’s career for his first book.

Many people involved in hip-hop culture are collectors. We know many record collectors, people who specialize in photos, memorabilia, toys, etc. This week on the show we interview Brian from RapZines, the world’s foremost collector of hip-hop magazines. He’s got a great story to tell and some obscure knowledge to drop. In the first segment we discuss recent controversies surrounding Genius and other lyric database sites.

This week we reflect on the legacy of the recently departed Bushwick Bill of the Geto Boys (RIP) and then interview the extremely dope and productive producer Daringer. Perhaps best known for his work with the Griselda crew, he just released his first instrumental album, part of Fat Beats’ Baker’s Dozen series. Daringer provides insight on his minimal gear setup, his approach to sampling, and how and when he chooses to use drums in the forefront of his beats.

At the mid-point of the year, we check in on which rap and R&B albums have been the best of the bunch so far. We also interview Vic Spencer, who just released his new album “Things Change I Don’t” direct to fans. Vic has some very insightful things to say about fandom and the fan’s role in shaping an artist’s work, making this episode a must-listen. *DISCLAIMER* The audio on the interview is not the best quality, apologies, but we think the content is worth working through the patchy phone connection.

We are joined this week by the delightful Gifted Gab, an up-and-coming MC who played the Soundset festival in Minneapolis over Memorial Day weekend along with her partner in rhyme Blimes. She joins us to break down her surging career, her latest release Cause & Effect, and her experience playing Soundset for the first time. The fellas also talk about the NBA finals, and weirdly, deep voice rappers like Pras and RBX.

This week we debate whether Busta Rhymes is under, over, or properly rated as an MC. In the second segment we interview Richmond, VA based producer Ohbliv about his gear, methodology, and the lo-fi scene. His new album Give Thanks is now available, beat heads need to give it a listen.

This week we are honored to be joined by Abiodun Oyewole and Umar Bin Hassan of The Last Poets. Their music combined beats and rhymes well before what we now know as hip-hop existed and they have amazing stories to share about the 60’s, their fellow proto-rap pioneers, and how to use jail time to improve your life. This one is a must-listen for everyone, not just hip-hop heads, to soak up the wisdom of two very special gentlemen.

We talked to MC JB of JJ Fad this week. She’s got awesome stories about the early days of electro rap, Ruthless Records, Dre, Eazy, and surprising takes on the notorious Jerry Heller. JJ Fad are best known for their classic hit “Supersonic” and are still active performing as a group, which is rare.

This week we reflect on the legacy of hip-hop filmmaker John Singleton, may he rest in peace. Then we dive deep into Outkast’s debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, which turns 25 this month. We talk about how unique it sounded when it dropped, how the album is constructed, and which tracks stand the test of time.

In depth interview with One Be Lo (AKA One Man Army) on the origins of Binary Star, his career, and what he is up to now. For a certain section of underground hip-hop fans, his albums Waterworld and the slightly reworked, more commonly available version Masters of the Universe are classic of the form. One Be Lo gets deep on how this came together and who was involved. We also discuss the concept of industry plants in the first segment.