Royce 5'9 returns to Day 1 Radio just days before his new album "The Allegory" is set to drop on February 21st. In this wide-ranging talk, Royce opens up about how this album stands out from his previous efforts and how stepping up as a producer impacted the sound and process. He also talks about some of the intentions behind his lyrics on the album and how he feels about the current state of rap coming out of his hometown, Detroit.  

2:00 - "Book Of Ryan is your diary...The Allegory is your manifesto.": Branden opens with a statement about Royce's  upcoming album, and Royce agrees. He gets into why every artist should have at least one personal album. He reveals that the album was not planned, but a product of being in the studio all the time. He says that this is the first project "happened to him."

  8:50 - Producing and learning: Royce stepped more into the producer role for The Allegory and gets into how learning on the fly impacted his writing. He also breaks down the difference between being technical and masterful. He's open to producing for other artists, but doubts that he has beats just laying around for other rappers and would rather produce in the studio with them.   12:30 - Surprise!: Royce says that his producer friends like DJ Premier and Mr. Porter weren't surprised that he was making beats, but were shocked at how fast he progressed. Another surprise is that there are two songs he recorded with Dilla floating around.   14:30 - "Upside Down": Royce breaks down the intricate lyrics on "Upside Down" featuring Benny the Butcher. Do yourself a favor and listen to the song to get what he's talking about. He also talks about how he toes the line of being confident and humble.   26:00 - Surviving the game: Royce speaks about how he has continued to improve as an MC after decades in the game. He credits some of it to knowledge of self,  things he's learned in therapy and some of it to him not getting fulfillment in riding waves. 29:45 - Detroit Rap: Royce thinks rap in Detroit is currently in a "great place." He knows that his generation (Eminem, Slum Village, Trick Trick, D12) made it possible for rappers like Danny Brown, Tee Grizzly and others to succeed. He does hope that they all continue to co-exist and not allow people to separate and label their diversity in a negative way.   39:44 - Touring: Royce says he wants to tour for The Allegory, especially since he did not get to tour for The Book of Ryan and the last Pryhme album.   44:15 - Boxing: Royce is a boxing enthusiast and he and Branden go back and forth about Fury vs. Wilder 2 and if we will ever see a Joshua vs. Wilder fight.   47:45: - Hip Hop Trivia: Does Royce know his Hip-Hop history? Listen and find out.

Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio

Sneaker God Drew Greer is this week's guest on Day 1 Radio. In the aftermath of Kobe Bryant's death, we get him to talk about his time working directly with Kobe during his Nike days.  In other parts of the conversation, we talk about his history in the shoe and fashion game that includes being the Black product director at Ralph Lauren and 1st Black VP of product at Under Armour. Listen, laugh and learn.  

2:30 - Drew worked at NIKE for over a decade and he is the brain behind re-branding Kobe Bryant when he joined the company right before the Colorado incident, which he was acquitted of. In the days after Kobe's untimely death, Drew talks about the climate at the time and the grassroots work that went into truly acclimating Kobe into L.A. culture and reworking his public image.

  8:00 - Branden and Drew talk about what sets Kobe apart from Michael Jordan when it comes to sharing knowledge with younger players. The discussion also leads to Kobe potentially bringing more light to the WNBA and women's basketball globally. We also talk about why Kobe's death is a little different from other "celebrity" deaths.   16:30 - Drew was one of the masterminds behind Kobe's viral commercial where he jumped over a speeding Ashton Martin. He talks about the making of the commercial and the impact it made. Also, during his time at Nike, Drew brokered the iconic Wu-Tang Dunks and Roc-A-Fella AF1. We also learn that, on the low, he is the man responsible for "retros" becoming a thing.   28:45 - Drew talks about the good and the bad of sneaker brands getting away from sports and doing more signature sneakers with celebrities. He also speaks on how he would've launched Big Baller Brand.   36:05 - Is Drew responsible for us not being able to get our favorite sneakers? Here Drew talks about the intention behind building the idea of the "limited edition" sneaker model and what it has turned into today.   45:00 - Drew steps into the Hip Hop Trivia arena and gets tested on sports, sneakers, and Hip-Hop.   Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio

Day 1 Radio keeps our "day one" tradition going by sitting down with an artist that is sure to be on your radar very soon if he isn't already. Atlanta-based artist Grip is winning new fans daily with his penchant for storytelling and attention to detail. In one of his first interviews since dropping his dope album Snubnose back in October, Grip shares some stories about his life and creativity. Enjoy.

 

2:45 - Grip's Background:Grip talks about growing up in Decatur and Stone Mountain (east of Atlanta). He describes his upbringing as tough and a little more serious than the "average kid" he grew up with. He talks about how the area has taken a change for the worst over the last 10 years or so since this is where gentrification pushes poorer people to. He also gets into his brief stint in college.

  7:50 - Grip the storyteller: Grip says he got into writing through storytelling and watching movies first, and then got into rapping and self-expression. He dropped his first project in high school and followed with a number of mixtapes online before he released his official debut "Porch" in 2017.    13:00 - The making of "Porch": Grip talks about his relationship with his producer Tu who produced 99% of the project. He talks about the concept of the album, telling stories from the porch with three different perspectives. He also gets into why is sticking to his own guns and not making typical "Atlanta-sounding rap."   16:00 - Concepts and covers: Grip has released two projects in three years but his face is on neither one. Here he reveals what has led to him using conceptual cover art instead of his own image. He also delves into the process of making his latest project "Snubnose" and explains why art is supposed to make you uncomfortable. Grip also talks about working with producers Beat Butcha and Daringer.   22:45 - Visuals: Grip hasn't dropped many visuals but the ones he has dropped are dope. Here he talks about the "Snubnose" short film directed by Mikayla Gamble. He also talks about the decision to put a gun on the cover of the album.   27:00 - European tour with J.I.D.: Grip went on a European tour at the end of 2019. He talks about the experience and how great the Hip-Hop audience is over there.    31:00 - Ebro comments and recording new music: NYC radio personality Ebro Darden called "Snubnose" the best album you never heard, but Grip doesn't take it as pressure or an insult. He also reveals that he hasn't written a full song since releasing "Snubnose" and that he doesn't make songs just to make them and release them.   40:00 - Hip Hop Trivia: We test Grip's knowledge on some Eastside ATL Hip Hop Trivia.   Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio

This week Day 1 Radio adds to its catalog of legends with an interview with hip-hop veteran Kam (West Coast Kam to be exact). Some of you may know him for "Peace Treaty," while others may know him for his debut verse on Cube's classic posse cut "Color Blind" (we get into all of that with him). As usual with guests of his stature, he does most of the talking, and that is how we like it. Enjoy.

  2:10: Kam currently lives in Atlanta he talks about his long history with the city that goes all the way back to the early 1990s. He admits that he wasn't very receptive to the city during his first go around, but he gets into what changed.   4:45: Kam has been in the Nation Of Islam for nearly 30 years. He talks about how he got into the teachings and how he realized that despite its popularity among rappers at the time, he was the only one that actually joined.    12:40: Kam dropped his first album "Neva Again" in 1993 and that pretty much made him the first rapper from Watts to go nationwide and put it on the map. Here he talks about why it took so long for Watts to get love and gives props to Ice Cube for putting him on.    17:00: Kam digs deeper into the NOI's relationship with hip-hop and how he felt when he found out that most of his peers were Five Percenters, not members of the Nation.   19:45: Kam has only put out four albums since 1993. He talks about how industry politics and greed are the factors that "scared" him from producing music more frequently. He also gets into why he has resurfaced. Kam's music is not on streaming services either and he explains why.   29:45: Kam talks about his relationship with late rapper Mausberg.   31:25: Kam talks about the impact of his song "Peace Treaty" and gets into how Los Angeles gangs have been calling a lot of truces over the last year. He admits that it is not all "lovey dovey" yet, but appreciates the efforts to at least stop the violence.   34:15: Kam talks about why he votes local but does not vote in presidential elections and why he would have voted for Trump if he did. Hear him out though. He also talks about how the U.S. relationships with Middle Eastern countries like Iran impacts Black people.   43:00: Kam is now an author. He talks about his book "War In Your Heaven" which talks about the relationship between Black men and Black women.    47:00: For the newest edition to the show, we test Kam's hip hop knowledge with another personalized round of Hip Hop Trivia.

Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio

Quick history lesson: On Day 1 Radio's second show ever back in 2013, we interviewed fashion entrepreneur Gerard Murray, the man behind popular brands like School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) and Tradition Ever Since. Fast forward to today, we are talking to Murray again about a new fashion venture, but this time, we're also talking with his son Tahir as he carries on the family legacy with a new clothing line, Legacy History Pride (LHP). Listen as we talk about their journey, HBCU pride and the ins and outs of the licensing game.

  2:45 - The transition from Tradition to LHP: LHP is the third generation of entrepreneurship for the family as Gerard's father founded legendary NYC store Von's Inc. Gerard and Tahir talk about how they are transitioning from one company to another and the bumps and bruises that come along with it. Tahir also explains what it means to have a luxury HBCU brand.   13:15 - The Licensing Game: Gerard is a vet in the licensing game and gives up the game on what's really going on. He reveals that there's basically one company that handles the licensing for every NCAA school and they don't give it out to just anybody. He also talks about how his good reputation led to Tahir getting a licensing for LHP.   19:45 - HBCU Enrollment: HBCU enrollment has gone up and down over the years. Gerard and Tahir break down how that impacts what schools they decide to do business with and produce products for. Tahir, who is currently a junior (and a DJ) at Howard University, talks about what is like running the company while attending school. Gerard also talks about the boom of HBCU-centered brands over the last few years.   26:00 - Tahir Interns at J. Crew: Tahir secured a coveted internship with J. Crew during one of his summer breaks. He talks about some of the business knowledge he picked up there and seeing how first hand the streets influence culture all the way up the corporate level. Gerard and Tahir also talk about how difficult it is to get real information on how to get into the fashion industry and stay there.   33:00 - HBCU Trivia: Branden quizzes Gerard and Tahir with some HBCU trivia questions. Tahir quickly turns it into a competition. 

Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio

What better way to end the year and the decade than with a group of friends. So, for the final episode of 2019 and of the decade Day 1 Radio is sharing the space with freelance journalist Jewel Wicker (FADER, Teen Vogue Wall Street Journal, Atlanta Magazine), Jason Lee (BOSSIP) and DJ Wally Sparks (The Groove and Art, Beats & Lyrics). Together we talked about some of our favorite (and least favorite) shows, movies, albums and moments of the last ten years. Listen in to hear what made and didn't make the lists.    5:00 - The crew starts off talking about some of their favorite television shows of the 2010s. Everybody seemed to like the same shows, but the discussion about the least favorites is when people showed how they really felt.   24:00 - A LOT of epic movies came out this decade but we attempt to talk about as many as possible. For the record, the crew agreed that Into the Spider-Verse was the best-animated movie ever. (Shameless plug: go back and listen to our episode with the movie's star Shameik Moore). Not everybody had the same thing to say about Black Panther though. Branden also doubled down on his opinion of Moonlight not being that good.   35:00 - Music was all over the place this decade, so you can only imagine where this part of the conversation will go. Wally (the DJ in the discussion) kicks it off bluntly by saying most of it sucked. But the rest of us tried our best to convince him otherwise. He also shared his conspiracy theory of Chance the Rapper not really being an independent artist. Nobody seemed to like that last A Tribe Called Quest album either.   1:20:00 - The 2010s will probably go down as one of the most emotionally trying decades ever. Here the crew unpacks everything from the uptick in police killings, #MeToo, Trump being elected president and Kaepernick vs the pro football league. Jason also takes a moment to give a huge RIP shoutout to OG podcaster Reggie "Combat Jack" Osse.   1:28:00 - To close out the show we debate what recording artist ran the decade. Drake or Kendrick Lamar? Maurice puts a bid in for Future.

Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio

This week's episode of Day 1 Radio features Atlanta-based fashion designer/entrepreneur Latif Wisdom, founder of Wisdom Fashion House. Widely known for the "End Rape Culture" t-shirt line, Latif is aiming to add social awareness to fashion that leads to conversations that will move society forward. As he preps for his upcoming fashion show in Atlanta on December 7, he tells us the story of his brand and what he hopes to see for it in the future.   

5:30 - Latif gets into his origin - Born in Brooklyn and raised in Atlanta (Stone Mountain), Latif talks about immersing himself into the environment. He also gets into how he started his clothing line Wisdom Fashion House when he was in high school which he credits to having to make his own money after his mom stopped giving it to him. He knew he was onto something when his first run of t-shirts sold out in less than a week at school. This leads to a conversation about the myth that "black folks don't support each other."

  12:00 Why "Wisdom?" - Latif breaks down why he decided to name his clothing line "Wisdom." He says that doing this led to him acquiring more wisdom and changing his perspective on life and business.   14:00 - The Process - Latif talks about learning the game and finding his first screen-printer. He also talks about having direct and indirect mentors.    17:30 - Social awareness in clothing - Latif talks about adding social awareness to his clothing brand and why he chose to go that route.   19:45 - END RAPE CULTURE - Latif's "End Rape Culture" t-shirt design caught eyes nationwide. He talks about the inspiration behind putting the message on the shirt and how he hopes the message will lead to an open conversation and change how men interact with women and to bring light to young men who have been raped or molested as well. He also talks about how the t-shirt led to his own sister revealing that she was molested by their father. He also talks about how there was also some pushback from women saying that a man can't and shouldn't be able to make money off the message.   28:45 - The Wins - The "End Rape Culture" t-shirts were featured by GQ and also led to the shirts winning "The Battle of the Brands" at WISH and being sold in the store fulltime. Latif also made a limited-edition t-shirt with 21 Savage.   34:00 - Black American Merchant Class - Latif is set to debut his new capsule "Black American Merchant Class." Here he talks about the inspiration behind the line and his mission to highlight strong, positive Black imagery. He hopes the line will lead to positive Black imagery becoming normal rather than exceptional.    44:00 Fashion in Atlanta - Latif talks about how Atlanta designers have the power to make the city just as relevant as New York City, Los Angeles and Paris. Branden also gets Latif's thoughts on the future of "Streetwear" and Black people's place in it.   Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio

This is one of those rare episodes where we just had to let the guest get in his bag and go. BP held it down solo with Immortal Technique right before he hit soundcheck for his show in Atlanta. We only asked a few questions, but Technique dropped off thousands of answers on everything from why he owns his music rights to the real reason why the first settlers came to America.

1:00 - Branden takes it back to the first time he ever heard Immortal Technique...in a middle school classroom where a teacher was playing it in class. From there Tech talks about his journey of building up a fan base and how he encouraged people to download and share his music while other artists complained when downloads started impacting physical copy sales.

6:10 - Immortal Technique speaks on Byron Allen's lawsuit against Comcast. Branden and Tech go back and forth about how Allen was once looked at as an "Uncle Tom" back in the day but is now looked at as a champion for media. He talks about learning music industry gems from his OGs and how that led to him owning everything he produces.    12:00 - Tech drops gems on what "class" really means in America and how large corporations operate like gangsters. He also shares his thoughts on how our ancestors speak to us through music.   17:45 - The Middle Passage - The long-awaited album is finally coming in the first quarter of 2020. Tech reveals that fans will get treated to performances of select songs from the album. He also shares how deep his relationship with Killer Mike runs and that he actually lived with him for a time. He also shares details about his song "Trap House" with Killer Mike and David Banner.   21:21 - Tech speaks on the real reasons why the first settlers came to America and how those intentions tie directly into the prison system and sex trafficking today.   26:40 - Immortal Technique's reading list: Wondering what fuels this man's thoughts and actions. Skip here to hear three books he suggests everybody read in days like this. You may be surprised by his "oldie but goodie" selection. 

Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio

This week Day 1 Radio catches up with Domani aka Domani Harris aka T.I.'s son. While he may be known to many because of his parents, he is definitely blazing his own trail as an artist. His debut album "Time Will Tell" was labeled a classic by J. Cole and he is already doing international tours. Listen as he opens up about how this album was different from his other projects, why he feels the time is right for him to shine and what he is looking forward to the most.  

1:15 - Why does he wear the same shoes everywhere? Domani wears the same pair of shoes in most of his photoshoots, shows, and social media posts. He explains the reasoning behind them.

3:10 - Wrapping up tour with Big K.R.I.T. and Rapsody. Domani just got finished opening up for Krit and Rapsody on the "From the South With Love" tour. He talks about how this being his first tour experience helped him as a performer.   7:20 - "Time Will Tell" -Domani talks about how this being his fourth project (first album) was different from the rest. This time he actually allowed his father to have some input and was open to hearing it. He also opens up about keeping a certain perspective as the son of a superstar.   13:00 - Becoming himself.  Domani speaks on growing as an artist and finding his own voice, rather than trying to sound like all of the other music that's out. He also shows gratitude for finding his voice at such a young age. Domani also speaks on living in the spotlight and now making a real name for himself as an artist.   15:45 - The pressure of being a famous child. Domani says he never felt pressure being the son of T.I. or living up to any preconceived notions about him when he is creating. He also admits that he uses negative feedback or doubts as fuel.   18:30 - The process. Domani walks us through the year-long creative journey of "Time Will Tell" from the album cover to the recording. He also shouts out the producers and artists he worked with on the album.   26:00 - Getting nominated for a Tony Award. Domani was nominated for Tony Award for writing a song for the Spongebob Squarepants musical. He admits that the opportunity was originally presented to his father, who passed it down to him.   28:30 - Hitting the road again. Domani is preparing for a European tour with JID later this month. He's kinda-sorta packed but he's looking forward to it. 

Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio

No guest, but plenty to say on this episode of Day 1 Radio. This week Branden and Maurice cover everything from Colin Kaepernick's NFL workout to the new Gang Starr album.  

2:30 Alexis Crawford: Clark Atlanta University student Alexis Crawford was murdered by her roommate and her boyfriend in Atlanta. Branden, a CAU alum, unpacks how the incident has impacted the campus. Branden and Maurice also explore how cases like this also shed light on sex trafficking.

  8:00 RIP Bad Azz: Veteran West Coast rapper Bad Azz passed away in jail this past week at the age of 43. Crazy thing is that he had only been in there for a couple of days. What happened?   12:00 Drake gets booed off the stage: Neither Branden or Maurice are Drake fans, but even they thought him getting booed off the stage at Tyler the Creator's Flog Gnaw festival was led by pure haters.   16:40 The New Gang Starr album: Branden and Reese agree that the new Gang Starr album is pretty dope and a testament to how universally dope Guru (Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal) really was. Branden also shares some dope things he saw on his vacation in Tokyo.   26:00 Byron Allen vs Comcast: Branden and Maurice have been talking about Byron Allen's lawsuit against Comcast for some years now, but now it is going to the Supreme Court. Branden helps unpack how this case is about more than just entertainment, but how discrimination law will be interpreted from this point on.   29:00 Colin Kaepernick gets an NFL workout: Some people are happy that Kap is finally getting an NFL workout. Some think it is a smokescreen. Branden doesn't feel he's never getting back in the league and producer J. Black chimes in wondering why Kap wants to be back in the NFL in the first place.   36:010 RIP Charles Rogers: Michigan State University legend Charles Rogers passed away this past week. Branden and Reese recap his tragic story.

Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio