Jensen Karp joins The Vertical Podcast

Author and Comedian Jensen Karp joins JJ for an in depth look at their love of rap music. Both men tell stories of how they got into rap music and how a radio station contest landed Karp a music deal. During this candid discussion we learn that Jensen had once collaborated with Kanye West and that is the inspiration for the title of his new book "Kanye West owes me $300: And Other True Stories from a White Rapper Who Almost Made It Big", ​JJ tells that Warren G was the rapper that really got him into rap music and how he would partake in rap battles against some of his AAU teammates. The guys also discuss which NBA players have made the best rappers. Here are some key moments: 2:35: Jensen’s rap name and his memoir. 5:30: Their early influences in rap. 10:30: Jensen’s transition from performing on the radio to battle rapping. 11:20: J.J. using rap to try and fit in with teammates, his college rap group and which teammate took a swing at him over a battle. 14:06: Jensen recalls when a battle rap ended with a Jason Vorhees mask and a machete. 19:22: How did Jensen’s parents react to his rap career? 21:50: Jensen’s million dollar record deal and working with Kanye West. 25:00: JJ’s rap notebook getting lost or stolen. 30:18: Eminem’s place in rap and his impact on the genre. 34:22: The current state of rap. 38:08: Jensen's new gig writing a battle-rapping skit for "The Late Late Show." 41:25: The best rappers in the NBA. 49:00: Negotiating for one Lakers courtside ticket in his rap contract. 51:20: Does Jensen believe in the Clippers curse? 57:26: The origin of their friendship. 59:30: Why does Kanye owe Jensen $300? 1:02:20: The battle raps that Jensen has written for J.J. 1:04:30: Their four best lyricists ever.

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