In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," Kweli sits down with rapper, singer, actor, author and lead emcee of the legendary Philadelphia-based hip hop collective The Roots: BLACK THOUGHT"

This live episode from the ON-AIR Fest in Brooklyn, NY, contains what is quite simply one of the best stories in the history of this show – DJ Drama telling the wild tale of his RICO arrest for making mixtapes. But that’s not all the episode has to offer! Drama also gives deep insight into his many massive collabs, his upcoming album, and his creative relationship with Tyler, the Creator.

If you want to understand how mixtapes have shaped hip-hop... this is the one for you.

Multi Grammy-winning Jazz keyboardist, arranger, and record producer, Bob James, joins Talib Kweli at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City to talk about his legacy as the most sampled man in hip-hop.

 

James, who has become the inadvertent sonic architect of rap’s golden age by being sampled by everyone from Eric B and Rakim, to Run DMC Ghostface Killah, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Missy Elliot, The Beastie Boys, and the Wu-Tang Clan (to name a very small few) breaks down why so many rappers love his work, and talks about the origins of the New Orleans Street beat.

 

James also shares stories about cutting records with legends like Chet Baker and Quincy Jones and offers his thoughts on some of the most memorable sample flips of his work.

 

For fans of the art of sampling and hip-hop in general, this is a must listen with a true GOAT of the genre.

Check out this single from my new album Liberation 2, available now, only on Luminary. https://luminary.link/liberation2

Ft. Amani Fela (Talib Kweli Greene, Otis Jackson, Jr., Amani Fela Greene, Homer Banks, Carl Hampton, Raymond Jackson) Produced by Madlib. Recorded and mixed by Federico "c sik'' Lopez. Pen Skills Music (BMI) Songs of Windswept Pacific (BMI) all rights administered by BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, Loop Digga Publishing (BMI) administered by Sony/ATV Songs LLC. AMANIAINTHERE ASCAP 6845284. Samples a portion of “I'm Trying to Sing A Message To You"' By Luther Ingram, published by Irving c/o UMPG / Malaco. Sample Clearances by DMG Clearances, Inc. A&R Administration by Donna Dragotta

The hilarious and thoughtful comedian joins Talib Kweli at the Blue Note Jazz Club for an in-depth chat on her comedy career and life. Jay speaks on what she’s learned from working at the institution that is Saturday Night Live and takes us behind some of her most well-known sketches there, including “Black Jeopardy.” Jay also discusses her ingeniously-named HBO series, Pause, and her Netflix special 3 In The Morning.

  

The conversation ends with some rich discussion around the Netflix original, You People, and Jay’s role in the film.

This episode is a must-listen for hardcore SNL fans and people who love all-things comedy, plus anyone who loved the discourse around You People.

The legendary comedian and actor joins Talib Kweli at the Blue Note Jazz Club for a hilarious chat about his latest comedy special “I’m From The Future,” and his current tour (“Appearances”).

 

The pair also discusses the huge cultural and comedic impact of “Arrested Development” and “Mr. Show,” and what it was like to work with big personalities like Will Arnett and Bob Odenkirk. Cross also discusses his work directing and appearing in music videos, and shares some of his most potent comedy influences.

Legendary rapper Smoke DZA joins Talib Kweli at The Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City for a deep conversation about the arc of his multi-faceted career. The duo dive into the intricacies of Harlem battle rap, the origins of the Smoker’s Club, and more.

 

“If you don’t know where you come from, you don’t know where you’re going,” Smoke DZA says.

 

He talks about linking up with Mac Miller, and making Full Court Press with Girl Talk, Wiz Khalifa, and Big K.R.I.T., and then shares insights into his incredible run of mixtapes. Plus: why he made the Polo-Rugby style his signature look.

 

For fans of New York rap and hip-hop in general, this is a must-listen.

The prolific DJ, Grammy-nominated multi-platinum producer, songwriter, and singer Clinton Sparks talks about his rise from local DJ to entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and one of the most valued voices in the music industry. 

Sparks also offers a deep dive on the unique sound palette of Boston, and how the city’s Black and Irish communities collide into a truly unique sound and aesthetic. Sparks also discusses the beginnings of Mixunit, his association with Faze Clan, meeting DJ Khaled. and what it’s like to tour with Diddy. 

If you’re interested in the secrets of music industry success, this is a must-listen as Sparks offers unparalleled insight.