Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with hip-hop icon Ali Shaheed Muhammed, who shares stories of putting together Tribe’s most iconic works, as well as the formation of The Ummah production collective and R&B supergroup Lucy Pearl.

 

The DJ and producer also shares his tricks for pulling out warmth in samples, how he met J Dilla, putting together the score of Luke Cage, and his deep love of jazz. If you’re a fan of hip-hop history and the art of production in equal measures, this episode is a must-listen.

Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with RioLoz, Eric Jamal, and Ras and Taj Austin of Coast Contra to talk about the origins of their iconic table rap videos and why those performances seem to connect with so many legendary MCs. The group also shares stories about their respective upbringings, their debut album “Apt 505,” the Black love featured in their lyrics, and where they plan to take their careers next.

 

If you’re down for a new rap group filtered through an old-school, lyrics-driven lens, this is the episode for you.

Los Angeles Mayoral candidate Karen Bass joins Talib Kweli for a deep discussion about race and politics, as well as how Bass’ upbringing, social work, and experiences play into her politics.

 

Aside from the concerns of Los Angeles, and her plans for the city if she were to become mayor, Kweli and Bass also discuss the George Floyd Policing Act, her relationship with BLM and the importance of the rap endorsement.

It’s Redman. Funk Dr. Spock. DJ Kut-Killa. Reggie Noble.

 

This interview goes deep and – better still – heads in unique and fun directions that most Redman interviews don’t. If you love hip-hop culture, you want to listen to Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh interview Reggie. Trust that.

In this expansive conversation with B-Real, Sen Dog, and Eric Bobo, the Futuristic Funk pioneers share stories from the sessions that launched their most celebrated albums, the streets they grew up on, and the legacy of hits like “Insane in the Brain.”

 

Because this is a Cypress Hill interview, you can also expect a lot of deep discussions on cannabis, and how the group turned their weed anthems into pieces of activist art.

 

If West Coast hip-hop from the ‘90s is your golden age, this interview is a must-listen.

Leon Mobley has lived an absolutely fascinating life. From performing with Duke Ellington as a child, to being mentored by Babatunde Olatunji, to recording with Stevie Wonder, to collaborations with Nas, the longtime percussionist with Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals is a legend among drummers.

The story for Mobley starts early, at the Elma Lewis School of Fine art and continues with a role in Raisin (the musical based on A Raisin In The Sun) on Broadway. From there, he embarked on a fascinating ride that saw him share a stage with everyone from Michael Jackson to the Marley family. His collaboration list is unimpeachable and his energy is always turned to 11.

If you have an interest in drumming, and the traditional African rhythms that informs so much of our music today, this is the episode for you!

Talib Kweli is joined by trilingual MC, songwriter, rapper, and Javotti Media signee Niko Is who talks about growing up in Orlando, and takes us behind the scenes of the Florida hip-hop scene. The Chillest Rapper In Showbiz also breaks down the process of tightening up his bars by rapping in the streets of LA, and talks about the importance of travel on artistry, as well as the massive influence Tupac has had on him.

 

Later in the episode, Niko Is and Kweli discuss some of the rappers' greatest collaborations, including their recent "Live From The Blue Note." If you like bars that make you laugh as much as they make you think, you’re not going to want to skip this interview.

3hwM0Vr1h95PrYFN7z2t

Talib Kweli is joined by legendary songwriter, producer, rapper, and one of the founders of Death Row Records, The D.O.C.

 

In the episode, D.O.C. takes us behind the scenes of his solo albums, including “No One Can Do It Better,” and talks about the early days with the Fila Fresh Crew.

 

He also shares some stories about the “Straight Outta Compton” sessions and how Snoop helped him recover his voice. If you have a deep love and respect for ‘90s G-Funk, and all things Dre, this is a must-listen.

Talib Kweli is joined by rapper, record executive, and fixture of the Houston rap scene, Trae the Truth. The pair talk about the responsibility to the streets that their platform has given them.

 

Trae brings us into the world of Houston rap and car culture, talks about the influence of UGK, and touches on his strong creative relationship with Bun B, which extends past music and into the community.

 

Trae also breaks down why Breonna Taylor’s story inspired him to get involved on the ground level.

For this special episode, the tables turn as Poet jessica Care moore, along with Jasmin Leigh, interview People’s Party’s own Talib Kweli.

This wide-ranging conversation answers so many of the questions we get from fans and listeners! Kweli goes deep on his many famous collaborators, his approach to the new Black Star album "No Fear of Time,", and his relationship with social media.

If you’re a fan of Kweli, and understand his place in hip-hop, this is the interview you need. He’s funny, thoughtful, and most of all, bracingly honest.

Mentions:

BUGS BUNNY MATHEMATICX episode on "The Midnight Miracle"

Listen to this episode for free on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bugs-bunny-mathematicx/id1564022392?i=1000556655602

Listen for free on Luminary: 

https://luminarypodcasts.com/listen/talib-kweli-yasiin-bey-and-dave-chappelle/the-midnight-miracle/bugs-bunny-mathematicx/4b5049c9-cae7-4630-93d1-7ca145909b68