Shots Fired Podcast

The New York rap trio Ratking (Wiki, Hak, & Sporting Life) run up through the Cosmic Zoo shortly after their Coachella performance. They discuss their excellent new XL album, "So It Goes," taking inspiration from grime, Big Pun, and Dipset, the Eminem comparisons, Kurt Vonnegut, and how New York factors into their aesthetic.

In addition, Nocando and Jeff discuss the Donald Sterling saga, why rappers are getting seizures all of a sudden, and the XXL Freshmen Cover.

You can buy "So It Goes" here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/so-it-goes/id811237362

Nocando's "Jimmy the Burnout" is still live: https://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com/album/jimmy-the-burnout

In which Meg Myers and producer/podcaster Dr. Rosen Rosen ("Totally Laime") enter the Cosmic Zoo to discuss everything from life in Tennessee to signing to Atlantic Records, to furries and shamans. Other topics tackled include the impact of "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" and random Halloween costumes.

In addition, Nocando and Jeff discuss Nocando's short career as a wrestler, veganism, punching old people on airplanes, and hipsters who heart hip hop.

You can and should listen to Meg Myers' music here: https://soundcloud.com/meginthedark

Nocando's "Jimmy the Burnout" is still in stores: https://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com/album/jimmy-the-burnout

Never trust shamans.

Jeff and Nocando welcome Open Mike Eagle and author/comedian D.C. Pierson for one of the most candid and real episodes of Shots Fired. They discuss the struggle of making it as a creative person from the depressed lows to drunken highs. They discuss what American culture values in an artist and the absurdity of the Internet world. It's funnier than it sounds.

In addition, Nocando and Jeff talk about Outkast at Coachella among other random banter.

Recorded at the Cosmic Zoo Studio in Atwater Village.

After a brief hiatus, Shots Fired is back for its Burnout Episode. Daddy Kev, co-founder of Low End Theory and founder of Alpha Pup, joins Nocando and Jeff to discuss Nocando's career and new record. Jeff interviews Nocando about his battle years, his early love of B-Legit and Yukmouth of Luniz, and his evolution as an artist.

In addition, they discuss new albums from YG, Vince Staples, and MadGibbs, the gospel of Suga Free, and Benzino getting shot.

Go purchase "Jimmy the Burnout" so Nocando can purchase a Bentley with Naruto's face emblazoned on it.

https://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com/album/jimmy-the-burnout

Recorded at the Cosmic Zoo Studio in Atwater Village.

Interscope's Audio Push enter the Cosmic Zoo to talk to Jeff and Nocando about their career evolution from their jerkin' days to recording with Lil Wayne on his tour bus last summer. In between, Oktane and Price talk about the highs and lows of the industry: how they dealt with label turmoil, re-ignited their career on Hit Boy's HS87 imprint, and why they have the Inland Empire on lock.

In addition, Nocando calls Jeff from the road for an impromptu banter about Mexican food and the release of Lil Boosie.

You can listen to Audio Push's "Come as You Are" mixtape here: http://www.datpiff.com/Audio-Push-Come-As-You-Are-mixtape.529033.html

Catch Hellfyre Club on tour and at SXSW this weekend. Dates and times here: http://hellfyreclub.tumblr.com/post/79295075819

In which House Shoes and Quelle make return visits to the Cosmic Zoo to discuss pro wrestling, Mexican strip clubs, pop music, Detroit techno, selling out, DJ Khaled, and of course rap music.

In addition, Nocando calls from the road to give an update on the Hellfyre Club tour and Jeff discusses his displeasure with the new Socialist NBA Slam Dunk format.

You can listen to music from House Shoes' Street Corner Music here: https://soundcloud.com/houseshoes

You can listen to Quelle Chris here: http://quellechris.bandcamp.com/

Catch Hellfyre Club on Tour Now: http://mikeeaglestinks.tumblr.com/post/76027764873/dvttour-buy-a-presale-ticket-and-get-the-deleted

For the latest Shots Fired, Mibbs of Pac Div visits the Cosmic Zoo to talk about his new solo music, how the Antelope Valley shaped Pac Div, dealing with the major label shuffle, and coming up in the LA rap scene circa 08-09.

In addition, Nocando and Jeff discuss cures for scurvy, "The College Dropout" at 10 years, and the Hellfyre Club Tour.

You can listen to Mibbs latest tunes here: https://soundcloud.com/mibbsoe

Be sure to go see Hellfyre Club on tour now. Dates here: http://www.songkick.com/artists/7621129-hellfyre-club

San Francisco turntablist legend, DJ Qbert steps into the Cosmic Zoo to discuss aliens, the Illuminati, trips to the porn store with a young Kool Keith, and the evolution of his career.

Tune in for stories about his early years working with Mixmaster Mike, the formation of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz, and his classic "Wave Twisters" movie/album.

In addition, Nocando and Jeff talk about attending an Action Bronson show, pogs, and why DMX should not have fought George Zimmerman.

You can contribute to the Kickstarter for Qbert's new album here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thudrumble/dj-qbert-extraterrestria-new-album-pre-order

Dam-Funk makes a return trip to the Cosmic Zoo to talk modern funk, the story behind his new "7 Days of Funk" album with Snoop Dogg (Snoopzilla), social media, independent music, and the idea of stardom.

In addition, Nocando and Jeff discuss the Grammy's and what it's like to live in a world post-Macklemoorish takeover.

For this week's episode, Nocando and Jeff welcome Isaiah Rashad, the newest member of LA's Top Dawg Entertainment. They discuss Tennessee rap, the glory years of No Limit, how he got signed to TDE, and his debut EP, "Cilvia" (due out Jan. 28).

In addition, Nocando and Jeff run down the list of Grammy nominees and outline their respective fear of a post-Grammy world ruled by the Macklemoors.

Recorded at the Cosmic Zoo Studio in Atwater Village.