This week we talked to Lalah Hathaway about how she stays inspired to keep her music fresh. We also talk about hip-hop samples, vocal colors, vocal signatures, and a whole bunch of other fun stuff. 

Layla is a Grammy award-winning singer, artist, writer, and producer and she is also the daughter of Donny Hathaway. Her new album Vantablack is available everywhere now.

For more information visit:

Lalah Hathaway: lalahhathaway.com

Donwill: Donwill.substack.com

Okayplayer: Okayplayer.com

The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sesay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced by Travis Harris, Edited by Kobina Baffour. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Music Production by Von Pea.

This week we talk to JSWISS about his career and upcoming release. We also discussed a few recent events including the LOX on NPR’s Tiny Desk, who his personal Big 3 are and Nardwuar’s iconic journalism.

JSWISS is an artist with a career unlike any one as he’s worked with several jazz luminaries including Nicolas Peyton, Elvis Costello, Casey Benjamin, Keyon Harold and Marcus Machado. (album with Micheal Lionheart.

For more information visit:

JSWISS: jswissmusic.com

Donwill: Donwill.substack.com

Okayplayer: Okayplayer.com

The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sessay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced by Travis Harris, Edited by Kobina Baffour. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Music Production by Von Pea.

The Almanac of Rap is back and for our Okayplayer-produced season opener and our first guest is A-Trak.

A-Trak is a Canadian DJ, record producer, and co-founder of Fool’s Gold Records. We discuss Canadian hip hop, the impact of Fool’s Gold and give him the chance to give the Grammy acceptance speech he never got to make.

The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sesay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced & Directed by Travis Harris. Edited by Kobina Baffour & Tony Mui. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Music Production by Von Pea.

For more information about A-Trak visit: www.atrak.com (http://www.atrak.com) 

For more information about Fool’s Gold Visit: www.foolsgoldrecs.com (http://www.foolsgoldrecs.com) 

For more information about Donwill visit: www.donwill.me (http://www.donwill.me) 

For more information about Okayplayer visit: www.okayplayer.com (http://www.okayplayer.com)

To read show notes for this episode go to donwill.substack.com

To read the show notes for this episode go to donwill.substack.com

Today's episode is a compilation of sorts. I asked Timmhotep and DJ R-Tistic (two past guests) two wild questions - which religion and which gang has had a bigger impact on hip hop.

We also talk about rappers that have turned to religion.

It's a fun one.

And oh yeah subscribe to the new newsletter over at donwill.substack.com

In this episode we discuss parody rap songs with none other than DIallo RIddle and Blake 'Luxxury' Robin. We also take a look at Russ Parr's history as a parody rap artist and track down The Rappin Duke to see what he's been up to.

You can check out One Song hosted by DIallo RIddle and Blake 'Luxxury' Robin here.

Visit donwill.me/aor to check out the show notes and sign up for our newsletter!

Donwill:

Twitter.com/donwill

Instagram.com/donwill

The Almanac of Rap:

Instagram.com/thealmanacofrap

Do you have a comfort album? If so leave your response in the comments section of this Instagram post and I'll include them in an upcoming episode!

I'll be back in your

In this episode we talkt to Will Miles about the distinct bond between rap and comedy. We look at a few comedians who have bars and talk about a few rappers that are actually hilarious

You can find out more about Will Miles at his website

Visit donwill.me/aor to check out the show notes and sign up for our newsletter!

Donwill:

Twitter.com/donwill

Instagram.com/donwill

The Almanac of Rap:

Instagram.com/thealmanacofrap

On this episode we revisit an interview that I conducted in 2015 with Billy Woods and Elucid of the rap group Armand Hammer. They were fresh off of the release of their album Furtive Movements and preparing to release a set of solo albums. We talk about their origins as a rap group and their creative process.

Their new album We Buy Diabetic Test Strips drops on 9/29 via Fat Possum Records.

Visit donwill.me/aor to check out the show notes and sign up for our newsletter!

Donwill:

Twitter.com/donwill

Instagram.com/donwill

The Almanac of Rap:

Instagram.com/thealmanacofrap