On Episode 10 of Written Gems, the show welcomes its first-ever guest, singer-songwriter Jynn Cole, for a conversation celebrating one of R&B's most timeless slow jams, "Tell Me If You Still Care" by The S.O.S. Band. Together, they explore the brilliance behind the Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis classic, discuss why the song continues to resonate decades later, and Jynn shares the creative journey behind her new album, Burnt Sugar. It's a conversation about songwriting, soul, and the stories that make great music unforgettable.

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Jynn Cole “Burnt Sugar” 

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Episode 9 of Written Gems takes us back to 1990 as we revisit one of the most important posse cuts in hip-hop history, "We're All In The Same Gang" by the West Coast Rap All-Stars. Ketch P and Nametag break down how the record came together, the message behind it, the legendary lineup, and why this anti-violence anthem still deserves a listen today. From Dr. Dre's production to the unforgettable music video, we're celebrating another true Written Gem.

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On this episode of Written Gems, Ketch P and Nametag cover a little bit of everything. We kick things off with a conversation about Black men's health and the importance of mobility before shifting into one of our favorite topics, R&B storytelling. From Bobby Womack's "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much" to a few classic examples from Joe, we're breaking down the fine line between "dirt baggin'" and "dirty mackin'" in R&B, and why those songs still spark conversation today. Pull up and join us for another fun, honest discussion celebrating the stories behind the music.

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In this episode of Written Gems, we dig deep into what’s considered to be one of the most important singles in rap history, “Self Destruction" by The Stop The Violence Movement (1989). This song is a who's-who of East Coast royalty: Heavy D, Chuck D, Flavor Flav, MC Lyte, Kool Moe Dee, Doug E. Fresh, Stetsasonic, and more. This was bigger than just a song. It was a statement.

We're breaking down the history of this classic: why the release date was no accident, how an 18-year-old D-Nice slept under the mixing board for seven straight days, the label beef that kept LL Cool J off the record (and what he did about it), and why West Coast rappers showed up to the video shoot uninvited.

This is the story of a track born out of urgency, and delivered to the world on what would have been Martin Luther King Jr.'s 60th birthday.

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On this episode of Written Gems, hosts Ketch P and Nametag Alexander dig deep into one of the most iconic charity singles ever recorded, "We Are The World" by USA for Africa. Released on March 7, 1985, the platinum-selling, history-making anthem was co-written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, and brought together nearly 50 of the biggest names in music, from Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder to Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, and Cyndi Lauper, all under one roof, all in one night. Ketch P and Nametag Alexander break down the obscure behind-the-scenes facts you never heard in the history books: why Bob Dylan had a near-meltdown before his solo, how Stevie Wonder's Swahili idea sent Waylon Jennings walking out the door, and the real reason Prince, at arguably the peak of his career fresh off Purple Rain, refused to step into that recording studio. The duo also explores the 2023 Netflix documentary The Greatest Night in Pop, which rips back the curtain on everything from Diana Ross fangirling over Daryl Hall to Cyndi Lauper's jewelry crashing the session. If you love deep-dive music history, untold celebrity stories, and gems the mainstream music world overlooked, this is the episode you've been waiting for.

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On this episode of Written Gems, Nametag Alexander and Ketch P pull up the info on one of the most deceptively smooth records of the '90s TLC's "Creep."

Released on Halloween night of 1994, the Dallas Austin-penned classic didn't just top the Billboard Hot 100, it rewired how the world thought about women cheating. Built on a looped Slick Rick sample and a trumpet so lonely it aches, "Creep" was a song the group almost didn't make, by a producer who almost didn't release it, with a member who literally taped her mouth shut in protest.

Nametag and Ketch P bring their songwriter's eye to the hook, the narrative arc, the production choices, and the quiet confidence of T-Boz's delivery that made every word land like a threat wrapped in silk pajamas.

Whether you grew up with this record on repeat or you're hearing the story for the first time by the end of this episode, hopefully this convo sparks some good ol’ nostalgia .

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On this episode of Written Gems, Nametag Alexander and Ketch P break down the highly talked-about Michael movie based on the life of the legendary Michael Jackson. From the box office success and Jaafar Jackson’s performance, to the deleted scenes, controversy, and rumors of a possible Part 2. We unpack the movie, the legacy, and the conversation surrounding one of music’s most iconic figures.

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For Merch 

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In this episode of Written Gems, we break down Mo’ Better Blues (1990) — the iconic jazz drama directed by Spike Leeand starring Denzel Washington — and explore how music drives the entire narrative.

We analyze the character of Bleek Gilliam, the tension between artistry and ego, the complicated dynamics of love and loyalty, and how the jazz soundtrack shapes every emotional beat of the film. From its cinematography and cultural commentary to its impact on Black cinema and music storytelling, we unpack why Mo’ Better Blues remains a defining film about creative ambition and personal sacrifice.

As always on Written Gems, we connect the cultural dots — scene by scene, note by note — and revisit the legacy this film left on jazz, film soundtracks, and the portrayal of Black artists in American cinema.

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Music & Merch 👇🏾

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On this episode of Written Gems, we break down “Ain’t My Type Of Hype” by Full Force—a song forever cemented in hip-hop history through the House Party soundtrack and its iconic dance battle scene. Me and Ketch P dig into the writing, attitude, and cultural timing that made this record hit harder than just a movie moment. This isn’t nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake—it’s about recognizing the pen and presence behind a legendary vibe.

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In the inaugural episode of Written Gems, Nametag and Ketch P unpack Stevie Wonder’s heartfelt classic “These Three Words.” This isn’t just a song — it’s a lesson in vulnerability, in saying what matters before it’s too late. Stevie’s lyrics are simple, but the truth behind them is anything but. Join two songwriters as they explore love, regret, craft, and what makes a lyric timeless. If you’ve ever wished you wrote a song that hits this deep, this one’s for you.

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