Pete Rock geeks out over his new live band, an ever-expanding comic book collection, and what he learned from the late J Dilla, in an exclusive interview. If the sample is sacred to hip-hop, Pete Rock is its most vocal disciple. Over the course of three decades, nearly two dozen albums, and countless grailed beats, … Read morePete Rock on Why He Abandoned Samples for ‘Petestrumentals 3’
We talked with Your Old Droog about his new album, working with artists like Mach-Hommy and Tha God Fahim, and exploring his Eastern European roots in his music. Droog in Russian means “friend.” Last year, Your Old Droog released Jewelry, an intimate album that explored the Brooklyn rapper’s Jewish roots. Story raps like “Generations” felt … Read moreYour Old Droog Believes He’s Accomplished Something No Rapper Has Ever Done…
We spoke to Loud Records founder and CEO Steve Rifkind about his fondest memories of the label’s heydey, as well as the artists and records that defined it’s dominant run. In a year filled with landmark anniversaries, Loud Records has creeped back into the public consciousness. The label, founded by Steve Rifkind in 1991, enjoyed … Read moreRegrets, Success & Challenges: Steve Rifkind Reflects on 30 Years of Loud…
For our latest First Look Friday, we talked with the enigmatic Teezo Touchdown about the importance of being an artist that also world builds and the story of his bass guitar. We also share behind the scenes photos from his “Bad Enough” video shoot. At the start of the 20th century, the Spindletop, an oil … Read moreFirst Look Friday: Teezo Touchdown Has Turned A Beaumont, Texas Lot Into…
We spoke with R&B singer Xavier Omär about his new album, his background in the church, and how getting married affected his songwriting. Xavier Omär taught himself to play the drums when he was a child. He played by ear in countless churches throughout his life. “I would just listen, repeat the sound back in … Read moreXavier Omär Reimagines Himself on His New Album ‘if You Feel’
We spoke with DJ Enuff about The Notorious B.I.G.’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Biggie’s affinity for Pepsi, whether fans can expect more unreleased material, and more. The Notorious B.I.G.’s relevance and reputation for excellence within the music world remain unquestioned, evidenced by the rap icon’s upcoming induction into the Rock … Read moreDJ Enuff Speaks About The Lost Notorious B.I.G. Freestyle He Had in…
We spoke with Sean C about recording Streams of Thought, Vol. 3: Cane & Able with Black Thought, Bomb Squad’s influence on the EP, and why the formula of one producer and one rapper works so well. One of the first things you hear on Black Thought’s new EP, Streams of Thought, Vol. 3: Cane … Read moreSean C on the Making of Black Thought’s “Bomb Squad” Album ‘Streams…
On the first Friday of every month, we highlight one artist on the rise. For October’s First Look Friday, We spoke with R&B singer Saleka about her influences, representation for Indian Americans, the advantages of being the daughter of M. Night Shymalan, and more. Saleka grew up in a household where her creativity was supported … Read moreFirst Look Friday: R&B Singer Saleka Announces Herself With Debut Single “Clarity”
In celebration of the 40 year anniversary of Stevie Wonder’s Hotter than July, we spoke with engineer Lon Neumann, who provided a vivid account of how this classic record came to fruition. The 1970s were a transcendent decade for Stevie Wonder. Between 1972 to 1976, he recorded, composed, and produced songs for himself and other … Read moreThe Making of ‘Hotter than July,’ The Album That Revived Stevie Wonder’s…
We spoke with The Ohio Players’ drummer James “Diamond” Williams who explained to us, in great detail, how Ohio Players recorded their 1975 classic Honey. The Ohio Players’ story begins in Dayton, Ohio in 1959. During this early period, they were known as the Ohio Untouchables and were the band for a Detroit-based vocal group … Read moreThe Making of The Ohio Players 1975 Masterpiece ‘Honey’