To round off the series, we’re touching base with a true musical innovator. Dizzee Rascal is one of the most influential British artists of the 21st century. Born and raised in East London, his musical journey started aged 14, rapping over jungle and drum ‘n’ bass on London’s pirate stations. In 2003, Dizzee released his debut album, 'Boy In Da Corner'. Capturing the tension and isolation of inner-city life through lucid lyrical storytelling and a groundbreaking production style now known globally as grime.

Dizzee’s Unsung choice is Memphis rapper Project Pat. First making waves through collaborations with Three Mix Mafia, the hugely influential rap trio founded by his brother Juicy J, Pat’s distinctive flow, playfully irreverent lyrics and his taste for minimal, lo-fi beats gained him cult status and helped anoint the South and the new capital of US rap. It’s also a sound which, in the 90s, captured the attention of a young Dizzee Rascal, then a schoolboy in Tower Hamlets.

Dizzee talks to journalist and documentary maker Kieran Yates about discovering Pat, his affinity with Southern hip-hop which led to a 2007 collaboration with Pimp C and Bun B of UGK and what it means for music to be a product of its environment. 

The series is produced by Eliza Lomas and mixed by Becky Street. The series leads are Duncan Harrison and Luke Sutton.

Project Pat: If You Ain't from My Hood (feat. DJ Paul & Juicy J)

Three 6 Mafia: Azz & Titties

Dizzee Rascal: Kryme

Dizzee Rascal: I Luv U

Project Pat: Y’all Ni**az Ain’t No Killaz, Y’all Ni**az Some Hoes

Three 6 Mafia: Sippin On Some Syrup

Dizzee Rascal: Where's Da G's

Skepta: It Ain't Safe

Project Pat: Aggravated Robbery

Project Pat: Don't Save Her

Project Pat: Chickenhead

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If you’ve ever had a dancefloor moment to 'When Doves Cry' or 'Raspberry Beret' by Prince, you can thank Susan. The technical force behind albums like Purple Rain, Sign o’ the Times and Around the World in a Day, she was with Prince through the sleepless nights and notorious 24-hour recording sessions of his commercial peak, from 1983 to 1987. 

In 1988, she left to produce other artists, resulting in some of the biggest hits of the 90s. She then took her earnings and went back to school, finally graduating from high school aged 44 and then obtaining a PhD in music and psychology. 

Susan’s Unsung choice is a band she produced, who she felt never reached the heights they deserved: Geggy Tah. A jazz, folk, alt and experimental indie duo comprised of Tommy Jordon and Greg Kurstin, together they released three albums over seven years on David Byrne’s label Luaka Bop – the first two produced by Susan. 

Head to CrackMagazine.net for more.

"Whoever You Are" by Geggy Tah

"Ovary Z's" by Geggy Tah

"Don't Close The Door" by Geggy Tah

"L.A. Lujah" by Geggy Tah

"Last Word (The One For Her)" by Geggy Tah

"Dumb Submarine" by Geggy Tah

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Cody’s 2002 album, The Headphone Masterpiece, was recorded on a 4-track cassette recorder in his bedroom recording studio. The record was met with critical acclaim for its compelling, imaginative take on alternative R&B. Despite a brush with stardom, Cody has never found mainstream success and has always maintained the status of an elusive, underground artist. Fitting then, that Pixar tapped him to write and perform as a show-stealing subway busker in their blockbuster 2020 movie Soul.

Omar speaks with Tara Joshi. Unsung is produced by Eliza Lomas and mixed by Becky Street with theme music from Facta. The series leads are Luke Sutton and Duncan Harrison.

"She's Still Here" by Cody Chestnutt

"5 On A Joyride" by Cody Chestnutt

"She's Still Here" by Cody Chestnutt

"Ugotme" by Omar Apollo

"Trouble" Omar Apollo

"Magic In A Mortal Minute" by Cody Chestnutt

"The Seed" by Cody Chestnutt

"Beauty Boy" by Omar Apollo

"Look Good In Leather" by Cody Chestnutt

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Today, we’re traveling to Detroit and connecting with iconic DJ and producer DJ Stingray. Stingray’s Unsung choice is Keith Tucker, the Detroit producer and co-founder of Aux 88, whose alias’ include DJ K-1, Optic Nerve and Alien FM. Tucker played an integral part in the story of Detroit techno, yet his story and influence remains unknown to many. 

DJ Stingray speaks to journalist and broadcaster Christine Kakaire about Detroit motorcycle clubs, Tucker tracks which knock the floor out and what it means to “keep the funk”.

CrackMagazine.net

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Bea speaks with Tara about monsoon memories, not fitting in and re-connecting with her parents through music. Following the release of her critically acclaimed debut album Fake It Flowers, Bea also talks about the musical signatures and songwriting motifs which she found in The Itchyworms that have influenced her own sound.

Beabadoobee references:

The Itchyworms: Akin Ka Na Lang

The Itchyworms: Soap O Pera

Beabadoobee: Coffee

The Itchyworms: Buwan

Beabadoobee: Sun More Often

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Today, Samuel T. Herring of Future Islands speaks with writer and musician Stephanie Phillips about Mark Sandman, the famously elusive frontman of the 1990s Massachusetts punk/blues/rock band Morphine. While they built a loyal following and received critical acclaim in their day, Morphine never broke through to mainstream audiences. Samuel explores making it as an older musician, songs that can be a cure for pain and how much one should reveal of themselves through writing.

Songs referenced:

Morphine: Swing It Low

Morphine: Wishing Well

Morphine: Cure For Pain

Morphine: All My Way

Future Islands: Beach Foam

Morphine: The Night

Morphine: Souvenir

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This episode we are joined by songwriter, producer and singer Caroline Polachek whose music has taken many forms: from the dramatic synth pop of Chairlift, to the brooding alter-ego of Ramona Lisa, the ambient experimental sounds of CEP and more recently, the atmospheric electro-pop under her own name.

Caroline’s Unsung choice is the 1980s British pop band, Prefab Sprout. While they built a loyal following in their era, the band were impossible to classify and often get overlooked in the history books. Caroline speaks to journalist and broadcaster Chal Ravens about the lasting impact this band have had on her life and approach to making music.

Songs referenced:

Jordan: The Comeback by Prefab Sprout

Moth by Chairlift

Crimson/Red by Prefab Sprout

Two Wheels Gold by Prefab Sprout

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