What Had Happened Was

What Had Happened Once: IDK on his new project Even The Devil Smiles

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:01:00 GMT

In this conversation, IDK and OME discuss his latest project, 'Even The Devil Smiles,' exploring the distinction between mixtapes and albums, the impact of his prison experience on his music, and the evolution of rap during his incarceration. He reflects on his influences, the challenges of navigating the music industry independently, and the importance of authenticity and significant collaborations with legendary artists (MF DOOM, Black Thought and more) and the journey of self-discovery and accountability in his life and career.

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What Had Happened Once: Dr. Todd Boyd on 'Rapper's Deluxe'

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Between WHHW seasons we're introducing What Had Happened Once, one-off interviews showcasing the history and legacy of rap music. This is a live conversation with Dr. Todd Boyd aka The Notorious PHD from the Chicago Humanities Festival 2024 on his new book Rapper's Deluxe, a full flavored re-contextualization of hip hop history.

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Season Finale: What is a Soulquarian?

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT

In our season 4 finale we conclude the story of The Roots' 4th studio album Things Fall Apart. In discussing the release and reception of that album we hear the story of the infamous Soulquarian photo shoot for Vibe magazine featuring Questlove, Mos Def, Q-Tip, Dilla, Erykah Badu and more. Where it may have looked like the start of a movement to fans of these artists, according to Questlove himself it was really the end.

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Things Fall Apart Part 3

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode of our season-long sitdown with Questlove we dig even deper into the creation of Things Fall Apart starting with the conclusion of the You Got Me sage then unpacking album highlights like Act Too (Love of my Life) featuring Common and Doube Trouble featuring Yasiin Bey fka Mos Def. The latter story containing a retelling of the moment Questlove knew he needed to level-up his production following a link-up with Dilla, Q-Tip, DJ Premier and The Alchemist.

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Things Fall Apart Part 2

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode of our season long interview with Questlove, we continue the story of Things Fall Apart. We hear the stories behind Table of Contents, Step into the Realm, Adrenaline featuring Beanie Siegel and the difficulty in constructing the hit single You Got Me. In the story of the latter we hear how The Roots encountered Jill Scott and the factors that led to her replacement on the song by Erykah Badu.

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Things Fall Apart

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode we arrive at The Roots' breakthrough album 1999's Things Fall Apart. With the success of the single and video for What They Do positioning them for stardom they begin to put together the Philadelphia open mic scene that would attract talents like Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild and more for legendary jam sessions. Plus a superproducer from Detroit emerges as the guiding light for a new sound as Questlove is introduced to Dilla by way of a very expensive phone call.

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Illadelph Halflife Part 3

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode Questlove concludes the story of The Roots' third studio album Illadelph Halflife with the fallout from the release of the single and infamous video for their breakthrough single 'What They Do'. The song's success was everything they wanted but the cost was unimaginable. This episode contains one of the greatest stories in What Had Happened Was history.

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Illadelph Halflife Part 2

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT

We're deep into the creation of The Root's third stuudio album Illadelph Halflife. In this episode Questlove shares the story behind legendary underground single Clones plus how Chicago's Common became a fixture in the budding post-Native Tongues scene. Around this time The Fugees emerge as friendly rivals as the two groups share stages all over the country. Hear how one live hip-hop band pushed the other to excellence.

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Illadelph Halflife

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode Questlove takes us back to 1994 to tell the story of the creation of The Roots' third album Illedelph Halflife. This album marked a notable and near controversial direction change in the group's sound and in this conversation we learn what motivated it and the existential crisis it created for this founding member.

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Do You Want More?!!!??! Part 3

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT

In the conclusion of the story of 'Do You Want More?!!!??!' , Questlove reveals how The Roots met Rahzel the human beatbox and how their first improvised session together became a track on the album. We hear the original plan for the album's ending and how it pivoted to the epic Ursula Rucker poem that stunningly ends the LP plus more on Dice Raw, Malik B and the rest of the Legnedary Roots Crew

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Do You Want More?!!!??! Part 2

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode Questlove continues the story of the creation of The Roots' 2nd studio album "Do You Want More?!!!??!". Hear the musical inspiration behind their breakthrough single 'Proceed', their experience with legendary audio engineer Bob Power and witness one of the greatest displays of rap prowess of all time as Black Thought shows how he is indeed 'every MC'.

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Do You Want More?!!!??!

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT

In this episode of his season long sitdown with Open Mike Eagle, Questlove begins the story of The Roots' major label debut Do You Want More?!!!??!. The story begins with the group's signing party where they meet future rivals and Questlove receives some difficult family news. This leads into the album sessions where we here how classic songs like Proceed, Swept Away and Silent Treatment were conceived. And what does David Letterman have to do with it? hear it all here.

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Organix Part 2

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT

In this episode of our season long interview with Questlove, we hear the next step in the journey of The Roots through the process of recording their first LP, 1993's Organix. They entered the studio as a busking group and had to learn how to become recording artists on the fly. Hear how this process formalized the group's membership and how these sessions began the tug-of-war between live instrumentation and sampling that will be a part of every Roots album to follow.

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Organix

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT

In episode 2 of this season long interview with Questlove, we continue the story of the formation of The Roots as Questlove and Black Thought cycle through names, start performing live and eventualy end up in the studio for the first time where they begin work on what will become their first album Organix

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Questlove on the Origin of The Roots

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT

In the season 4 premiere of What Had Happened Was, host Open Mike Eagle sits down with legendary band-leader, drummer and Oscar winner Questlove for the first session of their season-long interview series. In this initial conversation Questlove unpacks his childhood musical beginnings, his introduction to hip-hop and the lie that led to the formation of The Roots in high school.

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Trailer - Season 4

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Coming soon.

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Introducing: Drink Champs

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Legendary Queens rapper-turned show host N.O.R.E. teams up with Miami hip-hop pioneer DJ EFN for a night of boozy conversation and boisterous storytelling. The hosts and guests engage together in fun, light-hearted conversation - looking back at their paths to success, highlighting their lives, friendships, and iconic moments within their career. In this unfiltered series, drinks are flowing and jokes are rolling - take a seat at the table with N.O.R.E & EFN. You Gotta Relax!

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Bonus Episode: Dante Ross on Carlos Santana, the Grammys and more

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:00:00 GMT

in this bonus episode from the What Had Happened Was vault, Dante Ross tells the story of working on Everlast's second album, and their collaboration with Carlos Santana "Put Your Lights On' which led to the trio winning a Grammy. Dante goes in-depth on the recording of the song and what it meant for him and his family to be working with the legendary guitarist

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Introducing: Rap Radar

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT

Rap Radar is the home of hip-hop’s most revealing interviews. Each week, famed journalists Elliott Wilson and Brian ‘B.Dot’ Miller invite A-listers from across the hip-hop industry to sit down for the definitive conversation around life experiences, music and culture. Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts!

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Season Finale: Dante's Legacy and the new reality of the A&R

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT

In our season finale we pick up with Dante Ross's story after the massive success of Whitey Ford Sings the Blues. He wins a Grammy for a record with Everlast and Carlos Santana and goes on to become a sought after producer and remixer before returning to A&R in a very different music business. Hear about it all and what's coming in the future for a music business legend.

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Everlast - Whitey Ford Sings the Blues

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 07:00:00 GMT

After leaving Elektra Records, Dante Ross started working less behind the scenes and along with his partner John Gamble, went deeper than ever into production. Having known Everlast from the House of Pain and Rhyme Syndicate days, they began working on an album that would change all of their lives: Everlast's multi-platinum solo debut, Whitey Ford Sings the Blues

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Ol' Dirty Bastard

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Near the end of his run at Elektra Records, Dante Ross signed Ol Dirty Bastard after hearing him feature on Wu-Tang's first single 'Proteck Ya Neck'. Dante worked closely with ODB aka Ason Unique aka Big Baby Jesus on his debut album Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version and in the process became familiar with all of the aspects of this talented, charismatic and at times troubled superstar.

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Del the Funky Homosapien

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 08:29:00 GMT

In the middle of his legendary run as an A&R at Elektra Records, Dante signed Del The Funky Homosapien, the teenage cousin of Ice Cube and founding member of the Hieroglyphics Crew. Their partnership saw the release of Del's first two albums, "I Wish My Brother George Was Here' and 'No Need For Alarm'. We hear the story of the emergence of the Oakland MC and the rise of his legendary crew..

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Pete Rock and CL Smooth

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Dante Ross signed Pete Rock and CL Smooth to Elektra Records after becoming familiar with them through Pete Rock's promos on Marley Marl's radio show. He worked with the duo on their debut EP All Souled Out and two classic LPs, 'Mecca and the Soul Brother' and 'The Main Ingredient'. In this episode we hear first hand about the creation of the music and how Pete Rock's production techniques revolutionized rap music. Then we hear how their critical success and underwhelming sales ultimately led to the dissolution of the group.

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KMD and the origin of MF DOOM

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 07:00:00 GMT

During his legendary run as an A&R at Elektra Records, Dante Ross signed a rap trio out of Long Island NY called KMD. After overseeing and releasing their debut album Mr. Hood, one of the members of the group, DJ Subroc, tragically died. The remaining core member of the group was Subroc's brother Zev Love X and Sub's passing would lead Zev down a dark road. He emerged from his grief as the legendary MF DOOM. Dante worked closely with the group and was a friend of DOOM throughout his life and he tells the entire story in this emotional episode.

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Leaders of the New School and Busta Rhymes

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT

Dante Ross's next big signing at Elektra Records was the Long Island based Leaders of the New School including Charlie Brown, Dinco D, Milo and a young Busta Rhymes. Overseen by Dante the group releases two albums (A Future Without a Past and T.I.M.E.) but their journey was plagued by in-fighting almost from the very beginning. In this episode we cover the creation of the group and their classic albums and then their evenutal break-up which sets the stage for the solo career of Busta Rhymes.

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Brand Nubian Break-up: Grand Puba's Reel-to-Reel and Brand Nubian's In God We Trust

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Coming off the slow burn success of their debut album, divisions begin to form in Brand Nubian and Grand Puba decides to go solo. Puba goes on to make his debut solo album Reel to Reel and Brand Nubian build their second LP In God We Trust with Sadat X and Lord Jamar holding the flag. All of New York was watching to see which side would come out on top and Dante Ross was the A & R for both albums. In this episode he tells the story of the break-up, the albums and the legacy of all involved.

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Brand Nubian: One For All

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 08:00:00 GMT

After leaving Tommy Boy, Dante Ross began working at Elektra Records and ushered in an amazing roster of legendary rap artists. This epic run would begin with Grand Puba, Sadat X and Lord Jamar, collectively known as Brand Nubian. In this episode Dante talks about transitioning into working with a major label and working with Brand Nubian to create their debut album One For All

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All Hail the Queen: Introducing Queen Latifah

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode our guest Dante Ross tells the story of signing and developing a young black female rapper from New Jersey that would introduce herself to the world as the legendary Queen Latifah. From hearing her initial demos to developing her debut album All Hail the Queen to booking her first shows all around the country, Dante takes us back to the late 80s where he witnessed the birth of a bona fide star.

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Don't Call Him a Scrub: De La Soul's 3ft High and Rising:

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Dante's first job after leaving Rush Productions was becoming A&R for the famed Tommy Boy Records in 1987. The first project he was assigned was the debut album from soon to be legendary rap group De La Soul. In this episode Dante tells the story of how De La put the album together, the reason the infamous lawsuit happened and the origin of the nickname Dante the Scrub

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Season 3 Premiere: Dante Ross's Adventures at the Dawn of Hip-Hop

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 08:00:00 GMT

In the premiere episode of Season 3, Open Mike Eagle sits down with Dante Ross as they begin to unpack his journey in hip-hop at the very beginning of the culture's expansion into the mainstream in 1980s New York City. Dante goes from being a witness to the explosion to working alongside some of the genre's essential artists including his friends from the punk scene, the Beastie Boys.

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Trailer - Season 3

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 01:05:00 GMT

Open Mike Eagle Sits down with the legendary creators in hip-hop to discuss their life, impact, and legacy over the course of a season. Season 3 covers Dante Ross. Brought to you by Stony Island Audio.

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Season Finale: RTJ 4 and more

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 07:00:00 GMT

on the final episode of this season we link with El-P for one last conversation. we cover RTJ 4, High Water, Little Johnny from the Hospitul and more. Is there another solo project in the cards? how does El feel about the battles he's waged in his career? hear the answers here.

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Run The Jewels 3

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 07:00:00 GMT

in 2016 El-P and Killer Mike released their third LP as Run the Jewels. With their impact and fan base now fully galvanized and the problems of the world beginning to escalate, the duo responds by pouring more of their humanity into the music. And with this vulnerability comes a heightened sense of risk

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Run the Jewels 2

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 14:16:00 GMT

In 2014 El-P and Killer Mike released their second full length as Run The Jewels. While they knew that the energy and sound of RTJ was undeniable, it was the second release that truly catapulted the duo to worldwide popularity. Along with the success came brand new challenges.

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Run The Jewels

Wed, 26 May 2021 07:00:00 GMT

Off the heels of producing Killer Mike's breakthrough album R.A.P. Music, El-P and Mike decide to join forces for an entire project that was intended to be a one-off. This is the story of their reinvention/evolution in forming the duo that would change both of their careers: Run the Jewels

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Cancer 4 Cure

Wed, 19 May 2021 07:00:00 GMT

In 2012 after the dissolution of his record label Def Jux and the death of his friend and collaborator Camu Tao, El-P released his 3rd solo album Cancer 4 Cure. The album chronicles El-P at one of his lowest points and though he made it thinking it might be his last project, it changed the course of his entire career.

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Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music

Wed, 12 May 2021 07:00:00 GMT

In this episode El-P tells the story of the LP that serves as the origin of Run The Jewels. in 2012 Williams Street Records (part of Adult Swim) paired El with Killer Mike to produce an album. The bombastic LP combined the sounds of both artists and changed the course of both of their careers in its wake.

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I'll Sleep When You're Dead

Wed, 05 May 2021 07:00:00 GMT

In 2007 El-P released his second solo album I'll Sleep When You're Dead. In this episode El tells the story of creating this project which he calls his favorite of his solo works. He details his excitement at collaborating with Trent Reznor and explains the stories behind tracks like Habeas Corpses, The Overly Dramatic Truth and Tasmanian Pain Coaster

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Def Jux Legacy

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 07:00:00 GMT

having covered El's production masterpiece in Cannibal Ox's The Cold Vein and his breakthrough solo LP Fantastic Damage, we profile the artists and albums that are the tentpoles of El-P's artist-owned record label Def Jux. He tells the story of meeting and working with underground legends like Mr. Lif, Aesop Rock, RJD2 and more and explores the void left by the passing of friend and brilliant artist Camu Tao.

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Fantastic Damage

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 07:00:00 GMT

in 2002 El-P released his solo debut LP Fantastic Damage to critical acclaim and unbridled fervor from underground rap fans that had been following El from Company Flow to the creation of Def Jux. In this episode El tells the stories behind celebrated songs like Stepfather Factory, Deep Space 9mm and Squeegee Man Shooting and he sets the record straight on the album's connection to the events of September 11th, 2001.

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Cannibal Ox's Cold Vein and the Rise of Def Jux

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 07:00:00 GMT

in this episode El-P walks us through the launch of the legendary record label Def Jux. in the initial days of the label Company Flow disbands as El assembles the roster from standout artists in the underground rap scene like Mr. Lif, RJD2 and Aesop Rock. One of the first major releases is Cannibal Ox's classic debut The Cold Vein. El walks us through meeting the duo, putting the album together and unleashing it on the world.

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Company Flow part 2: Funcrusher Plus

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 07:00:00 GMT

on this episode El-P breaks down Company Flow's Funcrusher Plus LP. He discusses the origins of his unique approach to production and the changes between the EP version and the final commercial release, the alchemy of The Fire in Which You Burn, and the disagreements that eventually led to the dissolution of the group

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Company Flow part 1: El’s origin story

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 07:00:00 GMT

to kick off this season Open Mike Eagle and El-P dig into El's early life leading up to his first recordings and the forming of the seminal underground rap group Company Flow. Along the way we hear the story of his first encounter with the music business and how that informed the ’independent as f*ck’ aesthetic of his early releases. We then explore the record label bidding war that lands the group at legendary underground label Rawkus Records.

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What Didnt Happen

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 08:00:00 GMT

On the season finale of What Had Happened Was we talk with Prince Paul about what didnt happen in his long and storied career. From near miss collaborations with legendary artists to TV projects that ended before ever launching, these are the stories of what almost happened plus a look into the future.

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Buhloone Mindstate

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 10:15:00 GMT

In 1993 De La Soul released Buhloone Mindstate which was their final album produced by Prince Paul. Filled with raw expression and lush jazz arrangements played live by James Brown's original backing band, the album sounds like none before or after it. The careers of Paul and De La Soul both took sharp turns after as they parted ways and attempted to carve out their own identities.

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Native Tongues Collective

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 15:00:00 GMT

The music video for 1990’s ‘Buddy’ by De La Soul introduced the world to the Native Tongues collective. The crew consisted of Jungle Brothers, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Black Sheep, Queen Latifah, Monie Love and more. This collective was groundbreaking in that it made space for a freer and more individualistic image of rap stars at a critical time in rap history. It would go on to influence the rise of Common, Kanye West, J. Cole and more. Hear the story of the collective’s rise and slow dissolution from one of its key early members Prince Paul.

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The Politics of the Business

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 07:00:00 GMT

In 2003 after the mishandling of ‘A Prince Among Thieves’, Paul found himself in a dark space and made an album reflective of his negative feelings about the music industry. Devoid of his signature skits and melodic samples, Politics of the Business is Prince Paul at his most cynical. He tells the story of putting the album together, its critical/fan reception and how he feels about it now. (album features Dave Chappelle, Ice-T, Chuck D, Jean Grae, MF DOOM and more)

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Handsome Boy Modeling School

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 07:00:00 GMT

In 1998 Prince Paul linked up with Dan The Automator (Dr. Octagon, Detlron 3030) and formed Handsome Boy Modeling School based on an episode of Chris Eliot’s 90s sitcom ‘Get A Life’. They made two albums featuring everyone from DJ Shadow to Father Guido Sarducci. Paul walks us through these collaborations including amazing stories about linking up with Pharell Williams to record him in a very unlikely location and why El-P was confused by the final version of the song he recorded on.

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Stetsasonic and life as a 10-year old DJ

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 11:56:00 GMT

Paul began his journey in rap in 1977 as a DJ right when hip-hop was starting in New York. Shortly after that it turns into a career when he meets the rappers that would become the legendary group Stetsasonic. In this episode he tells the story of going from ‘sucker duck’ kid DJ to touring the world with Stetsasonic and the lessons that led him to strike out on his own with De La Soul.

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De La Soul is Dead

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 07:00:00 GMT

In 1991 after the smash success of their debut album 3ft High and Rising, De La Soul and Prince Paul become household names and with that comes strangers harassing them with unwanted demo tapes, weird encounters at Burger King, and rumors being spread about the group. All of these problems are front and center on their second album, the brilliant De La Soul is Dead.

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3rd Bass, MF DOOM and MC Paul Barman

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMT

In this loosies episode Prince Paul tells the story of working with these three legendary hip-hop acts and gives us a look inside each of their creative processes. Along the way we discuss 3rd Bass’s beef with MC Hammer, a potential full length collab with DOOM and the story of what the beats from Paul Barman’s ‘It’s Very Stimulating’ were originally intended for.

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Chris Rock and the Grammys

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 10:00:00 GMT

As Chris Rock was skyrocketing to fame as a stand-up comic he worked with Prince Paul to release three comedy albums that were so innovative and impactful that each one of them won a Grammy award. Here Prince Paul tells the story of thinking he was being pranked when Chris reached out to him and walks us through the development of each of the albums, including the hit single ‘No Sex in the Champagne Room’.

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A Prince Among Thieves

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 13:00:00 GMT

In 1999 in the height of rap’s jiggy era Prince Paul made one of the most imaginative projects in music history. A Prince Among Thieves is a fully formed musical novel born from Paul’s creative vision and fueled by pain in his personal life. In this episode he walks us through the struggles of producing the album, the triumphs of completing it and how close he came to actually developing it into a full-length movie. Its the story of a naive and talented rapper named Tariq (played by Breezely Brewin) and it unfolds through rap songs featuring legends like Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul and many more

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3ft High and Rising: The Origins of De La Soul

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 11:00:00 GMT

Prince Paul tells the story of producing De La Soul's first album. Along the way we hear how the group was formed, the creative direction behind the album, and how they fit into the burgeoning hip-hop community around them. From the invention of the 'skit' to the first major sampling lawsuit, it's the story of an album that changed the business of rap music forever.

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Gravediggaz/RZA

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 13:00:00 GMT

Prince Paul opens up about his time with RZA and the Gravediggaz.

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