Day 1 Radio is an urban culture podcast hosted by veteran journalists Branden LSK and Maurice Garland. Telling stories that haven’t been told before or haven’t been told the right way, we bring our listeners honest, knowledgeable and edgy content that they won’t hear anywhere else. Released every Thursday on iTunes, Stitcher and the CLNS Media Network Mobile App, listeners can hear from legends like Master P, DJ Quik and the late great comedian and activist Dick Gregory. New and noteworthy guests include Lil Bibby, Nick Grant and Thundercat.
Too Short talks Mt. Westmore, Shock G and Longevity
Funny story, Too $hort was scheduled to be the very first guest on Day 1 Radio podcast nearly 8 years ago. Although we did do a live interview with the legendary artist at A3C in the past, this is $hort’s first official appearance on the pod. Another classic in the books. Subscribe, Rate, Review!
1:30 - $hort is celebrating his birthday and he explains why he doesn't celebrate it as just a day, but as a season.
2:40 - $hort explains how the super group Mt. Westmore with him Ice Cube, E-40 and Snoop Dogg came to be. He says that they've always done shows together as separate entities, but this allows them to be a stronger unit. He also states his case for being the opener of the show.
6:25 - $hort talks about his history and musical relationship with the late Shock G of Digital Underground and how they were friends before making music together.
9:00 - Too Short came from a family of college graduates and even played instruments himself in high school. He shares a story about how one of his only regrets in life is giving up his school band aspirations.
15:45 - $hort speaks on being in the game for almost 40 years. He also talks about the reception to his retirement album "The Pimp Tape" and the blessing of Hip-Hop putting him in a position to exactly what he wants in his life and career.
19:30 - Branden runs down a list of legendary Oakland names and gets Short to share memories about them with us.
24:15 - Maurice gets $hort to talk about relocating Atlanta in the early 90s and what the Hip Hop music scene was like back then. Like so many other people, he came for Freaknik and never left. He also talks about how he first met Lil Jon and how their musical relationship started.
30:40 - $hort breaks down how he and Lil Jon made two of his biggest hits, "Shake That Monkey" and "Blow The Whistle."
35:00 - $hort talks about how he was banned from radio and TV for explicit lyrics back in the day, but now explicit are the norm.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
On the latest Day 1 Radio pod, Maurice and BP dig into the topics that our culture has been dealing with over the past few days.
1:50 - We open the show with a topic we've talked about too many times over the years, police killing unarmed Black people. In a fit of unfortunate irony, Daunte Wright was killed by a police officer in a town just 10 minutes away from where George Floyd was killed last year, during the Derek Chauvin trial. Here we talk about dealing with the trauma of seeing this and debate whether or not videos of these killings should be banned from being posted on social media.
9:15 - Another repeat here as we again ask why families of police killing victims hire Ben Crump everytime. We also talk about how families "forgiving" the police may not help anything. Then we address the need for a federal database that keeps track of murderous, aggressive cops after they resign or get fired.
28:50 - We couldn't record without speaking on the passing of Hip Hop icon DMX. Here we shared our favorite moments and the times we got to see him in person.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This weeks' guests Cardo and Payroll Giovanni have been making dope music for a few years now and it doesn't sound like they are slowing down anytime soon. Here we talk with them about how they met, their chemistry and how they've been able to mesh their individual styles together so seamlessly.
1:00 - Cardo is originally from Minnesota and moved to DFW. Payroll is from Detroit. So, we had to ask how these two even met and started making music. Ironically, their incredible chemistry was from working together in Atlanta on a halted super group album with Jeezy and YG. Cardo and Payroll remind a lot of listeners of the Bay Area's "mob music" sound. They both speak on how the style influences their music.
10:00 - Payroll and Cardo talk about how their chemistry hasn't been impacted too severely by not being able to work together in the studio during COVID. They reveal how even though email has become their primary mode of communication, the magic is still there.
15:15 - Payroll will be starring in a film about Detroit icons Chedda Boyz. He clarifies that the film he is in focusing on the street crew, not the rap iteration that many are familiar with.
17:20 - Detroit Hip-Hop is starting to be recognized to the point that other regions are actually starting to borrow some of their slang, style and fashion. Payroll speaks on how crazy it is to see it happening.
19:40 - Cardo explains the origins of 2020's Game Related album that featured Payroll, Larry June and Kid HBK. While it was well-received by fans, the album happened to drop the same day as Kobe Bryant's death and days before the world stopped because of COVID.
23:00 - Cardo has produced megahits for the likes of Drake and Travis Scott, but he has also created cult classics with people like Payroll, Curren$y and others. Here we ask him if he ever tries to get artists on their level to rap on some of his more "underground" type beats.
28:15 - Payroll speaks on his upcoming tour with Oakland rapper Philthy Rich and how it feels going back on the road as things are opening back up. We also get them to speak on new music they are working on.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Al Harrington talks Cannabis, Generational Wealth and NBA
This week we talked with former NBA player and current cannabis industry innovator Al Harrington. While many know him from his days as a hooper, this conversation focuses on his endeavors in the cannabis industry as the founder of VIOLA. Listen in as he shares his journey in this business why he views it as an opportunity for Black people and people of color to create generational wealth.
2:00 - Al shares the remarkable story about how his grandmother inspired him to start his company VIOLA and how the company is actually a platform for more people of color to get into the legal cannabis industry. He also explains the challenging, expensive process of how he actually got into the business. Al then talks about the different ways people can enter the game outside of being an actual cannabis grower.
8:00 - Al talks about the business incubator he has started to create 10,000 entrepreneurs in the cannabis space. He then talks about people still having "PTSD" in dealing with marijuana and their hesitance to enter the business. He also talks about how he feels generational wealth is on the line when dealing with cannabis and offers his thoughts on if and when marijuana will become legal federally.
17:30 - Al talks about how minorities need to bring their resources together to make an impact in the business and feels that celebrities should shift their approach to entering the space as well.
22:30 - Al clears up the intention and operation of the 100 millionaires concept behind his VIOLA CARES initiative. He also brings attention to how MSOs (multi state operators) find loopholes to get licenses in different states.
24:30 - Al speaks on the importance of reentry programs for people who have been locked up behind weed charges and putting them through cannabis curriculums to get back on their feet legally. He also speaks on how he doesn't just view VIOLA as a money maker but as a community builder.
30:20 - Al gives some advice on how to educate yourself on how the business goes and how to get started in it.
32:00 - Al talks about how he feels about professional sports leagues finally being open to taking marijuana off the banned substances list. And of course, lifelong Golden State Warriors fan gets Al to reflect on the 2006-07 "We Believe" Warriors team that Al was on and their legendary playoff run.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Grammy Talk with Award-Winning Journalist Christopher A. Daniel
This week we caught up with award-winning journalist and university professor Christopher A. Daniel to have a candid talk about the upcoming Grammy Awards. In addition to writing for the Grammy’s, Chris’ byline has also appeared on CBS News, The Washington Post, MSN, The Undefeated and more. We also took some time talking about the current state of Hip-Hop and Black journalism and the somewhat muted response to Drake's new music.
9:30 - With the Grammy Awards coming up, we each offer our takes on this year's nominees in the Rap music categories.
27:40 - The three of us take a moment to talk about the new music Drake is dropping and how the reaction has been tepid compared to prior year.
32:00 - Chris and Branden speak on some of the nominated music that they didn't expect to see or that people slept on this past year. We also spoke on the new Silk Sonic (Anderson.Paak and Bruno Mars) music and hopes for a tour.
38:00 - With each of us being journalists and writers, we have a discussion on the state of Black-centered journalism and media outlets.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guest Dustin Canalin is the creative force behind some of our favorite and most meaningful sneaker and streetwear designs and logos. With a resume that includes adidas, Nike, And 1, Undrcrwn and more, he is now using his talents to launch new campaigns and product lines with L.A. Gear and Puma. Here we talk about a small part of his journey so far and what it has been like navigating the creative space over the last 12 months.
3:30 - Dustin talks about adjusting to the realities of COVID as a creative, especially in the design field. He speaks on how working from home is not new to him and how he's pivoting to designing more casual items now that so many of us are at home a lot more.
7:00 - Dustin is the lead designer for PUMA's new "Black Fives" campaign celebrating the first wave of all-Black professional basketball teams. Here he talks about how the collection came together and its significance. He also talks about he specializes in telling stories through products and if brands are always open to the ideas.
17:30 - Dustin is one of the designers getting LA Gear and Payless back in the spotlight. Here he talks about his intentions behind working with the two brands.
23:30 - Dustin speaks on how designers are now considered "cool" and more high-profile. He credits it to people being more interested in wanting to know who and what they are supporting.
26:47 - Dustin speaks on his experience being on the design team for the NBA's City Edition jerseys, specifically the Golden State Warriors' "The Town" jerseys.
36:00 - Dustin talks about launching his new brand Trophy Hunting and explaining the soul and inspiration behind it.
41:40 - Here we try to unpack the current NFT phenomenon. We are still trying to figure it out too. We also speak on some of the technology coming out that is poised to shake up the art and fashion worlds. Key takeaway: "Technology is your friend when you stay on top of it."
46:00 - Dustin talks about how he developed his prolific drawing style and how a visit to the Charles Schultz (Peanuts) museum inspired how he works and creates. We also talk about some of his favorite sneakers that he designed and his thoughts on "knock offs" now becoming cool.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
After starting the year with interviews focusing on film history, this week are talking about present and future music. Seddy Hendrinx is the latest signee to Generation Now (Lil Uzi Vert, Jack Harlow) and he is poised to have a good run. Here we talk to him about growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, developing his musical style and of course the struggling football franchise in his city.
3:00 - Seddy is perhaps the first rapper from Jacksonville to break out nationally. Here he talks about how much talent is in "Duuuuval" and how he aims to give more than the "shoot em up bang bang" that many rappers from there come out with.
5:30 - He talks about his upbringing in Jacksonville and how his mother is the one who introduced him to music as a form of therapy. He also reveals how Kendrick Lamar Good Kid, Maad City is the album that inspired his style and content when he decided to start a rap career.
11:00 - Seddy talks about the moment he realized that he wasn't the only one going through tough times and how his music started to resonate with other people, even if it was just one person. He also speaks on staying true to himself and not hopping on trends and waves to get on. He also speaks on cutting back on using autotune on his voice.
15:30 - Seddy is signed to DJ Drama and Don Cannon's Generation Now label. Here he speaks on how he landed in Atlanta, sneaking into their Mean Streets Studios building and working his way up from there. He also gets into being such a prolific artist, dropping a new project every year since he's come out.
20:00 - Seddy also has his own company Florida Boy that he started with his uncle and talks about why he still decided to sign with another label. He also keeps it real about how the culture of support in Jacksonville's music scene.
23:30 - Seddy's breakout song "Lowkey" is currently at 10 million views on YouTube. He talks about how the song came about, how he knew it was a hit the first time he heard the beat and how it has changed his life.
26:00 - Seddy also paints on the side and talks about being able to have multiple artistic outlets.
28:00 - We couldn't talk to a person from Jacksonville and not talk about their football team. FYI, his head dropped when he started talking about them.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Day 1 Radio has started 2021 speaking with a number of influential filmmakers and this week's episode keeps the trend going. Actor/director Nate Parker opened up about what inspired him to write his recently released film American Skin. In the conversation, we speak on race, police brutality, and all of the themes covered in the film and how it acted as a mirror to real life.
1:30 - Who did you make this film for? Nate talks about taking in his young nephew and Michael Brown's 2014 death as inspirations to make this film about young Black men and their relationship with the police. He calls the film an "answer" for young people with questions on how to protect themselves.
7:40 - Nate speaks on the first time he had to have the "the talk" with his mother about how to deal with the police.
9:45 - Nate talks about if he feels films like this will actually change people's (i.e. cops, cop apologists, etc.) minds about how they see the police's relationship with the Black community.
13:40 - Branden asks Nate to speak on one of the more emotionally-charged parts of the film when a young Black male character confronts a Black cop attempting to calm the family of a man who has been killed by police. He also speaks on the "old playbook" move of getting the family members of victims of police brutality to get on TV and ask for peace. He also speaks on how many people enter the police force to create change, but simply cannot.
18:00 - Nate reveals that there were plenty of instances of having to stop filming to allow cast members to process the scenes and dialog they were acting out. He also talks about the advantages of having the film being released direct-to-consumer because of current COVID restrictions.
24:00 - Spike Lee’s involvement with the film.
27:35 - Nate shares his feelings on whether or not police reform is actually possible. He also talks about the need to have both politicians and militants working together to make a change in the Black community.
30:45 - Nate gives an update on some of his other projects that are attacking the prison industrial complex and inner-city life. Nate also speaks on the importance not alienating younger generations in the quest for freedom and justice.
35:00 - Nate speaks on having Mt. Rushmore (Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, E-40, Too $hort) release their first song together on the American Skin soundtrack. He also talks about how Snoop himself made it come together in less than a month.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Fresh off the heels of celebrating what would've been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 92nd birthday, we interview Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated director Sam Pollard about his new documentary MLK/FBI. Here he talks about the journey of making the film and how he used newly declassified files and never-before-seen footage to present new information about the FBI’s surveillance of Dr. King.
1:45 - Pollard talks about the responsibilities of a documentarian. He speaks on not wanting to use his documentary to further deify MLK, but present him as a man who had a lot on his plate as he led a movement to combat discrimination in America.
5:30 - Pollard gets into the two-and-a-half-year journey of making this film and how so much of what was captured 50-60 years ago still rings true today. He also talks about where the research began when starting the project.
10:35 - Pollard talks about why after all of the work MLK had done, the March on Washington is what made the FBI start paying attention to the movement he was building. He also speaks on how MLK has gone from being considered a threat when he was alive, but a hero after he was assassinated.
15:00 - Pollard talked to Ambassador Andrew Young and a few others for the documentary. He talks about trying to approach people like Young to tell a story that they are probably tired of talking about.
20:00 - Here we all ponder how after decades of documented corruption; the FBI is still active and as strong as ever. He also talks about how his interview with former FBI director James Comey came together.
28:45 - Pollard gives up and coming filmmakers some advice on how to get in the game, navigate and flourish.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Mario Van Peebles talks Salt-N-Pepa movie and New Jack City 30 Years Later
This week's guest is one of those guys that you just let talk and share wisdom and experiences. Actor/producer/director Mario Van Peebles is no doubt a legend in the film and television game. But, he's also still out here putting in work. His contribution sees him directing Salt-N-Pepa's upcoming Lifetime movie. MVP sits down with us to talk about how he landed the opportunity, some funny stories about his classic film New Jack City, plus he drops all kinds of other gems he learned from his father Melvin Van Peebles too.
2:20 - Mario Van Peebles lays out the decades-long history he has with Salt-N-Pepa and how he wound up being the director of their upcoming Lifetime movie. After years of working with both of them directly and indirectly through different projects, SNP felt comfortable with him bringing their stories to life. He also speaks on working his son Mandela into the script.
8:15- - MVP addresses Lifetime's history of Black culture biopics and how he approached them to make sure that the best project possible was made. He also speaks to the importance of having Black woman-empowering roles on the big screen and why he jumped at the chance to direct this film.
18:25 - MVP is one of the first, if not the first, directors to cast rappers in his films as actual characters (i.e. Ice-T in New Jack City), not just extensions of their music personalities. He speaks on knowing how to cultivate inexperienced actors (like Chris Rock) in order to get the best performances out of them. Maurice also asks MVP about the internet rumor that Gee Money actually misses the shot in the infamous "I'm taking fools money like the IRS" scene.
24:30 - MVP talks about the upcoming 30th anniversary of "New Jack City." He says that he knew the film was a once in a lifetime opportunity to make. He also talks about the intention of making the cops in the movie cool enough to look up to.
30:30 - GAQ (Good Ass Question) alert! Branden asks MVP if he thinks the current socio-political climate will lead will shift Black creatives thought processes.
41:40 - MVP speaks on how he's been able to have a long career without sacrificing his morals or identity. He shares some gems he got from his father as well as Andrew Young on how to move up and ahead in this world and still be true to yourself.
50:00 - MVP speaks on the sequel to his film "Posse" and his future endeavors that include working on the Wu-Tang Clan television series.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Well, this is a nice way to start 2021. We had a whole "Welcome to the New Year" episode recorded where we recapped 2020 and talked about what we were expecting this year. But then white privilege took over Washington D.C. So, this week we speak on the mob of #45 supporters who stormed the capitol building as the U.S. Senate confirmed Joe Biden's presidential election.
2:00 - Branden and Reese begin to try to unpack what just happened. Branden describes it as "racist with guns, storming the business place of racists with suits."
5:00 - Maurice speaks on how this event and the energy behind it has been brewing for at least 8 to 12 years. Branden doubles down Trump going down as one of, if not the worst president in U.S. history.
8:15 - Maurice wonders how much of this event was an "inside job" as the rioters seemed to be prepared to not only show up in protest, but break into the capitol building, confront law enforcement and rummage through office desks.
10:40 - Branden and Maurice speak on the power of words and how "coup" should not be thrown around so haphazardly. Maurice also challenges more white people to stop keeping secrets and callout the brazenly white people they know.
18:00 - Maurice and Branden question what these white "protestors" were actually protesting. They also wonder what happens after Trump officially leaves office and where him and his supporters will migrate to.
26:20 - Branden and Maurice talk about the passing of MF DOOM and share some of their favorite moments of his career.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guest is senior writer for The Undefeated and new author Jesse Washington. He is the co-author of the late great Coach John Thompson's book "I Came As A Shadow." Here we talk with Washington about how the book came together and some of the highlights of working closely with a sports and culture icon. We also get into his history as a Hip-Hop journalist and hooper as well.
2:45 - Jesse talks about how the opportunity to write Coach Thompson's book came to him. He shares what it was like meeting with him for the first interview and how his own hoop background got him on Coach's good side.
7:20 - Jesse shares some of his favorite Coach Thompson quotables. He also talks about Coach's eagerness to work on the book and how the book isn’t about just basketball.
14:00 - Jesse speaks on finishing the book before Coach's passing away earlier this year. He says Coach told him "you did a good job boy." He also talks about approaching the book as an "act of service" to make sure his story was told from his perspective.
18:15 - Branden brings light to the fact that in the 1980's during "Hoyas Paranoia" many people thought that Georgetown's majority Black team was an HBCU (which it is not). Jesse speaks on his personal experience seeing it himself growing.
20:40 - Jesse explains the meaning behind the title of the book and how it was inspired by poetry from one of Thompson’s uncles.
24:30 - Jesse was editor-in-chief at late 90s Hip Hop magazine BLAZE, that was an offshoot of VIBE. Here he talks about his time running magazine and some of the innovative ideas he was able to execute while there.
30:24 - Jesse is currently a writer at The Undefeated where sports and Black culture intersect. Here he talks about the joys of writing for such a unique space for this generation. He also talks about the time he was able to hoop against a Twitter troll who was critiquing his writing and basketball knowledge.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
At this point. Hip-Hop legend J. Prince is officially a friend of the show. In his third appearance on Day 1 Radio, J. Prince speaks on his newest business venture, Loyalty Wine Collection. He also talks about focusing on his boxing promotions company and the current status of Rap-A-Lot Records.
1:30 - J. Prince’s name is synonymous with Respect and Loyalty. Here he breaks down his affinity for wine and what inspired him to get into the business side of it. He also talks about some of the things he's learned and how he's applied his music industry knowledge to this business.
6:30 - J. Prince has been very prolific in the media over the last couple of years. Here he talks about finally opening up on social media and adjusting to the new way of doing things. He also reveals what happened between him and NBA Youngboy on IG earlier this year.
9:40 - J. Prince, whose first love is boxing, speaks on the current status of Rap-A-Lot Records and he says that he's essentially done with that part of his life. He also speaks on the recent wave of artists selling their master recordings for profit.
13:15 - J. Prince opens up on signing his first Mexican boxer, Gabriel Flores Jr. –to his promotions company. He also talks about Shakur Stevenson and him being on the cusp of stardom. He also offers his thoughts on the Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr. exhibition match.
17:45 - Two of J. Prince's former artists Scarface and Willie D. have both ran for political offices. He speaks on if he will ever do the same. He also briefly speaks on putting together a movie on his life and John David Washington's interest in playing him on the big screen.
22:00 - J. Prince speaks on Houston producing Hip Hop megastars like Megan Thee Stallion and Travis Scott.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
You may have first heard of Symba thru his LA Leakers freestyle, or maybe it was on LeBron or Shaq's IG pages. Well, be clear, the Bay Area artist isn't new to the game, he's been dropping music for at least a decade. On this week's episode, we talked with him on the day his project Don't Run From R.A.P. dropped.
From talking about his upbringing to developing as an artist, we get deep into Symba's history from the Bay to LA.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
It's been a few years since we had friend of the show Glasses Malone on. This time he's here to talk about his new podcast "No Ceilings," his thoughts on the upcoming Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones, Jr. fight and the new music that he has on the way.
1:15 - Glasses Malone is set to debut his own podcast via Charlamagne Tha God's podcast network with iHeartRadio. Known for his strong opinions, Glasses says listeners should expect for the show to be "therapeutic." Also, on the 27 anniversary of Snoop Dogg's "Doggstyle" album, Glasses doubles down on his stance of it being the greatest Hip Hop album of all time.
9:00 - Roy Jones, Jr. is Glasses' favorite boxer of all time and he gives his thoughts on his upcoming fight against Mike Tyson. Newsflash, he thinks Roy will win the fight. He also talks about why he feels Tyson Fury has the potential to be the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time.
17:20 - Glasses offers his perspective on the recent Gucci Mane vs Jeezy Verzuz battle. He also gives a rundown of who else would make for great match-ups.
27:30 - In the mid-2000s Glasses was at the forefront of L.A.'s resurgence in the rap game. 15 years later he talks about how he's grown as an artist and some of the lessons he's learned along the way. He also speaks about his next project and his plans to create and release a lot of music in 2021.
33:20 - Glasses speaks on the 2020 election results and how he feels Black people allows the media to manipulate them into who they think their enemies are.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guest is L.A. based recording artist Thurz. You may or may not recognize him from his days as a member of U.N.I. Or you may know him from his Party In My Living Room events. Or, you may know him from his recent "More Thurz on Thurzday" music series (check out the latest track "Dollaz" by Chewstick) . Either way, Thurz wears many hats. This week we caught up with the prolific artist to talk about how he's been navigating as a creative during the pandemic and his time working with Aftermath and Dr. Dre.
1:30 - Thurz talks about what the vibe has been like in L.A. this year with Kobe passing, the Lakers and Dodgers winning championships and being on lockdown the whole time.
2:30 - Thurz has been dropping new music and visuals every Thursday for his "Thurz on Thursdays" series. He says it started off with him just collecting music on his hard drive, but he decided to start sharing it at the behest of a friend. He also talks about how he's able to find inspiration from everywhere in order to be able to produce so much music.
11:50 - Thurz talks about his creative process and how he approaches every track differently. He specifically speaks on his track "November 3rd" where he shares his perspective on the 2020 election.
16:15 - Thurz talks about working with the Aftermath team and Dr. Dre. He talks about how surreal it was to see that Dre actually knew who he was and wanted to work with him. He also talks about the team of musicians he surrounds himself with and how that inspired him to bring his A-game.
22:30 - Thurz is also known for throwing dope parties/events and he talks about how much he's looking forward to cranking it back up after outside opens back up. He also talks about being active in the community and supporting local organizations.
26:30 - Thurz talks about wanting to build his own distribution channels for his music before he drops a new full-length project. He also talks about being an artist who came out during the "blog era" of the mid-to-late 2000s and applying lessons from then to the DSP era of now.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
If you have been a day one listener of Day 1 Radio then you already know that we cherish bringing you stories that you haven't heard before. We are continuing that tradition with our latest interview with L.A.'s own, artist/producer Blxst. While people on the West Coast are already hip, he's poised to breakthrough nationally any moment now. Get to know the next big thing out of the West!
3:00 - Blxst talks about how he got introduced to Hip Hop music through his grandfather singing A Tribe Called Quest songs to him when he was little. From there he says his uncle (who rapped) encouraged him to step up his vocabulary by reading the dictionary.
5:45 - Blxst shares why and how he's been able to build such a dedicated fanbase so fast and early in his career. He also talks about how his latest project "No Love Lost" came together and his choice to have no features and handle the production. He also talks about directing his own videos and how he learned how to film videos from being a skater.
11:40 - Blxst talks about how the feedback from his string of singles is what encouraged him to put out a full body of work. He also explains the science behind the spelling of his name, label (Evgle pronounced "eagle") and the branding behind it.
17:00 - Blxst has a unique partnership with Red Bull Records that will be backing his music. Here he talks about the importance of working with a company that truly understand his vision as an artist.
19:00 - Blxst admits that he does feel a little bit of pressure from respected figures and music lovers already crowning him as the next Nate Dogg or Ty Dolla $ign. He also talks about he prefers to produce for himself even though he is becoming an in-demand producer.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
25 years to the day of the release of their classic debut album Soul Food we sat down with Goodie Mob at the opening of the NuStalgia 2020 exhibit to get the goods on their new album Survival Kit!
On this episode we get into the making of Survival Kit, reuniting with Organized Noize for an entire project, who could face Dungeon Family in a verzuz battle, Atlanta's dominance in hip-hop and a whole lot more.
This is one of our classics for sure! Be sure to subscribe, rate and review.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Big Von Talks Radio, Breaking Records and Bay Area Sound
This week's guest is Bay Area radio vet and Sunday Service (Shade 45) host Big Von. Here he talks about his history in the radio game including the records he's broken and the contributions the Bay has made to urban radio culture, period.
1:45 - Big Von talks about the moment he fell in love with Hip-Hop, and like so many others, it started with Run DMC. He talks about how being born in New Jersey and being raised in the Bay and going back and forth played a role in him getting exposed to it so early. Branden and Von also go down memory lane listening to Sway and Tech's "Wake Up Show."
8:20 - Big Von reveals that he started off as an MC and then a DJ and goes through the list of ridiculous names him and his crew came up with.
11:20 - Big Von talks about the history he has with Bay Area icons Tha Jacka (RIP) and Mob Figaz. He also talks about KMEL being the first FM Hip-Hop station in the country and the originator of the "Summer Jam" concert idea.
15:30 - Von talks about how he got into radio as an intern and then worked his way up the ladder. He shares a story of how he got his first on-air gig seizing an opportunity that another person fumbled.
25:00 - Von talks about how his passion keeps him going in radio, especially at a time where urban stations' relevance is dwindling. He also talks about the long list of records he's broken ranging from Dorrough's "Ice Cream Paint Job" to Ella Mai's "Boo'd Up."
32:15 - Von talks about how he landed his Sunday Service show on Shade45 and the role 50 Cent played in setting it up.He also talks about why he's never bothered with trying to produce albums like the DJ Drama's and DJ Khaled's of the world.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Willie The Kid on Capital Gains, Big Business & Bars
This week's guest is emcee and entrepreneur Willie the Kid. Long respected as one of Hip-Hop's most skilled lyricists, he is currently enjoying some widespread acclaim for his most recent effort Capital Gains. Here he talks about the process of creating the album during a pandemic while balancing it with his numerous business endeavors.
1:10 - We jump right into talking about his new album "Capital Gains." While it is dropping at a time where lyricism is making a comeback, he feels he's always been on that "island" for the better part of the last decade. We also talk about how it was writing and recording the album during the pandemic.
8:30 - "Capital Gains" has 10 tracks with nine producers. Willie talks about the decision to make a concise album and work with so many producers and have a number of features as well. He also talks about the overall aesthetic of the sound and look of the project including the cover art and videos.
13:30 - Willie has been quite busy outside of music. Here he gives a rundown of some of his business endeavors that include his spirits company Motu Viget, nightclub Ambiance, being a board member with Midwest Tech and being an investor in the app Radi8er.
22:45 - Willie is a co-executive producer on an upcoming Langston Hughes documentary. Here he talks about his role of bridging the gap between the Harlem Renaissance and Hip Hop and making sure it doesn't only come off as old Black history.
27:30 - Willie has been dropping new albums at least once a year for a while now. Here he talks about the pros and cons of being so prolific as an independent artist. He also lets it be known that he feels he is "a father" of the current trend of one producer/one MC rap albums.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
"Uncle" Ralph McDaniels talks Videos, NYC, Hip-Hop and more
This week's guest is the epitome of "day 1." Ralph McDaniels is the creator of Video Music Box, the longest running music video show in the world. After 37 years, McDaniels has a lot of history to share and here he talks about his time as a video director, DJ and now film producer.
1:30 Here Uncle Ralph talks about how he's been able to make sure VMB stands out in a time when everything is on demand. We also get him to talk more about the time he met the Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan.
6:00 - Ralph talks about how he's transitioning from music videos into producing documentaries and short films. He also talks about keeping the VMB brand alive on Instagram through video mixing. He then talks about how he met his longtime business and creative partner Lionel Martin.
13:00 - Ralph has been around since day one, but he says early 90s Hip Hop is his favorite era, hear him explain why. He also gets into shooting videos for Nas and Wu-Tang Clan very early in their careers and some of the crazy situations he's seen.
25:00 - Ralph has been going through the process of digitizing the decades of footage that he has from filming VMB. Here he talks about the importance of doing this so it can be displayed at universities and museums and the non-profit he founded to get help doing it. Ralph also talks about the work he's been doing with the Queens Public Library.
32:00 - DJ Clark Kent designed a Nike Air Force 1 honoring VMB and one pair wound up going for nearly $6400 at a Sotheby's Hip-Hop auction. Here Ralph talks about some of the other artifacts he's sitting on and what he plans to do with them.
38:00 - Ralph is credited as the man who coined the term "shoutout." Here he talks about the day he saw the term blow up. He also talks about the likelihood of him greenlighting a VMB documentary or book.
45:00 - Ralph closes us out telling us what his favorite Hip Hop video of all time is.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Financial empowerment and Hip-Hop are two things we love to talk about on Day 1 Radio, so it's only right that we have the one and only Ash Cash as our guest this week. Cash is the author of many books that focus on financial literacy, often using Hip-Hop culture as the vehicle. Here he talks about his journey from Harlem's St. Nicholas projects to working up the ranks of Chase bank to eventually becoming an entrepreneur and best-selling author and dropping gems along the way.
2:05 - Ash Cash gets into how he chose the path of financial education. He talks about his first jobs growing up in Harlem that included his first banking job at age 19 and eventually becoming a financial adviser. That experience led to him writing his first book "Mind Right, Money Right."
8:30 - Ash Cash talks about making $60K in his twenties and how that was actually a "disaster" for him. Here he talks about the challenge of managing money at a young age and the lessons he learned. He also talks about having to live with a double consciousness while working in corporate America and how that eventually led to him leaving it.
13:00 - Ash Cash gets into his next "disaster" leaving his plush job to work for himself and then having to get a job again. Here he talks about how even though he wrote his first book and was making TV appearances, he wasn't making the same amount of money despite having the same lifestyle and bills to pay. He also talks about the bounce back.
16:15 - Ash Cash shares his perspective on saving vs. investing and why he thinks "and" is better than "or." He also shares his perspective on paying off debts and the "debt-free lifestyle."
21:05 - Ash Cash shares some tools that everyone has access to learn financial literacy. He also talks about his line of books that use music and lyrics from Kanye West, Jay Z, and Nipsey Hussle to teach financial literacy. He also talks about why it makes sense now more than ever to share these books with so many people in Hip Hop growing up now. Ash Cash explains why he thinks real estate and writing books are the best ways to create passive income.
33:30 - Ash Cash talks about "The Ash Cash" show that he hosts on weekday mornings and he felt it was important to offer financial information in a way that actually excites people.
37:10 - Ash Cash talks about "banking Black" and why he actually champions credit unions more than banks.
40:00 - Ash Cash is currently on what he calls a "weight release" journey. Here he talks about how the COVID pandemic led to him living a healthier lifestyle. He also shares his Top 5 Jay Z albums.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
E-40 talks latest Big KRIT collab, Family, Investments & More
This week's guest has been a long time coming. Our big homie Earl Stevens aka E-40 found some time to check in with us and talk about what he's been up to during the "plandemic" as he likes to call it, as well some the finest moments of his storied career. Listen as he shares some gems about what he's learned in music, marriage and money making.
1:30 - E-40 talks about his new song "Black Is Beautiful" with Big KRIT. He talks about their relationship and respect for each other and how the song and video was made, despite the current COVID-19 precautions and restrictions. 40 also speaks on applying wisdom to his music and his track record of dropping "conscious" music on his albums throughout his career.
8:00 – 40 has been with his wife for 30+ years, and married for 29, but his parents divorced when he was a child. He talks about how watching his grandparents stick together and raise a family and how that rubbed off on him. He also talks about raising his sons and getting grown with them as well as how the COVID-19 quarantines have made some families closer.
13:15 - 40 talks about the advantages of having a home studio and his youngest son as his engineer during the "plandemic" as he likes to call it. He also gets into why he takes his time to write songs and how his creative process works.
15:40 - Water has been around for "many moons" and he speaks on seeing Bay Area street legends like Lil D come home after doing long stints in prison and adjusting to society.
18:45 - 40 talks about all of the product development he's into right now ranging from food to tech. Here he shares some game about how he got into these fields. He also talks about his multiple adult beverage brands and the reason why he went the ownership instead of ambassador/partnership route.
32:55 - Branden proclaims 2006 as E-40's biggest year and we get him to talk about all of the hit songs he made and appeared on that year and how he's been able to stay aware and relevant though multiple eras of Hip Hop music. Also, he tell us that he and Lil Jon are about to be back in the lab.
36:30 - 40 talks about how far he goes back with Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock. He also talks about some of the up and coming rappers he's feeling.
40:30 - In case you haven't noticed, 40 is still rapping circles around most rappers. We ask him if he's ever made someone have to rewrite their verse, he laughs it off. He also talks about how his 2015 collaboration with Big Sean "I Don't F*ck With You" came to be.
47:15 - There have been rumblings of a E-40 slang book coming out for decades. It still hasn't happened. Here he gives an update about if it will ever happen. We also remind him that it's been 19 years since a The Click album and he says it's time for another.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guest John Dean is the founder of Renowned LA, one of the hottest streetwear brands out right now. The young CEO shares his journey from Akron, OH to Los Angeles and from being voted class clown in high school to being featured in Forbes magazine. Listen in as he speaks to the importance of storytelling through fashion, learning the ins and outs of running a business and collaborating with hometown hero LeBron James.
1:20 - Dean talks about how he got into fashion growing up in Northeast Ohio. He cites Pharrell and "Pink Polo" Kanye as his inspirations growing up. He also talks about how he starting doing business directly with Chinese warehouses when he was still in middle school.
7:20 – The Renowned boss speaks on the moment that it clicked that he had a legitimate business and brand, thanks to Chris Brown’s stylist and a magazine cover.
14:00 - Dean talks about why he chooses to tell stories through his collections and why he focuses on Black culture while doing that.
16:10 – After years of politicking, Dean talks about finally doing a collaboration with LeBron James' store Unknown that benefits youth where he and 'Bron are from.
19:00 Dean breaks down the inspiration behind his last collection "Against All Odds." He also speaks on how he approaches using his designs to speak on social injustices and Black tragedies.
26:00 - Dean speaks on Black people supporting Black luxury and high-quality independent brands. He also gives advice to up-and-coming designers wanting to make a name for themselves.
30:00 - Dean reveals how he goes about picking what companies he wants to collaborate with, some of his future plans with Levi's and getting placed in a major department store.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guest is wealth advisor Xavier Peoples. While his "9-to-5" is being Vice President of The Capital Group (one of the largest wealth management firms in the world), he is making waves as founder of HBCU Change, a new app designed to make giving to HBCU’s easier. In this talk he speaks on the importance of HBCU’s, his goal of generating $1 billion through the app and why Black people should be focused on self-sufficiency.
2:00 - Peoples talks about how much HBCU’s impact the Black ecosystem and economy. He also talks about what inspired him as a child to become an entrepreneur and work in the finance industry.
5:50 - Here he explains why he started HBCU Change after he found out that his current employer, the largest active money manager in the world that handles some of the biggest endowments in the world, had no HBCUs in their portfolio. He also talks about creating the app to make alumni giving easier. Peoples stresses the importance of giving to HBCUs and becoming self-sustainable during the pandemic.
10:30 - Peoples talks about the process of getting the schools on board. He also explains the rollout of the app and the schools that are currently enrolled on the app.
15:00 - Peoples breaks down how HBCU Change works. The consensus is that there's really no reason for anyone NOT to use it.
16:45 - Peoples says that HBCU Change's goal of generating $1 billion in five years is actually moderate compared to some of the endowments he's seen.
18:30 - Peoples specializes in wealth management and he gives tips on how to build it for yourself and become more financially responsible. He also talks about the importance of doing business with Black-owned banks.
24:00 - Peoples talks about the importance of self-sustainability and Black people supporting Black-owned companies instead of just giving money to other companies without thinking. He also speaks on corporations’ sudden donations after the George Floyd protests.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guest Ultra Beast (Senor Kaos and 4-IZE) are two of Hip-Hop's most respected "underground" artists, but their most recent project Rush the Court is something that all audiences should appreciate. Here they talk with us about the inspiration behind the basketball-themed project, how COVID-19 threw a wrench in their 2020 plans and the lane they want to create with their Ultra Beast group and creative agency.
2:20 - 4-IZE and Kaos talk about the beginning of their musical partnership and how they wanted to represent Atlanta's underground Hip-Hop scene but under a collective of creative "beasts." They have slightly different versions of how easy (or hard) it was for it to get started, but they figured it out and are now a group and creative agency.
9:00 - Their hoop-themed project Rush the Court was intended to be released during the NCAA's March Madness basketball tournament, but we all know what happened with that. Here the duo talks about how the pandemic and quarantine helped and messed up their plans at the same time. Hear 4-IZE's crazy analogy at around the 14:18 mark.
15:45 - Ultra Beast's latest project features beats from just three producers. Here the duo talks about the beat selection process and why it was important for them to craft a signature sound. They also speak on the thought put behind the artist featured on the project.
21:00 - The video for their single "PUSH" was shot during this summer's Atlanta protests and features footage from other uprisings, but they actually recording the song long before then. Here, they talk about why it was important to include the song on Rush the Court and capture the moment.
25:30 - 4-IZE and Kaos give their hot takes on the NBA Bubble Season (Ed note: this was recorded a day before multiple teams boycotted games in the wake of the Jacob Blake shooting in Wisconsin). They also share their "Top 5" favorite NBA players of all time.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guest Dave Anderson aka "The Business Bully" built his brand and empire though business coaching and empowering others. Now, he is looking to take his financial prowess and bring it to the political realm through his BullyPAC. Listen as the charismatic entrepreneur speaks on his new endeavor and dispels myths about politics, money and education.
2:30 - Dave starts us off explaining what a PAC is and why he decided to start his, the Bully PAC. He goes on to talk about financial power and why writing a check to pay off politicians is the way to get things done.
9:40 - Dave speaks on how Black people get triggered by right wing vs. left wing politics and why he isn't here to help "all Black people." He also dispels the "lesser of two evils" myth when it comes to voting. He also addresses Black people and intersectionality.
21:30 - Dave tells us how to tell the difference between an effective business coach and an imposter.
24:30 - Dave speaks on the "barriers" that keep Black people from generating wealth.
30:20 - Here the conversation goes into actual value of an education and the myths and realities of earning an MBA. He also takes a moment to talk about his online media properties.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guests are music collective Grand Nationxl. Comprised of MCs, singers, producers and creatives across the board, their new project "Twice on Sunday" is a mature affair that grapples with a range of topics and emotions just about everybody can relate to. Branden and Maurice chatted with Grand Nationxl members Kevin Allen, Mani Draper, Brookfield Duece, Kate Lamont and Sndtrak, to learn more about how it all came together.
2:59 Organizer Kevin Allen talks about bringing this project together and the inspiration behind it. He says it started with a mass text and then it turned into an ecosystem of mature, grownup rap. The group started the project at the end of 2019 and was done by the time the pandemic and quarantine hit. They talk about how it's actually worked in their favor.
11:04 - Grand Nationxl collective talk about how songs came together with no egos. They also speak on the choice to make music for adults and letting the beat and let the energy dictate what happens.
16:29 - Producer Sndrtrak talks about how he shifted his production to fit the direction of the project. They also talk about the level of honesty in the project where they talk about holding down jobs and living regular lives.
20:49 - Grand Nationxl crew talk about how "organic" the project came together, but there was also a lot of coaching and communication to make sure the verses and songs were as tight as possible. Mani also talks about wanting to get as many different kinds of artists possible involved in the project.
29:44 – The collective share how what they learned from the Bay Area's history of independent hip hop and how it influenced how they are promoting the project. They also speak on how they describe their releases as television episodes instead of albums.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
You most likely know OG journalist and media personality Jerry L. Barrow from his work with Scratch Magazine, BET, Interactive One or WatchLoud but in 2020 he’s embarked on a new and more meaningful journey. Barrow’s newest venture, "Fathers Who Bother," is a podcast that has featured some hilarious and insightful interviews with Phonte, Royce Da 5’9” and more.
2:00 - We start off with a round of respect as Branden gives props to Jerry for helping him out early in his career and Maurice chimes in with some props for Branden and the circle keeps going. After that we get into Jerry's history as a journalist from Black Beat magazine to The Source and beyond.
7:00 - Jerry was a writer and editor at The Source during their best days and their most chaotic times. Here he talks about what it was like working at the iconic magazine while the co-owner Benzino was openly beefing with Eminem.
12:30 - Jerry talks about making the transition to being an editor at SCRATCH and growing it from a tech heavy producer magazine to a more mainstream palatable outlet. He also shares some stories about some of the memorable covers he put together including the time Dilla passed away right after Questlove promised to deliver him an interview with him.
22:30 - Here the discussion turns to why Hip-Hop websites and blogs are not more prominent when Hip Hop is the dominant culture, globally. Each of us offer perspectives as to why.
31:30 - Jerry now hosts his own podcast, "Fathers Who Bother," where he talks with fellow fathers about their experiences raising children as well as their relationships with their fathers. He also talks about how after years of putting it off, he was finally inspired to commit to it after being laid off from BET due to COVID-19.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week Branden and Maurice hold it down with no guest and speak on the plethora of things that have been happening (to Black people) in the world. Kanye West is the lion share of the conversation, but they also speak on Nick Cannon, adidas, and Nike's HR woes and the NBA season coming back.
1:20 - Branden and Maurice offer their perspectives on Kanye West being Kanye West this week. This includes his "campaign rally" in South Carolina and his behavior on Twitter. While the outlandish remarks are headlines, Branden and Reese unpack some of the comments, why Kanye still has followers, and how his mental health has become the center of the conversation.
23:30 - Adidas and Nike have both got a lot of scrutiny in recent weeks from former employees accusing them of having racially toxic work environments. As sneaker lovers, Branden and Reese speak on these developments. They also shoutout some Black-owned sneaker companies.
27:00 - Nick Cannon got reprimanded and dropped from Viacom after making "anti-Semitic" remarks. But did he really? Also, Reese ponders what is worth risking when using your platform to make certain points.
36:15 - The NBA season is continuing and it seems like some of the players are still going to speak out on issues in a real way. Branden sees an opportunity for players to continue to put pressure on corporations and others to get on the right side of history.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guest on Day 1 Radio is award-winning photographer and Hip-Hop documentarian Brother Ernie Paniccioli. In this talk, Brother Ernie gives us glimpses and stories about his career and encounters that date back to the 1970s.
1:30 - Brother Ernie wastes no time with the gem dropping. He kicks off our conversation explaining why Hip-Hop as we know it did not start with Kool Herc in the Bronx, but that it started in ancient Africa because all four of its main elements can be traced back there. He then goes in the history of how Blacks and Indigineous people were portrayed in the media and how that inspired him to start documenting history.
9:45 - Brother Ernie drops a bombshell and reveals how he really got his first camera, and it wasn't the widely reported story that he borrowed it.
14:00 - Brother Ernie is not a Nelly fan, and he explains why with no hate involved. He then goes into why record labels are enemies of Hip-Hop. Ernie also speaks on artists who aren't known for being socially conscious in their music can still be powerful via their actions in the community.
17:30 – The photographer’s "Hip Hop at the End of the World" features Queen Latifah and MC Lyte on the cover. Here he explains why (with some advice from his editor) he chose to feature two women on the cover.
21:00 - Brother Ernie attempts to answer the "complicated" question of who is his favorite person to photograph. He winds up giving us a handful of stories of his favorite photography moments, one involving the image he captured of Ice Cube choking a replica of the Statue of LIberty.
30:00 - Ernie talks about how his business and censorship fued with with Fox News founder Rupert Murdoch almost led to the book never coming out.
36:50 - Brother Ernie says Doug E. Fresh is the only person to ever deny him a photograph. He then tells a crazy story about how many years later him and Doug E. connected again and prevent a fight at a Russell Simmons event.
42:45 - Brother Ernie talks about how he feels it is his personal responsibility to document Hip-Hop culture and shares a story about how he was blessed with the name of his first book by an FOI member that he didn't know at the time, but eventually became friends with.
48:45 - Brother Ernie shares another unique story about a former mentee, Rayon Richards, who went on to become a high profile real estate photographer.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist Sarah Kunst has been named Future Innovator by Vanity Fair, Forbes Magazine 30 under 30 and a top 25 innovator in tech by Cool Hunting, amongst a bunch of other accolades. Currently the Managing Director for Cleo Capital, Kunst drops plenty of gems in our talk with her. Listen as she gives up some game on how to get in, what to do once you are in there, and why and how she is leading a charge to create some change and diversity in the field.
2:30 - We start our talk with Sarah about how she is keeping her sanity and doing the work. She bluntly says she is motivated by the money she can make and wanting to make an impact and create more diversity in the field. She also breaks down what "diversity" actually means and that racists don't have any business being capitalist. Kuntz also speaks on how tech is an industry that changes so rapidly that it is almost impossible for barriers to last for generations.
9:00 - Sarah advises future founders on how they can go out and find investors and information for free on the internet. "It's never been deeply diverse or equitable," she says. "But it has been accessible." She also shares some stories about how even the richest people in tech had a hard time finding investors and knowing when and how to find angel investors and accelerators for various levels of funding.
14:50 - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sarah started Chrysalis to help laid off start-up employees and she talks about why the move was necessary. She also speaks on some of the ideas that have been birthed out of it.
19:30 - Sarah offers her thoughts on corporate America responding to the new energy behind Black empowerment. She insists that the companies not just focus on uplifting Black voices, but actually investing in Black people.
24:00 - Sarah identifies the actual barriers between Black people and success in the tech industry. She also shouts out some of the organizations out there who are trying to make things better for Black engineers and whoever else is interested in getting in the game.
29:30 - Sarah talks about how even though Black people are under-represented in the tech industry, there is no Black monolith and that Black talent can come from both Ivy Leagues and HBCUs.
32:45 - Sarah gives her suggestions on what budding tech entrepreneurs should be watching, reading and listening to. FYI: they are all either free on the internet or on Netflix. "Learning about an industry doesn’t have to feel like work," she says.
36:30 - Sarah shares how she thinks corporate America and the tech industry can move past just hiring Black diversity officers after a controversy, only to go right back to their discriminatory practices.
40:00 - We end the conversion discussing one of Sarah’s passions, sports. The Michigan State University alum offers her thoughts on the new energy behind high school athletes considering HBCUs over PWIs.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
NBA Head Coach Lloyd Pierce Talks Activism, Hoops & Hip Hop
This week Day 1 Radio sits down with Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce. Pierce has been on the frontlines sharing his views on the current social unrest. During this conversation we discuss his activism, the renewed NBA season and Vince Carter’s retirement. Check it out and as always, rate, review and share!
1:20 - Pierce explains why he's been using his profile and platform to speak out not only for himself, but for his family and his people.
3:40 – LP is part of a committee leading NBA head coaches in discussions about race relations and history in America. He talks about being educated on the levels of systematic racism by different experts and organizations who have been in on the meetings as well.
10:00 - Pierce talks about how he's been talking to his young team about what's going on in the world and how quickly things can change. He also gets into how he is explaining to them that they are not exempt to anything just because they are rich and famous.
14:00 - Lloyd talks about how he understands all sides of the argument where it comes to whether or not the NBA should be re-starting their season in the midst of a pandemic and social unrest. He also speaks on why the NBA tends to handle societal issues that impact their players with a more progressive approach than other sports leagues.
19:45 - Coach Pierce breaks down what it’s like to be NBA head coach in a virtual space.
22:30 – LP explains how his team is handling the draft in the midst of a pandemic.
24:00 - Pierce tells us what it was like interacting with the recently retired Vince Carter on and off the court and what he thinks Carter will do next.
26:36 - Pierce has been listening to Nipsey Hussle, Public Enemy and Run the Jewels to keep him going over the last few months.
28:45 - Pierce played college basketball with Steve Nash, coached Steph Curry during his time with the Golden State Warriors and now coaches Hawks star Trae Young. Here he settles any barbershop debates on who is the best shooter among the three.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Black Media, Giving Back and Staying Solid w/Datwon Thomas
This week Day 1 Radio catches up with media veteran and current Editor-In-Chief of VIBE Datwon Thomas to talk about the role of Black members of the media in days like this and the overall experience of being a Black journalist and editor in a field where things change on a daily basis. Listen as Datwon paints a picture of this journey through stories and forward-thinking ideas as only an OG like himself could.
4:30- The Vibe EIC talks about what he feels is his primary responsibility is right now as a leading creator in Black media. Among them are continuing to tell Black stories and support the younger voices and activist who are drawing attention to important issues right now.
7:30 - Datwon talks about how even the best in Black media are still being placed the lowest on the totem pole when it comes to getting access to Black superstars. He shares a couple stories from his experience talking to the cast of Marvel's "Black Panther" that shows how this happens often.
15:45 - Datwon talks about his current role as the Editor-In-Chief of VIBE and the challenges that come with it. He talks about how the brand has stayed alive due to a number of different editors refusing to let it die. He talks about the challenges he's facing and why it's important to keep and protect legacy brands like this.
20:00 - The conversation shifts to the future of journalism, especially with the immediate changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Datwon compares the need for physical newsrooms to the magic that happens when recording artists still work together in the studio. But he also stresses that it's important to use all of the new technology at our disposal.
24:25 - We discuss the cycle of people who create the culture, not owning the culture and how this moment in time may lead to a break in that cycle.
29:00 - Here we talk about entering the space where OG music writers have to decide what music they should offer their thoughts on and how to find younger writers to talk about that music instead.
34:00 - Datwon talks about the role that Black media should be playing in times like these and how we need different kinds of writers to tell different kinds of stories.
41:00 - Here we talk about the idea and realities of members of the Black media pooling their resources together to create their own mega media outlets.
44:30 - Branden asks Datwon and Maurice about their experiences working with young journalists and if they have the same vigor to cover Black issues as earlier generations.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
With everything going on in the world right now, self-defense and preservation is a top priority. So this week, we brought on security and protection expert Mike Smith. With more than 30 years experience in security and executive protection, Smith has a wealth of knowledge to share on how to maneuver. Listen, study and share.
2:30 - Big Mike talks about how he got into doing security and eventually started his own executive protection business. He then gives advice on how to get your family and children accustomed to handling firearms and becoming your own first line of defense.
6:15 - Smith breaks down what happens when you act out of self-defense without the proper gun permits. He also speaks on the state of Georgia suspending open carry applications during COVID-19 and differences between open carry laws for handguns and rifles.
10:00 - Big Mike shares his thoughts on what he considers a good age to introduce children to learning about guns. He advises to start off with education and responsibility and then gradually introduce them actually carrying toy guns and shooting real guns. He also speaks on why he feels Black people have a distant relationship with firearms.
14:00 - PAY ATTENTION. Our guest talks about the rights that we have when defending ourselves as citizens against the police. The key is articulating yourself and knowing the law.
18:00 - Big Mike shares other self-defense and preservation tactics we should be taking in addition to carrying a weapon. He talks about having good "situational awareness" and finding escape routes in public places as well.
22:04 - Here, we talk about what to consider when choosing a gun. He advises choosing based on your hand size and level of comfortability. He also stresses the importance of training and practicing. He then talks about how to find good and affordable training and trainers.
29:45 - "Don't prepare for a war your not going to fight." Big Mike shares advice on how many guns a person or family should have in their home. He says at least two is good a starting place. He also advises choosing guns depending on where you live.
32:12 - Big Mike talks about the misinformation about having to register your weapon in different states.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guest on Day 1 Radio is Atlanta-based Attorney/Organizer Tiffany WIlliams Roberts. In this conversation, we unpack the current civil unrest in the wake of the string of recent police murders. Here she offers information on how to get involved in the movement and explains what concepts like "defund the police" actually mean.
2:20 - Are we making progress? Tiffany calls the last two weeks the most astounding narrative shift she's seen in some time where people are actually talking about prison abolition, police defunding, and white supremacy by name.
6:30 - Tiffany lists the ways that people can get involved. She suggests finding places to use your talents. She also speaks on why marches or "righteous rage" cannot be the only action taken.
11:40 - Tiffany speaks on being aware of what is already legal or illegal when talking about police reform. She also urges people to pay more attention to local politics and not get so caught up in federal conversations. We also talk about what "defund the police" actually means and what it should look like.
22:15 - Tiffany talks about how to find the right group to join and what separates the solid from the shaky.
26:30 - Here the conversation shifts to how to spot non-allies at protests and the importance of joining with legitimate organizers.
31:00 - It seems like Black people hire the same lawyers every time something tragic happens. Tiffany suggests we support more local lawyers when looking for justice. We also talk about how the rich and famous should get involved by writing a check, but not necessarily speaking out.
38:30 - Tiffany gives us a list of organizations she feels is doing the work and are worthy of your attention, time, and support.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Sha Money XL talks Protests, New Album and the State of the Game
Sha Money XL has one of those names that everyone knows, but now everyone knows what he's accomplished.
For this week's episode, we sat down with the producer, label exec and dot connector to not only talk about his latest project Chain on the Bike Vol. 1, but also his history in the music business and the things he's doing for his community in New York in the wake of the current uprising.
Kick back, listen and learn what he saw in artists like 2 Chainz, Yo Gotti, Bobby Shmurda and BIG K.R.I.T. and why he signed them to their first major label deals. Plus his take on what labels owe back to the culture.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week Branden and Reese host a no-guest show and catch up on current events and unpack some of the things in the news and the streets that have many of us upset. Here they discuss the potential aftermath of the George Floyd police murder, Joe Biden's "Black agenda," the remaining NBA season and a lot more.
2:30 - The death of George Floyd at the hands of police has led to protests breaking out. It's also another case of the murder being recorded by bystanders. Branden and Maurice ponder if it is time to move beyond recording injustices and doing something about it on the spot.
14:30 - Joe Biden's "Black agenda" has left us with some questions. Is it specific enough to be taken seriously? Branden feels that it address Black problems but doesn't offer actual solutions. Here we unpack it.
19:00 - Maurice starts to ponder why Black people aren't prepared to deal with injustice and crisis and have the right people in place to get things done. Branden follows by talking about how life itself often becomes a barrier for some people who want to make a difference.
31:00 - Should people actually be mad about singer Doja Cat's racist self hate remarks resurfacing? We discuss what worth getting upset over and what can be looked past.
36:00 - Branden and Maurice speak on the speculation that the NBA is considering restarting their season in a new format that will essentially have teams playing and living in closed quarters.
41:00 - Branden feels that the organizers behind Verzuz (Swizz Beatz and Timbaland) jumped the gun and aren't getting the most out of the situation. Maurice suggests that artists follow Erykah Badu's example of creating online content.
48:00 - After Dr. Dre's comments in GQ magazine about artists losing mystique due to social media, Branden and Reese go back and forth about examples where this rings true and cases where it doesn't really matter.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Legendary producer Just Blaze joins Day 1 Radio for the second time to talk about what he's been up to during quarantine. Always known as an innovator, Just has been using the downtime to tie up some loose ends as well as create some new opportunities for himself. Listen as he tells BP and Maurice about everything from the time he couldn't tell Jay-Z "no" about a beat he gave to someone else, to the status of a project he produced with Griselda.
:55 - Just has been about the quarantine for real, noting that he's only left the house four times since February. He admits that while he is more fortunate than most, he has been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well. In addition to raising a two-year-old, Just and his wife own a franchise of ramen restaurants they've had to shut down. But fortunately, they were able to feed thousands of people with the food they had leftover, plus launch a Kickstarter to help keep people fed.
13:30 – Here the Grammy award winning producer reveals why he started canceling shows months ago and was excited about a few projects that he promised were unexpected. He talks about how he is using the downtime to work on his branding across streaming platforms. Just also gets into his history as one of the early adopters of creating content via blogging and YouTube and how DJing during quarantine has created another source of income.
32:30 - Just Blaze and Swizz Beatz had an epic producer battle years ago and it pretty much laid the groundwork for the Verzuz battles we've been watching on Instagram. He talks about being a part of that moment and seeing what it has grown into. He also talks about being asked to do one recently.
37:34 – The NJ native is a HUGE X-Clan fan and he talks about the impact they had on him in the midst of the 30th anniversary of their album To The East Blackwards. He gets into the science behind their music and the difference between them and KRS-One in the realm of "conscious" music.
44:36 - Just talks about the infamous “Mircacle” beat, one of his favorite beats he made, but never got placed. He says that Jeezy, Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes and Chris Brown have all had it, but could never write a song to it. He also talks about how trying to force songs to happen could lead to bigger songs not happening...like the time he made a beat for Dr. Dre but it wound up going to Usher.
51:34 - Just talks about the time he posted his infamous "Super Freak" beat on his Myspace and how it went "viral." He follows by telling the story of how it originally belonged to Saigon, Questlove heard the beat and told Jay-Z and then wound up becoming "Kingdom Come."
55:20 - Just produced Saigon's oft-delayed The Greatest Story Never Toldalbum and he talks about how it stood out at the time and the impact it could have made if it came out as originally scheduled.
1:02:15 - Just reveals that while he may not be in the mental space to lock in and make music with any artists right now, he would like to see the project that he and Griselda put together see the light of day soon.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Singer/songwriter Eric Bellinger has put out 27 projects since 2010, on top of writing hit songs for Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, Usher, and Trey Songz. Now he is accomplishing a new personal and professional milestone by hooking up with his best friend and business partner Nieman Johnson to put out their new album Optimal Music. In this episode of Day 1 Radio, the two of them talk about their journey as independent artists, the pros and cons of creating during quarantine, and what they really think about those Versuz battles.
1:30 - We switch it up and have longtime friends and business partners Nieman Johnson and Eric Bellinger introduce each other. You can tell they really rock with each other. They also talk about how their joint project came together, and the roles they played.
9:00 - Eric says he "doesn't wait to create" so that's why he's been able to become one of the most, if not the most prolific artists in the industry. Nieman credits it to his innate ability to articulate what's in his head, as well as being able to learn from industry vets on the songwriting side early on.
13:00 - Eric says the streaming era has been more beneficial to him than the CD age. He compares the days of having to press up his own mixtapes to simply uploading it to Soundcloud and Youtube.
16:25 - Eric says because he and Nieman were friends before entering the music industry is why they've been able to stick together in it.
20:15 - Pros and cons of releasing music during a quarantine. Pro: everybody is at home and has a chance to see it when it drops. Con: Not being able to do press runs and shoot videos. Nieman also explains why having a song on the radio is still a big deal, even in the internet/streaming era. Eric reveals that he would rather spend marketing dollars on social media promotion.
25:30 - Eric isn't bothered by the fact that his music isn't necessarily at "household" status yet. He says he knows it's not because of his talent, but because of everything around the music industry and the politics of creating a hit record. He also talks about building his "Bellringer" fan base.
32:00 - Eric talks about wanting to work with fellow Compton native Kendrick Lamar, but understanding why there needs to be a good reason and a good look for both parties for it to happen. He also talks about working with Nipsey Hussle early in both in their careers.
37:00 - Nieman and Eric created "Malibu Nights" to give artists an opportunity to showcase their talents in a battle format. Eric says he would definitely go against any other songwriters in a Versuz battle.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guests on Day 1 Radio are Benny the Butcher, Rick Hyde and Heem collectively known as Black Soprano Family aka B.S.F.. Fresh off the heels of signing a new deal with eONE and releasing their first single "Da Mob," the trio checked in with us to give us a bit of their backstory and their plans to both stay in and widen the lane that the Griselda movement has created.
2:00 - Benny and Rick Hyde talk about the connection to a certain type of people and why rap being a "young man's game" is a false narrative.
5:10 - BSF reveals what they plan to unleash after signing their deal with eONE and the statement they want to make. Benny also talks about stepping into the role of being a label boss and the unconventional methods he's using to put out his crew's music before his own major-label debut.
8:40 - BSF's new project will be a Gangsta Grillz release with DJ Drama. Benny gets into the backstory of how Griselda was originally working on a GG tape before the release of What Would Chine Gun Doand how the idea resurfaced as a BSF project. Each member then talks about their favorite GG mixtapes.
13:30 - Here we get into BSF's origins and how the three of them came together and started making music.
15:30 - Benny lets it be known that BSF is not going to be Griselda Jr.
18:30 - Benny talks about staying down and continuing to grind even when his music wasn't getting national recognition. Says he was a good drug dealer, but a better rapper and that, plus local love, was what kept him going.
21:45 - Rick Hyde shares his backstory of how he started off as a rapper as a teenager and then added making beats to his arsenal out of necessity.
24:00 - Benny reps Buffalo to the fullest but tells us what cities outside of Buffalo were the first to hop on the Griselda wave.
25:30 - BSF gets into how they plan on touching the fans without being able to move around during quarantine and how they view the time down as an opportunity to practice for when the shows open back up.
27:00 - Benny says he isn't looking to be a "cult leader" and looks forward to working with artists his fan base may not expect him to.
28:30 – Benny has a deep history with Atlanta and the south, but musically, he's held on to his Buffalo roots and he talks about how he was able to blend in but stand out at the same time. Rick Hyde Heem also chime in on what people should expect from their solo offerings in the future.
36:00 - Benny talks about his upcoming albums with Hit-Boy and Harry Fraud.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Richie Rich Talks New Album, 2Pac, Fed Case & More
One of the bright spots of being on quarantine is that Day 1 Radio gets to catch up with people who don't always come to Atlanta. So for this week's episode, we are checking in with West Coast and Oakland OG Richie Rich. On the heels of releasing his new album The Grow Room, Rich catches us up with everything he's been up to over the last few years and talks about his new business ventures outside of music. Listen in and get gamed up.
1:00 - Richie Rich had been working on his new album The Grow Room for awhile, but he decided to drop it this year around this time because it has a "sunny" sound. He also talks about working exclusively with producers The Mekanix for the entire project and the wild ride that took him from federal prison back to the studio while creating the album.
10:00 - Snoop Dogg has named Richie Rich as a direct influence on his sound. Rich gets into his deep history with some of your favorite rappers. He also talks about how he only makes music with artists that he respects.
14:15 - RR was a part of the Luniz classic "I Got 5 On It" remix, but he admits he didn't always like how his verse turned out on the song. Here, he explains why and the crazy studio session that led to the verse. He also talks about the moment he saw Diddy (Puff Daddy at the time) make a whole club in New York City go crazy to the verse.
19:15 - Rich released an album with legendary label Def Jam Records in the mid-90s. He talks about why he decided to sign with them, but never released a second album with them. He also reveals what he did with the $100K he walked away with at the end of his deal.
25:30 - Here Rich talks about the ebb and flow of his career and how the streets always kept him from taking rap as seriously as he possibly should have.
34:15 - Richie Rich was close friends with 2Pac and made multiple songs with him. Here. he describes his work ethic as being like a "dope fiend." He shares stories about what it was like being in the studio with Pac for one of his all-night sessions.
43:00 - Richie RIch has always been a hustler, and now he's in the legal weed business. Here he talks about his new Purple Cake Batter strain. He's also dabbling in the coffee and French Bulldog breeding businesses as well.
50:00 - Richie Rich speaks on his brief online back-and-forth with E-40 and why it was important to both of them to squash it quickly.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guest is veteran NBA reporter Sekou Smith. In this episode, he offers his perspective on the state of the NBA during the COVID-19 quarantine and how he's never seen anything like this before. This is coming from a guy who covered the NBA during 9/11 and a lockout. He also offers his expert opinion on which players deserve what individual awards if the season does not resume to top it off, Sekou shares which NBA cities have the best food.
3:55 - Sekou talks about what it's like being a sportswriter with no sports happening. He walks us through what it was like being on the job when the first NBA game got canceled and how absolutely everything is shut down and calls the situation "unchartered territory." He also hopes that since the NBA was the first league to call their season off, that they will also be the first to return after the pandemic is over. For the record, he isn't the biggest fan of the H.O.R.S.E. and NBA 2K tournaments taking the games place.
14:00 - Sekou runs down who he would vote for Most Improved Player, Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player. No, Zion is not getting his vote. He also talks about how long it will take for players to get ready if the season starts again. He's also surprised at the number of players who do not have access to hoops and courts right now.
20:00 - Sekou talks about the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame class featuring Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Tamika Catchings, and the late great Kobe Bryant. He admits that he's "furious" and feels "selfish" because he won’t get to see Kobe take the stage in Springfield. He also shares a couple of his personal Kobe stories.
27:30 - Sekou offers his thoughts on Darius Miles and Quentin Richardson ("Knuckleheads") and Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson ("All the Smoke") entering the podcast and media space. He also talks about what it's like working with (and competing) with players entering his field of expertise. He also reveals what player he thinks will be a perfect fit for media after he stops playing.
36:50 - Sekou says Miami is his favorite NBA city to try food in. He shares some details about some of his favorite spots.
39:00 - Sekou says Barack Obama would be his dream interview and talks about what he would try to pull out of him.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's episode of Day 1 Radio serves up a little bit of nostalgia as we reconnect with one of the guests on our first ever show back in late 2013, Problem. A lot has changed over the last seven years in his career and he talks about those changes with us. He also talks about his new film short "A Compton Story" and the new music that could be coming any day now. Hope this episode helps your quarantine feel less problematic (pun intended).
3:30 - Problem recently dropped a new short "A Compton Story" on TIDAL. He explains why he felt this was the perfect time to drop, especially being an independent artist in a time where many artists signed to major deals are held up from dropping music.
5:30 - Problem jumped headfirst into film production for this project and learned on the go with some help from a few legendary friends. He talks about the pleasant surprise of being surrounded by talented people and putting out a high-quality product.
11:00 - Problem talks about working with producer Terrace Martin on his new music and recalls a funny story where SCRATCH Magazine got them confused and made a big mistake. He also talks about the process of putting his new album together and picking what songs were featured in the short film.
14:30 - Problem gets into the change of direction in his music. He made a living making ratchet and party music and was actually hesitant to show the full range of his music. He also reveals that it was hard to win over his own friends initially, but the truth in his music couldn't be denied.
19:15 - Problem talks about what has gone into him remaining independent instead of signing to a major record label. He also talks about how writing for other artists is what kept him motivated through the years where he wasn't able to drop all of the different kinds of music he was capable of making.
23:30 - Problem linked up with DJ Quik to drop Rosecrans a few years ago. Here he gets into how that changed how he approached producing music to this day. He also reveals that Quik told him that was some of the best music he produced in 15 years. He also talks about his dream to create an album with all of the Compton rappers including Kendrick Lamar, The Game, Buddy, Boogie, Dr. Dre, King Tee and Roddy Rich.
26:30 - Problem never talked about gang affiliations in his music, and for good reason. He says that it wasn't his truth and that gang banging is nothing to play with.
29:45 - Problem talks about his involvement with Destination Crenshaw and shares the funny story about how he got thrust into the spotlight.
32:30 - Problem talks about the big reveal he made on "A Compton Story."
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guest on Day 1 Radio is a walking talking Hip-Hop history book. Alonzo Williams is known to many as perhaps the first antagonist in the NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton, but his story extends before and after that, which is why they call him the Godfather of West Coast Hip-Hop. Sit back and listen as we catch up with the man who put Los Angeles and Compton rap music on the map.
2:15 - Alonzo starts with his mid 70s beginnings as the first mobile DJ in Compton and his club promoter days when he brought Kurtis Blow and Run DMC out for their first West Coast shows. He also gets into how he helped Eazy-E start Ruthless Records.
5:40 - Alonzo talks about working with Dr. Dre when he was still a teenager and the irony of seeing him go from breaking his studio's headphones all of the time to becoming a billionaire off of them. He also talks about the environment and opportunities that his studio provided for artists back then.
10:15 - Alonzo shares a story about his interactions with Nipsey Hussle when he was just a young kid shining shoes.
11:15 - Alonzo bought Dr. Dre his first drum machine and he explains how his career as a club promoter (and good credit) helped buy guys like him the equipment they needed to make music. He also reveals how he was able to build a top-notch studio through relationships with OG artists like legendary singer Etta James.
15:00 - Alonzo is a pioneer in music distribution as well as production. He talks about his time starting and running West Coast Record Distributors, the first Black-owned, artist-owned record distribution company ever.
18:30 - Alonzo signed Ice Cube to his first record deal before he joined NWA.
21:10 - Alonzo wrote the book "Not Without Alonzo" and has plans to turn it into a movie. He also talks about how he was portrayed in "Straight Outta Compton."
24:30 - Alonzo still performs at age grown-ass-man. He reveals his 25-minute secret to still being able to put on a good show. He also talks about his current projects that include a number of podcasts and a soon-to-be syndicated radio show.
27:00 - Alonzo talks about mentoring young artists and how he surprised that so many young artists still sign bad contracts in 2020.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Just like everyone else in the world, the Day 1 Radio cast is having to adjust to the COVID-19 shutdowns, so we're trying something new. Shoutout to our producer Herb for getting us connected to bring you another episode, virtually. Of course we're talking about the elephant in the room but we're also talking about some of the other (less stressful) things going on in the world too.
1:00 - Branden isn't convinced that everyone is practicing social distancing like they are supposed to. Maurice isn't convinced that everyone is taking the entire situation serious. Here, they talk about some of the things they've seen when they've gone out for groceries or a breath of fresh air.
5:00 - How long will be in this? We aren't acting like we know, but we do encourage that you do your best to inform yourself by listening to the right sources.
7:40 - In the midst of the chaos, Jay Electronica dropped his highly-anticipated debut album "A Written Testimony." But many people, including Branden, feel it's an uninspired showing from Jay Elect and a contrived effort from Jay-Z.
15:10 - Here Branden and Reese talk about their current binges and books. Among them are McMillions, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, This Is Not a T-shirt, and Black Lightning.
21:10 - Maurice didn't go to the D-Nice online party, but Branden thought it was dope, very needed and he def thinks D-Nice will be booking a lot of dates, once this whole thing is over with.
26:30 - Will the quarantine change how people live after it's over? Maurice is curious to see if people will be in a rush to get back to "normal" things like waking up and fighting traffic to go to work everyday. Branden also wonders how it will impact large and small business' bottom line.
35:00 - Artists are being hit hard with festivals being cancelled and some are thinking about not dropping any new music at all. Do you feel them on that?
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
With all of the Covid-19 issues going on, we weren't able to make it into the studio this week. With nearly everyone stuck in the house, we couldn't leave you hanging though.
Instead, we dug in the archives and pulled out a classic episode for you. If you're new to the pod, you probably never heard our explosive episode with the late, great Dick Gregory, so you're in for a treat. If you're an OG listener, this episode is definitely worth another listen.
Hopefully we will be back in the studio soon to bring you more heat. Until then keep listening and spreading the word!
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Gentrification, Urbanism & Spike Lee w/ King Williams
This week we're joined by journalist and "urbanist" King Williams. Born and raised in Atlanta, Williams has spent the better part of the last decade reporting and producing content about gentrification in his hometown. This spring he has two documentaries dropping. First, he is credited as an associate producer on the Ken Burns/PBS documentary East Lake Meadows: A Public Housing Story that is premiering on March 24. Then he is dropping his own documentary The Atlanta Way on all social media platforms at the beginning of May. A lot of social and political game in this one, listen closely!
3:30 - King breaks down how he landed the internship of a lifetime with film director Spike Lee...from Twitter. He also talks how Spike's work style and "network" set him for success later.
9:50 - King explains the difference between gentrification, development and revitalization. He also reveals how revitalization can definitely work without gentrifying neighborhoods.
11:30 - King's documentary The Atlanta Way, that chronicles the city's gentrification, has been in the works for a longtime. Here he shares some of the event what inspired him to start it.
15:00 - King gives the definition of "urbanism" and he also addresses how the idea of walking instead of driving is accepted in Atlanta and how he feels walking is actually better for cities economics and general health.
20:30 - Why aren't presidential candidates talking about gentrification? King reveals that it may be as simple as them not remembering or being reminded to talk about it by their staffers. He also talks about how more candidates need to talk about homelessness.
26:20 - King is an associate producer on the upcoming PBS documentary East Lake Meadows: A Public Housing Story. He talks about working on his The Atlanta Way documentary led to this opportunity.
33:00 - King shares his thoughts about the 2020 Presidential candidates and who he thinks is the best candidate and the best candidate for African-Americans to rally behind.
42:00 - King tries his hand at some Hip-Hop Trivia. Listen to see how he does.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
What if we told you the same guy who helped put together R&B group 112 was also the same guy who played a role in putting together fellow Atlanta quartet Jagged Edge? What if we told you the same guy discovered Justin Bieber's songwriter, Poo Bear, and that he co-owns Crip-A-Cola with Killer Mike? Well, that "same guy" is this week's guest on Day 1 Radio and his name is Courtney "Big Bear" Sills. If you want some history, kick your shoes off and listen to this episode.
2:30 - Bear gets into growing up in College Park and coming up as a barber. He went to the same high school as Dallas Austin and came up around other Atlanta music names like Jermaine Dupri, Devyne Stevens and T-Boz from TLC. Seeing his peers get into the music industry inspired him to find a way to get into himself and see where he fit. He also reveals how cutting hair for Boyz II Men and Another Bad Creation allowed him to be a fly on the wall and absorb information.
10:00 - Bear walks us through the chain of events that saw him cutting hair for "a guy named Puffy who just lost his job" at Uptown Records and talking with producers Tim & Bob that led to him putting together the R&B group 112 and getting them signed to a new label called Bad Boy Records...and how that actually stemmed from wanting to build a group around a singer named Richard Wingo who wound up joining Jagged Edge.
16:00 - Bear was there when Bad Boy was getting built. He was there when Craig Mack's "Flava In Ya Ear" blew up and when Biggie was becoming a star. He talks about what it was like being from Atlanta with an Atlanta group, moving around in New York City trying to make a name for themselves. You've got to hear him tell the story about their experience at the "One More Chance" remix video shoot.
21:40 - In addition to being nice with his hands as a barber and martial artist, Bear also has a mean pen game. He actually wrote the hook to a lot of people's favorite 112 song, "Cupid." Listen as he tells the story of how that happened.
26:30 - After launching 112, Bear found himself playing a role in putting together Jagged Edge around the same time. He talks about watching both groups rehearsing together before they even had the group names. He jokes about how after Jermaine Dupri signed JE their first music video looked almost identical to 112's. He talks about the differences between working with the two groups. He was also eventually asked to road manage JE as they went on tour with who he refers to as "this girl group called Destiny's Child." You can look up an episode of "Unsung" to see how that turned out.
31:00 - Bear talks about how even though he worked with R&B groups, it wasn't always sweet, especially since they were signed to rap record labels. Especially in the case of 112 who found themselves being bystanders in the Bad Boy vs Death Row beef in the mid-90s. He gets into how he had to learn how to move around in different cities because of that ever since.
37:40 - Bear had a relationship with Nipsey Hussle and often served as his look out when he came to Atlanta. He talks about the harsh reality of having to understand why someone like Nipsey could be taken out in his own hood and how that unfortunate event isn't all that rare.
45:00 - Bear has co-founded a new label named No Face No Case and aims to build and develop songwriters, producers and artists. He talks about how he hopes to bring development back to a game where instant stardom is the norm.
49:30 - Bear wrote a poem for his wife and that poem wound up becoming a song on Justin Bieber's new album called "I Know What Love Is." He also talks about how he discovered Bieber's primary songwriter Poo Bear who also happens to be his younger cousin.
54:00 - Bear gives Hip Hop Trivia a shot and argues us to death that he's right on most of them. We also close the show talking about his co-ownership in Crip-A-Cola that was made famous on Killer Mike's Netflix show "Trigger Warning."
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Atlanta-based journalist and author A.R. Shaw is this week's guest on Day 1 Radio. Shaw has spent the last five years researching and collecting interviews for his upcoming book, Trap History. In it, he tells a holistic story of the music genre that emerged from crime and poverty to produce chart-topping pop stars. In this interview Shaw shares the journey of creating the book and talks about the importance of people who come from similar backgrounds as these artist to take control of the narratives.
2:30 - Shaw immediately gets into how important the role of a Black music journalist is. He goes into why he decided to create about trap music history specifically, especially since the genre is popular right now. He also shares how even though Atlanta artists get credit for creating the genre, its roots can be found in music by UGK, Playa Fly and 8Ball & MJG.
6:00 - Shaw, a Georgia State University graduate, gets into his history as a writer. He talks about how coming up during the time that Atlanta's music industry explosion was beneficial to his career. He also talks about the challenge of writing a book about a music genre that keeps growing every day. We also talk about how trap music has been able to continue evolving and outgrow other Atlanta-based genres like crunk and snap.
12:30 - As a journalist, we are taught not to put ourselves in the story but Shaw was advised by a friend to put himself in this story because he was actually there, similar to authors who wrote about the Civil Rights Movement. He gets into how he fits in the history and how he went about writing the book for "aliens" who may not know anything about the subject.
17:10 - Shaw says he never worried about one of the people he interviewed or anybody else "beating" him to putting out a trap music book first. He says he focused on telling the story right instead of first. He also gets into how why he interviewed drug addicts and talked about how mental health plays a part in trap music as well.
21:30 - Shaw gets into how he was able to tell the history of Atlanta alongside the history of trap. He breaks down how Atlanta's infrastructure actually birthed "the trap."
23:30 - Shaw answers the tough question of who is the true pioneer of trap music. He also ponders if trap music is indeed the most successful sub-genre of rap music. We also talk about how long the trap music run will last.
34:00 - Shaw gets his knowledge tested with some Hip Hop Trivia. Listen to see how he did.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Royce 5'9 returns to Day 1 Radio just days before his new album "The Allegory" is set to drop on February 21st. In this wide-ranging talk, Royce opens up about how this album stands out from his previous efforts and how stepping up as a producer impacted the sound and process. He also talks about some of the intentions behind his lyrics on the album and how he feels about the current state of rap coming out of his hometown, Detroit.
2:00-"Book Of Ryan is your diary...The Allegory is your manifesto.": Branden opens with a statement about Royce's upcoming album, and Royce agrees. He gets into why every artist should have at least one personal album. He reveals that the album was not planned, but a product of being in the studio all the time. He says that this is the first project "happened to him."
8:50 - Producing and learning: Royce stepped more into the producer role for The Allegory and gets into how learning on the fly impacted his writing. He also breaks down the difference between being technical and masterful. He's open to producing for other artists, but doubts that he has beats just laying around for other rappers and would rather produce in the studio with them.
12:30 - Surprise!: Royce says that his producer friends like DJ Premier and Mr. Porter weren't surprised that he was making beats, but were shocked at how fast he progressed. Another surprise is that there are two songs he recorded with Dilla floating around.
14:30 - "Upside Down": Royce breaks down the intricate lyrics on "Upside Down" featuring Benny the Butcher. Do yourself a favor and listen to the song to get what he's talking about. He also talks about how he toes the line of being confident and humble.
26:00 - Surviving the game: Royce speaks about how he has continued to improve as an MC after decades in the game. He credits some of it to knowledge of self, things he's learned in therapy and some of it to him not getting fulfillment in riding waves.
29:45 - Detroit Rap: Royce thinks rap in Detroit is currently in a "great place." He knows that his generation (Eminem, Slum Village, Trick Trick, D12) made it possible for rappers like Danny Brown, Tee Grizzly and others to succeed. He does hope that they all continue to co-exist and not allow people to separate and label their diversity in a negative way.
39:44 - Touring: Royce says he wants to tour for The Allegory, especially since he did not get to tour for The Book of Ryan and the last Pryhme album.
44:15 - Boxing: Royce is a boxing enthusiast and he and Branden go back and forth about Fury vs. Wilder 2 and if we will ever see a Joshua vs. Wilder fight.
47:45: - Hip Hop Trivia: Does Royce know his Hip-Hop history? Listen and find out.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Sneaker God Drew Greer is this week's guest on Day 1 Radio. In the aftermath of Kobe Bryant's death, we get him to talk about his time working directly with Kobe during his Nike days. In other parts of the conversation, we talk about his history in the shoe and fashion game that includes being the Black product director at Ralph Lauren and 1st Black VP of product at Under Armour. Listen, laugh and learn.
2:30 - Drew worked at NIKE for over a decade and he is the brain behind re-branding Kobe Bryant when he joined the company right before the Colorado incident, which he was acquitted of. In the days after Kobe's untimely death, Drew talks about the climate at the time and the grassroots work that went into truly acclimating Kobe into L.A. culture and reworking his public image.
8:00 - Branden and Drew talk about what sets Kobe apart from Michael Jordan when it comes to sharing knowledge with younger players. The discussion also leads to Kobe potentially bringing more light to the WNBA and women's basketball globally. We also talk about why Kobe's death is a little different from other "celebrity" deaths.
16:30 - Drew was one of the masterminds behind Kobe's viral commercial where he jumped over a speeding Ashton Martin. He talks about the making of the commercial and the impact it made. Also, during his time at Nike, Drew brokered the iconic Wu-Tang Dunks and Roc-A-Fella AF1. We also learn that, on the low, he is the man responsible for "retros" becoming a thing.
28:45 - Drew talks about the good and the bad of sneaker brands getting away from sports and doing more signature sneakers with celebrities. He also speaks on how he would've launched Big Baller Brand.
36:05 - Is Drew responsible for us not being able to get our favorite sneakers? Here Drew talks about the intention behind building the idea of the "limited edition" sneaker model and what it has turned into today.
45:00 - Drew steps into the Hip Hop Trivia arena and gets tested on sports, sneakers, and Hip-Hop.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Day 1 Radio keeps our "day one" tradition going by sitting down with an artist that is sure to be on your radar very soon if he isn't already. Atlanta-based artist Grip is winning new fans daily with his penchant for storytelling and attention to detail. In one of his first interviews since dropping his dope album Snubnose back in October, Grip shares some stories about his life and creativity. Enjoy.
2:45 - Grip's Background:Grip talks about growing up in Decatur and Stone Mountain (east of Atlanta). He describes his upbringing as tough and a little more serious than the "average kid" he grew up with. He talks about how the area has taken a change for the worst over the last 10 years or so since this is where gentrification pushes poorer people to. He also gets into his brief stint in college.
7:50 - Grip the storyteller: Grip says he got into writing through storytelling and watching movies first, and then got into rapping and self-expression. He dropped his first project in high school and followed with a number of mixtapes online before he released his official debut "Porch" in 2017.
13:00 - The making of "Porch": Grip talks about his relationship with his producer Tu who produced 99% of the project. He talks about the concept of the album, telling stories from the porch with three different perspectives. He also gets into why is sticking to his own guns and not making typical "Atlanta-sounding rap."
16:00 - Concepts and covers: Grip has released two projects in three years but his face is on neither one. Here he reveals what has led to him using conceptual cover art instead of his own image. He also delves into the process of making his latest project "Snubnose" and explains why art is supposed to make you uncomfortable. Grip also talks about working with producers Beat Butcha and Daringer.
22:45 - Visuals: Grip hasn't dropped many visuals but the ones he has dropped are dope. Here he talks about the "Snubnose" short film directed by Mikayla Gamble. He also talks about the decision to put a gun on the cover of the album.
27:00 - European tour with J.I.D.: Grip went on a European tour at the end of 2019. He talks about the experience and how great the Hip-Hop audience is over there.
31:00 - Ebro comments and recording new music: NYC radio personality Ebro Darden called "Snubnose" the best album you never heard, but Grip doesn't take it as pressure or an insult. He also reveals that he hasn't written a full song since releasing "Snubnose" and that he doesn't make songs just to make them and release them.
40:00 - Hip Hop Trivia: We test Grip's knowledge on some Eastside ATL Hip Hop Trivia.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week Day 1 Radio adds to its catalog of legends with an interview with hip-hop veteran Kam (West Coast Kam to be exact). Some of you may know him for "Peace Treaty," while others may know him for his debut verse on Cube's classic posse cut "Color Blind" (we get into all of that with him). As usual with guests of his stature, he does most of the talking, and that is how we like it. Enjoy.
2:10: Kam currently lives in Atlanta he talks about his long history with the city that goes all the way back to the early 1990s. He admits that he wasn't very receptive to the city during his first go around, but he gets into what changed.
4:45: Kam has been in the Nation Of Islam for nearly 30 years. He talks about how he got into the teachings and how he realized that despite its popularity among rappers at the time, he was the only one that actually joined.
12:40: Kam dropped his first album "Neva Again" in 1993 and that pretty much made him the first rapper from Watts to go nationwide and put it on the map. Here he talks about why it took so long for Watts to get love and gives props to Ice Cube for putting him on.
17:00: Kam digs deeper into the NOI's relationship with hip-hop and how he felt when he found out that most of his peers were Five Percenters, not members of the Nation.
19:45: Kam has only put out four albums since 1993. He talks about how industry politics and greed are the factors that "scared" him from producing music more frequently. He also gets into why he has resurfaced. Kam's music is not on streaming services either and he explains why.
29:45: Kam talks about his relationship with late rapper Mausberg.
31:25: Kam talks about the impact of his song "Peace Treaty" and gets into how Los Angeles gangs have been calling a lot of truces over the last year. He admits that it is not all "lovey dovey" yet, but appreciates the efforts to at least stop the violence.
34:15: Kam talks about why he votes local but does not vote in presidential elections and why he would have voted for Trump if he did. Hear him out though. He also talks about how the U.S. relationships with Middle Eastern countries like Iran impacts Black people.
43:00: Kam is now an author. He talks about his book "War In Your Heaven" which talks about the relationship between Black men and Black women.
47:00: For the newest edition to the show, we test Kam's hip hop knowledge with another personalized round of Hip Hop Trivia.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Quick history lesson: On Day 1 Radio's second show ever back in 2013, we interviewed fashion entrepreneur Gerard Murray, the man behind popular brands like School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) and Tradition Ever Since. Fast forward to today, we are talking to Murray again about a new fashion venture, but this time, we're also talking with his son Tahir as he carries on the family legacy with a new clothing line, Legacy History Pride (LHP). Listen as we talk about their journey, HBCU pride and the ins and outs of the licensing game.
2:45 - The transition from Tradition to LHP: LHP is the third generation of entrepreneurship for the family as Gerard's father founded legendary NYC store Von's Inc. Gerard and Tahir talk about how they are transitioning from one company to another and the bumps and bruises that come along with it. Tahir also explains what it means to have a luxury HBCU brand.
13:15 - The Licensing Game: Gerard is a vet in the licensing game and gives up the game on what's really going on. He reveals that there's basically one company that handles the licensing for every NCAA school and they don't give it out to just anybody. He also talks about how his good reputation led to Tahir getting a licensing for LHP.
19:45 - HBCU Enrollment: HBCU enrollment has gone up and down over the years. Gerard and Tahir break down how that impacts what schools they decide to do business with and produce products for. Tahir, who is currently a junior (and a DJ) at Howard University, talks about what is like running the company while attending school. Gerard also talks about the boom of HBCU-centered brands over the last few years.
26:00 - Tahir Interns at J. Crew: Tahir secured a coveted internship with J. Crew during one of his summer breaks. He talks about some of the business knowledge he picked up there and seeing how first hand the streets influence culture all the way up the corporate level. Gerard and Tahir also talk about how difficult it is to get real information on how to get into the fashion industry and stay there.
33:00 - HBCU Trivia: Branden quizzes Gerard and Tahir with some HBCU trivia questions. Tahir quickly turns it into a competition.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
What better way to end the year and the decade than with a group of friends. So, for the final episode of 2019 and of the decade Day 1 Radio is sharing the space with freelance journalist Jewel Wicker (FADER, Teen Vogue Wall Street Journal, Atlanta Magazine), Jason Lee (BOSSIP) and DJ Wally Sparks (The Groove and Art, Beats & Lyrics). Together we talked about some of our favorite (and least favorite) shows, movies, albums and moments of the last ten years. Listen in to hear what made and didn't make the lists.
5:00 - The crew starts off talking about some of their favorite television shows of the 2010s. Everybody seemed to like the same shows, but the discussion about the least favorites is when people showed how they really felt.
24:00 - A LOT of epic movies came out this decade but we attempt to talk about as many as possible. For the record, the crew agreed that Into the Spider-Verse was the best-animated movie ever. (Shameless plug: go back and listen to our episode with the movie's star Shameik Moore). Not everybody had the same thing to say about Black Panther though. Branden also doubled down on his opinion of Moonlight not being that good.
35:00 - Music was all over the place this decade, so you can only imagine where this part of the conversation will go. Wally (the DJ in the discussion) kicks it off bluntly by saying most of it sucked. But the rest of us tried our best to convince him otherwise. He also shared his conspiracy theory of Chance the Rapper not really being an independent artist. Nobody seemed to like that last A Tribe Called Quest album either.
1:20:00 - The 2010s will probably go down as one of the most emotionally trying decades ever. Here the crew unpacks everything from the uptick in police killings, #MeToo, Trump being elected president and Kaepernick vs the pro football league. Jason also takes a moment to give a huge RIP shoutout to OG podcaster Reggie "Combat Jack" Osse.
1:28:00 - To close out the show we debate what recording artist ran the decade. Drake or Kendrick Lamar? Maurice puts a bid in for Future.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's episode of Day 1 Radio features Atlanta-based fashion designer/entrepreneur Latif Wisdom, founder of Wisdom Fashion House. Widely known for the "End Rape Culture" t-shirt line, Latif is aiming to add social awareness to fashion that leads to conversations that will move society forward. As he preps for his upcoming fashion show in Atlanta on December 7, he tells us the story of his brand and what he hopes to see for it in the future.
5:30 - Latif gets into his origin- Born in Brooklyn and raised in Atlanta (Stone Mountain), Latif talks about immersing himself into the environment. He also gets into how he started his clothing line Wisdom Fashion House when he was in high school which he credits to having to make his own money after his mom stopped giving it to him. He knew he was onto something when his first run of t-shirts sold out in less than a week at school. This leads to a conversation about the myth that "black folks don't support each other."
12:00 Why "Wisdom?" - Latif breaks down why he decided to name his clothing line "Wisdom." He says that doing this led to him acquiring more wisdom and changing his perspective on life and business.
14:00 - The Process - Latif talks about learning the game and finding his first screen-printer. He also talks about having direct and indirect mentors.
17:30 - Social awareness in clothing - Latif talks about adding social awareness to his clothing brand and why he chose to go that route.
19:45 - END RAPE CULTURE - Latif's "End Rape Culture" t-shirt design caught eyes nationwide. He talks about the inspiration behind putting the message on the shirt and how he hopes the message will lead to an open conversation and change how men interact with women and to bring light to young men who have been raped or molested as well. He also talks about how the t-shirt led to his own sister revealing that she was molested by their father. He also talks about how there was also some pushback from women saying that a man can't and shouldn't be able to make money off the message.
28:45 - The Wins - The "End Rape Culture" t-shirts were featured by GQ and also led to the shirts winning "The Battle of the Brands" at WISH and being sold in the store fulltime. Latif also made a limited-edition t-shirt with 21 Savage.
34:00 - Black American Merchant Class - Latif is set to debut his new capsule "Black American Merchant Class." Here he talks about the inspiration behind the line and his mission to highlight strong, positive Black imagery. He hopes the line will lead to positive Black imagery becoming normal rather than exceptional.
44:00 Fashion in Atlanta - Latif talks about how Atlanta designers have the power to make the city just as relevant as New York City, Los Angeles and Paris. Branden also gets Latif's thoughts on the future of "Streetwear" and Black people's place in it.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This is one of those rare episodes where we just had to let the guest get in his bag and go. BP held it down solo with Immortal Technique right before he hit soundcheck for his show in Atlanta. We only asked a few questions, but Technique dropped off thousands of answers on everything from why he owns his music rights to the real reason why the first settlers came to America.
1:00 - Branden takes it back to the first time he ever heard Immortal Technique...in a middle school classroom where a teacher was playing it in class. From there Tech talks about his journey of building up a fan base and how he encouraged people to download and share his music while other artists complained when downloads started impacting physical copy sales.
6:10 - Immortal Technique speaks on Byron Allen's lawsuit against Comcast. Branden and Tech go back and forth about how Allen was once looked at as an "Uncle Tom" back in the day but is now looked at as a champion for media. He talks about learning music industry gems from his OGs and how that led to him owning everything he produces.
12:00 - Tech drops gems on what "class" really means in America and how large corporations operate like gangsters. He also shares his thoughts on how our ancestors speak to us through music.
17:45 - The Middle Passage - The long-awaited album is finally coming in the first quarter of 2020. Tech reveals that fans will get treated to performances of select songs from the album. He also shares how deep his relationship with Killer Mike runs and that he actually lived with him for a time. He also shares details about his song "Trap House" with Killer Mike and David Banner.
21:21 - Tech speaks on the real reasons why the first settlers came to America and how those intentions tie directly into the prison system and sex trafficking today.
26:40 - Immortal Technique's reading list: Wondering what fuels this man's thoughts and actions. Skip here to hear three books he suggests everybody read in days like this. You may be surprised by his "oldie but goodie" selection.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week Day 1 Radio catches up with Domani aka Domani Harris aka T.I.'s son. While he may be known to many because of his parents, he is definitely blazing his own trail as an artist. His debut album "Time Will Tell" was labeled a classic by J. Cole and he is already doing international tours. Listen as he opens up about how this album was different from his other projects, why he feels the time is right for him to shine and what he is looking forward to the most.
1:15 - Why does he wear the same shoes everywhere? Domani wears the same pair of shoes in most of his photoshoots, shows, and social media posts. He explains the reasoning behind them.
3:10 - Wrapping up tour with Big K.R.I.T. and Rapsody. Domani just got finished opening up for Krit and Rapsody on the "From the South With Love" tour. He talks about how this being his first tour experience helped him as a performer.
7:20 - "Time Will Tell" -Domani talks about how this being his fourth project (first album) was different from the rest. This time he actually allowed his father to have some input and was open to hearing it. He also opens up about keeping a certain perspective as the son of a superstar.
13:00 - Becoming himself. Domani speaks on growing as an artist and finding his own voice, rather than trying to sound like all of the other music that's out. He also shows gratitude for finding his voice at such a young age. Domani also speaks on living in the spotlight and now making a real name for himself as an artist.
15:45 - The pressure of being a famous child. Domani says he never felt pressure being the son of T.I. or living up to any preconceived notions about him when he is creating. He also admits that he uses negative feedback or doubts as fuel.
18:30 - The process. Domani walks us through the year-long creative journey of "Time Will Tell" from the album cover to the recording. He also shouts out the producers and artists he worked with on the album.
26:00 - Getting nominated for a Tony Award. Domani was nominated for Tony Award for writing a song for the Spongebob Squarepants musical. He admits that the opportunity was originally presented to his father, who passed it down to him.
28:30 - Hitting the road again. Domani is preparing for a European tour with JID later this month. He's kinda-sorta packed but he's looking forward to it.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Drake Gets Booed, Clark Atlanta Tragedy & Kap's Back
No guest, but plenty to say on this episode of Day 1 Radio. This week Branden and Maurice cover everything from Colin Kaepernick's NFL workout to the new Gang Starr album.
2:30 Alexis Crawford: Clark Atlanta University student Alexis Crawford was murdered by her roommate and her boyfriend in Atlanta. Branden, a CAU alum, unpacks how the incident has impacted the campus. Branden and Maurice also explore how cases like this also shed light on sex trafficking.
8:00 RIP Bad Azz: Veteran West Coast rapper Bad Azz passed away in jail this past week at the age of 43. Crazy thing is that he had only been in there for a couple of days. What happened?
12:00Drake gets booed off the stage: Neither Branden or Maurice are Drake fans, but even they thought him getting booed off the stage at Tyler the Creator's Flog Gnaw festival was led by pure haters.
16:40 The New Gang Starr album: Branden and Reese agree that the new Gang Starr album is pretty dope and a testament to how universally dope Guru (Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal) really was. Branden also shares some dope things he saw on his vacation in Tokyo.
26:00 Byron Allen vs Comcast: Branden and Maurice have been talking about Byron Allen's lawsuit against Comcast for some years now, but now it is going to the Supreme Court. Branden helps unpack how this case is about more than just entertainment, but how discrimination law will be interpreted from this point on.
29:00 Colin Kaepernick gets an NFL workout: Some people are happy that Kap is finally getting an NFL workout. Some think it is a smokescreen. Branden doesn't feel he's never getting back in the league and producer J. Black chimes in wondering why Kap wants to be back in the NFL in the first place.
36:010 RIP Charles Rogers: Michigan State University legend Charles Rogers passed away this past week. Branden and Reese recap his tragic story.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Eastside to the World w/ producer/songwriters Michael Aristotle and Wili Hendrix
Day 1 Radio is back with another episode that lives up to its name. Rapper and producer duo Michael Aristotle and Wili Hendrix just put some points on the board by producing and writing on Missy Elliot's "Iconology" album. But they have a story and history before that major accomplishment. Take a listen to this journey of how two guys from the Eastside of Atlanta wound up working with a legendary artist and what the future has in store for them.
2:00 "It happens randomly": Michael and Wili talk about how they hooked up with Missy Elliot and wound up earning writing and producing credits on Missy's first album in more than 10 years. They stayed in the studio with her for almost a year and admit that they actually have more songs in the stash. They also reveal how the creative process goes working with a legend.
8:30 - Wili and Michael get into their history working together. They went to school together and wound up recording after Wili got some equipment from legendary producer Zaytoven who lived in his neighborhood. They also wound up working under the tutelage of R&B group Silk and iconic producer/artist Teddy Riley.
15:30 -Wili and Michael explain how even though they've been making music for years, they feel that this year is their official start.
19:00 - Here the discussion turns to how they would describe their sound, especially in a time where producers aim to brand themselves.
26:30 - Michael talks about his upcoming project "Almost There" that he plans on dropping now that they are finished working on Missy's music.
34:00 - Wili and Michael open up about being a part of the Atlanta music community that often gets labeled as one thing aka "not rapping." They contest that lyrical artists never stopped coming out of Atlanta.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week Branden and Maurice catch up with no guest. As usual, the conversation takes a lot of twists and turns.
1:30 NBA basketball is finally here! After one of the craziest offseasons ever, the 2019-20 NBA season is upon us. Being the hoop fans they are, BP and Reese go back and forth about the latest news ranging from Michael Jordan's comments on Steph Curry, Zion Williamson's injury and some way too early predictions for the NBA Finals.
10:00 So, another crazy rap list is floating around. This time it's the "Worst 50 Rappers" list. Some of the names obviously belong, but a lot of them are some real headscratchers. Maurice thinks its pure hate. They also talk about if Kanye West really matters in the music world anymore.
18:10 Gucci Mane is in the news for making some controversial comments during an interview with Charlamagne Tha God. Crazy thing is he spent hours talking about living his best life, but everyone focused on the few minutes where he sent threats towards DJ Envy and Angela Yee.
23:00 Pharell's "New Masculinity" GQ cover seems to have a few people triggered. BP wonders why every time "new masculinity" is brought up, Black male images are always at the forefront.
31:00 In case you didn't know, BP and Reese love beer. Hell, BP is a certified beer snob. So, of course, they have a lot to say about a racial discrimination lawsuit being brought against popular craft brewery Founder's. BP and Reese debate if the lawsuit really holds weight or if the plaintiff might have brought it on himself.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Branden caught up with Bay Area rapper Big Omeezy while he was in town for the A3C Festival. One night after rocking the stage with E-40 in Atlanta for the first time in 10 years, Omeezy opened up about the journey behind his latest album "Evolution." He also touched on a variety of things ranging from being raised in the Nation of Islam to being proud of being a hypeman.
1:30 - "The hypeman is a lost art in hip hop...": Omeezy is known to many as E-40's hypeman. He reveals that he has had convos with Flava Flav about the role and remembers when Kendrick Lamar was Jay Rock's hypeman and 2Chainz was Ludacris hypeman, proving that the role is one that is needed and can lead to other bigger stages.
3:20 - Omeezy talks being down with SIc Wid It since 1995 and being known for hustles ranging from restaurants to security and why he named his album "Evolution."
4:50 - Omeezy, who was nicknamed "the great communicator" by his father talks about feeling the freest he's ever been in his career and how that is impacting his new music.
6:30 - Omeezy's father was a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam. He talks about how that influence lives in his music, even after his father passed away.
11:00 - Omeezy says he did his new album for his people in NOI and says the feedback has been "all love" because people recognize that he is more than just a rapper. He also talks about how he chose the artists who are featured on the album. Branden and Omeezy also have an exchange about what "conscious rap" actually is.
17:30 - Omeezy talks about making the transition into taking rap seriously and getting people like E-40 to get behind him.
21:30 - Omeezy takes a moment to speak on why there always seems to be beef between rappers from Sacramento and Oakland.
25:13 - Omeezy talks about how music is therapeutic for him.
29:40 - Omeezy big ups his new clothing line ventures that will feature positive messages for Black people.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week Day 1 Radio had widely respected lyricist Ras Kass stop by to talk about his new album and accompanying book "Soul On Ice 2." If you've ever listened to Ras, you know you're always going to get a gem and a laugh, and that's exactly what he delivered in this wide-ranging conversation. Listen and enjoy.
1:20 Why make a sequel of Soul On Ice: Ras talks about how he didn't realize he was writing SOL2 until he looked back at what he was writing and realizing it reminded him of his 1996 debut album.
6:25 Talks about writing his classic track "Nature of the Threat" at age 17: Ras says after people asking him to write another song like this, it manifested as the track "White Power" on his new album. He also talks about how he tries to capture the entire human experience in his music.
11:50 Ras speaks on censorship and "cancel culture": Ras makes a case for how 2019 is more restrictive on free speech than the past. He says he wishes he was a comedian instead of a rapper so he could get some of his points across clearer.
14:30 Is lyricism still alive in Hip-Hop?: After 25 years in the game, Ras is a lyrical rapper who is still in the game. But, he feels that artists need to stop listening to label execs or as he also calls them, "white people"...and the stupid black people who listen to them.
20:00 Why make a book? Ras talks about the process of creating a book of his rhymes. He also talks about how it is important to celebrate being 25 years in the game and giving himself some roses while he is alive.
33:30 What would Ras be like if he went pop? Ras Kass has a lot of high-profile cameo appearances. But would he have liked being "pop" himself?
36:40 Repping hard for Carson, California: Ras talks about intentionally repping for Carson and not "Los Angeles" in general after so many other parts got branded and recognized in Hip-Hop.
42:30 Supergroups: Ras was ahead of his time. He was a part of two supergroups before concepts like Slaughterhouse, Watch the Throne and Run the Jewels came along. He talks about why his groups Golden State Warriors (with Xzibit and Saafir) and The HRSMN (with Kurupt, Killah Priest and Canibus) did not work.
46:40 Ras talks about now and future plans: In addition to promoting his new album and book, Ras reveals plans to tour with longtime collaborator Xzibit.
50:25 Ras used to live with Jay-Z: Ras mentioned this quickly and casually earlier in the interview, but we had to get him to talk how he used to live with Jay-Z and almost signed with Roc-A-Fella Records.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week BrandenLSK holds it down solo and talks with Dutch-Curaçaose R&B singer Nicole Bus. Many of you may have discovered her via her NPR Tiny Desk performance back in August, but she has been putting in the work for quite some time. In this conversation, Bus talks about growing up in Holland how the last 365 days, in particular, have changed her career and life.
1:25 Bus reveals that she and her team wrote and produced her entire debut album in Atlanta. She and Branden explore the idea that European listeners take Black music more seriously than American listeners.
7:15 Being half-Dutch and half-Curaçaose, Bus talks about how the two cultures have influenced her musical style. She later gets into how she started her musical journey after getting her first instrument as a child and actually making music in high school.
12:19 Bus explains the idea being her breakout single “You” and why she and producer Needlz decided to make a song uplifting Black men. She also reveals that she did not know that rappers like Ghostface and Rick Ross were hopping on remixes to her singles.
18:00 “You” came out in 2018 but didn’t break until this past summer. Bus admits that she hated the slow-burning process of breaking the song, but appreciates how it humbled her.
24:00 Bus talks about the challenges of being a producer and songwriter herself but having to respect the creative process of working with other producers and songwriters.
28:00 Bus lays out what to expect from her upcoming debut album. She also shares that she has an unreleased Issac Hayes arrangement featured on the album. She also tests Branden’s ear and Hip-Hop knowledge by challenging him to a trivia question about one of the samples on her record.
33:00 Bus talks about the inspiration behind the distinct artwork for her singles.
37:00 Bus shares her thoughts on the state of R&B music.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guest Larry "NuFace" Compton. NuFace is known by many as the guy on Instagram who seems to have just about every classic Hip-Hop album (and the merch to match) ever! He is in the process of building out his own museum to celebrate Hip-Hop culture. In addition to sharing stories about his journey from Detroit to Atlanta, he also talks about the cool moments he has shared with some of your favorite artists.
1:00 NuFace talks about leaving Detroit and coming to Atlanta for college (Clark Atlanta University). Like so many others, Freaknik was a big reason why wound up there. He also talks about how his father influenced him as an artist. NuFace then reveals that he fell into collecting things via neighborhood friends going away to jail and their parents giving him their toys because they knew "he'd take care of them."
5:30 NuFace actually remembers the first things he collected. Salt-N-Pepa, 2 Live Crew, Too $hort and Dr. Dre got him started. Mainly because of the explicit album covers and content and the attention it drew. He also credits his mother for not throwing his things away when he left for school.
9:45 NuFace talks about how he began forging relationships with his favorite artists by presenting them with tapes and other artifacts they don't even have anymore. From this, he plans to open a museum celebrating Hip-Hop history.
15:00 NuFace talks about how he takes care of all of his precious cargo. He also talks about if he thinks more people go back to buying physical copies of music and how more artists should consider producing more physical copies of their music.
20:45 NuFace says he has a "Clark Kent shoe closet" worth of Hip-Hop collectibles when asked how much space he thinks his things will take up. He also speaks on how it's actually hard to have company over for dinner or chill because people are always distracted by his collection and want a tour.
24:40 NuFace talks about how people can help support his vision of building a museum. He also shares details on his upcoming A3C event.
29:40 NuFace talks about the time he got the late Nipsey Hussle to sign his "Victory Lap" cassette and how the artist remembered him the next time he saw him.
34:00 NuFace lists his bucket list of items he wants to add to his collection or get signed. He also shares a hilarious story about trying to get DMX to sign his "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of my Blood" album at Art Basel in Miami.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
There was quite a bit to catch up and talk about this week, which is why Branden and Maurice are delivering another no guest show. This week they discussed the new Dave Chappelle "Sticks and Stones" Netflix comedy special, Malik Yoba's recent, er, revelation, and how the media approached Kevin Hart's recent car accident. They also chopped it up about some of the new music they are enjoying right now. Side note: not sure how neither one of them managed to mention the new Villain Park album on air, but yeah, go check that out too, they both like it.
3:00 - Dave Chappelle's special. Maurice has already watched it four times and Branden actually went to go see it live when it was taped in Atlanta, so yeah, they have plenty to say about it. But even beyond that, they discuss why and how it is so easy for everyone to have so much to say about Chappelle's brand of comedy, that hasn't really changed since the 90s.
7:14 - Malik Yoba finds transsexual women attractive? Actor Malik Yoba sent shockwaves through social media when he managed to reveal that he find transsexual women attractive and that he will be a guest speaker at an upcoming transsexual conference. This comes on the heels of him expressing sympathy over a recent story about a man who mocked for having sex with transsexuals. Branden and Reese explore what Yoba's true motives may be and why so much fuss is being made over his revelation.
23:00 Kevin Hart's car accident sparks rumors. Kevin Hart is not a lot of people's favorite person these days. So much that when it was reported that he was in a car accident, he was simultaneously getting accused of being in the car doing things with a woman who was not his wife. Branden asks why the media was so quick to "Teddy Pendergrass" Hart.
26:00 New Music. Branden and Reese have a pretty lengthy talk about Rapsody's new album and if she should be considered an elite MC.
35:00 One Music Fest. The 10th annual One Music Fest is happening this weekend in Atlanta and Branden and Maurice talk about how far the festival has come and what they are looking forward to seeing this weekend.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's episode of Day 1 Radio features two men behind a short film that is bound to strike up plenty of conversations once it's shown to the masses. The film's writer and producer Coffey and actor Nashawn Kearse stopped by to talk about About the People, a short film that can best be described as a fly-on-the-wall view of the conversation that Black people in America have after each police shooting or any other injustice African-Americans almost exclusively experience. Coffey and Kearse share what it's been like touring the festival circuit, creating the film and what they hope viewers walk away with after watching.
1:15 - About the People got a standing ovation at a Martha's Vineyards film festival. But Coffee admits that the applause was hard to enjoy given that many of the issues talked about in the film continue to happen.
4:00 - Nashawn talks about why he chose to take this role and Coffey speaks on the reactions he got from the rest of the cast when they first read the script. Nashawn calls it "our version of '12 Angry Men.'
6:00 - The emotions ran very high on the set. Nashawn describes it as "raw." Coffey talks about how this high-powered cast came together.
13:30 - About the People left no stones unturned as they talked about some rarely spoken about realities from the Civil Rights movement and how that impacted future generations.
17:00 - Coffey admits that while most of the feedback on the film has been positive, not every film festival has been willing to show it.
22:00 - The guest and the hosts share their thoughts on recent events including Eric Garner's killer Daniel Pantaleo getting six-figure GoFundMe donations and the NYPD Sergeant who oversaw him only getting punished by losing vacation days.
35:30 - Nashawn and Coffey share their aspirations for the film and hopes it gives people ideas.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week Day 1 Radio sits down with Atlanta-based photographer Emef Griffin as he gears up for his 2nd ever show "Just Be A Good Person," coming up on August 23. If you've been anywhere cool in Atlanta recently, you've probably seen the shirts, but now we get to hear directly from the guy behind the growing phenomenon. Enjoy.
1:45 - Griffin, or "Griff" as he's known to friends, talks about the "Just Be A Good Person" show and mentions highlighted pieces including like "The Mona Keisha" which is (as far as he knows) the only composed picture of the infamous 2 Chainz pink TRAP house.
5:00 - Griff talks about how his father inspired him to get into photography and why he walks around with a camera everywhere he goes. He's self-taught by the way.
7:40 - Griff explains where "Just Be A Good Person" came from (alcohol might have been involved) and how the phrase became a popular t-shirt.
13:40 - Griff offers his thoughts on wow to inform Black folks on why art is an investment.
19:19 - The discussion turns to the recent NFL x Roc Nation entertainment and social justice initiative. Is it legit or a cash-grabbing PR stunt?
26:00 - A Joey Bada$$ concert was canceled after threats were made to shoot it up, forcing Hip-Hop into the control conversation. Griff offers his thoughts on guns.
29:50 - "Top 50 MCs" lists have been circulating all over the web for the last couple of weeks. We have some fun with it too and also realize that "Top 50" is actually too damn many.
35:34 - Rick Ross just dropped another album. Does it sound any different from the others?
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
LA's own DJ R-Tistic joins us this week for a great, music heavy convo. You may have seen him on HBO's Insecure or spinning at one of your favorite parties somewhere across the world.
Kick back and enjoy this detailed interview and learn a bit about one of the dopest DJ's in the game. Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
In this episode, Maurice and Branden catch up with Brandon Butler, the man behind Butter.ATL, an online outlet that is redefining the way people see Atlanta culture. Butler breaks down Butter.ATL's origins and intentions. We suggest you follow them now at @Butter.ATL and scroll as you listen to this episode.
2:00 What is Butter.ATL? Brandon still doesn't have a proper elevator pitch, but he explains it as an idea to tell Atlanta's story through social platforms like Instagram and Youtube. For the record, it is not named after him. He also describes it at "infotainment."
8:00 Who gets to be involved? Branden defines culture as "people like us do things like this" and that how he views Butter.ATL's place. Here he explains how Atlantans can be involved in creating content and how they intend to involve ALL Atlantans. He also apologizes for not being able to answer every DM.
15:30 Living off Instagram. Butter.ATL is popping on IG right now, but Brandon comes from a tech background, so he knows that can't be the only platform. Here he explains what's next for Butter.ATL and how they plan to maneuver in the digital space.
19:40 Getting people to believe in Butter.ATL. Atlanta is a big small city and Brandon got a lot of "WTF are you?" when asking people to get down. Here he talks about earning credibility through consistency and quality.
23:15 Wings or Flats? The guys have a little fun with some very Atlanta-centric questions.
28:40 Will Butter.ATL scale to other cities? Brandon explores the possibility of the platform popping up in other markets.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
It's not often that we get to have comedians on the show, but when they do stop by, it's always a treat. Veteran comedian Aries Spears was in Atlanta for a show at Atlanta Comedy Theater and sat down with Branden before the show to share his story, highlights and mistakes included. If you're wanting 30 minutes of hijinks and impressions, this may not be for you. But if you want to hear some truth and gems from a guy who has been in Hollywood since a teenager, tune in.
2:00 Aries talks about going out to Los Angeles as a 17-year-old comedian and getting in the game. After doing it for so long, he admits the grind is like a relationship with good days and bad days.
5:50 Aries talks about "not playing the game" and perhaps being too real for Hollywood. He opens up about getting plenty of TV development deals but none of them panning out. He also stresses the importance of having creative control and not always letting the business get in the way.
11:30 Aries opens up on why more successful comedians and actors like Eddie Murphy and Will Smith aren't producing multiple television shows. But he also calls fellow comedians to task for not speaking up and creating opportunities for themselves.
17:30 Aries goes into detail about how he was able to get on his first comedy stage at just 14-years-old and how he landed on MAD TV at 21-years-old.
21:00 What happened to sketch comedy shows? Aries says creating [good] sketch comedy is one of the hardest crafts and not everybody can do it well, which is why we see it dying off.
24:00 Aries shares a story about a sketch show pilot he produced that essentially scared the shit out of the white television executives in the room. Says that he'll have to find his way back in onto the big stages through the cracks. But, he is optimistic because comedians are always "one hit away."
28:30 Says comedians having a lot of writers isn't "fair" but fans don't really care.
32:00 Aries speaks on not getting pigeonholed as impression comedian.
*we had four comedians...forgot Michael Colyar
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
After a brief hiatus, Branden and Maurice are back in the booth. This time they're talking with homie and professional peer Terrell Thomas of HipHopSince87.com and These Urban Times. In this episode, he talks about how he got his start in sports writing and how he wants to create more opportunities for guys and girls like him to get in the industry. Sports fans will especially love this one because they talk A LOT of basketball. A LOT!
2:00 The Beginning: Philly native Terrell talks about how he actually started his writing career in sports and politics before getting into Hip-Hop and getting down with HipHopSince87.com. He also reveals that his mother is the one who got him into sports which sparked his interest.
6:00 The conversation shifts to why it is still difficult for young and African-American sportswriters to break into the industry and get a real shot. He also shares why he thinks Black athletes play a role in this as well.
15:00 Is this the craziest NBA Free Agency ever? Is the league actually and truly "balanced" now? Terell shares his thoughts on who won and who lost in NBA Free Agency.
23:30 Who were the studs and duds in NBA Summer League? Spoiler: Branden is not a fan of RJ Barrett and no one was impressed with Zion Williamson either.
33:00 This is when we give some way-to-early predictions about the 2019-20 NBA season.
37:00 We can't do a sports show without talking about the hometown Atlanta Hawks, so here's what we think and are expecting for this young team to do this year.
41:00 Terrell closes out the show speaking on his favorite interviews and his bucket list of people he would love to sit down with.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Branden and Maurice return to the Live Hip-Hop Daily studios to chop it up about all the stuff that is on their minds this week!
0:00 The show starts off talking about "Freaknik" making a comeback in Atlanta this past weekend. Is it possible that it could actually become an annual event again?
4:00 Branden went to Cannes Lions and he was in Los Angeles during the BET Awards, but he didn't go to the actual awards show. This will not stop these two from talking about the awards show though. Are we the only ones that noticed that stage presence seemed to be a priority this year?
11:30 Michael Jackson died on June 25th 10 years ago. Is his musical and cultural legacy still intact after a decade of new artists, controversies and documentaries throwing dirt on his name?
18:50 Branden woke up on June 25 and wore a Purple Rain t-shirt not even knowing that Prince's "Purple Rain" came on out the same day 35 years ago. Listen as the guys discuss the impact Prince and that album had on their young lives. Is it the best movie soundtrack of all time?
30:00 The duo talks about new music they are looking forward to hearing including new albums from E-40, Big Krit as well as Freddie Gibbs and Madlib.
This week Branden and Maurice hold it down with no guest and talk about some things going on in the news right now.
:30 Branden was actually in Virginia Beach right after the mass shooting. The guys speak on how mass shootings are making the gun rights discussion in America that much more difficult. They also debate if we are all starting to get desensitized to gun violence.
8:20 Branden wonders why it takes mainstream media (TV/Film) and celebrity mentions to make people aware or care about certain topics. Namely, how it seems that people are just now hearing of the Central Park Five after Ava Duvernay's Netflix series "When They See Us." Maurice offers reasons why that may happen.
21:00 Jay-Z is the first billionaire in Hip-Hop. Who do you think can become the next?
26:00 Is Megan Thee Stallion breaking the trend of women rappers who had to be "put on" by a male rapper or producer? They also talk about how women in rap are probably making the most interesting music right now. They also talk about why it took so long for another woman rapper to interest men in a real way.
32:00 Rihanna is reportedly worth $600 million now. Will we ever get another album from her. Or does it mean she can have even more creative freedom? After this the guys close the show talking about this year's One Music Fest lineup.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Co-Founder of Beats by the Pound, singer, instrumentalist, and scholar, Mo B. Dick helped shape the sound of the 1990s with his voice and tracks. The legendary producer joined Day 1 Radio this week to talk about everything...and we mean everything! From his time in the Southern University band to hooking up with his cousin Master P and forming Beats by the Pound with KLC to his new album Flambeaux (streaming on all platforms).
Listen up and get the inside scoop from one of the men behind arguably the most successful independent juggernaut in music history.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This show is called Day 1 Radio for a reason, which is why this week's guest Posa is someone we think you should pay attention to. We don't get a lot of rappers out of Alabama, but the ones we do get definitely stand out and make an impact. Mobile, Alabama rapper and TIG recording artist Posa is no different. While he may not be a household name yet, his single "In A Minute" has already reached more than 1.5 million views on Youtube and his song "Big Dawg" featuring Moneybagg Yo is picking up steam as well. Listen as Branden Peters has a chat with the up-and-coming songwriter about his many talents and the life events that have inspired his music.
Opening: Of course, Branden the former Oakland Raiders fan starts off by asking the Posa the current whereabouts of former #1 Draft Pick and fellow Mobile native JaMarcus Russel. Fortunately, he has good news to share.
2:00 - Posa talks about growing up in Mobile, comparing it to New Orleans, but also noting how there isn't much opportunity. He also speaks on building a fan base there before moving to Atlanta to grow his career.
6:30 - Posa talks about how he hooked up with Think It's Game Ent. and how being around the likes of Rich Homie Quan, YFN Lucci, Jacquees and ForteBowie has rubbed off on him.
8:00 - Posa talks about how his older brothers and their lifestyles influenced his music and his personal mission to bring the streets and a message in his music. He also opens up about juggling music and raising a daughter with a heart condition.
11:50 - Posa talks about his most recent project BOLO and the meaning behind it. He also opens up about his older brother "losing his mind" after smoking a laced blunt and how that pushed him out of his comfort zone.
19:00 - Posa has already written a book, short film and he reveals that he writes the treatments and storyboards for all of his videos.
21:30 - Posa talks about how he has to move when he returns home, especially after unfortunate events involving fellow Mobile native OMB Peezy. He also talks about letting his young children listen to his music.
24:30 - Posa reveals that his dream collaboration would be with Rihanna.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week Branden and Maurice keep it mostly about music as a lot of your favorite albums are celebrating anniversaries right now. Nas' Illmatic and Outkast's Southerplayalisticadillacmuzik both turn 25 years old this month and Eminem's Slim Shady LP turns 20 years old. Being the music journalists and historians they are, they discuss each album's impact and if any of them can be mentioned in the "greatest debut album ever" discussion. Show producer and Live Hip Hop Daily founder Herb also chimes in a little too. Other topics discussed include Jay-Z's The Shawn Carter Foundation taking teens on an HBCU tour, Avengers Endgame movie and Nicki Minaj going on tour with Chris Brown.
4:00 - Is Nas' "Illmatic" the greatest debut album ever?
8:00 - Outkast's "Southerplayalisticadillacmuzik" turns 25 years old this year, will we ever get another album from them?
14:00 - Eminem's debut album turns 20 years old, was it his best album?
20:00 - Schoolboy Q's new album CrasH Talk drops Friday, what does he have left in the tank? Will Jay-Z singlehandedly boost HBCU admissions? Will Avengers Endgame be good and how are they planning on bringing Black Panther back from the dead? Nicki Minaj is going on tour, but will people buy tickets?
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week Branden and Maurice link up for the first time in a few weeks to catch up on what's going on in the world. Among the things they discuss are if Black people care that Tiger Woods won the Masters and who they think are going far in the NBA playoffs. They also chop it up with the homies J Rocc and N. Ali Early to talk about the 25th Cali Picnic happening this Saturday, 4/20 in Atlanta.
00:00 Tiger Woods - Do or should Black folks care that Tiger Woods has made his comeback official by winning the 2019 Masters golf tournament?
8:40 NBA Playoffs - The first weekend of the NBA Playoffs got off to a crazy start. Should BP be concerned about his Golden State Warriors?
13:00 Notre Dame - Every mainstream news outlet has reported extensively on the Notre Dame cathedral fire. Some countries, including the US, are pledging to donate millions of dollars to repair it. But, what about the Black churches that have been burning on American soil?
17:00 Nipsey Hussle - The world is still reeling from the death of Nipsey Hussle. BP and Reese chat about the aftermath and his impact.
20:00 Lil Nas X - Is Lil Nas X's come up organic or artificial? Also, after the break J Rocc and N. Ali Early stop by to talk about the history of Cali Picnic aka "The Best Day of the Year."
Big Zak earned his rep writing hooks and songs for artists ranging from Young Jeezy to Ciara. He even dropped some dope music himself. But after 15 years in the game he came to a crossroads and decided to apply his creative talents to cooking healthy food. Now, he is the owner of one of Atlanta's fastest growing restaurants, Local Green Atlanta. In this episode of Day 1 Radio the songwriter-turned-restauranteur talks about his journey from slanging hit records to serving good food.
2:00 - Zak breaks down how he got into the music industry and started writing for Ciara, Young Jeezy, Lloyd and more. FYI: His first hit song was Ciara's "Goodies."
8:00 - How and why he made the transition from writing music to opening a healthy food restaurant. He also reveals how he and Polow Da Don started on their weight loss journey together.
15:30 - Zak talks about trying to convince people in his circle to eat healthier and being able to prove it with his product.
19:00 - Zak talks about the process of making healthy food taste good.
25:00 - Zak talks about deciding to open a healthy food option in Atlanta's underserved Vine City neighborhood instead of a more popular part of town.
33:00 - Zak talks about how his image as rapper both helped and hurt his new venture at first.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week our hosts Maurice and BP shared their thoughts on the senseless murder of Nipsey Hussle. No conspiracy theories and no disrespect, just two black men talking bout the great things Nip did during his 33 years on this earth.
We are all saddened and angered at this time, but those who can, must heal and do our part to uplift and improve our communities.
Before his work was exhibited in galleries around the world, Dr. Fahamu Pecou started off like most artistically inclined kids. he was drawing cartoons in his notebook. Now his visual art can be seen everywhere from major network TV shows to the Smithsonian. Kick back and listen to us run through his journey.
Be sure to go fahamupecouart.com to purchase his incredible work and to see stay up to date on his shows.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week on Day 1 Radio we have two friends of the show joining us. First, the homie and fellow writer Rodney Charmichael of NPR joins us for a chat. We chop it up about his journey as a writer and what it has been like covering Hip-Hop for one of the most trusted news organizations in America. After that, our friend Mr. Daniel Dickey joins us to talk about his new single "Glad To Care For You" and what is has been like balancing his career as a brand strategist and now singer.
1:30 Intro: Rodney talks about his first days a journalist working in Waco, Texas covering religion.
4:45 - Rodney shares his story of how he got into music journalism full-time.
7:00 - Rodney speaks on making the jumps from working in Atlanta at Rolling Out and Creative Loafing to going to Washington, D.C. to write for NPR.
13:30 - The three of us talk about why Atlanta has had such a long run of dominance in rap music.
18:00 - Rodney talks about the pros and challenges of interviewing rappers for NPR and their audience.
21:30 - Rodney kinda sorta gives the skinny on what really goes on behind the scenes at the NPR Tiny Desk concerts.
24:30 - Rodney reveals who his dream interview subject would be.
27:00 - Rodney offers his perspective on Solange's new album.
33:00 - Cancel Culture, what exactly is it and where do journalists fit in?
42:30 Mr. Daniel Dickey stops by to talk about his new single "Glad to Care For You" and a lot of other things you do not want to miss. Trust.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
The hosts of Day 1 Radio recently conducted a panel at the Annex Bookstore in Atlanta to celebrate Black History Month. The guys were joined by Joy Young (Roc Nation), Trendsetter Sense, Occasional Superstar and Bem Joiner (Atlanta Influences Everything) for an informative and entertaining conversation.
As always, share with your network, rate and review!
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week's guest Cavario H retired from the streets to create one of the most influential magazines in hip-hop, Don Diva. The publisher turned editor, author and activist sat with us to discuss his journey from magazines to the literature world and the powerful work he's doing in prison reform.
Listen, Rate, Review and when you're done hit up Cavario's site to cop one of his dope Mind Plug tees.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week Day 1 Radio caught up with highly-skilled MC and songwriter Skyzoo to talk about his everything from his upcoming album with Pete Rock to dabbling in film. Find a second to sit back and enjoy this one.
4:30 Skyzoo talks his journey since 2009's "The Salvation."
-Hip-Hop has changed a lot in 10 years, but Sky has remained relevant by being selective. He also explains his writing process.
11:00 "Fatherhood is the greatest thing in the world"
-Skyzoo keeps it real about being a father and having his father in his life.
13:00 Moving to Atlanta
-Skyzoo has been coming down south for a while, now he talks about why he made the permanent move.
15:30 Working with Pete Rock on "Retropolitan" collaboration album
-Sky says he can't get into too many details, but still shares some good news about the project. He also reveals that he's a jazz snob.
25:30 Don't expect a big "The Salvation" 10th Anniversary celebration
-Sky says he is working on a documentary, but don't expect a tour. He also talks about the difference between music you relate to and escape too.
31:30 Is there too much rap music to listen to?
-Sky talks about who his favorite MCs are but admits that it's hard to keep up.
35:50 Skyzoo's stance on streaming music
-Skyzoo says he's not against streaming music but wants fans to understand you support artists by actually buying music, not streaming it.
38:50 "Anybody that says they didn't have major label aspirations is lying"
-Skyzoo has always been independent but admits he'd love the major label shine if he could still have control and be happy with what he's producing.
42:30 Skyzoo talks placements and licensing
-Skyzoo breaks down how placements and licensing have helped his career and the difference between the two. He also talks about how music consumption is at an all-time high, but music sales are at an all-time low.
45:00 Getting into film
-Skyzoo talks how he's landed film roles and his part in the acclaimed film Patti Cake$
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This episode of Day 1 Radio is one of those unexpected surprises we always enjoy. In case you didn't know already, Branden is from Oakland and he ran into another Town legend, Dwayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné! at bar. He was invited to come to the show, and like a real one, he showed up! Check out this episode as Wiggins breaks down the many highs of his career and journey that includes putting on some of your favorite artists ranging from Beyonce to Kelani.
1:30 Moving to Atlanta
- Wiggins talks about how much he enjoys working as a musician in Atlanta and how much it reminds him of coming up in Oakland.
2:45 Entrepreneurship
- More than a producer, Wiggins has also dabbled in entrepreneurship owning a handful of business in the Bay.
4:00 Starting with music, pre-Tony! Toni! Tone!
7:40 The moment he realized Tony! Toni! Tone! was going to blow up
9:00 Making music with his son in the group Prostyle
-Wiggins talks about the joy (and worry) of making music with his offspring
12:00 - Wiggins worked with Destiny Child, Kelani, Keyshia Cole, H.E.R
-Wiggins has played a role in shaping the music of some of your favorite artists. Here's how.
24:10 - Wiggins talks about making "neo soul" music before it became an official term.
28:20 - The making "Feels Good"
-The guy who raps on this classic song is actually Tupac Shakur's brother, Mopreme. Here's how that happened.
30:00 - The meaning behindTony! Toni! Tone! and touring with new members
34:45 - New music with his brother Raphael Saadiq
- Wiggins hints at new music with his brother Raphael Saadiq, but when will it come out?
38:30 - Non-profit and future ventures
-Wiggins talks about his non-profit work and future projects he's working on.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
No guest this week as the guys chop it up about a few hot topics.
30: Super Bowl in Atlanta
-Branden and Maurice talk about the Super Bowl coming to Atlanta. Are you a hypocrite for wanting to enjoy the festivities if you've been #TeamKap for the last two years?
11:30 Kamala Harris
-Senator Kamala Harris announced that she is running for president, but there has been alot of receipt pulling. Are people judging her too early? Also, is it good for America to vote for "anybody but Trump" in 2020.
19:45 The Government Shutdown
-Is about to be year-round "Robbin Season" if the shutdown isn't ended soon?
23:15 Are You Watching?
The guys discuss Killer Mike's "Trigger Warning" and the FYRE Festival documentary on Netflix as well as the new Martin Luther King documentary on HBO.
33:00 Soulja Shenanigans
-Is Soulja Boy a legend?
42:00 Oscars So Black
-After years of being overlooked, Black folks are nominated all over the Oscars this year. Are any of them going to actually win though?
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Day 1 Radio is starting 2019 with a show that will stick to your mind for a while. We have Morehouse professor Dr. David Wall Rice on to talk about his journey from rap magazine writer to cool ass professor. Then we are joined by #MuteRKelly co-founder Oronike Odeleye to get more insight on the attention surrounding the "Surviving R. Kelly" docuseries. This is definitely one you want to set aside and bookmark to listen to now, later and again.
1:00 Transition from journalist to educator
-Dr. Rice talks about his journey from writing for rap magazine to teaching at Morehouse
5:00 Where is Black music journalism (and journalism in general) at now?
-Dr. Rice's sigh before answering should let you know how he feels. But hear him out. This is also the only time you will hear "sycophantically" and "on his nuts" in the same sentence, ever.
8:20 Dr. Rice talks about teaching at his alma mater
-Dr. Rice has been teaching at Morehouse longer than he actually went to school there. How cool is that?
9:30 Writing about the psychology of Black men
-Dr. Rice breaks down how he got into writing about this often overlooked subject and why it's important to see Black people as "whole and healthy."
17:45 "I wanted to meet Rakim"
-Dr. Rice opens up about what made him want to start writing and speaks on one of his published articles discussing the language of Hip-Hop. Keep listening and you'll learn what "identity orchestration" means too.
22:30 Can Hip-Hop be the most popular music genre and still be subgenre at the same time?
-Yep. Listen to how Branden and Dr. Rice break it down.
24:30 GOOD ASS QUESTION ALERT!
-How much is Black cultural currency worth right now?
27:00 Who is your favorite lyricist and rapper of all time?
-There IS a difference.
33:00 Are HBCUs still relevant today?
-You already know what a Morehouse alum and professor is going to say, but listen anyway to hear why HBCUs are safe spaces for Black folks.
36:10 What does teaching Black men bring to Dr. Rice's life?
-Dr. Rice talks about what raising Black boys and teaching black men does for his life and work.
39:00 Welcome Oronike Odeleye to the show!
-Oronike does a lot but she is also known for her part in co-founding the #MuteRKelly campaign. Listen as she talks about what prompted the campaign.
44:00 Getting into the criminality of R. Kelly.
-R. Kelly was "acquitted" of criminal charges. Oronike talks about how people using that as a reason to keep supporting is problematic.
47:00 "The Elegance of White Supremacy"
-Branden asks why does it take White society to call something bad to make Black folks upset. Realness ensues.
51:00 The Aftermath
-Will any action be taken against R. Kelly after the "Surviving R. Kelly" documentary? Oronike says yes and points out what is already doing.
53:00 To the people who still listen to R. Kelly...
-Oronike breaks down how listening to R. Kelly puts money in his pocket and makes them complacent in his behavior.
57:40 Normalizing and Rationalizing
-Branden speaks on why some people think it is ok for adults to sleep with underage boys and girls after generations of unaddressed psychological issues.
1:01 "It's a Heavy thing to watch."
-Oronike talks about how it's hard, but necessary, for the R. Kelly documentary to be so graphic and the #MuteRKelly campaign to be so direct. Dr. Rice follows by asking how Oronike maintains doing this work.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Cipha Sounds stopped by the show this week while he was in Atlanta to DJ at our friend Wally Sparks' party "The Groove." He was expecting to talk about current events but we chose to talk about his history, accomplishments and many, many, many jobs. Take a listen.
1:30 DJing for fun, not for money
-Cyph talks about why he is in Atlanta DJing for Wally Sparks' "The Groove" and how he DJs only for fun now.
3:00 Going on the road with comedian Michael Che
- Cyph is Che's road DJ and opening act. He talks about how black Che is, but how white his fans are.
4:00 Cyph talks about how today's comedians are catching more heat that rappers for making jokes.
6:40 What took Cyph so long to get into comedy?
-Cyph was the DJ for Chappelle's Show. Dave told him he was funny a long time ago, but he didn't listen.
9:40 The difference between stand-up and impov comedy and where Cyph fits in.
-Cyph admits that his idea for bringing Hip Hop to improv was a "scam" but it all worked out.
19:00 Cyph recalls "The Tunnel" days.
-Cyph talks about the time he saw Charles Oakley, Mike Tyson, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Donald Trump came to famed NYC club The Tunnel together, dressed alike in matching white minks.
23:40 Catching hate in the comedy world
-Cyph talks about how the comedy world wasn't always receptive to him coming in the game. He also talks about how cutthroat the "joke game" is.
28:00 At peace with not getting "credit"
-Cyph got people like Rick Ross, Rihanna and others in the game, but never got his "credit." He talks about how he has benefitted indirectly down the line.
35:00 GOOD QUESTION ALERT! Cyph talks about what jobs he wished he got/took/turned down.
-Cyph talks about how a bad job interview ruined a chance to be A&R at Bad Boy Records. He also speaks on why he didn't like being "lead mic" on the Hot 97 Morning Show. Keep listening to see what it was like working with Aziz Ansari, and being asked to hit the road with Louis CK.
43:00 Dealing with being on TV versus radio.
-Did Cyph stop a domestic violence case with his face? Listen to find out.
44:00 Cyph reveals his dreams and future plans.
48:00 RANDOM: Cyph tells a story about Doug E. Fresh opening up for Prince.
49:30 The Juan Epstein podcast is coming back, and he has a new show in the works too.
54:45 Cyph is in a good place.
-Cyph talks about going to therapy regularly
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Author, director, and OG podcaster Tariq Nasheed makes his 2nd appearance on Day 1 Radio this week. We touched on quite a few topics ranging from entertainment to politics.
1:30 - Mink Slide: Tariq talks about his upcoming Mink Slides show in Atlanta and why he chose to make an 80s inspired R&B funk album.
5:00 - Jacquees and disrespect: Tariq offers his thoughts on why and how younger artists like Jacquees (and Tory Lanez) let social media gas them up.
11:00 - "On code": Tariq explains what it means to be “on code” and why more Black people should buy into the concept. He also talks about the “trick” of inclusivity and “people of color.”
20:00 - Slave play: There is a new “slave play” on Broadway. Tariq talks about how crazy shows like this can even exist.
23:00 - Black media: Tariq is a handful of people leading a new charge of Black media. He talks about how strong this movement can be.
25:00 - Hidden Colors 5: Tariq reveals the status of the fifth and final installment of his highly-successful documentary series “Hidden Colors.”
34:00 - 2019: Tariq lays out what he has in store for 2019.
This is our final show of 2018, we will see you at the top of next year with more 🔥content.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Before Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse hits theaters on December, 14th, we had the opportunity to chop it up with the multi-talented Shameik Moore. The Atlanta native has been leveling up since first appearing on our TV screens on House of Payne. With critically acclaimed Dope and now Spiderman on his resume, Moore spoke with us about how the "law of attraction" works for him as well as his plans to release music in 2019.
Reese and BP also discuss Kevin Hart's Oscar issues and what the Grammy's got right and wrong with nominations this week.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Fresh off the Thanksgiving break Branden and Maurice catch up and talk about highs, lows and shenanigans that took place over the holiday.
Start: Thanksgiving and Black Friday catch-up.
-How much damage did you do to your stomach and wallet? Branden also reveals the ingredients to a new drink called "The Pimp Shake."
7:00 - Tekashi 69
-We debate and actually try to figure out just what this dude is on. We also discuss his new album that just dropped as well as the impact his behavior can have on up and coming artists.
19:00 - Tory Lanez vs Joyner Lucas
-A rap battle that isn't a rap beef? Word? We are here for it.
23:00 Black Thought
-Everybody wanted a Black Thought solo album. Now we have two projects from him. What do you think?
32:00 The Wait What We Want
-Piggybacking off that convo, we discuss what and why it takes so long for our favorite artists to give fans what they want.
36:00 Politics
-Election season isn't over yet. There is more voting to do. Especially in Georgia where the runoff for Secretary of State is on the horizon.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Just in time for Thanksgiving, Day 1 Radio has a dope episode for you to feast on. This week's guest is H. Beecher Hicks III, CEO of the National Museum of African American Music. He is spearheading an effort to build the first and only museum dedicated to preserving the legacy and celebrating the accomplishments of the many music genres created, influenced and inspired by African Americans. Just in case you were wondering, construction is already underway and he's already raised 75% of the $50 million needed to get it done. Listen in as he gives you more details on what is soon to be a go-to destination.
2:00: Why Nashville?
-Why is Nashville aka "Music City" a good fit for an African-American music museum?
4:30: Did the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History inspire this?
-Kind of, but Hicks says this has been 20 years in the making.
6:00: Fundraising
-Hicks talks about the massive financial support the museum has received. Funding has come from people in 35 states with donations ranging from $5 to six figures.
11:30: Who Is this guy?
-Hicks talks about his history in business and music.
14:00: Who does this museum really help?
-Hicks breaks down how the museum will not only educate the masses, but benefit musicians as well.
16:00: Inclusion
-Hicks explains how non-black people can contribute to a black museum. Don't get it twisted though, this is about black music.
18:00 Who is involved?
-Hicks runs off a who's who list of scholars and historians who he feels will get the narrative right.
22:30: Who is handling the Hip Hop portion?
-The elephant in the room. Who is going to rep for the Hip Hop culture at the museum?
28:40: What will people see at the grand opening?
-Prepare to be blown away. Hicks and his team have a lot in store. Nothing janky here.
33:00 The case for new music in a museum
-Hicks says the cutoff year for the initial permanent collection will be 2015. But what comes after that?
35:00: You must learn
-We ask Hicks what's one music fact he's learned in building the museum. Hint: It's a good one.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
This week Day 1 Radio caught up with a man who has been documenting the culture for decades, Choke No Joke. Listen as he talks about his life growing up in the Bronx, working for Roc-A-Fella and his new documentary "The Hip Hop Nucleus."
1:00How did Choke No Joke end up in Atlanta?
-Working on "Real Housewives of Atlanta" how everything isn't what it seems.
5:30 First involvement in Hip Hop
-Choke has participated in damn near every element there is.
10:30 Getting into modeling and acting
-Choke speaks on being the male love interest and even the leading man in music videos.
14:00 Starting to flim behind the scenes
-Choke talks about how he used his industry access to start capturing behind the scenes moments with your favorite rappers.
17:00 Making his first behind the scenes tapes
-Speaking on how he went from watching for his personal pleasure to actually "editing" videos.
19:30 Filming the Tunnel
-Choke is the man who filmed the footage of New York's famed "The Tunnel" night club that shaped the culture in the 90s.
25:00 Roc A Fella
-Strap in for this one. He goes in.
40:00 Relationship with BET and rap video shows died off?
44:00 Favorite Rap City freestyles
-Can you guess who he thinks has the best Rap City freestyle ever?
48:00 Dame Dash
Choke keeps it real on his former co-worker.
50:00 Jay Z Biography
-Choke produced "A Genius Leaves the Hood: The Unofficial Autobiography of Jay Z"
54:00 New projects
55:00 Message to the future
Choke shares his views on the new "drug user" era that Hip Hop seems to be in right now.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
eSports is a name thats thrown around a lot these days, and for good reason. eSports is projected to make over $900 million by the end of 2018. The thing is, many of us have no idea what eSports is. So, we sat with eSports OG (yes that is possible) Sebastian "Chosen1" Burton to discuss the past, present and future of the game. Burton isn't just anybody though, he's one of the best fighting game competitors, eSports director of Project MQ and the president of Gold Standard Gaming. Even if you aren't into video games, you will get a lot out of this episode. As always, subscribe, rate and review.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
The Stacy Abrams vs. Brian Kemp Georgia State Governor election has become national news for a variety of reasons. Neither Reese nor Branden are political experts, so the guys brought on lawyer, political analyst and activist Anoa Changa to discuss the midterm elections here in Georgia and key races in other states as well. This is probably one of the most informative episodes we’ve produced. Hopefully you get a lot out of it.
1:20 - How did you get into politics and activism? Anoa talks about her upbringing in New York and Chicago and being raised by a former Black Panther...and then living in West Virginia.
6:45 - Why is the Stacey Abrams vs. Brian Kemp so important and why is it getting national coverage? Anoa talks about how Georgia's demographics have changed in the last decade-plus and how this opens the door for Abrams' approach to non-voters.
11:30 - How is it possible for Kemp to remain Secretary of State and be in charge of the election, while he is running for Governor? Anoa talks about how there really isn't a rule in place to make Kemp step down.
13:20 - Why did it take Democrats so long to decide to complain about Kemp not stepping down.
17:00 - Breaking down the "cross match" and "exact match" rules and voting purges. Damn! Even BP got removed from the rolls.
24:07 Why local voting STILL matters. Anoa breaks down how to pick good candidates to run on your behalf. We also talk about some of the crazy voting processes in different cities across America.
32:07 Why voters should make demands BEFORE politicians get elected.
35:07 How can we get people to be more interested and involved in politics? Anoa talks about different organizations you can find information and resources. Stresses that getting involved and informed is not out of reach.
40:22 - What are some good non-partisan media outlets that people get real information from?
43:07 - Why early voting is important.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Carter V, MAGA YE, Cosby & Kavanaugh w/ Bossip Editor Jah
Maurice is OT this week, so we invited our guy Jah (Bossip, Sum'n to Say Podcast) to sit in and chop it up over the week's news. We broke down Lil Wayne's Carter V album, Ye's MAGA antics, Brett Kavanaugh hearings, Cosby sentencing and the upcoming NBA season.
Be sure to subscribe, rate and review.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Big Block a.k.a. The Eastside Chevy Rider, may not be a household name, but he’s been an integral part in the careers of many of your favorite artists from the south and beyond. This week, we sat down with him to discuss the past, present and future of his career as an executive and all-around stand-up guy. Big shout out to supporter, homie and hip-hop historian Nuface for hooking this one up!
1:37 Working with 2Pac in the early 90s and not realizing he was on his management team.
6:50 Working with Tony Draper and Suave House Records.
9:27 The under-recognized legacy of Greg Street.
11:39 The nucleus of his relationship with Jazzie Pha and how it birthed Shonuff Records.
14:30 Being Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith's blood cousin, but not wanting to ride coattails.
16:20 Linking with Puff Daddy and the story of Boyz N’ Da Hood.
21:00 Starting Bad Boy South/Block Ent.
23:30 Shaq almost signed Rick Ross.
27:10 Simplecontacts.com/day for $20 off your first order.
28:00 The rise of Bad Boy South.
31:00 Why there wasn’t a Bad Boy South album after the Bad Boy reunion.
35:00 Block talks having three current label deals.
37:00 Old vs New way of discovering, building and signing artists
39:00 Introducing new artist Country Boi
43:09 Thoughts on Slash from Guns ‘n’ Roses’ recent critique of current hip-hop.
46:15 Block announces deal with film/TV producer Will Packer.
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
Drake & Meek Make Up, Cardi Beef & Bobby Brown Made for TV
This week, Reese and BP talk about all the news that you are most likely discussing in your group chats and barbershops, but with perspective only we can give. Kick back, listen and be sure to subscribe, rate and review.
1:00 - One Music Fest recap: Best sets. Are all artists good fits for festivals?
5:30 - Cardi B and Nicki Minaj: Feud turns into a public fight. Is there a winner?
12:50 - Mac Miller: Why are so many rappers self-medicating?
23:00 - Bobby Brown: Was it as good at the New Edition story? Did Bobby make himself look like a good guy?
33:00 Meek Mill and Drake: Hip Hop wins for this beef being squashed, but do we want new music yet?
36:00 Serena Williams: Is she right?
40:00 Dallas Shooting: An off-duty cop entered someone else home and killed them because they thought they were an intruder. Should we expect justice?
Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio
