#23b – Bringing it back (part 2)
Here's the second of another two part podcast episode. This double episode is about tracks that brought us back, or
Read MoreHere's the second of another two part podcast episode. This double episode is about tracks that brought us back, or
Read MoreHere's the first in another two part podcast episode. This time about tracks that brought us back, or made us
Read MoreHere is the concluding part of our numbers episode, where we counted down from a lot to a bit less.
Read MoreAfter an epic three-parter looking at the 26 letters of the alphabet, we thought we would make it easier for
Read MoreThank f### for that. We finally finished this mega episode. I’m not even going to go through the remaining couple
Read MoreWe carry on with another episode from the A-Z recording. We recorded over 5 hours in total (it was a
Read MoreBe prepared for some hidden gems, some unmentioned classics and some slept on tracks and artists. Recorded as an end
Read MoreQuestlove, drummer for The Roots, director, author and all-round music genius, said that he thought 1993-4 was the greatest period
Read MoreIn this episode, Sunny sets Marcus a challenge: Listen to some carefully selected Bhangra tracks, analyse and evaluate them, and
Read MoreQuestlove, drummer for The Roots, director, author and all-round music genius, said that he thought 1993-4 was the greatest period
Read MoreIn this episode, Sunny sets Marcus a challenge: Listen to some carefully selected Bhangra tracks, analyse and evaluate them, and
Read MoreWe all love hip-hop, why else would you be listening to this podcast, but there are times when you hear something and go full Black Rob “like, Woah!”
This episode is about all those moments when you’ve been shaken to your core by something so new or so amazing. Those moments change your life and make you see things differently. From albums, tracks, or even just a beat drop, these are the moments that stick with you forever. Sunny and Marcus pick some of their favourite wow moments and explain why it had the impact it did.
Read MoreWe all love hip-hop, why else would you be listening to this podcast, but there are times when you hear
Read MoreNope, this isn’t episode looking at the sporting prowess of athletes turned hip hop stars, this is a weird thought experiment where we try to match the personalities, styles and technical abilities into our imagined hip hop football (soccer) and cricket (like baseball but with more cream teas) XI.
Sunny and Marcus go through their criteria and thoughts to come up with their own XI, and eventually agree on a combined team for both sports. We know the Venn diagram for people who like hip hop, football and cricket is largely a bunch of independent circles, but we enjoyed it.
Who will be our crazy left back? Who will be the star striker? Who will open the batting? Find out in this episode.
Read MoreNope, this isn’t episode looking at the sporting prowess of athletes turned hip hop stars, this is a weird thought
Read MoreIn this episode, we take a closer look at one of the most underrated and important albums in hip-hop, dead prez’s 2000 debut ‘Let’s Get Free’. Although the lead single, Hip Hop, is well known – even making it into a VW advert – but the rest of the album is embarrassingly slept-on.
Read MoreIn this episode, we take a closer look at one of the most underrated and important albums in hip-hop, dead
Read MoreFollowing on from episode 14, where we looked at Small Town Rap, we started to dig deeper into some of
Read MoreWhen we think of hip-hop and rap, it is often inextricably linked to place. Most often, these places are the densely populated urban areas in America; after all, hip-hop was born in those places, and they contain all the ingredients needed to create the environment for hip-hop to report on.
In this episode, we look to those small towns, the ‘other’ places were hip-hop has grown and flourished. We are still limiting ourselves to USA, but we look at a number of artists from smaller towns and analyse their music and their impact.
Read MoreWhen we think of hip-hop and rap, it is often inextricably linked to place. Most often, these places are the
Read MoreThey fell off, they came back harder. This episode looks at artists whose careers took a turn and celebrates their triumphant return to form/status/notoriety.
In this episode, we try to look beyond the typical examples of Nas, Common and Dr Dre, and focus on some less obvious examples. We hope you enjoy it.
Read MoreThey fell off, they came back harder. This episode looks at artists whose careers took a turn and celebrates their
Read MoreRemember when you heard that one track, and immediately rushed out to get the album? (Or set about saving your
Read MoreRemember when you heard that one track, and immediately rushed out to get the album? (Or set about saving your pennies in order to buy it). Well this isn’t an episode about that track. No, this is about the hidden gold on those albums.
First of all, you listen to the big track on repeat until you know every word, you feel every drum beat, and absorb each sample. Then you start exploring the rest of the album, and after a few listens, other tracks catch your attention. As you listen more, you are drawn in, until you realise that it soon becomes your favourite track on the album.
Apologies for getting all ‘Bardic’ with you. In this episode we follow on to a twitter conversation, where someone claimed Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince was the ultimate summer hip hop track. Others (Dart Adams, et al.) said Fight the Power by Public Enemy was the epitome of Summer.
In this episode, we take a step back, and make some suggestions for the most apt track for each of the four seasons.
Read MoreIn this episode we follow on to a conversation on twitter, where someone claimed Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff and
Read MoreAfter a discussion about the Fugees’ The Score as a classic album, we started to consider what other albums released afterwards could be deemed as classics. So this is the first in a mini-series we are calling ‘the last great hip hop album’.
When Mos Def and Talib Kweli first appeared on some early Rawkus releases, you could see the talent both held, but ‘Fortified Live’ and the freestyle on Soundbombing didn’t compare with what was to come 29 September, 1998, when their eponymous first (and to this date, only) album dropped.
Read More“Hello everybody. Recording Live from somewhere…” After a discussion about the Fugees’ The Score as a classic album, we started
Read MoreOpen the wrapping, insert the disc into your CD player, and press play. This episode looks at albums that hit hard from Track 1.
Read MoreDear Lord, I know I don’t pray, and I don’t really believe, but I’m invoking Pascal’s Wager and asking you
Read MoreSo what does it mean to be underrated in hip-hop? Is it a lack of commercial success, widespread notoriety, or
Read MoreSo what does it mean to be underrated in hip-hop? Is it a lack of commercial success, widespread notoriety, or
Read MoreWho is the best MC? Who has the best bars? Best tracks? As fans of hip-hop, these are often the
Read MoreWho is the best MC? Who has the best bars? Best tracks? As fans of hip-hop, these are often the
Read MoreWe’ve all been there, listening along to a track, when BOOM, on comes a guest artist and blows the track
Read MoreWe’ve all been there, listening along to a track, when BOOM, on comes a guest artist and blows the track
Read MoreHip-hop is littered with basslines and melodies that shakes you out of your seat or have you nodding until your
Read MoreHip-hop is littered with basslines and melodies that shakes you out of your seat or have you nodding until your
Read MoreOn this episode we are joined by a special guest, Andy, who posed us a tough question: If you met
Read MoreOn this episode we are joined by a special guest, Andy, who posed us a tough question: If you met
Read MoreIt’s fair to say that women rappers haven’t had the opportunities that male rappers have, and given the misogynistic nature
Read MoreIt’s fair to say that women rappers haven’t had the opportunities that male rappers have, and given the misogynistic nature
Read MoreWho doesn’t love a posse cut? If you’re not sure what they are, they’re when a group of MCs come
Read MoreWho doesn’t love a posse cut? If you’re not sure what they are, they’re when a group of MCs come
Read MoreFrom the release of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 1993, the Wu-Tang Clan have been one of the most
Read MoreFrom the release of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 1993, the Wu-Tang Clan have been one of the most
Read MoreWe’ve been away for a while but we have been busy. I’m pleased to tease a new project coming really
Read MoreThis is one of my favourite albums. More complete than the J5LP, but with the same bounce and flavour as
Read MoreThis artwork won’t win any awards for typography or accessibility (I mean, purple writing over a dark picture!!) but the
Read MoreWho is the Madd Rapper? When he first started appearing on albums in the mid-90s, no-one knew his real identity.
Read MoreUndoubtedly this album is a classic. It properly introduced the world to the talents of Rakim. The cover art depicts
Read MoreOkay, this one is a bit cheeky, because this EP was only released today (1 June 2018), so I can’t
Read MoreFrom the man who was picked up by Big Daddy Kane, guested on tracks by Big L, and spurned a
Read MoreOf all of the Beastie’s album covers, this is probably my favourite. But I don’t know why. They do prefer
Read MoreFor all of yesterday’s minimalism and female empowerment, today is all about the Big Daddy. Sat on a throne, resplendent
Read MoreShe’s just an absolute badass. This would get listed just for the logo in the corner, but then there is
Read MoreThis solo album from Gift of Gab, of Blackalicious fame, is a little gem. Gab still brings the same amazing
Read MoreLove it. This 1991 debut album from the New York/Toronto group Main Source was the only ‘proper’ release. Large Professor
Read MoreI love this artwork. Erick and Parrish surrounded by the 5-0. Helicopters, dogs and many guns pointed in their direction,
Read More1999’s Madlib led effort is just dope. The cover art is as crazy as the mind of the producer!
Read MoreArguably one of the most innovative producers in Hip Hop history, Dan the Automator’s 1998 offering is incredible. Having grown
Read MoreConsistently dope throughout the 90s, PRT’s 1993 effort depicts the brotha’s looking all, well, righteous. Always droppin’ their 5 percenter
Read MoreNo need to say much about this 1990 masterpiece! Fight The Power!
Read MoreAnother contemporary Chi town MC, Mick’s 2014 debut depicts him either sinking, floating, or ascending. Listening to the LP, I
Read MoreLupe’s 2006 sophomore concept effort has Chi town’s MC at his lyrical best. Incredibly dense and layered, this is a
Read MoreAfter dropping guest verses and mixtapes, 2015 saw Joey release his debut LP. Unapologetically 90s in its sound, here we
Read MoreZone’s 1999 recorded debut has him at his eclectic best. A real producer’s producer, Zone remains criminally slept on. Independent,
Read MoreThis experimental French group dropped a bonafide masterpiece in 2002. Conceptually similar to the work of Handsome Boy Modelling School
Read MoreA masterpiece. RZA at his best, GZA at his best, the clan bringing pure fire throughout, 1995 saw the release
Read MoreThis 2007 debut from the super duo of Dan and Pip depicts them play-doh’d up, and creating colourful tapestries throughout.
Read MoreHill’s 1993 sophomore effort features an eerie graveyard (their competition?!). One of the most influential groups to come from the
Read MoreProbably the weakest LP in Soul’s oeuvre, 2014’s concept album has Solo depicted as a Christ like figure. 2016’s Do
Read MoreAnother criminally slept on contemporary MC, The Bay’s Sikh brotha and MC extraordinaire, Mandeep Sethi, fused the insightful thoughts of
Read MoreOddisee is a criminally slept on contemporary producer and MC. This 2009 offering has DC’s Amir, well, liberating yo mind!
Read MoreRjd2 is something of a slept on producer behind contemporaries like Shadow and Cut Chemist. ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ on this
Read MoreKendrick won a Pulitzer for 2017’s DAMN. But it was 2015’s To Pimp a Butterfly that separated K-dot from his
Read MoreAn incredible, eclectic offering by L-boogie (who, it must be remembered, is non-violent!). The cover art depicts Ms Hill as
Read MoreThis 1996 offering from the dark underbelly of Tokyo is Krush at his Jazz-Hop finest. The cover art ain’t half
Read MoreAt first look this album cover seems like a colourful mess, much like the first listen of the densely packed
Read MoreAnother UK one, this time from the duo ‘The Herbaliser’. This album was released on Ninja Tunes (another great artwork
Read MoreAs in education as in society, the stakes are high. Nothing says this more emphatically than the blurred image of
Read MoreScratch came to prominence with his work/quasi-membership of The Roots, where he served as their ‘DJ’ along with Rahzel. This
Read MoreWhile the pencil shading may not be out of place in a school exercise book, the imagery is great. A
Read MoreI think ODB’s story makes for one of the greatest tragedies in hip hop. Much of Russell Jones’ downfall was
Read MoreAnother UK entry, this time from DJ (and one time Jurassic 5 bus driver) Format. Format likes a bit of
Read MoreI love this album. I mean, I really love this album. I cannot imagine a world where this album is
Read MoreI’ll be honest: I don’t think I have ever heard this album, and my knowledge of JMT’s other stuff is
Read MoreGang Starr were pretty amazing; they helped define a whole era of hip hop. So when Guru decided to do
Read MoreJ5’s debut EP was re-released with a few extra tracks and instrumentals as the J5 LP. Visually the cover art
Read MoreI’d say this is probably my least favourite Beastie’s album. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Intergalactic (and the video)
Read MoreI’ll be honest, up until this project, I’d not even heard of this album, and I barely knew of PBO
Read MoreA hangman played out in the negative space of black soot, over the news. This is the Game Theory.
Read MoreI’m guessing this picture represents about 60% of DJ Shadow’s creative process.
Read MoreI do love an album cover with loads of faces – see Midnight Marauders. Common doesn’t disappoint. Plus the back
Read MoreTwo years after announcing the dawn of the D.A.I.S.Y. Age, De La Soul killed it. And boy did they.
Read MoreWhen people think Hip Hop, they often think of the West Coast gangsta style. However, KRS One and DJ Scott
Read MoreThis album has a lot of resonance for me as it describes Kanye’s journey from dropping out of college, and
Read MoreI know, I know, technically this is a single, but come on. This is amazing. Plus Busta hasn’t looked that
Read MoreThis is no April Fool, this is an awesome cover. It pretty much sums up the group’s debut album… it
Read MoreWe all know the album is Bigger and Deffer, but to use the acronym BAD, then have a photo of
Read MoreOf all the foreground, midground, far(ground?) group shot album covers, this is my favourite. And the back cover is equally
Read MoreRevolving door, 360 degree remixes. Love it. Theres headphones and back packs. What more do you want?
Read MoreI don’t know what it is I love about the album cover. The desolation, the jumping, the awkwardness… I just
Read MoreI’m not sure why, but I really like this cover. It’s a typical group shot, but everyone is very much
Read MorePharoahe, with what looks like a smart raincoat, gas mask, and military hat holds what can only be described as
Read MoreI’ve gone for something a little different with this one. This is a compilation album (including a track with Eminem
Read MoreDMX, covered in blood. Hands out in front, half begging forgiveness, half looking at just what he had done. It’s
Read MoreI’ll be the first to admit that I’ve never really ‘got’ ATL’s finest. But even an ignoramus like me ‘gets’
Read MoreThis 2014 sophomore effort from Killer Mike and El-P is similar to the cover of 1 and 3, but the
Read MoreSeminal 1980 record from The Sugarhill Gang, featuring ‘Rapper’s Delight’
Read MoreThe UK punches man! Manuva’s 2008 ‘Slime & Reason’ cover is, well, slimey
Read MoreMos’ 2004 sophomore effort was bluesy, with a cover to match
Read MoreDe La’s (1989) debut LP certainly stood out on the shelves!!
Read MoreNaS dropped some fire on this 2006 LP, the cover wasn’t half bad either!
Read MoreI seem to be stuck in the early ’90s! Ice Cube’s sophomore effort sees Uncle Sam lain to rest. Good
Read MoreTo anyone who has heard any Slick Rick track will know he isn’t a New York native; he is clearly
Read MoreThis Remix LP cover is dope!! 1990 seems to be THE year for Hip Hop album covers…
Read MoreNot an album, this is one my 12″ singles. Brilliant track, but also a great cover. I don’t think this
Read MoreIn homage to the late, great, Malcolm X, here’s KRS-One on the cover of 1988’s seminal ‘By All Means Necessary’.
Read MoreInspired by PE, here’s London’s Black Radical MKII’s 1998 offering. A Black Panther in the distance?
Read MoreThere’s industrial rap, and then there’s this! Comprised of members, all from London, entitled: Kamanchi Sly, DJ Supreme, DJ Undercover, Ulysses,
Read MoreOK, so 1990 EP, not an LP, but still, this is a madness! Shout out to the UK again.
Read MoreShout out to the man like Dev! Good lookin’ out! The UK has some gems to proffer here. Outlaw Posse’s
Read MoreUndergrads will write essays about this album cover.
Read MoreKids, guns, “Let’s get free”. It paints a picture. You know what you’re getting with this album, and boy do
Read MoreSo Danger Mouse single-handed created the best Jay-Z album, and the best Beatles album in one go… Danger Mouse mixed
Read MoreTwo of the four pillars, minimum
Read MoreBefore Spearhead, Michael Franti dropped this bad boy in ’92 along with Rono Tse.
Read MoreEight tracks, three of them are ‘One Four Love’, this EP was put together by Mos Def and Talib Kweli
Read MoreNot the best album, nor the best rapper, but great artwork.
Read MoreThis 1991 gem from the Kold Sweat label was recommended by a good mate Dev, from Cardiff. Absolutely killer!
Read MoreIncredible album cover from Akala’s 2010 Orwellian Doublethink. The inlay was just as dope, and opened out into tidy poster
Read MoreThe alternative version doesn’t include the MC either. All the singles’ artwork derives from this one, with various characters reproduced.
Read MoreThe RBG figure, continuing from Low End Theory, is cool enough, but the inclusion of ATCQ’s contemporaries, heroes and up-and-coming
Read MoreStill from the seminal ‘Killer of Sheep’ film.
Read MoreHe is such a child. Which is why we love the Biz.
Read MoreSo. Many. Things.
Read MoreAnd painted by Lupe Fiasco himself…
Read MoreThe worst advert for baby shampoo ever
Read MoreSays everything
Read MoreJust the best
Read More