The Questions Hip-Hop: Recent Episodes
The Questions Hip-Hop
Sean Kantrowitz connects with hip hop's biggest fans – rappers, DJs, producers, writers, comedians, actors, and everything in between – to test their rap trivia skills, discuss their careers, dissect albums, and talk about how the music changed their lives.
ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop Original broadcast: April 26, 2021 A return to the Can't Knock the Shuffle archives with Grammy-nominated producer Nicolay. Originally hailing from the Netherlands, Nicolay launched his career as we know it in the early 2000s, when he was sharing files over the Internet with Phonte Coleman from Little Brother. Their remote international collaboration resulted in the group Foreign Exchange, an ahead of its time side project that eventually brought Nicolay to the states and would lead to several albums, consistent touring around the globe, his own Foreign Exchange Music record label, and a Grammy nomination for the group’s second album Leave it All Behind – and they’ve done it all independently and playing by their own rules. Nicolay has also released his own albums – both instrumental and with other vocalists – and has built his brand around a refusal to conform to one sound or style. In this episode, we break down these songs:
"There's No Guarantee" ('City Lights Volume 1.5', 2005) "Nic's Groove" (Foreign Exchange 'Connected', 2004) "A New World" ('A New World', 2020) "Behind Your Door" (w/ The Hot At Nights, 'Glaciers', 2018) "Laughing At Your Plans" (Foreign Exchange 'Authenticity', 2010) "What It Used To Be" feat Wiz Khalifa ('Here', 2006) "Asking For a Friend" (Foreign Exchange, 'Tales from the Land of Milk and Honey', 2015)
Nicolay/Foreign Exchange: foreignexchangemusic.com The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Nicolay: @nicolaymusic (IG), @nicolaymusic (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Original broadcast: August 24, 2020 Classic episode featuring DJ Babu of the World Famous Beat Junkies, Dilated Peoples, Likwit Junkies, and the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) DJ Babu: @djbabuforreal (IG), @djbabuforeal (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME A Sean solo joint. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Sean and MidaZ are back at it with the Making Illmatic series. This time they're joined by Mean Joe Scheme to examine Drake's 'Nothing Was the Same' and see if the album is improved or hurt by cutting it down to 10 songs. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Mean Joe Scheme: @meanjoescheme (IG), @meanjoescheme (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop Original broadcast: December 2, 2020 Another dive into the Can't Knock the Shuffle archives with Slug from Atmosphere. Audio has been seriously improved from the initial broadcast on the CKTS channel so even if you've heard this episode before, it's worth revisiting on this go-round. It isn't exaggeration to say that Sean Daley – better known as Slug – has played a pivotal role in the evolution of underground hip hop since the turn of the century. His group Atmosphere truly carved their own lane out in the indie scene dating back to the '90s with the DIY-approach of his label Rhymesayers Entertainment and the vulnerability in the group's songs. Over the years, Slug's style as a writer has also evolved, from the "underground battle rap" space to his development of the silly-sounding-but-somewhat-useful "emo rap" and "dad rap" descriptors. He's always been a great writer and an excellent storyteller, and so it was an absolute pleasure to go under the hood of these seven songs:
"Sleep Apnea" ('The Day Before Halloween,' 2020) "Get Fly" ('You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having,' 2005) "Everything" ('Fishing Blues,' 2016) "Felt Chewed Up" ('Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez,' 2009) "Get It to Get Her" ('Strictly Leakage,' 2007) "One of a Kind" ('God Loves Ugly,' 2002) 'Sunshine' ('Sad Clown Bad Summer,' 2007)
The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Atmosphere: @atmosphere (IG) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME questionshiphop.com Original Broadcast: May 15, 2020 Classic episode with emcee extraordinaire Masta Ace. The hip-hop legend talks about writing concept albums, working with MF DOOM, evolving his sound over multiple decades, and more. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Masta Ace: @mastaacepics (IG), @mastaace (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Live from Delicious Pizza Hollywood on July 20, 2023. A De La Soul Edition of The Questions Hip-Hop Trivia with Sean, DJ Jedi, and special guest co-host Dante Ross! The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Live from the Park RVA in Richmond, Virginia! The Questions & Confessions Tour with Mad Skillz/Hip Hop Confessions, featuring special guest DJ Harrison! The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME RSVP: THE QUESTIONS - DE LA SOUL EDITION (LOS ANGELES JULY 20) Brand new format called The Answers. Sean and MidaZ with no guest, no album to focus on, strictly conversation. In this episode, the duo reflects on the legacy of "ringtone rap" and the impact that movement had on the independent/underground scene that was happening at the same time. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ the BEAST: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME The Worst Episode of The Questions Ever. Featuring Video Dave. This is also a great episode. Dave talks about his new album 'Articulated TexTiles' with Controller 7 that drops this week and much more. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Video Dave: @video_dave (IG), @video_dave (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Sean and MidaZ return with another installment in the Making Illmatic series. This time they're joined by Sha Stimuli to take on the formidable task of trimming Jay-Z's double-album 'The Blueprint 2: The Gift and the Curse' down to just 10 songs. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Sha Stimuli: @shastimuli (IG), @shastimuli (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Sean and MidaZ are joined by Mark Rosado (Top Shelf Premium) in a Making Illmatic episode about Sen Price's debut solo album 'Monkey Barz.' What 10 songs will the three of them keep? The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Top Shelf Premium: @topshelfpremium (IG), @topshelfpremium (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Live from Beach House 757 in Virginia Beach! The Questions & Confessions Tour with Mad Skillz/Hip Hop Confessions, featuring special guest Fam-Lay! The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Join the PATREON An episode in which there is no new episode and yet also some very cool news coming soon... MAILING LIST https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter
Join the PATREON Original livestream date: December 23, 2020 Sean talks about the recent deaths of Hurricane G and Tame One, then dives deep with El Da Sensei about his solo career as well as his music with Artifacts. https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter El Da Sensei: Instagram | Twitter EMAIL SEAN: sean@questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop Back at it with another installment in the 'Making Illmatic' series! Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST are joined by DJ Steve1der as the trio attempt to improve the Pharcyde's 1995 sophomore album 'Labcabincalifornia' by trimming it down to 10 songs. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Steve1der: @djsteve1der (IG), @steve1der (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop Fresh off the release of their latest album 'Marlowe 3,' Marlowe – producer L'Orange and emcee Solemn Brigham – go head-to-head in a battle of hip-hop trivia. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Get 'Marlowe 3': https://lorange360.bandcamp.com/album/marlowe-3 Listen to Thees Handz: https://ffm.to/04v2zp6 Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop Sean and MidaZ pay tribute to MF DOOM on the second anniversary of his untimely passing by offering up their individual picks for Top 10 DOOM songs. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Join the PATREON Original livestream date: June 22, 2020 2020 isn't a year most of us are thrilled to revisit, but this classic episode with radio personality Peter Rosenberg (HOT 97, Juan Ep is Life, ESPN) is reason enough to hop back in the time machine. https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Peter Rosenberg: Instagram | Twitter EMAIL SEAN: sean@questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop
The 'Making Illmatic' series continues! Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST are talking about Common's 2000 album 'Like Water for Chocolate' as they attempt to pare it down to 10 songs. They're joined by producer/musician/Studio Sensei founder DiViNCi. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) DiViNCi: @divinci (IG), @divincilla (Twitter) Refine Your Process. Master Your Art. studiosensei.com Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Join the PATREON Sean does his first in-person podcast episode with Open Mike Eagle, friend and former guest of The Questions as well as the founder of Stony Island Audio. The two talk about aging in hip-hop, the current podcast space, the importance of cassette tape mixes, Mike's latest album 'Component System with the Auto Reverse,' and of course...there's some hip-hop trivia. https://www.questionshiphop.com https://www.mikeeagle.net/ The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Open Mike Eagle: Instagram | Twitter
Join the PATREON Sean is joined by friends of the show Optiks and Mean Joe Scheme to go through listener submissions for the Best Posse Cut Bracket Tournament and to break down some of their own picks. Sign up to receive your bracket and join in on the tournament: https://www.playthequestions.com/posse https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Optiks: Instagram | Twitter Mean Joe Scheme: Instagram | Twitter
Join the PATREON Original livestream date: July 2, 2020 Diggin' in the crates with producer/DJ RJD2! In this classic episode, RJ talks about the records that shaped his identity as a musician, shares stories from the heyday of his Def Jux days, goes seriously granular on the art of re-creating drumbreaks, and more. https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter RJD2: https://rjd2store.myshopify.com/ EMAIL SEAN: sean@questionshiphop.com
Join the PATREON State of the union micro-episode, including news about the next Bracket Tournament. Tell me your picks for Best Posse Cut and which albums we should have on a future episode of 'Making Illmatic': EMAIL SEAN: sean@questionshiphop.com https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter
Join the PATREON Original livestream date: June 10, 2020 Phonte is practically a living, breathing encyclopedia of music. And between his own solo career and the catalogs of his groups Little Brother and Foreign Exchange, he's made quite a contribution to the game himself. In this classic episode, Tay puts his trivia skills to the test, shares stories from his career, and answers live questions from the chat. https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Phonte: Instagram | Twitter EMAIL SEAN: sean@questionshiphop.com
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop
We return with another installment in the ' 'Making Illmatic' series. Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST attempt to trim Busta Rhymes' 1997 sophomore album 'When Disaster Strikes' down to 10 songs. They're joined by Chris Mitchell aka Kinetik of the excellent Breaking Atoms podcast.
The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Chris Mitchell: @lifeafterhiphop (IG), @IAmKinetik (Twitter)
Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Join the PATREON Original livestream date: August 19, 2021 J-Zone has worn many hats throughout his career – rapper, MC, DJ, author, blogger, session drummer – but in this throwback episode, he's taking on the role of would-be hip-hop trivia champion. We talk about his transition into a full-time drummer, getting sampled by his peers, the formative rap records of his childhood, and much more. https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter J-Zone: Instagram | Twitter
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop
We're back with an episode in the ' 'Making Illmatic' series. Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST attempt to trim A Tribe Called Quest's 1998 album 'The Love Movement' down to 10 songs. They're joined by Demone Carter aka Dem One, 1/3 of the Dad Bod Rap Pod.
The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Dem One: @lifeafterhiphop (IG), @MrMadness (Twitter)
Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Join the PATREON House Shoes just might be one of hip hop's most passionate torchbearers. The DJ/Producer/record label owner was an early champion of J. Dilla, and has since helped shine a light on a slew of incredibly dope artists – Quelle Chris, Elzhi, Stro Elliot, to name just a random few – through his co-signs, his production work, and through releases via his record label Street Corner Music. Shoes makes a return to the show (his first appearance in 2020 got lost in the archive) and talks about everything from the business of running a record label to the key to putting together a great album to the reason why he still hasn't forgiven Bob James. Oh yeah, all that and some hip-hop trivia! https://www.questionshiphop.com https://www.streetcornerscm.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter House Shoes: Instagram | Twitter
Join the PATREON Original livestream date: August 31, 2020 Mr. Len is an underground legend. The Bronx-born DJ/producer first made noise on a national scale as 1/3 of Company Flow with group-mates El-P and Bigg Juss, and in the years since has produced for and done projects with the likes of Prince Paul, Jean Grae, MC Paul Barman, Murs, Jedi Mind Tricks, and many more. This classic episode is not only filled with some Len Gems (patent pending) but also marks a milestone in the show's history (you'll have to listen to find out). https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Mr. Len: Instagram | Twitter
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop
It might get loud. This episode of The Questions' 'Making Illmatic' series is all about El-P's 'Fantastic Damage,' as Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST are joined by Wrecking Crew (Curly Castro, PremRock, Small Professor, & Zilla Rocca) attempt to trim the album down to 10 tracks.
The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) wreckingcrew.bandcamp.com Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Curly Castro: @curlycastro (IG), @curly_castro (Twitter) PremRock: @premrock (IG), @planetpremrock (Twitter) Small Professor: @smallpro (IG), @smallpro (Twitter) Zilla Rocca: @zillarocca (IG) @zillarocca (Twitter)
Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Join the PATREON Original livestream date: April 22, 2020 Psalm One is a prolific trailblazer in the independent hip-hop scene. The Chicago emcee first gained national attention with 2006's 'Death of Frequent Flyer' album, and has since released a slew of releases – both as a solo artist and in various groups – in addition to touring the world. Her most recent project comes not in the form of music but a book, with her memoir 'Her Word is Bond,' detailing her journey in the music industry and the challenges she has faced and overcome both personally and professionally along the way. This classic episode predates that book, but it does offer plenty of insight as to Psalm's love for hip-hop music, the interesting path she has navigated throughout her career...and of course, her ability to flex her trivia skills. https://www.questionshiphop.com https://www.psalmonelovesyou.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Psalm One: Instagram | Twitter
Join the Patreon! Episode #124: LA hip-hop duo Blu & Exile are about to hit the road for a west coast tour commemorating the 15th anniversary of their classic debut 'Below the Heavens.' But before the celebration comes the battle, as the emcee and producer square off in a battle royale of hip-hop trivia. Who emerges the victor? Tune in to find out (and get some great anecdotes and stories from their careers along the way).
questionshiphop.com Blu (IG) Exile (IG) Sean Kantrowitz IG | Twitter
Blu & Exile 'Below the Heavens' 15th Anniversary Tour Dates 7.24 - Los Angeles, CA (The Lodge Room) 7.25 - Phoenix, AZ (Trill Hip Hop Shop) 7.29 - Los Vegas, NV (Taverna Costera) 7.30 - San Francisco, CA (Neck of the Woods) 7.31 - Sacramento, CA (Esthers Park) 8.02 - Portland, OR (Mississippi Studios) 8.04 - Seattle, WA (High Dive)
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop
In this installment of The Questions' 'Making Illmatic' series, Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST take on the task of trying to improve Big Pun's classic 1998 debut 'Capital Punishment' by trimming it down to 10 tracks. They're joined by renown battle rapper/emcee Tony Madness. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Tony Madness: @tonymadness (IG), @MrMadness (Twitter)
Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com
Join the PATREON Original livestream date: January 27, 2021
Legendary producer Salaam Remi (Fugees, Nas, Amy Winehouse) gets in the hot seat to talk about some of his most acclaimed collaborations, stories from his career, and more. This is a must-listen!
https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Salaam Remi: Instagram | Twitter
Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop
Back at it with another installment of The Questions' 'Making Illmatic' series, in which Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST attempt to improve an album by trimming it down to 10 tracks. They're joined by producer/emcee TzariZM to pick apart Redman's classic 1996 album 'Muddy Waters.' The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) TzariZM: @tzarizm (IG), @tzarizm (Twitter)
questionshiphop.com
https://www.patreon.com/thequestionshiphop Original broadcast date: May 1, 2020 Emcee/producer/DJ J-Live is one of the most inventive artists in hip-hop, a student of the game and someone who has carved out his own independent career thanks to a distinct approach and style he brings to his music. In this classic episode, he puts his trivia skills to the test and also discusses the many chapters of his storied catalog, including tales surrounding his classic debut 'The Best Part,' working with producers such as Prince Paul and DJ Spinna, and more. https://www.realjlive.com https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter J-Live: Instagram | Twitter
Join our PATREON Sean "Slug" Daley of independent hip-hop pioneers Atmosphere puts his hip-hop trivia skills to the test and shares stories from his career. We also talk about Del the Funky Homosapien, the new Black Star record, Kendrick Lamar, Cypress Hill, crate-digging, touring, and much more.
atmospheresucks.com
Join our PATREON Classic episode: Warren G is a hip-hop icon and the creator of not just one of the genre's most influential sounds, but also one of the most popular and successful rap songs of all-time. In this throwback episode, he puts his hip-hop trivia skills to the test and also shares stories about the making of "Regulate," his origins as a producer, Nipsey Hussle, his BBQ sauce line, and much more.
Original broadcast: August 19, 2020
Another installment of The Questions' 'Making Illmatic' series, in which Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST attempt to improve an album by trimming it down to 10 tracks. They're joined by founder of Memphis collective Unapologetic./producer IMAKEMADBEATS to take on the herculean task of trimming down Wu-Tang Clan's 1997 double-album 'Wu-Tang Forever.'
The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) IMAKEMADBEATS: @IMAKEMADBEATS (IG), @IMAKEMADBEATS (Twitter)
questionshiphop.com
https://www.weareunapologetic.com/
Classic episode: Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson has too many impressive credits to fit here, but in this throwback from our first year of live-streaming episodes, the Roots bandleader makes it evident that there is one foundational role that drives everything he does (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Hamilton, Summer of Soul, Questlove Supreme): he's an encyclopedia of music knowledge! You will learn something cool in this episode!
Original broadcast: July 16, 2020
Original broadcast: June 8, 2020
Classic episode: World Famous Beat Junkie/DJ/Producer Rhettmatic puts his hop-hop trivia skills to the test and shares stories about the Los Angeles scene, J Dilla, Visionaries, Filipino food recommendations, and more!
Sean is once again joined by co-host MidaZ the BEAST to participate in 'Making Illmatic,' in which they must collectively improve an album by trimming it down to 10 tracks. They're joined by Dad Bod Rap Pod co-host Nate LeBlanc to break down MF DOOM and Danger Mouse's collaborative Danger DOOM album, 'The Mouse and the Mask.' Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Nate: @nate_leblanc (IG) @natejleblanc (Twitter)
questionshiphop.com
Classic episode: We take a deep dive through some hip-hop minutia with DJ and producer Statik Selektah. Topics covered include: Wu-Tang, Gang Starr, Boston's hip-hop scene, working with Roc Marciano, the unappreciated aspects of DJ Khaled's career, Statik's first placement on a Def Jux record, and much more!
Original broadcast: September 9, 2021
Classic episode: Hip-hop trivia with Hieroglyphics member and indie rap icon Del the Funky Homosapien! Listen in as Del puts his rap trivia skills to the test and talks a variety of topics, including the origin of the Hiero logo, his relationship with his cousin Ice Cube, his P-Funk recommendations, work with the Gorillaz, the future of the Deltron 3030 project, video games, the evolution of his own sound, and more!
Originally broadcast June 17, 2021
In this new sub-series, Sean is joined by co-host MidaZ the BEAST to participate in 'Making Illmatic,' a conceptual experiment to see if a hip hop album is improved by trimming it down to 10 tracks. They're joined by producer Optiks to break down Jay-Z's 2003 LP 'The Black Album.'
Sean: @seandammit MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Optiks: @thisisoptiks
Episode 117: Hip-hop artist and speaker Brother Ali checks in while in the midst of his Travelers Tour to talk about his new podcast, his history with peers such as Slug, Murs, and Blueprint, his relationship with OG legends like Big Daddy Kane and KRS-ONE, and so much more. And of course – we test his hip-hop trivia skills.
Classic episode: We're joined by hip-hop icon Bun B. Plenty of great stories in this one, as Bun talks about highlights from his career (including the making of UGK's album 'Ridin' Dirty' and the filming of their music video for "International Players Anthem"), his friendship with Biz Markie, the origin of his coloring book (how many rappers have one of those?), and more...and of course, some hip-hop trivia sprinkled throughout!
Originally broadcast July 30, 2020
Classic episode: We're joined by super producer Just Blaze, who proves that his reputation for being a walking hip-hop encyclopedia is indeed warranted. Along the way, he also shares some great stories, including working with MF DOOM, the origin of his iconic producer tag/calling card, his opinion on the last 'Star Wars' trilogy, the intricacies of production, and so much more.
Originally broadcast July 23, 2020
BRACKET DOWNLOAD: https://bit.ly/bracket4
This week we're kicking off our fourth bracket tournament, and this time we're collectively deciding on the greatest hip-hop producer of all-time. While you fill out your brackets (see the above link), we figured it was a good time to discuss some of the producers listed here (and those that did not make the cut). Sean, producer Optiks, and emcee MidaZ the BEAST get deep in the bracket trenches. We also take some of your submissions.
Optiks: instagram.com/thisisoptiks twitter.com/thisisoptiks
MidaZ the BEAST: instagram.com/midazthebeast twitter.com/midaz
It's a battle royale featuring rapper Mic King (FKA iCon the Mic King) and producer Trox (50 Cent, YBN Cordae, Snoop Dogg, Ty Farris). The duo recently put out the 'iCONIC' EP, a collaboration whose innovative iterative release mirrors that of a software or subscription, allowing fans to purchase on Bandcamp and receive updated versions of the record as they come. These two storied underground music vets duke it out in a battle to see who knows the most random hip hop trivia. Recorded February 27, 2022
Classic episode: J-Ro of Tha Alkaholiks hops in the hot seat and shares stories from his career, including the origins of Tha Alkaholiks and their place in the canon of west coast hip hop, recording with Pharrell Williams, working with a VERY young Madlib, and much more!
Originally broadcast August 5, 2021
As part of Dilla Week 2022, we're joined by author Dan Charnas ('Dilla Time,' 'The Big Payback') as well as former guest of the show/Detroit hip hop luminary Frank Nitt (Frank-N-Dank). Lots of J Dilla stories, anecdotes, and general geeking out in this one.
Recorded Feb 6, 2022.
Sean Kantrowitz connects with hip hop's biggest fans – rappers, DJs, producers, writers, comedians, actors, and everything in between – to test their rap trivia skills, discuss their careers, and talk about how the music changed their lives.