Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel: Recent Episodes

Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel

"Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel" is like "Inside the Actor's Studio" for hip hop. Every week, Tim gets inside the art of hip hop in interviews with the most influential emcees, artists, producers, DJs, and sound engineers. Notable guests have included, Ice T, Royce Da 5'9", Joell Ortiz, Talib Kweli, Chuck D, Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, David Banner, Scarface, Rah Digga, Rapsody, Smif-N-Wessun, Buckshot, along with many more.

In this episode, Tim sits down with Emma Lee M.C. for an open, honest conversation about growing up in Harlem and the South Bronx, finding her voice, and navigating hip hop as a woman and a true multi-hyphenate. Emma shares how her upbringing, studio experience, and creative inspirations—from Jean Grae to D’Angelo—shaped both her sound and her mindset. We dig into the stories behind her album, Chocolate Bars, including a nod to Spanish Harlem, a deep dive into 1993 as a pivotal year in hip hop, and her thoughts on nostalgia, reinvention, and gatekeeping in the culture. It’s a thoughtful, real discussion about loving hip hop, questioning it, and pushing it forward without losing its soul. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.

This week on Library Rap, Tim and Skyzoo dive deep into Views of A Lifetime.We’re going track by track, line for line, beat by beat—unpacking the themes, the craft, and the double and triple entendres that make the album a masterclass in writing.Skyzoo opens up about his legacy, why he proudly embraces title of "role model," the keys to career longevity, and why not signing to a major turned out to be one of his biggest blessings.A can’t-miss episode for anyone who loves sharp pens and real artistry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.

Tim links with Juno Award–winning rapper Shad on Library Rap to break down Start Anew, bar for bar, explains why Ai is terrible, digs into his work as a hip-hop scholar and voice behind Hip-Hop Evolution and so much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.

On this episode of Library Rap, Brother Ali discusses his latest album Satisfied Soul and his creative journey. He reflects on his long-timecollaboration with producer Ant, whose unique sound has shaped his music. Brother Ali shares why he chose to release this album throughMello Music Group while explaining the significance behind its title, and how his faith impacts his art.The conversation also touches on the album’s themes of vulnerability, self-reflection, and growth, as well as his songwriting process. Brother Ali opens up about tracks like "Deep Cuts" and "D.R.U.M," revealing his deep emotional investment in his work. He discusses theimportance of the drum in his music, his evolving fan base, and the challenges of staying authentic while shifting his lyrical content.Throughout the episode, Brother Ali talks about the spiritual themes in his music, especially on songs like "Head Heart Hands" and "Mysterious Things," and reflects on the role of vulnerability in his art. He also shares insights into his career, his personal growth, andthe deeper purpose of his music. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.

"This is bigger than Hip Hop" Errol Eats Everything tells Tim this Week on Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel.Tim sits down with Errol to discuss his new self-titled album Errol Eats Everything.He talks about why Chubb Rock and Slick Rick are two of the best hip hop artists, writing songs about Black Empowerment with no apologies, the conversation being missed when it comes to gun violence, its impact on our communities and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.

In June 2017, Tim Einenkel had the opportunity to interview the late Reggie Osse a.k.a Combat Jack for his Mogul series which highlighted the late Chris Lighty. This week on Library Rap; The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel, Tim replays part of his interview with Reggie. On December 20, 2017, the Hip Hop community, the podcast community lost a legend. Reggie Ossé a.k.a. Combat Jack was 53 years old.

Here are a few joints Jemini has done over the years here & abroad that people may not have heard

Emergency 911: JEMINI

https://youtu.be/9SebWB4G6uk?si=35HUbTZQHbuAkUMN

LOVE YOU BETTER:Mary j blidge feat jemini U.K rmx

https://youtu.be/JYPaZtx_B5A?

si=FGY5AZAP9ay1TTj7

BLACK STABBERS:Mark morrison feat jemini U.K rmx

https://youtu.be/AE-iGjKqOV8?si=MaDC95_C6Eprbdj_

ALL YOU NEED:Jemini feat r&b singer Glen lewis

https://youtu.be/Nbij_siclhU?si=Zxuj9m5GzxY1amrp

KNOW BOUT US: City aka Jemini

https://youtu.be/Id5ywVBvebY?si=OgOu6dXLoVtW1KES

SHOOT: Ree up feat jemini aka City
https://youtu.be/AQqgHzLsezY?si=lISmtPDG6B_Sn0Iz

FALL BACK: Prince Po feat jemini

https://youtu.be/ZEBerojVfQw?si=xJFzLp8XTmnlra7U

KEEP THAT SAME ENERGY: Ree Up feat Big City aka Jemini & warchild sinister https://youtu.be/yW9u2K53zis?si=k1pXVryJbL1qB92V

"Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel" is like "Inside the Actor's Studio" for hip hop. Every week, Tim gets inside the art of hip hop in interviews with the most influential emcees, artists, producers, DJs, and sound engineers. Notable guests have included, Ice T, Royce Da 5'9", Joell Ortiz, Talib Kweli, Chuck D, Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, David Banner, Scarface, Rah Digga, Rapsody, Smif-N-Wessun, Buckshot, along with many more.

This week on Library Rap, Tim talks to Brooklyn's own, Teflon about his new album, 2 Sides To Every Story, produced by DJ Premier and Jazimoto. Teflon also discusses working with the legendary M.O.P, Hip Hop's Golden Era, what he's learnt about himself as an artist and what the future brings.

This week on Library Rap, Tim talks to Substantial. Substantial breaks down his new album, Adultish, his musical journey, defining success, why Chuck D calls him a Hip Hop Scientist and much more.

This week on Library Rap, Tim talks to Black Milk about his new album, Everybody Good?. The Detroit MC/Producer breaks down the lyrics, production and concept of the album. Black Milk also talks mental health, early Hip Hop influences and much more

This week on Library Rap, we replay part 1 of Tim's interview with DMC. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer discusses still touring, the importance of the DJ in hip hop and the 30th anniversary of “Tougher Than Leather”.

This week, part 2 of Tim's interview with B-Real. The former Prophets of Rage member talks the importance of DJ Muggs, working with Chuck D, Xzibit, Pharoahe Monch, the origins of his “nasal voice” and the future of his cannabis dispensaries.

Journey into the mind of legendary emcee Craig G as he sits down on Library Rap to discuss his new album The Fragile Ego. But much more than that, listen in as he documents his personal journey and recent growth, the importance of education, what he admires most about Masta Ace and find out why he doesn't want to treat hip hop like his life depends on it. All that and so much more on this in depth, brutally honest conversation with a certified hip hop legend.

Two legendary hip-hop forces – Talib Kweli and Diamond D – have come together to form the new group Gotham. Check out this interview where the dynamic duo talks about their all time great duos, why they tour and so much more. Check out the full interview here https://allhiphop.com/thelibrary/talib-kweli-and-diamond-d-discuss-their-new-group-gotham-making-music-together-favorite-duos-and-more/

This week Tim sits down with producer, RJD2. The two discuss creating beats on the MPC 2000 in the late 90s, his debut album, Deadringer, latest album The Fun Ones, signing to El-P’s label Definitive Jux, working with artists such as: El-P, Copywrite, Mos Def, Aceyalone, Blueprint, Murs, J-Live, Tame One, Homeboy Sandman and Cage.

Atlanta rap gods Goodie Mob ( Bigg Gipp, Khujo, T-mo and CeeLo) break down their iconic careers, their latest release and what’s in the store for the group. CeeLo also talks about origins of Trap Music, a term first coined by the rap group.

The legendary group, De La Soul has said this about my next guest “J.PERIOD mixtapes transcends just mixing records.” This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, J. Period joins the conversation to discuss his origins as a DJ, what artists like Nas, The Roots, Mobb Deep, Lauryn Hill, Pharoahe Monch, Q-Tip, Big Daddy Kane and Pete Rock mean to him, and how was he able to flip the music from the 11-time Tony Award winning play “Hamilton” into a groundbreaking mixtape.

“Kid Capri’s advice to me was 'less is more" - Producer, Amadeus360 tells Library Rap this week. On May 12th, Amadeus will release "The Jedi MPC" which features a powerhouse lineup that includes Buckshot, M.O.P, Masta Ace, Craig G, Termanology, and many more. Tim and the Brooklyn based producer break down the beat making process, getting cosigned by De La Soul, and why he got on Craig G’s nerves.

This week, Che Noir joins Tim to talk new album, Noir or Never, impact Jay Z, Rapsody, Foxy Brown and Nas had on her as an artist and her collaborations with Benny the Butcher, Skyzoo, 38 Speech and Ransom. The Buffalo, NY MC discusses why she hates interviews, being a female artist and lyrics of her's that make her say "oh shit?! I can't believe I wrote that."

This week on Library Rap, Tim talks to C-Mob, one half of Gotti Mob (C-Mob and Kurupt) about their new album, Don’t Be Stupid, the struggles and benefits of being an independent artist, his love for the culture and why he’s not a “horrorcore” rap artist.

Writer, Journalist William Ketchum tweeted out “This new Skyzoo album, The Mind of a Saint, which is rapped from the perspective of Franklin Saint from Snowfall, is stunning. It's not just bunch of fly punchlines and references to the show, but it conveys Franklin's emotions and adroitly covers the themes of the show as well.” This week on Library Rap, Tim talks to Skyzoo about the concept of the album, harsh realities of the drug game and why Ronald Reagan’s war on drugs was bullshit.

This week on Library Rap, Tim talks to Rasheed Chappell about his new album, A Portrait Of. Chappell breaks down each track on the project, growing up hip hop in New Jersey, the geniuses of Slick Rick, Statik Selektah, the importance of the DJ, and so much more.

This week on Library Rap, Tim speaks to Bay area legend, Mystic about her new album Dreaming In Cursive: The Girl Who Loved Sparklers, lessons learned from Outkast, Souls of Mischief, Leaders of the New School, Digital Underground, opening up about trauma and healing through music and poetry

This week on Library Rap, Tim Talks to Femme Deadly Venoms about their new album, Femmenomenon, women in hip hop, the power of women in hip hop, music as therapy, the impact sexual assault has on saviors and their families and so much more.

This week we replay an episode Tim produced, wrote, edited early on in the pandemic. How has the lives of Hip Hop artists and creatives been impacted by Covid-19? We hear from Black Moon's Buckshot, DJ Evil Dee, Ras Kass, Smif N Wessun's General Steele, Kwame, Masta Ace, Bobby J from Far Rockaway, Termanology and DJ Neil Armstrong on the effects this pandemic has had, not just on their lives but the lives of other artists.

This week Tim continues his conversation with the legendary Ice-T. Check it out now!

Jeru The Damaja checks in this week from Berlin, Germany with Tim Einenkel. Jeru talks career, working with artists such as DJ Premier, his early beef with Puffy, why it was never about Biggie, life in quarantine and newest project.

This interview was recorded in April of 2020, beginning of Covid Pandemic. Full interview at AllHipHop.com

This week, Tim talks to Sol Messiah about his new album God CMPLX, working with TLC, Dead Prez, Nappy Roots, Boyz II Men and Madonna. Sol also breaks down the art of the scratch, which Public Enemy track is the greatest record ever made and much more.

Stetsasonic, De La Soul, Gravediggaz, 3rd Bass, Def Jam, Producers, DJs, Hip Hop, 40 plus years of friendship. In 2020 they did a project BY EVERY MEANS NECESSARY VOL. 1, the original score to the celebrated NETFLIX documentary, “WHO KILLED MALCOLM X?" The two legends join Tim to discuss their extraordinary careers, producing De La Soul, Stetsasonic, why they continue to be in love with hip-hop, and why Malcolm X was one of the greatest lyricists.

This week Tim continues his conversation with legendary, Ice-T. They to discuss turning points in his career, music, acting, the power of the B-side, MCs that have had big impacts on his career and whether or not he would do a Verzuz.

Organized Konfusion. Solo Artist. Lyricist. Artist. Genius. He’s Pharoahe Monch and this week he joins Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel.

For the full video interview, go to AllHipHop.com

Rah Digga discusses studying electrical engineering, performing at Lyricist Lounge for the first time, as well as the impact Kool G. Rap, Rakim and KRS-One had on her as an artist. Full interview at AllHipHop.com

Jim Jones Speaks On Ending Feud With French Montana And More On Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews With Tim Einenkel. Go to AllHipHop.com for the full interview

Check out Tim's interview with the legendary Rahzel. For the full interview go to AllHipHop.com

This week, Tim talks to Mic King about his new EP, iCONIC, collaborating with Musiq Soulchild, business side of the music industry, creating a kind of FiveThirtyEight model to determine the greater rapper out there and how his arrogance has helped and hurt him.

This week on Library Rap, Tim talks to Chicago MC, Defcee about his new album with Boathouse, For All Debts Public and Private. Defcee also discusses his role as a school teacher, the faults of the school system has influenced his writing. Tim and Defcee talk children’s mental health post pandemic and society’s role to help them, racism in the United States, Jay Z’s “Where I’m From” and how it’s a perfect song to use in the classroom, artists he’s worked with, Bobby Bonilla Day and who are the Michael Jordan, Kobe, Vince Carter, Spud Webb and Brent Barry of Rap.

This week Tim talks with Pawz One about his new project RANDOM ACT OF VIOLENCE, composed with Evolve, featuresTrizz, Casual, Mykill Miers, Copywrite & DJ Eyeball.Pawz talks about going from Graf to MCing, lessons learned from serving time in prison, what he learned from Ras Kass while he was there, importance of lyrics and much more.

RIP to the Legendary DJ Kay Slay.

This week we replay Tim's interview with DJ Kay Slay. The Drama King talked to Tim about the history of the Graffiti Hall of Fame, how he went from an incredible graffiti artist to a highly respected DJ and breaks down the importance of every hip hop element. Kay Slay also talked about his album, Hip Hop Frontline, working with artists such as: Bun B, Joell Ortiz, Jon Connor, Lil Wayne, The Lox, his thoughts on streaming services and why artists need to educate themselves about the all aspects of Hip Hop culture.

Canibus telling Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interview with Tim Einenkel.

This week, in part two of his interview, Tim continues his conversation with Canibus about end of the world survival, recording hip hop history, music and personal journey.

"Why is it so hard for us to earmark the things that are important in our culture?" - Canibus telling Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interview with Tim Einenkel.

This week, in part 1 of his interview, Tim talks to Canibus about end of the world survival, recording hip hop history, music and personal journey.

This week we replay an episode Tim produced, wrote, edited early on in the pandemic. How has the lives of Hip Hop artists and creatives been impacted by Covid-19? We hear from Black Moon's Buckshot, DJ Evil Dee, Ras Kass, Smif N Wessun's General Steele, Kwame, Masta Ace, Bobby J from Far Rockaway, Termanology and DJ Neil Armstrong on the effects this pandemic has had, not just on their lives but the lives of other artists.

"The minute I heard [Trump] say 'China Virus' and 'Kung Flu' I knew it was going to be open season on Asians," Lyrics Born tells Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews during their must-listen conversation this week.

"ANTI" by Lyrics Born and Filipino-American DJ Cutso is a new track denouncing the criminal epidemic that shines a light on this troubling rise in their communities, with hope that it spreads awareness to stop the violence against AAPI.

Lyrics Born discusses the false narrative of conflict between Asian-Americans and other communities, the pinning by White America of communities of Color against each other, the minimizing of racism in the United States by pushing the idea of the “Model Minority”, lack of Asian-American history in American History Books, the toll racism has on mental health and much more.

Tim Einenkel has a dope conversation with rap legend Daddy-O from Stetsasonic on this week’s episode of The Library.

Full interview at AllHipHop.com

In 1991, when Cypress Hill released their self titled debut album, Cypress Hill, the group’s members had no idea that almost 30 years later they would still be going strong. This week, B- Real sits down with Tim Einenkel to discuss the early days of the group, writing in Spanish and English, the MC that made B Real want to quit, his beef with Ice Cube and the legendary California MC that had him squash it.

For full interview go to https://allhiphop.com/thelibrary/

This week on Library Rap, Tim talks to Jack Preston about his new album, The River (produced by Jon Bom). Jack and Tim explore and dissect tracks from the album, while the North Carolina artist breaks down what he's learned from lyrical artists, musical compositions learned from "drug dealing rap", why he's a triple threat and so much more.

This week on Library Rap, Tim is joined by Hieroglyphics' legend, Casual to discuss the Hieroglyphics, new music (The Art Of Reanimation with Dead Perry) , bitcoins, Hierocoin, NFTs, the business of music, going camping and the importance of silence. Casual talks about his history in music, the art of the freestyle and shares stories about working with Pharaohe Monch, Prince Po, Prince Paul, Dan the Automator, Ed O.G. , Sadat X, Del the Funky Homosapian, Souls of Mischief and many more.

DITC’s O.C. Gives Props To Pharoahe Monch And Organized Konfusion, Tells An Epic Story About Diddy.

For the full interview go to https://allhiphop.com/thelibrary/oc/

Compton’s Most Wanted co-founder MC Eiht joins Tim this week for an in-depth conversation about his early influences. The rap legend explains how he went from gang banging to becoming a legendary MC with Compton’s Most Wanted and much more.

Check out full interview here: https://allhiphop.com/thelibrary/

The Library’s Tim Einenkel and AllHipHop.com co-founder Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur sit down with Hip-Hop pioneer , the late, great Kangol Kid of UTFO. Kangol Kid discusses how he became one of the first dancers for the rap group Whodini, how UTFO came to be For the entire interview go to allhiphop.com

Industry vet and legend, Bumpy knuckles joins Allhiphop.com presents The Library with Tim Einenkel this week to talk working with greats such as Kool G rap, DJ Premier, M.O.P, Pete Rock, Kool Keith and KRS One. Discusses meeting Eric B for the first time and so much more. Check out the full interview right here https://allhiphop.com/thelibrar

This week, Tim talks with Full Force for a really great, deep interview about the group’s amazing career, which spans almost 40 years! Check out the full interview right here https://allhiphop.com/thelibrary/full-force-breaks-down-their-legendary-careers-from-utfo-and-nicki-minaj-to-selena-and-house-party/

Two legendary hip-hop forces – Talib Kweli and Diamond D – have come together to form the new group Gotham. Check out this interview where they explain why they started the group, their chemistry together and much more! Check out the full interview here https://allhiphop.com/thelibrary/talib-kweli-and-diamond-d-discuss-their-new-group-gotham-making-music-together-favorite-duos-and-more/

Rap legend Chill Rob G is a pioneer from New Jersey. Read up on his history, the story behind his groundbreaking song “The Power,” and more! Check out the entire interview here https://allhiphop.com/thelibrary/

Tim Einenkel and Cee Lo Green talk about his days with Goodie Mob, transitioning to a solo career and much more on this week’s episode on The Library. Check out the full interview on https://allhiphop.com/thelibrary

On October 8th, 2021, Smooth B was Inducted Into The Hip-Hop Museum in DC along with Rakim, Kool Moe Dee, Nice & Smooth, Pete Rock & DJ Kid Capri. This week, the legendary MC discusses being inducted, the importance of each of his fellow inductees, origin of his name, Smooth B, the impact going to his first Grandmaster Flash park jam and much more.

For the full video interview go to https://allhiphop.com/thelibrary/

This week Tim sits down with one of Hip-Hop’s great storytellers, Dana Dane. The Kangol Crew member talks about the origins of the group, origins of rhyming with an English accent, the legendary producer Hurby Luv Bug, first meeting Kwame and helping him choose his name. The Brooklyn, NY artist talks about mental health, how Whodini influenced his track "Nightmares" and his newest track “Nightmares Again”.

For the full video interview for AllHipHop.com, go to https://allhiphop.com/

This week on Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with Statik Selektah who dropped his latest album, The Balancing Act. Statik discusses working with Nas, Freddie Gibbs, Joey Bada$$, Termanology, the late Mac Miller and Sean Price. The veteran record producer shares inspirational pandemic stories from his fans, SiriusXM, the cover art, cancelled culture, new project with Black Thought, music of The Balancing Act and much more.

This week on Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel, Dr. Octagon himself, Kool Keith. The cofounding member of Ultramagnetic MCs talks about the origins of the group, his evolution and development as an artist, why he respects and appreciates what new MCs and producers are doing, what's holding back old school artists and talks about the legacy of the late, Tim Dog.

This week on Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel, Tim is joined by Grandmaster Caz. The Hip Hop legend talks to Tim about the birth of the culture, what he expected out of it, the night he became "Grandmaster", which Hip Hop elements he's grown to appreciate, whether the disconnect between each Hip Hop generation is organic or industry made, being referenced in a Jay Z song and featured on a Macklemore song, and we get his reaction to Tupac's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Hip Hop journalist, author, and historian S.H. Fernando Jr. aka Skiz Fernando has just published his second book, From the Streets of Shaolin: The Wu-Tang Saga. Fernando’s comprehensive history of legendary group Wu Tang Clan, chronicles their lives as children in the streets of Shaolin, the genius behind their art, the genius behind their entrepreneurship, the genius behind the groundbreaking record deals they signed, and the genius of each member of the group. Check out this must hear interview if you want to hear the entire history of Wu Tang Clan.

This week on Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to The Last Emperor. The Secret Wars MC, talks about being signed by Dr. Dre, Rawkus Records, his college days, being an upcoming MC and the important role his mom played in his life as a person and artist. We also talk about the significance of escapism in hip hop and comics, rap music and the prison industrial complex fueling each other, the importance of Lyricist Lounge, Fat Beats, being consigned by hip hop peers, breaking down his classic material, his writing process, why he walked away from music and much more.

Veteran emcee Eternia has returned with a new album, Free (with Rel McCoy), her first in 11 years, The Canadian artist discusses the creation of it, why she walked away from music, the importance of artists such as: Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee, DJ Premier, Murs, Mr. Lif and DJ Eclipse are to her, the music grant writing process, what she gives and gets from hip hop culture, the reason she's able to hold her own in a cypher and on stage and why Astoria, Queens, NY is her home away from home.

This week on Library Rap, hip hop artist, Lyric Jones joins Tim. Lyric talks about the impact of Church, Gospel Music , Jazz, Jay Z, Angela Bassett and Queen Latifah have had on her as an artist and what made her want to be an MC. The Boston artist talks about her NPR Tiny Desk (Home) performance, her vision board, new album, Closer Than They Appear, Phonte (From Little Brother) as an Executive Producer and an artist, track placement, female MCs, contradictions in hip hop and how creating timeless tracks can be depressing.

This week on Library Rap, Dogg Pound legend, Kurupt. The former Death Row Records MC talks about the origin of California slang, influences, his style, the writing process, Snoop Dogg, Ice T and then new HRSMN (Ras Kass, Canibus, Killah Priest and Kurupt) album, The Last Ride

This week on Library Rap, Joseph Abajian aka DJ Jab founder of the famed hip hop record store Fat Beats. Abajian gives a history of the record store scene back in 1990s New York City. He explains the importance of Fat Beats to the independent hip hop artist.

This week Tim talks to Supreme about his new EP, Love Jones, breakdown his lyrics, growing up hip-hop, fatherhood, his dad, legendary, Ghostface Killah, and life after college

MC Lyte's career has spanned almost 30 years. When her debut album, Lyte as a Rock debuted in 1988, she was, the first woman to release a solo rap album with a major label. Lyte has not lost a lyrical step and continues to stay at the top of her game. This week on Library Rap, the hip hop legend from Brooklyn, NY joins Tim to talk music, her first hip hop group, the different artists which helped shaped the MC Lyte sound, her first major label audition which involved a book of poetry, career longevity and the record which completely blew her away

Jeff Chang and Dave “Davey D” Cook are hip hop history. Their new book “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop (Young Adult Edition) has just hit the stores. This week they join Tim on Library Rap to tell the story of hip hop culture, how it intersects with cultures in different regions of the world and the political and social movements that thrive because of hip hop. The two also break down how hip hop has used technology to disintegrate barriers, the creation of hip hop journalism, the importance of being true to the culture and how the story of hip hop is very much the story if the immigrant and his/her importance to the story of America. And that’s just the start.

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and Professor Sohail Daulatzai co-authored Born to Use Mics: Reading Nas’s Illmatic, which focuses on the first album by Hip-Hop artist Nas. In light of this book, I sat down with Professor Daulatzai to talk about how, if at all did Nas’ first album, Illmatic change the Hip-Hop industry.

In the second half of the episode, Sam Seidel talks "Hip Hop Genius," an iteration of hip-hop education that goes far beyond the usual approach of studying rap music as classroom content and looks instead at deeply honoring the knowledge of urban students.

Journalist, screenwriter, record producer, teacher Dan Charnas was one of the first writers for The Source and part of a generation of young writers who helped create hip-hop journalism. Dan is the author of a new book called The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip Hop. He joins Library Rap this week.

This week, Tim talks to East Cleveland MC, Kipp Stone, to discuss his new EP, Faygo Baby, gives us some lyrical breakdown, talk mental health in the Black community and so much more. Make sure you check out this interview.

This week on Library Rap, Tim interviews Long Beach, California emcee, Crooked I. In the interview we talk about being a member of the supergroup, Slaughterhouse, his favorite hip-hop track, his album, Apex Predator and a whole lot more

"The minute I heard [Trump] say 'China Virus' and 'Kung Flu' I knew it was going to be open season on Asians," Lyrics Born tells Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews during their must-listen conversation this week.

"ANTI" by Lyrics Born and Filipino-American DJ Cutso is a new track denouncing the criminal epidemic that shines a light on this troubling rise in their communities, with hope that it spreads awareness to stop the violence against AAPI.

Lyrics Born discusses the false narrative of conflict between Asian-Americans and other communities, the pinning by White America of communities of Color against each other, the minimizing of racism in the United States by pushing the idea of the “Model Minority”, lack of Asian-American history in American History Books, the toll racism has on mental health and much more.

Tim sits down with Mekka Don to talk about his latest single, “Still Dope”, going from practicing law to being a hip hop artist, the business side of hip hop, navigating the music industry, appearing on Sway in the Morning and much more.

In his book, “L.A. Sunshine: A True Story, The Real Accounts” legendary hip-hop artist LA sunshine of the Treacherous Three delves into his sexual victimization at the age of seven, as well as his rise to fame as a member of The Treacherous Three.

This week on Library Rap, Tim sits down with Connecticut. based MC and producer Apathy who speaks on Pharoahe Monch being a "wizard" with words, what it was like meeting and working with artists like O.C. and DJ Premier and what his friend and business partner Celph Titled means to him. He also speaks on learning financial responsibility and how he balances a hectic new real estate career with his love for hip hop music and his family.

This week on Library Rap, Tim talks to Public Enemy frontman. Hip-Hop Legend. Rock N Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Roosevelt, Long Island's own Chuck D. In the interview Chuck D. talks to Tim about Hip-Hop modern vocabulary, why commercial radio is still important, the 20th anniversary of Muse Sick-n-Hour Mess Age and and his place and responsibility in hip hop culture.

Big Daddy Kane, Queen Latifah, Public Enemy, Miles Davis, Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Busta Rhymes, Craig Mack, Lost Boyz, Heavy D, and the Wu-Tang Clan. These are just some of the artists Easy Mo Bee has produced in his 30 years in the business. Easy Mo Bee sits down on Library Rap from a coffee shop in Harlem for an extraordinary interview which covers the producer's early beginnings, working with Miles Davis, Tupac, Biggie, and Big Daddy Kane; and what similarities he was able to find in each of these artists. Mo Bee also discusses why we should appreciate 90s commercial hip hop, and the reason he decided to stop using samples when creating beats.

Diamond D sits down for an exclusive Library Rap interview speaking on his 30+ career in hip hop, his various work with artists such as the late Black Rob and Pharoahe Monch, disputes the origin story of how a collaboration with The Fugees came to be, his admiration of fellow D.I.T.C. producer Buckwild and why there's no rules when it comes to remixing. He also speaks on Gotham, his new joint album with Talib Kweli.

Producer, MC, Curator, composer, journalist and historian; Siba Giba wears many hats. This week on Library Rap, the Get Open member discusses his group's latest album, Front & Center, hip hop in France vs. in the U.S., working with legends such as Daddy O and Everlast, and takes us through his hip hop life story. The episode exemplifies hip hop journalism at it's finest.

Tech N9ne joined the podcast this week to talk musical inspiration, writing process, why he doesn't sleep, the live show, lessons from Biggie and Tupac, politics, fear and Tim asked Tech N9ne a question he's never been asked before.

Chicago artist, Philmore Greene has just released his latest project, Knowledge & Power. This week on Library Rap, he sits down with Tim to discuss the project, working with Skyzoo, growing up in West Garfield, Park, Chicago, his plans to continue to empower his community, finding beauty in your surroundings and balancing family life with artist life during a pandemic.

We kick off National Poetry Month by airing my interview with Tony Award winner, Poetri. The 7x HBO Def Poet talks to Tim about new projects and the two revisit some of his older work, performing on Broadway and Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam, his use of humor, handling writers block and balancing his art with taking caring of his wife who is living with MS

This week on, we replay Tim's incredible interview with Talib Kweli. The BK MC discusses Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star. Kweli talks about Sean Price, what he felt about the beat Kanye West created in from of him in five minutes, being Dave Chappelle and Kanye West rich and different levels of celebrity. Talib also shares his thoughts on Trump and Eminem and much more.

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Actress, entrepreneur and artist, Yo Yo, joins Tim this week to talk early influences, using hip hop to empower the youth, what Doug E Fresh, MC Lyte and Roxanne Shante mean to her and the culture and of course Tupac.

Ice-T made a name for himself bringing his life as a hustler on the streets onto his debut album, 1987’s Rhyme Pays. He was and is a pioneer in hip hop as it went from regionally popular music to nationally recognized art form. Since then he has become one of only a handful of hip hop MCs to create a highly visible and successful entertainment career, creating music, acting in television and film, and writing a memoir. In this 2016 interview, Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel, sits down with the legend to discuss the many lanes he's taken throughout his career. He talks about his single-minded drive to find freedom from the poverty and violence of the streets, why you should never battle an unsigned rapper, and what the real lesson of Marlon Brando’s Godfather was

Legendary trailblazing emcee Michie Mee stops by Library Rap with Tim Einenkel for an in-depth conversation about her early teenage years visiting The Bronx, getting co-signed by KRS-One and the late, great Scott La Rock, what the music of Public Enemy means to her, the marriage of hip hop and reggae in her music and how she balances and highlights those styles on her highly acclaimed new album, Bahdgyal's Revenge.

Known for creating Atlanta Hip Hop with a twist, Señor Kaos has released his latest album, Kings of Vice. He joins Library Rap to talk about his new project and the impact of NYC and Atlanta on him. Kaos also dives into his experiences with some in Hip Hop Media and what he sees as a racist agenda, why he wants hip hop legislation preservation, his other job as a marketer, how he balances connecting the hip hop brand with the commercial brand and ensuring he doesn't water down hip hop culture

Master lyricist K.A.A.N. checks in on Library Rap to discuss his writing process throughout the years, the greats who have inspired him, like Tupac and O.C., what he learned via studio sessions with Dr. Dre and talk about his new album, Long Time No See.

All Natural and producer, Panik. have released their latest album,Dark Night, an incredible album which takes you on a great lyrical and musical journey.This week on Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel, Chicago MC Cap D and Panik to discuss the album, Dark Night, Music theory and creating music without sampling. The three also talk about confronting contradictions in Hip hop and in Life, how Golden States Warriors’ Draymond Green motivated Cap D to pick back up the pen again, Cap D as Chief Legal Officer for the Golden State Warriors, the importance of 1988 in Hip Hop and the business side of Hip hop music.

This week on Library Rap, Tim sits down with REKS to not just break down his latest album, T.H.I.N.G.S. but to discuss White Privilege, being Black in America, PTSD, mental health, Big Pharma, fatherhood and much more.

“Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel” is like “Inside the Actor’s Studio” for hip hop. Every week, Tim gets inside the art of hip hop in interviews with the most influential emcees, artists, producers, DJs, and sound engineers. Notable guests have included, Ice T, Royce Da 5’9″, Joell Ortiz, Talib Kweli, Chuck D, Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, David Banner, Scarface, Rah Digga, Rapsody, Smif-N-Wessun, Buckshot, along with many more.

There are lyricists, and then there's OC. In a class by himself, the veteran emcee stops by Library Rap with Tim Einenkel to speak on everything from his debut album, to the role of the producer, to how he comes up with concepts and writes his rhymes. He also speaks on working with fellow artists such as AG, Buckwild, Ray West, Apollo Brown, Apathy and much more. It's in-depth and informative, much like the top tier rhymes of the great OC, and it absolutely should not be missed.

Even though T. Calmese has released his debut album, Time and Time Again, at the age of 40, he’s is no rookie. Coming from the hip hop collective, The Black Opera, Calmese continues to hone his craft. This week on Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel, the Detroit MC talks about releasing a debut album at the age of 40, breaks down tracks from the album, answers whether hip hop is still a young person’s game, the Detroit hip hop scene while he was growing up, influence of Church music on him, mental health in the Black community and much more.

Tim Einenkel sits down with Paris, the black panther of hip hop, on the latest installment of Library Rap. They discuss his classic debut The Devil Made Me Do It and the controversy surrounding his second album Sleeping With The Enemy, as well as working with a young DJ Shadow. They also talk about his influences , politics, the future of political hip hop and the prevalent and powerful subject matter on his latest album Safe Space Invader which is a no holds barred audio assault featuring multiple casualties and incredible food for thought.

Happy New Year! This week, we dig into the archives and hear Tim's interviews with Common about his memoir, One Day It'll All Make Sense. Common discusses why he almost gave up on rapping after his first album, Can I Borrow a Dollar? and tells us which of his 5 records would make up his autobiography.

Legendary Hip-Hop artist Kool Moe Dee sits down with Tim Einenkel to talk abouthis career, the state of Hip-Hop, the real reason he battled LL Cool J, lyricism, the art of hip hop and much more.

When I interviewed Reggie Ossé a.k.a. Combat Jack back in June 2017, he told me that what had made Chris Lighty so attractive for the upcoming season of Mogul was that his life's trajectory had mirrored the hip hop culture he loved. Mogul, his podcast series about Chris Lighty had been released and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to talk to him about it. I met Reggie for our interview at a coffee shop near Union Square in New York City. I was nervous because after all he was “COMBAT JACK.” We shook hands and I thanked him for agreeing to be interviewed. Instead of saying “you're welcome,” he said “No, thank you for doing this.” It was a small but incredibly generous gesture. My nervousness abated; he offered to buy me a cup of coffee, which I politely declined, and he purchased a cup of tea for himself. We sat down and began the interview.

On October of 2017, Reggie learned he had cancer. On December 20, 2017 the Hip Hop community, the podcast community lost a legend. Reggie Ossé a.k.a. Combat Jack was 53 years old. The following is my interview with him.

Combat Jack, thank you.

Music heard on this episode - Produced and Scored by Jason Cowit. Check out all his music on his Bandcamp page

Billy Danze has been representing Hip Hop music and Hip Hop Culture for years. As part of the legendary group, M.O.P and through his solo work, he continues to make an imprint in music while bodying each record he is on. He just released We Busy (The Listening Session), which features Method Man, DJ Premier, Havoc, Lil Fame, Cormega and Daz Dillinger. The Brownsville, New York artist breaks down tracks from the release, shares stories about meeting DJ Premier and going to WBLS radio studios for the first time.. The M.O.P. legend talks about collaborating with DJ Kayslay and 49 other MCs on one track, drops some hip hop gems, talks the greatness of Mobb Deep and why was O.C. the first artist M.O.P went after for a collaboration.

Darlene Ortiz, widely recognizable for being the woman Ice T's Power album joins Tim on The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel, this week to talk about her newest memoir called Definition Of Down – My Life with Ice-T & the Birth Of Hip-Hop. She talks to Tim about the iconic Power album cover, her struggles as a child of an alcoholic mother, being a part of and a witness to the birth of west coast hip hop; and Tim shares a story about his grandmother buying him and his brothers bootleg NWA tapes.

This week on Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with Statik Selektah who just dropped his latest album, The Balancing Act. Statik discusses working with Nas, Freddie Gibbs, Joey Bada$$, Termanology, the late Mac Miller and Sean Price.

The veteran record producer shares inspirational pandemic stories from his fans, SiriusXM, the cover art, cancelled culture, new project with Black Thought, music of The Balancing Act and much more.

Aaron Dalla Villa was born and raised in Suffolk, Virginia and studied music and dance-training at the prestigious Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk, Virginia. This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Dalla Villa joins Tim to talk about dancing, being an MC, working with the legendary Paul Anthony (Full Force), being inspired by Nas, Kanye West, MF Doom, Eminem and writing lyrics and spitting on dope beats.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, hip hop artist, Lyric Jones joins Tim. Lyric talks about the impact of Church, Gospel Music , Jazz, Jay Z, Angela Bassett and Queen Latifah have had on her as an artist and what made her want to be an MC. The Boston artist talks about her NPR Tiny Desk (Home) performance, her vision board, new album, Closer Than They Appear, Phonte (From Little Brother) as an Executive Producer and an artist, track placement, female MCs, contradictions in hip hop and how creating timeless tracks can be depressing.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Black Soprano Family (BSF) artists, Ricky Hyde and Heem drop by to talk Gangsta Grillz X BSF Da Respected Sopranos, benefits of being part of Black Soprano Family, working with Benny the Butcher, the significance of 2015 and why talking about their past is a must.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim is joined by the Nappy Roots to discuss their new album, 40rty, the evolution of Southern Hip Hop, authenticity, beer and much more.

This week on The Library, Tim talks to Blu and Exile about their latest project, Miles: From an Interlude Called Life, the writing and collaborating process, impact Miles Davis has had on them as artist, finding hope in this shitshow known as 2020 and why they both love intro tracks and outro tracks on albums.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Supastition as he takes us through the ups and downs of his career, how collaborating with Okayplayer and Questlove changed the course of his music journey, his battle with depression, using music as therapy, mental health in hip hop as well as the business side of hip hop. The Greenville, North Carolina artist discusses using art to fight against systemic racism, regrets in his music and a bright future which includes a new project with artist, Wordsworth. He also shares stories about working with artists such as Blueprint and the late, great Pumkinhead.

A true hip hop legend from Compton sits down for an exclusive in depth conversation on The Library with Tim Einenkel.

The great MC Eiht speaks on his early influences and how he has a tremendous amount of respect for the DJ. For his new album "Lessons" he talks about collaborations and how working with different artists challenges himself and those around him. MC Eiht is a true artist and this interview proves once and for all that he is far from being one-dimensional; you'll hear how he prides himself on diversity and pushing himself to put out the best music he can, no matter the circumstances.

Journey into the mind of legendary emcee Craig G as he sits down on The Library with Tim Einenkel to discuss his new album The Fragile Ego. But much more than that, listen in as he documents his personal journey and recent growth, the importance of education, what he admires most about Masta Ace and find out why he doesn't want to treat hip hop like his life depends on it. All that and so much more on this in depth, brutally honest conversation with a certified hip hop legend.

On this special edition of The Library, Tim Einenkel sits down for an exclusive in-depth interview with super producer J. Rawls. He talks about how he got started out making beats, reveals backstories on his production work with artists like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Heresy and Masta Ace, talks about the impact of fellow producers like Diamond D and the late, great J Dilla and also exclusively announces an album he's currently working on with a legendary emcee.

When you talk about legendary Hip-Hop groups, Naughty by Nature should be at the top of the list. This Grammy-winning trio from East Orange, New Jersey made up of Treach, Vin Rock, and the DJ Kay Gee has just completed their 7th studio album, Anthem Inc. celebrating 20 years in the industry. This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, we replay Tim's interview with Vin Rock joined me for an interview.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to former Hieroglyphics-member, Extra Prolific who has just dropped his newest album, Like It’s Supposed to Be. The Houston native talks influences, what it meant to be part of the Hieroglyphics crew, Jive Records, developing as an artist and much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to David Banner. The actor, activist and MC discusses his album, The God Box, Donald Trump helping to expose the facade of American politics and how that will impact artists.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, we replay his interview with the legendary Kool G Rap. G Rap is one of the most influential rapper still working in music today. He was very much ahead of his time and brought so much to the art form. The Queens, NY MC is known for using complex multi-syllabic rhymes and it easy to hear his influence on young artists today.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Canadian Producer and Hip Hop Artist, Classified. The two talk about family during the Covid-19 pandemic, new music, influences and so much more.

This week on The Library with Tim EInenkel, Tim hears from Queens, NYC MC, Bobby J From Rockaway and legendary artist, Kwamé as they discuss life at home during the Covid-19 pandemic. Bobby J and Kwamé talk about how to stay creative, the future opportunities social media has opened up for them and the impact financially the pandemic has had on the music industry.

Music heard on this episode - Produced and Scored by Jason Cowit (https://jcowit.bandcamp.com/) . Check out all his music on his Bandcamp (https://jcowit.bandcamp.com/) page

Ras Kass, J57 and El Gant are Jamo Gang. This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Jamo Gang drops by to talk their debut project, Walking with Lions, working with DJ Premier, writing about gun violence, mental health, systemic racism, releasing an album during the Covid-19 Pandemic, the importance of Fat Beats Record store in New York City, 90s hip-hop and the lyrical "gift" and the “curse“ of Stevie Wonder.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with hip hop artist, Ras Kass. They discuss his latest album "Soul on Ice 2", how a hip hop top ten list should be decided, the opioid crisis, Colin Kaepernick, Donald Trump, and the White Power structure in the age of the #MeToo Movement.

This week on The Library with Tim EInenkel, Tim hears from Masta Ace and Termanology as they discuss life at home during the Covid-19 pandemic. Term and Ace talk about projects they are working on, how they are staying healthy, how lives have been impacted by the virus and the business side of music.

Music heard on this episode - Produced and Scored by Jason Cowit (https://jcowit.bandcamp.com/) . Check out all his music on his Bandcamp (https://jcowit.bandcamp.com/) page

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to hip hop group, Pen Ultimate. The NYC trio is comprised of MCs and producers, Red Flag, Bacon Bear, and Will Scrillz. The group talks about early beginnings, creative process, their new album, "Pretty Good" and conversations they have with the legendary, Bill Adler.

This week on The Library with Tim EInenkel, Tim plays part of Buckshot from Black Moon's conversation on the business side of the music industry. We also hear from Black Moon's DJ Evil Dee and Smif -N-Wessun's General Steele on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on hip hop artists as well as what each of them are doing while in quarantine.

Music heard on this episode - Produced and Scored by Jason Cowit (https://jcowit.bandcamp.com/) . Check out all his music on his Bandcamp (https://jcowit.bandcamp.com/) page

This week on The Library with Tim EInenkel, Tim plays DJ Neil Armstrong's conversation on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on hip hop artists. Armstrong talks about his family, personal impact of the virus, Instagram Lives, business side of the music and offers hope.

Music heard on this episode - Produced and Scored by Jason Cowit (https://jcowit.bandcamp.com/) . Check out all his music on his Bandcamp (https://jcowit.bandcamp.com/) page

How has the lives of Hip Hop artists and creatives been impacted by Covid-19? The Library with Tim Einenkel hears from Black Moon's Buckshot, DJ Evil Dee, Ras Kass, Smif N Wessun's General Steele, Kwame, Masta Ace, Bobby J from Far Rockaway, Termanology and DJ Neil Armstrong on the effects this pandemic has had, not just on their lives but the lives of other artists.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks with Bassist and Producer Brady Watt and MC, Demrick via Skype as theyhave linked up together to release their new EP – WavRidin, Brady and Demrick talk working together, lyrics, music theory, song structure, Brady Watt’s Bass & Bars, the geniuses of Xzibit, DJ Premier, Dr. Dre and plans after Covid-19 lockdown.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with legendary hip hop artist, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Chuck D. The PE frontman breaks news on the firing of Flavor Flav and guess what? The joke is on you! The hard rhymer talks about the new Enemy Radio album, Loud is Not Enough, the Bernie Sanders concert and he breaks down the origins of Public Enemy and some of their most influential tracks. He also talks about his plans for 2020, why Enemy Radio’s track “Food as a Machine Gun” is the most important hip hop track of its time and why he won’t continue to let Hip Hop be treated as a bastard child.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, legendary artist, Brooklyn's own, Buckshot. The Black Moon artist breaks down the business side of music,gives business advice to new artist during the pandemic, and the impact of quarantining and Covid-19 has had on the livelihood of the artist. Buckshot discusses the benefits of D-Nice's Instagram Live, his new venture, Buckshot Mobile and his new book.

This week on The Library, Tim sits down with 14 Trapdoors. Made up of the artists known as Bendyface, WZA, Short Moscato, these artists discuss continuing to help put Buffalo, NY on the map. They talk about who they are, their influences, the late Mac Miller, MF Doom, working on a new project with 88 Keys, their own production, performing at a public library and what they plan to accomplish with their art.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down to talk with hip hop artist Grafh, from Ground Central Coffee in New York City. Grafh tells Tim about how he masked his feelings after his dad was murdered and his continuing struggle to reconcile his death. Grafh breaks down the story behind the tracks, sequencing an album and features from his latest project, THE ORACLE III. He also discusses working with the legendary Pete Rock and he ode to the late, great Notorious B.I.G.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with artist, Fokis. Fokis and Tim talk about his project "This Thing Called Life", lyrics, art, exercising, Ras Kass and much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Detroit MC and MD, Lazarus. Tim and Lazarus discuss touring with Wu-Tang Clan, his current tour with GZA, the impact of legendary Pakistani musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on Lazarus as an artist and the hip hop scene in Pakistan. Lazarus also talks about the intricacies of rhyming in multiple languages, and much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with Sa-Roc backstage at Elsewhere Hall in Brooklyn, NY during Rapsody's "A Black Woman Created this Tour". The Rhymesayers MC discusses her new music, being open with her fans through music, confidence through writing, and the importance of going out on tour with Rapsody and the significance behind it.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, documentary filmmaker, Asri Bendacha sits down to talk about his new film, The Pursuit of Greatness. The documentary follows up and coming hip hop artist, Jon Rise as he struggles with balancing finances, family issues, his dream to become a famous rapper, while Asri explores the hip hop industry in the digital era. Tim and Asri talk about the film, his role as the filmmaker and his love for hip hop and much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with artist, NIkki Jean at Webster Hall in New York City. The Rhymesayers artist talks about how working with greats such as Bob Dylan, Carole King, Carly Simon, Lamont Dozier, Jimmy Webb, and Burt Bacharach, have changed her writing. She discusses her broad range of influences from Irving Berlin to hip hop and the impact they have had on her life and art. Nikki also gives a breakdown of each track on her new project, Beautiful Prison.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with legendary producer, DITC's Buckwild. Topics discussed: Years 1993, '94 and '95 being turning points for Hip Hop music, the late, great Big L, the role of a producer, how a trip to L.A. helped shape the Buckwild production sound, learning about R&B from Babyface and being influenced by The Bomb Squad. Buckwild also talks secrets to radio play, the gift and curse of having hit records, what makes O.C., Pharoahe Monch and others complete artist, Puffy wanting to manage O.C., Rawkus Records changing the game. The Bronx producer discusses about how many of today's artist are not elevating the art form and much much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to the co-founder of AllHipHop.Com, Chuck Creekmur. The Hip Hop journalist talks about his love for Hip Hop culture, why he and his business partner, Greg Watkins, started AllHipHop.com. Chuck discusses about the criticisms and pressures to represent Hip Hop culture accurately, the future of the site and reflects on what he learned about himself as a person and a journalist after interviews with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, T.I., Jean Grae and Jay-Z.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Tim Einenkel shares his past interview with artist, actor Common. The Chi-City MC talked about his memoir, One Day It'll All Make Sense, why he almost gave up on rapping after his first album, Can I Borrow a Dollar? and uses his music to plan out his personal story.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, we replay Tim's interview with Rich Nice. Rich was the first Rapper signed to the famed Motown Records label. When Nice isn't lending his voice to A & R Room with Sway, he's working as an A&R and Marketing Executive, as well as the founder of the production Team “The TrackMasters."

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, we replay our interview with the late , great Combat Jack himself, Reggie Ossé. During this interview, Reggie talked about his series Mogul: The Life & Death of Chris Lighty. Ossé talked about what he's learned in the research and production of this six part series, and what he's learned about his own story during the process. The two podcasting veterans also discuss mental health awareness in not just the hip hop community but also the black community.

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This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Spice 1. The West Coast OG talks his latest album Platinum OG, opening for N.W.A when he was 16 years old , learning from Eazy-E, real gangsters vs. “studio gangsters”, first meeting UGK, the late Pimp C’s influenced on the game, life lessons, hip hop industry’s impact on the weed industry, breaks down his lyrics, writing process and more.

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In 2015, MaLLY, released the incredible track called “Say My Peace”. I went searching for more from the Minneapolis DJ/Producer/Emcee but he had already stopped releasing music. Then in September of 2019, there was announcement: MaLLY would be releasing new music. His album The Journey to a Smile just dropped. MaLLY joins The Library with Tim Einenkel to discuss his new work, his music hiatus, his early inspirations, and I give my opinion about his new album.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Brooklyn MC, Von Pea. The Brooklyn native talks about his new album City for Sale, the gentrification of his hometown and takes us on a journey through his neighborhood, the importance of certain intersections and how Sumner Projects shaped him as a person and artist.

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This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Bronx MC, David Bars, who just dropped his new project, The Bar Code, comes through to talk about his early days of spitting in elementary and high school, details the creative process when collaborating with great producers and artists such as D.I.T.C, Fat Joe, and writing for a DJ Premier beat after eating a steak for dinner. And more importantly he details why Showbiz, Preemo, Lord Finesse, Buckwild, Corey Gunz, and Fat Joe are important to him as an artist.

He is an artist and DJ of the highest caliber, pushing boundaries musically with each release. He is DJ Shadow and his new double album Our Pathetic Age continues the tradition. This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, DJ Shadow sits down for an extremely in-depth conversation about the creative process, stories behind the music and much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, CL Smooth. The legendary MC shares stories about collaborations with Large Professor, DJ Krush, The Roots, and Run DMC. He talks 25 years of hip hop culture and rap music, working with the late, great Heavy D, how John Legend helped him elevate his art, writing a track without a curse, the importance of keeping fit and much much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Detroit MC, Bizarre. The former D12 member talks about growing up in Detroit, life before fame, Eminem as the producer, new music and what to expect from his new album.

The week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Bobby Feeno (Arian Foster, former NFL Running Back). The Mass Appeal Records artist talks about his new EP, A Late February, lyrics, purpose of his art, the power of his celebrity, and how hip hop has become the Capitalist monster it was born to destroy.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Black Moon. The legendary hip hop group discuss their newest album, Rise of Da Moon, creative process, what continues to make the Black Moon sound and the legacy of Ralph McDaniels, Video Music Box and how it impacted their careers. Buck Shot goes in-depth regarding a neurological condition he's been living with since early 2000s and how it affects him and much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Dr. Octagon himself, Kool Keith. The cofounding member of Ultramagnetic MCs talks about the origins of the group, his evolution and development as an artist, why he respects and appreciates what new MCs and producers are doing, what's holding back old school artists and talks about the legacy of the late, Tim Dog.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with the first MC on wax, MC Sha-Rock. In part two of the interview, Sha-Roc talks about getting screwed over by with Sugar Hill Records and Sylvia Robinson, logistics of signing a label contract, why her place in hip hop history has been lost and much more. Make sure to listen to the end when you hear DMC of Run-DMC explain the influence MC Sha – Rock had on the Queens’ MC.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Joel Ortiz drops by to break down his new album, Monday, fatherhood, lyrics he used to spit for his mom, and how he's grown as an artist.

Pete Rock and Skyzoo's album, Retropolitian, dropped Friday, September 20, 2019. This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Skyzoo Sits down to talk about the new album, breaks down the lyrics, talks about working with Pete Rock. Skyzoo also shares a personal story about he and his wife trying to have a child and the impact of Miles Davis on his career.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with hip hop artist, Ras Kass. They discuss his latest album "Soul on Ice 2", how a hip hop top ten list should be decided, the opioid crisis, Colin Kaepernick, Donald Trump, and the White Power structure in the age of the #MeToo Movement.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with the first MC on wax, MC Sha-Rock. In part one of the interview, Sha-Rock talks about being a B-Girl in 1976, developing into becoming the first MC in the hip hop culture, why her place in history hasn't been told, the influence the Funky 4 + 1 has had on future artists, her dealings with record labels and much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother to discuss their new album, May The Lord Watch, working together again, Combat Jack (RIP), lyrics, learning about themselves and much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Ohio’s M-Eighty. The Glass City MC talks to Tim about his new EP, Toledo, the Toledo hip hop scene and talks about the collaborations on his new EP. The A&R extraordinaire really breaks down the business of the music industry, the surprises MCs face on the business side of the industry, and why he never tells artists he’s worked with such as Wu-Tang, Pete Rock, Planet Asia, etc. that he’s an MC. M-Eighty also talks about the importance of features and explains the greatness of Tech N9ne.

The week on The Library, Bronx, NY MC Chris Rivers. The young veteran MC talks about his new album, G.I.T.U. and why he thinks it is his best work to date, and breaks down his lyrics while spitting some lyrics. He also talks about the gift and the curse of being the son of the late, legendary MC Big Pun, his tribute to him and finding himself, not just as an artist but as a person.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Murs. The California artist talks to Tim about his new project with 9th Wonder “The Illiad is Dead and the Odyssey is Over”, why he will continue to sample and play music by Michael Jackson, the impact of Definitive Jux his career. Murs also talks the recording process, why Rapsody is one of his favorite MCs and the late Sean Price.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, South Philly MC, Zilla Rocca. Zilla sits down with Tim to talk about his family, continuing to contribute to Hip Hop Culture, his new album, 96 Mentality, Allen Iverson, basketball and much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tech N9ne joins the podcast to talk musical inspiration, writing process, why he doesn't sleep, the live show, lessons from Biggie and Tupac, politics, fear and Tim asks Tech N9ne a question he's never been asked before.

Hip Hop Legend & producer Davy DMX sits down for an interview with another Hip-Hop great, Chuck D.

The Week on The Library with Tim EInenkel, East Point, Georgia Producer/MC, Yamin Semali. Yamin talks the Atlanta Hip Hop scene, dropping beat tapes, hearing Brand Nubian for the first time, importance of music in his family and using hip hop to discuss mental health awareness and other social issues. Yamin Semali is doing incredible things, not just for the music but for his community. Check out the interview and his music.

I had the honor to sit down with Doc Ice formerly from the group UTFO, most famous for their song "Roxanne, Roxanne". He is the younger brother of Jalil from the rap group Whodini.

We discussed his single "The Comeback", his work past and present, as well of what he thought about the current state of rap music and Hip-Hop culture.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, we continue the conversation with the legendary Dres from Black Sheep. Dres talks the historical importance of the Native Tongues, his son's hip hop career, the original recording sessions of Tribe's Scenario, working with the late Phife Dawg, favorite Chi Ali story, his own music and much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim is joined by legendary artist, Dres from the legendary group Black Sheep. In part one of this interview, Dres talks about the gift—and the curse—of their 1991 mega hit, "The Choice is Yours.” He delves deep into his family's music rich history. Dres also talks about the MC that would have been the third member of Black Sheep, why that didn't happen, and the importance of this person in his career. The legend breaks down what makes a great producer, talks Delicious Vinyl, explains why he believes "gun talk" rap music has been pushed to the masses and much much more.

In "Hip Hop Genius," Sam Seidel introduces an iteration of hip-hop education that goes far beyond the usual approach of studying rap music as classroom content and looks instead at deeply honoring the knowledge of urban students. Seidel lays out a vision for how hip-hop's genius—the resourceful creativity and swagger that took it from a local phenomenon to a global force—can lead to a fundamental remix of the way we think of teaching, school design, and leadership.

All music in this interview is produced, recorded and performed by the students of the High School for Recording Arts. www.hsra.org (http://www.hsra.org/)

credits

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Bam from the Legendary group, Jungle Brothers. The New York MC talks his early days at Murry Bergtraum High School, future artists who came out of the High School, Q-Tip's first time recording in the studio, working with Bob Power, how the evolution of listening to music has changed the sound of Hip Hop music, new music and Bam defines the legacy of the Jungle Brothers.

This week on The Library we talking the "Miami Mixtape King" DJ EFN who has just released his debut studio album, "Another Time" which features artists such as: INS Deck, Guilty Simpson, M.O.P., Cormega, Bun B, Jarren Benton, Black Milk, David Banner, Jon Connor, N.O.R.E., Fashawn, Troy Ave, Scarface, Stalley, Juvenile, Talib Kweli, Redman,Sean Price, Trick Daddy, Denzel Curry, Joell Ortiz, Gunplay, Royce Da 5'9" & Your Old Droog (among others) & production from DJ Premier & Buckwild.. DJ EFN talks about the collaboration process, what his criteria is for picking an artists and how this album is a tribute to the hip-hop pioneers.

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and Professor Sohail Daulatzai co-authored Born to Use Mics: Reading Nas’s Illmatic, which focuses on the first album by Hip-Hop artist Nas. In light of this book, I sat down with Professor Daulatzai to talk about how, if at all did Nas’ first album, Illmatic change the Hip-Hop industry. What did it mean for the future of the industry? How has it inspired rap artist? And, why write a book on this particular album?

“How to Rap: The Art and Science of the Hip-Hop MC” is a book written by Paul Edwards. The book is compiled from interviews Paul did of several artists, breaking down exactly what it takes to be a great MC. Other artists include Kool G Rap (who also provided the foreword), Big Daddy Kane, Clipse, Mobb Deep, Souls of Mischief, Nelly, Masta Ace, will-i-am, Chuck D, Cypress Hill, Twista, Immortal Technique, and A Tribe Called Quest.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Chip Fu from the Legendary group Fu-Schnickens. In part two of the interview, the East Flatbush, Brooklyn MC talks about his solo career, the significance of The Arsenio Hall Show on Hip Hop and the final performance on the late night show which featured Yo-Yo, MC Lyte, Treach, Phife Dawg, Q-Tip, Fu-Schnickens, C.L. Smooth, Guru, Das EFX, Wu-Tang Clan, KRS-One, and Mad Lion

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Chip Fu from the Legendary group Fu-Schnickens. In part one of the interview, the East Flatbush, Brooklyn MC talks about rap, reggae, UTFO’s Educated Rapper, recording with Bob Power, and shares some gems about working with Phife Dawg and Shaq.

What happens when you take the soul of gospel, the lyricism of Def poetry and the heart of hip hop? Oswin Benjamin is what happens. His debut album, Godfrey just dropped. This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, we sit down for an interview with the young MC to talk about his new album, where he draws inspiration from and drives him to be so open in his art. Oswin also breaks down a few of his verses for Tim and explains why his freestyle on Sway in the Morning was his favorite of all time.

Miami based rapper Trick Daddy is best known for his music. Each song is a reflection of himself or somebody he knows. Throughout his music career, Trick Daddy has been deemed controversial. This stigma is usually branded on artists who bring the ills of society to the public eye. The title of “controversial artist” sticks because the artists usually has little chance to defend himself(sic) in public because the song which explains it all isn’t covered by the mainstream. Unfortunately, this causes the artist to be highly misunderstood. Trick Daddy understands this but in no way apologizes for his music. He writes what he knows. This is evident in his new autobiography, Magic City: Trails of a Native Son. Written by Trick Daddy and Peter Bailey. I had the opportunity to interview Trick prior to the book coming out. He explains that his book should be used as a deterrent and should not be seen as glorification.

Tim Einenkel interviews Common about his memoir, One Day It'll All Make Sense. This is the full interview which includes why Common almost gave up on rapping after his first album, Can I Borrow a Dollar? and, if his next album will be his last.

On Part 2 of The Library’s interview with DJ Neil Armstrong, Tim and DJ Neil Armstrong discuss their favorite Jay-Z tracks. When Michael Jackson and R. Kelly come up they talk about the issues surrounding how one can or cannot separate the "artist" from the "person." Armstrong also talks about challenging personal convictions while fulfilling his role as a DJ, connection between food and music. We also talk about hip hop's relationship with musical legend Stevie Wonder and the future of the New York Knicks. Armstrong discussed all this and much more while making sure he leaves in time to pick up his daughter from daycare

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Jay Z’s former tour DJ, DJ Neil Armstrong. In Part 1 of the interview the Queens, New York native begins by explaining why he needs three phones to play Pokémon Go and then we get into DJ Armstrong’s history in Hip Hop. Armstrong talks about first hearing Newcleus’ Jam on It played on New York City radio as a kid. He covers his years going to church as a child and the many early hip hop legends that played a part in his education. Armstrong remembers a time when radio and MTV refused to play rap, a time when Fat Beats ruled, and DJs actually had battles to decide who was supreme. The 5th Platoon member talks about touring with Jay Z and what songs make a DJs set daring.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim continues his conversation with legendary Evil Dee. Evil Dee talks about how Rawkus Records could have succeeded, learning the business aspect of the music industry, Black Moon's history, Beatminez Radio history, embracing technological development as a DJ and a new Black Moon Album.

This week on The Library with Tim EInenkel, Tim talks to Legendary Producer, Evil Dee. In Part 1 of this interview, the Black Moon DJ explains why drawing from a diverse set of musical influences helps with the creativity of his production. Dee remembers learning an instrument in 10 minutes, his West Indian parents' love for Kenny Rogers, and talks about the origin of Da Beatminez. Evil Dee ends part 1 of this interview talking about the history of Rawkus Records, Soundbombing 1 and why it failed.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Albany, GA artist, Cantrell. The Mass Appeal artist talks his early beginnings Jam Skating in Georgia, lessons learned from Nas, his mom's music, breaks down his lyrics, his new album Devil Never Even Lived and much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Southern MC, Jackie Spade. Spade first gained recognition from the 2015 BET Hip-Hop Cypher. He talks about DJ Premier cutting it while in the cypher, the influence of Lil Wayne, and wanting to be a fly on the wall for Tupac's Hit Em Up. Jackie Spade gets into what makes up the soulfulness of Southern Hip Hop, his writing process, and his new album, Aurafication

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with two legends, Grandmaster Caz and Grandmaster Melle Mel. The progenitors of hip hop talk about what inspired them, Top Shelf records and the media tour, what differentiated them from others and share some great hip hop history.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, In part 1, Tim sits down with two legends, Grandmaster Caz and Grandmaster Melle Mel. The progenitors of hip hop talk about what inspired them, what differentiated them from others, and what the world was like when they were helping to form what we now know as hop hip. They discuss hearing new artists, what rocks their boats, and the surprising influences they continue to find outside of hip hop.

I first heard Rockaway Beach, New York City, native Bobby J on Instagram after he posted a video of MC and Producer, Kwame and himself going back and forth. Bobby J from Rockaway joins The Library with Tim Einenkel this week to talk about working with Kwame, musical influences, being from Rockaway Beach, why Biggie and Tupac are the greatest, battling, and when he first realized Hip Hop was more then just rapping.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Termanology. The Lawrence, Massachusetts. MC talks about the hip hop scene in his hometown, writing lyrics, meeting and working with DJ Premier, making the next Illmatic, the legacies of Big Pun, Fat Joe, Mac Miller, his favorite lyrics and much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, the man who invented the scratch and the pioneer of the needle drop, Grand Wizard Theodore. The hip hop legend talks about the moment he invented the scratch and the importance of the needle drop. He talks about his own history in hip hop, his voice being sampled by Public Enemy, his love of the live show and so much more.

This week on The Library, Tim talks to Killa Kyleon about his music, lyrics, David Banner, Bun B, Race Relations, Dr. King, Malcolm X and much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with New York artist, AWAR. AWAR talks to Tim about his Hip Hop beginnings as a student at Fordham University, his newest album, The Spoils of War and working with artists such as Jadakiss, Scarface, Raekwon, Anthony Hamilton, CyHi the Prynce, Cormega, Alchemist, Jake One, Nottz, Lord Finesse, Showbiz, Statik Selektah and many more. AWAR also talks about appreciating Styles P, not just as an artist but someone who is taking the lead on mental and physical health in the community.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to DJ Kay Slay. The Drama King talks to Tim about the history of the Graffiti Hall of Fame, how he went from an incredible graffiti artist to a highly respected DJ and breaks down the importance of every hip hop element. Kay Slay also talks about his new album, Hip Hop Frontline, working with artists such as: Bun B, Joell Ortiz, Jon Connor, Lil Wayne, The Lox, his thoughts on streaming services and why artists need to educate themselves about the all aspects of Hip Hop culture.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim is joined by Ghost of the Machine. Ghost has worked with Skyzoo, Reks and many more. He's a talented MC who I didn't know much about until I sat down with him and had this incredible conversation.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with Masta Ace and Marco Polo. Marco talks about moving to Brooklyn in 2001, Ace talks about his childhood in Brooklyn and how the borough has changed. They also discuss their new album, A Breukelen Story, Masta Ace holding on to a Marco Polo beat for more than 10 years, working with Pharoahe Monch, bringing old and new school hip hop generations together, responsibility of hip hop during a Trump Presidency, writing and beat making process and so much more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to hip hop artist, Nino Graye about his newest album No Peace For Kings. Nino talks about lessons learnt from being part of the supergroup, Almighty which consisted of Cappadonna, Planet Asia, Bronze Nazareth, M-Eighty and Canibus. Breaks down songs and lyrics in his new album and much more.

This week on The Library, Tim sits down with hip hop artist and host of the Netflix’s series, Hip-Hop Evolution, Shad. Shad talks about his hip hop journey as host of the series, what he’s learned as a fan and as an artist, and talks about who are the MC’s MC. Shad also discusses his own music, his new album, A Short Story About a War, the creative process and his favorite lyric of all time.

This week on The Library, we replay Tim's interview with Pharoahe Monch. The Queens rapper discusses his deeply personal 2014 concept album PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with Red Bull Music Academy Daily contributor, Tim Einenkel.

Make sure you check out more from the interview here http://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2016/08/key-tracks-pharoahe-monch-ptsd

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, we'll replay Tim's interview with the late, great Combat Jack, Reggie Ossé.

RIP Reggie

This week on The Library, Tim talks to Benny the Butcher. The Buffalo, NY MC, just released his debut album, Tana Talk 3. He talks about the album, really breaks down his storytelling ability, the origin of his original MC name "2 Chain Benny Mane", why Buffalo, NY is making a real Hip Hop push and why he refers to himself as the '97 Hov.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with Torae. Torae and Tim talk about his new album, All Praises Due, favorite lyrics, the gentrification of HipHop, being a father, and all things Hip Hop music.

This week on The Library, Tim sits down with Sadat X and El Da Sensei. Sadat and El discuss their careers so far, the importance of Graffiti in Hip Hop, their favorite MCs, and their latest album, XL and favorite lyrics of all time.

This week on The Library, Tim sits down with Sadat X and El Da Sensei. In part one of this interview, Sadat and El discuss how they first heard on one another, the importance of Graffiti in Hip Hop, their favorite MCs, and whether or not theyve ever conte

This week on The Library, Tim sits down with hip hop artist and host of the Netflixs series, HipHop Evolution. This is a two part interview. In part 1, Shad talks about his hip hop journey as host of the series, what hes learned as a fan and as an artist,

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Public Enemy and Prophets of Rages DJ Lord. Lord and Tim define what a true DJ is,the balance between embracing new technology while recognizing that vinyl is not replaceable. The two also talk abou

This week on The Library, Tim sits down with the man behind some of your favorite viral videos. Known as isthishowyougoviral on YouTube, mylothecat on Instagram and by Adam, to his mom, Tim and Adam talk about the process of making these hiphop cartoon ma

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Joell Ortiz and Apollo Brown. The Brooklyn MC and the Detroit Producer sit down with Tim to discuss their latest album, Mona Lisa. The two artists explain why they dont listen to other music during the creative

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Keith Murray. The Roosevelt, Long Island MC takes Tim on an epic journey from the first rhyme he ever heard, to the importance of Medgar Evers College Radio to him growing up, writing rhymes while in school, his

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, DellP. Tim talks with Philadelphias Hip Hop Artist and Album of the year Awards winner about the incredible line of MCs coming out of Philly, why Philly is overlooked, and the care he takes in every aspect of al

This week on The Library, one half of SmifNWessun, General Steele. Tim and the Bucktown MC talk about the 25th Anniversary of Blackmoons Enter da Stage,SmifNWessuns Dah Shinin, their appearance on NPRs Tiny Desk Concert. Steele also gives us insight to th

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, artist and producer Kwam. The legendary producer and MC talks about his early days as an artist, the roles Lionel Hampton and Stevie Wonder played in his life as a child, and the origin of his name. Kwam talks a

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Teacher, Artist and Beatboxer, Exacto. Exacto talks early beginnings, the art of graffiti, beatboxing and much more.

This week on The Library, Joseph Abajianaka DJ Jab founder of the famed hip hop record store Fat Beats. Abajian gives a history of the record store scene back in 1990s New York City. He explains the importance of Fat Beats to the independent hip hop artis

This week on The Library, Tim talks to REKS, who, along with Short Fyuz is about to release his 11th album, Order in Chaos Bullies Music Group Incorporated. Tim talks to Reks about the new album, working with producers DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Statik Selekt

Actress, entrepreneur and artist, Yo Yo, joins The Library with Tim Einenkel this week to talk early influences, using hip hop to empower the youth, what Doug E Fresh, MC Lyte and Roxanne Shante mean to her and the culture and of course Tupac.

This week on The Library, hes an emcee, a DJ, Host, Producer, hes DStroy. The Arsonists emcee talks about growing up in Brooklyn, how it shaped him as an artist, freestyling with Big Daddy Kane, collaborating with DJ Tony Touch, the importance of Fat Beat

Tour is well known for his long and well regarded career as a journalist, cultural critic, teacher, television personality and now podcaster. This week on The Library, Tour joins Tim to discuss his early beginnings, share stories about some of the many in

This week on The Library, Shadcore. The Florida Emcee talks about his self released album, Aux Tales, the influence RunDMC has had on his art and why he doesnt curse in his rhymes.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Del the Funky Homosapien. Tim and Del talk about recovering from the lifechanging, near death accident he sustained last month while performing, his new album Gate 13, his early influences, album titles, how bat

This week on The Library, Tim talks toIntelligenz. Recently featured on aPharoahe Monch, Justin Tyme and Daniel Sky High McClain, thisVeteran of the Air Force talks about her art, how the Air Force influenced her and what it means to be chosen by MC Lytes

This week on The Library, Tim talks to legendary artist, DMC. The Rock Roll Hall of Famer discusses the 30th anniversary of Tougher Than Leather, producer Larry Smith, the importance of being different in Hip Hop. He also spits a new verse which will be

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Rhymesayers artist, Prof. The Minnesota talks to Tim about his latest album, Pookie Baby, breaks down why signing to a label was the right move for him and explains how he chooses whether to rhyme or sing on a track.

Royce Da 5'9” has recently dropped his newest album, "Layers" under his own label, Bad Half Ent. "Layers" is 5 years in the making and his most congressional. He touches on his struggle with alcoholism and infidelity and his son's autism. The Detroit MC sat down on The Library with Tim Einenkel to talk about the new album, about improving himself by going to therapy, and his hesitancy to be so open with his fans. He tells Tim: "I did worry about coming out and being forthcoming with information about my sobriety and being open and honest with my fans. I did worry about possibly people looking at me like 'nah, we prefer the drunk Royce. We don't want this guy,' then, maybe then, I'd have to think of something else to do because I was willing to take that risk for my family and for my health. "

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Rhymesayers Entertainment artist, Sa-Roc. The Goddess MC breaks down the meaning behind her lyrics, the influences of Langston Hughes, Octavia Butler, and Jazz has had on her as an artist and person. She also shares her thoughts on the music of Kendrick, J Cole, Royce Da 5'9 and DJ Premier.

Ice-T made a name for himself bringing his life as a hustler on the streets onto his debut album, 1987’s Rhyme Pays. He was a pioneer in hip hop as it went from regionally popular music to nationally recognized art form. Since then he has become one of only a handful of hip hop MCs to create a highly visible and successful entertainment career, creating music, acting in television and film, and writing a memoir. As he gets ready to headline The Art of Rap Festival this summer, he sits down with The Library’s Tim Einenkel to discuss the many lanes he's taken throughout his career. He talks about his single-minded drive to find freedom from the poverty and violence of the streets, why you should never battle an unsigned rapper, and what the real lesson of Marlon Brando’s Godfather was.#rap #interview #artofrap #icet

This week on The Library, Tim talks to MH the Verb about his latest album Afronaut. The two not only break down each track of the album but they also talk about how the current political climate and the current state of hip hop are interacting, and battling depression.

In 1997, Tracey Lee dropped the hit The Theme Its Party Time. In that same year, he released his debut album Many Facez through Universal Records. Even though The Theme Its Party Time, reached 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 6 on the Hot Rap Singles chart

On March 12, 2018 Craig Mack passed away at the age of 47. The famed Brentwood, New York MC was the first artist to release music on the then up-coming Bad Boy Records label; and with the release of his debut album, Project: Funk da World on September 20, 1994, Mack's "Flava in Ya Ear" became a much needed first success for Bad Boy and it's head Sean Combs. Mack's Project: Funk da World was made up of 11 tracks, 5 of which were produced by the legendary Easy Mo Bee. Here is The Library with Tim Einenkel's interview with Mo Bee about collaborating with Craig Mack and the important place that Craig Mack's music and persona had and still have in Hip Hop.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Rich Nice. Rich was the first Rapper signed to the famed Motown Records label. When Nice isn't lending his voice to A & R Room with Sway, he's working as an A&R and Marketing Executive, as well as the founder of the production Team “The TrackMasters." Tim and Rich talk about growing up in the Bronx, park jams, being an MC on Motown Records and getting to work with artists like Michael Jackson. They discuss TrackMasters production of Nas' second album, It Was Written, and how Kool G. Rap's "Ill Street Blues" would have sounded much different if Rich hadn't suggest G Rap to redo his second verse.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, we turn over hosting duties to the one and only Chuck D. In this special episode, we travel back to 2016 during The Art of Rap Tour when Chuck sat down with the late/great Lovebug Starski.

The Library with Tim Einenkel, Naughty by Natures Treach. Its been 20 years since the landmark single HipHop Hooray dropped. Naughty by Nature is currently on tour celebrating this anniversary. In Part 1 of the interview Treach talks about the current tou

This week on The Library, Tim is joined by photographer, producer and MC, Evidence. The Rhymesayers artist talks, in detail about tracks from his latest album, Weather or Not, his secret to writing to a DJ Premier beat, the track dedicated to his wife, the significance of squirrels, and drops some facts about palm trees.

This week's guest on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Premrock. This MC has collaborated with Open Mike Eagle, El Da Sensei, C-Rayz Walz and more. Tim talks to Premrock about his early beginnings, writing and how Eazy E, Tom Waits, Ernest Hemingway, Kool G. Rap and Nina Simone have influenced him as an artist.Tim and Prem also discuss how bartending has influenced his art, his discography and how he was ready to use the sample in "Empire State of Mind" way before Jay-Z used it.

"It is not even about what I’m saying necessarily. The less I feel like I say sometimes, the more open the floor is for everyone to feel something," singer-songwriter, Torii Wolf tells The Library with Tim Einenkel this week. The Long Island, NY native's debut album Flow Riiot features productions by Mike Zombie, AraabMUZIK, The King of Chill and DJ Premier. Torii talks to Tim about finding her artistic voice, learning how less is more, working with the legendary DJ Premier and why she views the guitar as an annoying little sister.

This week on The Library, the legendary DJ Eclipse sits down with Tim to discuss growing up in Rhode Island, the first hip hop record he purchased, his time at Wild Pitch Records, Fat Beats and everything in between. Eclipse also talks about the history of hip hop group Non Phixion and the significance of the Rock Steady Crew in Hip Hop culture. Why he views the Puffy era as the beginning of the end for creative hip hop and we learn why this dude from Rhode Island deserves to be the crypt keeper of New York Hip Hop.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tony Award winner, Poetri. The 7x HBO Def Poet talks to Tim about new projects and the two revisit some of his older work, performing on Broadway and Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam, his use of humor, handling writers block and balancing his art with taking caring of his wife two daughters.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim welcomes a man who has won a Tony, a Peabody, and an Emmy Award, Black Ice. The Poet speaks on all his influences, from his parents to Gil Scott Heron. He talks about the poems he performed during his many appearances on Russell Simmons HBO Def Poetry Jam and on Broadway. The Philly native also discusses his 2006 debut album The Death to Willie Lynch, new projects he's currently working on and what brought him out to Amsterdam.

MC Lyte's career has spanned almost 30 years. When her debut album, Lyte as a Rock debuted in 1988, she was, the first woman to release a solo rap album with a major label. Lyte has not lost a lyrical step and continues to stay at the top of her game. This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, the hip hop legend from Brooklyn, NY joins Tim to talk music, her first hip hop group, the different artists which helped shaped the MC Lyte sound, her first major label audition which involved a book of poetry, career longevity and the record which completely blew her away

Hip Hop artist and chef, Dillon recently dropped a new EP,Black Tie Affair,produced by the legendary Diamond D. Dillon joins The Library with Tim Einenkel this week to discuss collaborating with the founding member of the Diggin in the Crates Crew, how be

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Talib Kweli. The BK MC discusses Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star. Kweli talks about Sean Price, what he felt about the beat Kanye West created in from of him in five minutes, being Dave Chappelle and Kany

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Maestro FreshWes discusses the 100s of tracks and collaborations that have made up a career spanning three decades. The Godfather of Canadian Hip Hop explains why We dont make records. We make history, and why i

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Rapsody. The North Carolinian MC sits down to discuss her newest album, Lailas Wisdom, and gives us an insight into her writing process, how she chooses features for her music, the genius of 9th Wonder and meeti

Detroit MC, ZotheJerk and Canadian producer, Frost Gamble join The Library with Tim Einenkel this week for a sit down interview in between studio sessions. Zo and Frost discuss using hip hop as a tool to escape, their influences, their collaboration process, their album “Black Beach” and much more.

Big Daddy Kane, Queen Latifah, Public Enemy, Miles Davis, Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Busta Rhymes, Craig Mack, Lost Boyz, Heavy D, and the WuTang Clan. These are just some of the artists Easy Mo Bee has produced in his 30 years in the business. Easy Mo

The King of Chill is a composer, producer, engineer, MC, radio host and more. He started his career in the 1980s, as an MC/producer with The Alliance, then transitioned into a producer when he worked with MC Lyte and Audio Two on their early albums. He has continued making an impact on music working with a range of artists from Pharoahe Monch to DJ Premier. King of Chill sat down with Tim Einenkel from Preemo's HeadQCourterz Studios to talk about his career, working with MC Lyte and Audio Two, early days of rap being played on the radio, and collaborating with DJ Premier. We also find out why King of Chill went to a recording session handcuffed to a woman.

Darrell Digga Branch has produced for artists such as Jay Z, Jennifer Lopez, Busta Rhymes, Ghostface, Big L and many more. He executive produced Camrons first two major releasesConfessions Of Fire and S.D.and Digga composed the 50 Cent hit Many Men. Digga

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tek , one half of the legendary group Smif-N-Wessun joins Tim from Brooklyn, New York. The two discuss the purpose of Hip Hop culture and Rap music, his solo and group career, working with Pete Rock, Sean Price's impact and his own must have music.

A few months back The Library with Tim Einenkel sat down with Smif-N-Wessun/Boot Camp Clik's General Steele. The Bucktown MC joined Tim at a coffee shop in Harlem, NY to talk about his new collaboration with Vermont producer Es-K Building Bridges. During their conversation Tim asked General Steele “What did Hip Hop lose when Sean Price passed away?” Have a listen.

Check out the entire interview here https://www.acast.com/library/thelibrary-generalsteeleisbuildingbridges

Mr. Complex is an actor, artist, performer, director, author and MC who has been making an impact on the game since he first started showing up on mixtapes around 1995. The Queens, NY MC sits down with Tim to discuss his newest album, Forever New, his abi

Dan the Man is an Engineer, Producer, Composer and Mixer who has worked with Kanye West, Nas, Lil Kim, Ice T, Kool G. Rap, M.O.P, 50 Cent, Redman, Jadakiss, Mobb Deep, Pete Rock, Timbaland, the late, great Sean Price and many more. Here's a clip from Dan's interview with Tim Einenkel on The Library where Dan talks about the first time he met Sean Price, working with him on all his albums and the completion of posthumous album, 'Imperius Rex", which drops on August 8.

Check out the entire interview here https://www.acast.com/library

Credits:

Host: Tim Einenkel

Producer: Tim Einenkel

Editor: Tim Einenkel

Sound Design: Tim Einenkel

Research: Tim Einenkel

Engineer: Tim Einenkel

Dan the Man is an Engineer, Producer, Composer and Mixer who has worked with Kanye West, Nas, Lil Kim, Ice T, Kool G. Rap, M.O.P, 50 Cent, Redman, Jadakiss, Mobb Deep, Pete Rock, Timbaland, the late, great Sean Price and many more. On the latest episode of The Library with Tim Einenkel, Dan sits down with Tim in his recording studio and talks about how he first got into the music industry, the best way to listen to a mix, and working with Timbaland, Kanye West, Swizz Beatz and Pete Rock. He also talks about his first meeting with the late Sean Price, working with Price on all of his albums, and the completion of posthumous album, 'Imperius Rex", which drops on August 8.

Credits:

Host: Tim Einenkel

Producer: Tim Einenkel

Editor: Tim Einenkel

Sound Design: Tim Einenkel

Research: Tim Einenkel

Engineer: Tim Einenkel

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim is joined by Combat Jack himself, Reggie Ossé. The Combat Jack Show has been going strong for four years now and he drops by The Library to talk about his new podcast series Mogul: The Life & Death of Chris Lighty. Osse talks about what he's learned in the research and production of this six part series, and what he's learned about his own story during the process. The two podcasting veterans also discuss mental health awareness in not just the hip hop community but also the black community.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Ms. Miri Ben-Ari. The Hip Hop Violinist talks about how she went from the life of a classically trained violinist to an appearance on BET's 106 & Park, to working with artists such as Kanye West, Jay-Z, Wyclef Jean, Alicia Keys, Patti Labelle, and many more. The Grammy Award winning artist also discusses the musical arrangements she did for Kanye's first album, The College Dropout, what drew her to Hip Hop culture and how she uses music to support her humanitarian work.

Make sure to check out www.miribenari.com and follow her on twitter @miribenari for updates regarding her amazing work.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with producer, engineer, label and studio owner and much more, Rich Ahee. Rich and Tim discuss the history of both 7888 Recording Studio and Yosumi records. Rich also talks about his long collaboration with Masta Ace that started back in 2001 with the album Disposable Arts. Rich talks about meeting and recording Sean Price for the first time, adjusting to new technology, having MCs rap over video game beats, and when Eminem and Masta Ace met for the first time. Rich tells the story behind Prodigy dissing Roc-A-Fella Records which led to Jay Z's "The Takeover." Rich Ahee also talks the difference between working with a producer and a beat making, while breaking down why he doesn't use the traditional MC recording booth.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to David Banner. The actor, activist and MC discusses his new album, The God Box, Donald Trump helping to expose the facade of American politics and how that will impact artists. The Mississippi MC rev

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to NYU Professor, Producer, Composer and Engineer, Bob Power. The music legend talks to Tim about working with artists such as A Tribe Called Quest, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo and J Dilla, the importance of hearing everything when mixing an album, what drew him to these artists and whether he still enjoys listening to music.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Writer, Producer, Engineer and MC, Otis Clapp who has just dropped his latest album, Helen Keller. The Queens, NY MC talks to Tim about the new album, why he writes, the beauty of letting the instrumental just play, and which of his albums he appreciates the most.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Brother Ali. The Minneapolis MC talks about why he made each of his albums, including his newest release All The Beauty In This Whole Life. He also reveals his reasons for stepping away from music, the U.S. government spying on him, death threats he received during a trip to Iran and MCs who take their talents to a whole new different level.

Transcript Below:

Tim Einenkel:

On May 5th, my next guest will release his newest album All The Beauty In This Whole Life on the label Rhymesayers Entertainment. This incredible artist has been blessing us with lyrics, music, for 17 years, and I'm honored to speak with him today. Brother Ali, welcome to The Library with Tim Einenkel, rapstation.com.

Brother Ali:

Thank you, thank you.

Tim Einenkel:

This is not new album, but on the track Us, from Us, you said, "I started rhyming so I can be somebody. Turns out I already was." Kind of expanding on that, and this is your sixth album, has the purpose for why you...

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with Godz Chyld who just released his latest project, Reborn. The EP, entirely produced by the city of Amsterdam's Jordan River Banks, features Loaded Lux and Killah Priest, and really highlights the lyrical talent of the Bronx MC. Godz Chyld tells Tim what it was like working with those two artists and also explains his long term goals an a MC.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks with Hipnott Records artist, Substantial. The Maryland MC talks to Tim about his new album The Past Is Always Present In The Future, breaks down the subtext of each track, the hypocrisy of people who claim to support the troops and how he is honoring the legacy of the late producer Nujabes..

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Mark Steele who recently released his 2nd album, Almost Time - featuring Rapper Big Pooh, Raheem Devaughn and more. The North Carolina MC talks to Tim about the album, his ode to Juvenile's "Ha", lessons learned from 9th Wonder and Christopher "Play" Martin. Mark Steele also discusses how he confronts police brutality in his art and the importance of the date, December 5th.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with Mickey Factz. After a decade of making game-changing music, this Bronx MC released his debut album this past fall. The Achievement: Circa ‘82, produced entirely by Nottz features collaborations with artists such as: Blu, Phonte (Little Brother), Styles P and others. Tim and Mickey Factz talk about his collaborations and discuss the influences John Lennon, Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston and Notorious B.I.G. have had on his career and in his personal life.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Boldy James. As the first artist signed to Mass Appeal Records by Nas, Boldy talks about the pressures of being a signed artist, the influence the late J-Dilla had on him, Detroit and Hip Hop culture. The Detroit MC also discusses his album, The Art of Rock Climbing and answers the question whether we'll hear a Boldy James/Nas collaboration in 2017.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, 2016 XXL Freshman Denzel Curry joins Tim to talk about the hard copy release of his album Imperial, spitting on the same track as Rick Ross, his plans for the future, what music his fans might be surprised he listens to and how a Trump presidency will influence his lyrics.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to artist, Dan Lish, the creator of Egostrip. Dan talks about discovering his artistry and who helped foster his talents as a child, finding the best place to sit in class, blending the Hip Hop and fantasy worlds, using color vs. black and white, and working on Raekwon's upcoming album.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks with DJ Illegal from the German Production team known as the Snowgoons. Illegal joins Tim via Skype from Germany to talk about what brought him to Hip Hop culture and beat creation. He talks about working with artists of different languages, the late Pumpkinhead, the importance of album's artwork and how collaborating with American artists helps the growth of Hip Hop culture in Germany.

18 year old MC/artist, Token is taking the hip hop world by storm. His real name is Ben Goldberg and his video 'No Sucka MC's" has already been watched over one million times. He's been a guest on Sway in the Morning, and was featured on BET's 2016 Hip Hop Awards Cyphers. This week on The Library, Tim talks to Token about his debut album Eraser Shavings, overcoming obstacles in order to live his dream, what he loves about performing, and getting mentioned in the sentence as Joell Ortiz, Big Daddy Kane, and Sway in the Morning. He talks about his writing process and clears up some misconceptions he sees between the older and younger Hip Hop generations.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim is joined by producer Gensu Dean. Based in Texas Gensu has worked with such artists as David Banner, Large Pro, Roc Marci, Brand Nubian, Planet Asia, Diamond D, J-Live and many more. Tim and Gensu discuss his latest album, "RAW", the importance of track placement on the album, the significance of his albums' artwork and his musical influences.

The Queens rapper discusses his deeply personal 2014 concept album PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with Red Bull Music Academy Daily contributor, Tim Einenkel.

Make sure you check out more from the interview here http://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2016/08/key-tracks-pharoahe-monch-ptsd

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim is joined by Grandmaster Caz. The Hip Hop legend talks to Tim about the birth of the culture, what he expected out of it, the night he became "Grandmaster", which Hip Hop elements he's grown to appreciate, whether the disconnect between each Hip Hop generation is organic or industry made, being referenced in a Jay Z song and featured on a Macklemore song, and we get his reaction to Tupac's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Leaders of The New School members Charlie Brown and Dinco D from their Queens, NY studio. The legendary MCs talk about Dinco D's new album, Cameo Flows, the impact singer Frankie Beverly has had on Hip Hop, Chuck D's influence, and the formula for making timeless music. They also let us in on the group's plans for 2017.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Smif-N-Wessun/Boot Camp Clik's General Steele. The Bucktown MC sits down with Tim at a coffee shop in Harlem, NY to talk about his new collaboration with Vermont producer Es-K Building Bridges. They talk about writing, Sean Price (R.I.P), almost retiring from the game and the impact gentrification and a Donald Trump presidency might have on Hip Hop culture and rap music.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, artist, Mikey D. The Queens, NY Legend, has released a new album—Day Of D'struction. Tim talks with MIKEY D about the album, developing his own style, battling, and how Chuck D, Grand Daddy I.U and LL Cool J have played important roles in his life.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, ILLUS joins Tim to talk about his new album A Perfectly Imperfect Beautiful Naked Creation. The album is produced entirely by legendary Rhymesayer, Blueprint and features guest verses by Blueprint, Slug from Atmosphere, Craig G, Roxxxteady, and Paul Dateh. The MC talks to Tim about working with all those artists, why rap needs more superheroes and working with legendary DJ Johnny Juice.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, DJ Rob Swift. He's a Turntablist, an innovator and a guest lecturer at The New School in New York City. He's also worked with the X-ecutioners, Linkin Park, Herbie Hancock, Bob James, Large Professor, Supanatural and many others. Rob sits down with Tim, outside The New School and gives a really in-depth interview about his career. The artist from Queens, NY talks to Tim about album concepts, how he got into teaching, and the music he's most proud of. This is definitely a must listen interview.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Supa Dave West, who has helped produce 6 of De La Soul's albums, including their newest release "and the Anonymous Nobody..." Dave talks about the new album and his experiences working with the legendary group for all these years, while striving to create the "perfect beat." He also talks about the late, great J-Dilla and what he meant to music.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Skyzoo and Apollo Brown. The Detroit Producer and the Brooklyn MC sit down with Tim from a park in Brooklyn, NY to talk about their new album, The Easy Truth, and to discuss the art of sampling, blending the unique features of New York and Detroit, and Skyzoo breaks down one of his verses.

Skyzoo and Apollo Brown recently sat down with The Library with Tim Einenkel to discuss their new album, The Easy Truth. During the interview Tim attempted to recite lyrics by Skyzoo; Skyzoo helped him out. Find out what the lyrics mean and more soon when the entire interview is posted.

Here's the lyrics from the track "A Couple of Dollars"

[Verse 2: Skyzoo]

And it sounds like beautiful like the truth

Like "she bad but even more beautiful in the coupe"

And seeing that was seeing all that I would need to pursue

The e-class that was used to corner me off the stoop

Was as clean as the book that your hand on

When you prayed that we stayed away from them anthems

Fuck is left for us except for us to go stand on

A box with a rope and a bottle of Spade

Carpe diem, carpe diem, make it pop it for the day

I threw money to jeweler, sneaker box full of change

Know me, I'm no better I'm about it the same

Cause on a box with a rope is how we got in this frame

Now flick it up, one time for 'em, one time for 'em

Know...

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim is joined by Kemba. The Bronx MC sits down with Tim to talk about his new album "Negus", Tupac's legacy 20 years after his tragic death, and the gift and curse of addressing social injustices in your art.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Canadian Hip-Hop artist, Classified, who has released his latest album "Greatful." Tim and Classified talk about the album and what it was like working with Snoop Dogg and DJ Premier. He talks about the differences between working with artists in the studio versus over the internet, how Canadian music laws have helped and hurt independent artists, and how quitting weed for 10 days allowed him to write one of his favorite versus for the album.

This week on The Library with TIm Einenkel, German producer Superior joins Tim from Italy to talk about his new album, “The journey”. It will feature artists such as Blu, Edo G, Reks, Verbal Kent, M-Dot, Termanology, Lil Fame Of M.O.P and more.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Slug, co-founder of the indie label Rhymesayers Entertainment and one half of the group Atmosphere. Slug and Tim discuss the art of growing a beard, Atmosphere's new album - Fishing Blues-, learning to make music fun again, balancing tour life and family life, and why if Biggie was still a live today, he might not make 5 lists. People put Biggie in the top 5. "I'll never be in the top 5. I'll never be Biggie. It's okay, I'm okay with that. I can never be Biggie because I lived. If Biggie were alive right now, he wouldn't be Biggie. It [“No Biggie”] basically was about when an artist is cut short, it doesn't give us an opportunity to poke holes in them. He didn't give us a chance to watch him fall off. He never gave us that 5th album where we can be like “well, Biggie lost it.” And then the 6th album where we can be like “He got it back.” We put him in the top 5 by default, where really we don't know where it would have went from there.”

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim sits down with legendary MC, Sadat X, live from Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn, New York to talk about his new album, Agua, executive produced by Will Tell and featuring Pete Rock, Lord Jamar, Dres, R.A. The Rugged man, Rahzel, A.F.R.O., Wordsworth, Shabaam Sahdeeq and many more. The Bronx, NY MC also discusses why A.F.R.O. is on the road to greatness, how Sadat has stayed in the game for so long, why Hip-Hop should not be your only source of income and the perfect wine for certain situations.

The week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to The Godfather of Noyze, Rahzel. The former member of The Roots, joins Tim backstage at Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn, NY at his Rahzel and Friends show, to discuss why he started beatboxing, his take on where Hip-Hop started, how he's found his own path through diversity, why he loves the live performance and working with Pete Rock, Large Professor, Bjork and others.

Ice-T made a name for himself bringing his life as a hustler on the streets onto his debut album, 1987’s Rhyme Pays. He was a pioneer in hip hop as it went from regionally popular music to nationally recognized art form. Since then he has become one of only a handful of hip hop MCs to create a highly visible and successful entertainment career, creating music, acting in television and film, and writing a memoir. As he gets ready to headline The Art of Rap Festival this summer, he sits down with The Library’s Tim Einenkel to discuss the many lanes he's taken throughout his career. He talks about his single-minded drive to find freedom from the poverty and violence of the streets, why you should never battle an unsigned rapper, and what the real lesson of Marlon Brando’s Godfather was.

rap #interview #artofrap #icet

A-F-R-O has been cosigned by artists such as: Questlove, Talib Kweli, Queen Latifah, DJ Premier, Murs, Jean Grae, and many more. If you ask him who are his influences, he will give you a list of Golden Era Mcs. The much anticipated 18 year old A-F-R-O joins Tim on The Library this week to talk about working with RA the Rugged Man, Premo, his soon to be released debut album, why he loves to rhyme and why he's joined to the Golden Era of Hip Hop.

This week on The Library, Tim talks to hip hop legend CL Smooth. He talks about the upcoming release of his second solo album. "the Emancipation of Corey Penn". CL also opens up on what it was like working with such icons as Big Daddy Kane, Heavy D and The Boyz, Kool G Rap, Run DMC, Grand Puba, Q-Tip, AZ and of course Pete Rock. Other topics he touches upon include the importance of the horn in his songs and and the role of the artist as an agent of positive change.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, legendary west coast artist, Kokane joins Tim to talk about his new album Kokane King of Gfunk, which features Bootsy Collins, Gipp Goodie, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, George Clinton and more. He tells Tim why he chose Hip Hop over Funk, why this album is an album for the people and the influence Motown, Reggae and Funk continue to have on him as an artist. "Our identity on the West Coast is really the G-Funk sound. when you go on to New York sound, it's the Boom Bap sound. When you go to the South sound, it's the Trap sound. But then we got to get back to what made us, and that's the West Coast G-Funk sound."

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Positive K. The Bronx producer and MC talks about his career, the gift and the curse of his 1992 hit "I Got a Man", and how his diversity of styles on his debut album, The Skills Dat Pay Da Bills, helped to pave a way for future artists. He discusses almost becoming Nas' manager, the importance of professional wrestling to him, and his soon to be released album with Greg Nice, titled Great Minds.

This week on the Library with Tim Einenkel, J-Zone talks about his latest album Fish-n-Grits, the similarities between the gentrification of neighborhoods to the gentrification of rap music, career advice for young artists, being both a producer and mc on his new album and why questioning an artist should not be considered a dis but the beginnings of a discussion. " I believe in hip hop and that's always been the case. Whether you're talking about the President of the United States, the local politician, or one of your heroes, if you see something wrong in your opinion and you want to address, then address it. People always think if you're talking about another artist then it's a dis...I don't look at it like that. It is kind of checks and balances. I disagree and talk about it. To me, that's what hip hop was about it."

As a former member of Slum Village, Elzhi continues to kill it as a solo artist. He's released mixtapes, EPs and his latest album—Lead Poison—was just released. This week on The Library, the Detroit MC sits down with Tim to talk about the new album, how he's developed his writing process over the years, why he became introverted and the late, great producer J-Dilla.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, emcee, Wrekonize. He talks with Tim about being the front man of hip-hop group ¡MAYDAY!, the intimacy of his lyrical style and what role alcohol plays in art. "The toughest thing for me as an artist that I've learned is that, you know there's an audience for everybody, there's an audience for every style of music; it's just the tricky part of finding that audience...The best way to find that audience is just be yourself."

Darlene Ortiz, widely recognizable for being the woman Ice T's Power album joins Tim on The Library this week to talk about her newest memoir called Definition Of Down – My Life with Ice-T & the Birth Of Hip-Hop. She talks to Tim about the iconic Power album cover, her struggles as a child of an alcoholic mother, being a part of and a witness to the birth of west coast hip hop; and Tim shares a story about his grandmother buying him and his brothers bootleg NWA tapes.

westcoasthiphop #NWA #icet #chuckd

Signed by the late, great Eazy-E in 1989, Tairrie B was the original "Ruthless Bitch" of hip hop. She released one hip hop album "The Power Of A Woman" in 1990 and after recording her follow up "Single White Female" in 92, decided to keep her masters and change her musical path to pursue a career where she blazed a trail for female screamers in heavy metal. 25 years after releasing her first album, Tairrie B is back, revisiting her roots with a new self-produced hip hop record—Vintage Curses. She talks to Tim on The Library this week about her latest album, her career, women in hip hop and what drew her to NWA. "NWA was like that, they were really scary and dirty. I just thought, okay I don't agree with all the subject matter but I like the way it makes me feel when I listen to it. It's scary. Good music has to invoke something. Whether it's heavy metal, or whatever it is. It has to invoke a feeling in you. And who's to say what that feeling is or where it comes from, with anything."

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim is joined by Jersey MC and Ill Adrenaline Records co-founder Beneficence who has just dropped his 6th solo LP "Basement Chemistry". The album features artists such as: Inspectah Deck (of Wu-Tang Clan), Masta Ace, MC Eiht, El Da Sensei, AG (of D.I.T.C), Dres (of Black Sheep), The Legion, Chubb Rock, MindsOne, and Estee Nack. Tim and the Brick City Veteran discuss the album, working with all the legends on the album and his mission in music. He tells Tim:

"I'm a huge fan of making a great album. I don't look too much for a single. The artists that I pattern myself album, like the Masta Aces, he makes incredible albums...Every last album that he puts out is always dope. So, the songs that I put out I try to make them stand as singles. If you pick any song on my album and promoted it, it can stand strong as a single."

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, King Myers. Tim and the Suffolk County, New York MC, discuss his debut LP, Kingology which features veteran emcees like Rakim, Bumpy Knuckles, Dave East and Fred The Godson. "Every song on the album is life. It's definitely true stories and definitely from the heart....Everything is just factual. "

This week on on The Library, Tim's interview with the producer of The Thrill is Gone, Yasiin Gaye, Fela Soul, & Bizarre Tribe; Amerigo Gazaway. Amerigo joins Tim to discuss what he calls “conceptual collaborations”. Gazaway talks about what inspires him to do mash ups, how he comes up with ideas and what happens when a collaboration doesn't work. He tells Tim: "You have to kind of maintain a faith in the process in that something cool is going to happen if you stay focus and you keep playing with the samples or the colors or whatever it is you're trying to create art out of. I think that an important lesson I've learned as an artist is to just keep pushing because it could lead to really unexpected combinations and stories and things you would have never even thought of originally."

In 2011 artist Justin Bua was interviewed on The Library with Tim Einenkel to talk about his latest book, The Legends of Hip Hop. One of the legends he painted was of the late J Dilla. BUA has said this about Dilla: "To enliven the soul of a man through a portrait," BUA said, "one has to be inspired by his subject. I was more than inspired. I was uplifted."

Hear more of Tim's interview with Justin Bua here https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-library-with-tim-einenkel/id491102842?mt=2

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, it's part 2 of Tim's conversation with Visual Artist, Graphic Designer and Music Lover, Andrew Katz. Tim and Andy discuss his dream of having a big show of his work in order to celebrate Hip Hop , celebrating MCA of the Beastie Boys, and working with Chuck D as part of the mADurgency artists.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Visual Artist, Graphic Designer, Andrew Katz. Katz frequently tributes legendary hip hop MCs such as Rakim, Slick Rick, Common and Black Thought. In part 1 of Tim's two part interview, he and Andrew discuss why and when Andy fell in love with Hip Hop culture and how he pays tribute to the culture through his art work.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim is joined by DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia. Paul talks about his latest album, Master of Evil, his passion for the culture and the late, great Pimp C of UGK.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks with Torae about his new album "Entitled", his SiriusXM show The Tor Guide, future collaborating with Marco Polo, losing Sean Price and working with DJ Premier. Torae tells Tim: “Preem is a producer and producers, produce. That's the difference between being a beat maker and being a producer.. A lot of people can make beats but to really produce vocals and to produce the song; you know Preem would be like “Yo, I love the whole verse, I just don't like how you said this one line.”

SiriusXM #Entitled #HipHop #Torae #Skyzoo

Torae's 2nd studio solo album, "Entitled" drops Jan 16th, 2016. During Torae's interview on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim asked Torae what's the secret to making "timeless music."

Stay tuned here for the entire interview.

https://www.acast.com/library

Torae's 2nd studio solo album, "Entitled" features production from some of the greats, Pete Rock and DJ Premier to name two. Many people noticed that producer, Marco Polo wasn't on the album. During Torae's interview on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim put this question to Torae: "Was there a particular reason he's not on this album? " Torae hits his fans with some breaking news about a future collaboration between the two.

Stay tuned here for the entire interview.

https://www.acast.com/library

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, we hear part 2 of Tim's interview with legendary Video Music Box creator and host Ralph McDaniels. The Hip Hop Video Music pioneer talks to Tim about how Biggie's death changed the future of Hip Hop, artists he would like to interview and his work as a Hip Hop Coordinator for the Queens Public Library

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel,. Tim's joined by the legendary Video Music Box creator and host Ralph McDaniels. In part one of this interview Tim and Ralph discuss McDaniel's unparalleled hop hop archive as well as the evolution of the music video and Hip Hop culture over the years.

This week on the Library with TIm Einenkel, we hear the final part of Tim's interview with the legendary, Stetsasonic member, Professor Daddy O. Daddy O discusses his legacy, why his peers aren't making albums anymore, his music plans for the future and why he's mad at Kool Moe Dee.

This week on the Library with TIm Einenkel, we hear part 2 of Tim's interview with the legendary, Stetsasonic member, Professor Daddy O. In this part, Daddy O discusses his newest album, #‎EverybodyButKRS‬, why Public Enemy, KRS and himself aren't happy with their debut albums and explains why MC Hammer is a rapper and Lil' Wayne is an MC.

This week on the Library with TIm Einenkel, Tim talks to the legendary, Stetsasonic member, Professor Daddy O. In part 1 of the interview, Daddy O speaks on why are there less hip-hop groups today, why he's proud that Stetsasonic are considered the "rappers, Rapper" and why his two most classic mistakes were Go Stetsa and Top Billin'.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Chef Aarón Sánchez. Aarón talks lessons learned from watching his mother cook, lessons he's learned from Hip Hop music and culture and why cooking is an art. He tells Tim:

"I asked Sade and Maxwell, why it took so long for them to put out their most recent albums and they said I didn't have anything to write about; I needed to live life. How about I going to put out albums, if I don't have anything to if I don't have anything that influence it or inspire it. Same thing with us, I find inspiration through food, through cooking with grandmas, going to markets and traveling."

Quotes from the interview:

A lot of chefs are conflicted about cooking being an art form because it's a need. It bugs me when people say “oh, I can't cook,” well, that's like saying I can't breath...

When I saw my mom cooking I understood it was a direct link to my culture and the way of preservation. The way of identity through food.

I was blown away with how much he [Tech N9Ne] controlled the room...It was a show.. I was very impressed with the theatrics of his show.

For me what defines great artists are people like Chuck D, people like Gang Starr; all the old, like the Native Tongue guys. That's the era I grew up in. I grew up in New York City. Going to Brooklyn. Listening to Rakim, listening to Chuck and listening to all those people. I think what defines a good artist like that is that they were doing it for love because that's what they wanted.

TIM: Hip Hop is not just about having fun but represents a social movement, artistic freedom and expression, as a chief, can you tell us if there are any lessons you've taken from hip hop culture, and brought them to the culture of food?

Chef Aarón Sánchez: The idea about being conscious of ingredients. Hip Hop music and its consciousness. It really makes you wake up and understand what's happening in the world. Through points of view that not necessarily have a great narrative. People grow up hard; people grow up with adversity and hip hop in away for them to free themselves. It's away to glamorize a little bit of a bad situation at times. The food , for me, now I make good decisions. Now I understand that I can't order this kind of fish because it's not sustainable. I got to shop locally because that's what people have been doing since the dawn of time. I got to hire people legally and pay them accordingly. Hip Hop informs me to do that.

I asked Sade and Maxwell, why it took so long for them to put out their most recent albums and they said I didn't have anything to write about; I needed to live life. How about I going to put out albums, if I don't have anything to if I don't have anything that influence it or inspire it. Same thing with us, I find inspiration through food, through cooking with grandmas, going to markets and traveling.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to legendary MC, Scarface. Tim and Brother Mob discuss his new album, Deeply Rooted, the writing process and the commercialization of hip hop. Scarface tells Tim:

"I think the commercialization of Hip Hop is like a plagued. Like a venereal disease. Like a cancer. We need some medicine for it. We need an antidote for it...The commercialization of Hip Hop is a poison. We should really address it more. We should really address the powers that be...If you commercialize underground music, then it's not underground music no more. If you commercialize a mom and pop stores chicken and waffle spot, it's not a mom and pop no more. That's what happened to all the mom and pop stores to begin with. The mom and pop record stores kept the music alive in the community. The reason why the music is dying in the community is because we don't make records no more. "

This week on The Library, Tim talks to the founder of New York's longest running hip-hop radio show, WBAI's Underground Railroad and the founder of the video blog, ill Doctrine, Jay Smooth. Tim and Jay talk an array of topics from Hip Hop culture to police brutality. Jay tells Tim:

“A more productive way of engaging is challenging each other and having real, honest conversations in a way that maintains an awareness of our human connection to each other. And that's something you have to learn how to do if you're going to remain within the hip hop community. You got to learn how to challenge people for saying things that you're totally against while still honoring that bound that you have as a fellow hip hopper and not just saying, you know what I just don't respect you, I'm never talking to you again.”

This week on The Library with TIm Einenkel, Tim talks to Jahi a member of the hip-hop group, P.E 2.0 which dropped it's first project last year, People Get Ready, last year and is set to release their latest album, insPirEd in the first week of January 2016. The album features guest appearances from the likes of KRS-One, production from the legendary Easy Mo Bee and brilliant social commentary. Jahi tells Tim:

"Chuck could have selected a lot of different people for P.E. 2.0 and I'm humbled and honored that he selected me. I think it's because that I have a voice, there is a particular level of lyricism that I'm already about, that I was influenced already by Public Enemy KRS-One, Rakim and many others...Public Enemy is my voice. It was Public Enemy that set a culturally consciousness."

This week on the Library, we hear the final part of Tim's interview with talks Descendent, a new independent artist from Newport News, Virginia but currently living in Raleigh, North Carolina. Tim and Descendent continue their discussion about his album, Road to Greatness: Journey of a Lost Soul and what his goal is with music.

He tells Tim:

"My overall goal is to push people to the limited to the best of their ability to be the best person that they can possibility be. Also pushing the hip hop culture forward is what I want to do as well.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Chicago Hip Hop artist, Verbal Kent. The MC talks about his new album, Anesthesia, which features artists such as Freddie Gibbs, Skyzoo, Torae, Red Pill and production by. J.O.D, Apollo Brown, Marco Polo, Kaz 1, Oh No, Varan. He tells Tim that the best way for someone to listen to the album is, " listen to the album, in a row three times and then say what you think and asks the questions. "

This week on the Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to an extraordinary young MC, Chris Rivers; the son of the late, great lyricist, Big Pun. Tim asked the young lyricist if he puts extra pressure on himself because he's the son of Big Pun? Chris told Tim

“I used to do it a lot more in the past. I'm 21 now and when I first started rapping, I was really trying to find myself as an artist but also as an individual. Now I'm more comfortable as an artist and as a person. I don't have so much to prove up to his name anymore; he's a legend in his own...I try to live up to my expectations at this point.”

This week on The Library, Tim Einenkel sits down with the legendary Chill Rob G who recently just released a brand new EP.

Tim asked the legendary emcee if this is what he imagined Hip Hop becoming, this really big commercial success, to which Chill Rob G replied, "The stuff that we hear on the radio, some of the stuff we hear on the radio, you know what, it's cool. I'm not mad at some of the artists who are not as lyrically gifted as some of the other artists because there is room for all of that. Big Daddy Kane had a lyric back in the day, he said he could fart on a record and make it sound good and today some of these dudes are doing that and, you know, they're selling a lot of records, so you can't be mad at that."

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, the great Shabaam Sahdeeq. The Brooklyn artists talks about his newest project, The IV League which is an International Fraternity Of Extraordinary EMCEE's Producers & DJ's, graph writing and why he became an MC.

He tells Tim: “I want to make a change. I grew up on Public Enemy, Tribe Called Quest, artists that were really saying something. Jungle Brothers. KRS. I'm not trying to bring back the pass but we're moving into the future. What's on commercial radio is just dumb down music about partying, and fucking and getting money. As opposed to doing that, I'm doing this.”

Skyzoo's latest album, Music For My Friends, features some amazing artists. Two of those artists are Black Thought and Jadakiss. Thought is featured on the track Money Makes Me Happy and Jadakiss is featured on See A Key (Ki'). On The Library with Tim Einenkel, Skyzoo was asked about those tracks and the importance behind them.

Download the entire interview with Skyzoo right here https://audioboom.com/boos/3434886-the-library-skyzoo-music-for-my-friends-interview

This week on The Library with TIm Einenkel, Brooklyn MC, Skyzoo drops by to talk sneakers, gentrification, and his latest album, Music For My Friends,. Skyzoo tells Tim:

"What makes people want to purchase? What makes people want to say, I know I can stream it legally, or I know I can download it illegally. But what makes me want to give Skyzoo or whoever else $9.99 for an album....This what makes it worth it. It's going to continue serve you after the fact. People buy an album, they listen to it once or twice and they figure it out. Because it was didn't hold a value; it didn't hold the weight...With my music I try to make it were it continues to serve you. Maybe a couple of months later, maybe a year, maybe 5 years, you're still finding things in it."

"The Illmatic of sneakers for me would be the black cement elephant, Jordan 3s....The Black Jordan 3s would be my Illmatic. That's the perfect, all purpose sneakers." Artists, Skyzoo tells Tim on The Library during their interview. June 23, 2015, the Brooklyn MC, released his latest album, Music For My Friends. He sat down with Tim to discuss the album and his other passions. Here's a highlight from it.

The entire interview will be up soon.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Locksmith talks his newest album, Lofty Goals. What inspires Locksmith to develop concepts for his albums? He tells Tim,

"I just get bored, musically. It's less about the lyrics but more about the music. It just like music to show progression...I like the music, I like to go on a journey. "

loftygoals #Locksmith

This week on The Library, part 2 of Tim's interview with Chuck D. The legendary artist joins Tim to talk about Public Enemy's newest album, Man Plans God Laughs." Which Track best defines the mission of the album? Chuck D tells Tim:

" Man Plans, God Laughs. No question. That one record came out of left field as a creation. It was planned but also it came out of left field as a creation because the lyrics were on another record and that original track was something else. Gary made a switch and he made some cuts and edits. The record is 2 minutes and 6 seconds. It's the only record I've ever seen, Tim. Trust me, trust me when I tell you this. I've played 28 years on the road, right? I played records like Rebel without a Pause and Bring the Noise, and Can't Truss and Welcome to the Terrordome and even Harder Than you Think. It's the only record that I've seen that's made a mosh out of a crowd with never hearing it before. It's really strange. I think it's the push and pull in the record. My best description of it is like taking fingertips and brushing it over somebody's chest and then yanking their lungs out and then trying to push it back in. But the thing is on top of that, in 2 minutes...”

Tim Einenkel's full interview with Chuck D can be heard soon on ANDYOUDON'TSTOP on RAPstation.com. Be sure to follow Tim on Twitter @LibraryWithTim to keep up to date with all the interviews he is releasing.

Please visit http://rcsmusic.com/ to support Man Plans God Laughs by Public Enemy.

This week on The Library, Chuck D. joins Tim to talk about Public Enemy's newest album, Man Plans God Laughs." What's the mission of the album? The rhyme animal Chuck D tells Tim:

"I think the mission of the album is not to just present a record, I mean there are a trillion records out there; there's also a past and a catalog and a history that Public Enemy has done but there's some significance in this releasing of this particular record. The state and time is totally different. You're talking about a group that was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame two years ago, so this is the first of its kind. What record has come out from a Hip Hop group that actually was already inducted? For the first three inductions, it hasn't happened but Public Enemy has been going on for 28 straight years. Unfortunately we knew that the Beastie Boys would have been able to do it, we want more from Run – DMC and we would love for Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five to come together and do something but I guess we're it. So, here it is. I think being at the age of 55 this summer and Flav 56, we're in rarefied air and there's really no expectations from somebody who I guess has been this high up in age doing something that is contemporary."

Tim Einenkel's full interview with Chuck D can be heard soon on ANDYOUDON'TSTOP on RAPstation.com. Be sure to follow Tim on Twitter @LibraryWithTim to keep up to date with all the interviews he is releasing.

Please visit http://rcsmusic.com/ to support Man Plans God Laughs by Public Enemy.

On July 14, 2015 Public Enemy will release its 15th album, Man Plans God Laughs. During Chuck D's interview on The Library with Tim EInenkel, Chuck tells Tim why they decided to eliminate the use of the 3rd verse on this album.

We eliminated the 3rd verse....Which I think increasingly as we go in hip-hop the third verse is becoming useless. That's why you see a lot of collabs. The collaborations and remixes are like the NBA. It's like the 3-pointer. To a point, it's like Yes, it's a weapon and then after awhile it becomes a crutch and then after awhile the game just morphs..."

Tim Einenkel's full interview with Chuck D will be heard soon on The Library and also on ANDYOUDON'TSTOP on RAPstation.com. Be sure to follow Tim on Twitter @LibraryWithTim to keep up to date with all the interviews he is releasing.

On July 14, 2015 Public Enemy will release its 15th album, Man Plans God Laughs. One record on the album is called "Honky Tonk Rules" which covers the classic song "Honky Tonk Woman’ by the Rolling Stones. Chuck tells Tim why Public Enemy went the "whole 9 yards" to get clearance to use this song.

“I fought for this record because initially when we wanted to clear it, we were totally rejected by our publisher, their publisher....initially we we're rejected because they had a whole other thing in mind; they thought we were going to come across to them, like maybe P-Diddy or somebody and have like 18 different publishers on there. They don't want their records touched. They we're like you take it as it is and you give us our 100 percent. “

Data mining student Eric Malmi recently created Raplyzer, an algorithmic program that analyzes hip-hop lyrics and just may give us the answer who is the best MC. Tim interviews Eric Malmi, this week on The Library.

This week on The Library, Marcus Samuelsson. He's an owner of two restaurants in New York City, a judge on Top Chef and Chopped and has cooked for President Obama and prime ministers. Chef Samuelsson joins Tim Einenkel to talk food, Hip Hop and using them to help explore his cultural experiences.

He tells Tim:

“If you want to explore and learn something, I often start with breaking bread, the food, and the music...If you start at either religion or politics, it gets really heated right away but if you start with the cooks or the musicians, it's away for me to adapt it and process it. “

On March 30th, 2015, R.A. The Rugged Man Official Page performed at New York City's SOBs. During this performance, The Library's Tim Einenkel caught up with the legendary El Da Sensei (one half of the Artifacts). Tim asked El about what fans can expect from XL, an album he did with the great Sadat X, which element is the best representation of hip hop culture and the importance of the live show. El told Tim:

“Always performing on stage is the best. You can be in the studio, in the booth. Doing that stage show is where you sell yourself. You get that person who probably never hear of you before. That's where you get them to buy your records. It's a good way to personal with your fans...When you give your energy to them and you perform for them, they give it back to you.”

On March 30th, 2015, R.A. The Rugged Man Official Page performed at New York City's SOBs. During this performance, The Library's Tim Einenkel caught up with the legendary El Da Sensei (one half of the Artifacts). Tim asked El about what fans can expect from XL, an album he did with the great Sadat X:

“I have to remind myself that this is always Sadat X and I'll always be a fan. But to be able to trade verses with him now and actually get to sit back and feel proud, like I got the opportunity to do this...It's not something you do everyday. I'm cherishing it. I'm letting you know that this is going to be so much more then you're going to expect. The level is here. The bars is up...Y'all going to be shocked. Y'all going to be shocked.”

Entire interview will be up soon

On March 30th, 2015, R.A the Rugged Man performed at New York City's SOBs. During this performance, The Library's Tim Einenkel caught up with the legendary El Da Sensei (one half of the Artifacts). Tim asked El which element of hip hop should best represent it? His response:

“The DJ is the most important part of hip hop culture besides the MC. because once we make the records and do all what we do, it's up to the DJ to break the record. If they don't ever play the record, we ain't never being heard. Even on stage, he's like the drummer. If he don't start, we don't go. If you have no DJ, then you have no sound....DJs determine pretty much if you're nice or not...if they're not playing that shit, then it's no go. “

Entire interview will be up soon

This week on the Library, Tim talks to Descendent, a new independent artist from Newport News, Virginia but currently living in Raleigh, North Carolina. Tim and Descendent discuss a few tracks from his album Road to Greatness: Journey of a Lost Soul and why he has not taken on the persona a lot of new mainstream artists have taken on.

He tells Tim

“Once you tell a lie, you have to keep up with that lie. And that's a full time job if you really think about it. If you keep up that facade of whomever your copying or mimicking on stage or in the music, you're going to have some people think that's really you. I didn't want to live my life like that.

This week on The Library we hear part one of Tim's interview with Gods'Illa, a hip hop group consisting of three actual brothers, Acem, Truth and Powerful. Their new album, “Believe In Gods'Illa” is out now on HiPNOTT Records.

Asked about the track “Plugged” (feat. Stic Man of Dead Prez& Joe.D) which addresses police brutality and how it came about.

Truth tells Tim

“It's what we know from growing up in Forestville. It's what Powerful knows from growing up in Brooklyn. It's what we know from having uncles and fathers. It's been this way since the abolishment of slavery in this country. It's always been black men trying to get to a status to be considered a citizen in this country. So, that track is natural. All the music we make, we try to make it universal. It's our experience in comparison to yours. “

BelieveInGodsIlla #ChuckD

This week on The Library, we hear the final part of Tim's interview with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, hip hop legend and one of the founding members of the legendary group Run-DMC. DMC talks Biggie, Tupac, Kendrick, Sarah McLachlan, Larry Smith, depression, artistic freedom and what the future has in store for him.

He tells Tim:

“The artistic freedom was this. You couldn't come close to or couldn't be near similar to anybody else doing this type of music....We come from a creative realm, as young people, very young people, to look at what everybody's doing and you have to do something different. By that being done, you had growth, transformation and evolution. If you don't do that, then just got a lot of people doing that thing that they're doing now, which is the way it is now. We come from a generation were, yo, this guys are doing blue, so I gotta do red. The next people or next person comes long; he's doing blue; he's doing red, so I have to do green. We're all doing the same type of thing but in a different presentation. Here's how it is now. That guy doing blue is popping, well I'm going to do blue too....Now you got 10,000 people doing blue . Out of the 10,000 people that are doing blue, there's going to be one person who does it way better then all of us and we're going to get mad at him. Now all of these other issues that take away from the growth and creativity come into play....”

This week on The Library, we hear the final part of Tim's interview with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, hip hop legend and one of the founding members of the legendary group Run-DMC. DMC talks Biggie, Tupac, Kendrick, Sarah McLachlan, Larry Smith, depression, artistic freedom and what the future has in store for him.

He tells Tim:

“The artistic freedom was this. You couldn't come close to or couldn't be near similar to anybody else doing this type of music....We come from a creative realm, as young people, very young people, to look at what everybody's doing and you have to do something different. By that being done, you had growth, transformation and evolution. If you don't do that, then just got a lot of people doing that thing that they're doing now, which is the way it is now. We come from a generation were, yo, this guys are doing blue, so I gotta do red. The next people or next person comes long; he's doing blue; he's doing red, so I have to do green. We're all doing the same type of thing but in a different presentation. Here's how it is now. That guy doing blue is popping, well I'm going to do blue too....Now you got 10,000 people doing blue . Out of the 10,000 people that are doing blue, there's going to be one person who does it way better then all of us and we're going to get mad at him. Now all of these other issues that take away from the growth and creativity come into play....”

On The Library with Tim Einenkel, DMC talks about the projects he is currently working on. This includes a record with DJ Premier....

On The Library with Tim Einenkel, DMC talks about the record HellRaisers which features DMC, PMD, MC Serch, Chuck D, Terminator X and DJ Eclipse. Produced by BIG K.O. He also talks about which new school artist he would have included on this track.

On The Library, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, explains why Larry Smith is not just the greatest hip hop producer ever but the greatest producer ever. He tells Tim “There's no Raising Hell if it wasn't for Larry Smith. He built and created the module that we needed to use...”

"The reason why Raising Hell was so def is because you had Chuck D there, KRS–One over there and Rakim coming. So me, Run and Jay, we had to get tight; we had to create the best rap record ever. And by Raising Hell being so dope, [you get] It Takes A Nation [of Millions] and all of that."

Darryl DMC McDaniels tells Tim on The Library, "The reason why Pac is a legend is because 2 things, Brenda Had A Baby and Dear Mama. That's what the powers that be are scared of. A guy that looks and sounds like Pac and goes through what he goes through, talking about Mama..That's powerful. 'Now, shut him up. Don't let the kids see goodness.'"

Want to know why being different is essential to the longevity of rap music? Darryl "DMC" McDaniels tells The Library in the final part of their interview. The co-founding member of the legendary group, Run - DMC explains "The artistic freedom was this. You couldn't come close to or couldn't be near similar to anybody else doing this type of music....We come from a creative realm, as young people, very young people, to look at what everybody's doing and you have to do something different. By that being done, you had growth, transformation and evolution. If you don't do that, then just got a lot of people doing that thing that they're doing now, which is the way it is now. We come from a generation were, yo, this guys are doing blue, so I gotta do red. The next people or next person comes long; he's doing blue; he's doing red, so I have to do green. We're all doing the same type of thing but in a different presentation. Here's how it is now. That guy doing blue is popping, well I'm going to do blue too....Now you got 10,000 people doing blue . Out of the 10,000 people that are doing blue, there's going to be one person who does it way better then all of us and we're going to get mad at him. Now all of these other issues that take away from the growth and creativity come into play"

This week on The Library, we hear part 2 of Tim's interview with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, hip hop legend and one of the founding members of the legendary group Run-DMC. DMC talks why he never cared for the business side of rap, his thoughts on Kendrick Lamar and how his writing changed after meeting Sarah McLachlan.

He tells Tim:

“I was just pretending to be an Emcee like all the dudes before me. It wasn't for showbiz...When I started writing rhymes and messing with my brother's turntables, it was like me playing with my G.I. Joe or pretending I'm batman or playing with my army men...It was all make believe....After that Sarah McLachlan meeting, it pushed my responsibility, it made it worse for me because now I carry a heavier load....It made my representation of Hip Hop more responsible. Because now I have a tool, a superpower and a gift that I must use at this point in my life.”

"The stupid thing about ignorant, asinine and immature rap music is, America celebrates it. These corporations celebrates it...Darryl "DMC" McDaniels tells The Library in part 2 of their interview. "Rick Ross being a correction officer? I could care less. The thing that I didn't like about Rick Ross is “No, no I wasn't a CO.” Oh, so there's something the matter with a man having a job? That tells kids, it's not cool to have a job that gives you benefits and take care of your family."

Part 2 of Tim's interview with D.M.C. will be available, Tuesday, May 12, 2015

"A lot of people, they really dig the song skills that we have when we write them down, " eMC member and artist, Wordsworth tells Tim on The Library about what we can expect from eMC's new album The Tonite Show. "They definitely are looking for something that deals with exciting and are about something. You have to write about something and we have topics on there.

On March 30th, 2015, R.A the Rugged Man performed at New York City's SOBs. During this performance, The Library's Tim Einenkel caught up with hip hop historian and legend, Grandmaster Caz (Member of The Cold Crush Brothers). Caz talks about the beauty of the live performance and how hip hop culture has changed due to the commercialization of rap music. Caz tells Tim:

"Hip Hop back then and Hip Hop today is a whole different animal right here. I mean, you're talking about the formative days of the culture when it was done with no agenda...When it was done just for the fun and just for the love of it. And then it became a skill game. And then it became an industry. There's no rules in the industry; it's about a money game and a numbers game. The next generations that got involved with not hip hop but rap music, just did it for the rap music. But they're missing the culture." #MrChuckD #GrandmasterCaz #RAtheRuggedMan #SOBs #HipHopLegends #TheColdCrushBrothers

This week on The Library, we hear part 1 of Tim's interview with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, hip hop legend and one of the founding members of the legendary group Run-DMC. DMC talks about the history of hip hop music, how and why it has changed, what he thinks about radio stations playing "old school at noon." DMC tells Tim:

"When they play it, where are all the kids? In School. Where are all the parents? At work. So they play me 12pm to 1pm on weekdays when the kids, who should be hearing music made by people their age which is educational, innovative, creative, they don't hear that but when they get out of school at 3 O'clock, turn it on. you hear the turn it up, sip the syrup, hoes and stuff like that. I don't believe in conspiracy theories because it's deeper than conspiracy theories."

"The music business is the music business. The company is only in the business to sell records but it's deeper than that for hip hop," Darryl "DMC." McDaniels, one of the founding members of the hip hop group Run–D.M.C, tells Tim on The Library during their interview. "By doing that you do a disservice to the youth, you do a disservice to the people who you promote and sell these records to. You create homicide and genocide....The artists who are in that position to do that are reluctant to be responsible. There's a lack of responsibility with the labels that put out our music and the artists who are profiting off of our music."

Part 1 of The Library with Tim Einenkel's interview with DMC will be up Tuesday, 4/21/15

Nigerian-Australian rapper Remi and producers Sensible J and Dutch are set to release their newest album Raw X Infinity on April 14, 2015. Remi and Sensible J joined Tim on The Library to talk about the new album, how Stevie Wonder , Mike Tyson and J-Dilla have influenced them as artists and when asked what is Aussie Hip Hop Culture, Remi told Tim:

“Aussie Hip hop is becoming something else aside from Iggy...Australian hip hop for a time has been a throwback kind of soul samples and guitar in the beats; very true when it comes to accent. Very true to the land...”

Nigerian-Australian rapper Remi and producers Sensible J and Dutch are set to release their newest album Raw X Infinity on April 14, 2015. Remi and Sensible J joined Tim on The Library to talk about the new album and what we could expect from it. Tim asked Remi and Sensible J if Iggy Azalea isn't a representation of true Aussie hip hop culture, then what is? Remi said”

“Aussie Hip hop is becoming something else aside from Iggy...Australian hip hop for a time has been a throwback kind of soul samples and guitar in the beats; very true when it comes to accent. Very true to the land...”

Nigerian-Australian rapper Remi and producers Sensible J and Dutch are set to release their newest album Raw X Infinity on April 14, 2015. Remi and Sensible J joined Tim on The Library to talk about the new album and what we could expect from it. Tim asked Remi what purpose does rap music and hip hop culture serves for him.

“It started off as something fun, away of just getting it off my chest for myself ...But after J and I been working together for awhile it kind of just became apparent that there was a lot of things in my own life and a lot of things in the community that surrounded us that were either injustices or just things that needed to be said...Kind of felt it was my duty to write more stuff like that.”

During my interview with Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels on The Library, we got into a conversation about whether Kendrick Lamar is just benefiting from a bad time in hip hop or is the praise rightly deserved. D.M.C. said “He is hip hop. He's doing hip hop the right way.....He has a truth of our existence that the young guy can relate to....that I can relate to now. That's missing in hip hop.

He also shares a great story about the lyrics in the record “Jam Master Jay“.

Entire interview with Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels will be up soon.

“I was just pretending to be an Emcee like all the dudes before me. It wasn't for showbiz...When I started writing rhymes and messing with my brother's turntables, it was like me playing with my G.I. Joe or pretending I'm batman or playing with my army men...It was all make believe.” D.M.C. tells Tim on The Library during their interview about his purpose for writing prior to his life being saved after hearing Sarah McLachlan's “Angel.” (Hear how McLachlan's “Angel” literally saved D.M.C.'s life as told on The Moth here - themoth.org/posts/stories/angel).

D.M.C. continues, “After that Sarah McLachlan meeting, it pushed my responsibility, it made it worse for me because now I carry a heavier load....It made my representation of Hip Hop more responsible. Because now I have a tool, a superpower and a gift that I must use at this point in my life.”

Entire interview with Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels on The Library will be up soon

MrChuckD #DarryDMCMcDaniels #TheMoth @SarahMcLachlan #Art

This week on The Library, Tim talks to Detroit MC, Red Pill about his debut album for Mello Music Group "Look What This World Did To Us." What was the goal of the album? Red Pill tells Tim "I wanted to make this record kind of like a novel, where you listen to it and it almost sounds like an old dusty used book; where it smells like that, where it feels like that...Even in the recording process its got a real dusty feel that I like."

This week on The Library, Tim talks to J-Live about his new album "His Own Self" which was completely self produced. Tim and J-Live discuss almost every track on the album including the track "I Am Man" which serves as J's open letter to abusive police as well as their apologists and supporters. What inspired him to write this record?

"When things are documented and it's right there for everybody to see and there's still no indictments, not convictions, no remorse, then it becomes so blatant for the whole world to see what's going on....I didn't want to focus on any one particular case, as much as allude to those cases without naming names because it is always somebody...I wanted to try to keep the song as timeless as the topic because when things happen in the future you can still go back to that song and it doesn't necessarily become the Ferguson song, or the Florida song, or the L.A. Song, or the New York song but so much the National song...This is what we're after, this is what's unacceptable; this is what must stop...Just because there's inherent fear of black people because of the way we're perceived in the media, you cannot let that be an excuse for excessive force, or lethal force when it comes to enforcing a law. It can't be like that. We have an human right and a constitutional right to due process and to be treated equally."

On March 31st, J-Live will release his 7th album, "His Own Self;" an album. One track on the album is called "Mic Singletary." J spits “The/ station don’t play it/they're playing with our patience/. ”On The Library with Tim Einenkel, I asked J-Live what role does commercial radio play for him as a hip hop artist?

“There's plenty of satellite radio that plays real hip hop," J-Live told Tim..." There's plenty of internet radio stations that play real hip hop. And there's tons of college radio that plays it. As far as the charts and the billboards and the Hot 97s and the Power 105s of the world...It's not so much, why don't you accept us or why don't you show the full spectrum of hip hop as much as, we ain't really checking for y'all no more. We've lost patience. There's so many different ways to get this music to the people, that you don't have to focus on that and stress that.”

HisOwnSelf #J-Live

On March 31st, J-Live will release his 7th album, "His Own Self;" an album. One track on the album is called "I Am Man" which serves as J’s open letter to abusive police as well as their apologists and supporters. On The Library with Tim Einenkel, J-Live explains why he wrote the track:

"When things are documented and it's right there for everybody to see and there's still no indictments, not convictions, no remorse, then it becomes so blatant for the whole world to see what's going on....I didn't want to focus on any one particular case, as much as allude to those cases without naming names because it is always somebody...I wanted to try to keep the song as timeless as the topic because when things happen in the future you can still go back to that song and it doesn't necessarily become the Ferguson song, or the Florida song, or the L.A. Song, or the New York song but so much the National song...This is what we're after, this is what's unacceptable; this is what must stop...Just because there's inherent fear of black people because of the way we're perceived in the media, you cannot let that be an excuse for excessive force, or lethal force when it comes to enforcing a law. It can't be like that. We have an human right and a constitutional right to due process and to be treated equally. "

On March 31st, J-Live will release his 7th album, "His Own Self;" an album with zero features. When asked on The Library with Tim Einenkel what if their were any challenges to being the only MC on the album, J-Live said:

"I don't know if it's so much dominating the time on the mic was a challenge as much as when you take off that artist hat and put on that marketing hat, a lot of times when you're putting together the one-sheet for a record, one of the selling points is for the distributor, the retailer, for the stores is who else is involved in it...”

Entire interview with J-Live will be available on March 31, 2015

jlive #hisownself

On March 31st, J-Live will release his 7th album, "His Own Self;" an album with zero features. When asked on The Library with Tim Einenkel what if their were any challenges to being the only MC on the album, J-Live said:

"I don't know if it's so much dominating the time on the mic was a challenge as much as when you take off that artist hat and put on that marketing hat, a lot of times when you're putting together the one-sheet for a record, one of the selling points is for the distributor, the retailer, for the stores is who else is involved in it...”

Entire interview with J-Live will be available on March 31, 2015

jlive #hisownself

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On March 31st, J-Live will release his 7th album, "His Own Self,", when asked on The Library with Tim Einenkel how he's been able to stay truth to himself as an artist and have not fall victim to "selling out", J responded:

"I was raised in what people call the Golden Era as far as you don't bite, you don't get a ghostwriter, you try to push the envelope style wise, you don't just sound the same every time, that monotone, you're not dumbing down your vocabulary or your message. So in that sense, I haven't crossed over in those ways."

Entire interview with J-Live will be available on March 31, 2015

jlive #hisownself

This week on The Library, Tim talks to North Carolina MC Rapper Big Pooh of the group Little Brother about his new EP for Mello Music Group called "Words Paint Pictures" which was completely produced by Apollo Brown. Tim asks Rapper Big Pooh about the first single off the EP, "Stop" and the inspiration behind the track.

"That was an actually true story. That was the last track recorded for the EP. I thought I was about done. I just wanted to add one more song...I was just out, taking a ride and I just ended up getting stopped. I just felt with everything that was going on, this was the perfect opportunity to not only discuss those that have been killed by at the hands of police and vigilantes but also just put myself in the situation; talk about my personal situation. I just thought it was the perfect time for that."

“That's a special track,” hip hop producer and dj, Mr. Green tells The Library's Tim Einenkel on rapstation.com about the record Dark Streets (feat. R.A The Rugged Man and Amalie Bruun) of Malik B. and his new album, Unpredictabel. Mr. Green continues “Not just because R.A. The Rugged Man's on it and he's legendary....He's a master of the studio techniques. Of just arranging a track; putting together in away where it just works. R.A. helped us with that one. That one came out crazy.”

Check out more of Tim's interview with Mr. Green on Live From The Streets web series as well as the album here thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

“It's been a couple of years working on the album but it came out exactly how I wanted it to,“ hip hop producer and dj, Mr. Green tells The Library's Tim Einenkel on rapstation.com about his upcoming album Live From The Streets (under the label, Duck Down Records). Live From The Streets , presented by Vice Media Noisey, started out as a web series three years ago and within the first year co-creator, producer and host, Mr. Green knew an album would be born from this. The Live From The Streets album, will be released under the independent label Duck Down Music, on April 7, but can be pre-ordered today here http://smarturl.it/livefromthestreets

“I don't think it's worth rushing things, “ Mr. Green continues during his interview with Tim Einenkel on The Library, “There's still something to be said for stuff for people take their time with. Rather than try to make something that people remember for a week, try to make something that people actually remember for a year or years. That's more of the goal with Life From The Streets. It's not episode everyday time of thing. It's more of a craft. A well crafted thing.”

Check out more of Tim's interview with Mr. Green on Live From The Streets web series as well as the album here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

Live From The Streets

Vice Media

Noisey

Down Down Records

Buckshot

Music

Hip-hop

Rap

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to producer, dj, host and creator Mr. Green about his web series Live From The Streets (Vice Media Noisey) as well as the album Live From The Streets (Duck Down Records).

What's Mr. Green's artistic attraction to the street musician performancer?

“I love it. I think it's beautiful. If I were more of a traditional musician with instruments and not hip-hop, I would probably play out in the street because there's no middle man...If you actually want to have a music career, you have to deal with a lot B.S...It's not really artistic. If you just want to play an instrument and make a few bucks, and you don't really want to have to deal with the music industry, the music business, you can go out an rock anywhere...That's a great thing.”

"biggie was definitely keeping the East coast on point with the lyrics" Sadat X, co-founding members of the legendary hip-hop group, Brand Nubian tells The Library's Tim Einenkel while discussing his new album "Never Left." Sadat X continued, "I think we would have stayed more familiar with our own style."

Download Tim's interview with Sadat X here thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

RIPBIGGIE

This week on The Library we talking the "Miami Mixtape King" DJ EFN who has just released his debut studio album, "Another Time" which features artists such as: INS Deck, Guilty Simpson, M.O.P., Cormega, Bun B, Jarren Benton, Black Milk, David Banner, Jon Connor, N.O.R.E., Fashawn, Troy Ave, Scarface, Stalley, Juvenile, Talib Kweli, Redman,Sean Price, Trick Daddy, Denzel Curry, Joell Ortiz, Gunplay, Royce Da 5'9" & Your Old Droog (among others) & production from DJ Premier & Buckwild.. DJ EFN talks about the collaboration process, what his criteria is for picking an artists and how this album is a tribute to the hip-hop pioneers.

Miami's Mixtape King”DJ EFN, sat down with me on The Library to talk about his new album “Another Time” which features INS Deck, Guilty Simpson, M.O.P., Cormega, Bun B, Jarren Benton, Black Milk, David Banner, Jon Connor, N.O.R.E., Fashawn, Troy Ave, Scarface, Stalley, Juvenile and many more. In this clip EFN tells us how the track “Survival” came together which features Juvenile, Dead Prez & Trick Daddy.

Check out DJ EFN's "Another Time" Here itunes.apple.com/us/album/another-time/id962202584

The entire interview with DJ EFN will be available soon here thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

Also will air on AndYouDontStop with Chuck D on rapstation.com and 99.5FM WBAI in NYC.

Miami's Mixtape King”DJ EFN, sat down with me on The Library to talk about his new album “Another Time” which features INS Deck, Guilty Simpson, M.O.P., Cormega, Bun B, Jarren Benton, Black Milk, David Banner, Jon Connor, N.O.R.E., Fashawn, Troy Ave, Scarface, Stalley, Juvenile and many more. In this clip EFN tells us how the track “Paradise” came together which features Talib Kweli, Wrekonize & Redman.

Check out DJ EFN's "Another Time" Here itunes.apple.com/us/album/another-time/id962202584

The entire interview with DJ EFN will be available soon here thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

Also will air on AndYouDontStop with Chuck D on rapstation.com and 99.5FM WBAI in NYC.

Confession time. I'm not rapper Pitbull's number 1 fan. That said, there are tons of people who do like him and I can't fault them for that. Miami's Mixtape King”DJ EFN, sat down with me on The Library to talk mostly about his new album “Another Time” but was also kind enough to explain Pitbull's popularity and music to me.

Check out DJ EFN's "Another Time" Here itunes.apple.com/us/album/another-time/id962202584

The entire interview with DJ EFN will be available soon here thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

Also will air on AndYouDontStop with Chuck D on rapstation.com and 99.5FM WBAI in NYC.

North Carolina MC “Rapper Big Pooh” of the group Little Brother has continued to not just perfect his craft as a solo artist but also continue to use his art in order to speak out against injustices. On March 24th, 2015 he'll release his debut EP called “Words Paint Pictures.”

The 1st single off the EP is "Stop" which tells a story of a racist police stop while eulogizing Oscar Grant, Mike Brown and those killed by police brutality. In it he spits “let off with a warning, consider myself bless/Only if you're alive, you can understand that stress.” During our interview on The Library, I asked him to give us insight to the black experience when it comes with interacting with the police.

The entire interview with Rapper Big Pooh will be available soon here thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

Also will air on AndYouDontStop with Chuck D on rapstation.com and 99.5FM WBAI in NYC.

This whole project is a passion project. It wasn't like a big money play. A big play to sell records. “ DJ EFN tells Tim on The Library about his debut album “Another Time.” He continues, “I'm paying homage to my that generation (golden era). I'm not just paying homage to my generation...we were taught that you always pay respect to the pioneers...and that is what I was doing by having Umar from The Last Poets, approaching him and having him do something.”

This week on The Library, we air the final part of Tim's interview with legendary MC Divine Styler. Styler discusses his latest album, Def Mask,the lack of content diversity in rap music, his Muslim faith and how his dad's profession influenced him as a person and an artist.

Divine Styler is a rapper. Divine Styler is also a Muslim. An art form such as Hip-Hop not only pushes the boundaries of society, it also pushes one's personal beliefs. I asked the MC how much of his faith play a role in his art? Are the two usually in sync or does he find himself running into personal contradictions?

The final part of my interview with Divine Styler will be up soon. Meanwhile check out part 1 of the interview here thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-li…part-1

muslim #religion #faith #hip-hop #rap #art #Islam

On May 5, 2015, eMC will released their newest album "The Tonite Show". Prior to the completion of the album, I asked Masta Ace what we could expect from this album.

"It's about eMC being a musical guest on The Tonight Show..Comedian Russell Peters will be the host of the album...I can't wait for people to hear the album because they will really be blown away by it."

Hear more of Masta Ace on The Library right here https://itun.es/i6g432b

Divine Styler, has had an atypical 25 year career as an MC. Look at his discography and you'll see that even though he has only come out with 4 albums, each of his albums have had the goal of pushing the boundaries of what hip hop can, and should be. His newest album, Def Mask, came out late 2014 and is truly an incredible album. This week on The Library, Tim talks to the legendary MC about his latest album, Def Mask, why he continues to push the boundaries of hip-hop, and the affect dumbing down has had on the art form.

"All art should have certain components involved. There should be a component of design, organization, entertainment and thought," Legendary MC, Divine Styler tells Tim on The Library. He continues, “What is it saying? What is it telling you? How is it speaking to you? Regards to nowadays. There's this unspoken, unconscious rule that you got to dumb it all down and shit. Make it easy for people to absorb. I don't know where that myth came from but I think it's a killer, a threat to the creative process because there is an intellectual conversation to be had."

Part 1 of my interview with Divine Styler will be available soon http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

“In the early days there were no constraints. there were no boundaries.” Legendary MC, Divine Styler tells Tim on The Library. “We didn't know what we were doing; we were just having fun. No matter what expression of it you did, whether you were a DJ, whether you were a b-boy, it was just something you did. It all came together and converged at some point and then it became this thing called hip-hop. But at that point, it was in a pure place of expression...It had no "I'm gonna..." on it. It's the honeymoon phase. And after the honeymoon phase, the marriage turns to shit...It feels like that is where we are now with the art form."

Part 1 of my interview with Divine Styler will be available soon http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

Divine Styler, has had an atypical 25 year career as an MC. Look at his discography and you'll see that even though he's only has come out with 4 albums, each of his albums have had the goal of pushing the boundaries of what hip hop can, and should be. I asked him why does he create albums that push the limits of hip-hop?

Styler: "I've never cared from the beginning...And that's what the fun part is to me because I'm free, to a degree, in a lot of areas to actually exercise different things without the pressure of certain things....The biggest hit I took was with Spiral Walls because I was actually pushing boundaries and excited about pushing boundaries. But you learn quickly and specifically in Hip-Hop that is a no, no. you aren't supposed to push boundaries. you supposed to keep it pimping and you're supposed to keep it cocaine and all that other shit. For me, that just made me go deeper into doing my own thing."

Part 1 of my interview with Divine Styler will be available soon http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

This week on The Library, Tim talks to legendary MC Sadat X about his new album "Never Left", the disconnect between the younger hip-hop generation and the older hip-hop generation, labels setting up today's artists for short careers and what Sadat likes most about New York City.

"I think the way that they're doing it, especially with these younger kids they're setting it up for the one hit wonders." Sadat X, co-founding members of the legendary hip-hop group, Brand Nubian tells The Library's Tim Einenkel while discussing his new album "Never Left." Sadat X continued, "you see somebody like Bobby Shmurda unfortunately that is lock up now will probably be expendable to Epic after awhile. The way they got it set up now is that you fit the suit for this year and somebody fits the suit next year. Back then artists were groomed."

Stay tuned for Tim's interview with Sadat X here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

"I just wanted to make a body of work that I felt that people could play all the way through," Sadat X, co-founding members of the legendary hip-hop group, Brand Nubian tells The Library's Tim Einenkel while discussing his new album "Never Left." Sadat X continued, "I wanted something that could teach people something...this album is basically made for people who pay bills, who go through relationships and raise children."

Stay tuned for part 1 of Tim's interview with Sadat X here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

"I generally try to steer away from that (top 5) because I think that is away to narrow things too much." says veteran author and Hip Hop Historian Brian Coleman on The Library during their interview. Brian continues, " If I tell you my top 5, then you're not going to pay attention to people who are outside; numbers 6 or 7 or something like that. It's all hip-hop to me and I tend not to rank people....There are a lot of outlets out there that would rather do a list, then an article; and I don't ever want to feed into that because there is so much lazy journalism out there that it drives me insane. The good thing about that is it creates debate and lets fans be passionate. There is no real advantage to ranking MCs."

Check out Brian's new book “Check the Technique: Vol 2: More Liner Notes For Hip-Hop Junkies." here http://www.good-road.net/ctt2.html and Download the full part of the interview here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-brian-coleman-final-part

"When I can go back and help an artist re-access their own greatness, that means a lot to me," veteran author and Hip Hop Historian Brian Coleman tells Tim on The Library during their interview. Brian continues, "I really do think they forget because the music industry is almost made to make people second guess themselves. Nobody in the music industry generally knows what the hell they are talking about. There's a select few people in the industry who actually, first, care about art verses just lets make a quick buck and secondly know what the hell they're talking about. "

Check out Brian's new book “Check the Technique: Vol 2: More Liner Notes For Hip-Hop Junkies." here http://www.good-road.net/ctt2.html and Download the full part of the interview here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-brian-coleman-final-part

This week on The Library, the final part of Tim interview with veteran author and Hip Hop Historian Brian Coleman about his new book “Check the Technique: Vol 2: More Liner Notes For Hip-Hop Junkies". Brian talks about why he steers away from Top 5 lists, how the music industry clouds the judgement of an artist and his "aha!" moment.

A couple of years ago, Common joined Tim Einenkel on The Library to discuss his memoir, One Day It'll All Make Sense and his career. Tim asked Common which of his 5 records would make up his autobiographical album debuted. Check out the clip to find out what he said.

Download the entire interview with Common here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-interview-with-common

In 1992, Common debuted with his album “Can I borrow a Dollar?” The album didn't sell well which frustrated the Chicago MC. When asked by Tim on The Library if Common would have changed anything about the album, he said:

“It what it was because I was new and I hadn't developed as an artist yet...I wouldn't change it at all because that is what I was able to offer at the time...An artist changes, grows and evolves. I wouldn't go back and change anything”

Download the entire interview with Common here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-interview-with-common

This week on The Library, part 2 of Tim interview with Veteran author and Hip Hop Historian Brian Coleman about his new book “Check the Technique: Vol 2: More Liner Notes For Hip-Hop Junkies". Brian talks about the history of The Coup, Masta Ace Incorporated and mysterious world of hip-hop production credits.

When Masta Ace Incorporated came on the scene with their album SlaughtaHouse, promoters and some fans thought they were the new N.W.A. This was not the case. Even though the SlaughtaHouse single was a joke, Brian Coleman, author of "Check the Technique: Vol 2”, explains why he thinks this is one of the most underrated album of all time.

Download part 1 and part 2 of the interview with Brian Coleman this here https://itun.es/i6g432b.

At the time Masta Ace created Masta Ace Incorporated it was purely based on financial reasons. I asked Brian Coleman, author of "Check the Technique: Vol 2”, whether this reason changed his opinion of what he thought of Masta Ace Incorporated:

"The stuff they were making was very dark, very murky. The SlaughtaHouse single is amazing. It's just so underrated because it is so over the top...people didn't get it...It was obviously a joke." Brian continued " I think it was a great move on Masta Ace's part because he's clearly since then gone back and forth...He just goes with just whatever he feels at the moment. I think that the group was great. I think that Slaughterhouse is as good, if not better then Take A Look Around which was a great record too. If anything it just increased his range to me and made me more impress. "

Download part 1 of the interview with Brian Coleman this here https://itun.es/i6g432b.

On The Library, Tim talks to veteran author and Hip Hop Historian Brian Coleman about his new book “Check the Technique: Vol 2: More Liner Notes For Hip-Hop Junkies." Boots Reily, front man of The Coup says after he completed the song “Breathing Apparatus” he almost gave up on music because everything seemed to be working against him. "He [Boots Reily] has had to fight much harder then most artists; just in the way that most labels have dealt with him. He's just has had real crappy luck early in his career. And it was not easy. Brian says. "Everything that could have happened to basically be like Boots just stop making music, this is not working for you. And he was like "Screw you. This is what I want to do. this is what I'm called to do."

Download part 1 of the interview with Brian Coleman this here https://itun.es/i6g432b.

In Part 2 of The Library with Tim Einenkel's interview with Masta Ace, the legendary emcee, Juice Crew and eMC member talks about the motivation behind his art, anniversaries of 2 albums, eMC's latest project, as well as his upcoming solo project.

On July 24, 1990, Masta Ace dropped her debut album "Take a Look Around." It has been 25 years since then and when asked by Tim on The Library to reflect on the album, Ace told Tim, "When I look back at that album, it sounds so preachy to me. "

"The album is really good." Masta Ace tells Tim of the new eMC album during his interview with him on The Library. "Guest spots? We have a beat from Diamond D. I've never worked with Diamond D...We have B-Real from Cyprus Hill. We're working on Xzibit...The name of the album is "The Tonight Show" so it's about EMC being guests on The Tonight Show...I can't wait for people to hear the album, they're going to be blown away; I'm sure of it. "

Hear more of Masta Ace on The Library right here https://itun.es/i6g432b

On May 2, 1995, Masta Ace Incorporated released their 2nd album, Sittin' on Chrome. On The Library, Masta Ace reflects back on that album 20 years later.

"I think Sitting on Chrome was the album that should have been the most commercially successful because that was the intention. When we went into the studio to make that album, it was based on the success of one song, "Born to Roll." That song took off like nobody expected. One of those records that nobody saw coming even Delicious Vinyl...."

Here more of Tim's interview with Masta Ace here https://itun.es/i6g432b

When Masta Ace's Disposable Arts was released in 2001, Ace said he went into it thinking it would probably be his last album because due to his MS he didn't know what the future held. When death or immobility are contributing factors behind art, it seems to create great work. Now that Ace has a better control over his MS and his health, I asked him are these still his motivation behind his work.

"What I'm doing is, this is how I feed my family, this is how my mortgage is paid, this is how we eat. And so, if I'm going to abuse my body, not be physical wealth or capable or able to be on a grueling tour and jump around on stage for twenty shows in a row for thirty days then I'm hurting my family because they're relying on me to go out there and earn....Those are my motivating factors. I got to continue to feed my family and I have to take care of myself to do that."

Hear more of Masta Ace on The Library right here https://itun.es/i6g432b

This week on The Library, Tim talks to Veteran author and Hip Hop Historian Brian Coleman about his new book “Check the Technique: Vol 2: More Liner Notes For Hip-Hop Junkies". In part 1 of Tim's interview Brian talks about the creation of timeless music, how he draws inspiration from artists such as: Too $hort, Schoolly D and Uncle Luke from 2 Live Crew and the story behind the Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star album.

On The Library, Tim talks to veteran author and Hip Hop Historian Brian Coleman about his new book “Check the Technique: Vol 2: More Liner Notes For Hip-Hop Junkies." "The way things are selected for these books is definitely not as scientific as some people might assume. I can assure you of that," Brian told Tim during his interview on The Library. He continued, "These are kind of my journey as a fan and they're albums that I personally love. If they happen to be some of the greatest albums of all time or happen to be in the hip-hop cannon, that's great but that's not my intention."

Download part 1 of the interview with Brian Coleman this Monday (12/22/14) here https://itun.es/i6g432b.

On The Library, Tim talks to veteran author and Hip Hop Historian Brian Coleman about his new book “Check the Technique: Vol 2: More Liner Notes For Hip-Hop Junkies." Brian told Tim during the interview, "Timeless is kind of in the eye of the beholder. It's in the fans' eyes. If it holds up over time. If over time it will considered to be more of gimick. a one hit wonder. or just kind fade away. Or it will be something that still sounds amazing and still something the fans latch on to as much now as they did 20-25 years ago."

Download part 1 of the interview with Brian Coleman this Monday (12/22/14) here https://itun.es/i6g432b.

On The Library, Tim talks to veteran author and Hip Hop Historian Brian Coleman about his new book “Check the Technique: Vol 2: More Liner Notes For Hip-Hop Junkies." Brian told Tim during the interview, "I could have probably sold this to a major publisher if I had wanted to take an extra couple of months and really pitch it around and kiss people's butt and stuff like that," Coleman told Tim. "i just don't do that. And part of the reason I don't do that is because I take inspiration from people Too $hort, Schoolly D, Uncle Luke from 2 Live Crew in the way they've always been like "you know what, I want this to be undiluted. I want it to do it exactly the way I want to do it." Maybe that's offensive to some people but I'm an artist and I express myself. Listeners can decide to deal with that however they want. They can not buy it or they can buy it and get really into it."

Download part 1 of the interview with Brian Coleman this Monday (12/22/14) here https://itun.es/i6g432b.

On The Library, Tim talks to veteran author and Hip Hop Historian Brian Coleman about his new book “Check the Technique: Vol 2: More Liner Notes For Hip-Hop Junkies." During the interview Tim asked Brian for the story behind Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Black Star album. "Black Star was never a group," Coleman explained. "It was intended to be a one off album. It was never intended to be a long term thing...Talib Kweli's main goal was to do a Reflection Enternal album and the Black Star album was kind of a means to an end...Mos Def, Yasin Bey, looked at that album like a jazz session from the 50s..."

Part of The Library's interview with Brian Coleman will air this Sunday, 8pm EST on rapstation.com. It'll also be available for download this Monday here https://itun.es/i6g432b.

In Part 1 of The Library with Tim Einenkel's interview with Masta Ace, the legendary emcee, Juice Crew and eMC member talks about his early hip-hop influences, creating concept albums vs. non-concept ones, the impact "The Symphony" had on his career and working with Edo G and Pete Rock.

When legendary MC Masta Ace was featured on Marley Marl's The Symphony alongside Craig G, Kool G Rap and Big Daddy Kane, he knew music was his calling. But what if The Symphony never happened? Ace tells Tim on The Library what career he would have pursued. Part 1 of Tim's interview with Masta Ace will be available here soon https://itun.es/i6g432b

"I don't come up with them. They come to me", legendary MC Masta Ace tells Tim on The Library when Tim asked him how he keeps coming up with concept albums. Ace continues "When I make these concept albums, the storyline around the album is an exercise for me. And it's a challenge as well because you're trying to make this story that you're trying to tell in between songs connect to the songs in someway. I've just enjoyed doing that and I'll continue to do those kinds of albums because for me as a writer, they're just a lot of fun to do."

Part 1 of Tim's interview with Masta Ace will be available here soon https://itun.es/i6g432b

Masta Ace, born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and his very early hip-hop influences were dudes around his way whom used to rhyme in the park. Ace tells Tim on The Library about the impact one guy in particular had on his career.

Part 1 of Tim's interview with Masta Ace will be available here soon https://itun.es/i6g432b

"I was happy it was a song about something", legendary MC Masta Ace tells Tim on The Library when Tim asked him about the record Edo G's record "Wishing" produced by Pete Rock. Masta Ace discusses what it means that the lyrics, written in 2004 are still relevant today.

Part 1 of Tim's interview with Masta Ace will be available here soon https://itun.es/i6g432b

DJ JS-1 has a new album called “IT IS WHAT IT ISN'T”(Ground Original 4). He sat down with The Library's Tim Einenkel to talk about his new project which features over 45 MCs on it, his graf work, thoughts on the true school vs. the new school artists and much more.

DJ JS-1 has a new album called “IT IS WHAT IT ISN'T”(Ground Original 4). He sat down with The Library's Tim Einenkel to talk about his new project which features over 45 MCs on it and the love/hate relationship we all seem to have with hip-hop music. He told Tim why he's content with his career status thus far:

"If you win, it must be boring. A guy like Jay-Z, I can't imagine how he would just sit in the studio and really have a great vibe to make an album because a lot of the great music and hip-hop, it came from struggle. When you're on top of the world, what do you really rhyme about? Everything's great."

DJ JS-1 has a new album called “IT IS WHAT IT ISN'T”(Ground Original 4). He is also an accomplished graffiti artist, tag JERMS. He sat down with The Library's Tim Einenkel to not only discuss his new project but about writing graf and the ramifications of it not being respected as the original street art.

Entire interview will be posted soon

Co-founding member of the legendary hip-hop group Black Sheep Dres, discusses the 20th anniversary of Black Sheep's 2nd album, Non-Fiction which was released on December 6, 1994.

Download the entire interview here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-black-sheep-dres-part-2

DJ JS-1 has a new album called “IT IS WHAT IT ISN'T”(Ground Original 4). He sat down with The Library's Tim Einenkel to talk about his new project which features over 45 MCs on it. A great record on the album features O.C or D.I.T.C and is called "Turn the Tables" Asked why he started the album with this record and why the DJ's important, JS-1 said "When I grew up the DJ broke records...The DJ should be a voice. He should be a voice for the good artists trying to get out there." The Rock Steady member also goes on to explain why new vinyl is not as appealing to the Hip-Hop DJ because it is less fun to spin.

DJ JS-1 has a new album called “IT IS WHAT IT ISN'T”(Ground Original 4). He sat down with The Library's Tim Einenkel to talk about his new project which features over 45 MCs on it. JS-1 explained to Tim why artist today who try to go "viral" are compromising the art.

Co-founding member of the legendary hip-hop group Black Sheep Dres, AKA Black Sheep Dres joins Tim on The Library to talk about his legacy, current state of Hip-Hop music and culture and his current work with A Tribe Called Quest member, Jarobi White. "Jarobi is quite the MC," Dres says of the Tribe Called Quest Member. " Listen here to hear Dres talk about working with Jarobi and the mission of the EvitaN project.

Download the entire interview here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-black-sheep-dres-part-2

Co-founding member of the legendary hip-hop group Black Sheep Dres, AKA Black Sheep Dres joins Tim on The Library to talk about his legacy, current state of Hip-Hop music and culture and his current work. Tim asks Dres about his new record "Propagation” and why he wrote it. "I was writing a song to all children of color," Dres told Tim. He continued, "Your color will affect you. Will affect your life in away other people don't have to thinking about."

Download the entire interview here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-black-sheep-dres-part-2

In part 2 of the interview, Co-founding member of the legendary hip-hop group Black Sheep, Dres talks his career post Black Sheep, working with Jarobi of A Tribe Called Quest to form the group EvitaN and the importance of giving respect to the pioneers of the culture.

Quotes from the interview:

"I feel like my flow is always evolving....I feel like I'm a much doper artist then I was 20 years ago. A matter of fact, I know I am. I'm definitely a student of the game at this point...I'm really proud of the MC I've grown to be."

"These days everything is really gimmicky. Everything is very cookie-cutter. They saw a blueprint that work and everybody emulated it. It seem like with a clone, every clone that comes after the original is weaker and softer and smaller and worse then the original."

"Just like the Rolling Stones are accepted and can sell out a stadium right now, that should exist in hip-hop too."

"Hip-Hop is still growing. It's a teenager right now. Give a teenager a million dollars, he's not going to do a lot of smart things with it. He's going to have a lot of fun and might be broke the next year. As we get older, we have to do better. We're at a point now where not everyone is a teenager. There are some young adults in hip-hop. I think hip-hop is starting to become a young adult. With that being said I we need to seek each other. There are things we can do unified, that we can't do on our own. That's where we have to get to....Hip-Hop doesn't need a label at this point, if we have each other."

"We're asked to forget slavery and to get over it. But we have to deal with the direct ramifications of it."

"One of the things I definitely hold onto are my influences. My influences are so important to me. The cats that made me really want to MC are Devastating Tito and Just-Ice...I think it's important that you pay homage to the cats that got you where you are."

"This music (rap) was founded by felons from New York. Cats that would literally take your head off founded something so beautiful that the world now holds onto it."'

"How you win as an artist is that you just be true to yourself."

Co-founding member of the legendary hip-hop group Black Sheep Dres, AKA Black Sheep Dres joins Tim on The Library to talk about his legacy, current state of Hip-Hop music and culture and his current work. Tim asks Dres Why he thought current rap music which glorifies the criminal lifestyle is pushed onto the masses?

Black Sheep Dres says "The powers that be seem to contribute to the dysfunction of people of color by perpetuating such lifestyles. By making it very accessible for you to hear things that go totally against the gain of human culture, human nature and just being a human being. These are things that we hear on a daily basis on our radio stations as opposed to some of the uplifting things that do exist. It creates the climate that we are kind of numb to the glorification of the violence. When we hear it, we are not as opposed to it as we should be.....It sets up a climate that the prison industry is big business. It perpetuates people of color being incarcerated, thus the big business of prison continually being blown up. Most prisons are privatized. People that fill these prisons are people of color. The people of color that fill these prisons are all people that were basically listening to the radio and got caught up in the windfall that are pushed on our community. A lot of what we're hearing is literally paid for by the powers that be to keep these mental chains in place. It would be so easy for us to speak of greater things and to show greater things. Instead of us putting that kind of energy into us improving life, we continue to stay stagnated right where we are because it feeds the pockets of something of an agenda that is above our heads "

Part 1 of the interview will be up soon.

Co-founding member of the legendary hip-hop group Black Sheep Dres, AKA Black Sheep Dre joins Tim on The Library to talk about his legacy, current state of Hip-Hop music and culture and his current work. In part 1 of the interview, Dres talks about Black Sheep, Stevie Wonder's influence on him and Hip-Hop and how race, ageism and dumbing down have played key roles in which kind of rap content is pushed onto the masses.

Co-founding member of the legendary hip-hop group Black Sheep Dres, AKA Black Sheep Dres joins Tim on The Library to talk about his legacy, current state of Hip-Hop music and culture and his current work. Tim asks Dres about Stevie Wonder's influence on not just himself but the Hip-Hop community. Dres says of Stevie Wonder "He introduced me to the power of words...That resonates with a lot of people as well as artists."

DJ JS-1 is a DJ / turntablist. He's the DJ for Rahzel. He's a member of the world famous Rock Steady Crew and He's a graffiti artist.. His latest album, IT IS WHAT IT ISN'T features over 45 artist. One record on the album is called "Diehard" which features Erick Sermon, Rahzel and Buckshot. On The Library with Tim Einenkel, JS-1 tells Tim how this record came together and what it was like to work with this amazing trio of artists.

Entire interview with DJ JS-1 will be available for download soon.

Chelsea Reject is a Brooklyn based female emcee who is currently making a name for herself.. Her influences are greats such as Lupe Fiasco, N.E.R.D, Lauryn Hill, Nas, and Common. Chelsea is a very diverse individual and is willing to put her best work forward. Her latest project, CMPLX comes out soon. She joined Tim on The Library this week.

Chelsea Reject is a Brooklyn based female emcee who is currently in the making. She spits hard and is not afraid to share her opinion. What does she think of WorldstarHipHop? She tells Tim on The Library that she thinks it portrays African-Americans as "animals....it has a downward spiral for our society."

The entire interview will be available for download soon.

"I'm literally writing messages for family members, friends and society that I haven't met yet," John "JR" Robinson AKA Lil Sci of the underground Hip-Hop group Scienz of Life tells Tim on The Library this week. In part 1 of the interview, JR discusses his latest collaboration album Modern Vintage, his writing process, and much more.

New York Producer Duplicuts and legendary artist El Da Sensei, are known as The Immortals Project. Tim caught up with the Producer half of "The Immortals Project", Duplicuts. Listen to him talking about creating beats to fit the style and flow of El Da Sensei.

Check out the entire interview here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-duplicuts-entire-interview

Bay area emcee Locksmith joined Tim on The Library to talk about his album "A Thousand Cuts." Early on in his career Locksmith experienced much success. But this success eventually died down. Why wasn't he discouraged after the success went away? Check out the clip to find out.

Check out the entire interview with Locksmith here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-locksmith-entire-interview

Bay area emcee Locksmith joined Tim on The Library to talk about his new album "A Thousand Cuts." For Locksmith, his art is not just autobiographical but therapeutic. "Art is therapeutic for the artist and for the observer," Locksmith said. "When you see it, it makes you think of something, it takes you into a space where you think about something or takes your mind off of something."

Check out the entire interview with Locksmith here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-locksmith-entire-interview

Boots Riley, the front man for The Coup and Street Sweeper Social Club joined Tim on The Library and talked about which song(s) are the most personal for him. He told Tim, "They're all personal......If I wrote about things that had to do with inner-personal relationships, my politics would come out in them..."

Check out the entire interview right here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-boots-riley-complete-interview

Boots Riley, the front man for The Coup and Street Sweeper Social Club joined Tim on The Library and talked about what happened when The Coup got played one time on commercial radio. He told Tim, "....each market sold 5,000 Coup albums per week. That proves what would happen if we got played on the radio....We didn't get played on the radio and part of it is that we have connections to real organizations."

Check out the entire interview right here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-boots-riley-complete-interview

John "JR" Robinson joins me on The Library to discuss his latest collaboration album Modern Vintage.. Lil Sci talks about the record Miles & Trane and the influence Jazz has had on his passion for rap music and Hip-Hop culture.

Complete interview with John Robinson will be available soon on Itunes here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/ and at rapstation.com

John Robinson AKA Lil Sci of the World Renowned UNDERGROUND Hip-Hop group Scienz of Life joins me on The Library to discuss his latest collaboration album Modern Vintage, his writing process, future projects and much more. JR tells a story about Bobbitto a.k.a. Kool Bob Love wanting to do a record with him and how this helped him discover Hip-Hop was worldwide.

Complete interview with John Robinson will be available soon on Itunes here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/ and at rapstation.com

During Kool Moe Dee's interview on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Kool Moe Dee talked about the top 5 albums he could not do away with. Kool Moe Dee told Tim "Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life is still pound for pound the best album I've heard all time."

Hear the entire interview with Kool Moe Dee here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-kool-moe-dee

A few years ago, Common dropped by The Library to talk about his memoir, One Day It'll All Make Sense. Tim asked Common which 5 Common tracks would make up an autobiography of Common.

Check out the entire interview here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-interview-with-common

A few years ago, Common dropped by The Library to talk about his memoir, One Day It'll All Make Sense. Common told Tim that even though some of his albums didn't sell as much as he hope they would have, he wouldn't have changed anything about that. Why is this? Common says because "an Artist changes, grows and evolves."

Check out the entire interview here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-interview-with-common

Lazarus is a Pakistani-American rapper and a doctor. This week on The Library, he joins Tim to discuss his career thus far, the obstacles he's faced as a Pakistani-American MC and much more.

While Tim was wrapping up a great interview with the MC and M.D Lazarus, the Detroit lyricist asked if he could bless the rapstation.com audience with a rhyme off the top of the head. Complete interview with Lazarus will be available soon on Itunes here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/ and at rapstation.com

Lazarus is a Rapper and a Doctor. As a Pakistani-American he has faced obstacles from his peers but also from record labels. He tells Tim that labels have expressed their desire to see him market himself as a Latino.

Complete interview with Lazarus will be available soon on Itunes here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/ and at rapstation.com

Detroit MC Lazarus is also a doctor who has received a standing ovation from Russell Simmons. He joined Tim on The Library to discuss his career thus far, the obstacles he's faced and much more. So, what kind of MCs are coming out of Detroit? Lazarus told Tim, "The people who are pursuing the hip-hop in Detroit are true lyricists because they got some pain to talk about..."

Complete interview with Lazarus will be available soon on Itunes here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/ and at rapstation.com

Lazarus is a Rapper and a Doctor who has received a standing ovation from Russell Simmons. He joined Tim on The Library to discuss his career thus far, the obstacles he's faced and much more. So, what was it like for Lazarus to do with Royce Da 5'9"? Lazarus told Tim that he "always step my game up for every record but with Royce, of course, I definitely had my sword sharpened up for that."

Complete interview with Lazarus will be available soon on Itunes here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/ and at rapstation.com

Lazarus is a Rapper and a Doctor who has received a standing ovation from Russell Simmons. He joined Tim on The Library to discuss his career thus far, the obstacles he's faced and much more. So, what got this United Healthcare Physician in hip-hop culture and rap music? Lazarus told Tim "I kind of listened to hip-hop as an outlet for myself. I felt like it was the only form of expression that I could listen to...that I could actually take any kind of pain that I went through in my own life and translate it into some euphoric experience where I could actually feel like "you know what? There are people going through pain in their life right now and I can hear it in that. And it just made me comfortable just with my own pain.

Complete interview with Lazarus will be available soon on Itunes here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/ and at rapstation.com

Born in the South Bronx and raised in Far Rockaway, Queens and Central NJ, John Robinson AKA Lil Sci of the World Renowned UNDERGROUND Hip-Hop group Scienz of Life joined me on The Library to discuss his latest collaboration album Modern Vintage, his writing process, future projects and much more. When I asked JR who he writes for, he said "I'm literally writing messages for family members, friends and society that I haven't met yet."

Complete interview with John Robinson will be available soon on Itunes here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/ and at rapstation.com

Born in the South Bronx and raised in Far Rockaway, Queens and Central NJ, John Robinson AKA Lil Sci of the World Renowned UNDERGROUND Hip-Hop group Scienz of Life joined me on The Library to discuss his latest collaboration album Modern Vintage, his writing process, future projects and much more. J.R. shared a story about going to the Def Jam 30 year anniversary concert.

Complete interview with John Robinson will be available soon on Itunes here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/ and at rapstation.com

Krazy Drayz of Das Efx joins Tim Einenkel on The Library this week to talk about about the challenges of being a solo artist, his latest project, Encore, and his time as a member of Das Efx.The Library Top 10 Chart01. Kendrick Lamar - I02. Saigon ft. Big Daddy Kane — One Foot In The Door03. Muggz and Scene 5 - Real Hip-Hop ft. Hi Deph04. Beatnick and K-Salaam - Checkpoints: Ghetto To Gaza ft. Talib Kweli, M1 (Dead Prez)05. John Robinson and PVD - This is Art06. Rapsody - Coming For You07. Constant Flow - Ascension08. Edo G. - 2 Turntables and a Mic09. The Bodega Brovas -Les Warning10. L'Orange - Grow ft Johaz (of Dag Savage) and Blame One "Tim Einenkel does one of the best interviews in all Hip-Hop and rap music, and there's not too many out there." Chuck D. AndYouDon'tStop! - 10.03.14 rapstation.comSubscribe to The Library with Tim Einenkel- here https://itun.es/i6g432bFollow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LibrarywithTim

Born in the South Bronx and raised in Far Rockaway, Queens and Central NJ, John Robinson AKA Lil Sci of the World Renowned UNDERGROUND Hip-Hop group Scienz of Life joined me on The Library to discuss his latest collaboration album Modern Vintage, his writing process, future projects and much more. When I asked J.R. why he doesn't curse in his lyrics, he said because he "makes music for adults who have children...they also want to make sure their little one in the car seat back there can listen too."

Lazuras is a Rapper and a Doctor who has received a standing ovation from Russell Simmons. He joined Tim on The Library to discuss his career thus far, the obstacles and much more. He also talked about the video for his record "Drug of Choice" f/ Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan which is filmed in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He told Tim, "I showed that we could go to Pakistan and shoot a hip-hop video there. That's unprecedented."

On "The Library with Tim Einenkel" this week, part 2 of Tim's interview with New Jersey born MC Rah Digga. In this part of the interview Rah Digga talks about collaborating with MC Lyte, New Jersey MCs and her community work in Newark, NJ.

Das EFX 's 3rd album, Hold It Down (1995) had some of the best producers ever working on it. DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Easy Mo Bee, Showbiz, DJ Scratch, just to name a few. Krazy Drayz of Das Efx joined Tim Einenkel on The Library not just to talk about his latest project, Encore, but also other topics. One of these topics were the recording sessions for Hold it Down. What was Das Efx' mindset going into this album? "We definitely wanted to make up for the last album," Krazy Drayz told Tim.

Krazy Drayz of Das Efx joined Tim Einenkel on The Library to talk about his latest project, Encore, his career and in this clip his greatest challenge as an independent artist. What do he want people to do with the new album? "Steal it. Do whatever the hell you want to do with it, I just want it to come over the world's radar.

Entire interview will be available soon.

On "The Library with Tim Einenkel", Rah Digga not only talked about the friendly lyrical competition her and her Jersey crew the Outsidaz had but also talked about the only time in her career where she was lyrically stumped. She told Tim Einenkel, "I think the only time I may have possible felt like "what the hell I'm I supposed to say after that" was the "Call the Ambulance Remix with Busta. He had M.O.P. on it, so I was supposed to go and I'm like "yeah, I'm supposed to go after M.O.P. [a in good fun M.O.P. yelling impression]." I'm like "what the hell I'm a supposed to say after that."

On "The Library with Tim Einenkel", Rah Digga discussed collaborations and whom she chooses to collaborate with. She told Tim Einenkel, "I only do songs with people that I am fans of. I'm not one of those people who collaborate with people because they're hot. I have to generally vibe with you and be a fan of your music because I make music organically."

Digga also talked about collaborated with MC Lyte and what an honor it was for her. Digga said,"I was honor she even accepted the invitation to be on the record."

On "The Library with Tim Einenkel", Rah Digga discussed New Jersey MCs and why they're the best lyricist. She told Tim, "I think Jersey is very slept on. I've said this from day one. I think Jersey has some of the best lyrical technicians. I think Jersey has some of the best, if not the best lyricist. I feel that they all of this sense of "we're underrated. New York never gave us our props."...We just have a cockiness. We just know we're the best..." Stay tuned for part 2 of Tim's interview with Rah Digga....

On "The Library" this week, New Jersey born MC Rah Digga. During part 1 of their interview, Digga discusses bridging the Hip-Hop gap between today's youth and the older generation, the difference between rap and Hip-Hop culture and which question she would rather not hear again.

Queens artist, Cormega told Tim on The Library during their interview that major labels should be worried about their futures with the influx of independent artists coming on the scene. Download the entire interview here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-cormega

On "The Library with Tim Einenkel", the New Jersey born MC believes there's an agenda in commercial Hip-Hop to push negative stereotypes in order to make a profit. "It's more profitable to push the negative stereotypes about us then to play a Talib Kweli or play a Common Sense., " she told Tim during their interview on "The Library." Digga continued, 'It's almost like the music you heard nowadays, you don't have to use your brain. you don't even have to think. there's no stream of consciousness to it. There's nothing sparking debates. It's just all pimps and hoes."

Legendary Pharcyde MC SlimKid3 and Jurassic 5 DJ/producer DJ Nu-Mark released a new collaborative LP via Delicious Vinyl on September 9th titled “SlimKid3 and DJ Nu-Mark”. DJ Nu-Mark dropped by The Library and shared a gem about how Sir Paul McCartney and a broken turntable fit into the first Jurassic 5 reunion show.

Download the entire interview here: http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-dj-nu-mark

New York MC R.A. The Rugged Man dropped by The Library with Tim Einenkel to talk about his career, his records, marketing in Hip-Hop, and what role race plays in rap music. The interview occurred in R.A.'s apartment in NYC and in this clip, R.A. Discusses the mission of the record “Tom Thum;” a mission not everyone picked up on.

Full interview with R.A. The Rugged Man can be downloaded here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-ra-the-rugged-man

Subscribe to The Library w/Tim Einenkel- here https://itun.es/i6g432b

"Good music is like good food...You never have to do advertisement for it," Queens artist, Cormega told Tim on The Library during their interview. Cormega discussed commercial rap artists and where they'll live in Hip-Hop history. Cormega didn't think these artists hold any importance in the culture. Cormega continued, "When people feel you, then tend to flock to you. They tend to be attracted to you. It's magnetism. A lot of these artists; those one hit wonder dudes or these fad dudes, they don't have that. And when the fad dies, you're done."

Download the entire interview here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-cormega

During Tim's interview with Queens Artist, Cormega they discussed how rap is a vehicle to help the perpetuation of negative stereotypes and its connection to the Prison Industrial Complex.

Download the entire interview here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-cormega

On The Library, Tim talked to to Public Enemy front man, Hip-Hop legend, Rock N Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Roosevelt, Long Island's own Chuck D. Tim asked Chuck what issues would he liked addressed in Hip-Hop.

On "The Library with Tim Einenkel", the New Jersey born MC believes a great way to bring peace to the streets of New Jersey is House Music. During the interview, she says, "I've been places; I've witness revival sets in the same location and a House record comes on and all of that just goes away; everybody is just dances in unison."

On "The Library with Tim Einenkel", the New Jersey born MC believes a bridge between today's youth and older generations needs to be built. Rah Digga believes the solution lies in teaching Hip-Hop culture in schools. During the interview, she says, "We have to learn Victorian culture. We have to learn British culture. We're learning Mayan culture; we learn Japanese culture. Hip-Hop is also a culture and I feel like it needs to be treated as such. Queen Victoria is Roxanne Shante in Hip-Hop. Queen Elizabeth is MC Lyte."

This week on The Library, R.A. The Rugged Man. R.A. talks about the beginnings of his career, what role race plays in his art and in the industry, and much more.

New York MC R.A. The Rugged Man dropped by The Library with Tim Einenkel to talk about his career, his records, marketing in Hip-Hop, and what role race plays in rap music. The interview occurred in R.A.'s apartment in NYC and in this clip, R.A. discusses why an artist like Iggy Azalea is popular.

Full interview with R.A. The Rugged Man will be up soon.

Subscribe to The Library w/Tim Einenkel- here https://itun.es/i6g432b

Rah Digga is in the news for her comments on Iggy Azalea, but she wishes she weren't. On The Library with Tim Einenkel, the New Jersey MC discussed her hip-hop career, her nonprofit work - and why she hates being asked about other female MCs.

The legendary Big Daddy Kane stopped by to talk with The Library's Tim Einenkel. In this clip he talks about writing for Roxanne Shante and Biz Markie and how he felt Shante's tracks could have been better if the label didn't get involved in the writing process.

Check out the full interview here: http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-big-daddy-kane

New York MC R.A. The Rugged Man dropped by The Library with Tim Einenkel to talk about his career, his records, marketing in Hip-Hop, and what role race plays in rap music. The interview occurred in R.A.'s apartment in NYC and in this clip, R.A. how his flow has developed throughout his career and "mistakes" he made when he decided to go away from his lyrical roots.

Full interview with R.A. The Rugged Man will be up soon.

Subscribe to The Library w/Tim Einenkel- here https://itun.es/i6g432b

New York MC R.A. The Rugged Man dropped by The Library with Tim Einenkel to talk about his career, his records, marketing in Hip-Hop, and what role race plays in rap music. The interview occurred in R.A.'s apartment in NYC and in this clip, R.A. discusses the definition of selling out.

Full interview with R.A. The Rugged Man will be up soon.

Subscribe to The Library w/Tim Einenkel- here https://itun.es/i6g432b

New York MC R.A. The Rugged Man dropped by The Library with Tim Einenkel to talk about his career, his records, marketing in Hip-Hop, and what role race plays in rap music. The interview occurred in R.A.'s apartment in NYC and in this clip, R.A. discusses the white washing of Hip-Hop Culture and the rewriting of music history.

Full interview with R.A. The Rugged Man will be up soon.

Subscribe to The Library w/Tim Einenkel- here https://itun.es/i6g432b

This week on The Library, Tim talks to the legendary hip-hop artist Big Daddy Kane. Kane discusses some of his classic records, the making of "Raw", ups and downs of his career and what sleep deprivation once caused him to do.

This week on The Library, Tim talks to the legendary hip-hop artist Big Daddy Kane. Kane discusses some of his classic records, the making of "Raw", ups and downs of his career and what sleep deprivation once caused him to do.

New York MC R.A. The Rugged Man dropped by The Library with Tim Einenkel to talk about his career, his records, marketing in Hip-Hop, and what role race plays in rap music. In this clip, R.A. discusses the purpose behind the track "Tom Thum" and how he composed it.

Full interview with R.A. The Rugged Man will be up soon.

The legendary Big Daddy Kane stopped by to talk with The LIbrary's Tim Einenkel about meeting Barry White for the first time and working with him.

Stay tuned for the entire interview to be available soon right here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

Pharoahe Monch will released his fourth studio album, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) on April 15, 2014. The album features artists such as: Black Thought, Talib Kweli, Denaun Porter, The Stepkids and Vernon Reid. In this clip, Pharoahe explains to The Library with Tim Einenkel why this will be his last album.

Hear the entire interview here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-pharoahe-monch

This week on The Library, Tim talks to Brooklyn MC and Slaughterhouse member, Joell Ortiz about his new album, "House Slippers" which is set to be released September 16, 2014. Joell talks about this could be his most important work to date, his maturity, not only as an artist but as a person and the role Jay-Z played in influencing his career.

Legendary Brooklyn emcee Buckshot joined Tim on The Library to discuss his latest album “Backpack Travels”. In this clip Buckshot talks about the benefits of being an independent artist.

Hear the entire interview with Buckshot here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-buckshot-entire-interview #Buckshot #independentArtist #Hiphop

Starting in the late 1980s, a feud between Kool Moe Dee and LL Cool J had begun. Media reported the reason behind the battle essentially as the older Kool Moe Dee being jealous of a younger LL Cool J. During Kool Moe Dee's interview on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Kool Moe Dee says this was simply not true. In this clip, he explains

Hear the entire interview with Kool Moe Dee here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/the-library-kool-moe-dee

This week on The Library. Tim had the opportunity to talk to Brooklyn MC and SlaughterHouse member Joell Ortiz on the imminent release of his new album "House Slippers". In this clip Joell talks where his passion comes for rhyming.

The entire interview will be available Friday, September 12, 2014 at 12pm EST right here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

This week on The Library. Tim had the opportunity to talk to Brooklyn MC and SlaughterHouse member Joell Ortiz on the imminent release of his new album "House Slippers". In this clip Joell talks about the important role Jay-Z played in shaping his career. The entire interview will be available Friday, September 12, 2014 at 12pm EST right here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

As we approach the 25th anniversary of It's A Big Daddy Thing (9/12) and the 20th anniversary of Daddy's Home (9/13), the legendary Big Daddy Kane stopped by to talk with The LIbrary's Tim Einenkel about the 2 albums and what he would have done differently. The topics ranged from his love for soul music to celebrating the 25th anniversary of It's A Big Daddy Thing.

Stay tuned for the entire interview to be available soon right here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

As we celebrate the 46th birthday of the legendary Big Daddy Kane stopped by to talk with The LIbrary's Tim Einenkel. The topics ranged from his love for soul music to celebrating the 25th anniversary of It's A Big Daddy Thing. Check out Kane's story about the "Nuff Respect" recording session for the Juice Soundtrack, done in one take.

Stay tuned for the entire interview to be available soon right here http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/

Legendary Pharcyde MC SlimKid3 and Jurassic 5 DJ/producer DJ Nu-Mark are set to release a new collaborative LP via Delicious Vinyl on September 9th titled “SlimKid3 and DJ Nu-Mark”. This week on The Library, Tim talks to DJ Nu-Mark about the new LP and finds out how Sir Paul McCartney fits into a story about a broken turntable and a Jurassic 5 reunion show.

4 years ago M.O.P.'s Billy Danze stepped into the world of Internet-based music business with the launch of his label We Build Hits. This week on The Library we talk to Billy Danze about the artists thus far on We Build HIts, his plan for the label and of course M.O.P's new album.Learn more about We Build Hits by clicking on the following links:https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/billy-danze-s-we-build-hits to learn more abouthttps://twitter.com/webuildhitshttps://www.facebook.com/webuildhitsThe Library's Top 10 Chart01. Dilated Peoples - Hallelujah (feat. Fashawn, Rapsody, Domo Genesis, Vinnie Paz & Action Bronson)02. CorMega - Rap Basquiat03. Common - The Neighborhood ft. Cocaine 80s and Lil Herb.04. Chuck D - Spread the Words (Featuring Jasiri X and Jahi of PE 2.0)05. Joell Ortiz - Music Saved My Life ft. B.O.B and Mally Stakz06. Buckshot & P-Money -Sweetest Thing (feat. T'Nah [Tina] Apex)07. El Grant - Truth Hurts ft. Torae08. N.B.S. (Natural Born Spitters) -We On That ft. Edo. G and Akrobatik09. KRS-One - Hip Hop Is One10. Devastating Tito and Mikey D'Struction - Got'm Say'n HeyDownload my podcast http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-library-with-tim-einenkel/id491102842Listen to my interviews: https://audioboo.fm/channel/thelibraryWebsite: www.rapstation.comFollow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LibrarywithTim

This week on The Library, Tim talks to Boots Riley, the front man for The Coup and Street Sweeper Social Club. During the interview Boots defines what revolutionary music is, how his writing and politics have developed over the years, why they won't be played on commercial radio and why Hip-Hop is way more important then anything that happened during the Harlem Renaissance.

This week on The Library, Tim talks to Boots Riley, the front man for The Coup and Street Sweeper Social Club. In part 1, as heard on rapstation.com of the interview, Boots defines what revolutionary music is, how his writing and politics have developed over the years and why they won't be played on commercial radio.

This week on The Library, Tim talks to Boots Riley, the front man for The Coup and Street Sweeper Social Club. In part 1 of the interview, Boots defines what revolutionary music is, and how his writing as developed over the years.

This Week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim's interview with Cormega. Tim and Cormega discuss his new album–Mega Philosophy, working with Large Professor, and the perpetuation of negative stereotypes connection to the Prison Industrial Complex

This week on The Library: Christopher "Play" Martin. Tim talks about his 4th Documentary Film "Can Hip Hop Go To School," why Kid 'n Play reminds Tim of The Treacherous Three working with the legendary producer Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor,

This week on the Library we hear the entirity of Tim's interview with legendary Brooklyn emcee Buckshot who has released a new album called Backpack Travels with New Zealand based producer P-Money.Buckshot discusses working with artists and producers from around the world, why artists should not sign with major labels, and a Blackmoon reunion album.

This week on The Library, Tim talks to Public Enemy frontman. Hip-Hop Legend. Rock N Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Roosevelt, Long Island's own Chuck D. In the interview Chuck D. talks to Tim about Hip-Hop modern vocabulary, why commercial radio is still important, the upcoming 20th anniversary of Muse Sick-n-Hour Mess Age and and his place and responsibility in hip hop culture.

Quotes from interview:

“Every word has its context. You can't ban a word. But once you start to say that in any public forum that the word all of a sudden becomes a one word anthem for a genre, a culture, and a people and every other situation comparably can't be said, there's an issue and there's a problem there. You know behind the word you have to figure out what counsel has endorsed, and financed, and branded this as marketing. If a word is just a word and anything goes, then why are there other words that you can not use? To have an anti-gay slur with the F-word, you know these same structures would come down on you. If you had an anti-Semitic word out there, the Jewish community would really come down heavy on you. If you have people who are all working within these realms of society, why would they even allow the N-word to go if they don't allow these other words to go.”

"I think the battle for me at this point is what can I say and do that I haven't done before that can stretch the envelope for the possibility for somebody else coming and just really nailing certain aspects. You know hearing your interview with Pharoahe Monch; to me, he's a dude that is able to take a seed and grow it into a forest."

"I want to hear a lot different voices. And I think that might come in the realm of a lot of women emcees."

"Music industry is healthy. Record industry has gutted itself out and has to replenish. And it's replenishing I think is in the digital realm that I think is long tail."

"in 1992 I made it in my mind to not sell records again....I would seriously be a record company's worst nightmare.....In 1992, I just said you know it's stupid to ask somebody to go asks somebody to go buy my record when they bought a record from me before."

"I just got to make sure my contribution to Hip-Hop in all service."

"I'm making songs to see if I can push envelopes to see if I can clear paths."

Backpack Travels is the new collaborative LP from legendary Brooklyn emcee Buckshot and New Zealand based producer P-Money. The 10-track album features guest appearances from Steele of Smif-N-Wessun, Pro Era's Joey Bada$$ and CJ Fly, New Zealand's own, David Dallas and others. In part 1 of his interview with Buckshot as heard on AndYouDontStop with Chuck D., Tim talks to Buckshot about the album what caused old school emcees and today's emcees to stop listening to the musicians before them.

New York Producer Duplicuts and legendary artist El Da Sensei, are known as The Immortals Project. Tim spoke with El De Sensei last year and caught up with the Producer half of "The Immortals Project", Duplicuts. Here is the entire interview with Duplicuts where he discusses working with El Da Sensei and Sadat X, what's the professional criticism amongst producers of each other, Duplicuts' favorite sample to use,which producers influence him and his dream emcee album which would consist of Bahamadia, Royce Da 5'9, Joell Ortiz, Fred the Godson, Snow tha Product, Tech N9ne, Scarface, Bun B, Andre 3000 and Rakim and his future professional plans.01. Pharoahe Monch - Broken Again02. Locksmith - Hardest Song Ever ft. Leah Tysee03. Common - Kingdom ft. Vince Staples04 Supersonic - Amy True05 Buckshot & P-Money -The Choice06. Pharoahe Monch -The Jungle 07. The Roots - The Dark (Trinity) ft. Dice Raw and Greg Porn08. Jeru the Damaja - Point Blank09. Cormega - Industry10. John Robinson & PVD f. Choose Your Words Wisely (feat. Melinda Camille)Download my podcast http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-library-with-tim-einenkel/id491102842Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LibrarywithTim

This week on the Library, we air the entire interview Tim did with Bay area emcee Locksmith about his new album "A Thousand Cuts." Locksmith discusses why art is therapeutic to both the artist and the listener. Locksmith talks about almost giving up on music, collaborating with RA The Rugged Man. Tim and Locksmith also break down each track of the album which discusses issues of race, abortion and molestation

This week on the Library, we air Tim's interview with Boston Emcee Akrobatik in full. In the interview they discuss his new album "Built to Last", his first album since he underwent open heart surgery in 2011. Tim and Akrobatik also discuss the state of Hip-Hop Culture as Ak sees it, the underlying theme of the new album which has to do with taking care of ones health, why Hot 97's Ebro is misguided when he thinks Hip-Hop Culture is all about money and Akrobatik working with Edo G. and Masta Ace.

This week on the library, Tim talks to Bay area emcee Locksmith about his new album "A Thousand Cuts." Tim and Locksmith break down each track of the album which discusses issues of race, abortion and molestation.

Make sure to check out more of Tim's interviews, Sunday nights, 8pm EST on rapstation.com

New York Producer Duplicuts and legendary artist El Da Sensei, are known as The Immortals Project. Tim spoke with El Da Sensei last year and caught up with the Producer half of "The Immortals Project", Duplicuts. Here is the first part of his interview with Duplicuts where they discuss working with El Da Sensei, producing the album after lyrics are spit and producer/MC, Black Milk's influence on Duplicuts.Download my podcast http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-library-with-tim-einenkel/id491102842Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LibrarywithTim

This week on the Library, we air part 1 of Tim's interview with Boston Emcee Akrobatik discussing his new album "Built to Last", his first album since he underwent open heart surgery in 2011. Tim and Akrobatik also discuss the state of Hip-Hop Culture as Ak sees it, the underlying theme of the new album which has to do with taking care of ones health and why Hot 97's Ebro is misguided when he thinks Hip-Hop Culture is all about money.

New York Producer Duplicuts and legendary artist El Da Sensei, are known as The Immortals Project. Tim spoke with El De Sensei last year and caught up with the Producer half of "The Immortals Project", Duplicuts. Here is the first part of his interview with Duplicuts

This week on the Library, we air part 1 of Tim's interview with Boston Emcee Akrobatik discussing his new album "Built to Last", his first album since he underwent open heart surgery in 2011. Tim and Akrobatik also discuss the state of Hip-Hop Culture as Ak sees it and the underlying theme of the new album which has to do with taking care of ones health.

This week on the Library, we air part 1 of Tim's interview with Boston Emcee Akrobatik discussing his new album "Built to Last", his first album since he underwent open heart surgery in 2011. Tim and Akrobatik also discuss the state of Hip-Hop Culture as Ak sees it and the underlying theme of the new album which has to do with taking care of ones health.

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, we hear the entire interview with OC of DITC and producer Ray West who have created a boutique-style catalogue called Ray’s Cafe. The theme of the album is a smokey jazz cafe in the 1970s where OC is free of all boundaries and limitations. Tim talks to the artists about the importance of Stevie Wonder's Innervisions to the Hip-Hop community, the collaboration process, the important role Ray West's mother played in the creation of this album and why OC "steals" from Slick Rick.

On The Library this week, Tim interviews Syndrome who has released a new album call "International Paperchaser (Daz Dillinger Presents Syndrome). In the interview Tim talks to the West Coast emcee (now living in the U.K.) about being homeless, the album and why it's important for him to show appreciation for the old school.

Download my podcast http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-library-with-tim-einenkel/id491102842

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LibrarywithTim

This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, we hear part 2 of Tim's interview with OC of DITC and producer Ray West who have created a boutique-style catalogue called Ray’s Cafe. The theme of the album is of a smokey jazz cafe in the 1970s where OC is free of all boundaries and limitations. Tim talks to the artists the importance of Stevie Wonder's Innervisions to the Hip-Hop community and the creation of a few of the records on the album

On April 15th, 2014, Pharoahe Monch released his fourth studio album, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) oThe album tackles PTSD; a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma. Throughout the duration of the LP, Monch narrates as an independent artist weary from the war against the industry machine and struggles of just living life. The album features artists such as: Black Thought, Talib Kweli, Denaun Porter, The Stepkids and Vernon Reid, as well as production from Lee Stone, Marco Polo, Jesse West and Quelle Chris. Here’s my interview with the Pharoahe Monch, including music from the album.

This week on The Library, part 2 of Tim's interview with Pharoahe Monch who is releasing his fourth studio album, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) on April 15, 2014. In the interview they discuss the record Bad MF, why Pharoahe Monch thinks a lot of pop rap artists are “posers”, who he chooses to collaboration with and how does that fit into his artistic process, working with Black Thought and Talib Kweli and why he continues to develop his art.

Though not officially formed as a group until 2005, EMC came together in 2001 while touring together on Masta Ace's Disposable Arts tour. In 2006, the group's first collaborative track was released online, titled "Four Brothers". eMC's first group effort, The Show was released on iTunes on February 26th 2008, and the CD release was on March 25th 2008. EMC is made up of emcees Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Punchline and Stricklin. They’re back with a new EP, “The Turning Point” which is due out May 20th, 2014. This week on The Library, I’m joined by EMC’s Wordsworth to discuss the new EP, the new EMC album (set to be released Summer 2014) and his career thus far.

This week on the Library with Tim, we hear the final part of Tim's interview with Hip-Hop God, El Da Sensei, one half of the legendary group Artifacts. He has linked up once again with producer Duplicuts on a collaboration known as The Immortals Project. The immortals project has released a new album called " Rogue Agents." In the interview El defines what good rap music is to him, and his soon to be released album with Sadat X called "XL".

Which artists have been on The Library with Tim Einenkel? Here's a montage of just a few

Pharoahe Monch will release his fourth studio album, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) on April 15, 2014. The album tackles PTSD; a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma. Throughout the duration of the LP, Monch narrates as an independent artist weary from the war against the industry machine and struggles of just living life. The album features artists such as: Black Thought, Talib Kweli, Denaun Porter, The Stepkids and Vernon Reid, as well as production from Lee Stone, Marco Polo, Jesse West and Quelle Chris.

Here’s my entire interview with the Pharoahe Monch.

The "Runaway, Train" album was recorded between the months of April and June 2013 in Fort Collins, Colorado. There is a comma in the title because it is not about a train going off the tracks, but about a person who ran 2,000 miles away from home to sharpen the blade and practice the craft. The project is a dedication to some of the earliest records Will can recall listening to as a child. Those scratchy story book records of yesteryear, where a narrator, over a bed of sound effects and in-house instrumentation, reads an adventure aloud while the child reads along in the accompanying book. "You will know when it is time to turn the page when you hear the following sound..."

Here's my entire interview with Will. C

The "Runaway, Train" album was recorded between the months of April and June 2013 in Fort Collins, Colorado. There is a comma in the title because it is not about a train going off the tracks, but about a person who ran 2,000 miles away from home to sharpen the blade and practice the craft. The project is a dedication to some of the earliest records Will can recall listening to as a child. Those scratchy story book records of yesteryear, where a narrator, over a bed of sound effects and in-house instrumentation, reads an adventure aloud while the child reads along in the accompanying book. "You will know when it is time to turn the page when you hear the following sound..."

Here's part 1 of my interview with Will C.

On The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks with Hip-Hop artist Substantial about his album "Home is Where The Art Is."

Jurassic 5 founding member, Chali 2na has announced the release of the 2nd installment from his Against The Current series: “MANPHIBIAN MUSIC (ATC EP.2)." This week on the Library, Tim talks to Chali 2na about this new EP. To support Chali 2na's project go to http://pledgemusic.com/chali2na

El Da Sensei, one half of the legendary group Artifacts, has linked up once again with producer Duplicuts on a collaboration known as The Immortals Project. The immortals project has released a new album called " Rogue Agents." In this interview, El Da Sensei talks about the new album, all things NJ Hip hop, working with Sadat X, his career thus far and will answer whether there will be an Artifacts reunion.

This week on The Library, I interview Long Beach, California emcee, Crooked I. In the interview we talk about being a member of the supergroup, Slaughterhouse, his favorite hip-hop track, his latest album, Apex Predator and a whole lot more.

Rapper, Activist and Sociologist AWKWORD is “one of the most impactful and globally active Hip Hop personalities in the game today” (The Hype Magazine) and one of Rap Genius‘s “favorite up-and-comers” —He joins me to discuss he newest album World View, the first-ever 100% For-Charity Global Hip Hop Album. Sponsored by The DJ Booth (DJBooth) and The Morgan Stanley Foundation…Awkword joins me on The Library this week.

El da sensei, one half of the legendary group Artifacts, has linked up once again with producer Duplicuts on a collaboration known as The Immortals Project. The immortals project has released a new album called " Rogue Agents."On the library this week, we air part 2 of Tim's interview with El Da Sensei where w discussed all things NJ Hip hop, Rogue Agents, and The Immortals Project.

El Da Sensei, one half of the legendary group Artifacts, has linked up once again with producer Duplicuts on a collaboration known as The Immortals Project. The immortals project has released a new album called " Rogue Agents." AndYouDontStop with Chuck D aired part one of "The Library's" interview with El Da Sensei.

Here it is

This week on the Library, Tim talks to Legendary, West Coast Emcee, Kokane who is best known for his co-appearances on Dr. Dre's album 2001 and the work on G-funk album Funk Upon A Rhyme and his backup work with Snoop Dogg in Tha Last Meal album. Tim Talks to Kokane about his newest album "SHUT DA F UP AND CUT DA CHECK", working with Eazy-E, the term "gangsta rap" and how the rap game has changed.

Here's the complete interview.

This week on the Library, Tim talks to Legendary, West Coast Emcee, Kokane who is best known for his co-appearances on Dr. Dre's album 2001 and the work on G-funk album Funk Upon A Rhyme and his backup work with Snoop Dogg in Tha Last Meal album. Tim Talks to Kokane about his newest album "SHUT DA F UP AND CUT DA CHECK", working with Eazy-E, and how the rap game has changed.

Hear this interview as heard on rapstation.com

This week on the Library, Tim talks to Legendary, West Coast Emcee, Kokane who is best known for his co-appearances on Dr. Dre's album 2001 and the work on G-funk album Funk Upon A Rhyme and his backup work with Snoop Dogg in Tha Last Meal album. In part 1 of this interview Tim Talks to Kokane about his newest album "SHUT DA F UP AND CUT DA CHECK" which features artist such as; Busta Rhymes, B-Legit, and more.

On The Library this week, Tim talks to Midwest Emcee, Nino Graye about his new album Zone 2wo, set to be released early 2014. Here's the entire interview with Nino Graye.

This week on the Library, Tim interviews, Author Felicia Pride on her book The Message: Life Lessons from Hip-Hop’s Greatest Songs. The message is a mixtape of wisdom that has been culled from the all-time greatest hip-hop songs. Felicia examines a wide range of hip-hop songs and artists, interpreting life through their lenses. This week, we air the third and final part of the interview.

This week on the Library, Tim interviews, Author Felicia Pride on her book The Message: Life Lessons from Hip-Hop’s Greatest Songs. The message is a mixtape of wisdom that has been culled from the all-time greatest hip-hop songs. Felicia examines a wide range of hip-hop songs and artists, interpreting life through their lenses. This week is part 2 of the interview.

This week on the Library, Tim interviews, Author Felicia Pride on her book The Message: Life Lessons from Hip-Hop’s Greatest Songs. The message is a mixtape of wisdom that has been culled from the all-time greatest hip-hop songs. Felicia examines a wide range of hip-hop songs and artists, interpreting life through their lenses. This week, we air part 1 of the interview.

This week on the Library, Tim interviews, Author Felicia Pride on her book The Message: Life Lessons from Hip-Hop’s Greatest Songs. The message is a mixtape of wisdom that has been culled from the all-time greatest hip-hop songs. Felicia examines a wide range of hip-hop songs and artists, interpreting life through their lenses.

On The Library this week, Tim talks to Midwest Emcee, Nino Graye about his new album Zone 2wo, set to be released early 2014. Here's part 1 of Tim's interview with Nino Graye.

This week on The Library, Tim talks to Canadian Producer Marco Polo who has just released his newest album, Port Authority with PA 2: The Director's Cut. The albums features many artists such as; Large Professor, Inspectah Deck, O.C. Organized Konfusion, Rah Digga, Kweli, DJ Priemer, and many more.

In part 2 of his interview with Christopher "Play" Martin, Tim talks to Play about his career, why Kid N Play reminds Tim of The Treacherous Three and Tim asks Play what it was like to work with the legendary producer Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor.

In his 4th documentary, Christopher "Play" Martin, known from the rap and acting duo Kid N Play, introduces an up close and personal documentary short that present a question to industry peers and friends "Can Hip Hop Go To School"? The documentary, "Can Hip Hop Go To School" premieres Saturday, November 9th (tomorrow) at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, in Harlem, NY. On the Library this week, Tim talks to Play about the documentary

Queens-bred hip-hop/soul artist, Dynasty, has the soul of a dreamer and the fearless determination to follow that dream wherever it might lead. D.Y. has lit up stages opening for Erykah Badu, The Wu-Tang Clan, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and more. She's out with her debut album, "A Star in Life's Clothing" from Jakarta Records. This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim speaks with Dynasty about her new album, women in hip-hop and the 5 albums she wishes she could have been a part of.

Queens-bred hip-hop/soul artist, Dynasty, has the soul of a dreamer and the fearless determination to follow that dream wherever it might lead. D.Y. has lit up stages opening for Erykah Badu, The Wu-Tang Clan, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and more. She's out with her debut album, "A Star in Life's Clothing" from Jakarta Records. This week on The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim speaks with Dynasty about her new album.

Two great interviews this week on The Library...William Shakespeare is considered the world's greatest writer, but for many his Elizabethan English is challenging. The Sonnet Man, conceived and produced by Broadway playwright Arje Shaw sets Shakespeare's sonnets to Hip Hop blending classical literature with an urban beat, hearing Shakespeare as never before, and opening it up to young people in a genre they know and love.I interviewed the star of this production rap artist Devon Glover.My Second interview is with Hip-Hop artist Illus...Family First is the brand new cd by ILLUS featuring some of the best emcees in the business. Each emcee also produces the track they are featured on, making this a one of a kind musical experience.Family First features Blueprint, Apathy, Ill Bill, Erin Barra, J-Live, Phashara from the Beatmonstas, DJ Johnny Juice, Esoteric, Chuuwee and more!

The Library - Tim Einenkel - This week, we hear part 3 of Tim Einenkel's interview with Philadelphia born but West African raised artist, O'Hene Savant (pronounced "oh-hen-knee Sah-vahnt) on what inspired him to become a hip-hop artist, why dr. seuss was a big influence, and explains the difference between American Hip-Hop and Hip-Hop from Ghana.

The Library - Tim Einenkel - This week, we hear part 2 of Tim Einenkel's interview with Philadelphia born but West African raised artist, O'Hene Savant (pronounced "oh-hen-knee Sah-vahnt) on his latest album.

I had the great pleasure of interviewing rapper/producer O’hene Savànt, on his latest album “Pronounced O’Hene Savant.” This Philadelphian born artist has an incredible story. As mentioned, He was born in Philly but spent his adolescent in West Africa with his Uncle, where he did what typical teens did (i.e. played soccer) but spent the majority of his after school hours at his uncle’s side in front the piano: hours mastering scores of classical and gospel music, the only two genres his uncle allowed in the house. During these years, Ohene discovered and fell in love with the music that captured his generation back home in America: hip-hop. He began to teach himself hip-hop cords on the piano. Unaware of sampling or synthesizing, now teenage Ohene just assumed hip-hop productions were done with live instruments. He also began writing his own raps. Here’s part 1 of my interview with him. Take a listen to it and check out his album.

Peace

Legendary artist Justin BUA and ArtistWorks present the first ever interactive "how to draw" art school. In this segment of The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks to Bua about the art school, the commercialism of graffiti and his album of choice when creating art.Download my podcast http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-library-with-tim-einenkel/id491102842Website: www.rapstation.comFollow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LibrarywithTim

On The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks with Hip-Hop Artist Substantial about his latest album "Home is Where The Art Is." and his writing process. This interview will air in three parts, here is part 2 of the interview

On The Library with Tim Einenkel, Tim talks with Hip-Hop Artist Substantial about his latest album "Home is Where The Art Is." This interview will air in three parts, here is part 1 of the interview.

More on Substantial below:

Substantial is synonymous with hip-hop, from the U.V. Ink label he launched, to the lyrical dexterity of his common-man flow. His debut solo album, To This Union A Sun Was Born (Hyde Out Productions), did well everywhere, especially in Japan where it hit the Top 10. This success set off a career touring Asia, Europe and almost all of North America.

As things got busier, Substantial linked with QN5 Music to focus solely on artistic creation. That led to profound collaborations with the legendary DJ Kool Herc, Bootsy Collins, Chew Fu, Cunninlynguists, Nujabes (R.I.P.) and an appearance on Bruce Kulick’s (of KISS) album with all-star rocker Gene Simmons. His videos have appeared on MTV, BET, and VH1, while his music has made it to the second round of Grammy voting in three categories. Even the renowned car company Bentley reached out to have Substantial’s supergroup FANOMM (with Chew Fu & J-Cast) create a song for them and perform in China at their car show.

Vogue Magazine included his duo’s music (Bop Alloy) in a recent playlist. Not bad for the Prince George’s County rapper and community activist: He builds recording studios for at-risk youth in conjunction with Covenant House, and raises money for school music programs in VH1’s Save The Music Series. For his newest album Home Is Where The Art Is (Mello Music Group), Substantial called upon Oddisee, an acclaimed musician who directed, mixed and contributed a large portion of the production. That’s just the start of things to come. No wonder they call him Substantial.

The Library with Tim Einenkel this week features part 1 of Tim's interview with Naughty by Nature's Treach. It's been 20 years since the landmark single "Hip-Hop Hooray" dropped. Naughty by Nature is currently on tour celebrating this anniversary. In Part 3 of the interview Treach talks about working with Queen Latifah , why he went into acting, his writing process and his favorite kind of beat to rhyme over.

Founding member of Jurassic 5, Chali 2na is on a mission with a new project called "Against The Current." As a music artist, he is committed to releasing a series of EPs over the course of the next several months. What you might not have known is that throughout his career he's also been developing his skills as a visual artist. Chali 2na is putting together a coffee table book that will reveal the evolution of my craft. Starting with his days as a teenage graf writing vandal all the way to the present, with his oil paint work on canvas. Here is the conclusion of my interview with him.

Founding member of Jurassic 5, Chali 2na is on a mission with a new project called "Against The Current." As a music artist, he is committed to releasing a series of EPs over the course of the next several months. What you might not have known is that throughout his career he's also been developing his skills as a visual artist. Chali 2na is putting together a coffee table book that will reveal the evolution of my craft. Starting with his days as a teenage graf writing vandal all the way to the present, with his oil paint work on canvas. Here is part three of my interview with him

Founding member of Jurassic 5, Chali 2na is on a mission with a new project called "Against The Current." As a music artist, he is committed to releasing a series of EPs over the course of the next several months. What you might not have known is that throughout his career he's also been developing his skills as a visual artist. Chali 2na is putting together a coffee table book that will reveal the evolution of my craft. Starting with his days as a teenage graf writing vandal all the way to the present, with his oil paint work on canvas. Here is part two of my interview with him

Founding member of Jurassic 5, Chali 2na is on a mission with a new project called "Against The Current." As a music artist, he is committed to releasing a series of EPs over the course of the next several months. What you might not have known is that throughout his career he's also been developing his skills as a visual artist. Chali 2na is putting together a coffee table book that will reveal the evolution of my craft. Starting with his days as a teenage graf writing vandal all the way to the present, with his oil paint work on canvas. Here is part one of my interview with him as aired on AndYouDontStop! with Chuck D.

The Library with Tim Einenkel this week features part 1 of Tim's interview with Naughty by Nature's Treach. It's been 20 years since the landmark single "Hip-Hop Hooray" dropped. Naughty by Nature is currently on tour celebrating this anniversary. In Part 2 of the interview Treach which songs defined what Naughty by Nature is about, working with the late great Heavy D, and the writing process of songs such as: Uptown Anthem and Everything's Gonna Be Alright.

The Library with Tim Einenkel this week features part 1 of Tim's interview with Naughty by Nature's Treach. It's been 20 years since the landmark single "Hip-Hop Hooray" dropped. Naughty by Nature is currently on tour celebrating this anniversary. In Part 1 of the interview Treach talks about the current tour, the writing process of Hip-Hop Hooray, and what Treach would be doing if Naughty by Nature wasn't successful.

Lawrence, Massachusetts artist, REKS debut album "Along Came The Chosen" was released in 2001. With 5 more albums complete and another one about to be released, "Revolution Cocktail", I had the opportunity to interview REKS about his latest album, the inspiration behind his work, messaging and his top 5 albums...

On The Library this week, Tim continues his interview with Massachusetts Emcee, REKS, whose new album Revolution Cocktail will be out soon. In this part of the interview Reks discusses his thoughts on when a song’s message does not reach the right people, why he thinks Pac, Biggie, Pun, and Big L represent true Hip-Hop culture and which 5 albums he wished he was apart of.

Lawrence, Massachusetts artist, REKS debut album "Along Came The Chosen" was released in 2001. With 5 more albums complete and another one about to be released, "Revolution Cocktail", I had the opportunity to interview REKS about his latest album and the inspiration behind his work.

Patrice Evans is The Assimilated Negro, a hyperobservant, savagely pop-savvy instigator bent on pranking the crap out of our modern racial discourse. Since the debut of his popular “Ghetto Pass” column for Gawker.com, Evans has been the rare voice capable of speaking to junkies for both White Castle and Colson Whitehead with equal insight and aplomb. His first book, Negropedia, is a wide-ranging, deeply idiosyncratic tour through the tricky racial landscape of the Obama era, aimed at pop-culture consumers at the intersecting fan bases of South Park and Chappelle’s Show, Scott Pilgrim and The Boondocks. Whether deconstructing Lil Wayne’s “no homo hypocrisy,” outlining the all-important Clair Huxtable code for finding a mate, or assessing Susan Sontag’s street cred, Evans provides a stream of daring outsider anthropology.

Legendary Boston emcee Edo. G has released his brand new solo album, Intelligence & Ignorance this past week. I spoke to the Boston emcee via phone not just about the new album but about the importance of being true to his craft, playing chess and the 5 albums he wishes he was apart of. Check out the interview here.

Legendary Boston emcee Edo. G has just released his brand new solo album, Intelligence & Ignorance. The 10 track album, via Envision Entertainment, features guest appearances from Freestyle (of the Arsonists) and Noel Gourdin on two of the tracks.Production on his tenth studio album is handled by the talents of Oh No, 83 Sound, Microphono, Max Mostley and Cam Bluff.Please visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/intelligence-ignorance/id592331971 to support the brand new album from Edo. G - true HIPHOPGOD.

Check out part of my interview with Edo. G as heard on AndYouDontStop! with Chuck D.

according to his bio "

DJ MLK – King of His Craft By: Keith Kennedy Many claim to be the best in their field. But, in order to be the king of your craft you must cover certain criteria. Most importantly, you must be able to expand and dominate surrounding territory, have the respect of your people while possessing the vision and drive to rule for many years. Although DJ MLK shares the initials of a legendary king while providing the sounds for a hip-hop king, he has quickly produced a track record worthy of his crown. DJ MLK was born Marlon LaTodd King and even though his name denotes royalty, his beginnings were humble. “I’m a country boy from Washington, GA. It’s a small town an hour away from Atlanta. But, growing up there taught me to go get it.” This is a lesson DJ MLK learned well by growing from having his first turntables in 5th grade to quickly becoming the chief party rocker of Washington, GA. Always looking for the next challenge, Atlanta began to beckon DJ MLK. “In Atlanta, you’ve got to keep yourself very busy,” DJ MLK resigns. To that end, DJ MLK spins at clubs throughout the city including Luckie’s, Seasons, Club Taboo2, Crucial, and Club Miami. But, DJ MLK believes “you always gotta take care of home first” so he travels back to Washington to rock Club 44 and The Block. In between the numerous club gigs, he manages to colab with Black Bill Gates and DJ Scream along with the Hood Rich family to create a mixtape circuit with units sold numbering in the tens of thousands. DJ MLK recalls, “I’ve done mixtapes with T.I., Young Dro, Young LA, B.o.B, Big Kuntry King, and the whole Grand Hustle camp. In fact, I have a series called “Respect the Hustle.” Apparently, DJ MLK and Grand Hustle have made some great music together because DJ MLK is the official road DJ for Grand Hustle moving up the ladder to eventually handle the shows for the king himself, T.I. “Thanks to this blessing, I’ve been all over the world and been on TV’s ‘106 & Park,’ ‘BET Rip The Run Way,’ and even Live from Rockefeller Plaza in NYC for New Year’s!” But, DJ MLK is not afraid to do the dirty work either as he posted positions throughout Grand Hustle from handling mixshow promotions to being a member of the street team. In addition, to this impressive resume, DJ MLK has a grasp on the future as well – digital music promotions. DJ MLK adds, “I also have a digital promo site called ugotwax.com.” This portal has become the industry standard for the posting of breaking music via mp3s as well as videos. But most importantly, the site provides feedback for artists aching for a chance. When DJ MLK is not busy taking over the game, “I like to be in my hometown smelling the fresh air lounging at a potna’s house kicking it with some DVDs posted at my personal bar. Plus, I cook cuz I like to eat! Or if I’m in the city, I’ll be low key in the cut somewhere.” It seems those days are far and in between as DJ MLK is already gearing up for his next mission. “I’m getting ready to release my album. It’s going to be a compilation album but something that will be different.”

Here's part of interview with DJ MLK

As T.I. once proclaimed, “I call myself the king, I got my reasons.” Now that you’ve experienced DJ MLK’s pedigree the reasons are clear why he will be king of his craft for many years to come.

M-Eighty & Nino Graye are "Glass City" Bound by their love for the 4-1-9 aka The Renaissance City, both artist came together over the course of a year to make Toledo's greatest Hip-Hop album while unifying all of the cities greatest talents. The album "Home Grown, Internationally Known" was fully recorded, mixed and mastered in Toledo, OH and features all Toledo emcee's & producer's giving this massive national product that rugged and raw localized feel.

The album was released in November 2012, featuring 16 tracks of non-stop lyricism, concepts, and great production. Led by DJ ZIK on the boards, the album features notable guest appearances both on the mic and production wise from Mike Flamez, W.A.D.E, Philippe, Proficey, Vherbal, C-Fifth, Raine Wilder, The Whole Key, Ghiftid, Mugsy Mahonney, Bones the Lion, Salty Dog, & More!

Here's part of my interview with M-Eighty and Nino Graye as aired on AndYouDon'tStop! with Chuck D.

Many of us listen to rap music as an escape from the realities of the world around. Unfortunately, since there are so many rappers available to us, we're okay when we don't hear from another artist ever again. We tend to forget that these individual artists are regular folks who have decided that the career path they want to follow is one that relies heavily on the public. Truth be told, our favorite artist(s) is not just in the business to make money, to make that one big hit and then never be heard from again. Like I said, him/her has decided to make a career out of the artform they truly love.

According to filmmaker Paul Iannacchino, Jr., rappers get old. Their music stays the same age. Paul (former member of Hangar 18, turned filmmaker) interviewed rap personalities past, present and future; from indie to mainstream for his new documentary “Adult Rappers” — a film aimed at exposing the realities of working MCs who treat their music as a normal job. Artists interviewed were RA the Rugged Man, Homeboy Sandman, Jarobi, Slug, Blueprint, Louis Logic, Open Mike Eagle, and many others.

Here is the entire interview with Paul.

Darian "Big Tigger" Morgan, also known as Big Tigg; is an American television and radio personality best known as the host of BET's Rap City and 106 & Park.Big Tigger organized The Street Corner Foundation (SCF), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS, and to improving quality of life for youth by focusing on the issues of literacy and self-esteem. You can check out his podcast here www.liveintheden.com/And check the full version of my interview with Big Tigger here.

Darian "Big Tigger" Morgan, also known as Big Tigg; is an American television and radio personality best known as the host of BET's Rap City and 106 & Park.Big Tigger organized The Street Corner Foundation (SCF), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS, and to improving quality of life for youth by focusing on the issues of literacy and self-esteem. You can check out his podcast here www.liveintheden.com/And check out part of my interview with Big Tigger here.

Dj Freestyle Steve is Timbaland And Missy's Official DJ. Here is my entire interview with him where he discusses working with Timbaland, why he started DJing and the reason he hated "Sexy Back."

Dj Freestyle Steve is Timbaland And Missy's Official DJ. Here's part of my interview with him which aired on AndYouDontStop! with Chuck D.

According to filmmaker Paul Iannacchino, Jr., rappers get old. Their music stays the same age. Paul (former member of Hangar 18, turned filmmaker) interviewed rap personalities past, present and future; from indy to mainstream for his new documentary “Adult Rappers” — a film aimed at exposing the realities of working MCs who treat their music as a normal job. Artists interviewed were RA the Rugged Man, Homeboy Sandman, Jarobi, Slug, Blueprint, Louis Logic, Open Mike Eagle, and many others.

Here's part of my interview with Paul for AndYouDontStop with Chuck D.

Edward "DJ Eddie F" Ferrell is the co-founder, partner, and DJ of the Uptown Records rap group Heavy D & the Boyz. Ferrell is a producer, arranger, songwriter, executive and entrepreneur. Here is the full version of my interview with Eddie F.

Edward "DJ Eddie F" Ferrell is the co-founder, partner, and DJ of the Uptown Records rap group Heavy D & the Boyz. Ferrell is a producer, arranger, songwriter, executive and entrepreneur.

Here is my interview with Eddie F. as heard on AndYouDontStop with Chuck D

Born in Queens, New York and raised in Marietta, Georgia - rapper, producer, and actor Ronvé (pronounced ron-vay) is no stranger to the entertainment business. With his unique ability to write and produce hit records, classical acting/theatre training, a diligent work ethic, and an appealing personality, Ronvé definitely has the total package and undeniable star power.

Here's my interview with him as heard on AndYouDontStop with Chuck D. The extented interview will be up soon.

Follow me on twitter @Kosher22

I recently had the opportunity to talk to legendary Hip-Hop artist Kool Moe Dee about his career, the state of Hip-Hop, the real reason he battled LL Cool J and his future. This is the conclusion of the interview

I recently had the opportunity to talk to legendary Hip-Hop artist Kool Moe Dee about his career, the state of Hip-Hop, the real reason he battled LL Cool J and his future. This is part three of the interview.

I recently had the opportunity to talk to legendary Hip-Hop artist Kool Moe Dee about his career, the state of Hip-Hop, the real reason he battled LL Cool J and his future...This is part two of the interview

I recently had the opportunity to talk to legendary Hip-Hop artist Kool Moe Dee about his career, the state of Hip-Hop, the real reason he battled LL Cool J and his future...This is the first part of the interview

I recently had the opportunity to talk to legendary Hip-Hop artist Kool Moe Dee about his career, the state of Hip-Hop, the real reason he battled LL Cool J and his future.

I had the opportunity to interview Dj Nu-Mark, formerally of Jurassic 5 but now establishing himself as a solo artist. We talked about his career, accomplishments, and his new project, Broken Sunlight Series 3. This series features a re-edit of the original Ernie Hines classic “Our Generation” and on the flip, “The Fever” featuring A-Skillz. Check out more from DJ Nu-Mark here http://unclenu.com/.

Also, make sure to stay tuned for the extended version on our interview which will be available soon.

Peace,

Tim "The Library"

BBC Radio’s 1 Xtra program did a documentary on Dilla that features tracks he produced for Janet Jackson, Busta Rhymes, Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, The Pharcyde and De La Soul. Through interviews with Plug 2 from De La Soul, Mos Def, Questlove from The Roots, Common, Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes, J.Rocc, Slum Village members T3 and Wajeed, his brother Illa J and his incredible mum, Ma Dukes, we learn about how he made those beats, what he was like as a person and the legacy he left behind. Benji also pays his own tribute to the man he knew for almost ten years and is his favourite producer of all time. I had the opportunity to interview one of the producers of the documentary.

William Shakespeare is considered the world's greatest writer, but for many his Elizabethan English is challenging. The Sonnet Man, conceived and produced by Broadway playwright Arje Shaw sets Shakespeare's sonnets to Hip Hop blending classical literature with an urban beat, hearing Shakespeare as never before, and opening it up to young people in a genre they know and love. I interviewed the star of this production rap artist Devon Glover.

Family First is the brand new cd by ILLUS featuring some of the best emcees in the business. Each emcee also produces the track they are featured on, making this a one of a kind musical experience. Family First features Blueprint, Apathy, Ill Bill, Erin Barra, J-Live, Phashara from the Beatmonstas, DJ Johnny Juice, Esoteric, Chuuwee and more! Here is the extended interview with Illus... You can Order "Family First" and "For Adam" through Kickstarter at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1726788789/illus-family-first-and-for-adam-re-release Follow ILLUS on Twitter @ADAMWALLENTA Like ILLUS on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/IllusMedia Subscribe to www.AdamWallenta.com to win free music, art and more!

Family First is the brand new cd by ILLUS featuring some of the best emcees in the business. Each emcee also produces the track they are featured on, making this a one of a kind musical experience. Family First features Blueprint, Apathy, Ill Bill, Erin Barra, J-Live, Phashara from the Beatmonstas, DJ Johnny Juice, Esoteric, Chuuwee and more! I had the opportunity to sit down with Illus and discuss his latest album which comes out tomorrow, May 29, 2012 You can Order "Family First" and "For Adam" through Kickstarter at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1726788789/illus-family-first-and-for-adam-re-release Follow ILLUS on Twitter @ADAMWALLENTA Like ILLUS on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/IllusMedia Subscribe to www.AdamWallenta.com to win free music, art and more!

According to Blueprint's website "After a five-year musical journey, critically acclaimed mc/producer and Soul Position frontman Blueprint, returned in 2011 with his highly-anticipated sophomore solo album Adventures in Counter-Culture. While praised by critics and considered his finest release to date, the story behind Blueprint’s musical departure went largely untold until now. The Making of Adventures in Counter-Culture sees Blueprint emerge as an author, vividly recounting the stories that inspired him to create such a unique piece of art. His writing leaves nothing unanswered – taking the reader through the creative process behind every song on the album – and describing in rich detail the circumstances that lead to his social commentary, personal transformation, and genre-defying album, Adventures in Counter-Culture.

Blueprint also enlisted the talents of acclaimed artist Adam “ILLUS” Wallenta to provide beautiful illustrations for each chapter of the book, making The Making of Adventures in Counter Culture a necessary companion-piece for fans of the album."

Here is my interview with Blueprint as aired on AND YOU DON'T STOP with Chuck D.

SLIMKID3 (born Tre Hardson) first introduced himself to the world as the soulful, clever vocalist and emcee in the legendary hip-hop quartet The Pharcyde...The group went on to create many classics and eventually split apart.In 2000, SLIMKID3 began to pursue a solo career with his Legend of Phoenix EP, exploring the limits of hip-hop with a full band and live instrumentation. His debut full-length album, Liberation, was released in 2002 through Artist Direct/BMG Records under his given name, Tre Hardson.Since 2009, he has also put his deep knowledge of music and beat production to work as a DJ, co-founding Live & Direct PDX, a monthly party event in Portland, Oregon, featuring live remixing of classic hip-hop favorites.SLIMKID3 stormed 2011 with an arsenal of new singles and inventive remixes, an aggressive release schedule, and a slew of Pharcyde show dates filling up his calendar. Continue to check in at Slimkid3.com for show dates, new music, and free mixtape downloads. Here's my interview with Slimkid3 on The Library

In his new book, “L.A. Sunshine: A True Story, The Real Accounts” legendary hip-hop artist LA sunshine of the Treacherous Three delves into his sexual victimization at the age of seven, as well as his rise to fame as a member of The Treacherous Three.

Here's the extended interview with L.A. Sunshine with music interwoven within the segment.

In his new book, “L.A. Sunshine: A True Story, The Real Accounts” legendary hip-hop artist LA sunshine of the Treacherous Three delves into his sexual victimization at the age of seven, as well as his rise to fame as a member of The Treacherous.

Here's the interview as heard on And You Don't Stop with Chuck D.

After James Brown died in 2007, Mary Weems put out this call for poems: "We grew up on James Brown’s hit me! When he danced every young Black man wanted to move, groove and look like him. Mr. Brown wasn’t called the hardest workingman in show business because he wasn’t. Experiencing a James Brown show was like getting your favourite soul food twice, plus desert. His songs, like black power fists you could be proud of and move to at the same time. When Mr. Brown sang make it funky we sweated even in the wintertime. Losing him was like losing somebody in our family. This is a shout out for poems about the impact James Brown had on our lives. Poems that will help people remember, honour, and celebrate his legacy. Don’t be left in a cold sweat, send us your old and new James Brown poems today."

The result is Say It Loud: Poems about James Brown includes work by Amiri Baraka, Thomas Sayers Ellis, Kelly A. Harris, Tim Joyce, Patricia Smith, George Wallace and a few dozen others.

Here's the extended interview with music...

Detroit native and Atlanta base rapper, Boog Brown, is one of the female MCs in Hip-Hop who continues to help lead a change in Hip-Hop. Even though she is influenced by other female rappers before here, such as Lil’ Kim, there are zero signs of “Lil Kim-isms” on her debut album, Brown Study, which is a collaboration with Hip Hop producer Apollo Brown. Boog Brown joined me earlier this year on ANDYOUDONTSTOP hosted by Chuck D of the legendary rap group Public Enemy. We discussed her career thus far and her debut album, Brown Study.

After James Brown died in 2007, Mary Weems put out this call for poems: "We grew up on James Brown’s hit me! When he danced every young Black man wanted to move, groove and look like him. Mr. Brown wasn’t called the hardest workingman in show business because he wasn’t. Experiencing a James Brown show was like getting your favourite soul food twice, plus desert. His songs, like black power fists you could be proud of and move to at the same time. When Mr. Brown sang make it funky we sweated even in the wintertime. Losing him was like losing somebody in our family. This is a shout out for poems about the impact James Brown had on our lives. Poems that will help people remember, honour, and celebrate his legacy. Don’t be left in a cold sweat, send us your old and new James Brown poems today."

The result is Say It Loud: Poems about James Brown includes work by Amiri Baraka, Thomas Sayers Ellis, Kelly A. Harris, Tim Joyce, Patricia Smith, George Wallace and a few dozen others.

At the age of nineteen, Nasir “Nas” Jones began recording tracks for his debut album—and changed the music world forever. Released in 1994,Illmaticwas hailed as an instant masterpiece and has proven one of the most influential albums in hip-hop history. With its close attention to beats and lyricism, and riveting first-person explorations of the isolation and desolation of urban poverty,Illmaticwas pivotal in the evolution of the genre.

InBorn to Use Mics, Michael Eric Dyson and Sohail Daulatzai have brought together renowned writers and critics including Mark Anthony Neal, Marc Lamont Hill, Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., and many others to confrontIllmaticsong by song, with each scholar assessing an individual track from the album. The result is a brilliant engagement with and commentary upon one of the most incisive sets of songs ever laid down on wax.

Behind every legendary hip-hop act is a stellar producer. And for Whodini, it was bassist Larry Smith, who helped craft the rap group’s signature sound. Once hailed as “the Quincy Jones of Rap,” Smith also worked with Run DMC and Kurtis Blow and the Fat Boys. In addition to working in hip-hop, Smith was equally versed in rock, punk, reggae and jazz. His versatility and uniqueness were indisputable as evidenced by such genre-defining hits as Run DMC’s “King of Rock,” Whodini’s “Five Minutes of Funk,” and the Fat Boys’ “Jail House Rap.”Fashioning an edgy sparse sound that often combined ’80s electronic music with rock, Smith is one of the sonic pioneers of hip-hop. His work has been sampled by numerous succeeding hip-hop stars such as Kanye West, Nas and Snoop Dogg. Sadly, Smith suffered a stroke in 2007, leaving him speech impaired. I recently had the opportunity to interview Grandmaster Dee.

In his new book, The Legends of Hip Hop, artist Justin Bua profiles and paints fifty key figures, including everyone from Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash to President Obama and Jay-Z, providing a portrait of each legend in a style reminiscent of the great masters. The artwork is accompanied by an engaging autobiographical narrative that contextualizes the impact each icon has had on Bua’s personal life and on the hip-hop culture at large. With a foreword by Chuck D, this landmark volume is more than a celebration of hip hop; it is the definitive word on the subject as told by Bua, one of hip hop’s leading artists and a legend in his own right. Here's the extended interview with Justin Bua

Journalist, screenwriter, record producer, teacher Dan Charnas was one of the first writers for The Source and part of a generation of young writers who helped create hip-hop journalism. Dan is the author of a new book called The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip Hop. He joined me on ANDYOUDONTSTOP hosted by Chuck D in a three part interview to walk us through his book and the history of the business. Here is part 2 of my interview with Dan. We discuss whether the business aspect of Hip-Hop has compromised the culture of Hip-Hop, and why hasn’t a white faced become the poster child for Hip-Hop. Here is final part of my interview with Dan Charnas

Journalist, screenwriter, record producer, teacher Dan Charnas was one of the first writers for The Source and part of a generation of young writers who helped create hip-hop journalism. Dan is the author of a new book called The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip Hop. He joined me on ANDYOUDONTSTOP hosted by Chuck D in a three part interview to walk us through his book and the history of the business. Here is part 2 of my interview with Dan. We discuss whether the business aspect of Hip-Hop has compromised the culture of Hip-Hop, and why hasn’t a white faced become the poster child for Hip-Hop. Here is part 2 of my interview with Dan Charnas

Journalist, screenwriter, record producer, teacher Dan Charnas was one of the first writers for The Source and part of a generation of young writers who helped create hip-hop journalism. Dan is the author of a new book called The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip Hop. He joined me on ANDYOUDONTSTOP hosted by Chuck D in a three part interview to walk us through his book and the history of the business. Here is part 2 of my interview with Dan. We discuss whether the business aspect of Hip-Hop has compromised the culture of Hip-Hop, and why hasn’t a white faced become the poster child for Hip-Hop. Here is Part 1 of my interview with Dan Charnas

Legendary hip-hop group M.O.P.'s Billy Danze joins Tim to discuss his new project Raps United Nation. RUN" (Raps UnitedNation) is the brainchild of M.O.P.’s Billy Danze who throughout the course of his illustrious career and years of extensive international touring could not help but notice and acknowledge how many talented artists he met during his travels who simply lacked a platform to be heard....There is no disputing the artistic contributions Billy Danze has contributed to the culture as a member of M.O.P., yet, while still in its early infancy, his greatest contribution may still lay in front of him as the founder of “RUN,” as he eloquently states “as a fellow artist, these projects will enable me to be a vital cog in a family of worthy artists that simply need a platform and a voice and to oversee that lends the potential to be the biggest accomplishment of my career. From a business perspective, I believe “RUN” (Raps UnitedNation”) is a vehicle the industry is desperately lacking. The way to find new talent is to go get it. Industry executives no longer believe in the artist, or artist development, how can the industry grow if we don’t allow new artists to showcase their talent?”

Few musical artists, producers and writers can boast a career as wide-ranging, influential as Brooklyn's Full Force. For more than three decades the pioneering three brother, three cousin collective have broken ground as writers, producers and performers. They’ve helped launch the careers of pop stars as diverse as Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, the Backstreet Boys and Cheryl Pepsii Riley, while reviving the career of the Godfather himself, James Brown. On Monday, January 30th, 2012, a wonderful episode of Unsung, will air highlighting the great achievements of Full Force. For more information go here http://tvone.tv/about-unsung/episodes/season-4-winter/full-force I had the great opportunity to talk to B-Fine, Bowlegged Lou and Paul Anthony.

J-Zone describes himself as a "Curmudgeon, producer, DJ, lampoonery expert, and a avid music fan. Now we can give him a new title of author. His new book"Root for the Villain: Rap, Bullshit, and a Celebration of Failure" is many things. Here's the list: 1. A musical journey. 2. An ode to a hip-hop vixen. 3. The impact of forgotten rap albums. 4. Diggin' in the crates and cassette tape appreciation. 5. What happens when rappers get day jobs? (The plight of Generation "X"). 6. What is a Gadget Ho? 7. A funny, honest, and self-deprecating look at the life of a struggling musician. 8. A playground for adults. Who would've thought? 9. If you try to figure out the opposite sex, you've already lost… 10. Are men the new women (What the fuck)? 11. You're not a New Yorker. You bought "Empire State of Mind" on iTunes and live in an old Brooklyn factory. 12. I live with my grandmother and she farts a lot… 13. The war on bullshit begins! Root for the Villain.

J-Zone describes himself as a "Curmudgeon, producer, DJ, lampoonery expert, and a avid music fan. Now we can give him a new title of author. His new book"Root for the Villain: Rap, Bullshit, and a Celebration of Failure" is many things. Here's the list: 1. A musical journey. 2. An ode to a hip-hop vixen. 3. The impact of forgotten rap albums. 4. Diggin' in the crates and cassette tape appreciation. 5. What happens when rappers get day jobs? (The plight of Generation "X"). 6. What is a Gadget Ho? 7. A funny, honest, and self-deprecating look at the life of a struggling musician. 8. A playground for adults. Who would've thought? 9. If you try to figure out the opposite sex, you've already lost… 10. Are men the new women (What the fuck)? 11. You're not a New Yorker. You bought "Empire State of Mind" on iTunes and live in an old Brooklyn factory. 12. I live with my grandmother and she farts a lot… 13. The war on bullshit begins! Root for the Villain.

J-Zone describes himself as a "Curmudgeon, producer, DJ, lampoonery expert, and a avid music fan. Now we can give him a new title of author. His new book"Root for the Villain: Rap, Bullshit, and a Celebration of Failure" is many things. Here's the list: 1. A musical journey. 2. An ode to a hip-hop vixen. 3. The impact of forgotten rap albums. 4. Diggin' in the crates and cassette tape appreciation. 5. What happens when rappers get day jobs? (The plight of Generation "X"). 6. What is a Gadget Ho? 7. A funny, honest, and self-deprecating look at the life of a struggling musician. 8. A playground for adults. Who would've thought? 9. If you try to figure out the opposite sex, you've already lost… 10. Are men the new women (What the fuck)? 11. You're not a New Yorker. You bought "Empire State of Mind" on iTunes and live in an old Brooklyn factory. 12. I live with my grandmother and she farts a lot… 13. The war on bullshit begins! Root for the Villain.

J-Zone describes himself as a "Curmudgeon, producer, DJ, lampoonery expert, and a avid music fan. Now we can give him a new title of author. His new book"Root for the Villain: Rap, Bullshit, and a Celebration of Failure" is many things. Here's the list: 1. A musical journey. 2. An ode to a hip-hop vixen. 3. The impact of forgotten rap albums. 4. Diggin' in the crates and cassette tape appreciation. 5. What happens when rappers get day jobs? (The plight of Generation "X"). 6. What is a Gadget Ho? 7. A funny, honest, and self-deprecating look at the life of a struggling musician. 8. A playground for adults. Who would've thought? 9. If you try to figure out the opposite sex, you've already lost… 10. Are men the new women (What the fuck)? 11. You're not a New Yorker. You bought "Empire State of Mind" on iTunes and live in an old Brooklyn factory. 12. I live with my grandmother and she farts a lot… 13. The war on bullshit begins! Root for the Villain. This is part one of my interview with J-Zone.

When you talk about legendary Hip-Hop groups, Naughty by Nature should be at the top of the list. This grammy-winning trio from East Orange, New Jersey made up of Treach, Vin Rock, and the DJ Kay Gee has just completed their 7th studio album, Anthem Inc. celebrating 20 years in the industry. Vin Roc joined me for an interview.

Unfortunately, as hip-hop becomes mainstreamed, digitized, and increasingly inclusive of a broader range of artists to choose from (or blindly download), the frustration at separating the wheat from the chaff – and the instinct to dismiss those that disappoint – allows us too easily to avoid witnessing an artist peak, fall, comeback and then grow. Once an artist fails, we often fool heartedly dismiss their art too quickly to search for the next big thing. The fault of this approach is apparent as soon as we look to the best art being produced in the past few years – Nas and Lil’ Wayne, for example, both had artistic nadirs (at midpoint for the former, at dawn for the latter), but those who were patient were able to experience the elevation of their art into something profound. Eminem’s latest album, “Recovery,” demonstrates one late example of how high unexpected artistic peaks can rise when the artist is allowed a chance to develop and hone his trade. Embracing the serious introspection that offered us some of the best songs of his earlier work, Eminem’s battle with drugs and depression is on full display in this album. Even though the leaked single, “Not Afraid,” is a surefire hit, one could be forgiven for thinking the Slim Shady jokester would show up on the rest of the album. However, despite not being the first song on the album, it sets up the album’s serious tone. Harking back to Eminem’s beginnings, “Recovery” brings listeners back to when he was embraced not just because of his superb lyrical talent, but because he offered a voice for disillusioned, young white people – those finding solace in hip-hop’s rejection of a society in which they also felt isolated, in which over-the-counter drugs often offer another recognizable comfort. “Recovery” takes us back to these humble beginnings, which Eminem had appeared to have lost for many reasons. He takes us on a lyrical journey to examine those reasons; allowing us a chance to learn and understand about his inner demons and depression, how he used drugs and alcohol to battle them, and how he has ultimately conquered them.Em spits in “Not Afraid,” “So I solemnly swear to always treat this roof like my daughters and raise it /You couldn’t lift a single shingle lonely /Cause the way I feel, I’m strong enough to go to the club/Or the corner pub and lift the whole liquor counter up /Cause I’m raising the bar, I shoot for the moon /But I’m too busy gazing at stars, I feel amazing and…/[Hook] I’m not afraid.” By facing the downsides of drug use head-on, Em opens up about a difficult problem nearly all of us can relate to – either because we are going through similar struggles, or because we’re close to someone who is. It is unfortunate when reviewers are quick to dismiss Eminem as simply a “pill popper,” treating the descriptions of his bouts with drugs as an aside, or as comic relief; they dismiss the gift of this work, as it can be – and should be – used to help those struggling with similar problems of self-destruction. In the song “Talkin’ 2 Myself,” Eminem lets listeners know that drug addiction is not limited to working stiffs, but includes celebrities such as himself. He allows us to know that he can be used as an outlet for those who need it: “Don’t let up, keep slayin em /Rest in Peace to DJ AM/ Cause I know what it’s like/ I struggle with this sh-t every single day.” In offering such honesty, Eminem seeks to expand his fan base not just to hip-hop heads, but anyone seeking to provide a voice toward recovery. And in doing that, he lets the artist within him truly shine.

Ever since their first commercial album debuted on February 26, 2002, the Nappy Roots established themselves not just as lyrically blessed artists, with great group chemistry but as a collection of individuals who have been able to invite all types of people, no matter what race, creed and gender to sit back, relax and get lost in the journey each album takes them. Or as writer, Adam Figman states, “while the emcees aren’t the wordplay experts some of their peers and inspirations may be, they write simple yet effective imagery of the parties, people, and places generally encountered in only the most rural of settings.” One month after their fourth album, “The Pursuit To Nappyness” hit the stores, the Nappy Roots’s hip-hop philosophy remains unchanged. Their latest LP, such as the ones prior to this one allows us to just listen to an album how it should be listened to. Whether in a car, walking down the street, going to school, work, working out, or just hanging out at home, from the first track to the last track, the album touches on topics from the Nappy Roots’ southern roots, the countryside, friends, family, riches, and of course their constant appreciation of their fans. The opening track, “Welcome to the Show,” eases the listener into the beginnings of this album’s journey What appears to be simplistic piano notes and the group’s calm vocals permits the listener to be once again apart of the album, thus setting the tone for the rest of the album. They say success is the best revenge, tell a friend keep ‘em close like a enemy, invest to win safeless, the necessary, leave the rest to them loose lips sink boats, try your best to swim captain of your ship, do ya best and grin never let ‘em see you sweat the stress again and make a new direction, take ya next of kin out the trap, it’s called life–make the best of it On the second track, “Do it Big,” the Nappy Roots experiment with the commercial end of hip-hop with horns blasting and boosting about money and fame. This track was one of the many summer party anthems and is a little disturbing but no need to worry, the Nappy Roots stay true to their essence of rap. The group makes sure this commercial track doesn’t isolate their fans and make they feel as if they have to live up to unachievable expectations. On track seven, “The People,” Nappy Roots’ member Ron Clutch spits quickly dismisses the importance of money when he spits: “Money means nothing/my people mean everything/Promise when I got all the money that I would never change/ Clutch is still the same/I kept my fee on earth/And I kept my promise/I kept my people first/My friends and my family, ya’ll help made a man of me/ When I was down and out ya’ll lent a helping hand to me/So I’m returning the favor and I’m passing it forward/Adversity, don’t run away for it, run towards it/face it, embrace it, I promise you can make it/The time spent with your family, you should keep that sacred/ It’s worth more than any amount of money, so I would never let the money, snatch that from me.” It’s great to see the Nappy Roots live up to their name in this album. The continue to show their humility to their fans, friends and community. The beats are simple which allows the listener without distraction to hear each lyric—something which is lacking in much of today’s mainstream rap music. The Nappy Roots do not use any hidden verses to express their admiration for their fans. The final track, “All For You” sums up the album. First words spoken on the track? “We love our fan…” Nappy, we love ya’ll too. iew...

Miami based rapper Trick Daddy is best known for his music. Each song is a reflection of himself or somebody he knows. Throughout his music career, Trick Daddy has been deemed controversial. This stigma is usually branded on artists who bring the ills of society to the public eye. The title of “controversial artist” sticks because the artists usually has little chance to defend himself(sic) in public because the song which explains it all isn’t covered by the mainstream. Unfortunately, this causes the artist to be highly misunderstood. Trick Daddy understands this but in no way apologizes for his music. He writes what he knows. This is evident in his new autobiography, Magic City: Trails of a Native Son. Written by Trick Daddy and Peter Bailey. I had the opportunity to interview Trick prior to the book coming out. He explains that his book should be used as a deterrent and should not be seen as glorification.

Kool G Rap is one of the most influential rapper still working in music today . He was very much ahead of his time and brought so much to the art form. Kool G Rap is known for using complex multisyllabic rhymes and it easy to hear his influence on young artists today.

Tim Einenkel interviews Common about his memoir, One Day It'll All Make Sense. This is the full interview which includes why Common almost gave up on rapping after his first album, Can I Borrow a Dollar? and, if his next album will be his last.