Listen to the full playlist from the Pop Rap episode of SHOTS FIRED!
Shots Fired!: Live from the Cosmic Zoo
Richmond, California rapper and producer Iamsu! joins MC Nocando & Jeff Weiss to talk about the Bay area. They’ll talk about the history of Bay area rap, how Mac Dre changed everything for the Bay, and why you can’t hate on Lil B. Iamsu! also tells us which producers influenced him, how the Bay is coming back, and plays a track from his mixtape “$uzy 6 $peed.” Plus, the guys find out that Chris Brown made a “Shots Fired” song, take a listen to Ray J’s Kanye West diss, and are baffled by LL Cool J’s verse on Brad Paisley’s “Accidental Racist.”
Shots Fired!: And it Might Go Pop
I thought I told you that we won’t stop. Andy Rosen (Record Producer & 1/2 of the Totally Laime podcast) joins MC Nocando & Jeff Weiss to talk about the history of Pop Rap and crossovers. They’ll get into what makes something Pop, why certain rappers failed to maintain a stable career after having one crossover hit, and their thoughts on the modern era of Pop. Plus, the guys explain what ratchet is to Andy. Take that. Take that.
Shots Fired!: Don’t Call This Latin Rap
Producer/rapper Scoop Deville & Hellfyre Club rapper Rheteric Ramirez join MC Nocando & Jeff Weiss this week to discuss the history of latin contributions to Hip-Hop. They start off by talking about several Latin Hip-Hop pioneers such as DJ Disco Wiz, Prince Whipper Whip, The Mean Machine, and Prince Markie Dee of The Fat Boys. Then they explore the West Coast Latin rap boom by talking about Mellow Man Ace, Julio G, Kid Frost, Cypress Hill, Psycho Realm, MC BLVD, and A Lighter Shade of Brown. Next they bridge the gap between the West Coast & East Coast by talking about Delinquent Habits, Big Pun, The Beatnuts, Fat Joe, and N.O.R.E. Finally, they make their way down South as they talk about Baby Bash, Chingo Bling, and South Park Mexican. Plus, we’re treated to some tracks by Scoop & Rheteric.
Rapper extraordinaire Freddie Gibbs joins MC Nocando & Jeff Weiss to discuss athletes trying to rap. They talk about the Chicago Bears’ “Super Bowl Shuffle,” the LA Rams’ “Ram It,” Darryl Strawberry’s “Chocolate Strawberry,” Shaq’s “You Can’t Stop The Reign,” B-Ball’s Best Kept Secret, Kobe Bryant failed attempt at rap, Deion Sanders’ “Must Be The Money,” Tony Parker ft. Fabolous, Chris Webber ft. Kurupt, Allen Iverson’s “40 Bars,” Metta World Peace’s “Afghan Women,” Kevin Durant’s “Wired,” The Hyperizers’ “Don’t Criticize,” and Delonte West’s KFC Freestyle. Plus, the guys give their reasons for not going to SXSW this year.
Shots Fired!: Back in the Day/Ain’t Your Momma Pretty
Self Jupiter of Freestyle Fellowship & Fatlip of The Pharcyde join MC Nocando & Jeff Weiss this week to talk about their lives, their music, and what they’re doing now. Self Jupiter and Fatlip discuss early beginnings, the Good Life Cafe, and play some classic/current tracks. Plus, they talk about Drake’s trip to the strip club and MTV’s Hottest MC List.
Shots Fired!: Gorillas in the Mist: Bonobo
British musician/producer/DJ Bonobo aka Simon Green joins MC Nocando and Jeff Weiss to talk about the electronic music scenes in the UK, how Hip-Hop was his introduction into exploring other genres of music, and learning how to operate a dance floor by playing a bunch of shows in a jazz room in Brighton. Bonobo also tells us why he chose to name himself Bonobo, the birthplace of the original dub-step, and plays a couple tracks from his upcoming album “The North Borders.” Plus, Jeff gives us a quick lesson on moon rocks.
Shots Fired!: The Indie Episode
Stones Throw rapper Jonwayne & Hellfyre Club rapper Milo join MC Nocando & Jeff Weiss this week to talk about everything independent. Milo and Jonwayne discuss being influenced by independent rappers such as MF DOOM & Open Mike Eagle, the benefits of being on an independent label, and the pros and cons of coming up in the digital age of rap music. Also, Nocando tells us a funny Australia story, we learn why gangsters love Dragon Ball Z, and we are treated to some music from Jonwayne & Milo.
Producer Paul Salva and rapper Marcel Carrion join MC Nocando & Jeff Weiss to discuss the greatest and worse dance songs in rap history. They talk about Rapper’s Delight, Planet Rock, Egyptian Lover, 2 Live Crew, N.W.A’s “Panic Zone,” Good Vibrations, Deee-Lite’s “Groove Is In The Heart,” The Jungle Brothers, Technotronic, The Dogs’ “You Mama’s On Crack Rock,” Missy Elliot’s “Lose Control,” Kanye West’s “Stronger,” The Black Eyed Peas, and Azealia Banks. The guys also talk about Hip house, G-funk, the rise of trap music, and of course the Harlem shake. Plus, Jeff tells us about going to a porn star attended funeral. Don’t go into a K-hole!
