The Next Movement

In 1991 Main Source dropped some game changing science in the form of Breaking Atoms. Yes, it gave us the first recorded verse from Nas (and one of the illest posse cuts of all time). Yes, it featured ground breaking sample-based production. But it also touched on just about every aspect of the life of young Black men including the still relevant and infinitely clever take on police brutality Just a Friendly Game of Baseball. We’re gonna talk about it all but give that track and our current perspective on recent racial injustice a long look.

Kount Fif is the co-owner of Man Bites Dog Records and the producer behind projects like Uncommon Nasa’s City As School and the upcoming release from Baltimore’s Sinista Daniro. He drops by the pod to give us his take on the historic protests happening across the nation, the history of his relationship with Man Bites Dog, his approach as a producer, and his thoughts on an album that prolonged Wu-Tang’s relevance - the second solo joint from Ghostface Killah.

Queen Latifah’s third album, bolstered by a successful hit TV show, brought her the most commercial hit of her career, won her a Grammy, and spoke for all women of color. “Who you callin’ a bitch???” might just be as relevant a question today as it was in 1993. We dig into that question and more with a long look at Black Reign.

David Lotwin, co-owner of the famous D&D Studios and co-founder of D&D Recording, blesses the pod with his wealth of insight into NYC hip hop. From the studio’s beginnings recording reggae to its work with Deee-Lite to becoming a destination for just about every New York hip hop artist you can think of (Nas, Biggie, Jay-Z, KRS-One, Gang Starr, Jeru the Damaja, Smif-N-Wesson, Black Moon, Lord Finesse, Fat Joe and many many more) D&D played a huge role in shaping the culture. David gives us the history of the studio, some of his favorite memories, the story behind the album The D&D Project, and much more.

Chris Skillz is an artist who wears his emotion on his sleeve. His lyrics are laced with unparalleled vulnerability and at times such sensitive subjects as depression, suicidal thoughts, and surviving sexual abuse are openly addressed. The Delaware MC gives us an in-depth look at his creative process, his vision as an artist, and his admiration for 2Pac’s Me Against The World.

In these wild times we turn to Wildchild, DJ Romes, and Madlib to help us get thru. The trio known as Lootpack debuted in 1999 on Stones Throw Records and set the label on a trajectory for greatness. Stay home and take a listen as we ponder the mystery of Madlib’s mastery, give props to the underrated Likwit Crew, and much much more.

As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to impact the U.S., Los Angeles native XP the Marxman joins the show to talk about the impact its already having on artists. He also goes in depth about the influence East Coast artists have had on his career, his upcoming project with Roc Marciano, his work with L.A.’s homeless population, and his album of choice - GZA’s legendary Liquid Swords.

By the year 2000 the Golden Age was over and rap was flooded with over-commercialized music. But in Philly the trio of Vinnie Paz, Stoupe The Enemy of Mankind, and Jus Allah crafted an incredibly unique album that became legendary for the city and significant for the entire indie circuit of that era. This episodes examines the sophomore effort from Jedi Mind Tricks.

Delaware based emcee All Hail Y.T. comes thru to talk about his latest collab with producer Tone Beatz - The Spoils Babylon. Y.T. also shares about the growth that led to his name change (formerly Yung Texxus), the importance of learning all aspects of the business of music, and the most influential artist/album of his lifetime - 2Pac’s classic double LP.

Awon is the co-owner of Don’t Sleep Records, co-star of the documentary Underdogs and an ill emcee based out of VA. He joins The Next Movement to talk about his beginnings, his approach to his art and business, being a part of a hip hop family, and the album that many say is the best of all time.