Do you need more proof that 1994 was the greatest year in Hip-Hop music? Well, the trilogy is complete with the 3rd installment in Take It Personal's tribute to 1994. Episode 111 features music from Organized Konfusion, Public Enemy, Y Society, Dredd Scot, UMC's, Fu-Schnickens, Lords of the Underground, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Lord Finesse, Common, Mad Flava, Brand Nubian, A Tribe Called Quest, Redman, Artifacts, Mic Geronimo, Nas, World Renown, Kurious, O.C., KRS-One, Hard 2 Obtain, House of Pain, M.O.P., Freddie Foxxx, The Legion, Bahamadia, Gang Starr, Eddie F, The Notorious B.I.G., KMD and more! So much great music, 1994 was amazing. Say less, listen more...
The Take It Personal crew returns for the second installment in their phenomenal tribute to our (yes, mine too!) favorite year in hip-hop, 1994. This mix in this episode features tracks from Troubleneck Brothers, Craig Mack, Ill Al Skratch, Funkmaster Flex, Mic Geronimo, Nas, Brand Nubian, Kurious, The Beatnuts, Urban Thermo Dynamics, The Fugees, Digable Planets, Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs, The Roots, O.C., Organized Konfusion, Gang Starr, M.O.P., Gravediggaz, A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, A.D.O.R., Big L, The Notorious B.I.G., Da Youngstas, Jeru The Damaja, and more. Listen below as they make the case for 1994 as the greatest year in Hip-Hop music...
The latest episode of the Take It Personal Podcast is a tribute to my favorite year in hip-hop: 1994! They've decided to save the long description because you just need to hit that play button! What you're about to listen to is one of the greatest (if not the greatest) years in hip-hop. We all know '88 is the blueprint with It Takes A Nation of Millions, Critical Beatdown, Straight Outta Compton, Great Adventures of Slick Rick, Follow The Leader, Long Live The Kane, Straight Out The Jungle, By All Means Necessary and Strictly Business. But do you really listen to more music from 1988 than 1994? That's the difference and they plan to make the case starting with part 1 of their 1994 Tribute. The artwork alone makes the case strong: one word - Illmatic. Let them tell it, tap in below...
As Capone-N-Noreaga -- which naturally translates into the clever initials CNN -- were recording their debut album, Capone was sent to jail, leaving Noreaga to handle the majority of The War Report himself, with the occasional help of such stars as Nas. It's a testament to the talents of both Capone and Noreaga that C's absence is barely felt and The War Report turns into a stellar debut. Both rappers have a distinctive rhythmic style and aren't afraid to deviate from traditional hardcore rap themes. Nor are they constrained by musical stereotypes, since The War Report explodes with impressionistic samples, gritty and evocative loops, and funky rhythms. The only thing that makes The War Report a disappointment is the knowledge that it would have been an even better album if Capone had been able to participate in the entire recording. As it stands, it's merely superb. - AllMusic. Over the years, we've learned a lot about what went into the making of the album, how Capone and Noreaga met, handled recording between bids; Tragedy Khadafi's role behind the scenes, and so-on. BUT, I'm happy to edit this post to include Noreaga's latest Drink Champs podcast with co-host DJ EFN because they paid tribute to the album on its 25th Anniversary and they dove much deeper. Capone and Noreaga are joined by the power players that were part of the creation of their debut album The War Report, guests like: Tragedy Khadafi, Neil Levine, Geno Sims, Marty Most, Gregory Taylor, and the one and only Busta Rhymes. Lots of great stories that you don’t want to miss! From Iraq to Kuwait... watch that Drink Champs episode HERE, and below you can (and should) revisit The War Report. Art above by the ever-talented Torre Pentel. 25 Years!
Hit the archives for samplers, mixes, reviews, VHS tapes and more...
Grab yourself a beach towel, a few Red Stripes, a nice spliff and join the T.I.P. crew on Episode 108 (Champion Sound), as they celebrate the marriage between reggae and hip-hop music. For this episode, they've gathered some of their favorite reggae-influenced tracks with some of their favorite hip-hop/reggae collabos and in typical TIP fashion, of course they had to sprinkle in some hidden gems. They've got music from Tiger, Supercat, KRS-One, Bounty Killer, Louie Rankin, Mad Cobra, Mad Lion, Shabba Ranks, Junior Reid and Capleton to name a few. A nice blend of dancehall and hip-hop, something that also made the 90s special -- especially on the dance floor. Dig into it...
Episode 107 of the Take It Personal podcast is a breather from their recent tributes. This all-new music episode is for those not sure where to look, listen or simply don't have the time. The T.I.P. crew has curated music over the last few months to help bring you up-to-date with bangers by Danger Mouse & Black Thought, Black Star, Pusha T, Kid Abstract, Daniel Son, The Good People, G.S. Advance, Ghettosocks x DK, Napoleon Da Legend, Elzhi, Crimeapple, Billy Essco, Copywrite, Action Bronson and the reunion of Army of the Pharoahs to name a few. Alright Alright... tap into it below...
Episode 106 of the Take It Personal podcast is going to leave most of you in neck braces. After spending the last few episodes on Kanye West (I admittedly didn't tape into those - one day I will), the T.I.P. crew is taking it back to the essence of Take It Personal Radio. They've got head bangers from M.O.P., Ghostface Killah, Gang Starr, The Beatnuts, Xzibit, Dilated Peoples, Mobb Deep, Big Pun, Non Phixion and Onyx to name a few. At the break, they discuss the classic indie record The Future Is Now by Non Phixion. They also discuss Black Star's No Fear of Time and Kweli gets annihilated, ain't no love lost there. Other topics include David Chappelle, Onyx, Supreme and they ask where do the biggest supporters of hip-hop reside? This episode is what TIP is all about - plenty of laughs, good discussion and even better music! Tap into another fine edit of the Take It Personal podcast...
The Take It Personal crew shares, "We've done all the big tributes. We've had all the big guests. We've done more in 5 seasons than we could have ever imagined. This year on Take It Personal we'll continue to raise the bar, but more importantly, we want you all to relive your favorite hip-hop memories with us. We want to remind you all why you fell in love with hip-hop in the first place. Why you rushed out every Tuesday to buy the latest record. Why you stayed up late to watch rap videos as a kid or why you copped the flyest gear or got a fresh hair cut to mimic your favorite rapper. Take It Personal has always been about music and memories and that is what brought us all together. Despite where we come from, our race, our politics, our religion or our age, we're a family of hip-hop enthusiasts and that cannot be DISPUTED! On Episode 102, we celebrate some of our favorite lyrical kings. We're talking Pharoahe Monch, Ghostface Killah, AZ, Black Thought, Royce Da 5'9, Masta Ace, Roc Marciano and Prodigy to name a few. Enjoy the EP!" Dig into the episode below...
Episode 103 is the 3rd installment in Take It Personal's indie hip-hop tribute series. This time, they've joined by Mr. Eon of The High & Mighty, who sits with the crew to discuss one of hip hop's greatest eras. We hear stories about how it started for them, the Masta Ace beef, working with Bobbito, The Alchemist, Rashida Jones, Beetlejuice, Kool Keith, Pharoahe Monch, Eminem and Cage. During the late 90s and early 00's, Eastern Conference Records was a staple in independent hip-hop. Who better to tell vivid tales of the indie hip-hop movement than one of the guys responsible for it? We've got joints by Non Phixion, Saukrates, Natural Elements, Jigmastas, J-Live, Arsonists, Company Flow, Cage, All Natural, Rascalz, Cannibal Ox, J.U.I.C.E., Sir Menelik, Kool Keith, Ill Advised, Choclair, Mr. Lif, Mike Zoot and of course, The High & Mighty. What made this era one of the greatest? The music was fresh, innovating, original, honest and most importantly fun. D-I-Y in full effect. Record stores in full effect. Online chat groups where you shared music was definitely in effect. That feeling of excitement while scarfing down a slice of pizza or Gray's Papaya because you couldn't wait to see what Fat Beats on 6th Ave had. When Fat Beats wasn't enough for your fix, you went to the LES to peep A-1 or took the iron horse to Fulton Street, to check out Beat Street and grab a treat from Juniors after. The days in New York during the indie hip-hop movement were magical. Now, let's re-live those memories and magic this era gave us. Enjoy the show, listen below...
Episode 101 is an ode to 1990. This was a defining moment in hip-hop as the musical tides started to turn. The 80s were done, as were many of the styles and genres to come out of that decade. Rap dominated the airwaves and took over pop culture as we know it. While both MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice were at the top of the pop charts, it was influential voices like Chuck D, Ice Cube and Shock G that provided the sounds cherished to this day. The Afrocentrism movement was huge as legendary groups such as X-Clan, Poor Righteous Teachers, Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, Brand Nubian and Public Enemy provided anthems throughout 1990. That same year, we had classics that were bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out…"Treat ‘Em Right," "Bonita Applebum," "The Humpty Dance" and "Jingling Baby." It wasn’t just music, the movies that came out in 1990 still hold a special place in our hearts. Watching House Party over and over. Laughing at Full Force saying everyone smells like pussies or when Chill couldn’t stop bumping the table while dragon-breath Bilal would try to mix. Who doesn’t watch all of Goodfellas every time it’s on TV? Air Jordan V’s were on every kid’s feet. Posters of Bo Jackson, Barry Sanders, Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky were on every kid’s bedroom wall. It wasn't just any year, it was one of the greatest. On episode 101, the Take It Personal crew pays homage to one of the most important years in hip-hop -- 1990! Dig in...
Take It Personal is back with their 1st show of 2022. On episode 100, the crew decided to do something a little different, something a little more personal... Each member hand-picked 10 of their favorite tracks of all-time. 4 mixes in all. You, the listener, will decide which is the best 10-track mix of the four they play. You'll hear tracks from A Tribe Called Quest, Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, Boogie Down Productions, The Notorious B.I.G., Public Enemy, Nas, Crooklyn Dodgers, Gang Starr, O.C., GZA, Souls of Mischief, Geto Boys, Wu-Tang Clan, KRS-One, The Pharcyde, Ice Cube, Main Source, Common, Mobb Deep, Dilated Peoples, Dr. Dre, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, and more. Props to Philaflava, Kevlar, DJ 360, A-Aron and Roger the Announcer. The show is clearly a labor of love, and they're doing a great job with their Podcast and these mixes. Listen to it below...
Season 2 of Did I Ever Tell You The One About... takes an in-depth and personal look at the life and career of rapper MF DOOM going back to his early days as Zev Love X and his first group KMD, to his return as the enigmatic, emcee with the signature mask. MF DOOM or simply DOOM, was a British-American rapper and record producer. Known best for his intricate wordplay, signature metal mask, and "supervillain" stage persona, Dumile became a major figure of underground hip hop and alternative hip hop in the 2000s. He remained an influential figure in the landscape until his untimely death on October 31, 2020. Set to release one-year after his passing, this 14 episode season features stories from family, friends and a who’s who of hip-hop legends… all told in immersive sound design with DOOM’s music providing the soundtrack. This is a phenomenal podcast, and while I usually share things episode by episode, I felt - as I did with the Season 1 with Big Daddy Kane - it's better share now that the season is complete. That said, dig into 14 episodes dedicated to the life of one of our culture's most talented, most creative MCs of all-time, MF DOOM. R.I.P., DOOM!
On Episode 99 of the Take It Personal, Jason Gloss and crew celebrate the life and the career of the late great, Sean Price. The podcast is joined by special guests Pharoahe Monch, Phonte, Torae, Meyhem Lauren and Peter Rosenberg, as they serve as your tour guide throughout this 4+ hour tribute. They've got hours of music, memories and laughs as they feature over 70+ tracks showcasing the remarkable catalog of the legendary Sean Price. The Boot Camp MC is joined by fellow Heltah Skeltah member, Rockness, as well as the O.G.C., AG, Pharoahe Monch, Tek, Phonte, Roc Marciano, Jedi Mind Tricks, Canibus, Ras Kass, Method Man, Freddie Gibbs, Black Milk, Skyzoo, Rahzel and more. I'm glad I got to meet Sean Price before he passed away - I didn't always agree with his public views, but I did come to respect him as a man. Dig into this great mix/tribute to him below...
The Take It Personal crew kept it straight-forward when describing this episode to us, "We can write-up a teaser on how episode 98 focuses on the Golden Era with music from LL, The D.O.C., EPMD, De La, Kane, Boogie Down Productions, Brand Nubian, Ultramagnetic and DJ Quik or you can just hit play cuz you already know how TIP gets down." They call that brand loyalty, and I'm on board for whatever they cook up, so sit back and relax, listen to Episode 98 of the Take It Personal Podcast, aptly titled, No One Can Do It Better. There are dozens of episodes in the archives, dig...
Fourteen years ago, Blu took hip-hop by storm. Along with Exile, he gave us the modern-day classic Below The Heavens and we've all been hooked ever since. On episode 97, the Take It Personal crew sits down with Blu to discuss his lengthy catalog and career. Blu shares stories about rapping for Suge Knight, almost signing to Death Row Records and signing with Warner Brothers. He breaks down some of their favorite tracks off Below The Heavens, working with so many great producers over the years and the making of his latest album, The Color Blue. This is one of their best interviews, ever. You'll definitely wanna check out the Take It Personal tribute with our boy, Blu: absolutely one of my favorite MCs of all time! Props to Philaflava, DJ 360 and Kevlar. Listen below...
In their latest episode, the T.I.P. crew takes it back... way back (ok, not that far) ... Back to the new millennium where hip-hop was thriving, the DIY backpack era started to fizzle, but the major labels swooped in and were plucking groups one by one. Collabos were in full effect and more noticeably than in years past, very cross-coast friendly. The independent game was coming off a stellar '99 with the release of Operation: Doomsday, but powerhouse labels like Interscope, Def Jam and MCA started to infiltrate and influence while changing landscape of hip-hop. OutKast released Stankonia. Eminem dropped he Marshall Mathers LP and the Wu came with the underwhelming The W. Each week we were force-fed videos by Black Eye Peas, Wyclef Jean, Jay-Z and Mystikal. 2000 was a pivotal time in music. The Rawkus dominance was slowly winding down and many of our favorite rappers starting yearning more and more for that commercial success, indirectly alienating their fan bases. Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre controlled much of the market and Dre's 2001 album, which released in 1999, made everyone rethink their production. No longer were the days of lo-fi beats or low-budget anything. Production had to be sonically rich, with heavy bass lines, strings, powerful synths and sporting soulful vocals. On episode 96, the crew plays some of their favorites that came out in the new millennium with music from Ghostface Killah, Xzibit, Dilated Peoples, Zion I, Blackalicious, Screwball and M.O.P. to name a few. At the break, they reminisce about 2000, The Spitkicker Tour, burning CDs off Napster and Limewire, Sega Dreamcast and select their sleeper albums of the year. All that and a whole lot more, dig into Episode 96 of the Take It Personal Radio podcast below...
Big Daddy Kane, born Antonio Hardy, is easily one of Brooklyn's most known artists. He was introduced to the world through one of Hip Hop's first and most legendary crews, the Juice Crew. On the popular podcast, Did I EverTell You The One About, Big Daddy Kane tells us first hand how he became the man he is today. From his humble upbringing in Brooklyn, NY with his family to recording with legends like Quincy Jones, Barry White and Pattie LaBelle. His journey was filled with hope, encouragement, failures and achievements. Not only did he have what it took to be on record, but to be on the big screen as well, making movies with Mario Van Peebles and Robert Townsend. He's top 5 dead or alive and has been everywhere and done everything a person could do. Including being in Madonna's Sex book! The podcast features 9 full episodes with a wealth of information on the legendary Big Daddy Kane, who is also celebrating his born day today! Much respect to one of the greatest MCs and all-around live performers in hip-hop history. Art by the talented ToonCrew.
Episode 94 is the 5th and final installment of Take It Personal's tribute to the year 1993, in hip-hop! The T.I.P. crew closes out the series with music from Souls of Mischief, A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, Eazy-E, Ultramagnetic MC's, Kurious, M.O.P., Black Moon, Preacher Earl, Shadz of Lingo, Rumplestilkinz and Shyheim. And speaking of Shyheim, you know they had to share our thoughts on the whole Drink Champs fiasco. At the break they discuss the '93 remixes and where they rank. Kev does a killer Vinnie Paz impersonation and they finally announce the winners of their Get On Down giveaway. After 5 episodes and 16+ hours of music, memories and laughs, Take It Personal is officially done with 1993. Where to next? Only the hip-hop Gods know that. Meanwhile, listen below...
Episode 93 is the 4th installment of Take It Personal's phenomenal Tribute to the year 1993 in hip-hop. On this show, they dig deep in the crates and pull out gems from Leaders of The New School, Private Investigators, Daddy-O, Boss, YZ, Mysterme, N-Tense, Poison Clan, Da Youngsta's and Mobb Deep to name a few. Plus, they hit you with classics from Outkast, Geto Boys, Eightball & MJG, Digable Planets and Queen Latifah! At the break, the T.I.P. crew discusses what 1993 songs are worthy of being mentioned among the top 50 greatest hip-hop songs of all-time. You might just be surprised with what you hear.... After that, be sure to dig in the archives for the rest of the tribute, as well as other dope episodes. Peace to Jason Gloss and the rest of the crew. Dig into it...
A veteran of New York hip-hop, Tragedy Khadafi was there from the start. Still a child in the late '70s, he lived in the infamous Queensbridge Housing Projects and witnessed some of the earliest days of rap's incubatory phase before getting into it himself as a teenager. Working under a variety of different monikers, the music he made and his presence in New York's hip-hop circles would be highly influential for the wave of artists that included Mobb Deep, Capone, and Noreaga. First making records as Intelligent Hoodlum before changing his name in 1997, Tragedy Khadafi stayed on a consistent grind of new material that spanned several important eras in the development of rap and hip-hop culture. Born Percy Chapman in 1971 to a single mother in the projects of Queens, New York, Tragedy Khadafi grew up surrounded by music. When he was nine years old he first heard hip-hop, which itself was just beginning to develop in the South Bronx and other New York neighborhoods. It was when he heard LL Cool J's "Rock the Bells," however, at a community function in Astoria that Chapman knew that he wanted to rap, too. Calling himself Jadeski, he hooked up with DJ Hot Day and, as the Superkids, they self-released a couple of songs in 1986. These caught the ear of Marley Marl, who eventually ended up encouraging Chapman to split from Hot Day and join his influential group, the Juice Crew. He recorded some tracks for Marley's 1988 album, In Control ("The Rebel," "Live Motivator"), but before he could see their release he was sent to the Elmira Correctional Facility for three years, at just 16 years old. While in jail, Chapman began reading the work of Malcolm X and upon his release he entered community college with the intention of studying Black history; he was still interested in hip-hop, but he wasn't planning on pursuing music as a career. However, after meeting Joe Fatal at a show, Chapman was convinced by the MC to get back into rap. Signing with A&M, he released two albums under the name Intelligent Hoodlum, the 1990 self-titled record and 1993's Tragedy: Saga of a Hoodlum. Who the Fuck Is Khadfi? Cont'd below
Changing his name to Tragedy Khadafi, the rapper began to work with other artists, even discovering the duo Capone-N-Noreaga on the streets and helping to conceive their spectacular 1997 debut The War Report. He worked collaboratively with other artists throughout the '90s, recording with Mobb Deep and acting as part of the group Iron Sheiks with longtime friend Imam T.H.U.G. His first album as Tragedy Khadafi, Against All Odds, was originally slated to come out in 1999, but was pushed back two years. The album marked the debut of HeadRush Napoleon, who would show up again on future albums. In 2003 Still Reportin' hit shelves, followed by Thug Matrix in 2005. Two mixtapes arrived the next year, Blood Ballads and Thug Matrix 2, and in 2007, Chapman was arrested for drug dealing and went to prison. Before his sentencing, eighth album The Death of Tragedy was released in the summer of 2007. While locked up, he continued releasing music, appearing on 2009's Lethal Weapon, a collaborative album with Trez that included guest spots from Big Noyd, Willie Stubbs, and others. He was released ahead of schedule for good behavior in 2011 and back to music-making like never before, prolifically releasing new songs, mixtapes, and collaborations that continue straight through to current day. His "recent/2020" interview with Drink Champs - which also features Conway the Machine - gives a great amount of history and context for an artists whose career has extended through multiple eras. Give the video a full watch below...
