BackStory with Colby Colb

RIP Voletta Wallace the mother of The Notorious B.I.G. Feb 21, 2025

In this poignant episode of The Backstory Podcast, host Colby Colb pays tribute to Voletta Wallace, the mother of The Notorious B.I.G., who recently passed away. Throughout the episode, Colby highlights various interview clips with Voletta, where she reflects on her life raising her son, Christopher Wallace (Biggie), in Brooklyn. She shares touching memories of Biggie’s childhood, his love of reading and writing, and her pride in watching his rise to fame.

Voletta opens up about the challenges of being a mother while navigating the dangers of the streets and the music industry, and she offers powerful advice to other parents who have lost children to gun violence, sharing her emotional journey of grief and resilience.

This episode is a heartfelt tribute to Voletta Wallace's legacy and the profound impact she had as a mother to one of the greatest rappers in history. It’s a testament to her strength and love, providing listeners with an intimate look into the life of Biggie and the woman who raised him.

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Irv Gotti, Rest In Peace (Re-Broadcast) Feb 06, 2025

Rest in peace, Irv Gotti. In this special re-release, originally published in 2022, Colby Colb shares an exclusive interview with the legendary music producer, label owner, and filmmaker. Irv Gotti recounts his journey from a Queens DJ to discovering Jay-Z and DMX, bringing them to Def Jam, and founding his own label, Murder Inc., which achieved staggering success.

Irv Gotti, the legendary co-founder of the influential Hip-Hop label Murder Inc., passed away at 54. According to sources, Gotti was recently placed on a ventilator in the ICU after suffering another stroke earlier this week. The shocking news has sent waves through the music community, as Gotti’s contributions to the genre were immense.

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Quincy Jones, Rest In Peace (Re-Broadcast) Nov 04, 2024

Rest in peace to the legendary Quincy Jones. In this special re-release of this episode of The Backstory, originally published in 2018, Colby Colb shares a rare interview with the greatest producer of all time. Quincy Jones takes us through his journey from poverty to producing timeless music across genres and generations. What was it like working with Michael Jackson? How did he recover from a brain hemorrhage? What is his process as a producer? This is the Backstory of an icon whose impact on music will live on forever.

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LL COOL J Oct 07, 2024

International super star actor and rapper LL Cool J talks up his first album in 14 years “The FORCE” and the creative process around this project. They also discuss his legendary rap career and some of his most impactful moments including how he stole a role on one of Hip Hop’s first feature films Krush Groove.

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Gamma CEO Larry Jackson Billion Dollar Bet To Change The Music Industry Sep 17, 2024

Colby Colb returns with a special episode of The Backstory featuring the inspiring journey of Gamma CEO Larry Jackson, a seasoned radio, Tech and record executive who raised a billion dollars to launch Gamma, a game-changing media and technology company whose business model is changing the landscape of the music business. His roster of artists include Usher, Sexyy Redd, Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, October London and 4Batz. He also entered into creative partnerships with label executives like LA Reid and who is also featured on this episode discussing his unique partnership with Larry Jackson.

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The story of Eazy E and NWA: Part 2 “How Things Fell Apart” Jul 21, 2023

NWA had one of the greatest debut albums in history, following Straight Outta Compton they released two solo artists The D.O.C. and Michelle then their follow up EP and then their second album Niggaz For Life then it all fell apart. In this episode Colby Colb digs into the reasons behind the break up of the worlds most dangerous group plus the unprecedented success of Ice Cube and Dr. Dre and the entry of Suge Knight and Death Row which would all come to a climax with the death of Eazy E of AIDS in 1995. It sounds like a movie but it happened in real life.

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The story of Eazy E and NWA: Part 1 “The Foundation of The Legacy” Jul 14, 2023

In this episode Colby Colb explores the story behind one of the greatest collection of music artists NWA and the legacy they built collectively. It starts with a lucky drug dealer in Compton who was tired of hustling and wanted to use his drug proceeds to get into the music business. He saw the success RunDmc was having and had an idea for a supergroup with Ice Cube, DJ Yella and MC Ren surrounding a DJ/Producer Dr. Dre. They conquered the music business on their own terms and was so controversial with their song “Fuck The Police” that the FBI came after them. This is their story, comradely around Hip Hop led to stunning success and an incredible musical and cultural legacy.

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Eddie F Jul 07, 2023

Golden era Hip Hop producer, DJ and original member of Heavy D and The Boyz Eddie F gives the backstory of the early days of Heavy D plus his illustrious career as a producer and A&R for LaFace and Motown.

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Ne-Yo Jun 30, 2023

Singer, songwriter, producer and actor NE-YO talks about his career, his humble beginnings in Arkansas and rise from writer/producer to artists. The hits he has written for several artists and the impact his songs have had. He tells a story about Michael Jackson calling him and signing his favorite NE-YO song.

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Janelle Monae Jun 23, 2023

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Big Daddy Kane Jun 16, 2023

Golden era Hip Hop legend Big Daddy Kane gives the backstory of his career from his humble beginnings in Brooklyn as a DJ, meeting with Biz Markie, the recording of his first song, the pressure of the music business and how he put Jayz on.

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Backstory Bonus HIP HOP 50 Kid N Play Jun 12, 2023

As we celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop in 2023 we will be releasing some additional classic interview footage from some of the legends of the game. This is Kid N Play from September 27th , 1991. They were coming off of the success of the House Party movie and were releasing their 3rd album “Face The Nation”. Thanks for listening to the Backstory Podcast

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Kid & Play Jun 09, 2023

Hip Hop Icons Kid N Play share stories about how they came together, their early struggles and how their real life and the movie “House Party” came about.

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Ralph Tresvant Jun 02, 2023

New Edition lead singer Ralph Tresvant Singer shares his Backstory from the projects in Boston to leading the biggest black boy band since the Jackson 5.

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Kirk Franklin May 26, 2023

Singer, songwriter and Choir Director Kirk Franklin shares his Backstory from his rough up bringing as an adopted child to his discovery of music and how it changed his life.
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Alicia Keys May 19, 2023

Singer, songwriter and humanitarian Alicia Keys shares her Backstory from early days growing up on the Lower East Side to her initial disdain for the music business. She shares many keys to her success.

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Jadakiss May 12, 2023

Rapper and entrepreneur Jadakiss shares his Backstory from early days of the Lox, the Bad Boy run, their historic forced release from record contract and his new coffee venture.

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Montell Jordan May 05, 2023

Singer, songwriter, minister Montell Jordan shares his Backstory from church singer to having one of the biggest songs in the country.
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BABYFACE Apr 28, 2023

Singer, songwriter, record producer BABYFACE gives the Backstory of his career from The Deele to chart topping song writing for numerous artists and his own stellar run as a solo artist.
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Jaz-O Apr 21, 2023

Rapper and music producer Jaz-O talks about his life in Marcy projects and signing a record deal, mentoring a young Jayz and his place in hip hop history.

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Smokey Robinson Apr 14, 2023

Singer songwriter, record producer, and former record executive the legend Smokey Robinson gives the Backstory of his legendary career from founding The Miracles and the beginnings of Motown with Berry Gordy.
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Ledisi Apr 07, 2023

Grammy award winning singer Ledisi talks about her musical career starting as a child in New Orleans and coming of age in San Francisco plus her role playing Gladys Knight in the recently released film Spinning Gold

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Adam Blackstone Mar 31, 2023

Adam Blackstone the multi talented artist, songwriter, producer and famously a musical director who has put together multiple Super Bowls including Dr. Dre in which he won an Emmy. Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Shakira. Adam has also been the musical director for The Grammy’s and The Academy Awards and he has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment as he shares stories from his amazing musical journey.
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Special Ed Mar 24, 2023

Starting as a 15 year old teenager in High School Special Ed talks about his career and how he was able to navigate the Hip Hop industry at such a young age.
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Kid Capri Mar 17, 2023

The Legendary DJ Kid Capri shares insight in his career journey from selling mixtapes on the corner in Harlem to DJing parties around the world for the last 30 years. They touch on his influential moments including Def Comedy Jam and Martin TV show theme.
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The Notorious B.I.G. Mar 09, 2023

Its been 26 years since we tragically lost the Notorious B.I.G. In this Backstory episode Colby Colb tells the story of BIG from his early days in the streets of Brooklyn through his initial success, relationship with Tupac including a very detailed description of the beef between them and how it caused an East Coast/West Coast rivalry. Colby will also share exclusive interviews he had with Biggie’s mother Voletta Wallace and the man who discovered him DJ Mister C. There are also interviews that Colby had with Biggy including an interview with Craig Mack and Biggy around the release of their Flavor In Ya Ear remix. At the end of the podcast there are bonus clips of interviews with the late Craig Mack and an interview with Tupac the night “Juice” was released in January of 1992.

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Johnny Gill Mar 03, 2023

Johnny Gill

New Edition member and legendary R&B artist Johnny Gill talks about his career including his early years as a solo artist. His introduction to New Edition and the many amazing producers he has worked with throughout his career.

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Monica Feb 24, 2023

R&B star Monica discusses her legendary career starting as a teen sensation and growing up in the music business. She touches on her many achievements in the music business and in life.

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Slick Rick Feb 17, 2023

Slick Rick’s introduction to Hip Hop started with The Show and La Di Do Di. He then signs a lucrative deal with Def Jam and releases one of the best debut albums in Hip Hop history then after an act of rage ended up in jail then eventually in a battle to fight deportation. Colby explores the career of the greatest story teller ever Slick Rick.

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Monie Love Feb 10, 2023

A teenager from London just getting into Hip Hop travels to America and enters the genre and drops a classic hit and becomes a star. This is the story of Monie Love and she sits down with Colby Colb to discuss her career, her challenges and other life lessons.

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Patrice Rushen Feb 03, 2023

From child piano prodigy to R&B star Patrice Rushen speaks to Colby about her amazing career including her chart topping multi generational hit “Forget Me Not” and Prince first major hit song “I Wanna Be Your Lover” being inspired by her.

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DJ Drama Jan 27, 2023

Legendary Mix Tape DJ Drama on the Backstory Podcast talks about his early days in Philadelphia, his move to Atlanta and the beginning of his career as the leading Mix Tape DJ in the country. His shocking RICO charge by the Feds and his transition to A&R and Label owner developing artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Jack Harlow.

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Pete Rock Jan 20, 2023

Legendary Hip Hop producer. DJ and artist Pete Rock talks about his career from growing up in Mt. Vernon, New York with Heavy D and Puff Daddy to his early introduction to production and his success as one of the premier Hip Hop producers.

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Ron Isley Jan 13, 2023

Legendary R&B singer Ron Isley joins Colby to discuss his illustrious career from humble beginnings in Cincinnati to super star status with The Isley Brothers and eventual solo projects. They discuss their influence on the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Elton John in addition to details about several of their timeless hits including In Between The Sheets and Voyage To Atlantis.

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Steve Rifkind Jan 06, 2023

Legendary label owner and music industry titan Stephen Rifkind checks in on the Backstory podcast to discuss his successful career and the history of Loud records where he signed a historic deal with the Wutang Clan plus Mobb Deep, Dead Prez, Big Pun, Akon and more.

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Wu Tang Dec 30, 2022

Colby gives a complete history of the WuTang Clan from the brainchild of cousins The Rza, GZA and ODB. He shares exclusive interviews from the Clan early on and as solo artists.

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Kwame Dec 23, 2022

Legendary Hip Hop artist and producer Kwame talks about his career starting as a High School student scoring a major label deal and his journey through the music industry and his transition to producer working with LL Cool J, Will Smith and Eminem.

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Irv Gotti Dec 16, 2022

Music producer, label owner and movie producer Irv Gotti checks in on the Backstory Podcast with Colby Colb as they talk about his rise from Queens DJ, to discovering Jayz and DMX and bringing them to Def Jam and his own label Murder Inc and the staggering success of the label.

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John Legend Dec 09, 2022

Artist, Producer , Humanitarian John Legend speaks with Colby Colb about his very successful musical career. His EGOT status, owner of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony plus how a chance meeting with Lauryn Hill led to his inclusion on her classic debut solo project The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

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Salaam Remi Dec 02, 2022

In this episode Colby Colb checks in with Grammy Award winning producer, label executive and creative entrepreneur Salaam Remi who has worked with Nas, The Fugees, Fergie and one of the creative forces behind the late Amy Whinhouse. Salaam was one of the first producers to fuse Hip Hop and Reggae creating a genre of major hits in the 90s and 2000s.

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Akon Nov 18, 2022

Colby sits down with artist, producer, actor and entrepreneur Akon. He talks about his career as a performer and producers selling over 35 Million albums Globally, his producing of Lady Gaga, T Pain, Wiz Kid and so many more. Also his Global initiatives to bring electricity to rural countries.

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L.A. Reid Nov 01, 2022

And we're back with a brand new season as we speak to one of the most iconic executives in the game, LA Reid. Host Colby Colb takes us on a journey to the beginnings of LA Reid's career as an artist and how his success led him to starting a label that shaped the careers of some of our favorite artists.

Hear the Backstory of LA Reid working with Babyface, TLC, Usher, Outkast, and more of the biggest names in HipHop / R&B.

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A Tribe Called Quest Jun 25, 2021

One of Hip Hop's most iconic groups A Tribe Called Quest. Colby takes you on a ride through their career from humble beginnings to eventual break up and tragic death of Phife. You will hear exclusive interviews with the group and from their A&R.

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Chuck D from Public Enemy Apr 03, 2021

Colby sits down with the iconic music legends Chuck D from the historically significant group Public Enemy as they discuss all aspects of his career. In addition Colby shares classic interviews with Chuck D. Public Enemy is one of the most unique bands of all time. You will learn how they got started, survived and thrived.

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Jay-Z: 10 Years In Sep 28, 2020

This is the third of three Backstory Podcasts on Jay-Z. In this episode Colby explores Jay'Z after the Blueprint albums, his retirement and The Black Album, the R Kelly debacle, his Def Jam Presidency up to his triumphant return album Kingdome Come. Colby shares exclusive interviews during this time period. This is the Backstory of Jay-Z: 10 Years in.

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Fat Joe Jul 27, 2020

12 albums plus and millions sold. Its the 27th anniversary in the career of Fat Joe. An MC from the birthplace of Hip Hop the Bronx. In this episode host Colby Colb shares numerous interviews he's had with Joe throughout his career. An artist who broke the mold of success in the very competitive Hip Hop industry you will learn his Backstory. As a bonus Fat Joe is an exceptional storyteller.

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Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Jun 12, 2020

This Black Music Month in our legacy episodes of the Backstory Podcast its the greatest producing duo in music history. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis the iconic producing team discuss their career journey from members of Prince's group The Time to tremendous success as producers. 100 Gold and Platinum albums, 41 Top ten hits, 17 POP number one songs, 26 Urban number ones.

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Hip Hop's Greatest Storyteller Slick Rick May 04, 2020

The greatest storyteller in the history of Hip Hop Slick Rick, an immigrant who came to the US as a child and relocated to the birthplace of Hip Hop The Bronx. He came onto the scene with two of the most iconic songs The Show and La Di Da Di. Wanting to do his own thing he goes solo, drops a classic debut album that goes platinum. On top of the world with money, fame and tremendous success he lost it all after a family situation took a tragic turn sending him to jail. This one moment would haunt him for decades even after his release and new success... This is the Backstory of Slick Rick as Colby Colb shares clips from an exclusive interview where Rick talks about it all.

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NEYO Mar 04, 2020

Singer, songwriter, producer and actor NEYO talks about his career, his humble beginnings in Arkansas and rise from writer/producer to artists. The hits he has written for several artists and the impact his songs have had. He tells a story about Michael Jackson calling him and signing his favorite NEYO song.

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Wu-Tang Clan Part Two: The Solo projects Feb 10, 2020

In this episode of The Backstory Podcast after the multi platinum success of Enter the 36 Chambers the members of the Wu-Tang clan release several successful solo albums. The RZA's supergroup Gravediggaz, Method Man's TIcal, ODB Return to the 36 Chambers, Raekwon The Chef's Only Built For Cuban Linx, The GZA's Liquid Swords and Ghostface Killah Ironman and Supreme Clientale. Colby shares interviews from several of the Wu-Tang members during this historical period which fueled anticipation for the Wu-Tangs sophomore album Wu-Tang Forever.

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WuTang Clan Part 1: Hip Hop's best ensemble of MC's Jan 19, 2020

In this episode of The Backstory Podcast host Colby Colb takes you on a audio journey to the beginnings of the WuTang Clan. Three cousins two from Brooklyn and one from Staten Island who had a love for Hip Hop form the foundation of one of Hip Hop's most successful groups. Along the way they dealt with an industry that didn't understand them, legal setbacks and sudden success.

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Mary J Blige Dec 28, 2018

Colby has a candid conversation with the Queen of Hip Hop soul Mary J Blige.

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Quincy Jones Dec 20, 2018

The greatest producer of all time Quincy Jones from poverty to producing music in several eras and genres. Colby shares a rare interview with this living icon. What was it like working with Michael Jackson? How did he recover from a brain hemorrhage? What is his musical producing process? This is the Backstory of Quincy Jones.

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Barack Obama Dec 16, 2018

The story of the 44th President of the United States Barack Obama through interviews with Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden.

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Ella Mai Dec 04, 2018

2018 breakout star Ella Mai talks about her journey.

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Swizz Beatz Nov 19, 2018

Artist and producer Swizz Beatz shares his life journey in music from early days to becoming a millionaire at 18. Working with Ruff Ryders, DMX, Jayz, Beyonce Swizz goes song for song with Colby.

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Jermaine Dupri Oct 16, 2018

One of the most successful R&B, Pop and Hip Hop producers shares his entire career history song for song. This is the Backstory of Jermaine Dupri who started producing music at the age of 13, had his first multi platinum hit at 18. Responsible for 10 pop number one records, 40 top 100 singles and 33 number one records on various charts.

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DJ Khaled Sep 25, 2018

The Backstory of artist and producer DJ Khaled. From his humble immigrant family roots to his rise as a DJ, radio personality and eventual artist.

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Blueprint Hov 9/11/01 Sep 11, 2018

This is a follow up from the first Backstory episode "Jay Z The Making Of A Business Man" as Colby walks us through Jay Z's biggest selling album "Hard Knock Life" and the follow up to that "Life and Time's of S. Carter. This sets the stage for his critically acclaimed "Blueprint" album and the events that took place around it's release on September 11th 2001. This was one of his best albums and the introduction of a young producer Kanye West.

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Queen Naija Aug 28, 2018

An unemployed young girl from Detroit starts sharing her life and relationship on Youtube which leads to a major label recording contract and number one songs. This is the Queen Naija Story .

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Gabrielle Union Aug 14, 2018

A young woman from Omaha endures a traumatic incident overcomes it to become a successful actress, this is the Backstory of Gabrielle Union.

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50 Cent Jul 24, 2018

One of the most interesting, charismatic, controversial rappers 50 Cent. Colby takes us through his Backstory from difficult child hood to taking on a drug cartel, getting shot 9 times survives to become one of the biggest musical artists in the world.

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Janet Jackson Jul 10, 2018

She comes from music royalty but had to overcome several obstacles to achieve success as an artist. Colby takes us inside with the legendary Janet Jackson with exclusive interviews with Janet and the producers who changed her career Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

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Common Jun 26, 2018

Colby gives the Backstory on Chicago MC, Common from his early college days when he gets his deal to music, movie and voice over star through early interviews.

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Kenny Gamble Jun 12, 2018

One of the architects of The Sound Of Philadelphia Kenny Gamble discusses his prolific career as a writer and producer. Colby chats with legendary producer and song writer Kenny Gamble responsible for over 175 Gold and Platinum albums. One of the most inspiring producers over 7 decades.

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I Miss The Old Kanye May 29, 2018

One of the most interesting creatives in the world Kanye West. He came on to the scene as a young prolific music producer who then becomes an artist. Colby Colb takes us back to the beginning of Kanye West's career through exclusive interviews.

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The Ilmatic kid Nas May 15, 2018

Nasir Jones is considered one of the best MC's in hip hop history, in this episode Colby walks you through the early years. How did he get his deal? Through early interviews you will hear a young, hungry Nas fighting to bring the east coast hip hop back with his groundbreaking debut album "Ilmatic"

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The Roots: Hip Hop's First Band Apr 24, 2018

From the streets of Philadelphia to the Tonight Show band and worldwide acclaim the Roots are a unique group of musicians and MC's. In this episode Colby takes us on a ride with one of hip hop's first bands...The Roots. Learn all about their early days, how they came together, the trials and tribulations of the music industry through rare interviews and freestyles.

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The Chris Brown Story Apr 10, 2018

Colby Colb gives us the story of R&B's Bad Boy, Chris Brown from humble beginnings in Tappahannock, Virginia to the world stage. Along the way Chris dealt with a series of obstacles that almost cost him his career including a very high profile incident with former girlfriend Rihanna. Colby will take you on a ride throughout Chris career through clips from his early days plus interviews with several industry leaders who worked with him.

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Christopher Wallace: The Notorious B.I.G. Part 2 Mar 20, 2018

Christopher Wallace successfully navigated the tough streets of Brooklyn and escaped a jail sentence that would have changed the course of history in his career. After the release of his classic debut album "Ready To Die" and multi platinum success Christopher had a new set of obstacles. In part two Colby continues to go over the events that lead to the untimely death of Christopher Wallace along with bonus audio interviews with Tupac the night his debut film "Juice" was released and an inspiring interview from the late Craig Mack.

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Christopher Wallace: The Notorious B.I.G. Part 1 Mar 06, 2018

Colby takes us through the life and legacy of hip hop legend Christopher Wallace The Notorious BIG. He entered the Hip Hop arena with a big splash with a debut album "Ready To Die" which is considered a Hip Hop Classic. Part one of this two part series includes rare interviews with BIG, his mother, and industry insiders that had the privilege to know and work him. This episode covers the time period leading up to his debut album.

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Run-DMC: The Kings Of Hip Hop Feb 27, 2018

They were Hip Hop's first super group, labeled the Kings of Hip Hop. Colby Colb gives an in-depth history lesson on Rund Dmc sharing exclusive rare interviews with the group spread out over 10 years. What was their early rise to success? How did they deal with their first setback? What was their comeback like in 1993? Plus Colby shares an in depth interview with RunDmc and Doug E Fresh in 1995 talking about Hip Hop in that moment. One other interview you will hear is Run, his brother Russell Simmons and boxing legend Bernard Hopkins who shares a very inspiring story. This is the sotry of the kings of hip hop, Run-DMC.

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LL Cool J: The Original GOAT Feb 20, 2018

He stepped onto the scene as a brash young teenager and became the Prince of Hip Hop, a great rapper with good looks and sex appeal. Every teenage girl loved him. How did he become the G.O.A.T.? Colby Colb takes us through the history of LL Cool J with rare audio interviews and a freestyle.

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Jay-Z: The Making Of A Business Man Feb 13, 2018

Jay-Z is a household name today, the brilliant artist/business man/ billionaire came from humble roots. How did he do it? What was going on during his ascension? Colby Colb takes us through Jay-Z's early days as an artist with rare interviews before the release of his classic debut album up to his second album "In My Lifetime" Vol 1 and his deal with Def Jam. You'll also hear one of his earl free styles that's still considered one of his best to this day.

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Backstory Podcast Trailer Feb 01, 2018

Introducing "Backstory with Colby Colb". Legendary Hip Hop broadcaster Colby Colb shares some of his many years of interesting interviews with some of music's biggest names. Go behind the scenes with artists like Jayz, Common, Nas, Kanye West, WuTang Clan, Swizz Beats, DJ Khaled and more. Music history, interesting conversations and information you never knew before. Subscribe to the Backstory Podcast with Colby Colb.

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