Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel

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14: The Library: Dan Charnas Part 2 Feb 20, 2012

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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

13: Dan Charnas Part 1 Feb 13, 2012

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12: Billy Danze of M.O.P. Feb 06, 2012

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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?”

11: Full Force Jan 25, 2012

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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.

10: Final Part of the Interview with J-Zone Jan 24, 2012

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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.

9: Part 3 of the Interview with J-Zone Jan 23, 2012

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8: Part 2 of the Interview with J-Zone Jan 13, 2012

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7: Part 1 of the Interview with J-Zone Jan 06, 2012

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6: Vin Rock Dec 31, 2011

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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.

5: Album Review: Eminem Raises the Artistic Bar Dec 28, 2011

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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.

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