People's Party with Talib Kweli

Latest Episodes:

Jessica Care Moore Talks Poetry, Detroit Hip-Hop, J-Dilla, Protests Jul 06, 2020

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In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with internationally renowned poet, playwright, performance artist, producer and close friend of Talib -- Jessica Care Moore. This interview spans the course of her long and illustrious career as not just a performer, but as someone that also helped spark the success of so many others. The discussion starts with her hometown of Detroit and how growing up in the 313 has impacted her approach to the arts. They go on to talk about her famed poem 'Black Statue Of Liberty,' which got her a 5-time win at the Apollo Theater, her push for diversity in the school curriculum, realizing the power of back ownership and then turning down big-label company's offers to establish her own company in Moore Black Press. Jessica also touches on her strong connection to the hip-hop community. They discuss Detroit's 'Hip-Hop Shop' it's legacy of historic freestyle battles, DJing, dancing, and poetry, and they talk about her friendships with J-Dilla and Proof.

Method Man Talks Wu-Tang, Redman, Biggie, Tupac, Marvel, And Trump Jun 29, 2020

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In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with rapper, actor, producer, founding member of legendary super-group Wu-Tang Clan, and one of the most recognizable figures in hip-hop -- Method Man.

Michael Che Talks SNL, Kanye West, Wrestlemania, Top 5 Sketches Jun 22, 2020

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In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and Saturday Night Live star Michael Che. The result is a hilarious, yet insightful conversation. Topics include Michael growing up in Manhattan's Lower East Side, the gentrification of Brooklyn, his father naming him after revolutionary Che Guevara, how Michael approaches politics in his comedy from a know-nothing perspective, and sticking to facts in comedy while maintaining artistic freedom. Che also goes into his time spent at LaGuardia High School, comedy not being on his radar until later, and he details his biggest takeaways and life-lessons learned there.

Rick Gonzalez Talks Arrow, Coach Carter, Spielberg, Singleton Jun 15, 2020

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On this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and co-host Jasmin Leigh talk to actor and musician Rick Gonzalez.

Eric Andre Talks Comedy, Pranks, Trolling RNC, Rawkus, & Hip-Hop Jun 08, 2020

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In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician Eric Andre. The hilarious-yet-insightful discussion kicks off with Kweli recalling his own appearance on Eric's show where he was viciously tased with a cattle prod by Murs. They dive into great advice Eric got from Dave Chappelle, his biggest influences, crate-digging for records, and his close friendship with comedian Hannibal Burress. Later, the trio discusses the professionalism of Ice Cube, unhappy celebs over the chaos they were subjected to on 'The Eric Andre Show,' and someone brandishing a knife on Eric during the filming of 'Bad Trip.'

Reggie Hudlin Talks Black Excellence, Afrofuturism & Happy Rap Jun 01, 2020

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On this episode of the People's Party, Talib Kweli and co-host Jasmin Leigh talk to director, writer and producer Reginald Hudlin.

Matthew Modine Talks Full Metal Jacket, Stranger Things, Trump May 25, 2020

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On this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with actor, filmmaker, and activist Matthew Modine. This wide-ranging interview begins with his early years, growing up in Utah, being the youngest of seven, living next to a drive-in theater that his father managed, then moving to San Diego where he attended high school while working at his parent's Mexican restaurant. He reflects on what compelled his move to New York at age 17, where he worked as a chef, went to acting school, and met his wife. Matthew also digs into eye opening moments in his life that changed his perspective on US history, and the realization of it's dark past, leading him to note his fears of us falling back towards those times with Trump's "manifest destiny". They also discuss Muhammad Ali's inspiring courage of speaking out during the Vietnam war, working with a young Nicholas Cage in the film 'Birdy', and Matthew's starring in the 80's film 'Vision Quest'. The actor also speaks on the United States and it's failure to fully acknowledge it's atrocities of black people and Native Americans, and breaks down how and when he came to understand the term white privilege.

John Salley Talks Playing Jordan, Rap Dreams, And Bad Boy Records May 18, 2020

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On this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with former NBA star, talk show host, actor, vegan activist, and all-around renaissance man John Salley. With a resume as long as John's, the crew has plenty to discuss. The conversion jumps off with Talib mentioning his first performance on TV being on BET Live -- with John as the host. They talk about basketball not being Salley's first career choice and his ambitions in the arts. He also details being the first to sign Slum Village and J-Dilla to a record deal, the current battle rap scene, and playing on the Detroit Pistons during their 'Bad Boys' years. Fan's of "The Last Dance" will be glad to see Salley dispute the fact that Michael Jordan hated the Pistons.

88-Keys Talk Beats, ATCQ, Young Kanye West, Ralph Lauren May 11, 2020

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On this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down Grammy-winning producer, rapper, and very close friend of Kweli -- 88-Keys. In this comprehensive discussion, we get to hear the timeline of how 88 carved out his niche in the game, becoming one of the most sought after hip-hop producers in the industry. The trio discusses 88's upbringing in the Bronx, New York, and move to Long Island, where he attended high school. The producer/rapper details the huge influence that the Native Tongues movement had on him with groups like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul deeply inspiring his love for hip-hop culture. He talks about how he met record dealer John Carrero, who gave him his first job cleaning records, and eventually became the ear to find all the best beats for sampling -- which John would then market at record shows to legends like Q-Tip, Pete Rock, Large Professor, and others. This would lead to 88 meeting Q-Tip who showed him how to work a beat machine. 88 also gets into the difference between looping and chopping when making beats, his production on Black Star's 'Thieves In The Night', his methods and motivations for sending his works out as demos, and the importance of trusting your ears.

Allen Maldonado Talk 'Black-ish,' Acting W/ Denzel & Marvel May 04, 2020

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In this episode of People’s Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with the multi-talented actor, writer, and entrepreneur Allen Maldonado. During this all-encompassing interview, the trio discusses Allen's upbringing in Compton (CA) until he was 7, and his move to Rialto after a neighbor was killed. He tells the story of a marathon he competed in with no prior training -- including breaking his foot before crossing the finish line in last place. Allen reflects on his recent visit to Spain, and having an awakening there, returning home with a new perspective on balancing work and personal life. Later the conversation touches on Allen's love of short films, the influence producer Kenya Barris is having on American culture, and how 'Black-ish' has been so successful in tackling difficult social topics.

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