The Cobain 50

Latest Episodes:

50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1974: The Cedar Park Jams Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

Janice Headley revisits the Cedar Park Jams, which kicked off in the spring of 1974. At this point, DJ Kool Herc’s parties became so popular that they outgrew his apartment on Sedgwick Avenue.

Written by Janice Headley
Audio production by Janice Headley

Mixed and mastered by Roddy Nikpour

Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili.

Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1978: Old School Tapes Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

Larry Mizell Jr. talks with DJ Supreme La Rock about the original way for compiling and sharing music in hip-hop's early days: "old school tapes." Thanks to global distribution via military deployment, they became foundational for hip-hop culture around the world.

Interview by Larry Mizell Jr.

Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.

Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili.

Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 Years of Hip-Hop - Women in Modern Hip-Hop Dec 15, 2023

Show notes

This bonus episode takes you on a journey through the vibrant world of Latin American and diasporic female hip-hop artists. Albina Cabrera, host of KEXP's El Sonido podcast, delves into the rich tapestry of Latin culture's influence on the genre, showcasing how Latinx identity and activism are deeply embedded in the roots of rap in español. From iconic figures like Ana Tijoux and Mala Rodriguez to rising stars like MC Millaray and J Noa, this scene is highlighting the intersection of feminism, Indigenous heritage, and social justice within the Latin hip-hop scene.

Written by Albina Cabrera.
Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.
Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili.

Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 Years of Hip-Hop - 2011: "Thuggin'" by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

Martin Douglas revisits 2011 with the track “Thuggin’” by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib. The story behind this track involves a comeback from the streets, the power of collaboration, and on top of it all: pure luck.

Written by Martin Douglas.
Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.
Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili.

Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1999: The Alchemist Masterclass Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

Martin Douglas revisits 1999 with an overview of The Alchemist's career, alongside a parallel story of Martin's reignited passion for making beats of his own.

Written by Martin Douglas.

Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.

Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili.

Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1988: Nasty Nes on Seattle's Halcyon Days of Hip-Hop Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

Larry Mizell, Jr. revisits 1988 with Nasty Nes Rodriguez, a DJ formerly based in Seattle. Together, they explore the proliferation of hip-hop in the Pacific Northwest through the power of radio and the one-and-only Sir Mix-a-Lot.

Interview by Larry Mizell, Jr.

Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.

Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili.

Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1996: 3 'n the Mornin' (Part Two) by DJ Screw Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

Dusty Henry revisits 1996 with the album 3 'n the Mornin' (Part Two) by DJ Screw. The record was a culmination of a movement Screw started from his bedroom: his trademark “chopped and screwed” sound and a unifying moment for Houston’s then-emerging hip-hop scene.

Written by Dusty Henry.

Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.

Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili.

Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1990: Sample Culture Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

Roddy Nikpour talks with Chris Read, head of content at WhoSampled, about four iconic tracks from 1990: "U Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer, "Can I Kick It?" by A Tribe Called Quest, "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy, and "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice. Each of them incorporates iconic samples, so we're unpacking the culture of sampling in hip-hop, as well as misconceptions behind the craft.

Written and produced by Roddy Nikpour.

Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili.

Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 Years of Hip-Hop - 2007: "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" by Soulja Boy Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

Dusty Henry revisits 2007 with the track "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" by Soulja Boy. This iconic hit and its accompanying dance ushered in a new era for hip-hop and defined “ringtone rap” and the concept of "going viral."

Written by Dusty Henry.

Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.

Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili.

Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1998: "Ha" by Juvenile Oct 25, 2023

Show notes

Martin Douglas revisits 1998 with the track “Ha” by Juvenile. Where we come from is an inevitable part of the stories we tell and the art we make. Juvenile’s career is packed with the rich culture of the city that made him: New Orleans, Louisiana.

Written by Martin Douglas.
Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.
Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili.

Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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