Heat Rocks

Bassist/producer/rapper Patrick Paige II joins Oliver and Morgan to discuss Biggie's debut studio album Ready To Die. We get into Big's knack for storytelling, Patrick's very cool math teacher, and what Biggie's career might've looked like if he were still with us today.More on Patrick Paige IICheck out If I Fail Are We Still Cool?Bass to Bass: In Conversation with Patrick Paige II and Thundercat (Complex)Twitter | InstagramMore on Ready To DieThe Notorious B.I.G.'s 'Ready to Die' at 20: Classic Track-by-Track Album Review (Billboard)Amazon Music's mini documentary on Ready to DieThe Notorious B.I.G.’s ‘Ready To Die’ at 25: 9 surprising things about the era-defining album (NME)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Ready to Die unless otherwise indicated):RespectMary J Blige: What's the 411 (Remix)Friend of MinePatrick Paige II: VoodooBig PoppaSuicidal ThoughtsMary J Blige: What's the 411 (Remix)Super Cat: Dolly My Baby (Remix)Notorious B.I.G.: Party and BullshitUnbelievableOne More ChanceGimme The LootWarningThings Done ChangedJuicyGimme the LootEveryday StruggleMachine Gun FunkMe and My BitchWho Shot YaThings Done ChangedMachine Gun FunkUnbelievableBig PoppaThe WhatUnbelievableRespectMe and My BitchJuicyMachine Gun FunkWun Two: JuicyCraig Mack: When God ComesA Tribe Called Quest: Phony RappersHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Musician/producer/minister Steve Arrington sits down with Morgan and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Heatwave's debut scorcher, Too Hot To Handle. We talk about the music scene in Dayton, Rod Temperton's prolific career, and Heatwave's ability to meld various genres into one cohesive and funky record. More on Steve ArringtonSteve's interview on NPRCheck out Down to the Lowest Terms: The Soul SessionsTwitter | InstagramMore on HeatwaveUnsung: The Story of HeatwaveGreg Phillinganes on Rod TempertonAlways and Forever LiveShow Tracklisting (all songs from Too Hot To Handle unless otherwise indicated):Always and ForeverAin't No Half Steppin'Slave: Watching YouSteve Arrington: Nobody Can Be You Boogie NightsI'll Beat Your BootyToo Hot To HandleSuper Soul SisterBoogie NightsLay It On MeAll You Do Is DialSho 'Nuff Must be LuvSlip Your Disc To ThisRock With You (Rod Temperton Demo)Slip Your Disc to ThisBoogie NightsAin't No Half Steppin'Michael Jackson: Off The WallBoogie NightsAll You Do Is DialToo Hot To HandleAlways and ForeverSuper Soul SisterAin't No Half Steppin'Ohio Players: (I Wanna Know) Do You Feel It?The Brothers Johnson: Closer to the One That You LovePrince: Condition of the HeartHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Rapper/producer Pell sits down with us to talk about N.E.R.D's "In Search Of..." We get into the sex, drugs, rock & roll of it all, The Neptunes' prolific career, and N.E.R.D's influence on Pell's own work.More on PellWebsiteCheck out glbl wrmngTwitter | InstagramMore on N.E.R.D.Explaining the Cult Popularity of N.E.R.D. (Vulture)Pharrell's Signature 4 Count  (Genius)‘In Search Of…’: N*E*R*D’s 21st-Century Hip-Hop Mission Statement (uDiscoverMusic)Show Tracklisting (all songs from In Search Of... unless otherwise indicated):LapdancePell: Eleven:11Mase: Lookin' At MeMystikal: Shake Ya AssKelis: Caught Out ThereBritney Spears: I'm A Slave 4 U702: I Still Love YouJadakiss: Knock Yourself OutOld Dirty Bastard: Got Your MoneyJay-Z: I Just Wanna Love You (Give It To Me)Nelly: Hot In HerreTape YouBrainBrain (2001 Electronic Version)BrainRun To The SunYoung Franco: JuiceN.O.R.E.: SuperthugAm I HighProviderStay TogetherRun To The SunAm I HighBobby JamesThings Are Getting BetterBaby DollTape YouProviderLapdanceThe Neptunes: Light Your Ass On FireN.E.R.D.: Perfect DefectN.E.R.D.: You Know WhatHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

It’s #MaxFunDrive and if you like what we’re doing here on Heat Rocks, please consider supporting us and our network and help keep the show going!https://maximumfun.org/join Director and screenwriter Kemp Powers sits down with us to discuss De La Soul's  sophomore effort, De La Soul Is Dead. We get into DLS's shift in image and tone, the growth of Prince Paul as a producer, and Kemp's very , ahem, special connection to the song "Let, Let Me In"And stay tuned to the very end for a short bonus beats on Kemp's love of dancehall music! More on KempKemp Powers’s long journey to becoming Pixar’s first Black writer-directorWith ‘Soul’ and ‘One Night in Miami,’ Kemp Powers finally hits his artistic strideTwitter | InstagramMore on De La Soul Is DeadDe La Soul Is Dead Turns 30 (The Source)De La Soul's Classic Album De La Soul Is Dead Is Turning 30. It Was The First Album I Fell In Love With (Very Smart Brothas)An Album Found in a Trashcan: De La Soul Is Dead (PopMatters)Show Tracklisting (all songs from De La Soul Is Dead unless otherwise indicated):IntroShwingalokateJungle Brothers: I'll House YouMy Brother's A BaseheadDe La Soul: Brain Washed FollowersPease PorridgeBitties in the BK LoungeOodles of O'sRing Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)Kicked Out the HouseSkit 1A Roller Skating Jam Named "Saturdays"Millie Pulled A Pistol on SantaLet, Let Me In.Bitties in the BK LoungePease PorridgeRap De Rap ShowKeepin' The FaithA Roller Skating Jam Named "Saturdays"Oodles of O'sA Roller Skating Jam Named "Saturdays"Bitties in the BK LoungeLou Donaldson: It's Your ThingBittis in the BK LoungeRing Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)Skit 5Black Sheep: Flavor of the MonthThe Pharcyde: Otha FishA Tribe Called Quest: Buggin OutEek-A-Mouse: Border PatrolShinehead: Chain Gang RapSuper Cat: Ghetto Red Hot (Remix)Sean Paul: PunkieSuper Cat: Dolly My Baby (Remix)Shabba Ranks: Mr. LovermanIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

It's #MaxFunDrive and if you like what we're doing here on Heat Rocks, please consider supporting us and our network and help keep the show going! https://maximumfun.org/join Drummer and producer Karriem Riggins sits down with us to discuss a bonafide classic, A Tribe Called Quest's third studio album Midnight Marauders. We get deep into the samples used on this record, Q-Tip's growth as a producer, and how Bob Power helped shaped the sound of the LP. More on Karriem RigginsKCRW Presents Lockdown Listening: Karriem RigginsCheck out Pardon My FrenchTwitter | InstagramMore on Midnight MaraudersEnd of Discussion: Why A Tribe Called Quest’s “Midnight Marauders” Is Better Than “The Low End Theory” (Complex)A Breakdown of the samples used on Midnight Marauders (Power 106)A Tribe Called Quest’s ‘Midnight Marauders’ Turns 25 (Albumism)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Midnight Marauders unless otherwise indicated):Midnight Marauders Tour GuideElectric RelaxationJahari Massamba Unit: Etude MontrachetA Tribe Called Quest: I Left My Wallet In El SegundoAward TourSteve Biko (Stir It Up) The Chase, Part IICommon: The HustleClap Your HandsThe Roots: Push Up Ya LigherSucka N****Award TourJ Dilla: Beej-n-Dem Part 2MidnightQ-Tip: Let's Ride8 Million StoriesElectric RelaxationOh My GodGod Lives ThroughKool & The Gang: Who's Gonna Take The WeightOh My GodA Tribe Called Quest: Oh My God (Remix)A Tribe Called Quest: Oh My God (Know Naim Remix)Cal Tjader: AquariusMidnight Marauders Tour GuideLyrics to GoMinnie Riperton: Inside My LoveJames Brown: Just Enough Room For StorageLyrics to GoRonnie Foster: Mystic BrewElectric RelaxationBrethren: Outside LoveElectric RelaxationJack Wilkins: Red ClaySucka N****The Meters: Handclapping SongClap Your HandsBob James: NautilusClap Your HandsLou Donaldson: Ode to Billie JoeClap Your HandsWeldon Irvine: We Gettin' DownJade: Don't Walk AwayAward TourLyrics to GoGod Lives ThroughDigable Planets: Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)The Roots: Good MusicPete Rock and C.L. Smooth: They Reminisce Over You  (T.R.O.Y.)Slum Village: Keep It OnDe La Soul: Breakadawn Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

 In honor of Computer World's 40th anniversary (!!!) we decided to rerun our episode with Nite Jewel discussing this classic album.[show notes from the original post]When we invited L.A.’s own Nite Jewel to join us, it probably shouldn’t have been a surprise that she picked Kraftwerk’s Computer World; after all, she’s toured the world performing the album. In sitting down with us, NJ (aka Ramona Gonzalez) broke down how she first became obsessed with the album, walking the streets of Berkeley, thinking about German philosophy (no, really!) and why the LP is such a masterpiece of fusing a variety of musical elements all colliding in the early 1980s.More on Computer WorldHow the album invented “computer funk” (Rolling Stone)The “sampling legacy” of the album (The Vinyl Factory)DJ Food’s appreciation (Clash Music)More on Nite JewelNite Jewel on performing Computer World (Pitchfork)2017 interview (Bandcamp)Interview with KALX (aka the best college radio station out there, according to O.W.)Website | Facebook | TwitterShow Tracklisting (all songs from Computer World unless indicated otherwise):Computer WorldNite Jewel: 2 Good 2 Be TrueNite-Funk: Let Me Be MePocket CalculatorComputer LoveZapp: Computer LoveHome ComputerModel 500: FutureCluster: ProtheseIt's More Fun To ComputeGillette: Short Dick Man (Bass Mix)Afro-Rican: Give It All You GotNumbersNite Jewel: Artificial IntelligenceHome ComputerNight Jewel: NumbersNumbersHome ComputerComputer World 2Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Bassist/composer Joshua Abrams sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Arthur Verocai's underrated self-titled debut record. We discuss the rediscovery of this album via sampling, the texture of Arthur's synth work, and why we connect with the album even though our Portuguese is, uhh, a bit rusty.More on Joshua AbramsJoshua Abrams' Chameleonic Quartet Gets Exuberantly Ornery On 'Cloud Script' (NPR)Joshua's Quarantine ConcertWebsiteMore on Arthur VerocaiArthur Verocai: Return Of A Brazilian Secret (NPR)The Legend of Arthur Verocai (The Vinyl Factory)I Threw Everything Away: An Interview with Arthur Verocai (Sounds and Colours)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Arthur Verocai unless otherwise indicated): Pelas sombrasSeriadoVelho parenteCabocloLittle Brother: We Got NowDedicada a elaSeriadoVelho parentePresente gregoSylviaCabocloAaliyah: Are You That Somebody?CabocloQue mapa?CabocloNa boca do solSylviaNa boca do solQue mapa?Karina (Domingo no Grajaú)Dedicada a elaIvan Lins: Hei VocêCelia: Na Boca Do SolGal Costa: RelanceHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Writer and musician Jason King sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss the Sylvester live album Living Proof. We talk about Sylvester's vision of wholeness and sharing good vibes, the countless gorgeous moments captured in the live setting, and the medley of genres he blended together. Please stick around to the end of the episode to hear a snippet of our past conversation with Shea Serrano about DMX. Rest in Power.More on Jason KingJason in conversation with Dua Lipa (NPR Music)Check out Jason's work with PitchforkTwitter | InstagramMore on SylvesterLove Me Like You Should: The Brave and Bold Sylvester (Amazon Music)The Extraordinary Musical Legacy of Sylvester (The Guardian)Bigger Than Disco, 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' Is A Celebration Of Self (NPR)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Living Proof unless otherwise indicated):Overture - LiveHappiness - Live Sylvester: You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)Sylvester: Over and OverLover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?) - LiveHerbie Hancock: Magic NumberLover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?) - LiveSharing Something Perfect Between  Ourselves - LiveBody Strong - LiveSylvester: FeverMedley: LiveBlackbird: LiveYou Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) - LiveBlackbird - LiveSharing Something Perfect Between Ourselves - LiveYou Are My Friend - LiveMedley - LiveDance (Disco Heat) - LiveYou Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)Sylvester: I Need Somebody to Love TonightPatrick Cowley & Sylvester: Do You Wanna Funk?Sylvester & The Hot Band: A Whiter Shade of PaleSylvester: Be With YouHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Producer and DJ The Twilite Tone sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Stevie Wonder's 1980 comeback album, Hotter Than July. We get into Stevie's foray into country western and reggae, his return to All I Do, a song he cowrote over a decade prior as a teenager, and the impact Disco Demolition Night had on black music.  More on The Twilite ToneDo It Properly music videoTwilite Tone @ Vinyl FactoryTwitter | InstagramMore on Hotter Than JulyMaster Blaster (Jammin') Live in 1980KCRW's piece on Stevie Wonder's comeback in 1980The Making of ‘Hotter than July,’ The Album That Revived Stevie Wonder’s Career (Okayplayer)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Hotter Than July unless otherwise indicated):Cash In Your FaceRocket LoveThe Twilite Tone: Do It ProperlyStevie Wonder: FingertipsAll I DoDo Like YouAs If You Read My MindI Ain't Gonna Stand For ItMaster Blaster (Jammin')I Ain't Gonna Stand For ItHappy BirthdayAs If You Read My MindMaster Blaster (Jammin')Tammi Terrell: All I Do Is Think About YouAll I DoLatelyRocket LoveDo Like YouCash In Your FaceHappy BirthdayAs If You Read My MindLatelySyreeta: Cause We've Ended As LoversDonny Hathaway & Roberta Flack: You Are My Heaven Gary Byrd & The GB Experience: The CrownLogg: Lay It On The LineHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! 

Multi-instrumentalist & songwriter Xenia Rubinos joins Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Abbey Lincoln's underrated jazz LP, Abbey is Blue. We discuss Abbey's melancholy voice, her work in the civil rights movement, and how her work has influenced Xenia's own music.More on Xenia RubinosCheck out Xenia's newest music video "Did My Best"BandcampTwitter | InstagramMore on Abbey LincolnMax Roach & Abbey Lincoln performing live in 1964Abbey Lincoln: The Power Of Voice (NPR)How it Feels to be Free (PBS)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Abbey is Blue unless otherwise indicated):Softly, As In A Morning SunriseCome SundayXenia Rubinos: Lonely LoverLost In The StarsMax Roach & Abbey Lincoln: Triptych: Prayer/Protest/PeaceBrother Where are You?Afro Blue Thursday's ChildLaugh, Clown, LaughLost In The StarsXenia Rubinos: Laugh ClownLet UpLong As You're LivingMongo Santamaria: Afro BlueAfro BlueLonely HouseLet UpLonely HouseLaugh, Clown, LaughCome SundayLong As You're LivingLaugh, Clown, LaughMax Roach & Abbey Lincoln: Driva' ManNina Simone: I Loves Your PorgyCharles Mingus: Fables of FaubusDuke Ellington: Warm ValleyHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This week marks the 17th anniversary of Madvillainy and we invited A&R man and producer Dante Ross to discuss working with KMD, Dumile's move from Zev Love X to MF DOOM, and the stories behind the production of Mr. Hood and Black Bastards. Buckle up, we go deep on this one. Rest in power, VillainMore on Dante RossDante on NPR's Mic CheckCheck out Dante's legendary discographyTwitter | InstagramMore on DOOMALL CAPS: The Legacy of MF DOOM, Rap’s Greatest Supervillain (Mancunion)The Wondrous Rhymes of MF DOOM (The New Yorker)For DOOM by Open Mike EagleShow Tracklisting:MF DOOM: FigaroGrand Puba: 360° (What Goes Around) - SD50 Remix3rd Bass: The Gas Face KMD: PeachfuzzKMD: Boy Who Cried WolfKMD: PeachfuzzKMD: Bananapeel BluesKMD: HumrushLittle Wink & Eddie's 25th Century Band: PeacockKMD: Soulflexin'KMD: F*@# Wit' Ya Head!!KMD: Get-U-NowKain: I Ain't BlackKMD: Black Bastards!KMD: Constipated MonkeyShazzy: GigahoeBrand Nubian: Wake Up - Stimulated Dummies MixEverlast: What It's LikeGrand Puba: Step to the RearKMD: Plummskinz (Loose Hoe, God and Cupid)KMD: Black Bastards! KMD: What A N**** Know - Q3 VersionKMD: What A N**** Know?KMD: Sweet Premium WineThe Five Stairsteps: New Dance CrazeKMD: Sweet Premium WineKMD: Suspended AnimationMF DOOM: Rhymes Like DimesMadvillain: Meat GrinderMadvillain: All CapsMadvillain: AccordionMadvillain: Rhinestone CowboyMadvillain: All CapsMF DOOM & Ghostface Killah: Lively HoodMadvillain: RainbowsMF DOOM: Rap Snitch Knishes MF DOOM: Hoe CakesMF DOOM: PotholderzMF DOOM: LIGHTWORKSHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

DJ and record collector Megan Pattison AKA DJ Mamabear sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Teena Marie's It Must Be Magic. They get into Teena's growth as an artist and producer, the growing rift between her and Motown Records, and how roller skating was the best way to get into new musicMore on Megan PattisonCheck out DJ Mamabear's mixes on DublabSweaterfunk on SoundCloudInstagram | TwitterMore on Teena MarieTeena Marie: An Accidental Hero to Fellow Artists (The Wrap)Teena on American BandstandShow Tracklisting (all songs from It Must Be Magic unless otherwise indicated)The Ballad of Cradle Rob and MeRevolutionVaughan Mason & Crew: Bounce, Rock, Skate, RollIt Must Be MagicTeena Marie: Lovergirl365Opus III (Does Anybody Care)Square Biz - Instrumental - 12" B SideRevolutionPortuguese LoveWhere's California7 Days of Funk: Let It GoIt Must Be MagicSquare BizIt Must Be Magic365 Yes IndeedWhere's CaliforniaSquare BizChange: Hold TightAnnette Peacock: PonyOzone: (Our Hearts) Will Always ShineOzone: Strutt My ThangHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Writer and DJ Sheila Burgel sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss The Ronettes' Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica. We talk about impact of girl groups through the decades, the "wall of sound" formula, and the influence of girl groups across the globe.More on Sheila BurgelCheck out Sophisticated Boom Boom on WFMUSheila's astonishing record collection (Dust & Grooves)WebsiteMore on The RonettesIt's Time To Recognize The Ronettes As Rock And Roll Pioneers (NPR)Classic Tracks: The Ronettes 'Be My Baby' (Sound On Sound)The Ronettes on American BandstandShow Tracklisting (all songs from  Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica unless otherwise indicated):Chapel of LoveBaby, I Love YouAmy Winehouse: Back to BlackBLACKPINK: Ice CreamBe My BabyWhat I'd Say(The Best Part Of) Breakin' UpI WonderDo I Love You?So YoungYou BabyC. Jérôme: Da Dou Ron RonEiichi Ohtaki: Kimiwa TennenshokuAdrienne Posta: Shang A Doo LangThe Pipettes: Because It's Not Love (But It's Still A Feeling)Walking in the Rain(The Best Part Of) Breakin' UpBaby, I Love YouBe My BabyHow Does It FeelWhen I Saw YouBe My BabyThe Shangri-Las: Give Him A Great Big KissLaura Nyro & Labelle: The BellsThe Dixie Cups: I'm Gonna Get You YetReparata and the Delrons: I Can Hear The RainLesley Gore: You Don't Own Me Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

It doesn't get much more classic than this, John Coltrane's A Love Supreme is a bonafide heat rock. Musician/DJ Jeff Parker sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss this truly iconic album, it's unexpected gospel leanings, and the intentionality behind every aspect of this album.More on JeffNPR's Fresh Air discusses Jeff's album Suite for Max BrownJeff Parker Collaboration with Artist Harold MendezTwitter | InstagramMore on A Love SupremeThe Story of A Love Supreme (NPR)Seeing Through A Love Supreme to Find John Coltrane (The New Yorker)A Love Supreme's entry in the Library of CongressShow tracklisting (all songs from A Love Supreme unless otherwise indicated):A Love Supreme Pt. I - AcknowledgmentA Love Supreme Pt. IV - PsalmTortoise: TNTJeff Parker: Fusion SwirlA Love Supreme Pt. II ResolutionA Love Supreme Pt. IV - PsalmJohn Coltrane: AlabamaA Love Supreme Pt. I - AcknowledgmentA Love Supreme Pt. III - PursuanceA Love Supreme Pt. IV - PsalmA Love Supreme Pt. III - PursuanceA Love Supreme Pt. IV - PsalmA Love Supreme Pt. I - AcknowledgmentA Love Supreme Pt. II - ResolutionA Love Supreme Pt. I - AcknowledgmentA Love Supreme Pt. II - ResolutionA Love Supreme Pt. IV - PsalmDuke Ellington & John Coltrane: In A Sentimental MoodAlice Coltrane: The SunJohn Coltrane: SpiralHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Singer/songwriter Samm Henshaw  sits down with us remotely to discuss Kirk Franklin's gospel masterpiece, The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin. The blending of secular music and gospel, Kirk Franklin's role in the gospel music scene, and how his own work has been influenced by Kirk's work.More on Samm HenshawCheck out Samm's new single All GoodInstagram | WebsiteMore on Kirk FranklinKirk's Tiny Desk ConcertThe Rebirth of Kirk Franklin LiveShow Tracklisting (all songs from The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin unless otherwise indicated):When I Get ThereSamm Henshaw: ChurchSamm Henshaw: BrokeKirk Franklin: Why We SingLauryn Hill: Joyful JoyfulKirk Franklin: Stomp (Remix)Funkadelic: One Nation Under A GrooveHe Reigns/Awesome GodIntroHosannaDon't CryMy Life, My Love, My AllWhen I Get ThereThe Blood SongSamm Henshaw: All GoodHosannaBrighter DayDon't CryCaught UpIntro911HosannaMy Life, My Love, My AllDon't CryKirk Frankin: Declaration (This Is It!)Charles May & Annette May Thomas: Keep My Baby WarmKirk Franklin: Silver and GoldAltered Natives: Heavenly Melodies (Remix)Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! 

We wrap up another edition of Take Two and discuss Mary J Blige's debut album What's The 411? We get into Mary's role in hip-hop soul, the story of Uptown Records, and Mary's image at the time. More on NaimaCheck out #MusicSermonNaima’s chat with the National Museum of African American MusicTwitter | InstagramMore on What's the 411?Mary J. Blige, 'What's The 411?' at 20: Classic Track-By-Track Review (Billboard)‘What’s The 411?’: When Hip-Hop And R&B Collided On Mary J. Blige’s Debut (uDiscoverMusic)Show Tracklisting (all songs from What's the 411? unless otherwise indicated):Slow DownWhat's The 411?Lil Louis: Club Lonely (I'm On The Guest List Mix)My LoveReal LoveLeave A MessageLove No LimitMariah Carey: EmotionsShanice: I Love Your SmileTracie Spencer: Tender KissesLisa Fischer: How Can I Ease The PainReal LoveReminisceLove No LimitIntro TalkI Don't Want To Do AnythingLove No LimitChanges I've Been Going ThroughYou Don't Have To WorryWhat's the 411?Leave A MessageAudio Two: Top Billin'Real LoveReminisceChanges I've Been Going ThroughIntro: Ribbon in the SkyGuy: Do Me RightSWV: Anything - Old Skool Radio VersionHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Take Two is back again with another couple of iconic albums from an iconic artist. This time, Morgan is talking about Mary J Blige's album "Mary" with music industry vet Naima Cochrane. We get into Mary's shift in tone on this album, the production and talent behind the scenes, and what Mary means to New York.More on NaimaCheck out #MusicSermonNaima's chat with the National Museum of African American MusicTwitter | InstagramMore on Mary20 Years Later: A Look Back on Mary J Blige's "Mary" AlbumThe Making of "Mary"Show Tracklisting (all songs from Mary unless otherwise indicated):Give Me YouTimeFather MC: I'll Do 4 UDestiny's Child: Jumpin' Jumpin'Mariah Carey: HeartbreakerMissy Elliott: She's A BitchMacy Gray: I TryAll That I Can SaySexyDeep InsideI'm In LoveThe Love I Never HadYour ChildAll That I Can SayThe Love I Never HadBeautiful OneThe Love I Never HadI'm In LoveLet No Man Put AsunderGretchen Parlato: All That I Can SayGretchen Parlato: WeakNot LookinBeautiful OnesMary J Blige: My Life (Live)Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

In honor of J Dilla's birthday, we've put together a medley episode featuring our conversations on Donuts and Fantastic, Vol. 2 with Nate Patrin and Dan Charnas, respectively. Happy Birthday Jay Dee, we miss you.If you like these snippets, please check out our full episodes in the archives!Show TracklistingJ Dilla: Two Can WinPharcyde: DropSlum Village: PlayersErykah Badu: Kiss Me On My NeckJ Dilla: One For GhostPharcyde: She Said (Remix)Motherlode: When I DieJ Dilla: Donuts (Intro)J Dilla: Waves10cc: Johnny Don't Do ItThe Isley Brothers: Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time For Love) Pts. 1 & 2J Dilla: ByeJ Dilla: So Far To GoTarika Blue: DreamflowerErykah Badu: Didn't Cha KnowJ Dilla: WorkinonitGalt MacDermot: Golden Apples Pt. IIJ Dilla: MashJ Dilla: Geek DownThe Jimi Entley Sound: Charlie's ThemeJackson 5: All I Do Is Think Of YouJ Dilla: Time: The Donut of the HeartJ Dilla: Don't CryJ Dilla: U-LoveSlum Village: CB4Prince: Lady Cab DriverLittle Beaver: A Tribute to WesSlum Village: Conant GardensThe Singers Unlimited: ClairSugarhill Gang: Rapper's DelightSlum Village: PlayersSlum Village: Hold TightSlum Village: Forth and Back (original version)Slum Village Get Dis MoneyHerbie Hancock: Come Running to MeSlum Village:: JealousySlum Village: Untitled/FantasticSlum Village: I Don't KnowBaden Powell: É Isso AíSlum Village: Fall In LoveGap Mangione: Diana In The Autumn WindSlum Village: Fall In LoveHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

In January 1960, 22 year-old Etta James began recording her debut album, At Last!  It would go on to be her best selling record and the title track is undoubtedly one of the greatest songs ever to be put on wax.  Etta lived the blues and effortlessly moved through pop, R&B, and rock. She went on to release countless more records, but never reached the commercial success of At Last, partially due to the changing musical landscape and her struggles with addiction throughout her life.Singer/songwriter Valerie June sits down with us to talk about the legacy of Etta James, what separated Etta's voice from her contemporaries, and how khakis introduced Oliver to an Etta classic. More on Valerie JuneCheck out Valerie's new track "Call Me A Fool"Valerie's Tiny Desk ConcertTwitter | InstagramMore on Etta JamesEtta live at Montreux 1975Etta's interview on Fresh AirShow Tracklisting (all songs from At Last! unless otherwise indicated):At LastMy Heart CriesValerie June: You Can't Be ToldGirl of My DreamsIt's A Crying ShameTrust In MeAretha Franklin & Lou Rawls: At LastAretha Franklin: Skylark (Alternate Version)Valerie June: Workin' Woman BluesEtta James: I'd Rather Go Blind (Live at Montreux)Valerie June: Cosmic DancerAll I Could Do Was CryA Sunday Kind of LoveAt LastA Sunday Kind of LoveAnything to Say You're MineIf I Can't Have YouTough MaryAt LastEtta James: The Sound of LoveEtta James & Sugar Pie DeSanto: In The BasementEtta James: Champagne & WineHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

There's a certain lo-fi feel to Jungle Brothers' debut effort, Straight Out The Jungle.  The group made the record at home using early sampling technology, but its influence is undeniable. It brought together house music, jazz, and hip-hop, and marked the beginning of the Native Tongues family. Groups like De La Soul and ATCQ would become the biggest members of the collective, but don't sleep on this heater. Record  producer Salaam Remi sits down with us to chat about the JB's place in the Native Tongues family, the countless flipped samples throughout the record, and his personal journey as a super producer.More on SalaamSalaam on NPR MusicSalaam's interview with The Breakfast ClubWebsite | TwitterMore on Jungle BrothersJungle Brothers’ Debut Album ‘Straight Out the Jungle’ Turns 30 (Albumism)Music video for Straight Out The JungleThe Source's retrospective on Straight Out The JungleShow Tracklisting (all songs from Straight Out The Jungle unless otherwise indicated):Jimmy's Bonus BeatJimbrowskiOn The RunBehind the BushSlick RIck: Children's StoryMC Lyte: Paper ThinEPMD: You Gots To ChillBig Daddy Kane: Ain't No Half Steppin'Braggin' and Boastin'The Magictones: Good Old MusicJimbrowskiSly & The Family Stone: You Can Make It If You TryBecause I Got It Like ThatIsaac Hayes: JoyBehind the BushThe Meters: Groovy LadyI'm Gonna Do YouThe Meters: Rigor MortisI'm Gonna Do YouMandrill: Mango MeatStraight Out The JungleMarshall Jackson: Move Your BodyI'll House YouSuper Cat: Ghetto Red Hot (Remix)Lou Donaldson: It's Your ThingDe La Soul: Bitties In The BK LoungePoor Righteous Teachers: ShakiylaSuper Cat: Ghetto Red Hot (Remix)Because I Got It Like ThatBehind The BushI'm Gonna Do YouBecause I Got It Like ThatOn The RunStraight Out The JungleQueen Latifah: Come Into My HouseKMD: PeachfuzzChill Rob G: Court Is Now In Session Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Meters helped change the New Orleans sonic landscape with their funky records and signature "second line" rhythms and in 1974, they released the heater Rejuvenation. The biggest difference on this record: vocals. Most of the members got a chance to flex their vocal and instrumental talents. This change up proved to be successful, becoming one of the group's most influential records and was heavily sampled all throughout 80s and 90s hip-hop.DJ Soul Sister AKA The Queen of Rare Groove, joins Oliver and Morgan to discuss the funkiness of The Meters, the New Orleans music scene, and what it's like to DJ at George Clinton's birthday.  More on DJ Soul SisterDJ Soul Sister's set at The Boiler RoomInterview with Red Bull Music AcademyWebsite|TwitterMore on The MetersThe Neville Brothers performing Dance Your Blues Away liveAll the samples that came from Rejuvenation (WhoSampled)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Rejuvenation unless otherwise indicated):AfricaJungle ManLee Dorsey: Can You Hear MeThe Meters: ThinkingHeavy D & The Boyz: Gyrlz, They Love MeHey Pocky A-WayIt Ain't No UseLove Is For MePeople SayAaron Neville: HerculesAaron Neville & Linda Ronstadt: Don't Know MuchNeville Brothers: Dance Your Blues AwayJust Kiss My BabyPublic Enemy: TimebombJust Kiss My BabyAfricaRed Hot Chili Peppers: Hollywood Hey Pocky A-WayAfricaJust Kiss My BabyPeople SayHey Pocky A-WayIt Ain't No UsePeople SayLee Dorsey: Yes We Can Pt. 1The Meters: A Message From The MetersDr. John: (Everybody Wanna Get Rich) Rite AwayHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

By 2005, Mariah Carey had been through the wringer. Her debut film Glitter bombed at the box office and  the accompanying soundtrack  performed poorly, at least in comparison to Mariah's previous efforts. Her intended comeback album Charmbracelet received some praise but still failed to bring her back into the limelight. Mariah took a break from music for three years to focus on herself and came back with The Emancipation of Mimi. She worked with top producers in hip-hop like The Neptunes, Jermaine Dupri, and Kanye West, but still featured her signature ballads with that unmistakable whistle register. It was a much more personal album, but with enough jams to succeed in the clubs.Music writer Brittany Spanos sits down with us remotely to discuss the tough road that led to this album, the timelessness of some of the singles, and where Mariah belongs in the current music landscape.We are selling custom 45 adapters with the proceeds going to the Downtown Women’s Center. You can find a link to preorder hereMore on BrittanyCheck out Brittany's work with Rolling Stone500 Greatest Albums podcastTwitter | InstagramMore on The Emancipation of Mimi‘The Emancipation Of Mimi’: Mariah Carey’s Record-Shattering Comeback (uDiscover Music)Mariah Carey on Why 2005's Iconic 'The Emancipation of Mimi' LP Was 'More Than a Comeback Album' (Billboard)15 Times Mariah Carey’s Pen Game Shines on ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’ (Rated R&B)Show Tracklisting (all songs from The Emancipation of Mimi unless otherwise indicated):I Wish You Knew Mariah Carey: Vision of LoveMariah Carey: DreamloverMariah Carey: Fantasy (Remix)Joy RideI Wish You KnewCirclesMine AgainTo The FloorSay Somethin'Shake It Off We Belong TogetherIt's Like ThatFly Like A BirdShake it OffGet Your NumberMine AgainStay the NightMariah Carey: Fourth of JulyAlicia Keys: Teenage Love AffairMariah Carey: A No NoHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Oliver and Morgan discuss their personal favorite records of 2020 and talk about their hopes for the new year. Thanks for sticking with us through this year, Heat Rockers! We are selling custom 45 adapters with the proceeds going to the Downtown Women’s Center. You can find a link to preorder hereShow TracklistingSAULT: This GenerationJay Electronica: The Neverending StoryThundercat: Fair ChanceLianne La Havas: Out Of Your Mind - InterludeSAULT: The Beginning & The EndSAULT: Scary TimesSAULT: Stop DemJay Electronica: Ezekiel's WheelJay Electronica: Exhibit CJay Electronica: A.P.I.D.T.A.Jay Electronica: Flux CapacitorLianne La Havas: Seven TimesLianne La Havas: Read My MindDonny Hathaway: Jealous GuyDonny Hathaway: MistyDonny Hathaway: Thank You Master (For My Soul)Donny  Hathaway: Voices Inside (Everything is Everything)Thundercat: Dragonball DuragThundercat: Black QuallsThundercat: Existential DreadRun The Jewels: yankee and the brave (ep. 4 )Run The Jewels: out of sightRun The Jewels: yankee and the brave (ep. 4)Chet Baker: Embraceable YouAmy Winehouse: Love Is A Losing GameMinnie Riperton: Les FleursHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We are re-airing one of our all-time favorite episodes. It's our discussion with Phonte about Intro's self-titled album from way back in 2017.This week rapper, producer, and songwriter Phonte (Foreign Exchange, Little Brother) joins Oliver and Morgan to talk about R&B group Intro’s 1993 self-titled debut album. The release was part of the changing tide of R&B music, when slow jams were giving way to more uptempo hits and singers were exchanging suits for Timbs and jeans.Phonte shares about what Intro’s brand of new jack swing meant to him as a teenager learning about life in Greensboro, North Carolina. Don’t get him wrong: he was a hardcore hip-hop head, but he grew up both in an R&B household and in the church where singing was a big part of his musical formation. Phonte breaks down the group’s influence on his understanding of songwriting, lyrics, and the balance between uptempo and down-tempo songs. He also discusses the album’s mature themes, crediting them for helping a young brother’s macking game.More on IntroIntro’s Allmusic profileSoul in Stereo article on IntroMore on Phonte:Phonte’s biographyPhonte’s Twitter, InstagramMore on Foreign Exchange’s latest release, Hide & SeekHear Phonte every week on Pandora’s Questlove Supreme

Oliver and Morgan sit down with music supervisor Jocelyn Brown to discuss their favorite holiday songs, Christmas trap music,  and the tightrope novelty songs must walk to become a great holiday classic.More on JocelynJocelyn's interview with the Music and Sound Awards Twitter | InstagramWe are selling custom 45 adapters with the proceeds going to the Downtown Women’s Center. You can find a link to preorder hereShow Tracklisting:James Brown: The Christmas SongShawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra: Little Drummer BoyTrap Music Now: Santa Claus Is Coming To TownMariah Carey: All I Want For Christmas Is YouOtis Redding: Merry Christmas BabyKhruangbin: Christmas Time Is HereJames Brown: Go Power At Christmas TimeJames Brown: Let's Unite The Whole World At ChristmasJames Brown: Say It Loud - I'm Black And I'm ProudDonny Hathaway: This ChristmasMusad & The Warm Expressions: Black ChristmasYogi Yorgesson: I Yust Go Nuts At ChristmasElmo and Patsy: Grandma Got Run Over By A ReindeerAlvin & the Chipmunks: The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)Carpenters: It Came Upon A Midnight ClearRobert Glasper: God Rest Ye Merry GentlemenThe Clark Sisters: Oh Come EmmanuelThe Clark Sisters: Silver BellsThe Clark Sisters: Chipmunk SongHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

In this installment of Take Two, we’re looking at two albums from the one and only Drake. Last week, we talked about Nothing Was The Same and this time around, we're chatting about the 2018 double album Scorpion.As mentioned in the show, we are selling custom 45 adapters with the proceeds going to the Downtown Women’s Center. You can find a link to preorder hereShow Tracklisting (all songs from Scorpion unless otherwise indicated):NonstopIn My FeelingsSurvivalSandra's RoseMarch 14I'm UpsetPusha T: The Story of AdidonI'm UpsetIs There MoreNice For WhatGod's PlanFinesseNice For WhatNonstopThe Game: Good Girls Go BadMeek Mill: AmenHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

In this installment of Take Two, we're looking at  two albums from one of the biggest and most prolific rappers of the 2010s, Toronto's very own Drake. Next week, we'll be diving into his 2018 double album Scorpion, but for now, we're talking about Nothing Was The Same from 2013. As mentioned in the show, we are selling custom 45 adapters with the proceeds going to the Downtown Women's Center. You can find a link to preorder hereMore on Nothing Was The Same‘Nothing Was The Same’: How Drake Changed The Game Forever (uDiscoverMusic)Inspectah Deck on "Wu-Tang Forever"How Drake’s ‘Nothing Was the Same’ Album Made Him the Face of Hip-Hop (XXL)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Nothing Was The Same unless otherwise indicated):Worst BehaviorFurthest ThingDrake: Thank Me NowLenny Kravitz: SunflowerBest I Ever Had305 To My CityTuscan LeatherCome ThruStarted From the BottomPound Cake/ Paris Morton Music 2 Hold On, We're Going HomeWu-Tang ForeverToo  MuchDrake: The RideFrom TimeFurthest ThingWorst BehaviorDrake: Too GoodChance The Rapper: Favorite SongHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Oliver invites G Yamazawa back on the show to talk about three songs that shaped his life and rap style.Check out our full discussion with G Yamazawa and listen to his new album!  If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This week, we're giving thanks and replaying our three episodes on albums produced by the Soulquarians, all of which turned 20 this year: Ill Camille on Common's "Like Water for Chocolate," Bosco on Erykah Badu's "Mama's Gun," and Tall Black Guy on D'Angelo's "Voodoo" If you like these snippets, check out the full episodes in our archives! If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Oliver sits down with ethnomusicologist Dr. Joseph Schloss to discuss the origins of sampling in hip-hop and a few of their favorite music discoveries through samples.Pick up Joseph's books!If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

When Amy Winehouse released her debut studio album Frank back in 2003, it made waves in her native UK, but it didn't quite make it across the pond. Those who heard it, loved her contralto vocals, relatable lyrics, and blending of musical genres. A few years later, she would go on to release her second and final album, Back to Black, to both critical and commercial success, earning the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album and selling over 16 million copies worldwide. Unfortunately, the success was short-lived; Winehouse struggled with substance abuse and mental illness and died of alcohol poisoning in 2011, at just 27 years old.R&B sister duo VanJess sits down with us to discuss Amy's influence on artists today, blue-eyed soul, and what direction her next album would have gone if she were still here with us. More on VanJessCheck out VanJess' new single Slow DownVanJess Are The Sister Two-Piece Cultivating Their Own Strand Of R&B (Vogue)Twitter | InstagramMore on Back to BlackSalaam Remi on producing the album‘Back To Black’: How Amy Winehouse Crossed The Atlantic (uDiscoverMusic)‘Back to Black’: 10 Things You Didn’t Know (Rolling Stone)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Back to Black unless otherwise indicated):RehabVanJess: Touch the FloorAddictedJazmine Sullivan: Round MidnightAmy Winehouse: In My BedTears Dry on Their OwnBack to BlackTears Dry on Their OwnWaking Up AloneLove Is A Losing GameRehabAmy Winehouse: ValerieHe Can Only Hold HerThe Icemen: (My Girl) She's  A FoxLove Is A Losing GameJust FriendsBack To BlackAmy Winehouse: Mr. Magic (Through the Smoke)Me and Mr. JonesBack to BlackSharon Jones & The Dap-Kings: Let Them KnockAmy Winehouse: Amy, Amy, AmyCorinne Bailey Rae: Till It Happens to YouSade: Tar BabySnoh Aalegra: Fool For YouHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Oliver sits down with musicologist Loren Kajikawa to discuss why instrumental breaks hit us in such a specific way, the different ways musicians have approached breaks, and their personal favorite moments in music. If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi is perhaps Zimbabwe's most renowned and iconic musician. His thoughtful songwriting and exceptional guitar playing spoke truth to power and gave him a loyal fanbase. He went on to become a star in his home country and pioneered a whole new genre of music, Tuku music. His wisdom and messages of affirmation resonated with millions and his music continues to inspire to this day.Singer/songwriter Anjimile sits down with us (remotely) to discuss Tuku's 41st album (!!!) Vhunze Moto. We discuss the impact of Tuku's music in Zimbabwe, the characteristics of Tuku music, and the rules of playlists on long road trips. More on AnjimileCheck out Anjimie's new LP Giver TakerAnjimile Just Can't Wait To Be King (NPR)Twitter | InstagramMore on Oliver MtukudziMtukudzi's Tiny Desk ConcertMtukudzi's episode of On Tour on PBSThe Great Tuku: When It Comes to Music, No One Beats Oliver Mtukudzi in Zimbabwe (New African)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Vhunze Moto unless otherwise indicated):Kusekana KwanakambaAnjimile: In Your EyesYave MbodzaWongororoGondoNdakuvaraKusekana KwanakambaGondoLauryn Hill: To ZionWongororoZiva NguvaMoto MotoTapera KuchenekaNdakuvaraMoto MotoLeonard Dembo: ChiteketeThomas Mapfumo: WauraiwaOliver Mtukudzi: Mai VarambaHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

On this week's edition of Bonus Beats, Oliver takes a couple of questions from the mailbag about overlooked samples and Nas' best LP (besides Illmatic) If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The disco funk group B.T. Express hit the ground running with their debut studio album Do It ('Til You're Satisfied), which reached the top spot in the US R&B albums chart and went gold. The title track went on to become a staple in club playlists and the band started work on their next project. Just a year later, their sophomore album Non-Stop was released and it once again reached the top of the R&B chart, but did not enjoy the same amount of commercial success. Nonetheless, the album's funky vibes and distinct sound stood out, and it's kept us grooving ever since.Oliver is flying solo with Kevin Smokler and Christopher Boone, the filmmakers behind the documentary, Vinyl Nation. They discuss what set B.T. Express apart from the disco acts of the day, the resurgence of vinyl records in 2020, and one of the weirdest Carpenters covers we've heard in a minute.More on Kevin and ChristopherWatch Vinyl NationKevin's Twitter | InstagramChristopher's Twitter  Show Tracklisting (all songs from Non-Stop unless otherwise indicated):DiscotizerB.T. Express: If It Don't Turn You On (You Oughta Leave It Alone)EPMD: So Wat Cha Sayin'HappinessDevil's WorkshopKool & The Gang: CelebrationPeace PipeGive It What You GotClose To YouJanet Jackson: I Want YouClose To YouYou Got It — I Want ItStill Good, Still Like ItDevil's WorkshopWhatcha Think About That?DiscotizerB.T. Express: Do It ('Til You're Satisfied)The Freedom Affair: Rise UpTV On The Radio: Happy IdiotHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We finish our Jay-Z Take Two series with what was supposed to be Hova's swan song, The Black Album. We discuss the hype surrounding this album, the ridiculous amount of remixes we got out of this, and Just Blaze's extraordinary production. More on The Black AlbumRanking the Beats: Jay-Z's The Black Album (Vibe)Revisiting The Black Album (Albumism)The Making of The Black AlbumShow tracklisting (all songs from The Black Album unless otherwise indicated)Dirt Off Your ShoulderDecember 4Moment of ClarityInterlude99 ProblemsEncorePublic Service AnnouncementDecember 4Notorious B.I.G: Sky's The LimitLuciferJay-Z: Moment of Clarity (Remix)J Treds: Praise DueFaith Evans: Burnin' UpFaith Evans: Burnin' Up (Remix) Jay-Z: Public Service Announcement (Remix)What More Can I SayJay-Z: Pump It Up FreestylePublic Service Announcement A CapellaHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We continue our Take Two miniseries and looking at two albums from an iconic artist. This time, it's Jay-Z and his debut studio album Reasonable Doubt. This marks the first time we're talking about a Hova album  in depth and we discuss why that may be, Jay's features before this album dropped, and what the future of New York rap and Jigga's career might have looked like if Biggie was still with us. More on Reasonable DoubtJay Z's 'Reasonable Doubt' at 20: Classic Track-by-Track Album Look-Back (Billboard)The oral history of Jay Z’s 'Reasonable Doubt' cover (Revolt)Breaking Down Every Contributor For JAY-Z’s ‘Reasonable Doubt’ (Tidal)Show tracklisting (all songs from Reasonable Doubt unless otherwise indicated):Bring It OnAin't No N****The Jaz: It's That SimpleJay-Z: In My Lifetime (Remix)Can I Live IIFeelin' ItAin't No N****The Whole Darn Family: Seven Minutes of FunkAin't No N****The Ohio Platers: EcstasyBrooklyn's FinestD'EvilsAllen Toussaint: Go Back HomeD'EvilsJunior M.A.F.I.A: Player's Anthem (Remix)Can't Knock the HustleBrooklyn's FinestComing of AgeDead Presidents IIPolitics As UsualBrooklyn's FinestDe La Soul: Dog Eat DogFoxy Brown: Ill Na NaHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! 

The Beach Boys  are often regarded as one of the most prolific and influential American bands of all time. However, the group has has its fair share of missteps and controversies over the years. They found early commercial success with songs like "Surfin' USA" and "I Get Around"  and critical success with the album Pet Sounds. As time went on and the musical landscape changed, the band struggled to find their voice. Their follow up albums flopped commercially and critically, inner turmoil created division in the band, and rumor was that they were on the brink of breaking up.In 1971, The Beach Boys released Surf's Up , their most socially-aware and emotional album up to that point. Gone were the band's matching outfits and singing about girls and surfing, and in it's place were more downtempo tracks about the environment, protests, and taking good care of your feet.Writer and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib sits down (remotely) with us to discuss one of the weirder entries in the Beach Boys' discography. We talk about the sudden shift in image for the band, The Beach Boys' place in American pop music, and why they struggled to keep up with music trends. More on Hanif AbdurraqibPreorder Hanif's new book A Little Devil In America Hanif's incredible music project SixtyEight2OhFiveTwitter | InstagramMore on Surf's UpThat Time The Beach Boys Tried to Pull It Together for Surf's Up  (Ultimate Classic Rock)Surf's Up: The Socially Aware Album That Made The Beach Boy Cool Again (uDiscoverMusic)Rolling Stone's original review for Surf's UpShow Tracklisting (all songs from Surf's Up unless otherwise indicated):Feel FlowsDon't Go Near The WaterThe Beach Boys: I'll Be Home For ChristmasLong Promised RoadThe Beach Boys: Good VibrationsSurf's UpDon't Go Near The WaterThe Coasters: Riot in Cell Block No. 9Student Demonstration TimeA Day In The Life of A TreeDon't Go Near The WaterFeel FlowsLookin' At Tomorrow (A Welfare Song)Disney Girls (1957)Take A Load Off Your FeetFeel FlowsA Day In The Life Of A TreeBullion: God Only KnowsSly & The Family Stone: Just Like A BabyBill Withers: Hope She'll Be HappierHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This week, we're wrapping up the third edition of The Art of Sampling and talking about Slum Village's album Fantastic, Vol. 2 with music exec and writer, Dan Charnas. We discuss J Dilla's sampling techniques, the great lengths the label went through to keep this project under wraps, and the influence of Dilla on future beatmaking.More on Dan CharnasDan chatting about his book The Big PaybackCheck out his other books here!Twitter |WebsiteMore on Fantastic, Vol 2Fantastic, Vol 2 Turns 20 (Albumism)Discover Samples On Slum Village's Fantastic Vol. 2 (Power 106)Once Upon A Time: Fantastic Vol. 2 at 20 (Rock and Roll Globe)Song Tracklisting (all songs from Fantastic Vol. 2 unless otherwise indicated):IntroHustlePrince: Lady Cab DriverLittle Beaver: A Tribute to WesConant GardensThe Singers Unlimited: ClairThe Sugarhill Gang: Rapper's DelightThe Singers Unlimited: ClairPlayersUntitled/FantasticHold TightClimaxForth and Back (Demo Version)Get Dis MoneyHerbie Hancock: Come Running to MeJealousyBrand New Heavies: Sometimes (Remix)Once Upon A TimeI Don't KnowUntitled/FantasticI Don't KnowBaden Powell: E Isso AiFall In LoveGap Mangione: Diana In The Autumn WindFall In LoveCB4Fall in LoveSlum Village: Keep It OnHiatus Kaiyote: FingerprintsHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! 

This week, we're celebrating our three year anniversary (!!!) and talking about our personal favorite moments of the show. Thank you so much for listening and sending in your favorite moments! And here's to many more unforgettable episodes, scorching hot albums, and wonderful conversations.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The long awaited third installment of The Art of Sampling series is finally here and we're talking about one of the most influential beat tapes in the history of hip-hop and producer Christian's favorite album of all time, J Dilla's Donuts. Music writer Nate Patrin sits down with us (remotely) to discuss the cult following of J Dilla after his passing, the emotionality of the sample flips, and his role in neo soul movement.More on Nate PatrinPick up Nate's new book Bring That Beat Back: How Sampling Built Hip-HopNate's writing on StereogumTwitterMore on DonutsA Decade Old, Still Fresh: How J Dilla Wrote the Future With ‘Donuts’ (Observer)Donuts Turns 10Last Donut of the Night music videoShow Tracklisting (all songs from Donuts unless otherwise indicated)Two Can WinLight My FireThe Pharcyde: DropA Tribe Called Quest: 1nce AgainSlum Village: Fall In LoveErykah Badu: Kiss Me On My NeckDilla Says GoOne ElevenThe Pharcyde: She Said (Remix)Motherlode: When I DieDonuts (Intro)Waves10cc: Johnny Don't Do ItThe Isley Brothers: Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time for Love), Pts 1 & 2 ByeJ Dilla: So Far To GoThe Twister (Huh, What)Brand New Heavies: SometimesBrand New Heavies: Sometimes (Ummah Remix)Louis Hayes: Dance with MeTarika Blue: DreamflowerErykah Badu: Didn't Cha KnowWorkingonitGalt MacDermot: Golden Apples Part IIMashGeek DownThe Jimi Entley Sound: Charlie's ThemeThe Jackson 5: All I Think of is YouTime: The Donut of the HeartAirworksDon't CrySlum Village: Fan-tas-ticTonex: Jesus SavesMiguel Atwood Ferguson and Carlos Niño: Fall in LoveGhostface Killah: Murda GoonsHiThe Pharcyde: Runnin'Knxwledge: Komo_te.amoJ Dilla & Danny Brown: Dilla Bot VS The HybridHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

When Cardi B dropped her first single Bodak Yellow back in the summer of 2017, it was a bit of a slow burn. It spent a few months moving around in the charts, but eventually became a number one single and one of the biggest hits of her career. She quickly followed up with a few more singles "I Like It" and "Bartier Cardi" which showed her versatility as a rapper, incorporating wildly different genres of music like trap, Latin boogaloo, and R&B. Cardi was hungry and made it clear through her honest lyrics and fiery delivery.Scholar and archivist Syreeta Gates sits down with us to discuss Cardi's move from Love & Hip-Hop: New York to one of the most powerful voices in rap music, the distinct New York vibe of the entire record, and what makes Cardi so charismatic More on Syreeta GatesThe Gates PreserveYo Stay HungryTwitter InstagramMore on Cardi B Cardi B Makes History With First Three Top 10s on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart (Billboard)Bodak Yellow music videoCardi B’s Money Moves (GQ)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Invasion of Privacy unless otherwise indicated):Thru Your PhoneDripBodak YellowGet Up 10Best LifeDripLil' Kim: Ladies NightCardi B & Megan Thee Stallion: WAPDripBickenheadI Like ItBe CarefulDrake: Nice for WhatShe BadBartier CardiBest LifeQueen Latifah: Wrath of My MadnessLil' Kim: Queen BitchMegan Thee Stallion: Girls in the HoodHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Our second episode of the Take Two miniseries focuses on Janet Jackson's risqué and introspective album, The Velvet Rope. We discuss Janet's move to a more neo soul sound, how she matured as an artist when creating this record, and how Janet's gone underappreciated in the last decade. More on The Velvet Rope‘The Velvet Rope’: How Janet Jackson Tied Herself In Controversy (uDiscoverMusic)The Velvet Rope: how Janet Jackson inspired a whole generation (The Guardian)The Making of The Velvet Rope Show Tracklisting (all songs from The Velvet Rope unless otherwise indicated):AnythingWhat AboutMy NeedInterlude - SadCan't Be StoppedGot 'Til It's GoneTogether AgainDJ Premier: Together Again (Remix)My NeedInterlude - Speaker PhoneFree XoneYouI Get LonelyGo DeepVelvet RopeRope BurnMissy Elliott: Pass Da BluntMariah Carey: My AllHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This week, we are kicking off Take Two, a new miniseries where we look at two seminal albums of one artist. First up, we're discussing Janet Jackson's third studio album "Control" We talk about Janet's changing image at the time, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis' production techniques that helped usher in New Jack Swing, and this album's influence on artists like Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Taylor Swift.More on Janet Jackson and ControlMusic video for ControlJanet on Jimmy Fallon discussing NastySorry, Ms. Jackson: You’re Underrated. ‘Control’ at 30Show Tracklisting (all songs from Control unless otherwise indicated):He Doesn't Know I'm AliveControlJanet Jackson: If It Takes All NightaControlYou Can Be MineControlNastyPaula Abdul: Opposites AttractThe Pleasure PrincipleWhen I Think of YouNastyWhen I Think of YouFunny How Time Flies (When You're Having Fun)ControlLet's Wait AwhileMadonna: Like A VirginCherrelle: Saturday LoveHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Chicago has given us plenty of great artists: Noname, Chance the Rapper, Common, and of course today's focus, Lupe Fiasco. Lupe might not have known it at the time, but his debut album helped usher in a new era of rap. This new class of freshmen were raised by videogames, skateboard culture, and anime, but also addressed issues that affected them like systemic racism and gun violence.   Filmmaker Tiffany Johnson sits down with Oliver and Morgan to discuss Food & Liquor, the interesting production choices made on the album, and how Lupe's style influenced the Odd Futures and Cool Kids of today. More on Tiffany JohnsonWomen Win Big At 2020 Tribeca Film Festival Awards: Alice Wu, Ruthy Pribar, Lena Waithe, Tiffany Johnson, Julia Jansch And More. (Forbes)The Black Female Director with Dime Davis and Tiffany Johnson (KCRW)Twitter | InstagramMore on Lupe FiascoLupe talks about the making of Food & LiquorThe Kick, Push music video in all it's mid 00's gloryThe Successes of Rapper Lupe Fiasco (EW)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Food & Liquor unless otherwise indicated):SunshineIntroKick, PushKanye West: Touch the SkyI GotchaJust Might Be OKDaydreamin'American TerroristWallace Collection: DaydreamGunter Kallmann Chor: DaydreamI Monster: DaydreamMoody Blues: Dear DiaryFree the Robots: DiaryPressureThe InstrumentalPressureThe Emperor's SoundtrackI GotchaOutroPressureOutroThe Cool Kids: Black MagsThe Cool Kids: Mikey RocksHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

In honor of GZA's birthday and the release of multiple members' solo debut albums, we're recutting and remastering our episodes on the Wu-Tang Clan. If you like what you hear, please listen to the full conversations in the archives! Show Tracklisting:Open Mike Eagle (ODB's Return to the 36 Chambers)DamageShimmy Shimmy YaIntroBaby C'monBrooklyn ZooThelonius Monk: Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-AreCuttin' HeadzBrooklyn ZooGoin' DownDrunk Game (Sweet Sugar Pie)Hippa To Da HoppaDavid Ma (GZA's Liquid Swords)I Gotcha BackLiquid SwordsGZA: Come Do MeSwordsmanShadowboxin'Liquid SwordsWillie Mitchell: Groovin'Liquid SwordsCannonball Adderly: AriesGoldAnn Peebles: Trouble, Heartaches, & SadnessShadowboxin’GoldLabelsSwordsmanHavoc episode (Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx)Can It All Be So Simple (Remix)Spot RusherzIncarcerated ScarfacesCriminology Ice CreamEarl Klugh: A Time For LoveIce CreamIncarcerated ScarfacesVerbal IntercourseKnuckleheadzRainy DayzShark N***** (Biters)Spot RusherzIce CreamHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

You'd think being dropped from a major label would hurt your career, but in Emily King's case, it helped fuel her success. In 2008, she left a major label, J Records, and began working on an independent record. With the help of producer/composer Jeremy Most, she created "Seven" a seven-track EP filled with soulful ballads and heartfelt lyricism. Singer/saxophonist Braxton Cook joins Morgan to discuss this album, Emily King's powerful voice, watching her perform live (remember live shows?), and the subtle but important decisions she makes throughout the record. More on Braxton CookBraxton's Tiny Desk (Home) ConcertBraxton's interview with CapitalBopTwitter | InstagramMore on Emily KingEmily's interview with Afro about SevenEmily King's Latest Album Is a Sweeping Coming-of-Age Tale (NPR)Emily performing "Georgia" live at Rockwood Music HallShow Tracklisting (all songs from Seven unless otherwise indicated):Ever AfterBraxton Cook: FJYDNo More RoomEmily King: Walk In My ShoesGeorgiaChristian Scott: Georgia (Live)Emily King: Georgia (Live)Every PartDownEmily King & Nick Hakim: Down (Live)DownRadioBraxton Cook: Never ThoughtSidesGeorgiaEvery PartNo More RoomDownEmily King: Look At Me NowNick Hakim: CuffedBrittany Howard: GeorgiaHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We are in the final stretch of the #MaxFunDrive! If you like what we do, please consider becoming a member and supporting our show. maximumfun.org/joinRapper/songwriter Duckwrth joins us to talk about Philly soul group Blue Magic and their spooky soul LP Thirteen Blue Magic Lane. We discuss the band's place in the Philly soul scene, pillow talk in music, and we invent a new subgenre of music #pinkysoul More on DuckwrthCheck out Duckwrth's newest single "Coming Closer"Duckwrth Treats Hip-Hop As His Missionary Work (NPR)Twitter | InstagramMore on Blue MagicBlue Magic's biography (Allmusic)Blue Magic performing "Sideshow" on Soul TrainShow Tracklisting (all songs from Thirteen Blue Magic Lane unless otherwise indicated):Chasing RainbowsThe Loneliest House on the BlockDuckwrth: PsychoBlue Magic: SideshowHaunted (By Your Love)Chasing RainbowsDuckwrth: Nobody FallsThe Loneliest House on the BlockThe Gospel Music Worship Mass Choir: Chariot is a Comin'Karen Clark Sheard: Jesus is a Love SongBorn on HalloweenD'Angelo: Untitled (How Does It Feel)Stop and Get a Hold of YourselfI Like YouChasing RainbowsClassics IV: StormyThe Intruders: I'll Always Love My MamaBorn on HalloweenDilated Peoples: Right and ExactWe're on the Right TrackBlue Magic and Margie Johnson What's Come Over MeRick James: Fire and DesireLoneliest House on the BlockI Like YouThe Dramatics: I Made Myself LonelyThe Intruders: TogetherStevie Wonder: You've Got it Bad GirlHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We are in the middle of our annual #MaxFunDrive! If you like what we do, and are in a good financial spot, please consider becoming a member of the network and supporting our show.maximumfun.org/join"Every one of us is worthy"This is the mantra that permeates throughout all of India.Arie's 2019 album, Worthy. It had been six years since she last released a proper LP, and India didn't miss a beat. She discusses injustice in Black America, finding love, and gives us some uplifting words that we can all use, especially in these times.Singer/poet/educator Camille Yarbrough sits down with us to discuss the timeliness of the album, the parallels between Camille's and India's work, and India's growth as an artist in her nearly 20 year career.More on CamilleQ&A with Nana Camille Yarbrough, Renaissance Woman, Griot Artist (Our Time Press)BronxNet's Interview with CamilleWebsite | FacebookMore on IndiaIndia's interview with The Black MediaIndia.Arie Talks New Album, Influencing Younger Artists & Finally Feeling 'Worthy' (Billboard)Steady Love music videoShow Tracklisting (all songs from Worthy unless otherwise indicated):RollercoasterWhat IfCamille Yarbrough: Take Yo PraiseFatboy Slim: Praise YouCamille Yarbrough: But It Comes Out MadRollercoasterSacred SpaceWe AreIn Good TroubleThat MagicSacred SpaceHour of LoveWe AreCrazySacred SpaceWorthySteady LoveWorthy (Interlude)Camille Yarbrough: Ain't It A Lonely FeelingErykah Badu: Bag LadyAretha Franklin: Climbing Higher MountainsHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We are in the middle of our annual #MaxFunDrive! If you like what we do, and are in a good financial spot, please consider becoming a member of the network and supporting our show.maximumfun.org/joinMorgan continues the Alphabet Soup series and discusses some of her favorite albums that start with the letter DThe AlbumsJ Dilla: DonutsQuincy Jones: The DudePastor T.L Barrett: Do Not Pass Me ByThe Roots: Do You Want More?!!!??!Sade: Diamond LifeIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

In 1995, OutKast was booed by an angry crowd at the Source Awards after they won Best New Artist. During his speech, Andre 3000 famously declared "The South got something to say." Nowadays, ATL has a solid place in the history of rap, but OutKast had to fight for a seat at the table. OutKast becomes the newest member of the Triple Crown club here on Heat Rocks and we're talking to professor/scholar Regina Bradley about the duo's smothered, covered, diced, and topped LP, Aquemini. We discuss Andre's evolution as a rapper, the deep Atlanta love throughout the record, and where this album ranks in OutKast's discography.  More on Regina BradleyOutKasted ConversationsRegina's podcast Bottom of the MapWebsite  TwitterMore on AqueminiOutkast’s ‘Aquemini,’ the blueprint of the Southern black renaissance, turns 20 (The Undefeated)Aquemini Turns 20 (Stereogum)The Making of Aquemini (Creative Loafing)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Aquemini unless otherwise indicated):Rosa ParksSpottieOttieDopalisciousHold On, Be StrongSlumpWest SavannahReturn of the "G"NathanielRosa ParksSpottieOttieDopalisciousMamacitaDa Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)LiberationSpottieOttieDopalisciousChonkyfireAqueminiRosa ParksDe La Soul: Patti DookeGoodie Mob: Cell TherapyDungeon Family: Trans D F ExpressEARTHGANG: Blue MoonHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We are in the middle of our annual #MaxFunDrive! If you like what we do, and are in a good financial spot, please consider becoming a member of the network and supporting our show.maximumfun.org/join Morgan and Ali Shaheed Muhammad quickly geek out over Earth Wind and Fire's "All 'n All" If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We are in the middle of our annual #MaxFunDrive! If you like what we do, and are in a good financial spot, please consider becoming a member of the network and supporting our show. maximumfun.org/join Public Enemy's debut album Yo! Bum Rush the Show enjoyed critical and commercial success back when it first landed in 1987, especially considering how controversial the album was. In fact, DJ's refused to play PE on the radio because of Chuck D's politics. Chuck and the group started working on the next album right away. It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back was released in 1988 and is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential albums of all time. No one was doing what PE was doing. Together with Hank Shocklee and the Bomb Squad's chaotic, sample heavy production, Public Enemy started a movement. The one and only Ali Shaheed Muhammad of Tribe, Lucy Pearl, and countless other projects sits down with us to discuss Public Enemy's sophomore album, the use of samples all over the place, and Flava Flav's mastery of the art of the hypeman. More on Ali Shaheed MuhammadHear Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Adrian Younge Team With Jazz Royalty on New Comp (Rolling Stone)Ali's bio on Linear LabsTwitter | InstagramMore on Public Enemy‘Nation Of Millions’: Why Public Enemy’s Masterpiece Cannot Be Held Back (UDiscoverMusic)Public Enemy Talks 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back' on Its 30th Anniversary (Pitchfork)You've Never Heard Public Enemy's 'It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back'?! (NPR)Show Tracklisting (all songs from It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back unless otherwise indicated):Cold Lampin' With FlavorBring the NoiseCaught, Can We Get A WitnessBlack Steel In The Hour of ChaosDon't Believe the HypeTerminator X to the Edge of PanicLouder Than a BombRebel Without a PauseSpoony Gee & The Treacherous Three: Love RapTerminator X to the Edge of PanicIsaac Hayes: HyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymisticBlack Steel in the Hour of ChaosLafayette Afro Rock Band: Darkest LightShow 'Em Whatcha GotTerminator X to the Edge of PanicBring the NoiseLouder Than A BombShe Watch Channel Zero?!Countdown to ArmageddonDon't Believe the HypeJames Brown: Funky DrummerX-Clan: Grand Verbalizer, What Time is It?Ice Cube: Endangered Species (Tales from the Darkside)Louder than A BombHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Chaka Khan proved she was more than capable of holding her own when she released her debut solo album, Chaka back in 1978. Before that, she was in the band Rufus and stood out from her contemporaries with her powerful voice and ability to swing from one genre to the other while still being unmistakably Chaka. She continued working with Rufus, but started venturing out and doing more solo work, and eventually released her follow up Naughty in 1980.Singer/bassist Adeline sits down with us to talk about Naughty, Chaka's voice, the funky bass lines throughout the record, and the stellar lineup Chaka was able to wrangle.More on AdelineAfter Midnight music videoCheck out Adeline's new EP, IntérimesInstagram | FacebookMore on ChakaTrailer for The Greatest Ears in TownChaka Khan’s Naughty Turns 40 (Albumism)Why Chaka Khan's Naughty Still Matters 40 Years Later (Soul Tracks)Song Tracklisting (all songs from Naughty unless otherwise indicated):Get Ready, Get SetAdeline: After MidnightWhat You DidCloudsSo NaughtyChaka Khan: Stronger Than BeforeChaka Khan: Caught in the ActOur Love's in DangerToo Much LovePrince: I Feel For YouChaka Khan: So Not To WorryChaka Khan: And The Melody Still Lingers On (Night In Tunisia)Chaka Khan: Roll Me Through the RushesChaka Khan: Better DaysGet Ready, Get SetNothing's Gonna Take You AwayMove Me No MountainNothing's Gonna Take You AwaySo NaughtyBionic Boogie: Hot ButterflyPapillonDavid Bowie: UndergroundGet Ready, Get SetSo NaughtyNatalie Cole: I've Got Love On My MindNatalie Cole: I Can't Breakaway (From You)Minnie Riperton: Inside My LoveHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Oliver continues the Alphabet Soup series and talks about his favorite albums that begin with the letter CIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

It's part 2 of our listener specials where we invited fans of the show to talk about their personal Heat Rocks. This time, Phillip Merritt AKA Lost In Williamsburg, comes down with our first official disco album, Bad Girls by Donna Summer. More on Phillip MerrittPhillip's podcast, Lost in WilliamsburgTwitter | SoundCloudMore on Bad GirlsDonna Summer’s Bad Girls Turns 40 (Albumism)BBC's review of Bad GirlsDonna performing Bad Girls on VH1 in 1999Show Tracklisting (all songs from Bad Girls unless otherwise indicated):Hot StuffDim All The LightsMy Baby UnderstandsDonna Summer: The HostageDonna Summer: Love to Love You BabyOn My HonorLuckyHarold Faltermeyer: Axel FHot StuffOur LoveNew Order: Blue MondayHot StuffBad GirlsCHIC: Le FreakThe Michael  Zager Band: Let's All ChantOne Night In A LifetimeCan't Get To Sleep At NightBad GirlsDim All The LightsSunset PeopleBad GirlsEddie Kendricks: Girl You Need A Change of MindKelis: Jerk RibsHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

When jazz trumpeter Chet Baker began to sing on his records, his voice received a polarizing response, to put it lightly. At first, critics despised his light and dreamy voice paired with minimal accompaniment. However, audiences loved it, and Chet became a household name. This album, Embraceable You, was recorded in the middle of his success, but wasn't released until 1995, about 40 years after the recording. The label thought it was "too depressing" to put out and is often forgotten about in Chet's enormous discography.Singer/songwriter Bruno Major joins us from London to talk about this long lost album, Chet's signature voice and delivery, and bringing Baker's tunes to a new audience.More on Bruno MajorOld Soul music videoCheck out Bruno's new album To Let A Good Thing DieBruno's version of Like Someone  In Love live in JakartaMore on Chet BakerLet's Get Lost, the documentary on Chet BakerBorn To Be Blue: Chet Baker In 5 Songs (NPR)Time After Time: The Lasting Legacy Of Chet Baker (uDiscover Music)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Embraceable You unless otherwise indicated):On Green Dolphin StreetSarah Vaughan: Embraceable YouNat King Cole: Embraceable YouBillie Holiday: Embraceable YouEmbraceable YouOn Green Dolphin StreetBruno Major: Old SoulChet Baker: My Funny ValentineChet Baker: Come All Ye FaithfulThe Night We Called It A DayChet Baker: You Make Me Feel So YoungLittle Girl BlueCome Rain Or Come ShineLittle Girl BlueBruno Major: Old FashionedChet Baker: I'm Old FashionedThere's A Lull In My LifeHow Long Has This Been Going OnSarah Vaughan: How Long Has This Been Going OnForgetfulThe Night We Called It A DayThere's A Lull In My LifeBruno Major: Like Someone In LoveEmbraceable YouThe Night We Called It A DayEmbraceable YouChet Baker: My IdealJoão Gilberto: UndiúAntônio Carlos Jobim: OvertureHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Oliver and Morgan discuss their favorite father/child songs, whether it be duets, a father's song about a child, or a child covering their father's music. Happy Father's Day! Stay safe and  tell us about your dad's favorite records.Show TracklistingMichael Kiwanuka: Love & HateMichael Kiwanuka: RestMichael Kiwanuka: Cold Little HeartMichael Kiwanuka: Father's ChildDonny Hathaway: The GhettoTake 6: Some Day We'll All Be FreeLalah Hathaway: A Song For You (Live @ Singapore Jazz Festival)Loudon Wainwright III: Rufus Is A Tit ManLoudon Wainwright III: The Days That We DieBabyface: The Day (That You Gave Me A Son)Earth. Wind & Fire: You & IEarth, Wind & Fire: That's the Way of the WorldThe New Holiday's: Maybe So, Maybe NoDoja Cat: Say SoCate le Bon: Are You With Me Now?Gil Scott Heron: Rivers of My FathersEd OG & Da Bulldogs: Be a Father to Your ChildEd OG & Da Bulldogs: Be a Father to Your Child (Remix)If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Today's episode is the first of two where we invited listeners of the show to talk about their personal Heat Rocks. This week, listener Jason Randall Smith sits down with us to talk about "In Visible Silence" by The Art of Noise. We discuss the prolific use of the Fairlight Sample in this album, the extremely 80s feel of it all, and its questionable placement in a certain ABC made-for-TV movie. More on JasonRadio BSOTSBondfire RadioTwitter | MixcloudMore on Art of NoiseThe Making of In Visible SilenceParanoimia w/ Max Headroom videoShow Tracklisting (all songs from In Visible Silence unless otherwise indicated):LegsPeter GunnLegsMalcolm McLaren: Buffalo GalArt of Noise: Beat BoxOpus 4LegsAfrika Bambaataa: Planet RockBackbeatParanoimiaYello: Oh YeahInstruments of Darkness (Prodigy Remix)Instruments of DarknessCamillaEye Of A NeedlePeter GunnLegsSlip Of The TongueEye Of A NeedleMoments In LoveBeat BackYELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA: StairsJean-Jacques Perrey: E.V.A.YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA: Rap PhenomenaArt of Noise: Art of LoveHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! 

Morgan continues the alphabet soup series and talks about her favorite albums that begin with the letter BIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

When Black Sheep joined the Native Tongues family in 1989, they brought an irreverent and humorous tone to the hip-hop collective. Native Tongues had lighthearted rappers in the group to begin with, but Black Sheep took it one step further. They were witty, they teased, and they flipped some iconic samples. And oh yea, and they released one of the biggest hits of the '90s, The Choice is Yours (Revisited).Writer Adam Mansbach sits down with Oliver to discuss Black Sheep's debut record, the gangsta rap blacklash happening at the time, and the more problematic parts of the record.Show Tracklisting (all songs from A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing unless otherwise indicated):Try Counting SheepFlavor of the MonthTo Whom It May ConcernHerb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass: In A Little Spanish TownFlavor of the MonthU Mean I'm NotTim Dog: Fuck ComptonU Mean I'm NotButt in the MeantimeMcCoy Tyner: ImpressionsThe Choice is Yours (Revisted)Freddie Hubbard: PovoBlack with NV (No Vision)Gary Bartz: Celestial BluesTo Whom It May ConcernBlack Sheep: Without A DoubtL A S MGimme the FingaHave U.N.E. PullShades of Brown: The Soil I Tilled For YouA Tribe Called Quest: ExcursionsHave U.N.E. PullThe Choice Is Yours (Revisited)Strobelite HoneyAre You Mad?The Choice Is YoursKMD: HumrushDe La Soul: A Rollerskating Jam Named "Saturdays"De La Soul: Skit 2Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

In August of 1991, the LA rap scene was transformed by a trio of Latino rappers from South Gate. Cypress Hill was riding hot off the success of How I Can Just Kill A Man and found a huge audience in LA. DJ Muggs' production fit in perfect with B-Real and Sen-Dog's flow and together they helped create the blueprint for a more laid-back and smoked-out style of gangsta rap, a full year before Dre's The Chronic droppedProfessor and author Felicia Angeja Viator sits down with us to discuss the LA rap scene, B-Reals unique singsong delivery, and Muggs' talent for finding the perfect loops.More on Felicia Pick up her book "To Live and Defy in LA"The Show Must Go On: Felicia Angeja Viator on “To Live and Defy in LA: How Gangsta Rap Changed America” and “The Batterram” (US History Scene)Website |TwitterMore on Cypress Hill25 Years Later, Cypress Hill's Debut Album Remains an Ahead-of-its-Time Classic (LA Weekly)Oliver's breakdown of How I Can Just Kill A ManShow Tracklisting (all songs from Cypress Hill unless otherwise indicated):Break It UpLatin LingoThe Phuncky Feel OnePigsHand On The PumpReal EstateThe Phuncky Feel OneHow I Can Just Kill A ManThe Funky Cypress Hill ShitThe Village Callers: HectorThe Funky Cypress Hill ShitHand on the PumpGene Chandler: Duke of EarlBorn to Get BusyHand on the PumpAbove the Law: Livin' Like HustlersThe Psycho Realm: The Big PaybackIce Cube: We Had To Tear This Mothafucka UpHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

On this week's bonus beats, Morgan plays her favorite music geek game and talks about her favorite albums that start with the letter AIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Professor and DJ Michael Barnes joins Oliver to talk about Sly & The Family Stone’s final album, “Small Talk” and in particular the Time for Livin’ drum break that can only be found on a specific Canadian pressing of the album. Michael also gets into the tiny but significant differences between this version and the mainstream LP. Be ready, crate diggers, this is a deep dive.

When the Wu released their debut album back in 1993, fans were eagerly awaiting every member's solo record. Method's Man's Tical and ODB's Return to the 36 Chambers came out over the next two years and did not disappoint. Raekwon the Chef was up next , but no one was really prepared for what he was about to drop. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx stood out from from the crowd, not only because of the signature purple cassette tape, but because of its influence  on mafioso rap, the introduction of Wu-Gambinos and the popularization of Cristal in rap. The one and only Havoc of Mobb Deep sits down with us to talk about this groundbreaking album, RZA's masterful production and use of samples, and the New York rap scene at the time. Get ready, folks, this right here is a true heater of an episode. More on HavocThe Infamous 25th Anniversary available nowThe Making of The Infamous (Complex)Twitter | InstagramMore on Only Built 4 Cuban LinxDavid Ma talking to Raekwon about Only Built (WaxPoetics)The Making of Only Built (XXL)Raekwon the Chef Has The Hip Hop Recipe (The LA Times) Song Tracklisting (all songs from Only Built 4 Cuban Linx unless otherwise indicated):Can It Be All So Simple (Remix)Spot RusherzMobb Deep: Eye For A Eye (Your Beef is Mines)Incarcerated ScarfacesCriminologyStriving For PerfectionMobb Deep: (The Infamous Prelude)Ice CreamEarl Klugh: A Time For LoveIncarcerated ScarfacesVerbal IntercourseCriminologyKnuckleheadzRainy DayzShark N***** (Biterz)Wu-Tang Clan: Wu-Tang: 7th ChamberHeaven & HellWisdom BodySpot RusherzGuillotineIce CreamGhostface Killah: Poisonous DartsMobb Deep: Shook Ones, Pt. IIGhostface Killah: Buck 50Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

When Testimony Vol. 1 dropped in 2006, India.Arie was still riding the success of her previous album, Voyage to India, which helped bring neo-soul and acoustic R&B to the forefront. She stood out from her contemporaries with deeply confessional and introspective songwriting. India's lyricism was somewhat polarizing when Testimony Vol. 1 was first released, but something about it hit different, especially for those of us in complicated relationships. Journalist Jarrett Hill (who cohosts FANTI here on Maximum Fun) joins us to talk about India's place in the neo-soul movement, what India's work meant to a college-aged Jarrett Hill, and what critics failed to understand when this album was first released. More on JarrettFANTI on MaxFunA selection of Jarrett's writingTwitter | InstagramMore on India.ArieI Am Not My Hair videoIndia on NPRIndia and Oprah go Soul to SoulSong Tracklisting (all songs from Testimony Vol. 1, Life & Relationship unless otherwise indicated):Private PartyHeart of the MatterIndia.Arie: VideoWings of Forgiveness*NSYNC: SelfishI ChooseBetter PeopleIndia'SongI ChooseI Am Not My HairCeCe Winans: Let Them Fall In LoveIndia'SongNas: Bye BabyTweet: ComplainIndia.Arie & Joe Sample: God Rest Ye Merry GentlemenAnita Baker: Been So LongHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

On this week's Bonus Beats, Oliver talks about covers that are more famous than the original song and tells us his favorite crate digging story. If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Albums:Erykah Badu: New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)Peabo Bryson: CrosswindsDe La Soul: De La Soul is DeadGil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson: Winter in AmericaGino Vannelli: Brother to BrotherWe wrap up our Comfort Music miniseries with picks from you, our audience. Thank you all so much for sending in your picks and testimonials. We couldn't possibly get through every submission, but know we read every recommendation and loved all of your albums. We hope you're staying safe and find some solace in the music we've discussed throughout this series. Show Tracklisting:Erykah Badu: Umm HmmErykah Badu: Window SeatWings: Arrow Through MeErykah Badu: Gone Baby Don't Be LongFabulous Souls: Take MeErykah Badu: LoveErykah Badu: Out My Mind Just In TimeErykah Badu: I Want YouErykah Badu: Green EyesErykah Badu: SometimesErykah Badu: Out My Mind Just In TimeErykah Badu: 20 Feet TallPeabo Bryson: I'm So Into YouPeabo Bryson: Point of ViewPeabo Bryson: CrosswindsPeabo Bryson: SmilePeabo Bryson: Love is Watching YouMinnie Riperton: Here We GoRegina Belle & Peabo Bryson: A Whole New WorldDe La Soul: Ring Ring RingDe La Soul: Bitties in the BK LoungeDe La Soul: Oodles of O'sDe La Soul: Millie Pulled A Pistol On SantaDe La Soul: Kicked Out The HouseDe La Soul: A Roller Skating Jam Named "Saturdays"Jungle Brothers: Behind the BushGil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson: Peace Go With Your BrotherGil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson: Your Daddy Loves YouGil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson: Rivers Of My FathersGil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson: Your Daddy Loves YouGil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson: H2OGate BluesGil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson: The BottleGino Vannelli: Brother to BrotherGino Vannelli: AppaloosaGino Vannelli: Brother to BrotherGino Vannelli: Wheels of LifeGino Vannelli: Living Inside MyselfGino Vannelli: Love & EmotionHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Producer Thes One of People Under The Stairs talks about one of the most iconic samples of all time, "Summer in the City" by Quincy Jones. We discuss why the record is so ripe for sampling, how different artists have flipped this sample to fit different moods, and if that fantastic intro is off limits after The Pharcyde used it. If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Innervisions marked a significant transition in Little Stevie Wonder's career. He began to move away from the Motown romantic ballads and towards a more conscious and experimental sound. He talked about poverty, racism, drugs, and Richard Nixon. It's an album filled with social justice anthems, made almost entirely by Stevie himself at 23 years old.  Culture critic and writer Nelson George sits down with us (remotely) to talk about Stevie embracing of new musical technology, the changing landscape of black radio at the time, and  Stevie's own transformation as an artist during the early 70sMore on Nelson GeorgeNelson George Remembers Life As A City Kid (NPR) A few of Nelson's archived articles Twitter|WebsiteMore on InnervisionsBBC's review of InnervisionsStevie Wonder Emerges As A Visionary with Innervisions (Ultimate Classic Rock)Malcolm Cecil on working with Stevie (Wax Poetics)Show Tracklisting (All songs from Innervisions unless otherwise indicated):Don't You Worry 'Bout A ThingLiving For The CityToo HighLiving For The CityToo HighNew York Voices: Too HighGolden LadyJesus Children of AmericaDon't You Worry 'Bout A ThingBarbra Streisand: All In Love Is FairHigher GroundCurtis Mayfield: Future ShockDonnie: Heaven SentHarold Melvin and the Blue Notes: Hope That We Can Be Together SoonHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

On this minisode, Oliver goes back to a few of his old reviews and discusses the extremely underrated and overlooked session musician James Gadson. Ask us a question on Facebook or Twitter @heatrockspod and we might answer it in a future Bonus Beats episode! Oliver's archived review of Dilated Peoples The Platform (Wall of Sound)Oliver's archived review of M.O.P's Warriorz (LA Weekly)James Gadson with Bill Withers on Ain't No Sunshine

We continue our Comfort Music series with Oliver and discuss his five favorite comfort albums. We talk about the often overlooked genius of Labi Siffre, the intimacy of Duke Ellington's compositions, and how Tribe helped Oliver get through the tough times.Show Tracklisting: Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong: April in ParisElla Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong: Isn't This A Lovely Day?Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong: Under a Blanket of BluesElla Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong: The Nearness of YouElla Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong: Moonlight in VermontDuke Ellington: SolitudeDuke Ellington: Where or WhenDuke Ellington: Willow Weep For MeLabi Siffre: Gimme Some MoreLabi Siffre: I Got  The...Labi Siffre: Cannock ChaseA Tribe Called Quest: Electric RelaxationA Tribe Called Quest: God Lives ThroughA Tribe Called Quest: Award TourFrank Ocean: Pink + WhiteFrank Ocean: NikesFrank Ocean: SeigfriedFrank Ocean: White FerrariHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

On this special bonus ep, Oliver talks to writer Adam Mansbach to discuss the weird and wonderful world of reggae covers. They talk about their favorite (and least favorite) covers, why reggae and hip-hop share more in common than you might think, and what aspects of a song lend themselves to a good reggae flip.More on Adam MansbachGo the F**k to SleepCheck out Adam's archived work on his websiteTwitter | WebsiteIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Albums:Earth, Wind & Fire - Spirit (1976)Vesta Williams - Vesta (1986)Anita Baker - Compositions (1990)Agent K - Feed The Cat (2002)Braxton Cook - Somewhere In Between (2007)We are kicking off our Comfort Music series this week with Morgan's five comforting albums. We discuss what exactly makes music comforting, Tower Records, and the power of pleasant voices. Show Tracklisting:Earth, Wind & Fire: SpiritEarth, Wind & Fire: ImaginationVesta Williams: Don't Blow A Good ThingVesta Williams: CongratulationsVesta Williams: You Make Me Want to (Love Again)Vesta Williams: I'm Coming BackLalah Hathaway: I'm Coming BackVesta Williams and Lalah Hathaway: I'm Coming BackVesta Williams: Be YouAnita Baker: A Perfect Love AffairAnita Baker: More Than You KnowAnita Baker: Love You To The LetterAgent K: Armz R DehYoung Disciples: As We Come (To Be)Agent K: Rideaway GetawayAgent K: HandsKaidi Tatham: These Things Shall PassBraxton Cook: FJYDBraxton Cook: I CookJill Scott: Slowly Surely (Theo Parrish Remix)Jill Scott: JilltroJill Scott: Honey MolassesHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!  

Oliver answers a couple of questions from fans on this special mid-week minisode!If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

(This episode originally aired 03/28/2019) The Album: Bill Withers: +Justments (1974)Despite the massive success of Withers's first two albums, Just As I Am and Still Bill, label problems prevented +Justments (his fourth LP) from being released on CD until 2010. As such, it's been a sleeper of an album despite how good it is. Withers was never the most confessional of artists but this album, which came about during the dissolution of Withers's marriage to Denise Nicholas (amidst accusations of abuse), is about as close to he gets to talking about his personal life via song. Meanwhile, scoring all this were former members of the Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band, as good a rhythm section that any artist in L.A. could hope to be hooked up with.+Justments was the pick by L.A. soulster Joey Dosik, who's recorded extensively with Vulfpeck but has recently branched into his solo career with his debut album from last year, Inside Voice, which includes a cover of "Stories" from Withers's album. Amongst other things, we discussed how Dosik discovered this slept-on album in his ex-girlfriend's crates, how he learned his own singing voice by studying Withers's, and how drumming great James Gadson is supernaturally clean in the pocket. Note: the first half of our episode was taped in the MaxFun kitchen on a remote rig because the power had gone out in our building. We were able to get back into the studio properly for the second half but we apologize for the uneven sound quality of the first half. More on Joey Dosik"Joey Dosik Talks NBA-Inspired 'Running Away' & Getting A Pep Talk From Quincy Jones" (Billboard)Interview with Atwood MagazineTwitter | Bandcamp | WebsiteMore on +JustmentsBomani Jones on +Justments.Review on Popmatters."Ain’t No Sunshine In Bill Withers’ Masterpiece, +’Justments" (Trunkworthy)Show Tracklisting (all songs from +Justmentsunless indicated otherwise):Ruby LeeJoey Dosik: Game WinnerStoriesBill Withers: Ain't No SunshineCan We PretendHeartbreak RoadCan We PretendHeartbreak RoadStoriesJoey Dosik: Stories (Live)Joey Dosik: StoriesRailroad ManYouGreen GrassRuby LeeShuggie Otis: Inspiration InformationStevie Wonder: VisionsHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find thereIf you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! 

Oliver answers a couple of questions from fans on this special mini episode to get you through the week.If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

After the amazing success of Sade's previous album, Love Deluxe, fans were eagerly awaiting the band's next album. Fans had to wait for 8 long years before Lovers Rock dropped in the fall of 2000. And the wait was most definitely worth it. As the title suggests, the band moved more towards  soul, R&B, and, well, lovers rock.Producer/Remixer Trackademicks sits down with us to discuss Lovers Rock on its 20th anniversary. We get into the crazy amount of Sade remixes, (including Trackademicks' own remixes), Sade's impeccable voice, and the space and patience throughout the album.More on TrackademicksTrackademicks on BandcampSF Weekly's Interview with TrackademicksTwitter | InstagramMore on Lovers RockThe Making of Lovers RockThe Fader's 2000 cover story on Sade A Peek Behind Sade's Veil of Heartbreak (The New York Times)Song Tracklisting (all songs from Lovers Rock unless otherwise indicated):By Your Side2 Player Co-Op:  No Ordinary LoveEvery WordImmigrantDroop-E: I'm LoadedSlave SongSade: No Ordinary LoveThe Neptunes: By Your Side (Remix)Cottonbelly Fola: By Your Side (Remix)Naked Music: By Your Side (Remix)Ben Watt: By Your Side (Remix)Trackademicks: Give It Up (Remix) Lovers RockSlave SongEvery WordAll About Our LoveKing of SorrowIt's Only Love That Gets You ThroughSomebody Already Broke My HeartFlowLovers RockMassive Attack: Better ThingsMassive Attack: Five Man ArmyAstrud Gilberto: Beber de AguaEsthero: Breath From AnotherAlex Isley: Into OrbitAlex Isley: Road to You (Trackademicks Remix)Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! 

Musician/composer/producer/songwriter/music director/legend Patrice Rushen joins us to discuss Minnie's debut solo album Come to My Garden. We talk about the lush orchestration courtesy of Charles Stepney, Minnie's distinct voice, and Patrice's own journey with the album. At around the 27:50 mark, Morgan incorrectly states Lynn Fiddmont's song was "I Love You", when it's actually "U R Loved" More on Patrice"Patrice Rushen Found Success in Jazz and Dance Music. She Hasn’t Been Forgotten" (The New York Times)Pop Matters' interview with PatriceWebsiteMore on Minnie RipertonMinnie Riperton – 10 of the best (The Guardian)Minnie Live on ABC 's In ConcertShow Tracklisting (all songs from Come to My Garden unless otherwise indicated):Come To My GardenOh By The WayMasters At Work: I Am The Black Gold of the Sun (Remix)Only When I'm DreamingEarth, Wind & Fire: That's the Way of the WorldExpectingLynn Fiddmont: U R LovedRamsey Lewis: Les FleursGang Starr: Jazz MusicLes FleursCompletenessRainy Day in CentervilleLes FleursRotary Connection: Memory BandMemory BandFlora Purim: You Love Me OnlyExpectingCome To My GardenOh By The WayChicago Gospel Keyboard Masters: Walk With Me LordClose Your Eyes And RememberCome to My GardenRotary Connection: Turn Me OnKadhja Bonet: ChildqueenCarleen Anderson: Morning LovingEarth, Wind & Fire: ImaginationDeniece Williams: FreeHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! 

When Kanye West first announced the follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut, The College Dropout, the biggest question on everyone's mind was "can he do it again?" And Kanye proved without a doubt that he can. He enlisted composer/producer Jon Brion to help create a much more lush and dense record. They dug through the crates and flipped some fantastic records and collaborated with some of the biggest artists at the time, like Jay, Nas,  Jamie Foxx, even Adam Levine came into the studio for this one.Fellow producer-turned-rapper Cam O'bi sits down with us to discuss  Kanye West's sophomore album, Late Registration. We talk about the prolific use of samples on the album, the changing image of Kanye at the time, and the influence it had on Cam's own producing techniques.More on CamCam's single "Tenderheaded" featured on NPRBeat Break: Cam O'bi Shares the Story Behind His 5 Biggest Songs (DJ Booth)Bandcamp | TwitterMore on Late RegistrationEvery sample used on Late Registration (Bandstand)How Kanye West Handed In A Stone-Cold Classic (uDiscoverMusic)Heard 'Em Say animated by Bill PlymptonShow Tracklisting (all songs from Late Registration unless otherwise indicated):Gold Digger (Radio Edit)Cam O'bi: PerfectJay-Z: This Can't Be LifeCelebrationLupe Fiasco: Kick PushDiamonds From Sierra Leone (remix)Skit #1Heard 'Em SayNoname: YesterdayNoname: Shadow ManCinderella (1950): Sing Sweet NightingaleNoname: Diddy BopHeard 'Em SayKanye West: ImpossibleWe MajorOrange Krush: ActionWe MajorAddictionTouch the SkyCurtis Mayfield: Move On UpTouch the SkyDrive SlowCowboy Bebop: Tank!Akifumi Tada: White IceLateSean Rose: TomorrowGold DiggerGoneThe Whatnauts: I'll Erase Away the PainLateThe Kay-Gees: Heavenly DreamCelebrationDiamonds from Sierra Leone (remix)Kanye West: Love LockdownDrive SlowJay-Z: Izzo (H.O.V.A.)Common: ResurrectionPink Floyd: MoneyHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Björk's  sophomore album Post marked a significant change in the singer/songwriter's career. For one, it was heavy; the growl of her voice, the grittiness of the instrumentation on songs like Army of Me, the music videos directed by Michel Gondry. Post was also much more unpredictable that her first solo album Debut. Björk collaborated with a ton of different producers like Tricky, Graham Massey, Howie B, and Nellee Hooper, who all brought in their unique flavor to this eclectic album.Writer and critic Emily Yoshida joins us to discuss Post, the truly wild videos released for this album, and the many characters of Björk's voice.More on Emily Emily's work on VultureThe Night Call podcast with Emily, Molly Lambert, and  Tess LynchTwitter | InstagramMore on PostPitchfork's retrospective review of PostBjork's video for Army of MeShow Tracklisting (all songs from Post unless otherwise indicated):Possibly MaybeHyperballadEnjoyArmy of MeIt's Oh So QuietBjörk: Litli Tonlistarmadurinn Betty Hutton: It's Oh So QuietIt's Oh So QuietPossibly MaybeDJ Shadow: Mutual SlumpHyperballadMartin White: Army of MeIsobelIt's Oh So QuietI Miss YouHyperballadRufus Wainwright: Greek SongFKA twigs: mary magdaleneHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We have reached the end of the Music and Popcorn series, where we invite folks from the world of TV and film to discuss their favorite soundtracks!This week, Drea Clark of Who Shot Ya (here on MaxFun) joins us to talk about the High Fidelity OST. We discuss how the film has aged over the past 20 years, the absolute absurd amount of placements in the film, and our favorite unexpected music moments in other films. More on DreaWho Shot Ya? on Maximum FunThe Bentonville Film FestivalTwitter | InstagramMore on High FidelityJack Black performing Let's Get It OnRoger Ebert's review of High FidelityHigh Fidelity Found Romance in a Record Store in 2000 (The Hollywood Reporter)Show Tracklisting (all songs from the High Fidelity soundtrack unless otherwise indicated):Always See Your FaceLo Boob OscillatorBow Wow Wow: I Want CandyMost of the TimeOh Sweet Nuthin'Everybody's Gonna Be HappyYou're Gonna Miss MeDry the RainJack Black: Let's Get it OnI Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)KRS-One: Outta HereEcho and the Bunnymen: People Are StrangeNick Cave: Red Right HandPixies: Where Is My MindLos Lobos: Sabor A MiHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We are nearly at the end of our Music and Popcorn miniseries here on Heat Rocks, where we talk about our favorite movie soundtracks with folks from the world of TV and film! This week, April Wolfe of the Switchblade Sisters podcast here on MaxFun joins us to discuss Whitney's showstopping performances, the iconic fits, and how a 2020 version of The Bodyguard might look like. More on April Wolfe Her film podcast Switchblade Sisters  Her interview with Forbes Twitter | Instagram More on The Bodyguard Whitney performing "I Have Nothing" in 1996 (USA Today) This Is How The Biggest Movie Soundtrack Of All Time Got Made (Buzzfeed) Show Tracklisting (all songs from The Bodyguard soundtrack unless otherwise indicated): Run to You I Have Nothing Jesus Loves Me I Will Always Love You I'm Every Woman It's Gonna Be A Lovely Day Run to You Queen of the Night Someday (I'm Coming Back) I Have Nothing John Doe: I Will Always Love You I Will Always Love You What's So Funny 'Bout Peace Love And Understanding Jesus Loves Me Whitney Houston: Step By Step Mista Grimm: Indo Smoke Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We are on week three of our Music and Popcorn miniseries and we could not be more excited to have The Ringer's own Sean Fennessey with us to talk about the soundtrack to the Ernest Dickerson classic, Juice. We discuss the importance of New York rap in the film,the unique place Juice has in the lineage of hip-hop movies in the early 90s, and the...let's say questionable portrayal of the art of DJing More on Sean Sean's profile on The Ringer Twitter | Instagram More on Juice Yo! MTV Raps' Interview with Tupac on the set of Juice Interview with Ernest Dickerson on the 25th anniversary of Juice (Shadow and Act) Juice fresh 20 years on (The Guardian) Show Tracklisting (all songs from the Juice soundtrack unless otherwise indicated): 'Nuff Respect It's Going Down People Get Ready (remix) 2Pac: Hit Em Up The Village Callers: Hector Aaron Hall: Don't Be Afraid (Sex You Down Some Mo' Version) Special Ed: I Got It Made Uptown Anthem Flipside Jamal: Fades Em All Juice (Know The Ledge) Is It Good To You Uptown Anthem Juice (Know The Ledge) Cypress Hill: How I Can Just Kill A Man What Could Be Better Bitch 2Pac: Never Had A Friend Like Me Pete Rock & CL Smooth: One In A Million The Dogg Pound: Big Pimpin' Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We are in the middle of our Music and Popcorn series, where we talk to our favorite folks from the world of film and TV about the soundtracks they love. This week, Renée Bever of the podcast Attack of the Queerwolf sits down with us to talk about the "Us" soundtrack and score.  We talk about the masterfully creepy Luniz flip, the infamous Ophelia/police scene, and whether Lupita Nyong'o was snapping on beat. More on Renée Renée's podcast Attack of the Queerwolf Instagram | Twitter More on Us Jordan Peele's Spotify Takeover Straight From the Underground: The Frighteningly Good Music of ‘Us’ (The Ringer) Interview with Michael Abels, composer for Us (Slate) Show Tracklisting (all songs from the Us soundtrack unless otherwise indicated): I Got 5 On It (Tethered Mix) Q Lazzarus: Goodbye Horses Bette Davis: I've Written A Letter to Daddy Queen: Don't Stop Me Now Low Shoulder: Through The Trees I Like That Bay All-Stars: I Got 5 On It Fuck Tha Police Les Fleurs Henry Mancini: Lujon Femme Fatale I Got 5 On It Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This is the first of a five episode miniseries we're calling Music and Popcorn, where we talk to guests from the world of film and TV about great soundtracks.  This week, it's a special medley episode, featuring our past interviews with Eliza Skinner, Tre'vell Anderson, Luis Xtravaganza, and the folks from Heatbreak Radio discussing their favorite movie OSTs  And if you like these snippets, go back and check out the full episodes in our archives! Show Tracklisting: The Psychedelic Furs: Pretty In Pink Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark: If You Leave Jesse Johnson: Get To Know Ya Modern English: I Melt With You The Psychedelic Furs: Pretty In Pink Otis Redding: Try A Little Tenderness New Order: Thieves Like Us (Instrumental) Faye Wong: Dream-Person Dennis Brown: Things in Life Flying Pickets: Only You Los Indios Tabajaras: Always in My Heart Nat King Cole: Quizás, Quizás, Quizás Mamas & the Papas: California Dreamin' Dennis Brown: Things in Life Dinah Washington: What A Diff'rence A Day Makes John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John: You're The One That I Want John Travolta & Jeff Conaway: Greased Lightnin' Stockard Channing: There Are Worse Things I Can Do Alison Moyet: There Are Worse Things I Can Do Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You Sha Na Na: Born To Hand Jive John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John: Summer Nights Sha Na Na: Born To Hand Jive Frankie Valli: Grease John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John: We Go Together Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, Anika Noni Rose: Dreamgirls Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy, Anika Noni Rose: Fake Your Way to the Top Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, Anika Noni Rose: Move Eddie Murphy, Keith Robinson, Anika Noni Rose: Patience Jennifer Hudson: And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

When Manu Chao announced he would be releasing his first solo album, fans around the world were both elated and hesitant. Manu's previous albums with his band Mano Negra were both critically and commercially successful, but the band's breakup was ugly and Manu was running around Central/South America, playing bar shows for three years before he started work on the album.  Clandestino was initially released to little mainstream success, but eventually found its audience around the world. It tackled issues like social injustice and immigration and spoke to the displaced. It spoke truth to power. Writer and academic Josh Kun sits down with Oliver and guest host Ernest Hardy to talk about the power of politically charged music, the nomadic production of this album, and the term "world music." More on Clandestino Clandestino: the story of Manu Chao's classic album (The Guardian) At 20, Manu Chao's 'Clandestino' Remains a Radical and Compassionate Work of Art (Remezcla)  More on Josh Kun The Autograph Book of LA Josh on KCRW's Press Play Website | Twitter Show tracklisting (all songs from Clandestino unless otherwise indicated): Clandestino Desaparecido Dia luna...dia pena Rosalia: Catalina Desaparecido Bongo Bong Roy Eldridge: King of the Bongo Bong Mano Negra: King of the Bongo Black Uhuru: Bull in the Pen Mario Winans: Never Really Was (Remix) Bongo Bong Je ne t'aime plus Bongo Bong El viento Afrosound: Tira al Blanco Malegria Welcome to Tijuana Por el suelo Manu Chao: Welcome to Tijuana (Live) Ana Tijoux: 1977 Stromae: tous le memes Ana Tijoux: Somos Sur Coldplay: Arabesque MIA: Hussel Negu Gorriak: Radio Rahim Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: D'Angelo Voodoo (2000) Tall Black Guy, AKA Terrel Wallace, has been making beats and remixing artists like 79.5, Stro Elliot, and Moonchild, for a long time. Listen to any one of his songs and you'll understand why he's one of the best producers out there and why we were so excited to talk to him. It's no surprise that his personal heat rock (and ours) was "Voodoo" by D'Angelo. Making the album was no small feat. D'Angelo took a long break between albums to learn more about playing the guitar, and linked up with the Soulquarians to lay down some of the funkiest, most eclectic, and just plain hottest tracks of all-time. It took nearly 5 years to make, but the wait was worth it. Morgan is flying solo and talked to TBG about the wide range of D'Angelo's influences, the shift from "Brown Sugar" to "Voodoo," and D'Angelo's personal shift from neo soul darling to full-on sex symbol. More on Tall Black Guy Tall Black Guy on Bastard Jazz Hyp 203: Tall Black Guy Twitter | Soundcloud More on Voodoo Voodoo - Review (Pitchfork) D'Angelo and Questlove Bare the Roots of "Voodoo"" (NPR) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Voodoo unless indicated otherwise): Send It On Tall Black Guy: O Fim da Viagem Playa Playa Snoop Dogg: Gin and Juice Chicken Grease Feel Like Makin' Love Spanish Joint The Line One Mo'Gin Spanish Joint Greatdayndamornin'/Booty - Medley Left and Right Red Astaire: Follow Me Untitled (How Does It Feel) Prince: She's Always In My Hair D'Angelo: She's Always In My Hair 14KT: She's Always In My Hair Africa Send It On Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

It's easy to think of Nat King Cole as "that Christmas song guy" but his musical output is truly astounding, recording hundreds of songs with over a hundred of them becoming hits on the pop charts. The Complete Capitol Recordings of the Nat King Cole Trio is by far the largest album we've ever discussed on Heat Rocks and we couldn't have asked for better guests to come break it down with us.   Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding of the Switched on Pop podcast sit down with us to talk about this enormous anthology, the timbre of Cole's voice, and the ubiquity of the AABA song structure. Stay tuned to the very end for a special Heat Rocks theme song workshop. More on Switched on Pop Get Charlie and Nate's book! Check out the Switched on Pop podcast Nate's Twitter | Charlie's Twitter More on Nat King Cole Nat King Cole: An Incandescent Voice (NPR) Della Reese on Nat King Cole Show Tracklisting (all songs from The Complete Capitol Recordings unless otherwise indicated): All for You John Pizzarelli: The Best Man The Best Man (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons An Old Piano Plays the Blues I'm In The Mood For Love Sweet Lorraine Embraceable You (1943 version) Embraceable You (1961 version) I've Got A Way With Women Jonas Brothers: Sucker Prelude in C Sharp Minor The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) Nature Boy Ahmed Sirour: Nature Boy Can You Look Me In The Eyes (And Say We're Through) I'm An Errand Boy for Rhythm The Frim Fram Sauce  Embraceable You (1961 version) Nat King Cole: Almost Like Being in Love Kendrick Lamar: Thanksgiving An Old Piano Plays the Blues John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman: My One and Only Love Brook Benton: Mother Nature, Father Time Speedy West: Speedin' West Slim & Slam: Jump Session Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We here at Heat Rocks talk a lot about Prince, and this marks the FIFTH episode where we're discussing an album of his. Around in the World in a Day incorporated more psychedelia and a wider variety of instruments, which made for a much more eclectic and unconventional album. This is also Morgan's favorite episode, so we couldn't be more excited to talk about this magnificent album. Wendy & Lisa of the Revolution come down to the studio to talk about creating this record with Prince, the funkiness of the record, and what life was like working alongside his purpleness for all those years.  This is a very special episode you definitely do not want to miss. More on Wendy & Lisa Wendy and Lisa on Prince (Esquire) Website | Twitter More on Around the World in a Day Prince's First Ever TV Interview (MTV) Prince: In appreciation of a virtuoso, enduring genius (The Independent) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Around the World in a Day unless otherwise indicated): Raspberry Beret Around the World in a Day Prince: Annie Christian America Pop Life Paisley Park Raspberry Beret Condition of the Heart The Ladder Tamborine America Raspberry Beret Around the World in a Day Paisley Park Condition of the Heart Prince: Uptown Wendy & Lisa: I Will The Family: Screams of Passion  Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Oliver's albums Erykah Badu's New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) (2010) Laura Mvula's Sing to the Moon (2013) Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly (2015) Frank Ocean's Blonde (2016) Tyler, The Creator's Flower Boy (2017) Morgan's albums Thundercat's The Golden Age of the Apocalypse (2011) Robert Glasper Experiment's Black Radio (2012) Beyoncé's Beyoncé (2013) D'Angelo's Black Messiah (2014) Kamasi Washington's The Epic (2015) Oliver and Morgan are kicking off the new decade and talking about their favorite albums from the 2010s. They discuss their own personal journeys through the decade and the changes in the music industry in general.  Happy new year, Heat Rockers. Hope you all have a great one! Show Tracklisting: Erykah Badu: Fall in Love (Your Funeral) Tyler, the Creator: See You Again Robert Glasper Experiment: Ah Yeah Kendrick Lamar: Momma Beyoncé: Drunk in Love Frank Ocean: Nights Erykah Badu: Love Erykah Badu: Out My Mind, Just In Time Erykah Badu: 20 Feet Tall Laura Mvula: Like the Morning Dew Laura Mvula: Father Father Laura Mvula: She Kendrick Lamar: Alright Kendrick Lamar: Wesley's Theory Kendrick Lamar: Complexion (A Zulu Love) Kendrick Lamar: For Sale? - Interlude Frank Ocean: Pink + White Frank Ocean: Godspeed Frank Ocean: Self Control Tyler, the Creator: Glitter Tyler, the Creator: See You Again Thundercat: Daylight Thundercat: Walkin' Robert Glasper Experiment: Cherish the Day Robert Glasper: Portrait of an Angel Robert Glasper Experiment: Move Love Robert Glasper Experiment: Black Radio Beyoncé: Haunted Beyoncé: Drunk in Love Beyoncé: Partition D'Angelo: Really Love D'Angelo: 1000 Deaths Kamasi Washington: The Message Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Albums: Vince Guraldi's A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) Andy Williams' The Andy Williams Christmas Album (1963) Stax Records' Christmas in Soulsville (2007) Heat Rocks was hyped to have film critic Alonso Duralde (The Wrap), one of the hosts of Maximum Fun's movie podcast Who Shot Ya? guest with us to talk about our favorite Christmas songs, holiday fare, songs that should play when it's cold outside, baby. We visit the canon of Christmas music over the years (Andy Williams 1963 The Christmas Album, Vince Guaraldi Trio's A Charlie Brown Christmas and Stax Record's 2007 compilation Christmas In Soulsville and across genres and styles - crooners, sweeping orchestral cinematic pieces, summer songs vs. winter songs, modern Christmas traditions, etc. Alonso broke down the power of nostalgia as it relates to Christmas music and how our tastes in music are informed by tradition. Don't be a grinch. Listen to this wintery wonderland of an episode about favorite Christmas tracks. More on Alonso Duralde Alonso's podcast, Linoleum Knife Alonso on Maximum Fun Twitter Show Tracklisting Andy Williams: The Christmas Song The Waitresses: Christmas Wrapping The Shins: Wonderful Christmastime Tracey Thorn: Snow Yogi Yorgesson: I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas Boyz II Men: Let It Snow Band-Aid: Do They Know It's Christmas Andy Williams: O Holy Night Andy Williams: Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells Andy Williams: It'as The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Andy Williams: Sweet Little Jesus Boy Andy Williams: White Christmas Vince Guraldi Trio: Christmas Time is Here (Vocal) Vince Guraldi Trio: Christmas Time is Here (Instrumental) Vince Guraldi Trio: My Little Drum Vince Guraldi Trio: What Child Is This Vince Guraldi Trio:Skating Vince Guraldi Trio: Hark, The Herald Angels Ring Otis Redding: Merry Christmas Baby take 1 The Staple Singers: Who Took The Merry Out of Christmas Albert King: Santa Claus Wants Some Loving The Emotions: Black Christmas Isaac Hayes: The Mistletoe and Me Booker T and the M.G.'s: Winter Wonderland take 2 Nate Dogg: Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto Little Johnny Taylor: Please Come Home For Christmas Juice Crew: Cold Chillin' Christmas The Free Design: Close Your Mouth (It's Christmas) Kenny Bobien: O Come Let Us Adore Him Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

2016 was a hard year, to say the least. We lost Prince, David Bowie, Phife Dawg, Sharon Jones, and many others that year. And on top of that, we here in the US had to reckon with the results of the presidential election. On November 11th 2016, A Tribe Called Quest dropped their final album, We Got It From Here...Thank You 4 Your Service, with verses from Phife himself. It came at a time we needed Tribe the most. It went Gold and was widely regarded as one of the best albums of the year. Comedian Cristela Alonzo sat down with us to talk about We Got It From Here and why it quite literally changed the course of her life. We talk about the use of samples and how Tribe was able to update their sound for a modern audience without compromising the mission statement and production style that made them famous all those years ago. More on Cristela Alonzo Cristela's new book Music to My Years is out now Laughing in Color: Cristela Alonzo on Finding Her Voice Through Comedy (WNYC) Twitter | Instagram More on We Got It From Here...Thank You 4 Your Service Oliver's review of the album for NPR A Tribe Called Quest's Soundtrack to the Resistance (The Village Voice) Life Goes On With A Tribe Called Quest (The AV Club) Show Tracklisting (All songs from We Got It From Here...Thank You 4 Your Service unless otherwise indicated): The Donald The Space Program We The People... Curtis Mayfield: We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue Dis Generation Kids... Elton John: Bennie and the Jets Solid Wall of Sound Nairobi Sisters: Promised Land Whateva Will Be Dis Generation Conrad Tokyo We The People Black Spasmodic Melatonin Lost Somebody Conrad Tokyo J Dilla: U-Love Gang Starr: Bad Name 2pac: Changes Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

What's Going On? On May 21, 1971, Marvin Gaye released his eleventh studio album asking this simple question. It was a risky move, for sure. Gaye was at the height of his career and this new album was heavy, focusing on things affecting his community like drug abuse, poverty, injustice and the Vietnam War. People might not have been expecting this, but it was what he wanted to make. Fortunately, the gamble paid off. What's Going On went on to sell over two million copies and is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, and it's not hard to see why. It's a timeless record, as true back in 1971 as it is now.  Father Amde of The Watts Prophets sits down with Morgan to talk about why this album was so groundbreaking, how he got to know Marvin Gaye when he was was still with us, and what Marvin might be talking about if her were here now. More on The Watts Prophets "Watts Poetic" (TheLAand Magazine) Biography on The Watts Prophets (Hip Hop Scriptures) Website More on What's Going On The Story of Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' (NPR) Marvin Gaye's 1971 "What's Going On?" remains unanswered today (The Conversation) Show Tracklisting (All songs from What's Going On unless indicated otherwise): Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky) What's Happening Brother What's Going On Watts Prophets: Pain BB King: Every Day I Have the Blues Marvin Gaye: Soldier's Plea Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Save the Children Curtis Mayfield: We Got To Have Peace Save The Children Wholy Holy Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky) James Brown: King Heroin Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) What's Going On Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We've talked a ton of gospel here on Heat Rocks, but this episode marks the first time we've discussed a full gospel album on the show, and from none other than one of the very first gospel quartets, The Sensational Nightingales.  The group was formed in 1942 as simply The Nightingales, but it wasn't until 1946 and the introduction of the sensational singer Julius Cheeks when the band really began to hit their stride. The quartet still tours to this day, albeit with a slightly different lineup, but the soul and tradition of Southern black gospel music is alive and well.   Singer/songwriter Van Hunt joins us in the studio to talk about his personal connection to gospel music, the influence of the Sensational Nightingales, and how artists can make the move from gospel to secular music. More on Van Hunt The re-imagined first album, TRIM Seconds of Pleasure (Live at WFUV) Website | Twitter More on The Sensational Nightingales The group's take on the gospel classic Hold On Profile by the National Museum of African American Music Show Tracklisting (All songs from It's Gonna Rain Again unless indicated otherwise): The Last Mile Dionne Farris: Hopeless Van Hunt: Seconds of Pleasure Hold to God's Hand At the Meeting A Heart Like Thine Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers: Be With Me Jesus (Live) Van Hunt: Hello, Goodbye Anthony Hamilton and the Hamiltones: Hotline Bling DeWayne Crocker Jr, Kelontae Gavin, Keyla Richardson, and Mikel Simmons: Hold On At the Meeting The Old Account Carlton Pierson: Old School Medley It's Gonna Rain Again At Calvary A Heart Like Thine Sly Stone: Walking in Jesus Name It's Gonna Rain Again The Davis Sisters: Twelve Gates to the City Silvergate Quartet: I'm Going Down in Jesus Name The Daytonians: Let Jesus Work it Out Dr Charles Hayes and Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir: Jesus Can Work it Out Karizma: Work it Out Sam Cooke & The Soul Stirrers: Jesus Gave Me Water Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This episode originally ran 07/26/2018 The Album: Boyz II Men: II (1994) Phil Yu is better known to most as Angry Asian Man...except that he isn't actually all that angry (though he is Asian and a man). Phil started his titular site nearly 20 years ago and since then, it has become an indispensable news resource about Asian American culture, politics and related issues. Phil, along with Jeff Yang, also hosts his own Asian American culture podcast, They Call Us Bruce. Phil wanted to revisit one of the big hit albums of his youth: II by Boyz II Men. By '94, the group was already one of the biggest acts in all of R&B and expectations were beyond high for the follow-up. The quartet of crooners from Philly didn't disappoint as II continued the group's reign at the top, especially thanks to smooth ballads like "Water Runs Dry," "On Bended Knee" and of course, "I'll Make Love To You." (The three of us couldn't stop laughing when we were discussing the majesty that was the video for that single. Shout out to sexy finger wags.) More on Phil Yu Interview with KoreAm Magazine. "Becoming Angry Asian Man" (Profile on NBC Asian America) They Call Us Bruce podcast Website | Twitter More on II "Boyz II Men at the Head of the Class" (New York Times, 1994) "Boyz II Men Talk Incredible 1994 Run" (Billboard, 2014) Show Tracklisting (all songs from II unless indicated otherwise): Thank You I'll Make Love To You Damar Jackson: No Protection Thank You Boyz II Men: End of the Road I Sit Away LL Cool J: Hey Lover Khalil - Interlude Yesterday Water Runs Dry On Bended Knee I'll Make Love To You On Bended Knee Boyz II Men: A Song For Mama Jezzebel Jazmine Sullivan: Round Midnight Water Runs Dry If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

“Don’t talk, just listen.” Jodeci announced themselves to the world on their 1991 debut album, Forever My Lady. They didn’t invent new jack swing but few R&B groups so seamlessly melded the bravado of hip-hop style with soulful pipes that could melt hearts and quicken pulses. Backed by the musical mentorship of Al B. Sure and A&R-ed by a young Uptown intern named Sean “Puffy” Combs, Jodeci all but heralded the end of ‘80s quiet storm respectability and stepped left of the youthful innocence of early New Edition and even the genteel charm of their contemporaries, Boyz II Men. K-Ci, JoJo, Mr. Dalvin and DeVanté Swing were the self-proclaimed “bad boys of R&B” and they wore that attitude on their sleeve and in their songs.   Forever My Lady was the pick of our guest, UCLA professor, Dr. Shana Redmond who studies popular music, race and politics. Her first book, from 2014, was Anthem: Social Movements and the Sound of Solidarity in the African Diaspora and she’s currently working on two new books including Everything Man about the life and legacy of singer, actor and activist Paul Robeson. She discovered Jodeci at the precocious age of 11 and along with Morgan and Oliver, they discussed how Jodeci cut a different path into R&B of the era, whether the album’s ballads or dance jams aged better, and whether or not Jodeci covering the ‘60s pop group, The Association, was a wise decision or not.    More on Shana Redmond Interview on Left of Black with Mark Anthony Neal How Do You Like It? podcast episode alongside Evelyn McDonnell and Alice Bag Website | Twitter More on Forever My Lady “Jodeci “Forever My Lady”: A 25th Anniversary Retrospective” (Dart Adams) “How Jodeci’s ‘Forever My Lady’ Influenced Generations of Male Singers” (The Boombox) “Jodeci’s Forever My Lady Was Revolutionary for Me, a Church Boy From Okla.” (The Root) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Forever My Lady unless indicated otherwise): Forever My Lady Stay Pebbles: Love Makes Things Happen MC Hammer: Addams Groove Come and Talk to Me 112: Cupid It's Alright Interlude (553 - Nasty) Stay U and I Come And Talk To Me Jodeci: Feenin (Remix) The Association: Cherish Cherish X's We Share Forever My Lady   Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Saul Williams is super talented.  The multi-hyphenate artist not only has a way with words, he has an ear for heat rocks.  And apparently kept a fire starting five in his CD changer.  We were fortunate enough to have him bring his ear and words to the booth to discuss Portishead's debut album "Dummy" on Heat Rocks. Brooklyn meets Bristol in Atlanta, at a time when Saul was discovering global sounds, immersing himself in culture and scholarship - in other words, he and the album were both in the right place at the right time. We spoke about Beth Ortons haunting vocals, the rise of the trip hop genre, sampling as an aesthetic, lyrical ingenuity and why Atlanta’s club scene was unmatched in the 90s.   More on Saul Williams Saul's Tiny Desk Concert Saul's new album, Encrypted & Vulnerable Website | Twitter More on Dummy Pitchfork's review of Portishead Portishead's Dummy is 25. The Band Asks That You Play it Loud (The New York Times) Portishead's first TV appearance Show Tracklisting (all songs from Dummy unless indicated otherwise): Sour Times Saul Williams: Fight Everything Mysterons Gang Starr: No Shame In My Game Young Disciples: As We Come (To Be) Cleveland Watkiss: Project 23 Omar: Need You Bad Mysterons Numb Glory Box Tricky: Hell is Round the Corner Glory Box It Could Be Sweet Sade: No Ordinary Love It Could Be Sweet Sour Times Lalo Schifrim: Danube Incident Isaac Hayes: Ike's Rap II Glory Box Strangers It's A Fire Pedestal It Could Be Sweet Esthero: Superheroes Isaac Hayes: Walk On By Nearly God: Poems Goldie: Mother Soho: Hot Music Fela Kuti: Lady   Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Emotions started out singing gospel as The Hutchinson Sunbeams, but when they signed a deal with Stax/Volt, they changed their name and switched to soul/R&B. They enjoyed modest success during those years, charting on the Hot 100, but Stax was going bankrupt, and The Emotions were left stranded.  The group moved to Columbia Records and met Maurice White, who helped produce the biggest hits in their careers. "The Best of My Love" rocketed up the charts and reached the top spot on Billboard Pop and R&B and their album Rejoice went Platinum.  Critic and professor Tisa Bryant talks to Oliver and guest co-host Ernest Hardy about the change in sound between the Stax/Volt and Columbia Records years, the role Maurice and Charles Stepney played in the production of this album, and The Emotions' place in the vast world of girl groups.   More on Tisa Tisa's book, Unexplained Presence The Hybridized Writings of Tisa Bryant (KCET) Twitter More on The Emotions The Emotions on Stax Records Wattstax trailer An 'Emotional' Success Story (The New York Times) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Rejoice unless indicated otherwise): Best of My Love The Emotions: Peace Be Still The Emotions: Flowers A Long Way to Go Bebe and Cece Winans: Heaven Blessed Deniece Williams: Free Blessed Key to My Heart Don't Ask My Neighbors A Feeling Is Best of My Love Don't Ask My Neighbors Best of My Love Don't Ask My Neighbors A Long Way to Go Rejoice The Emotions: Blind Alley The Emotions: Show Me How The Emotions: Peace Be Still (Live at Wattstax) The Emotions: We Go Through Changes Love Unlimited: If You Want Me, Say It Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Album: Herbie Hancock: Thrust (1974)   Thrust followed on the heels of Herbie Hancock’s genre-altering best-seller Head Hunters album, one in which the gifted keyboardist and composer played with new conceptions of fusion jazz and synthesizer technology. Thrust, in many ways, could be considered a second half to Head Hunters; recorded within months of its predecessors with almost all the same players. Once again, Hancock and his team plumbed the possibilities of mixing funk rhythms with jazz improvisation, resulting in four tracks of fusion fire that, to our guest Jason Concepcion, marked a high point before a onslaught of “smooth jazz” would dial everything down.    Concepcion is perhaps best known to people as a basketball savant as a staff writer for The Ringer and Emmy-winning producer behind their NBA Desktop segment. I first discovered him via Twitter, thanks to his expert, witty writing as @netw3rk. However, for all his sports acumen, Concepcion is also Berkelee School-trained, having once attended there with the ambition of going into film composition. Thrust was a revelatory way in which he engaged with the possibilities of jazz, soul and funk experimentations. During our conversation, we discussed Hancock’s penchant for innovation in that era, the highs and lows of 1970s fusion jazz plus we took a side trip into the current state of the 365 day NBA “season.”   More on Jason Concepcion Ringer archive Jason on what Whiplash got right and wrong about music school (Grantland) Twitter | Instagram More on Thrust Album liner notes collection LP review (Sputnik Music) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Thrust unless indicated otherwise): Palm Grease Spank-A-Lee Butterfly Actual Proof Van Halen: Cathedral Spank-A-Lee Palm Grease Herbie Hancock: Watermelon Man Herbie Hancock: Rockit Palm Grease Weather Report: Young and Fine Rusty Bryant: Fire Eater Grover Washington Jr.: Hydra Actual Proof Rhodes Piano Demo Actual Proof Butterfly toe: two moons Palm Grease Gil Scott Heron & Brian Jackson: Peace Go With You Brother Herbie Hancock: Chameleon Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!  

No single artist has come up on this show more than The Purple One and it's not hard to see why. His enormous discography is filled to the brim with timeless records and undeniable fire.  Parade came at an interesting time in Prince's career; it would be the last album he recorded with The Revolution and was, ostensibly, the soundtrack to Prince's film Under the Cherry Moon, a critical and commercial flop. Parade endured and became one of his best selling albums, garnering near universal praise and launched his already successful career into the stratosphere.  Writer and artist Gabrielle Civil joins Oliver and guest co-host Ernest Hardy in the studio to discuss Under the Cherry Moon, the chances Prince took with the production of Parade, and the role of women in his world.  More on Gabrielle Civil Gabrielle's memoir in performance art Swallow The Fish The Text is my Body: A Conversation with Gabrielle Civil (The Rumpus) Website  More on Parade Prince's Parade Stakes a Claim to Popularity (New York Times) BBC's review of Parade Show Tracklisting (all songs from Parade unless indicated otherwise) Do U Lie Life Can Be So Nice Venus De Milo Christopher Tracy's Parade I Wonder U Under the Cherry Moon Girls & Boys I Wonder U Prince: Old Friends 4 Sale Sometimes It Snows in April Meshell Ndegeocello: Sometimes It Snows in April Sometimes It Snows in April Life Can Be So Nice Anotherloverholenyohead Kiss Prince: When Doves Cry I Wonder U Under the Cherry Moon Kiss  Anotherloverholenyohead Christopher Tracy's Parade New Position Sometimes It Snows in April Stevie Wonder: Send One Your Love Aretha Franklin: Something He Can Feel Camille: 1,2,3 Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Although Grease was originally a somewhat raunchy Broadway musical, the film and the soundtrack (released 2 months ahead of the film's release) has left a lasting impact on millions of young adults the world over. Its relatable themes and catchy tunes have stuck with audiences, even 40 years after its initial release. The soundtrack contained numbers performed by the cast and more than a few songs by 1950s revivalist band, Sha Na Na. It went on to top the Billboard music charts, selling over 8 million copies, and helped launch Olivia Newton-John's career into a completely different direction. It also spawned a sequel, a recent live television special, and just this year, a Rydell High spinoff was just ordered by HBO. Dancer and choreographer Luis Xtravaganza joins Oliver and guest co-host Ernest Hardy to discuss his love of the soundtrack, the influence it had on his career, and why you just can't not dance to so many of these earworms. Grease is the word. More on Luis Xtravaganza Werque podcast Luis' werque dance classes Instagram | Facebook More on the Grease OST Grease is the Word (People) "How Grease Beat the Odds and Became the Biggest Movie Musical of the 20th Century" (Vanity Fair) Grease Turns 40 (Hollywood Reporter) Show Tracklisting (all songs from the Grease soundtrack unless indicated otherwise) You're the One That I Want Greased Lightnin' Grease Summer Nights There Are Worse Things I Can Do Alone At A Drive In Movie Michelle Pfeiffer: Cool Rider Alison Moyet: There Are Worse Things I Can Do Hopelessly Devoted to You Olivia Newton-John: I Honestly Love You Born to Hand Jive Summer Nights Born to Hand Jive Grease We Go Together Blondie: Tide Is High We Go Together The Shirelles: Tonight's the Night Jennifer Hudson: And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going Yvonne Elliman: If I Can't Have You Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Whitney Houston My Love Is Your Love (1998) What was initially supposed to be a greatest hits compilation ended up being a full-on album. Whitney got everyone on this record. Babyface, Kelly Price, Faith Evans, Missy, and even Mariah Carey, all came into the studio to help create a true heat rock; four times platinum, six Grammy nominations, and the Oscar for Best Original Song/ Writer and critic Gerrick Kennedy joins Oliver and Morgan in the studio to talk about Whitney's move to hip-hop, her growth as an artist from her last studio album, and how this record helped celebrate black womanhood in a way that was so rarely heard at that time. More on Gerrick Kennedy Gerrick's work at the Los Angeles Times Parental Discrection is Advised: The Rise of N.W.A. and the Dawn of Gangsta Rap Website|Twitter More on My Love Is Your Love 20 Years Later: Whitney Houston’s ‘My Love is Your Love’ Album Singles Ranked (Rated R&B) Whitney performing Heartbreak Hotel on Rosie O'Donnell Show Tracklisting (all songs from My Love Is Your Love unless otherwise stated) My Love Is Your Love It's Not Right But It's Okay Lauryn Hill: Ex-Factor It's Not Right But It's Okay (Remix) Aaliyah: Are You That Somebody Brandy: Never Say Never Brandy: The Boy Is Mine If I Told You That Heartbreak Hotel Heartbreak Hotel (Live) Get It Back Total: Trippin' Deborah Cox: Nobody's Supposed to Be Here Whitney Houston: Tell Me No Oh Yes In My Business Heartbreak Hotel I Learned From The Best When You Believe My Love Is Your Love If I Told You That Oh Yes Get It Back When You Believe I Learned From The Best Kelly Price: Secret Love Deborah Cox: 2 Good 2 Be True Missy Elliot: All N My Grill   Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Nina Simone To Love Somebody (1969) Nina Simone's discography is vast and full of true fire, but To Love Somebody often gets overlooked. Perhaps it's because it was released right after 'Nuff Said and Nina Simone and Piano, both fantastic albums in their own right. And although the album contained almost all covers (Revolution 1 and 2 were credited to Simone and Weldon Irvine), she found a way to make every single song truly her own.  Luz Mendoza of Y La Bamba joins Oliver and Morgan in the studio to discuss the chances Nina took on this album, the smaller, quieter moments in the music, and what Nina told us about herself throughout this LP. This is an episode you definitely do not want to miss. More on Y La Bamba Y La Bamba's Tiny Desk Concert Entre Los Dos on Bandcamp Website|Twitter More on To Love Somebody The story behind Cosi Ti Amo Aquarium Drunkard's review of To Love Somebody Show Tracklisting (all songs from To Love unless indicated otherwise) I Can't See Nobody Bob Dylan: I Shall Be Released I Shall Be Released I Can't See Nobody Y La Bamba: Octavio The Times They Are A-Changin' The Byrds: Turn, Turn, Turn (To Everything There is a Season) Turn, Turn, Turn, (To Everything There is a Season) Revolution (Pt. 2) Revolution (Pt. 1) Revolution (Pt. 2) Suzanne Leonard Cohen: Suzanne Bob Dylan: Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues Bee Gees: To Love Somebody To Love Somebody Cosi Ti Amo The Glory of Love I Shall Be Released Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues James Brown: September Song Meshell Ndegeocello: Nite and Day La Lupe: Fever Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts do it here!

The Album: Karen Dalton In My Own Time (1971) In My Own Time was the second and final studio album by Karen Dalton, a musician who preferred to stay out of the spotlight. She didn't enjoy much commercial success when she was here with us, but the impact she left on the world is immeasurable. Artists like Joanna Newsom, Nick Cave, and Bob Dylan have cited her as an influence (Dylan would even back her up on harmonica in live performances). Her unique voice, often compared to Billie Holiday, was a blend of bluesy, world-weary, and haunting, but warm. Music writer James Woodbury joins Oliver and Morgan to discuss Karen's voice in the world of strangely captivating voices, the value of reissue labels, and Karen's interpretations of popular songs. Join us as we leave for the country and take a deep dive into this forgotten classic. More on Jason Woodbury Jason's monthly podcast Transmissions on Aquarium Drunkard The Tastemaker's Ten: Jason Woodbury (YabYum) Website | Twitter More on In My Own Time PopMatters' review of In My Own Time In My Own Time's Wikipedia entry Show Tracklisting (all songs from In My Own Time unless indicated otherwise): Take Me Joanna Newsom: Sadie Wall: Something on Your Mind When a Man Loves a Woman Laura Nyro & Labelle: Jimmy Mack In My Own Dream Esther Phillips: Home is Where the Hatred Is Angela McCluskey: It's Been Done Tiny Tim: Tiptoe Through the Tulips with Me In A Station Something On Your Mind Take Me George Jones & Tammy Wynette: Take Me Something On Your Mind One Night of Love Same Old Man Are You Leaving for the Country When a Man Loves a Woman Judee Still: Jesus was a Cross Maker Valerie June: Workin' Woman Blues Big Mama Thornton: Sweet Little Angel Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts do it here!  

The Album: Wild Style soundtrack(1983) Wild Style began as a low budget but ambitious film project, centered around Zoro, a young graffiti writer swashbuckling his way through the style wars of early ‘80s New York. Directed by Charlie Ahearn and starring Lee Quinones as Zoro, Wild Style would become more of a quasi-documentary of hip-hop’s on its cusp from South Bronx street culture into the global phenomenon we know today. Filled with MC, graffiti, DJ and b-boy performances from a host of now legends, Wild Style would inadvertently spread the hip-hop gospel to a generation of youth around the world, enraptured with how it depictions of an explosive, impossibly colorful subculture that few had laid eyes on outside of the five boroughs. Its soundtrack, overseen by Fab Five Freddy and Blondie guitarist Chris Stein, was largely built off an exclusive disc of original breakbeats that became the sound bed for various live performance scenes throughout the movie. Electric, dynamic and fly as hell, the Wild Style soundtrack helped capture the sound of early hip-hop’s energy and flair from A to motherf—ng Z. For a young Jeff Chang, growing up far away from the Bronx in Honolulu, Wild Style was like a secret cypher that he and his friends could pass around and decrypt. Long before the days of streaming video, if you didn’t catch a theatrical screening of this tiny, indie flick, you had to rely on nth generation bootleg dubs on VHS but as crappy as the images might have been, the inspiration was no less dimmed. This put Chang on the path to eventually become one of the most accomplished hip-hop critics in the formative ‘90s era, eventually culminating in his award winning Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation (2005), which, among other things, digs deep into hip-hop’s earliest days preceding even the Wild Style era. He’s since followed that up with Who We Be: The Colorization of America (2014) and most recently, We Gon’ Be Alright: Notes on Race and Resegregation (2016) which became the inspiration behind the digital video series of the same name which just debuted this year. More on Jeff Chang Interview with Jeff by Oliver about Can't Stop Won't Stop How Hip-Hop Got It's Name by Jeff, written for Cuepoint Website | Twitter More on The Wild Style soundtrack Wild Style Breaks: The Untold Story (Red Bull Academy) The Oral History of Wild Style (Complex) Jay Smooth Interviews Charlie Ahearn Show Tracklisting (all songs from The Wild Style soundtrack unless indicated otherwise): Stoop Rap Stoop Rap - Film Version Cuckoo Clocking Military Cut Nas: The Genesis Stoop Rap Gang Star: DJ Premier In Deep Concentration Gangbusters Common: Gettin' Down At The Amphitheater MC Battle at the Dixie A Tribe Called Quest: Sucka N**** Fantastic Freaks at the Dixie Public Enemy: Raise the Roof Wild Style Lesson MC Battle at the Dixie Down By Law Grandmaster Flash: Flash it to the Beat (Live) Lisa Lee Wild Style deleted scene T's Limo Ride Double Trouble at the Amphitheater Basketball Throwdown Gangbusters South Bronx Subway Rap Subway Theme Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Sam Cooke Portrait Of A Legend (2003) Legendary soul singer Lee Fields (Daptone, Truth & Soul, Big Crown Records) stopped by Heat Rocks to discuss the 30 tracks compiled by ABKCO records on Sam Cooke, Portrait of A Legend, released in the summer of 2003. The album covers multi-genres including gospel, pop and soul - Sam's hits, during his storied 15 year career which ended tragically with his untimely death at 33. Referred to as, "the man who invented soul" Sam Cooke hummed and crooned his way into soul music's canon starting with three words: You Send Me. Lee Fields' career began 50 years ago with the release of his first single on the Bedford label "Bewildered". Since then he's released dance tracks, recorded with The Expressions, had his music placed in shows like Atlanta and Dear White People, toured the country and has his songs remixed by some of the best. He and Morgan discussed the gospel according to Sam Cooke, symbolism in A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke as a lyricist, Sam Cooke as a storyteller. A veteran soul singer in conversation about one of the architects of soul music It gets no better. More on Lee Fields Lee's bio on Big Crown Lee's Wikipedia entry Instagram | Twitter More on Sam Cooke Sam Cooke's story on NPR Sam Cooke's induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Show Tracklisting (all songs from Portrait Of A Legend unless indicated otherwise): Nothing Can Change This Love Lee Fields & The Expressions: Honey Dove Touch The Hem of His Garment You Send Me You Were Made For Me Only Sixteen Soul Sam Cooke & The Soul Stirrers: The Last Mile of the Way Little Red Rooster Chain Gang Cupid Bring It On Home To Me Nothing Can Change This Love (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons Summertime You Send Me Sugar Dumpling Muhammad Ali: The Gang's All Here A Change Is Gonna Come Aretha Franklin: A Change Is Gonna Come Otis Redding: A Change Is Gonna Come Touch The Hem Of His Garment You Were Made For Me Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: M.I.A. Kala (2007) In 2005, when M.I.A. dropped onto the pop scene with her debut, Arular, heads weren’t quite ready. It was like she brought the full force of Global South dance culture in with her — gloriously bombastic — and the Sri Lankan/British singer/rapper simply didn’t sound like anyone else on the charts. For her follow-up, the idea on paper seemed smart: why not pair M.I.A. with one of the most innovative American producers of that era: Timbaland. Alas, in a post-9/11 world, Homeland Security deemed M.I.A. a threat to national security and refused to give her the necessary visa to come work in the U.S. Undaunted, M.I.A. and producer Switch jumped around the world, recording parts of what would eventually become Kala in cities across South America, Africa and Asia. The resulting masterpiece, propelled on the strength of the eventual mega-smash “Paper Planes,” all but established M.I.A. as a key voice in a different kind of new world order, one in which the borders of nationalism and colonialism were imploding and emergent movements and calls to action were part of that destabilization. As it turned out, M.I.A. didn’t need to come to the U.S. to help invade it with her sound. Kala was the album pick of this week’s guest, Lorraine Ali who currently writes about television for the Los Angeles Times but also got her start as a music critic. As one of the few Muslim American culture critics out there, Lorraine connected heavily with who and what M.I.A. represented and during the course of our conversation, we got into what it was like to listen to Kala in the wake of the second Gulf War, burgeoning refugee crises and the shifting geo-political map in which the music of the Global South could be heard as a subversive force, bamboo bangas and all. More on Lorraine Ali Her 2008 cover story on M.I.A. for Spin Her LA Times archive Website | Twitter More on Kala Oliver's original 2007 NPR review Kala Turns 10 (Stereogum) Looking Back at the Passion and Politics of M.I.A.'s Kala (Dazed) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Kala unless indicated otherwise): Paper Planes M.I.A.: Galang XR2 Come Around Bird Flu 20 Dollar The Turn Mango Pickle Down River M.I.A.: Bad Girls Boyz World Town Jimmy Paper Planes The Clash: Straight To Hell Hussel Bamboo Banga Paper Planes Diga Rhythm Band: Razooli Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar: Humko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai Pyar Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: João Gilberto João Gilberto (1973) Before the summer got away from us, we wanted to record one more episode for the season and we invited a guest to pick the perfect LP for the end of the summer. We were not disappointed... João Gilberto was as integral to Brazil’s bossa nova movement as Ray Charles was to soul or Run DMC was to hip-hop; it’s impossible to imagine its sound and style without his touch. By 1973, Gilberto was largely living outside of Brazil and on a stint in the U.S, he rolled through New Jersey with just a single accompanying musician, percussionist Sonny Carr. Together, they crafted what’s considered a minimalist masterpiece of the genre, Gilberto’s equivalent to the Beatles’ White Album. Parts of it sound like a dream, others like a lullaby, but at the heart, it’s the soothing voice of Gilberto and his nimble guitar playing that anchors all of it. Our guest Allen Thayer, aka The Ambassador, is no stranger to Brazilian music. Though he hails from the Pacific Northwest, he’s long been fascinated with south Atlantic sounds. Author of last year’s 33.3 book on Tim Maia's Racional Vol. 1 & 2, Thayer also hosts the weekly “Brazilian Beat” radio show on KMHD and you can find him spinning Brazilian grooves (amongst other tasty treats) in and around Portland on the regular when he’s not penning articles for Wax Poetics. More on Allen Thayer Interview with KMHD Thayer on Bossa(Wax Poetics) Facebook | Instagram More on João Gilberto Album Review (Worlds of Wanwood) Musical Pairings: João Gilberto (Turntable Kitchen) New York Times' Obituary for Gilberto Show Tracklisting (all songs from João Gilberto unless indicated otherwise): É Preciso Perdoar Eu Quero Um Samba João Gilberto: Chega Se Saudade Chet Baker: My Funny Valentine Izaura Elis Regina and Tom Jobim: Águas De Março Águas De Março Undiú Gilberto Gil: Esotérico (Acustico) - Ao Vivo Glucklich: To Be Earth, Wind & Fire: Brazillian Rhyme The Rolling Stones: Dance (pt 1) Undiú Valsa (Como São Lindos Os Youguis) (Bebel)) Na Baixa Do Sapateiro É Preciso Perdoar Águas De Março Eu Vim Da Bahia Falsa Baiana Valsa (Como São Lindos Os Youguis) (Bebel) Eu Quero Um Samba Águas De Março The Third Wave: Waves Lament Caetano Veloso & Gal Costa: Avarandado Sessa: Dez Total (Filhos de Gandhy) If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings 100 Days, 100 Nights (2007) On the occasion of our 100th episode, we decided to devote a Host’s Choice episode to talking about the breakout 2007 album from Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. Coming out hot on the heels of Amy Winehouse’s best-selling Back to Black (2007) which featured the Dap-Kings horn section, 100 Days, 100 Nights made it clear who the queen (and kings) of the retro-soul sound was. As their third album, that latest LP showcased the group’s growing prowess as songwriters and Jones was in top form with a voice able to bring heft and spark to the group’s stylings on Southern soul, uptempo funk and deep gospel. Morgan and Oliver are mostly excited to have made it to #100 and we wanted to thank all our listeners, guests and producers for their support of our show over its first two years. Here’s to 100 more! More on 100 Days, 100 Nights She's Not Anybody's Backup Act (The New York Times) Tiny Mixtape's review of 100 Days, 100 Nights Gabriel Roth's Shitty is Pretty essay Show Tracklisting (all songs from 100 Days, 100 Nights unless indicated otherwise): 100 Days, 100 Nights Nobody's Baby Amy Winehouse: He Can Only Hold Her Solange: I Decided, Part 1 Raphael Saadiq: 100 Yard Dash Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings: She Aint A Child No More Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings: Stranded In Your Love Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings: All Over Again Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings: Cut That Line Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings: Window Shopping Amy Winehouse: You Know I'm No Good The Poets of Rhythm: More Mess On My Thing Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators: If This Ain't Love (Don't Know What Is) Repercussions: A Gentle Kind of Love Repercussions: Let's Do It Again Alice Russell: Somebody's Gonna Love You Mayer Hawthorne: Just Ain't Gonna Work Out Durand Jones & the Indications: Can't Keep My Cool Saun & Starr: Big Wheel Keep On Looking Let Them Knock 100 Days, 100 Nights Otis Day & The Knights: Shout Tell Me When The Other Foot Drops, Uncle LeAndria Johnson: I Couldn't Have Done It Answer Me Thee Lakesiders: Parachute Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings: All Over Again James Ingram: One Hundred Ways Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Earth, Wind & Fire That's The Way Of The World (1975) On March 15, 1975, Columbia Records released "That's The Way Of The World" the sixth studio album of Earth Wind & Fire, a band of 10 members who fused rock, jazz, funk and soul. The album sold five million units, and won a Grammy for the single "Shining Star" (Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group). Produced by Maurice White and Charles Stepney, the album focused on EWF's familiar themes, spirituality, oneness, love. Oscar and Golden Globe nominated composer Raphael Saadiq joined Oliver and Morgan in studio to talk "That's The Way of The World" and all the things that made EWF iconic including, Philip Bailey's falsetto, Maurice White's mysticisms and drum heroics, Charles Stepney's production and the harmonies that caught his ear and his attention and the happy feelings the band's music inspired in his own musicianship as a youth growing up in Oakland. You'll want to catch this one. Because Reasons. And stay tuned after the interview for a special segment celebrating the life and music of Nipsey Hussle, who would have turned 34 this week. Rest in power, Nipsey. More on Raphael Saadiq Raphael Saadiq Finally Put His Past on the Record (The New York Times) Raphael Saadiq is a Real One(Afropunk) Twitter | Instagram More on That's The Way Of The World Earth, Wind & Fire: 12 Essential Songs (Rolling Stone) BBC's review of That's the Way of the World Key Tracks: Earth Wind, & Fire's That's the Way of the World (Red Bull Music Academy) Show Tracklisting (all songs from That's The Way Of The World unless indicated otherwise): See The Light Raphael Saadiq: So Ready Earth, Wind & Fire: On Your Face The Jacksons: Show You The Way To Go Al Green: I'm Still In Love With You B.B King: Heed My Warning War: Why Can't We Be Friends Rick James: Bustin' Out 2 Men, A Drum Machine and A Trumpet: Tired of Getting Pushed Around Funkadelic: (Not Just) Knee Deep Earth, Wind & Fire: Love Music Earth, Wind & Fire: Love's Holiday Earth, Wind & Fire: Imagination Earth, Wind & Fire: Yearnin' Learnin' (Live) Minnie Ripperton: Les Fleur Africano Earth, Wind & Fire: Can't Let Go All About Love (First Impression) Shining Star That's the Way of the World Shining Star Happy Feelin' Reasons Shirley Murdock: As We Lay Erick Sermon: Stay Real Earth, Wind & Fire: Boogie Wonderland The Emotions: Don't Ask My Neighbors Ramsey Lewis: Sun Goddess The Randy Watson Experience & Bilal: Can't Hide Love Nipsey Hussle: Hussle in the House Nipsey Hussle: FOREVER ON SOME FLY SHIT Nipsey Hussle: They Roll Nipsey Hussle: Face the World Nipsey Hussle: Shell Shocked DJ Khaled: Higher Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Nina Simone It Is Finished (1974) It Is Finished is an ominous title, least of all given where Nina Simone was in her personal life at the time. Much of the early ‘70s had seen the High Priestess of Soul escaping to Barbados, first to avoid a troubled marriage, then to avoid the IRS. But RCA Records lured her back to New York to tape a live show, much of which would go into It Is Finished alongside a few tracks from an earlier studio session. One of those vault cuts, “Funkier Than a Mosquito’s Tweeter” would become an unlikely hit on the funk/soul dance floor circuit but It Is Finished was far more than one-tracker, especially as Simone dipped into Afro-Caribbean spirituality via the (under-credited) participation of Exuma on much of this album. Our guest, Mark “Frosty” McNeill is the co-founder of the long-running Dublab internet (now terrestrial) radio station and together, we got deep into Nina’s public and personal tribulations of that era, how the album reflects a particular moment in black cultural identity and a spirited debate about Tina vs. Nina. More on Mark McNeill Dublab: Morning Becomes... Erotic (LA Record) Dublab Presents: In Conversation Twitter | Dublab More on It Is Finished Nina Simone: The 'Princess Noire' (NPR) Nina Simone's 'It Is Finished' Review and Thoughts (A Short Man In A Wide World) Show Tracklisting (all songs from It Is Finished unless indicated otherwise): Obeah Woman Nina Simone: Wild Is The Wind Nina Simone: See Line Woman (Masters at Work Remix) To Love Somebody Nina Simone: Revolution (Live at the Harlem Cultural Festival) Mr. Bojangles Kumbaya (earliest known recording) Walter Hawkins: Come By Here Good Lord Com' By H'Yere Good Lord Exuma: Mama Loi, Papa Loi Ike and Tina Turner: Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter Let It Be Me Elvis: Let It Be Me I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl Obeah Woman Esther Phillips: Home is Where the Hatred Is Ganga and Hess OST: Survival Drive Exuma: Exuma, The Obeah Man Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Guests: Quetzal The Albums: Alé Kumá: Cantaoras (Alé Kumá, 2002) Mary J. Blige: What's the 411? (Uptown, 1992) The Smiths: Louder Than Bombs (Rough Trade, 1987) Kendrick Lamar: To Pimp a Butterfly (TDE, 2015) Note: This is a rerun of an episode from 2018 that has been re-edited and remastered. We wanted to dedicate an episode to talking about the music of summer, easily the one season that people have the deepest sonic associations with. To that aim, we invited the two founding members of L.A.'s Quetzal, Martha Gonzalez and Quetzal Flores. Since 1992, the group has melded the son jarocho tradition into all manners of other genres, resulting in seven albums (and counting), including 2017's The Eternal Getdown. Together, each of our quartet got to pick an album that we associate with the summer and as you see above, we covered a whirlwind of styles and eras that bring up all manners of thoughts and feelings for us. Summer love may be fleeting but it lingers, always. More on Quetzal Tiny Desk Concert (NPR's All Songs Considered) "The Fiery Music of Quetzal" (KCET's Artbound) Website | Facebook Show Tracklisting: Quetzal: Olokun y Yemayá Alé Kumá: Las Olas De La Mar Alé Kumá: Volá Pajarito Alé Kumá: ¿Por Qué Me Pegá? Alé Kumá:Oiaymeló Mary J Blige: Love No Limit Mary J Blige: Slow Down Mary J Blige: Reminisce Mary J Blige: Sweet Thing Mary J Blige: What's the 411? Mary J Blige: Leave a Message Mary J Blige: I'll Do 4 U Mary J Blige: You're All I Need Mary J Blige: I Don't Want to Do Anything The Smiths: Sheila Take a Bow The Smiths: Shoplifters of the World Unite The Smiths: Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want The Smiths: Half a Person The Smiths: Panic Kendrick Lamar: Momma Kendrick Lamar: You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said) Kendrick Lamar: Alright Kendrick Lamar: These Walls Kendrick Lamar: i If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Rufus & Chaka Khan From Rags to Rufus (1974) Los Angeles soul singer, Jimetta Rose, has been making music for a long time, working with artists like Talib Kweli, Meshell Ndgeocello, and Shuggie Otis. Her velvety smooth vocals and thoughtful writing made her a force of nature in the LA music scene, bodying anything from R&B to jazz, to rap, and so much more. Jimetta was on a journey, searching for a Chaka Khan dance record, and on her way there, found the funk. Jimetta sat down with us to talk Rufus and Chaka Khan's "From Rags to Rufus." We discussed the origins of Rufus and their transition to funk, the impact Chaka had on the band, and why her voice resonates with women from all walks of life, including a young Jimetta Rose. More on Jimetta Rose Jimetta on Sly5thAve's rendition of "Let Me Ride" (YouTube) Jimetta Rose Raises Higher Vibrations (Random Length News) Website | Instagram More on From Rags to Rufus Graded on a Curve: Rufus, Rags to Rufus (The Vinyl District) Rags to Rufus' Wikipedia entry Show Tracklisting (all songs from From Rags to Rufus unless indicated otherwise): I Got The Right Street (But The Wrong Direction) Chaka Khan: I Know You, I Live You Chaka Khan: Stop On By Chaka Khan: So Not to Worry Donna Summer: Dinner With Gershwin Ray Parker Jr.: You Can't Change That Eddie Kendricks: Girl You Need A Change Of Mind You Got The Love Rags to Rufus The American Breed: Bend Me, Shape Me Walkin' In The Sun In Love We Grow Sly5thAve: Let Me Ride The Golden Gate Quartet: Swing Down Chariot Swing Down Chariot Walkin' In The Sun Swing Down Chariot Smokin' Room Tell Me Something Good Prince: I Feel For You Chaka Khan: I Feel For You Ain't Nothin' But A Maybe Sideways Smokin' Room Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: GZA Liquid Swords (1995) Music journalist David Ma has been in the game for a long time, writing for The Guardian, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, The Source, and many, many others. He's also the host of Dad Bod Rap Pod, a hip-hop roundtable discussion show from the Bay area. When he told us he wanted to talk about GZA's debut solo effort, Liquid Swords, we knew we were in for a good conversation. We talk about GZA's new jack swing beginnings, his role within the Wu-Tang Clan, and his seemingly endless vocabulary. Even within the Wu's solo efforts, Liquid Swords stands out, with its gritty production, complex lyricism, and hard-hitting flow. It stood the test of time and still bounces, Shogun Assassin samples included. More on David Ma David's talk with GZA about Liquid Swords (WaxPoetics) Dad Bod Rap Pod Twitter | Website More on Liquid Swords 20 Years, 20 Questions: GZA Revisits Liquid Swords (Spin) Why the GZA's 'Liquid Swords' Is the Embodiment of the Wu-Tang Brand (Complex) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Liquid Swords unless indicated otherwise): I Gotcha Back Liquid Swords Wu-Tang Clan: 7th Chamber - Part II - Conclusion GZA: Come Do Me Swordsman Gold Raekwon: Ice Cream Method Man: I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need Notorious BIG: The What Shadowboxin' Dr. Dre: Stranded on Death Row Liquid Swords Willie Mitchell: Groovin' Liquid Swords Cannonball Adderly: Aries Gold Ann Peebles: Trouble, Heartaches, & Sadness Shadowboxin' Gold 4th Chamber Labels B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) The Genius: Feel the Pain Wu-Tang Clan: Clan In Da Front Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Carole King Tapestry (1971) LA singer songwriter Gavin Turek's relationship with Carole King's Tapestry album began in her childhood, listening to her father play virtually every song featured on the piano. He taught her the notes, the chords, the vocals until the earth moved under her feet and made her a die hard fan. She joined Heat Rocks to discuss what made this album fire, the west coast leanings of Tapestry, Carole's lyrical approach to the realness of relationships and why having a cat featured on your cover art is lit and progressive. There are so many heaters on this album, she had four favorites. Listen in and you'll understand why. More on Gavin Turek Gavin Turek "Elevator" Video (Stereogum) First Look Friday: Get A Good Look At Singer-Songwriter Gavin Turek (Okayplayer) Website | Twitter More on Tapestry Carole King's Tapestry feels like a comfort blanket, until you hear the anxiety within it (The Guardian) How Carole King Created Her Blockbuster Masterpiece "Tapestry"" (Ultimate Classic Rock) Carole King's official website Show Tracklisting (all songs from Tapestry unless indicated otherwise): Way Over Yonder Gavin Turek: Frontline (TOKiMONSTA Remix) I Feel the Earth Move (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman Aretha Franklin: (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman So Far Away Smachwater Jack Tapestry It's Too Late Carole King: Locomotion Will You Love Me Tomorrow The Shirelles: Will You Love Me Tomorrow Donny Hathaway: You've Got A Friend Aretha Franklin: Medley: Precious Lord, Take My Hand/ You've Got A Friend So Far Away Gary Portnoy: Cheers Theme Where You Lead Where You Lead (Gilmore Girls version) Joni Mitchell: California Tracy Chapman: Fast Cars Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Nas Illmatic (1994) In our first episode from our four-part Art of Sampling series, we focused on one of the classic sources of samples from the mid-80s: the James Brown anthology, In the Jungle Groove. For #2, we wanted to turn our attention to an album whose use of samples helped influences sampling culture and for that, we went with a giant celebrating its 25th anniversary this year: Nas's debut album, Illmatic. So much has been said about this LP over the years, we shouldn’t need to make a case for it but here’s the short version: it’s not simply considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time but it’s universally lauded as one of the greatest debut albums in any genre, least of all given the intense hype around Nas leading up to it. Befitting that anticipation, Illmatic drew, really for the first time, a Dream Team-esque assemblage of some of New York’s finest producers including Q-Tip, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Large Professor and L.E.S. Their production decisions, including the samples that powered their now iconic tracks, marked one peak in hip-hop’s golden era of sample-based production. To help us break all this down, we invited one of Los Angeles’s finest: Thes One, half of People Under the Stairs (and composer of our theme song!) While Thes generally doesn’t like talking about other producers’ work, as a 16 year old hip-hop head hyped for Illmatic when it dropped in ’94, Thes brought his insights as both a producer and fan, and we touched on everything from the use of nostalgia in sample choices, how Nas’s flow worked with different beats, and why DJ Premier’s “bubba chip” drum programming was a game changer. More on Thes One Thes interviewed by Oliver in 2011 (Part 1 and Part 2) Thes interviewed on the House List (Part 1 and Part 2) Website | Instagram More on Illmatic The Second Coming (The Source) Nas's Illmatic 25 anniversary mixtape by Chris Read" (WaxPoetics) Illmatic by Nas turns 25 (The Independent) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Illmatic unless indicated otherwise): The Genesis N.Y. State of Mind Michael Jackson: Human Nature It Ain't Hard to Tell It Ain't Hard to Tell (Demo) DJ Day: It Ain't Hard to Tell (Remix) Large Professor: It Ain't Hard to Tell (Remix) Common: Resurrection Memory Lane (Sittin' in da Park) Parliament: Come in Out of the Rain One Love One Time 4 Your Mind The Gap Band: Yearning for Your Love Life's a Bitch A Tribe Called Quest: Lyrics to Go Represent Lee Erwin: Thief of Bagdad Represent Cameo: Hanging Downtown Group Home: Supa Star The Heath Brothers: Smilin' Billy Suite Pt. II One Love The World Is Yours Ahmad Jamal: I Love Music The World Is Yours Monty Alexander: Love and Happiness Apache: Gangsta Bitch The Beatnuts: Let Off A Couple Reuben Wilson: We're In Love Memory Lane (Sittin' in da Park) N.Y. State of Mind Halftime Milly and Silly: Gettin' Down for Xmas Long Red: Mountain (Live) Pete Rock and CL Smooth: Good Life Represent Jay-Z: Feelin' It Main Source: Looking at the Front Door Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Steely Dan Aja (1977) If you love the music on Insecure, you'll love the fact that Heat Rocks had an opportunity to sit down with the brainchild behind in. Kier Lehman, well known for his work on Insecure, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Being Mary Jane, Entourage, Love Is, sat down with us to talk about the seminal 1977 album that is a tastemakers dream and beloved across generations. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen and 36 of the best and brightest musicians and vocalists in the business assembled on the west coast to produce seven tracks which dripped with jazz, rock, punk, soul and fire! Music writers and critics across publication and decades all agree that Aja is a masterpiece and belongs in the canon of great albums. What happens when two music supes sit down to unpack it? Tune in to find out. More on Kier Lehman Peak Time: Music Supervision with Kier Lehman and Thomas Golubic (Red Bull Radio) Kier's Interview with Billboard Twitter | Instagram More on Aja Aja at 40: Why Steely Dan's Audiophile Masterpiece Is Also Kind of Punk (Variety) Steely Dan's Aja: Remembering the Band's Trailblazing Moment 40 Years Later" (Spin) BBC's review of Aja Show Tracklisting (all songs from Aja unless indicated otherwise): I Got The News Aja Peg Home At Last Black Cow Deacon Blues Aja Josie Wiz Khalifa: Old Chanel Peg De La Soul: Eye Know Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz: Uptown Baby Black Cow MF DOOM: Gas Drawls Steely Dan: Kid Charlamagne Kanye West: Champion Aja Home at Last I Got The News Peg Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We here at Heat Rocks took a break from recording episodes in order to recharge our batteries. We thought we'd celebrate our return with an episode partly dedicated to our favorite comeback albums. In the second half, we rummage through the Heat Rocks mailbag and answer listener questions about great debut albums, summer jams, the weirdest record sleeve finds, and more! Show Tracklisting: Mariah Carey: Butterfly Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band: Cherchez la Femme/ Se Si Bon Mariah Carey: Breakdown LL Cool J: Mama Said Knock You Out LL Cool J: Milky Cereal Jay-Z: December 4th Jay-Z: Dirt Off Your Shoulders A Tribe Called Quest: Black Spasmodic A Tribe Called Quest: We The People... A Tribe Called Quest: Solid Wall of Sound D'Angelo: Send It On D'Angelo: Devil's Pie Brandy: Brokenhearted Joe Budden: Pump It Up Young Gunz: Friday Night Jay-Z: Show Me What You Got The Rebirth: This Journey In The Internet: Wanna Be Missy Elliott: Sock It 2 Me Digable Planets: Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) Digable Planets: Black Ego Prince: Diamond and Pearls Cissy Houston: Warning - Danger Floyd Anckle: Hey Pocky A-Way Johnny Nash: Cupid Chaka Khan: Caught in the Act Skye: Aint No Need Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Albums:  Prince: Dirty Mind (1980) Prince: 1999 (1982) Prince: Purple Rain (1984) Hard to believe but Prince's landmark album Purple Rain turns 35 years this week (and the Purple One himself would have just celebrated his 61st birthday last week). In honor of these milestones and the fact that Prince is one of Heat Rocks' Triple Crown winners (i.e. his albums have been featured three times so far), we decided to offer you a "Best of Prince" episode that splices together highlights from our previous three Prince eps: #7: Anil Dash on 1999 #42: Meshell Ndegeocello on Purple Rain #77: Illa J on Dirty Mind Show Tracklisting (All songs by Prince unless indicated otherwise): When You Were Mine Dirty Mind Controversy Sister Partyup Sister Dirty Mind When You Were Mine Head D'Angelo: She's Always In My Hair Gotta Broken Heart Again D.M.S.R. Little Red Corvette Let's Pretend We're Married 1999 Little Red Corvette Lady Cab Driver All The Critics Love U in New York Lady Cab Driver Let's Go Crazy For You When Doves Cry I Would Die 4 U Let's Go Crazy Computer Blue The Beautiful Ones When Doves Cry Purple Rain Housequake Let's Go Crazy Shout out to our Producer Supreme, Christian Duenas, for doing the edit work on this episode and if you enjoyed the highlights, be sure to download and listen to the entire episodes!

The Album: Depeche Mode: Violator (1990) By the time Depeche Mode released Violator in 1990, they had already become one of the giants of the modern rock world but Violator took the group to new heights of global success. Dark and moody yet intimately dance-able, the group and their album marked a height of synth-pop’s growth across the 1980s, a zenith that would soon be eclipsed by the on-rush of grunge and competing forms of so-called “alternative” rock. Violator was the pick of guest Hua Hsu, staff writer at the New Yorker and English professor at Vassar College. For him, Violator was part of a soundscape of growing up in the Bay Area, least of all as an Asian American. As he and Oliver (flying solo this week) discuss, modern rock became a soundtrack for a generation of Asian American youth, at least those growing up in West Coast suburbs for whom songs centered on alienation and otherness felt all too familiar. Besides, as Hsu notes, we all had piano lessons so a music built around synthesizers was an easy sell. More on Hua Hsu Hua on the the Long Form podcast "The Moon Represents My Heart: Music, Memory and Belonging" (Museum of Chinese in America) Twitter | Website | New Yorker Archive More on Violator "Depeche Mode's 'Violator' at 25: Classic Track-by-Track Review" (Billboard) "Black Celebration: Depeche Mode Look Back on ‘Violator’ 25 Years Later" (Rolling Stone) "Q+A / DEPECHE MODE / VIOLATOR" (Recoil) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Violator unless indicated otherwise): Clean Depeche Mode: Blasphemous Rumours Clean New Order: Bizarre Love Triangle Personal Jesus Policy of Truth Halo Blue Dress Somebody Personal Jesus Depeche Mode: Route 66 Depeche Mode: Behind the Wheel Enjoy the Silence Depeche Mode: Just Can't Get Enough Johnny Cash: Personal Jesus Tori Amos: Enjoy the Silence Jazzystics: Personal Jesus St. Petersburg Ska Jazz Review: Policy of Truth Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Ani DiFranco: Little Plastic Castle (1998) Ani DiFranco has never been a pop star by conventional measure but Little Plastic Castle was her dealing with the costs of stardom within her niche of alternative pop/rock world. The result is what's considered one of her best albums ever — it ended up being her best-selling at the very least — one where she tries to work through what happens when public scrutiny and fan indignity begin to feel invasive and you wonder what it's all for. For DiFranco though, she reminds us: she's got better things to do than survive.   Little Plastic Castle was the pick of our guest, comedian Guy Branum who, until very recently, was the host of the Maximum Fun pop culture panel podcast Pop Rocket (alas, recently cancelled, RIP!). Pre-Heat Rocks, Oliver was on Pop Rocket for two years and got to see, first hand, Guy's pop polymath skills in action. Taped earlier in the spring, live in front of an audience as part of the Voyager Institute series, the three of us discussed DiFranco's album within the context of Lilith Fair-era female artists, the politics of queer authenticity and how her invocation of cherry bombs probably doesn't refer to firecrackers.   More on Guy Branum Guy's 2018 memoir, My Life as a Goddess Interview on NPR's It's Been a Minute Twitter | Website More on Little Plastic Castle AV Music review Theory for Turntables podcast episode about the album "Ani DiFranco Takes Chances on 'Little Plastic Castle'" (MTV News) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Little Plastic Castle unless indicated otherwise): Little Plastic Castle Swan Dive Ani DiFranco: 32 Flavors Two Little Girls Glass House Fuel Swan Dive Gravel Independence Day Dizraeli: Bomb Tesco Pulse Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Gang Starr: Hard to Earn (1994) Gang Starr's Hard to Earn dropped in the pivotal year of 1994, arguably the height of the Golden Era as it came alongside everything from Biggie's Ready to Die to Nas's Illmatic to OutKast's Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. Unlike those other debut albums, this was Gang Starr's fourth LP and by '94, they had established themselves as the (no pun intended) premier rap duo, avatars of a boom bap/braggadocio style that would help define an entire era. For DJ Premier, Hard to Earn marked the beginning of his imperial era, where the telltale sound of a Primo scratch was a mark of quality. Meanwhile, G.U.R.U.'s lyrical craft stepped up another notch (even if it was still "mostly tha voice" that got folks up). Fans will debate whether this was Gang Starr's best album but for Morgan and Oliver, it happened to be their favorite by the group. Aight? Chill. Hard to Earn was the pick of a dynamic duo of guests. First up: Vikki Tobak, author of the astounding new book, Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop, quite possibly the best rap photography book ever created. She was in town as part of the new Contact High exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography (which is up through August, come catch it!). As part of the exhibit, there's a wonderful documentary video that accompanies, assembled by other other guest: Joseph "Jazzbo" Patel. He and Oliver go back to the '90s when both were young writers at URB Magazine and by the '00s, Patel had moved into video content, becoming one of the most influential behind-the-scenes talents at places like Vice TV, MTV, The Fader and Vevo. (He and Vikki are now working on a docu-series based on Contact High). In tackling this album, the four of us discussed everything from the highs and lows of the jazz-hip-hop era of the early '90s to why we need to bring back answering machine/voicemail skits to how to properly pronounce "DWYCK." More on Vikki Tobak and Joseph Patel Oliver's review of Contact High (Los Angeles Times) WOCA interview with Tobak Patel interviewed on The House List podcast. Tobak's Twitter | Instagram Patel's Twitter | Instagram More on Hard to Earn "A Game Of Two Halves: Gang Starr's Hard To Earn Revisited" (The Quietus) "DJ Premier Talks Gang Starr's 'Hard to Earn' 25 Years Later: 'I Had a Chip on My Shoulder With This Album'" (Billboard) "Gang Starr’s ‘Hard to Earn’ Deserves More Love" (Afro.com) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Hard to Earn unless indicated otherwise): The Planet Gang Starr: Manifest Speak Ya Clout Intro (The First Step) Gang Starr: Jazz Thing Guru: Loungin' Code of the Streets Mass Appeal DWYCK Aiight Chill Tonz 'O' Gunz Coming for Datazz Speak Ya Clout Crooklyn Dodgers: Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers Suckas Need Bodyguards Gang Starr: The ? Remainz The Planet Tonz 'O' Gunz The Planet Mass Appeal Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: OutKast Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (1994) Antwan (Big Boi) Patton and Andre (Dre) Benjamin began collaborating in 1992 and paired their genuis presenting it for the world to see on their debut project SouthernPlayalisticadillacmuzik which released on LaFace records in the spring of 1994. LA’s own DJ Rashida sat with us to talk southern charm, the musicality of this album, black consciousness through the lyrics, what made the interludes so compelling and why this album stands the real test of time. More on DJ Rashida DJ Rashida's Wikipedia page DJ Rashida on Prince Twitter | Instagram More on Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik Southernplaylisticadillacmuzik's Wikipedia page How Classic is OutKast's Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (Classic Hip-Hop Magazine) Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik at 20 (Billboard) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik unless indicated otherwise): Hootie Hoo Arrested Development: Tennessee Call of da Wild True Dat (Interlude) Welcome to Atlanta (Interlude) Ain't No Thang Funky Ride Ain't No Thang Claimin' True Crumblin' Erb Myintrotoletuknow Flim Flam Git Up, Git Out Player's Ball Player's Ball (Reprise) The Roots: Proceed Society of Soul: E.M.B.R.A.C.E. Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Joy Division Closer (1980) Moby has been in the game for over three decades, making punk, electronic, alt-rock, dance, and everything in between. When we heard he was coming on Heat Rocks, we had no idea what album he'd pick, but we knew it was going to be some absolute fire. Joy Division were pioneers, blending genres and helping create and popularize the sound that would become post-punk. Unfortunately, Closer would be Joy Division's final album. On May 18th 1980, just weeks before Joy Division's first tour in America, lead singer Ian Curtis took his own life. Factory Records released the album a few months later, and the remaining members would go on to form New Order. We sat down with Moby to talk about post-punk, the wildly varied music scene on the East coast in the 80s, and the shift from Joy Division to New Order. We chat about Ian's deteriorating mental wellness and Moby's own experiences playing with New Order and covering Joy Division songs. Grab a chair, this conversation goes deep. Moby's new book, "Then It Fell Apart" is out now. Cop it at your local bookstore. More on Moby Moby's new memoir "Then It Fell Apart" For Moby, Using Music as a Coping Mechanism(Wall Street Journal) Twitter | Instagram More on Closer My Favourite album: Closer by Joy Division (The Guardian) Rewind: Joy Division's Closer" (Read TIDAL) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Closer unless indicated otherwise): Twenty Four Hours Moby: Natural Blues Heart and Soul Joy Division: Wilderness Decades Atrocity Exhibition Nolan Porter: Keep On Keepin' On Joy Division: Interzone The Eternal Moby: New Dawn Fades Atrocity Exhibition Twenty Four Hours Isolation Atrocity Exhibition The Nonce: Mix Tapes Elliott Smith: No Name No. 5 Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: James Blood Ulmer: Odyssey  (1984)  “Electric guitar” and “free jazz” may not be terms that folks normally pair together but when James Blood Ulmer first began collaborating with jazz giant Ornette Coleman in the mid 1970s, Ulmer found an instant kinship is the heady, improvisational style of Coleman’s harmolodics theory. The influence would shape the beginnings of Ulmer’s solo career later in the decade, culminating, for many, in Odyssey, recorded in 1983 with just Ulmer, drummer Warren Benbow and violinist Charles Burnham. Since then, the album is considered one of Ulmer’s greatest achievements, what longtime New York music critic, Robert Christgau lauded as a “ur-American synthesis that takes in jazz, rock, Delta blues and even country music…you’d be hard-pressed to pin just one style on any of this painfully beautiful stuff.” Odyssey came to us via music historian and author RJ Smith. He's already written  books on everything from the Los Angeles post-war jazz scene to photographer Robert Frank to an R&B artist named James Brown. He's currently working on a new biography, this one about Chuck Berry. For RJ, Ulmer's masterpiece represented a distillation of musical movements all colliding together in early 1980s New York City and where Odyssey's opening song felt like an invitation to prayer and mediation.  More on RJ Smith Interview between RJ and June Thomas (Slate.com) "Tell Us 5 Things About Your Book: Capturing the Elusive Robert Frank" (NY Times) "In 'Rhythm,' Bhi Bhiman's Music Isn't Limited By National Borders" (NPR) More on Odyssey Robert  Christgau's review of Odyssey (and other Ulmer albums of the era) 1998 interview between Ulmer and Jason Gross (Furious.com) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Odyssey unless indicated otherwise): Love Dance Church Smothered Soul Ornette Coleman Quartet: Live in Roma Swing and Things Wynton Marsalis: When It's Sleepytime Down South Swing and Things Church Please Tell Her Little Red House Are You Glad To Be In America Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: The Carpenters' A Song For You (1972) dulcet (adjective) used to describe a sound that is soothing and soft, like the dulcet harmonies in a 70s pop song or the dulcet tones of a harp. It seems like Karen Carpenter invented dulcet tones. Her velvet buttery vocals floated and soared on songs like "We've Only Just Begun", "Top Of The World", "Close To You". Alongside her brother Richard, she created a signature sound built around layered arrangements and harmonies. Our guest, Pop Rocket's own Karen Tongson, sat with us on Heat Rocks to deep dive into the Carpenters seminal, Close To You, their second studio album released on August 19th, 1970. We talked about what made Karen Carpenter's voice inimitable and extraordinary, how the Carpenters invented the power ballad, Karen's enunciations and lower register, and listened to acapellas that made us all swoon. Karen's book "Why Karen Carpenter" makes its debut on June 1st and will cover all the ground we didn't in this episode, sans music, but Heat Rocks recommends that you listen to music of The Carpenters in prep! More on Karen Tongson Karen Tongson on Why Karen Carpenter Matters (UTexas Press) Preorder Karen's book here Twitter | Instagram More on A Song For You Karen Carpenter's tragic story (The Guardian) Remembering Karen Carpenter, 30 Years Later" (NPR) Flashback: Karen Carpenter Takes Country Music to the White House (Rolling Stone) Show Tracklisting (all songs from A Song For You unless indicated otherwise): Hurting Each Other Goodbye to Love The Carpenters: We've Only Just Begun Donny Hathaway: A Song For You A Song For You Piano Picker Crystal Lullaby I Won't Last A Day Without You Diana Ross: I Won't Last A Day Without You I Won't Last A Day Without You Intermission The Carpenters: Rainy Days and Mondays (isolated vocals) Goodbye to Love Road Ode I Won't Last A Day Without You Top of the World If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

When Plantation Lullabies first hit the scene back in 1993, there wasn't anything really like it. Meshell Ndgeocello was a bald, badass, and bold woman with bars talking about sexuality, racism, and gender relations while paving the way for neo-soul music and artists. Plantation Lullabies gave us many, many things, and Sy Smith (who has played alongside Meshell for years) came by the studio to talk to us about it. We discuss the impact it had on neo-soul, the shades of funk and go-go throughout the record, and the freedom it offered to black America. Settle in, because this episode and this album are essential to any Heat Rocker. More on Sy Smith Sy Smith is in Full Bloom on Sometimes A Rose Will Grow in Concrete (Soul Bounce) Now and Later -- Music Video Twitter | Instagram More on Plantation Lullabies Plantation Lullabies Review (BBC) If That's Your Boyfriend -- Music Video Show Tracklisting (all songs from Plantation Lullabies unless indicated otherwise): Soul On Ice Sy Smith: Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete Dred Loc If That's Your Boyfriend (He Wasn't Last Night) Picture Show Shoot'n Up and Gett'n High If That's Your Boyfriend (He Wasn't Last Night) Plantation Lullabies I'm Diggin' You - Like An Old Soul Record Dred Loc Call Me Untitled Meshell Ndegeocello: Nocturnal Sunshine Meshell Ndegeocello: Rush Over If That's Your Boyfriend (He Wasn't Last Night) Soul On Ice Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Sly and the Family Stone: Stand! (1969) When San Francisco’s Sylvester Stewart and his Family Stone released Stand! in the spring of the 1969, it further cemented the group’s reputation as the definitive pop act of the era, whose multiracial makeup mirrored the band’s multi-musical fluency in rock, pop, soul and funk. They captured the post-summer of love optimism of the times in songs like “Everyday People” and “You Can Make It If You Try” and though those good times wouldn’t last in the years to follow, for that brief, shining moment, Stand! thrust Sly and the Family Stone into the spotlight as avatars for a national feeling of possibility and positivity. Can it be it was all so simple then?  Stand! was the pick of guest Bhi Bhiman, the singer/songwriter from Los Angeles (by way of St. Louis). Armed with an eclectic set of influences, Bhiman's dabbled in everything from songwriting with The Coup's Boots Riley to collaborating with comedian Keegan-Michael Key to releasing his most recent album, 2019's Peace of Mind, as a podcast. Together, we discuss how Stand! reflected the soon-to-be-dashed optimism of its time, how the Family Stone doesn't get enough credit for Sly's sound and ponder how Ike and Tina Turner managed to rip off "Sing a Simple Song" without catching heat.  More on Bhi Bhiman Interview with Billboard "In 'Rhythm,' Bhi Bhiman's Music Isn't Limited By National Borders" (NPR) Website | Twitter | Facebook More on Stand! Oliver and Joseph Schloss's dissection of "Sing a Simple Song" "Freddy Stone discusses Sly and the Family Stone’s Stand! on its 45th anniversary" (Wax Poetics) "Dusting ‘Em Off: Sly & the Family Stone's Stand!" (Consequence of Sound) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Stand! unless indicated otherwise): Soul Clappin II Jimi Hendrix: We Gotta Live Together Sing A Simple Song Stand Tremaine Hawkins: Change Stand Sex Machine Don't Call Me N**** Whitey Sing A Simple Song You Can Make It If You Try Bold Soul Sister Everyday People  I Want To Take You Higher Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: James Brown: In the Jungle Groove (1986) This is the first of what will eventually be four episodes, released quarterly, that focus on the art of sampling. As Morgan explains in this episode, sampling isn't simply a key aesthetic within pop music styles, especially hip-hop, it's also an important way through which the past becomes present, allowing us to rediscover artists of yore. No artist in the 1980s benefitted more from this than James Brown. By the end of the decade, Brown's long funk discography had seemingly been mined thousands of ways over but if you had to trace things back to a ground zero, you'd find In the Jungle Groove, the 1986 compilation from Polydor that practically felt designed for sampling, especially by highlighting some of Brown's fiercest and funkiest tracks, complete with new edits and remixes, none more far-reaching than "Funky Drummer," a former 45-only jam that the comp not only released in its full form but also took Clyde Stubblefield's iconic breakbeat and looped it into its own standalone track.  For our inaugural Art of Sampling episode, we revisit In the Jungle Groove and talk about both our favorite songs off the comp as well as our favorite uses of those various tracks. Listen to how we give it up and turn it loose.   More on In the Jungle Groove Album reviews (Rolling Stone 500 and Pop Matters) Sampling database (WhoSampled) "The natural history of the 'Funky Drummer' break" Show Tracklisting (all songs from In the Jungle Groove unless indicated otherwise): Funky Drummer Digable Planets: Where I'm From N.W.A.: Fuck Tha Police Public Enemy: Fight the Power Funky Drummer Nas: Get Down The Incredible Bongo Band: Apache Nas: Made You Look Masta Ace Incorporated: Boom Bashin' George Michael: Waiting For That Day Skull Snaps: It's A New Day The Winstons: Amen Brother Public Enemy: Bring the Noise Funky Drummer Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose Talkin' Loud And Sayin' Nothing Keek and Qagee: Don't Say It, Sing It Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved Gang Starr: Gotch U CeCe Peniston: Finally (Remix) Full Force: Ain't My Type of Hype Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved Hot Pants I Got To Move Showbiz and AG: Diggin' In The Crates Cypress Hill: How I Can Just Kill A Man (Blunted Remix) Funky Drummer Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Bill Withers: +Justments (1974) Despite the massive success of Withers's first two albums, Just As I Am and Still Bill, label problems prevented +Justments (his fourth LP) from being released on CD until 2010. As such, it's been a sleeper of an album despite how good it is. Withers was never the most confessional of artists but this album, which came about during the dissolution of Withers's marriage to Denise Nicholas (amidst accusations of abuse), is about as close to he gets to talking about his personal life via song. Meanwhile, scoring all this were former members of the Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band, as good a rhythm section that any artist in L.A. could hope to be hooked up with.  +Justments was the pick by L.A. soulster Joey Dosik, who's recorded extensively with Vulfpeck but has recently branched into his solo career with his debut album from last year, Inside Voice, which includes a cover of "Stories" from Withers's album. Amongst other things, we discussed how Dosik discovered this slept-on album in his ex-girlfriend's crates, how he learned his own singing voice by studying Withers's, and how drumming great James Gadson is supernaturally clean in the pocket.  We are in the home stretch of the MaxFunDrive! If you like what we make, please head over to maximumfun.org/donate and become a member today! Your support means the world to us. Note: the first half of our episode was taped in the MaxFun kitchen on a remote rig because the power had gone out in our building. We were able to get back into the studio properly for the second half but we apologize for the uneven sound quality of the first half.  More on Joey Dosik "Joey Dosik Talks NBA-Inspired 'Running Away' & Getting A Pep Talk From Quincy Jones" (Billboard) Interview with Atwood Magazine Twitter | Bandcamp | Website More on +Justments Bomani Jones on +Justments. Review on Popmatters. "Ain’t No Sunshine In Bill Withers’ Masterpiece, +’Justments" (Trunkworthy) Show Tracklisting (all songs from +Justments unless indicated otherwise): Ruby Lee Joey Dosik: Game Winner Stories Bill Withers: Ain't No Sunshine Can We Pretend Heartbreak Road Can We Pretend Heartbreak Road Stories Joey Dosik: Stories (Live) Joey Dosik: Stories Railroad Man You Green Grass Shuggie Otis: Inspiration Information Stevie Wonder: Visions Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Chungking Express Soundtrack (1994) Legendary Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar Wai has long been known for how he integrates pop songs into his films and soundtracks. Chungking Express, Wong's breakout international hit, was no exception as he worked  in everything from '60s folk pop to '70s reggae to '90s alternative in the mix, alongside an original score by longtime composer partners Roel Garcia and Frankie Chan. To discuss the melding of sound, image and story in Wong's fanciful tale of two cops and the women who (may or may not) love them, we brought in the hosts of Heartbreak Radio, Lady Imix and DJ Phatrick. Heartbreak Radio which began as an internet show devoted to the sounds of "beautiful sadness" and now it broadcasts every two weeks on KQBH LP, 101.5 FM, a micro-transmitter station out of Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. Imix (aka Sol) and Phatrick (aka Patrick) are now old hands at the sounds of love and longing and it was obvious why they'd want to muse on the music of Chungking Express. Together we talked about how Wong Kar Wai's movies use pop, how the right song can enhance a character and whether or not Oliver is bugging out when he says that he can't stand to hear "California Dreamin'" anymore.  The MaxFunDrive is in full swing! If you like what we do, please consider becoming a monthly supporter. We love making this show and we are able to make it because of your support! Head over to maximumfun.org/donate now! More on Lady Imix and DJ Phatrick Lady Imix profiled on KCET's Artbound. Interview with DJ Phatrick (Artnois) Lady Imix's Twitter | Instagram Phatrick's Twitter | Instagram | Website More on the music of Chungking Express "The 'Chungking Express' Soundtrack Makes Repetition Beautiful" (Noisey)  "The Use of Music in 'Chungking Express'" (Explaining Film) Brian Hu on Wong Kar Wai's use of pop music. Show Tracklisting (all songs from the soundtrack of Chungking Express unless indicated otherwise): Fornication in Space Things in Life Heartbreak Interlude Flying Pickets: Only You Los Indios Tabajara: Always in My Heart Nat King Cole: Quizas, Quizas, Quizas What A Difference A Day Makes Urge Overkill: Girl You'll Be A Woman Soon California Dreamin' Lee Moses: California Dreamin' Fornication in Space Things in Life Dreams What A Difference A Day Makes Dreams If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Prince Dirty Mind (1980) Dirty Mind, Prince's third album, arrived on the scene in the late fall of 1980, and brought with it a salaciousness we hadn't known heretofore.  The album, a mix of punk, funk and disco allowed Prince to play with gender and genre as well as sexual innuendo and double entendre.     Beatmaker and producer Illa J sat down with us to talk about why Dirty Mind for him is an all time heatrock, what makes the album impossible to stop bumping and how Prince was on time and ahead of his time all at the same time.   This episode was short and sweet - just like Dirty Mind.  Check it.   More on Illa J Illa J's Wikipedia entry Illa J Steps Away from J Dilla's Shadow on New Album (okayplayer) Illa J Pays Homage To The Determined Spirit of Detroit (Fader) Twitter | Instagram More on Dirty Mind Dirty Mind's Wikipedia entry Pitchfork's review of Dirty Mind Prince's Dirty Mind at 35: Classic Track-by-Track Album Review (Billboard) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Dirty Mind unless indicated otherwise) Uptown Illa J: Enjoy the Ride Partyup Dirty Mind Prince: Controversy Dirty Mind When You Were Mind The Bangle: Manic Monday Sister Partyup When You Were Mine Head Gotta Broken Heart Again Vanity 6: Nasty Girl Britney Spears: I'm A Slave 4 U  Uptown   Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Dear Heatrockers,   On a recent episode, our deep dive into Jackie Shane's "Any Other Way",  we unintentionally misgendered Ms. Shane and the late Wilmer Broadnax. Although some of this was addressed at the start of the episode, we'd like to take the opportunity to apologize to members of the transgender community and anyone who found our choice of words offensive and insensitive. We have re-cut the episode to remove the discussion of Broadnax and we pledge for the future to do a more thoughtful job in choosing our language in a respectful and accurate manner. Thanks to all of you who sent us feedback on this; we appreciate your input and support.   The Album: Jackie Shane Any Other Way (2017) This week's episode focuses on the life, career and resurgence of soul singing trans pioneer Jackie Shane, who spent much of the 50's and 60's alongside Frank Motley and the Motley Crew band enthralling Toronto audiences with her voice, her presence and her realism. We were thrilled to be joined by another old soul, singer Nick Waterhouse, a cool kid from the best coast whose sonic leanings hearken back to a time and type of rhythm and blues. He came to share the Jackie Shane's influence on him as a singer, the splendor that was her life and the songs that moved him from her seminal 2017 compilation album, Any Other Way. This one's too good to miss! And be sure to check out Nick Waterhouse's new self-titled record releasing 03/08. More on Nick Waterhouse Nick Waterhouse on Consequence of Sound Nick Waterhouse "Song for Winners" Website | Twitter More on Any Other Way official website Jackie's interview with the CBC" "Transgender Pioneer Jackie Shane Reflects on Her Re-Emergence & Grammy-Nominated Album" (Billboard) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Any Other Way unless indicated otherwise): New Way of Loving Nick Waterhouse: Wreck the Rod Stand Up Straight and Tall Walking the Dog Any Other Way Frank Motley and the Hitchhikers: Hook & Sling Money (That's What I Want) Dual Trumpet Bounce - Live Papa's Got A Brand New Bag - Live Comin' Down Money (That's What I Want) Violent Femmes: Blister in the Sun Stand Up Straight and Tall Money (That's What I Want) - Live Walking the Dog Shotgun - Live Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: D'Angelo Voodoo (2000) Tall Black Guy, AKA Terrel Wallace, has been making beats and remixing artists like 79.5, Stro Elliot, and Moonchild, for a long time. Listen to any one of his songs and you'll understand why he's one of the best producers out there and why we were so excited to talk to him. It's no surprise that his personal heat rock (and ours) was "Voodoo" by D'Angelo. Making the album was no small feat. D'Angelo took a long break between albums to learn more about playing the guitar, and linked up with the Soulquarians to lay down some of the funkiest, most eclectic, and just plain hottest tracks of all-time. It took nearly 5 years to make, but the wait was worth it. Morgan is flying solo and talked to TBG about the wide range of D'Angelo's influences, the shift from "Brown Sugar" to "Voodoo," and D'Angelo's personal shift from neo soul darling to full-on sex symbol. More on Tall Black Guy Tall Black Guy on Bastard Jazz Hyp 203: Tall Black Guy Twitter | Soundcloud More on Voodoo Voodoo - Review (Pitchfork) D'Angelo and Questlove Bare the Roots of "Voodoo"" (NPR) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Voodoo unless indicated otherwise): Send It On Tall Black Guy: O Fim da Viagem Playa Playa Snoop Dogg: Gin and Juice Chicken Grease Maimouna Youssef: Say My Name Spanish Joint The Line Spanish Joint Greatdayndamornin'/Booty - Medley Left and Right Red Astaire: Follow Me Untitled (How Does It Feel) Prince: She's Always In My Hair D'Angelo: She's Always In My Hair 14KT: She's Always In My Hair Africa Devil's Pie Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: The Bacao Rhythm and Steel Band: The Serpent's Mouth (2018) Steel pan/drum music emerged out of Trinidad and Tobago over the course of the 1950s. Its tinny yet melodious timbre was unique and it soon became a signature style within the diverse soundscape of Afro-Caribbean music. The tourism industry compelled steel drum bands to adapt pop hits into their repertoire and by the late '60s and early '70s, it was common to hear soul and funk tunes being given a steel pan makeover. Even Morgan's stepfather, Bob Sharpe, got in the action as part of the Salt N' Pepper Steel Band, whose lone album includes covers of the Jackson 5 and Johnny Nash (and Oklahoma too!).  The Bacao Rhythm and Steel Band, formed by Germany's Bjorn Wagner after a few years living in Trinidad & Tobago, is directly influenced by that earlier era. Across their two albums, 55 (2016) and last year's The Serpent's Mouth, Bacao tackle any number of surprising hits, many of them drawn from hip-hop as well as soul/funk, plus their own original compositions. If you ever wanted to hear Gang Starr deep cuts get the steel pan makeover, you came to the right place.  The Serpent's Mouth was the album pick of DJ Garth Trinidad, whose been a radio fixture in Los Angeles since the mid-90s, when he first started at  KCRW and rose to fame on his weeknight Chocolate City show. He continues to hold down a 8-10pm slot when he's not busy music supervising or hosting concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.  More on Garth Trinidad Interview with Rebel Radio "In Conversation With Garth Trinidad" (Ford Theater) Twitter | Instagram More on The Serpent's Mouth Oliver's review (NPR's All Things Considered) Whosampled.com breakdown Track-by-track review (Monkey Boxing) Show Tracklisting (all songs from The Serpent's Mouth unless indicated otherwise): Xxplosive The Original Trinidad Steel Band: Cissy Strut Salt n' Pepper Band: My Way Bacao Steel and Rhythm Band: Round and Round 1 Thing Jake Shimabukuro: Dragon 79.5: Terrorize My Heart The Poets of Rhythm: What You Doin' Bacao Steel and Rhythm Band: Dog Was a Doughnut Burn All for the Cash Burn Crockett Theme I Love You Maracas Bay Boogie Hoola-Hoop The Katzenjammers: Cars Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: The Dreamgirls soundtrack (2006) Former LA Times Editor and Out Magazine's Director of Culture and Entertainment Tre'vell Anderson, joined us to talk Jennifer Hudson and the Dreamgirls OST. Dreamgirls won two Academy Awards - one for Best Sound Mixing, the other, Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Hudson's star-making portrayal of Effie White. The single disc-version of the soundtrack spent two weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 and was nominated for the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album. One of the songs, "Love You I Do" won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture or Television. The soundtrack, a certified banger, and Tre'vell's personal heat rock, was certified platinum. A fan of Jennifer Hudson's since American Idol Season 3 (his favorite), the film and soundtrack resonated with him because of the all too familiar narrative of the most talented person in the room having to contend with implicit bias preventing them from living their best life. We talked about the glory of Jennifer's journey from losing American Idol to winning at the Oscars, the difference between singers and sangers, Detroit vs. Chicago as a backdrop for the film, and what it sounds like when a Cadillac commercial get's "Pat Booned" (an Oliver Wang original saying). Why did the film propel Jennifer Hudson to the stardom possibly meant for Beyonce (AT THAT TIME). Who knew Eddie Murphy had this sort of vocal range? Who's version of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" was better: the original J.H. or the new J.H.? Tre'vell helped us answer those questions and more! More on Tre'vell Anderson Tre'vell's bio on the LA Times Tre'vell Anderson Spills the Tea on Sex and Gender (Tusk Magazine) Twitter | Instagram More on the Dreamgirls OST Wikipedia entry on Dreamgirls Jennifer Hudson's Dreamgirls Audition (EW) Show Tracklisting (all songs from the Dreamgirls OST unless indicated otherwise): Move Jennifer Holliday: And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going Cadillac Car Eddie Murphy: Party All The Time I Meant You No Harm/Jimmy's Rap Move Fake Your Way to the Top Patience One Night Only (Disco) And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going Jennifer Holliday: And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going Family Steppin' to the Bad Side Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Curtis Mayfield's Back to the World (1973) In 1973, Curtis Mayfield had already become one of the biggest soul stars in the world thanks to the success of his Superfly soundtrack. He could have doubled-down with another album of lurid and cautionary street tales but instead, he wrote an album that many think of as a soundtrack to a movie never made, chronicling a returning Vietnam War veteran who finds America to be a different kind of war zone. Back to the World showcased Mayfield at his best — as a musician, composer, arranger, singer, producer, guitarist and songwriter — and decades later, we can still hear some of its influence reverberating in the dozens of artists who sampled from this album's lush music.  The Bay Area's Lyrics Born brought this album to us to talk about. As part of the Solesides/Quannum crew that dates back to the mid-90s, LB has represented a much admired indie hip-hop ethos and he's been embraced by fans around the world. In our conversation, we talked about Mayfield's commitment to social issues, his gifts as a songwriter and whether or not "Right On For the Darkness" is, in fact, about a blind person.  More on Lyrics Born "Lyrics Born Opens Up About His 10th Solo Album, 'Quite a Life'" (Prelude Press) "Lyrics Born Gets Personal" (East Bay Express) Website | Twitter  More on Back to the World Original 1973 Rolling Stone review by Stephen Davis. "SONG OF THE DAY Curtis Mayfield – Right On for the Darkness" (The Listening Post) Mayfield on Soul Train performing "Back to the World" Show Tracklisting (all songs from Back to the World unless indicated otherwise): Back to the World Future Shock Mac Mill: Straight Dangler The Impressions: Keep On Pushing Curtis Mayfield: Eddie You Should Know Better The Impressions: I've Been Trying Back to the World Keep on Trippin' Right On For The Darkness Wiz Khalifa: Glass House Right On For The Darkness Gang Starr: Take A Rest Mase: What You Want Filthy Phil: The Payback Willie Wright: Right On For The Darkness Future Shock Can't Say Nothin' If I Were A Child Again Curtis Mayfield: So In Love Cissy Houston: Warning-Danger Aretha Franklin: Something He Can Feel Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Bryan Ferry, These Foolish Things (1973) Bryan Ferry first came to notice in the early 1970s thanks to the art rock group, Roxy Music, that he helped form. Most other artists would have focused their energies on their budding, hit band but Ferry, throughout his career, has never been one to be like "most other artists." Even as Roxy Music was blowing up, Ferry used time between those albums to record his own solo works and though his voice might bridge the two, his solo debut album, These Foolish Things was unlikely to be confused for a Roxy Music project.  Ferry, at heart, is a crooner and so it's only fitting that this album would inspired by his eclectic interpretations of different rock, pop and soul standards, including everything from Erma Franklin's "Piece of My Heart," to The Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil" to the Beach Boys' "Don't Worry Baby." We talk about an artist trying to "make a song their own" whenever we discuss covers and it's hard to argue that when it comes to Ferry here, he's putting his own, distinct stamp on these hits.   These Foolish Things came to us by way of our guest, music critic Lindsay Zoladz, who's spent the last ten years stocking up clips for everyone from Pitchfork to New York Magazine to The Ringer, where she's been a staff writer for the last several years (alongside the likes of previous Heat Rocks' guests, Shea Serrano and Chris Ryan). Zoladz shared with us how she discovered this particular album (especially as someone who wasn't even born in the 1970s), what she hears in Ferry's interpretations and whether or not he lives up to the title of being a "bobby dazzler."  More on Lindsay Zoladz Her interview with Bryan Ferry (Pitchfork) Her interview on The Ringer Website | Twitter  More on These Foolish Things Album "Revisit" (Spectrum Culture) Album review (Real Gone) "These Foolish Things at 45" (Rock & Roll Globe) Show Tracklisting (all songs from These Foolish Things unless indicated otherwise): These Foolish Things A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall Baby I Don't Care It's My Party Piece of My Heart The Tracks of My Tears Sam Cooke: These Foolish Things James Brown: These Foolish Things River of Salt Lesley Gore: It's My Party It's My Party Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever Don't Worry Baby Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Otis Redding The Very Best of Otis Redding (1992) Xiu Xiu's Jamie Stewart is the son of a record producer and session player who blessed him with the gift of The Very Best of Otis Redding, the 1992 compilation of sixteen of the best songs from the late Otis Redding's catalogue. His father gave him instructions for listening - the charge to learn all about feel. We talked about the nuances of jabs and riffs and Otis Redding's pathos, his restraint, Otis' use of "uncool words" his penchant for the word "lovely", and his wonderfully nuanced cover of the Rolling Stones "Satisfaction". We discussed the sound Memphis music - Stax/Volt, the musicianship, the organic country friend soul sound of the label, and how that sound benefitted Otis Redding. What Jamie Stewart learned most from Otis Redding was awareness, how beats affect emotion, awareness of feel and how rhythm and emotion impact singing. It was a great conversation about a career and a life interrupted. Xiu Xiu's newest album Girl with Basket of Fruit, releases 02/08/2019 via Polyvinyl. Check out the music video for their newest single Scisssssssors. Editor's note: Xiu Xiu was formed in San Jose, but the band is now LA-based. More on Jamie Stewart Xiu Xiu Announces New Album (Pitchfork) Wondering, Maybe: An Interview with Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu (Pop Matters) Xiu Xiu's Jamie Stewart talks about his 14 year love of birdwatching (SCPR) Twitter | Bandcamp Show Tracklisting (all songs from The Very Best of Otis Redding unless indicated otherwise): I've Got Dreams to Remember Shake Pain in My Heart Otis Redding: Ole Man Trouble Try a Little Tenderness Frank Sinatra: Try a Little Tenderness The Happy Song (Dum-Dum-De-De-De-Dum-Dum) Satisfaction Respect I've Been Loving You Too Long Jay-Z and Kanye West: Otis I've Got Dreams to Remember These Arms of Mine Otis Redding: Free Me Otis Redding: Hard to Handle Otis Redding: Change Gonna Come Otis Redding: Try a Little Tenderness (Live on Upbeat) Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Ol Dirty Bastard: Return to the 36 Chambers (1995) "Ain't no father to his style." That's how Ol Dirty Bastard was introduced to the world on 1993's Enter the 36 Chambers by hip-hop's posse supreme, the Wu Tang Clan. At the time, we got an inkling of ODB's eccentricity but on that first Wu album, so overloaded with personalities, it was hard to pluck him out of the stream and think "he might be the Clan's most memorable talent" but two years later, sandwiched between a stream of solo efforts by Method Man, the GZA, Raekwon and Ghostface, ODB put the world on notice with Return to the 36 Chambers. Here was Big Baby Jesus aka Dirt McGirt in all his weird, wonderful glory, with a raspy, rumbling voice that was like no other, singing and rapping in a way that was either wholly unhinged, creatively brilliant or perhaps, both. These are the part of the mysteries that we tried to unpack with the help of Open Mike Eagle. He's no stranger to Max Fun listeners as OME is half the team behind Tights and Fights, when he's not also helping host the Secret Skin or Conversation Parade podcasts. He also, of course, is a prolific MC himself, with well over a dozen EPs and LPs to his name including last year's What Happens When I Try to Relax. As you'll hear, Return to the 36 Chambers wasn't just OME's intro to Dirt Dog, it was how he discovered the Wu and he, and hip-hop, would forever be changed. More on Open Mike Eagle "Open Mike Eagle on the Economics of Being an Indie Rapper" (Pitchfork) Interview with Billboard about What Happens When I Try To Relax Website | Twitter |Bandcamp More on Return to the 36 Chambers "Return To The 36 Chambers reinvented the solo record in its eccentric creator’s image" (AV Club) Album review (Focus Hip Hop) "9 Things You Probably Didn't Know" about Return to the 36 Chambers (Highsnobiety) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Return to the 36 Chambers unless indicated otherwise): Shimmy Shimmy Ya Intro Brooklyn Zoo GZA: Investigative Reports Hippa to da Hoppa Thelonius Monk: Ba-lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are Cuttin' Headz Raw Hide Brooklyn Zoo Shimmy Shimmy Ya Goin' Down Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Cyndi Lauper She's So Unsual (1983) She's So Unusual dropped October 14th, 1983, and introduced much of the world to Queens' pop punk tough girl Cyndi Lauper. She presented as a colorful character with colorful hair and colorful homies and charmed her way into pop culture with ten tracks recorded for CBS at the Record Plant, NYC. The former front woman for rockabilly band Blue Angel took a demo written by Philly rocker Robert Hazard and retooled it to become an anthem for her and the Eighties. "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" was the hit single that launched She's So Unusual and Cyndi Lauper into fame and led the album to platinum success, with six singles, two Grammy Awards, and critical acclaim for days. She's So Unusual was the pick of astrologer/activist Chani Nicholas, who joined us to break down the relevance and resonance of the album in her life, Cyndi's star appeal, the queer gaze present on the album, Cyndi's quirky Cancerian coolness, and the her impact on music and the masses. More on Chani Nicholas Meet the Woman Bringing Social Justice to Astrology (Rolling Stone) There's a Reason for Chani Nicholas's Cult Following (Shondaland) Where Astrology and Social Justice Meet: A Q&A with Chani Nicholas  (Rewire.News) Twitter | Instagram More on She's So Unsual Classic Album: She's So Unusual - Cyndi Lauper (Classic Pop) 30 Years of Pop Perfection: Why Cyndi Lauper's "She's So Unusual" Holds Up" (Complex) Wikipedia Entry on "She's So Unusual" Show Tracklisting (all songs from She's So Unsual unless indicated otherwise): Time After Time Girls Just Want to Have Fun Money Changes Everything She Bop Divinyls: I Touch Myself When You Were Mine Prince: When You Were Mine When You Were Mine Money Changes Everything The Brains: Money Changes Everything Time After Time Money Changes Everything Girls Just Want to Have Fun - Early Guitar Demo Girls Just Want to Have Fun - Demo Girls Just Want to Have Fun Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Parliament: The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein (1976) In the 1970s, no single artist was as influential in transforming the sound of funk as George Clinton. If the funk of the late '60s was embodied in the sparse, frenetic rhythms of James Brown, Clinton filled out and polished the sound across the '70s, with beefy banks of horns and raucous guitars. By the time The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein came out in the mid 1970s, the P-Funk sound was in full flower and that's when a young DJ from outside Detroit crossed paths with The P. Mayer Hawthorne, back when, was still known as DJ Haircut but a move to Los Angeles in the 2000s lead to a transformation into the smooth crooner we know of him today.  Besides the four solo studio albums he’s recorded, he’s also one-half of the retro boogie team known Tuxedo(alongside Jake One) as well as half of the post-punk n’ funk duo, Jaded Incorporated, (alongside 14KT). Fun fact: Jaded Inc’s 2014 album The Big Knock was released by Casablanca Records, long-long time home to Parliament’s recordings, including The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein. More on Mayer Hawthorne "Tuxedo's Mayer Hawthorne & Jake One Play 'Elegant Funk' and Dress the Part No Matter What" (Billboard) Hawthorne Radio (Soundcloud) Website | Twitter |Facebook More on The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein "Masters of the Form" (Popmatters) Clones entry from "P-Funk Albums From Worst to Best" (Stereogum) Album review (Drowned In Sound) Show Tracklisting (all songs from The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein unless indicated otherwise): Prelude Parliament: Body Language Digital Underground: The Humpty Dance Dr. Funkenstein Ice Cube: Steady Mobbin Parliament: P-Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up) NWA: 1-900-2-COMPTON -  Interlude Disco D: Ghettotronics Funkin for Fun OutKast: Funky Ride OutKast: Liberation The Parliaments: All Your Goodies Are Gone Parliament: All Your Goodies Are Gone Rose Williams and George Clinton: Whatever Makes My Baby Feel Good Parliament: Whatever Makes Baby Feel Good Gamin on Ya Dr. Funkenstein The Ohio Players: Funky Worm Mayer Hawthorne: Lingerie and Candlewax Do That Stuff Yo-Yo: Mackstress I've Been Watching You (Move Your Sexy Body) Getten To Know You Children of Production Funking for Fun Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: David Bowie Young Americans (1975) Super cool Grammy winning writer and archivist Lynell George came to know David Bowie's music through celebrated Los Angeles radio station KGFJ. KGFJ blasted the sounds and she received them courtesy of a wrap around Panasonic radio. (Salute!) She was attracted to the Philly soul sound ever present on David Bowie's Young Americans because Philly soul was in her DNA as she is the daughter of a Philadelphia Native. David Bowie's desire to pay homage to both the black soul music he was fond of and Aretha Franklin, was a shift that most critics weren't prepared for. We talked about the title track as an ahead-of-its-time commentary on gentrification, UK artists and their love affair with R&B music and the thin line between festishization and fascination. Sax solos, guitar solos, soulful arrangement galore, Young Americans was the sound of Philadelphia and the sounds of blackness. Best quote EVER, "you feel like you're walking through humidity" (Lynell George) She wooed us and schooled us. We'd expect nothing less from a historian and an OG member of David Bowie's fan club. More on Lynell George Lynell George Sings Los Angeles (Boom California) Four Questions for Author and Grammy Winner Lynell George (Publishers Weekly) Twitter | Website More on Young Americans Young Americans Review (BBC) David Bowie: Young Americans" (Pop Matters) Wikipedia entry on Young Americans Show Tracklisting (all songs from Young Americans unless indicated otherwise): Young Americans Fame David Bowie: Let's Dance David Bowie: TVC15 Young Americans Right Across the Universe Young Americans Can You Hear Me Somebody Up There Likes Me The Flares: Foot Stomping (Part 1) David Bowie: Footstompin' Fascination Somebody Up There Likes Me Fascination Fame Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Albums: Vince Guraldi's A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) Andy Williams' The Andy Williams Christmas Album (1963) Stax Records' Christmas in Soulsville (2007) Heat Rocks was hyped to have film critic Alonso Duralde (The Wrap), one of the hosts of Maximum Fun's movie podcast Who Shot Ya? guest with us to talk about our favorite Christmas songs, holiday fare, songs that should play when it's cold outside, baby. We visit the canon of Christmas music over the years (Andy Williams 1963 The Christmas Album, Vince Guaraldi Trio's A Charlie Brown Christmas and Stax Record's 2007 compilation Christmas In Soulsville and across genres and styles - crooners, sweeping orchestral cinematic pieces, summer songs vs. winter songs, modern Christmas traditions, etc. Alonso broke down the power of nostalgia as it relates to Christmas music and how our tastes in music are informed by tradition. Don't be a grinch. Listen to this wintery wonderland of an episode about favorite Christmas tracks. More on Alonso Duralde Alonso's podcast, Linoleum Knife Alonso on Maximum Fun Twitter Show Tracklisting Booker T and the MG's: Winter Wonderland (Take 2) The Waitresses: Wrapping Paper Ella Fitzgerald: The Christmas Song The Shins: Wonderful Christmastime Michael Jackson: Little Christmas Tree Wild Man Fischer: I'm A Christmas Tree Brian McKnight: Let It Snow Frank Sinatra: White Andy Williams: Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells Andy Williams: Happy Holiday/ The Holiday Season Andy Williams: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Andy Williams: Sweet Little Jesus Boy Mariah Carey: All I Want for Christmas is You Vince Guraldi: Christmas Time is Here (Vocal) Vince Guraldi: Christmas Time is Here (Instrumental) Vince Guraldi: Skating Vince Guraldi: O Tannenbaum Vince Guraldi: The Christmas Song Otis Redding: Merry Christmas, Baby The Staple Singers: Who Took the Merry out of Christmas Albert King: Santa Claus Wants Some Loving The Emotions: Black Christmas Isaac Hayes: The Mistletoe and Me Booker T and the MG's: Winter Wonderland (Take 2) Nate Dogg: Be Thankful Little Johnny Taylor: Please Come Home for Christmas Juice Crew: Cold Chillin' Christmas The Free Design: Close Your Mouth It's Christmas Kenny Bobien: Let Us Adore Him (Come O Ye Faithful) Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010) 2018 has been a tough year for Kanye West and Kanye West fans. He's showed up in unlikely places and waxed problematic about virtually everything , earned the ire of some of the West Coast's most loyal representatives, inspired critical analysis, all the while releasing Ye, his eighth solo album, an album as part of a group, and executive producing albums for Teyana Taylor, Pusha T and Nas. Sure, he's been booked and busy, but also the center of controversy and speculation. In 2010, he embraced his controversy, on the thirteen track My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Macy Gray joined us to talk about her fanship and hardcore love of this album, why she bumped one song all the way to Vegas, what caused her to rock a "MAKE KANYE GREAT AGAIN" hat for the 'gram and Kanye's impressive production on the album. We talked about Kanye's choice of samples, what can be learned about Kanye via MBDTF and why this album is great, but not his greatest. Ironically, we recorded this episode before Kanye's SNL appearance. Eavesdrop. Please. More on Macy Gray Macy Takes Her Love of Life to Town on Ruby (Pop Matters) Afropunk Interview: Macy Gray Instagram | Twitter More on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Every Sample from MBDTF (YouTube) 5 Years Later, Is My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Really Kanye West's Best Album? (GQ) Track-by-Track Guide to Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Genius) Show Tracklisting (all songs from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy unless indicated otherwise): Power Macy Gray: I've Committed Murder Macy Gray: Shinanigins Kanye West: Jesus Walks Lost in the World Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes Dark Fantasy Aphex Twin: Avril 14th Blame Game Gil Scott-Heron: Comment 1 Who Will Survive in America Bon Iver: Woods Lost in the World Monster Runaway Power Devil in a New Dress Dark Fantasy Runaway Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Kanye West: College Dropout (2004) Kanye has had a...not great year. From a public relations standpoint, it's been nothing short of a disaster. And yet...'Ye remains one of the most intriguing (if not also infuriating) pop acts we have, evinced to us by the fact that two different guests - rapper G Yamazawa and R&B legend Macy Gray - both asked to talk about Kanye West albums when they came on our show. By further coincidence, they came on the same day to tape which also happened to be the day of West's now-infamous Saturday Night Live appearance. West was also supposed to drop a new album that evening, Yandhi (spoiler alert: he didn't). Sufficed to say, all things pointed West that day, so much so that we were a little worried about releasing these episodes lest our listeners were suffering from too much Kanye fatigue. And yet...both conversations (the Macy Gray episode, about My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy will drop next week) were so compelling that we couldn't help ourselves. This one, with Yamazawa, was especially great in revisiting the old Kanye, chop-up-the-soul Kanye of College Dropout, where the young producer-turned-rapper came firing out the gate, putting the hip-hop world on notice that "oh sh---, Kanye raps too?" For G Yamazawa, then a young'un growing up in Durham "North Cack," West made a huge impression with his humor, sly politics and of course, the beats. Yamazawa, now relocated to L.A., knows something about sliding between worlds as a former champion spoken word poet turned MC (peep his new Money Is Time album) and together, we discussed what it was like for all of us to discover West's new persona back then, his taste in samples, and what era of West we gravitate towards. More on G Yamazawa "Southern Fried Asian: G Yamazawa" (Nerds of Color) "In Poetry and Hip-Hop, George 'G' Yamazawa Found His Self" (NBC) Website | Twitter | Facebook More on College Dropout "14 Things You Didn't Know About Kanye West's The College Dropout" (Capital Xtra) "Kanye West's The College Dropout: An Oral History" (Billboard) "The DNA Of Kanye West's The College Dropout" (Noisey/Vice) Show Tracklisting (all songs from College Dropout unless indicated otherwise): The New Workout PLan G Yamazawa: Drumma Some Chaka Khan: Through the Fire Through the Wire Last Call All Falls Down Slow Jamz Lil Jimmy Skit Workout Plan Spaceship Little Brother: Slow it Down Luther Vandross: A House Is Not A Home Slow Jamz Marvin Gaye: Distant Lover Spaceship The ARC Choir: Walk with Me Jesus Walks All Falls Down (Demo) All Falls Down Intro Kanye West: Wake Up Mr. West Breathe In Breathe Out Jesus Walks I'll Fly Away Get Em High Last Call All Falls Down Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: J*DaVeY The Beauty in Distortion (2008) Heat Rocks co-host Morgan Rhodes is a huge fan of J*Davey and a huge fan of Iman Omari. Naturally she was beyond thrilled when Iman accepted an invitation to come on Heat Rocks and chose J*Davey's 2008 brilliant debut album "The Beauty In Distortion" to discuss. J*Davey's breakout project was one of the jewels in LA's emerging future soul scene a decade ago. Their sound, a fusion of soul, synth, funk and pop gained a million fans and caught the ear of tastemakers everywhere. This album had a profound influence on his production choices pushing him in the direction of avant-garde soul. More on Iman Omari Iman Omari Loses Love to 'Another' (Soul Bounce) Meet MusiKXian Iman OmarI Instagram | Twitter More on The Beauty in Distortion J*Davey Talks LA Style (XLR8R) J*DaVeY: the beauty in distortion! Promo" J*Davey's Wikipedia Entry Show Tracklisting (all songs from The Beauty in Distortion unless indicated otherwise): Division of Joy Everybody Touch It Iman Omari: Midnight Mr. Mister (Future Screw Remix) Cowboys and Indians Finer Things Private Parts Might as Well Everybody Touch It Kim Burrell: Prayer Changes Things Kim Burrell: Holy Ghost Private Parts Cowboys and Indians Division of Joy Everybody Touch It Private Parts Finer Things No More Enterception Camera (Gangsta) Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Drakeo the Ruler: Cold Devil (2017) When we invited L.A. music writer Jeff Weiss to join us, he was adamant that there was only one release he wanted to talk about: Cold Devil, the full-length, acclaimed mixtape that the upstart Los Angeles rapper, Drakeo the Ruler, dropped nearly a year ago. Drakeo is part of the Stinc Team and is helping lead a wave of emergent talents that also includes 03 Greedo, Ketchy the Great and Ralfy the Plug. The longtime writer behind The Passion of the Weiss music blog, Jeff has been championing Drakeo for several years now and in particular, he's written extensively on the rapper's tumultuous legal challenges, including first interviewing Drakeo when he was locked up. Our conversation touched on Drakeo's legal situation, the rapper's gift of slanguistic gab and the current state of West Coast rap music. More on Jeff Weiss Interviews with Drakeo: 1 & 2 Shots Fired Podcast Website | Twitter More on Cold Devil "L.A. rapper Drakeo the Ruler is a man in demand" (LA Times) Album review (Pitchfork) "Drakeo The Ruler Is Different, And Different Is Good" (Stereogum) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Cold Devil unless indicated otherwise): Out the Slums Drakeo the Ruler: Mr. Get Dough Big Banc Uchies Flu Flamming Ion Rap Beef Red Tape, Yellow Tape Neiman and Marcus Don't Know You Flu Flamming Out the Slums Blamped Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: George Michael: Faith (1987) In the fall of 1987, it wasn't a foregone conclusion that George Michael's solo debut, Faith, would be a hit. As successful as Michael had been as half of the Wham! duo, going solo was always going to be a risk but as it turns out, it was one worth taking. Faith turned out to be a runaway hit, not simply a #1 album but spawning four different #1 singles, including the lively title song which became the best-selling song of 1988 in the U.S. It wasn't without controversy however, especially with conservative outcries against the song, "I Want Your Sex," and its video for being too racy or explicit, all the while Michael, as we learned later, was insinuating hints about his own changing sexual identity into different verses. These were all topics of discussion that came up with our guest, Chris Molanphy, creator and host of the Hit Parade podcast which analyzes chart histories to provide incredibly in-depth discussions about pop music. Chris takes on the sometimes arcane peculiarities of music charts and uses them as a way to jump into far broader discussions about pop trends, figures and transformations. Chris had previous taped an episode of Hit Parade devoted to the parallel careers of Michael and Elton John and he brought that wealth of knowledge to our conversation. More on Chris Molanphy "Commerce Vs. Consumption: A Revolutionary Rethink Of Billboard's Album Chart" (NPR's The Record) Pitchfork portfolio Website | Twitter More on Faith "'Keeping the 'Faith': Six Writers Remember the Six Classic Hit Singles From George Michael's 30-Year-Old Debut" (Billboard) "30 Years Ago: George Michael Goes Solo on 'Faith'" (Diffuser) Molanphy's article "Keanu and the Remarkable Chart History of George Michael, “Black” Music Star" (Slate) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Faith unless indicated otherwise): I Want Your Sex (Parts I & II) Wham!: Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go George Michael: Careless Whisper Hard Day Father Figure I Want You Sex (Parts I & II) Sinead O'Connor: Nothing Compares 2 U One More Try Hard Day (Shep Pettibone Remix) Hard Day Kissing A Fool Father Figure Hand to Mouth Limp Bizkit: Faith Faith Estelle: No Substitute Love Kissing a Fool Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Janelle Monae: Dirty Computer (2018) To close out our Women Behaving Boldly mini-series, we brought things all the way up to the present by tackling a 2018 album. Our guest, music writer and journalism professor Evelyn McDonnell wanted to talk about Atlanta's Janelle Monae and her recent LP, Dirty Computer. Between her various alter egos and concept-driven albums, Monae's been a critic's darling since she first broke out ten years ago and the intervening decade hasn't dimmed her creative appeal a bit. Dirty Computer, and its accompany mini-movie of music videos, touches on many of Monae's favorite themes: sci-fi futures (some good, some not so good), fluid identities (including her own evolving sexuality), and some of the most soul/funk/rock/pop concoctions you can imagine. If Monae's recent gem was a perfect capstone to our six weeks of Women Behaving Boldly, it was perfectly matched by the guest who chose it. McDonnell is one of the most accomplished music journalists of her generation, having previously written the books Queens of Noise, about the Runaways, Army of She, which is about Bjork, and Mamarama, which is about Evelyn herself.  Her latest is the massive anthology, Women Who Rock, a 400 page edited anthology that focuses on over 100 of the most important women in pop music history, written by many of our favorite writers including both Lynnee Denise and Ann Powers, both of whom also contributed to our Women Behaving Boldly series. More on Evelyn McDonnell Evelyn McDonnell on Bullseye. More on Women Who Rock Blog | Twitter More on Dirty Computer The album's "emotion picture" mini-movie. Album review (Pitchfork) "Janelle Monáe On Owning Her Queer Identity With 'Dirty Computer'" (Billboard) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Dirty Computer unless indicated otherwise): Make Me Feel Janelle Monae - Sincerely, Jane Janelle Monae - Tightrope Pynk I Like That So Afraid I Like That Pynk Aerosmith - Pink Django Jane Screwed Make Me Feel Americans Don't Judge Me The RH Factory - Poetry Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Lauryn Hill: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998) On August 25, 1998, Lauryn Hill, the breakout rapping/singing star from The Fugees released her first (and only) solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. On August 25, 2018, exactly 20 years later, the Heat Rocks crew invited author Joan Morgan to join us to talk about that album and her new book about that album, She Begat This. Call it a happy coincidence, call it kismet but either way, call it an amazing conversation.  It's difficult to overstate the singular importance of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. This was a generation before artists like Drake made singing + rapping into a popular form; Lauryn was wading into unknown waters when she put this together. As we discuss, her own label had to be pushed to even put the album out but once they did, it became an instant smash: multi-platinum sales, the first "Best Album" Grammy award for a hip-hop album, and it elevated, for better or for worse, Lauryn - still in her early 20s - to becoming one of hip-hop and R&B's most important figures. Of course, in the years since, controversy has dogged her, especially regarding her live shows and two decades later, her legacy is a complicated one, as we get into. Joan Morgan would have been an ideal guest even if she hadn't written a book about the album; her bonafides as one of the great cultural critics to emerge in the 1990s were already well-established, least of all in her 1999 collection of essays, When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost. Joan's based in New York, finishing up a PhD at NYU, but she happened to be in town on that fateful 20th anniversary day to come chat with us. More on Joan Morgan Paris Review review of She Begat This Joan interviewed on The Cypher podcast Twitter | Instagram More on The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill "The Selling of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" (Okayplayer, 2018) "Inside The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" (Rolling Stone, 2018) "My favourite album: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" (The Guardian, 2011) Show Tracklisting (all songs from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill unless indicated otherwise): Ex-Factor The Fugees: Ready or Not The Fugees: Nappy Heads (Remix) Lost Ones Pro Era: THE PE CYPHER (PT 1 & 2) Doo-Wop (That Thing) Lost Ones Nothing Even Matters To Zion The Fugees: Killing Me Softly with His Song Sweetest Thing The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill   If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The album: Madonna: Like a Prayer (Sire, 1989) For the fourth installment in our Women Behaving Boldly mini-series, we spin the clock back to an episode we first aired a year ago: Ann Powers, talking about Madonna’s Like a Prayer from 1989. From the beginning, we knew this episode in particular would make a perfect fit with the WBB series. After all, few pop artists, female or male, have done more to transform the pop landscape since the 1980s than Madonna, often times inviting scrutiny and criticism in the process for pushing the proverbial envelope on what people found acceptable by musical artists in that era. And to have Ann Powers, one of the country’s premier music critics, here to break down Madonna’s import was a gift unto itself. If you missed this the first time, we’re excited for you to hear it now. And if you heard it before, revisit this gem from our vaults. This week, Morgan and Oliver are joined by Ann Powers of NPR Music and author of the new book, Good Booty: Love and Sex, Black and White, Body and Soul in American Music. Together, the three dug into Like a Prayer, Madonna's critical breakout album form 1989. As Ann lays out, Madonna had already established herself as an MTV-era mega-star with her previous albums but Like a Prayer, with its then-controversial sexual politics and surprising personal candor, marked a new level of artistic ambition. More on Madonna and Like a Prayer The "Like a Prayer" video NPR Music's review of Like a Prayer for their "150 Greatest Albums Made by Women" list. More on Ann Powers: Ann Powers @ NPR Music Ann on All Things Considered, talking about Good Booty Her Twitter Tracklisting (all songs from Like a Prayer unless indicated otherwise): Like a Prayer Madonna: Like a Virgin Till Death Do Us Part Express Yourself Act of Contrition Love Song Cherish Keep it Together Like a Prayer Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The album: Betty Davis: They Say I'm Different (1974) As part of our "Women Behaving Boldly" series, we decided to re-air the episode that launched Heat Rocks: our interview with future soul trailblazer and architect Joi Gilliam. This was one the pilot episodes we recorded in the spring of 2017 and when we left the taping, we turned to one another and knew this show had potential. The pairing of artist and album came from Morgan and it was inspired: the undersung Betty Davis, one of the most original and fascinating figures of the 1970s, being feted by future soul artist and Dungeon Family-affiliate Joi, an artist very much cut from Betty's cloth but a generation later. We had a fantastic conversation about the importance and uniqueness of Betty and what she's meant, especially, to waves of Black women artists who've followed in her path in the 40+ years since. On a personal note, this also meant a lot to Oliver because he's written three sets of liner notes on Betty Davis albums (including They Say I'm Different) and interviewed her extensively as part of that. He forever holds a torch for her. More on Betty Davis: Betty interviewed by Jesse Thorn on Bullseye An interview with Oliver Wang on Betty Davis for Light In the Attic Pop Matters review of Betty Davis and They Say I'm Different More on Joi: Joi's website Joi is Reborn as "SIR Rebekkah Holylove" on New Album (SoulBounce) Joi's newest album SIR Rebekkah Holylove Twitter|Instagram Tracklisting (all songs from They Say I'm Different unless indicated otherwise): They Say I'm Different Joi: Sunshine & The Rain Bone Crusher: Never Scared Joi: Fatal Lovesick Journey Don't Call Her No Tramp Shoo-B-Doop and Cop Him Ice Cube: Once Upon a Time in the Projects They Say I'm Different 70's Blues Special People Joi: If I'm in Luck I Just Might Get Picked Up Shoo B Doop and Cop Him He Was a Big Freak Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Albums: Aretha Franklin: Young, Gifted, and Black (1974) Aretha Franklin: Jazz to Soul (1994) Aretha Franklin: Rare & Unreleased Recordings from the Golden Reign of the Queen of Soul (2007) Heat Rocks had always planned to sit down with DJ Lynnée Denise, an LA-based DJ and music scholar, but when Aretha Franklin passed on August 16th, we invited her to come talk with us about the Queen's life and legacy as part two of our series Women Behaving Boldly. What a fantastic decision! Admittedly, Queen Aretha's discography is too vast and too fire to be discussed on just one show so we cherry picked our favorite heat rocks: Oliver (The Queen in Waiting - The Columbia Years), Morgan (Rare & Unreleased Recordings from the Golden Reign of the Queen of Soul) and DJ Lynnée Denise (Young, Gifted and Black). The three of us, brought together by a shared love and reverence for the Queen talked about her incredible voice and gift of interpretation and DJ Lynnée unpacked the Aretha's relationship with the church, with Detroit, with her instrument(s), with black folks and of course, her place in the canon of music. Heat Rocks is thankful for an opportunity to spend an hour talking about the undisputed Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, with DJ Lynnée Denise who dropped some nuggets of wisdom on us. More on Lynnée Denise The Afro-Digital Migration: A DJ's Journey from Hip-Hop to House Music Website Our favorite Aretha performances Soul Train (1973) Blues Brothers (1980) The 1998 Grammys More on Aretha Aretha's Wikipedia Entry "At Aretha Franklin's Funeral, Gospel was the Heart - and Backbone" (NPR) "Soul Survivor: The Revival and Hidden Treasure of Aretha Franklin" Additional Aretha Links Aretha Franklin in Pictures (CBS News) With George Michael "I Knew You Were Waiting for Me" Freeway of Love Show Tracklisting (all songs by Aretha Franklin unless indicated otherwise): I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You) Rock Steady EPMD: I'm Housin' Rock Steady Young, Gifted and Black Soulville Border Song (Holy Moses) The Long and Winding Road At Last (Let Me In Your Life Outtake) Nina Simone: To Be Young, Gifted and Black Young, Gifted and Black Elton John: Young, Gifted and Black The Heptones: Young, Gifted and Black Bob and Marcia: To Be Young Gifted and Black I've Been Loving You Too Long Day Dreaming Just for a Thrill Drinking Again This Bitter Earth Jump To It One Step Ahead Mos Def: Ms. Fat Booty Ain't But the One I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You) [Demo] At Last (Let Me In Your Life Outtake) So Soon Rock Steady (Alternate Mix) Are You Leaving Me [Demo] Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Millie Jackson: Caught Up (1974) Some months ago, Oliver and Morgan kicked around the idea of celebrating women over the course of a few Heat Rocks episodes. We decided we'd package it as a series and Oliver came up with the name "Women Behaving Boldly". Gotta love it. To kick off the series, we chose the incomparable, ahead-of-her-time, OG provocateur Mildred Virginia Jackson known professionally as MILLIE JACKSON. Millie Jackson is the Queen of Raunchy Rap. She spent much of the seventies singing about relationships and situationships. Her lyrics and conversations in the interludes of songs talked about complicated adult dramas like infidelity and divorce. Her words were raw and honest but also grown and sexy. 1974's Caught Up, her fourth release was a concept album which dealt with the before during and aftermath of an affair told from varying perspectives. Oliver and Morgan sat down to talk about all the elements that make this album fire - a heat rock. More on Millie Jackson Millie Jackson's Wikipedia Entry Millie Jackson's Biography Millie live @ The Apollo Millie's tribute to Otis Redding Phuck U Symphony More on Caught Up Caught Up's Wikipedia entry My Favourite Album: Caught Up by Millie Jackson" (The Guardian) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Caught Up unless indicated otherwise): So Easy Going, So Hard Coming Back Rihanna: Needed Me Millie Jackson: Phuck U Symphony Millie Jackson: All the Way Lover The Rap Millie Jackson: Gospel Truth The Rap All I Want is a Fighting Chance It's All Over but the Shouting A House for Sale Gladys Knight and the Pips: Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye) I'm Tired of Hiding The Rap The First Time I'm Through Trying to Prove My Love to You A House for Sale Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: The Rolling Stones: Exile On Main Street (1972) In 1972, The Rolling Stones were at the peak of their success...and excess. In order to flee British tax collectors, Keith, Mick and the crew fled to France where, over the course of many months - and a ton of drugs - the group pieced together what would become an epic double album. It would take Mick dragging the tapes to Hollywood to complete production but once finished, Exile On Main Street would become embrace as one of the group's greatest albums and for some, it marked the end of the group's "golden era," in terms of how it blended together rock, soul, and blues together in a mish-mash of styles that still invoke awe - and controversy - today. The album pick came to us via Chris Ryan, executive editor at The Ringer, where he contributes or hosts a number of podcasts himself, including the pop culture show, The Watch, and the site's movie discussion show, The Rewatchables. Before that, Chris was a long-time music writer, based out of New York, and one of the funniest and smartest critics Oliver's ever met. More on Chris Ryan The Watch podcast The Rewatchables podcast Author Page on The Ringer | Twitter | Blog More on Exile On Main Street "How Exile On Main Street Killed the Rolling Stones" (The Atlantic) "The Stones and the true story of Exile on Main St" (The Guardian) "Trying to Make a Record in the Führerbunker: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards on Exile on Main St" (GQ) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Exile On Main Street unless indicated otherwise): Rocks Off Casino Boogie Ventilator Blues Sweet Black Angel Shake Your Hips Sweet Virginia Tumbling Dice Turd on the Run Rocks Off Happy The Rolling Stones: Miss You Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on here If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: "Mosquita Y Mari" soundtrack (2012) Aurora Guerrero is a Chicana filmmaker whose 2012 sweet coming-of-age story about two young Chicanas falling in love in Huntington Park was hit at Sundance that year. The Hollywood Reporter called it "...a robust work of self-discovery for two girls at the most awkward and confusing years of their young lives, and a testament to Aurora Guerrero's storytelling prowess." Traditions and emotions merge as the Yolanda and Mari's relationship grows intensely over time. The narrative is underscored by a gorgeous soundtrack - the sound of East Los Angeles' eclectic underground music scene featuring indie artists across genres: ska, punk and hip hop with bands like Mexico 72, Pistolero, Viernes 13 and La Pobreska. We sat with Aurora to talk about her curation process, the music vibe of Huntington Park, what falling in love sounds like when you're 15 and how Mosquita Y Mari put Southeast L.A. on the map in a new way. More on Aurora Guerrero Aurora's Wikipedia entry Interview with PopMatters Twitter | Instagram Why Ava DuVernay Wanted Aurora Guerrero on Queen Sugar (OWN) Show Tracklisting (all songs from soundtrack unless indicated otherwise): Mosquita Y Mari - Main Title Yoli On the Rooftop Ponle Frenos Las Cruces de Tijuana Esta Soledad Pierdete Chica El Dia Previo Mi Corazon Es Para Ti Here is the Spotify playlist of as many song as we can find there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Minor Threat: Minor Threat (1984) In 2003, James Spooner released Afropunk, a personal love letter/manifesto dedicated to people like him: punk fans of a different shade whose acceptance in the scene was often hard-fought and tenuous. That became a movement, with annual afropunk festivals becoming entities unto themselves, across the world. Spooner is now a tattoo artist and graphic novelist, living in Los Angeles. For our episode, Spooner joined us to talk about Minor Threat's self-titled compilation of their early singles, one through which he discovered the ethos of straight-edge (no drugs, drinking, etc.) and a wider world of possibilities within punk rock. Minor Threat, the short-lived but heavily-influential group out of Washington D.C., fronted by Ian MacKaye is legendary and this compilation was one of the first ways in which listeners could discover the group, their sound and their philosophy.  During our episode, we discussed how what about straight-edge appealed to him, the racial politics of punk and how a kid from the high desert of California came across this music and culture to begin with. More on James Spooner "The True Story Of How Afropunk Turned A Message Board Into A Movement" (Vice) Interview with James Spooner (Live from Planet Earth) Monocle Tattoo Website | Instagram More on Minor Threat Review in Sputnik Music 1982 interview "Straight Edge Religion: Hardcore Punk and the Sober Revolution" (Marginalia) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Minor Threat unless indicated otherwise): Minor Threat Straight Edge Screaming at the Wall Guilty of Being White Black Flag: White Minority Patti Smith: Rock N Roll N-- The Monkees: (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone Steppin' Stone Bottled Violence I Don't Wanna Hear It The Murder City Devils: Boom Swagger Boom   Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Joni Mitchell: Court and Spark (1973) In 1973, Joni Mitchell was in the midst of one of the greatest pop music runs of the decade. By that time, the Canadian-turned-temporary-Angelino had already put out Ladies of the Canyon, Blue and For the Roses, establishing her as one of the very few women that the rock establishment of the era would deign to even recognize. But with Court & Spark, Mitchell showcased her abilities beyond just the folk-rock world by minting a pop album that would become a defining statement of the time and her most successful LP of all time. To talk about Court & Spark, we had in another transplant to L.A.: singer/songwriter Sidibe. Since moving out here 10 years ago, she's steadily raised her profile, especially after the release of her 2014 EPs, Metaphysical and Soul Siren. Alongside the likes of Anita Baker and Sade, Joni has been a longtime influence and inspiration on Sidibe and during our convo, we discussed Mitchell's vocal gifts, her jazz-rock collaborations on Court & Spark plus a tangential discussions on how bagging groceries might help one get discovered. More on Sidibe "Meet Sidibe" (Galore Magazine) "Soul starlet Sidibe talks being an independent artist" (Rolling Out) Website | Instagram | Twitter More on Court & Spark Counterbalance discussion of the album (Popmatters) "The story of Joni Mitchell's jazz-inflected, career-turning Court and Spark" (Ultimate Classic Rock) Original 1974 Rolling Stone review Show Tracklisting (all songs from Court and Spark unless indicated otherwise): Help Me Sidibe: Unreachable People's Parties The Same Situation Just Like This Train Help Me Joni Mitchell: Sweet Sucker Dance Twisted Raised on Robbery Help Me Sidibe: Love is Stronger Than Pride Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Björk: Homegenic (1997) Josiah Wise aka serpentwithfeet joined us to talk about one of his biggest influences: Björk and 1997 album, Homogenic. First introduced to her as a child, serpentwithfeet found a kindred spirit in the eclectic creativity of the Icelandic star. That especially extends to Homogenic, which, thanks to Björk and producer Mark Bell, would mark a hard turn from the more pop-friendly sounds of Post towards a new, baroque, electronic majesty. Our conversation touched on the mesmerizing nuances of Björk's voice, the album's heavy embrace of dance music, and what it's like to be a fan of an artist when you don't even know what they look like. More on serpentwithfeet The Fader cover story Björk's "Blissing Me" remix feat. serpentwithfeet "serpentwithfeet Crafts His Own Language For Queer Life" (NPR) Bandcamp | Twitter More on Homegenic Album review (Pitchfork) "Put A Björk In It: How A 14-Year-Old Album Is Still Influencing Music" (Deadspin) "Homogenic Turns 20" (Stereogum) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Homogenic unless indicated otherwise): All is Full of Love Björk:Bænin All Neon Like Björk: Human Behaviour Joga serpentwithfeet: blisters Unravel serpentwithfeet: whisper All is Full of Love Björk: Hidden Place Hunter Immature Bells Atlas: Bachelorette Unravel Erykah Badu: On and On Radiohead: Exit Music (For a Film) Janet Jackson: Got 'Til It's Gone Missy Elliott: The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) Roni Size: New Forms Unravel Björk: Pagan Poetry serpentwithfeet: blisters serpentwithfeet: bless ur heart Here is the Spotify playlist of as many of the songs as we could find on there If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Destiny's Child "The Writing's on the Wall" She sings about love and about longing. Hometown heroine and triple threat (singer/songwriter/producer) Tiffany Gouché (Inglewood, CA) sang her way into our playlists with silky smooth vocals and a production style that reminds us of R&B’s glory days in the 90s, mixed with the eclectic futuristic sound LA music has come to be known for. She was therefore the perfect person to talk Destiny’s child platinum smash Heat Rock “The Writing’s On The Wall”. We revisited an album that was full of anthems, an album that Tiffany experienced on cassette tape! Tiffany spoke to us about the layers of inspiration she got from this album as well as what made “Writing’s On The Wall” classic 90s R&B. More on Tiffany Gouché Live Performance + Interview for Soulection(Okayplayer) Interview with Billboard Tiffany Gouché @ The Boiler Room Instagram | Twitter More on The Writing's on the Wall Wikipedia entry on The Writing's on the Wall The Writing's on the Wall: Review (Pitchfork) The 10 Commandments of Love Within Destiny's Child's "The Writing's on the Wall" (Billboard) Show Tracklisting (all songs from The Writing's on the Wall unless indicated otherwise): Say My Name Bug A Boo Tiffany Gouché: Dive Commisioned and Fred Hammond: So Good to Know (The Savior) Kim Burrell: Holy Ghost Outro (Amazing Grace Dedicated to Andretta Tillman) Bills, Bills, Bills Hey Ladies Jumpin, Jumpin Beyonce: Love Drought Say My Name Bills, Bills, Bills Usher: I Don't Know P!nk: There You Go Confessions (feat. Missy Elliott) Now That She's Gone Bug A Boo If You Leave (feat. Next) Aretha Franklin: At Last - Let Me In Your Life Outtake Aretha Franklin: Hard Times (No One Knows Better Than I) If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Albums:  Alé Kumá: Cantaoras (Alé Kumá, 2002) Mary J. Blige: What's the 411? (Uptown, 1992) The Smiths: Louder Than Bombs (Rough Trade, 1987) Kendrick Lamar: To Pimp a Butterfly (TDE, 2015) We wanted to dedicate an episode to talking about the music of summer, easily the one season that people have the deepest sonic associations with. To that aim, we invited the two founding members of L.A.'s Quetzal, Martha Gonzalvez and Quetzal Flores. Since 1992, the group has melded the son jarocho tradition into all manners of other genres, resulting in seven albums (and counting), including last year's The Eternal Getdown.  Together, each of our quartet got to pick an album that we associate with the summer and as you see above, we covered a whirlwind of styles and eras that bring up all manners of thoughts and feelings for us. Summer love may be fleeting but it lingers, always.  More on Quetzal Tiny Desk Concert (NPR's All Songs Considered) "The Fiery Music of Quetzal" (KCET's Artbound) Website | Facebook Show Tracklisting: Quetzal: Fig Pulp Alé Kumá: Vola Pajarito Alé Kumá: Por Que Me Pega Alé Kumá: Oiaymelo Mary J Blige: Love No Limit Mary J Blige: Reminisce Mary J Blige: Sweet Thing Mary J Blige: What's the 411 Mary J Blige: I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By The Smiths: Sheila Take a Bow The Smiths: Shoplifters of the World Unite The Smiths: Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now Kendrick Lamar: Hood Politics Kendrick Lamar: Alright Kendrick Lamar: King Kunta Kendrick Lamar: These Walls Kendrick Lamar: i Here's the Spotify playlist of as many of the songs above as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: De La Soul: Three Feet High and Rising (Tommy Boy, 1989) I (OW) mention this on the episode but this album changed my life. It wasn't my introduction to hip-hop but it was the album through which I fell in love with hip-hop and that set me down a path that shaped the rest of my professional (and even personal!) life: as a writer, scholar, DJ and of course, humble podcast host.  It clearly had an impact on Thomas Golubic too. Our guest for this episode is one of the top music supervisors in the game (as Morgan jokes, he's not just a member, he's the president, literally). He worked on Six Feet Under Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and right now, Better Call Saul; those in L.A. may also remember him from his KCRW days.  Thomas and us dug deep into everything that makes this album so special, not the least of which is how it shifted the perception of what hip-hop could sound and look like. It's may be hard to remember now, nearly 30 years later, but in 1989, hip-hop was dominated by larger-than-life, superhero MCs such as KRS-One, Chuck D, Rakim, etc. But here were these four guys from Long Island, with a wholly creative irreverence, embracing their inner nerdiness (and soul ya'll) and mining a treasure trove of samples beyond the James Brown catalog (the latter would get them in trouble, which we talk about as well). The album, and group, changed the proverbial game. No more no less.   More on Thomas Golubic Interview with Variety Thomas on the "Crew Call" podcast. Website | Twitter More on Three Feet High and Rising "How we made 3 Feet High and Rising" (Guardian) "Classic Track-by-Track Review" (Billboard) "Three Feet High and Missing: Why De La Soul's albums aren't available online" (BBC) Show Tracklisting (all songs fromThree Feet High and Rising unless indicated otherwise): Say No Go  Sia: Breathe Me  Nat King Cole: Pick Yourself Up  Little Richard: Hurry Sundown  The Magic Number  The Turtles - You Showed Me  Transmitting Live From Mars  Steely Dan: Black Cow  Peter Gunz: Deja Vu (Uptown Baby)  Say No Go  The Invitations: Written on the Wall Plug Tunin  Bob Dorough: Three is a Magic Number  The Magic Number  Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin's Revenge) Kool G Rap and DJ Polo: Road to the Riches  Say No Go  Intro  Eye Know  Me Myself and I  Tread Water  D.A.I.S.Y. Age  Double Huey Skit Cool Breeze on the Rocks I Can Do Anything If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Los Angeles' underground soul scene is full of talent. The scene's unique blend of soul, jazz, lo-fi, and electronica has helped to bring LA into prominence. Amber Navran is part of the community, first as a member of soul jazz trio Moonchild, and now as a solo artist. Her debut project, Speak Up was released to critical acclaim in 2017 and showcases both her musicianship and her buttery vocals. She joined us to talk about KING, the Grammy-nominated trio whose EP The Story blew them all the way up and thrust them into the Twitterverse where they remain faves. We talked about the harmonies that make KING's music so swoon-worthy, the arrangements that have dazzled listeners since 2011, and the many reasons "We Are KING" is a heat rock. More on Amber Navman Moonchild: The List Moonchild: Live @ The Boiler Room Music from Speak Up EP Bandcamp Website | Twitter | Instagram More on KING Via Pitchfork Via The Guardian Via The NYTimes Twitter | Instagram Show Tracklisting (all songs from We Are King unless indicated otherwise): The Greatest Moonchild: Be Free Amber Navran: He's Been Gone Hey Adele: Rolling in the Deep Lalah Hathaway: Where it all Begins Little Dragon: Ritual Reunion Supernatural The Story Hey Moonchild: Every Part (For Linda) Supernatural The Right One Red Eye Quincy Jones: Tell Me A Bedtime Story Carry On Mister Chameleon In the Meantime The Right One The Greatest Supernatural Moonchild: Run Away (Remix) Hey Here's the Spotify playlist of as many of the songs above as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Guest: Phil Yu The Album: Boyz II Men: II (1994) Phil Yu is better known to most as Angry Asian Man...except that he isn't actually all that angry (though he is Asian and a man). Phil started his titular site nearly 20 years ago and since then, it has become an indispensable news resource about Asian American culture, politics and related issues. Phil, along with Jeff Yang, also hosts his own Asian American culture podcast, They Call Us Bruce. Phil wanted to revisit one of the big hit albums of his youth: II by Boyz II Men. By '94, the group was already one of the biggest acts in all of R&B and expectations were beyond high for the follow-up. The quartet of crooners from Philly didn't disappoint as II continued the group's reign at the top, especially thanks to smooth ballads like "Water Runs Dry," "On Bended Knee" and of course, "I'll Make Love To You." (The three of us couldn't stop laughing when we were discussing the majesty that was the video for that single. Shout out to sexy finger wags. And if anyone knows the identity of the woman in the video, get @ us about it!). More on Phil Yu Interview with KoreAm Magazine. "Becoming Angry Asian Man" (Profile on NBC Asian America) They Call Us Bruce podcast Website | Twitter More on II "Boyz II Men at the Head of the Class" (New York Times, 1994) "Boyz II Men Talk Incredible 1994 Run" (Billboard, 2014) Show Tracklisting (all songs from II unless indicated otherwise): Track List Coming If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: The Coup: Steal This Album (1998) Jesse Thorn, host of Bullseye and the MaximumFun podfather, has long been one of our biggest fans and we were delighted to have him come in to talk about one of his favorite albums: The Coup's stellar 1998 Steal This Album.  The Coup, by then made up of Boots Riley and DJ Pam the Funkstress, had already established a reputation as one of hip-hop's most outspoken and unapologetically radical groups out there. Their 1993 debut, Kill My Landlord was a revelation. 1994's Genocide and Juice catapulted them onto the national stage. But by 1998, hip-hop's political era seemed distant in light of the era of jiggy rap yet in strode The Coup, resplendent in socialist ideas and that Oaktown funk, to mint a masterpiece devoted to defending the underdog and shedding light on the struggles of working class peoples. More on Jesse Thorn More from Jesse about The Coup Bullseye on MaximumFun/NPR Website | Twitter More on Steal This Album  Coup's Steal This Album title not what it seems. (MTV.com) Album review on Dusted.com One of Oliver's *cough cough* five reviews of the album (Amazon) Show Tracklisting (all songs from Steal This Album  unless indicated otherwise): Swervin 20,000 Gun Salute Me and Jesus the Pimp in a '79 Granada Digable Planets: 9th Wonder (Blackitolism) Canibus: Second Round KO Lauryn Hill: Doo-Wop (That Thing) Jay-Z: Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) DMX: Ruff Ryders Anthem A Tribe Called Quest: Da Booty The Luniz: I Got Five on it (Remix) The Repo Man Sings for You Breathing Apparatus Underdogs Cars and Shoes Me and Jesus the Pimp in a '79 Granada Busterismology The Coup: Pork and Beef Los Prisoneros: Tren al Sur Prince: For You Prince: I Would Die 4 U Earl Sweatshirt: Balance Foo Fighters: Darling Nikki serpentwithfeet: fragrant Pusha T: If You Know You Know Teyana Taylor: Issues/ Hold On Junglepussy: Trader Joe Here's the Spotify playlist of as many of the songs above as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: Prince: Purple Rain (1984) I was dreaming when I wrote this, forgive me if it goes astray. But when I woke up this morning and realized that Oliver and I spent an hour or so talking with Meshell N'degecello about Prince's seminal "Purple Rain" album, I was beside myself with hype. We spoke about the album's forward thinking musicianship and arrangements, Prince as a visionary, his Messiah-like presence and the extended version of Computer Blue. She told us about keeping "I Would Die 4 U" on elevated decibels and repeat and the pure dopeness of "When Doves Cry". We all revisited the moment we first experience Purple Rain. Simply put, we talked to one genius guitar hero about another. It gets no better than that. Throw on your best purple garments and get up on this. "Hey, take a listen. Tell me do you like what you hear..." -Prince More on Prince and Purple Rain: Prince Wikipedia Entry Purple Rain Review?" (THR) Prince: The Oral History of Purple Rain (Spin) Purple Rain Review (Pitchfork) Let's Go Crazy: Why Prince's Purple Rain is a Masterpiece (Rolling Stone) More on Meshell Ndegeocello: Plantation Lullabies: Review (BBC) Meshell Covers Prince (Color Lines) Website|Twitter| Instagram Show Tracklisting (all songs from Purple Rain unless indicated otherwise): Purple Rain Prince: For You Purple Rain When Doves Cry I Would Die 4 U Let's Go Crazy Take Me With U Prince: I Wanna Be Your Lover Computer Blue I Would Die 4 U The Beautiful Ones When Doves Cry D'Angelo: Alright J Dilla: Bye. Alice Smith: Fool For You Flying Lotus: All the Secrets Purple Rain When Doves Cry Take Me With U Prince: Erotic City The Ronettes: Be My Baby Here's the Spotify playlist of as many of the songs above as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Song: Francis Scott Key's "Star-Spangled Banner" (1814) For this July 4th week, Morgan and I wanted to do something special and tackle the Great American Heat Rock aka "The Star-Spangled Banner." As Oliver notes during the episode, this is both the oldest song that most Americans know (partly) by heart and the one that we'll hear the most versions of across our lifetimes. Some versions are transcendent. Some are historically groundbreaking. Some are by Fergie. Choose accordingly. More about "The Star-Spangled Banner": The Anacreon Song Smithsonian's history of the anthem "The National Anthem Is Racist, and We Made a Video in Case You Forgot" (The Root) The story behind Whitney Houston's performance (Yahoo) "The players’ anthem: when Marvin Gaye sang ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ at the 1983 All-Star Game" (The Undefeated) Show Tracklisting (all songs are renditions of The Star Spangled Banner unless indicated otherwise): The Anacreontic Song Lady Gaga Whitney Houston Whitney Houston: I Will Always Love You Whitney Houston Marvin Gaye Jose Feliciano Jimi Hendrix Mississippi Mass Choir Bleeding Gum Murphy from The Simpsons Daryl Coley: When Sunday Comes Fergie Kim Weston: Lift Every Voice and Sing Committed: Lift Every Voice and Sing Maze: Before I Let Go New Order: Bizarre Love Triangle  New Order: Blue Monday New Order: Bizarre Love Triangle Whitney Houston If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Album: William Onyeabor: Who Is William Onyeabor? (2013) Benjamin Booker rocks. His soulful blend of blues, rock soul and punk, together with hella honest lyrics and an inimitable voice has moved folks across his self titled debut and latest album Witness. He joined us to talk about his discovery of Luaka Bop’s World Psychedelic Classics 5: Who Is William Onyeabor? It was love at first listen. He loved the moog and the drums, the minimalism and the disco elements. He loved the message. We talked about William Onyeabor's reclusiveness, foreshadowing in lyrics, African music across many genres and the coolness of a white cowboy hat. More on William Onyeabor and Who is William Onyeabor : "Review: William Onyeabor: Who is William Onyeabor? (NPR) "Who the Hell is William Onyeabor?" (Noisey) More on Benjamin Booker: Can We Get a Witnees (Stereogum) Tiny Desk Concert (NPR) Website Show Tracklisting (all songs from Who Is William Onyeabor?  unless indicated otherwise): Atomic Bomb Benjamin Booker: Witness The Funkees: Akula Owu Onyeara Benjamin Booker: Truth is Heavy Body and Soul Love is Blind Anita Ward: Ring My Bell Love is Blind Heaven and Hell Why Go to War Something You Will Never Forget Fantastic Man Heaven and Hell Good Name New Order: Blue Monday Benjamin Booker: Overtime The Lidaju Sister: Life's Gone Down Low Heaven and Hell Let's Fall in Love Why Go to War Love is Blind Fantastic Man Here's the Spotify playlist of as many of the songs above as we can find on there. If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Show: Heat Rocks Guest: Eliza Skinner The Album: Pretty in Pink Soundtrack (1986) Actress and comedian Eliza Skinner is part of the brand new Maximum Fun scripted comedy show, Bubble, and hosts her own music podcast, Cool Playlist. For her guest spot on Heat Rocks, she wanted to revisit one of the iconic soundtracks of the 1980s: Pretty in Pink. The film is a key part of the John Hughes pantheon, alongside The Breakfast Club, 16 Candles and Ferris Bueller's Day Off and arguably boasts the most storied soundtrack of all of them, including now-classics that were written expressly for the film such as OMD's "If You Leave" and Echo and Bunnymen's "Bring On the Dancing Horses," and of course, the reworked, sax-ified version of the Psychedelic Furs' "Pretty In Pink." Eliza and us discussed how soundtracks can create an invented nostalgia for a time we never knew, what lesser known tracks off this album still bump, and why Ducky really didn't deserve to belong with Andie. (That said, Ducky did kill it during his "Try a Little Tenderness" scene) More on the Pretty In Pink soundtrack:  "Neon Nostalgia: The Pretty In Pink Soundtrack 30 Years Later" (Stereogum) "30 Years Ago: Pretty In Pink Gives an Official Soundtrack to Teen Angst" (Diffuser) More on Eliza Skinner: Interview (Raleigh & Company) Cool Playlist podcast Bubble podcast Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Show Tracklisting (all songs from Pretty In Pink unless indicated otherwise): Pretty in Pink If You Leave Left of Center Simple Minds: Don't You (Forget About Me) The Barden Bellas: Bellas Finals: Price Tag/Don't You (Forget About Me) Get to Know Ya Prince: Kiss Prince: Purple Rain Deniece Williams: Let's Hear it for the Boy Modern English: I Melt with You Pretty in Pink Wouldn't it be Good Otis Redding: Try a Little Tenderness New Order: Thieves Like Us (Instrumental) If You Leave Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want Wouldn't it be Good If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Show: Heat Rocks   Guest: Marcus Moore The Album: Mos Def's Black on Both Sides (1999) Writer Marcus Moore, currently a senior editor at Bandcamp, happened to be coming through to Los Angeles for his first time ever and we took advantage by inviting him to join us to talk about Mos Def's debut album, Black on Both Sides. Coming out just a year after Mos and Talib Kweli created a new generation of conscious hip-hop fans with their Black Star collaboration, Black on Both Sides was also the culmination of a coming-out party for the Brooklyn rapper/actor that began earlier in the decade as he began racking up all manners of outstanding cameo spots. During our convo with Marcus, we got into Mos' portrait of Brooklyn, how his singing took everyone for a (pleasant) surprise, why "Ms. Fat Booty" wasn't necessarily representative of the album as a whole and whether or not Mos ever was able to exceed the excellence of his debut. More on Mos Def and Black on Both Sides:  "If Mos Def’s “Black On Both Sides” Came Out Today, It Might Be Considered The Blackest Album of All Time" (Very Smart Brothas) Original 1999 review for The AV Club More on Marcus Moore: Marcus' upcoming book on Kendrick Lamar His review of Yasiin Bey's December 99th (Pitchfork) Bandcamp | Twitter Show Tracklisting (all songs from Black on Both Sides unless indicated otherwise): Know That Umi Says Nas: NY State of Mind Biggie: Live Freestyle 1995 Mos Def: BET's The Cypher Mos Def, Q-Tip, Tash: Body Rock UTD: My Kung Fu De La Soul: Big Brother Beat Ms. Fat Booty Jay-Z: Jigga What, Jigga Who The Roots: You Got Me Techn9ne: Questions Reflection Eternal: Fortified Live Love dialogue from 16 Blocks Rock N Roll Public Enemy: Fight the Power Rock N Roll Love New World Water Boogie Down Productions: Beef Fela Kuti: Water No Get Enemy Climb Umi Says Aretha Franklin: One Step Ahead Ms. Fat Booty Roy Ayers: We Live In Brooklyn Brooklyn Ms. Fat Booty Mathematics May-December If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Show:   Heat Rocks Guests:   Adrian Younge The Album: Jeru the Damaja's The Sun Rises In the East (1994) Since he started putting numbers on the board with the soundtrack to Black Dynamite, artist/composer Adrian Younge has become the hip-hop maestro for creative collaborations. Through the years, he's worked with Souls of Mischief, Ghostface Killah and DJ Premier/Royce the 5'9" as well as continuing to release his own solo work. For our episode, Younge reached back to the golden era of hip-hop for us to talk about one of the most "impervious" MCs around: Brooklyn's Jeru the Damaja and his 1994 debut album, The Sun Rises in the East. We tackled everything from the contradictions of rappers talking about both consciousness and doing dirt to the brilliance of DJ Premier's production to the intricacies of Jeru's freaky freaky freaky flow. More on Jeru and The Sun Rises in the East:  "What Went Right With… The Sun Rises In The East" You Must Learn episode on the album More on Adrian Younge: "Adrian Younge in Timeless" (Noisey) "Five Things You Need to Know" (Red Bull Music Academy) Website | Twitter | Facebook Show Tracklisting (all songs fromThe Sun Rises in the East unless indicated otherwise): Gang Starr: I'm the Man Can't Stop the Prophet Adrian Younge/Delfonics: Lost Without You Adrian Younge/Ghostface: Beware of the Stars D. Original Come Clean Souls of Mischief: '93 Til Infinity Smif N Wessun: Let's Get It On Black Moon: Who Got the Props? Group Home: Livin Proof Rap City Interview w/ Jeru Perverted Monks In the House (Theme) Jeru and Lauryn Hill Interview Da Bitchez Mental Stamina Ain't the Devil Happy Lee Oskar: Our Road Adrian Younge: Midnight Blue Jungle Music Statik Brooklyn Took It If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Guest: Taura Stinson The Album: Minnie Riperton's Adventures in Paradise (1975) 2018 has been a breakout year for this weeks guest, Taura Stinson. "Mighty River", the song she co-wrote with Raphael Saadiq for Dee Rees' critically acclaimed film Mudbound was nominated for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. She is a singer's singer who understands the nuances of song creation, production and arrangement. We couldn't have asked for a better guest and a better album to discuss and were thrilled to have her wax poetic about Minnie Riperton's 1975 Adventures In Paradise. We dug deep on this one - discussing both Minnie's supreme vocal prowess and the sonic and lyrical legacy she left us when she left us just four years after this album was released. With production help from The Crusaders, Stewart Levine and Leon Ware, this peek into Minnie's world is quite the adventure. Get thoroughly into our chat with Taura Stinson and then revisit Adventures in Paradise for the culture. About Taura: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taura_Stinson http://www.musicconnection.com/songwriter-profile-taura-stinson/ https://pandagossips.com/posts/2402 Taura's book Taura's Oscar & Golden Globe Nominated song "Mighty River" Taura's single "Gossypium Thorns" Show Tracklist (all songs from "Adventures in Paradise" unless indicated otherwise): "Baby, This Love I Have" Taura Stinson: Gossypium Thorns (Freedom) "Gossypium Thorns (Freedom)" The Gospel Clouds: "Let Us Pray" "Inside My Love" "Inside My Love" Minnie Riperton: Perfect Angel "Lovin' You" Rotary Connection: Aladdin "Life Could" Mariah Carey: Emotions "Emotions" Rotary Connection: Hey, Love "I Am the Blackgold of the Sun" "Adventures in Paradise" "Inside My Love" A Tribe Called Quest: Midnight Marauders "Lyrics to Go" The Pointer Sisters: Steppin' "How Long (Betcha Got a Chick on the Side)" Gwen McCrae: Lady Soul "Rockin' Chair" Natalie Cole: Inseparable "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" Labelle: Nightbirds "Lady Marmalade" "Feelin' that the Feeling's Good" Minnie Riperton: Perfect Angel "Take a Little Trip" Minnie Riperton: The Best of Minnie Riperton "Woman of Heart and Mind" Quincy Jones: Body Heat "If I Ever Lose This Heaven" "Love and It's Glory" "Adventures in Paradise" "When It Comes Down to It" "Alone in Brewster Bay" "Baby, This Love I Have" "Simple Things" Minnie Riperton: Le Fleur "Young Willing and Able" "Feelin' that the Feeling's Good" "Simple Things" "Minnie's Lament" Prince: Parade-Music from the Motion Picture "Under the Cherry Moon" "Sometimes It Snows in April" Emage: "Inside My Love" "Don't Let Anyone Bring You Down" If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Show:   Heat Rocks Guests:   Cut Chemist "Say go DJ, cause that's my DJ..." - Weezy Cut Chemist is nice with the wax, nice with the loops, nice on the decks. A central figure in West Coast hip hop (Jurassic 5, Ozomotli) and the art of turntablism, both he and his record collection are legendary. While he joined us to talk about British funk pioneer Cymande's 1972 self-titled debut, our conversation covered a myriad of topics including Cut's journey as a crate digger, a record he may or may not have pilfered in 1987, the influence of Chuck Chillout and DJ Red Alert on his development as a DJ, Cymande's seamless genre-fusing and the band's relationship to hip-hop. Needless to say, we went in. About Cut Chemist: https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8225523/cut-chemist-i... About Cut's latest album, Die Cut https://daily.bandcamp.com/2018/03/13/cut-chemist-die-cut-interview/ Oliver's Rolling Stone interview with Cymande: http://rol.st/1U3YpYS Cymande website: http://www.cymandeofficial.com Show Tracklist (all songs from Cymande unless indicated otherwise): "One More" Cut Chemist: The Audience's Listening "The Garden" Harlem Underground Band: Harlem Underground Band "Smokin' Cheeba Cheeba" "Bra" "The Message" "Dove" DJ Chuck Chillout: clip from 98.7 Kiss FM show from 1986 Clip from the 1983 film "Wild Style" Red Hot Chili Peppers: Blood Sugar Sex Magik "Give It Away" "Getting it Back" "The Message" Assagai: Assagai "Telephone Girl" "Dove" "Listen" "Getting it Back" "Zion I" "Rickshaw" Hielo Ardiente: El Original Ritmo Ardiente "Mensaje" The Meters: The Meters "Cissy Strut" "Rastafarian Folk Song" The Fugees: The Score "The Score" De La Soul: 3 Feet High and Rising "Change in Speak" The Doors: L.A. Woman "Riders on the Storm" Tune-Yards: Nikki Nack "Water Fountain" Alice in Chains: Facelift "Man in the Box" Cymande: Second Time Round "Bird" Kaidi Tathem: Feed the Cat "Armz R Deh" If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Comprehensive analysis. Two words that describe Cole Cuchna's extraordinary podcast, DISSECT, which dedicates a season to unpacking one album, one song (per episode) at a time. His subterranean exploration of Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is one of the reasons we were thrilled to have him join us to discuss Kanye West's 6th album, Yeezus. We covered Yeezy the persona vs. Kanye the person, problematic lyrics, ego reckoning, and the 2009 VMA's - a turning point in his career and a moment that will forever be a part of pop culture history. We also spent some time delving into the mindset of Yeezy, but full disclaimer: we taped this episode before Kanye's infamous twitter torrent and TMZ brouhaha. About Cole Kuchna: Cole Cuchna, Prince of the podcast Cole's socials: IG: turangalila_ TW: @dissectpodcast About Dissect: This Podcast Host Is Spending Hundreds of Hours to Dissect the Genius of Kanye West More on Yeezus Pitchfork review of Yeezus by Ryan Dombal Yeezy on Yeezus: Behind Kanye’s Mask by Jon Caramonica Show Tracklist (all songs from Yeezus unless indicated otherwise): “On Sight” “Hold My Liquor” “Guilt Trip” “Blood on the Leaves” “Bound 2” “New Slaves” “I Am A God” Nina Simone: Pastel Blues “Strange Fruit” “Black Skinhead” “I’m In It” Daniel Caesar: Pilgrim’s Paradise “Streetcar” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Ethnomusicologist Fredara Hadley had been on our wish list for a while and as luck would have it, she came to Los Angeles earlier this spring and things lined up nicely. For our episode, Fredara wanted to get into the queen of the quiet storm from the 1980s and early ‘90s: Anita Baker and her platinum-selling 1990 album, Compositions. During our conversation, we got into the nuances of Baker’s voice and how she compelled your full attention, how she fit (or didn’t) with the sound of R&B in the early ‘90s and how, as successful as she was, she could have thrived even better in an era where jazz and R&B overlap is better embraced. More on Compositions "Five Best Songs" from Compositions (TheBoombox.com) Dennis Hunt's original 1990 review (LA Times) "Inside the Album" episode on Compositions (GrownFolksMusic.com) More on Fredara Hadley A profile of "the music historian" (Essence) Interviewed by the Oberlin Review Website | Twitter |Mixcloud Show Tracklisting (all songs from Compositions unless indicated otherwise): “Talk To Me” Anita Baker: Rapture “Sweet Love” “Fairy Tales” Peabo Bryson: Crosswinds “Crosswinds” “More Thank You Know” Mariah Carey: Mariah Carey “Vision of Love” Lisa Stansfeild: Been Around The World “Been Around The World” En Vogue:Born To Sing “Hold On To Your Love” “Look What I Got” Drake: Comeback Season “Think Good Thoughts Feat. Phonte and Elzhi” Perri:

Justin Simien, whose Dear White People is just beginning its second season on Netflix, came through to join us live for another Voyager Institute collaboration. By sheer coincidence, our last VI event took on Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation and here we are again, working our way through another Jackson family LP. (Can LaToya be too far behind?) HIStory, as our crew points out, is an odd duck in the vaunted Jackson discography. Though it was enormously successful – the best selling double album of all time (especially since disc one was a "Greatest Hits" anthology) – it tends to have been overlooked given all the controversy swirling around MJ in that era. He had already been tried and acquitted on child molestation charges but his marriage to Lisa Marie Presley was still tabloid catnip and all this resulted in him recording, to quote Morgan: his most "pissed" off album, ever. This, and more, was all fodder for our conversation. But before you even listen, you have to watch the trailer for HIStory: Meanwhile, don't forget to listen to last week's episode, about Michael Jackson's Off the Wall, featuring Martin Perna! More on HIStory "Michael Jackson Is Angry, Understand?" (NY Times, 1995) "20 Years Later, 20 Things You May Not Have Known About Michael Jackson's HIStory" (People) "The story behind the album and CD cover for Michael Jackson’s 1995 ‘HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I’" (The Undefeated) More on Justin Simien Why the Creator of ‘Dear White People’ Is Doubling Down on Identity Politics" (NY Times) Dear White People on Netflix Interviewed on The Ringer Website | Twitter | Instagram Show Tracklisting (all songs from HIStory unless indicated otherwise): “Money” “Scream” Janet Jackson: Got Till It’s Gone “Got Till It’s Gone” “This Time Around Feat. Biggie Smalls” “You Are Not Alone” “Stranger In Moscow” “Childhood” Michael Jackson: Bad “Leave Me Alone” “They Don’t Really Care About Us” “Tabloid Junkie” Michael Jackson: Thriller “Someone In The Dark” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Martín Perna of Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra wanted to revisit one of the formative albums of his childhood: Michael Jackson's Off The Wall. For many MJ fans, this is the king of pop's greatest work, a clear statement that he was now fully out of the shadow of the Jackson 5 and, along with super-producer Quincy Jones, ready to remake American pop music as we know it. Perna not only brought his memories of growing up, mesmerized by the cover of the album, but his multi-instrumentalist also broke down some of the secrets behind the production on the album. Even for deep fans, there's something to learn, and for everyone else, you get to hear from one of the great pop albums of all time. (And if you haven't heard it before, check out this incredible demo version of "Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough") Next week's episode is also about Michael Jackson as director Justin Simien (Dear White People) joins us to talk about MJ's HIStory (1995). And look for a bonus beats episode to post soon that features Perna and us talking about the never-ending "Off the Wall vs. Thriller" debate. More on Off the Wall A track-by-track breakdown of the album (Billboard) "How Michael Jackson rebranded himself for his first solo album" (The Undefeated) "Michael Jackson starts work on Off The Wall" (The Guardian) More on Martín Perna Interview with Breakdown FM. "Antibalas: Unification Through Diversification (Tomorrow's Verse) Website | Twitter Show Tracklisting (all songs from Off the Wall unless indicated otherwise): “Off The Wall” Antibalas: Antibalas “Dirty Money” The Wiz “You Can’t Win” “She’s Out of my Life” Jackson 5: ABC “ABC” “Get On The Floor” “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough” “I Can’t Help It” Fela Kuti: Upside Down “Upside Down” “Rock With You” “Burn This Disco Out” “It’a The Falling In Love” “Girlfriend” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Guests: Egyptian Lover The album: Cameo: Cameosis (1980) Egyptian Lover is one of the pivotal figures in shaping the sound of Los Angeles funk and hip-hop beginning in the 1980s. As a teen, he became a core member of the all-powerful Uncle Jamm's Army party crew and by the mid-80s, he was an artist in his own right, releasing a series of key electro albums that would help pave the way for the emergence of other L.A. groups like the Dream Team and N.W.A. For our episode, Egyptian Lover wanted to take us back to the formative moment before all that had happened, when he was still in high school, hustling pause tapes of the latest funk jams to his classmates. Cameo's Cameosis was the group's fourth album in three years, the first to finally hit #1 on the charts, and the source of the monster hit, "Shake Your Pants." During our discussion, we got into everything from the genius of Cameo's Larry Blackmon to what made the group different from other funk outfits (hint: the horns) to how one properly programs a slow jam within a mix of party funk songs. More on Cameosis Craig Lyles review of the album (AllMusic.com) Interview with group co-founder Tomi Jenkins and engineer Henry Falco (Wax Poetics) More on Egyptian Lover "7 Things You Should Know About Egyptian Lover" (Red Bull Music Academy) Ned Raggett's interview and profile of Egyptian Lover (The Guardian) Facebook | Twitter Show Tracklisting (all songs from Cameosis unless indicated otherwise): "Cameosis" Egyptian Lover: On the Nile "Egypt, Egypt" "Why Have I Lost You" Rick James: Come Get It! "Mary Jane" "Shake Your Pants" "We're Goin' Out Tonight" Diana Ross: Diana "Upside Down" George Benson: Give Me the Night "Give Me the Night" Zapp & Roger: Zapp "More Bounce to the Ounce" One Way: Who's Foolin' Who "Cutie Pie" Cameo: Secret Omen "I Just Want to Be" "Shake Your Pants" Cameo: Secret Omen "I Just Want to Be" "On the One" Parliament: Mothership Connection "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)" "Why Have I Lost You" "I Care for You" The Sugarhill Gang: Sugarhill Gang "Rapper's Delight" Cameo: Word Up! "Word Up" "Please You" Egyptian Lover: Back from the Tomb "I Need a Freak" If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Guest: Nite Jewel The album: Kraftwerk: Computer World (1981) When we invited L.A.'s own Nite Jewel to join us, it probably shouldn't have been a surprise that she picked Kraftwerk's Computer World; after all, she's toured the world performing the album. In sitting down with us, NJ (aka Ramona Gonzalez) broke down how she first became obsessed with the album, walking the streets of Berkeley, thinking about German philosophy (no, really!) and why the LP is such a masterpiece of fusing a variety of musical elements all colliding in the early 1980s. More on Computer World How the album invented "computer funk" (Rolling Stone) The "sampling legacy" of the album (The Vinyl Factory) DJ Food's appreciation (Clash Music) More on Nite Jewel Nite Jewel on performing Computer World (Pitchfork) 2017 interview (Bandcamp) Interview with KALX (aka the best college radio station out there, according to O.W.) Website | Facebook | Twitter Show Tracklisting (all songs from Computer World unless indicated otherwise): ”Computer Love” Nite Jewel: Real High “2 Good 2 Be True” Roger Troutman: The New Zapp IV U “Computer Love” ”The Dance” Derrick May: “The Dance” Moodyman: Forevernevermore “(logo)” The Egyptian Lover: Electro Pharaoh “Electro Pharaoh“ 20 Fingers: 20 Fingers “Short Dick Man” Afro-Rican: “Give It All You Got” ”It’s More Fun To Compute” ”Numbers” ”Artificial Intelligence” ”Home Computer” ”Pocket Calculator” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Guest: Brother Ali The album: Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life (1976)   As part of the two week MaxFun Drive, we wanted to save two of our best shows to share with you. This first week, it's rapper Brother Ali, a long time MaxFun favorite, and he picked one of the greatest albums of all time: Stevie Wonder's majestic Songs in the Key of Life, recorded when the artist was still in his 20s(!).   Brother Ali, of course, has his own string of modern classics, including Shadows on the Sun (2003), The Undisputed Truth (2007) and most recently, last year's All the Beauty In This Whole Life. In choosing Stevie's masterpiece, Brother Ali took us back to his childhood, growing up with listening to Stevie in the house, and then later, as a teenager, buying Stevie albums to bring home and study. During our conversation with him, we got into the musical, social and cultural threads that Songs In the Key of Life  has helped unwind over the years.     More on Songs In the Key of Life Jordan Runtagh's revisit of the album for Rolling Stone. Alan Light's review of the album for Pitchfork. The original 1976 Newsweek feature on the album. More on Brother Ali Donna Claire's 2017 interview with him for Passion of the Weiss. Mike Schiller's review of All of the Beauty for Popmatters. Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Show Tracklist (all songs fromSongs in the Key of Life unless indicated otherwise): ”Isn’t She Lovely” Brother Ali: All The Beauty In This Whole Life “Own Light (What Hearts are For)” ”Summer Soft” ”I Wish” ”Black Man” ”Pastime Paradise” ”Village Ghettholand” ”Love Is In Need of Love Today” ”Sir Duke” ”Knocks Me Off My Feet” ”Saturn” ”Another Star” ”As” George Michael:  Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael “As Feat Mary J. Blidge” Coolio: Gangsta’s Paradise “Dangerous Minds” Jay-Z: 4:44 “Smile” ”Isn’t She Lovely” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Guest: P.J. Morton The album: Brandy's Full Moon (2002) Grammy winning singer/songwriter and producer PJ Morton knows production. A keyboardist and vocalist for Maroon 5, PJ Morton also knows lyrics. And vocals. PJ Morton joined us to share what he knows about Brandy's 2002 Full Moon and why it is for him, a certifiable heat rock. We talked about the brilliance of producer Rodney Jerkins and what he created on this project, Brandy's prodigious talent as a child actress and singer, the evolution of her voice over time and the respect she rightfully deserves and has earned as a premiere vocalist.   PJ Morton, knows a good album when he hears one.  Check out this week's episode to find out more and also check out Gumbo Unplugged, his latest album. More on Full Moon B.Slade on Brandy and the importance of Full Moon. The Boombox.com's 5 best songs from the album. The QH Blend's 10 year retrospective review of the album. More on P.J. Morton PJ's interview with NPR's All Things Considered. Review of Morton's Gumbo Unplugged on SoulTracks.com. Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Show Tracklist (all songs from Full Moon unless indicated otherwise): “Full Moon” PJ Morton: Emotions “How We Were (Remix)” PJ Morton: Gumbo “Religion” Ashanti: Ashanti “Foolish” Truth Hurts: Truthfully Speaking “Addictive” Usher: 8701 “U Don’t Have To Call” Glenn Lewis: World Outside My Window “Don’t You Forget It” Amerie: All I Have “Why Don’t We Fall In Love” Kim Burrell: Everlasting Life “I’ll Keep Holding On” Brandy: Brandy “Brokenhearted” Brandy: Never Say Never “Top of the World Feat. Mase” “It’s Not Worth It” “What About Us” Aaliyah: One In A Million “One In A Million” “He Is” “When You Touch Me” “What About Us” “Die Without You Feat. Ray-J” PM Dawn: Boomerang “Die Without You” “It’s Not Worth It” “Full Moon” “Like This” SWV: It’s About Time “It’s About Time” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Miss Jack Davey's contribution to LA's alternative soul scene began over a decade ago with her work as one half of the group J*Davey. Their debut project, "The Beauty In Distortion" a mix of punk, funk, synth and soul, was a must have for tastemakers and made a splash both in Los Angeles and around the world. When she's not writing songs and producing, she can be found at a myriad of cool spots around the city, spreading the good news of good music as a DJ and selector. Davey wanted to get into Digable Planets' debut album, now celebrating its 25th anniversary: Reachin' (a new refutation of time and space). Coming out at the height of hip-hop's love affair with jazz, Reachin' has been lauded as "an album about freedom—from convention, from oppression, from the limits imposed by the space-time continuum." We had a chance to talk with Davey about Digable Planets' "Rebirth of Slick" and its cool factor, Brooklyn and its relationship to the album, Ladybug Mecca's butter voice, and what's it's like to be cool and not know it. More on Reachin' Sheldon Pearce's 25th anniversary revisit/review for Pitchfork. Oliver and Joseph Schloss' "After Further Review" revisit of the album from 2013. Chris Read's 25th anniversary mixtape. More on Jack Davey and J*Davey Hope Tea's interview with Jack Davey. Jacqueline Whatley's profile of the group for LA Weekly. J*Davey Wiki | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Show Tracklisting (all songs from Reachin' unless indicated otherwise): “Rebirth of Slick” Georgia Anne Muldrow: Olesi: Fragments of an Earth “Wrong Way” Sy Smith: The Syberspace Social “Aquarius Rising” Sa-Ra: The Hollywood Recordings “Glorious” Flying Lotus: Los Angeles “Roberta Flack (Feat Dolly)” Dam-Funk: Toeachizown “Searching 4 Funk’s Future” J*Davey: The Beauty in Distortion / The Land of the Lost “No More” “La Femme Fetal” Guru: Jazzmatazz “Loungin’” Young Deciples: Road To Freedom “As We Come (To Be)” “Jimmi Diggin Cats” Digable Planets: Blowout Comb “Graffiti” “Where I’m From” Fugees: The Score “Fu-Gee-La” UTD: Manifest Destiny “Manifest Destiny” “What Cool Breezes Do” “Last of the Spiddyocks” “Swoon Units” “Escapism (Getting Free)” “Nickel Bags” E-40: My Ghetto Report Card “Yay Area” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Producer/MC Denaun Porter aka Mr. Porter is one of the founding members of the Detroit crew, D12. It was none other than ATCQ's "Bonita Applebaum" that inspired him to get into hip-hop and not surprisingly, when we invited him to the show, he wanted to talk about one of the all-time great hip-hop albums: ATCQ's sophomore effort, Low End Theory.  During our convo, we discussed the production techniques and sample choices, how good the album's sequencing was, and why Q-Tip and the late Phife Dawg went together like peanut butter and jelly. We also got into the fight-provoking question of: Low End Theory or Midnight Marauders? More on A Tribe Called Quest and Low End Theory Vibe's "20 Facts about Low End Theory" Angus Batey looks back on the album for its 25th anniversary for The Quietus. The Source's original 5 mic review from 1991. More on Denaun Porter Adam Graham's profile of Denaun in Detroit News. "Producer's Corner" profile for HipHopDX Mr. Porter on his "classic records" for Complex. Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp Show Tracklisting (all songs from Low End Theory unless indicated otherwise): “Scenario” “Denaun Porter: Porter Shops Glasper “jUsT 4 dA hAwAiI eVeNiNg “D12: Devil’s Night: “Purple Hills” ““Excursions” “Cannonball Adderley: The Black Messiah “The Steam Drill” “Jackie Jackson: Jackie Jackson “Is it Him or Me” “Queen Latifah: Nature of a Sister “Latifah’s Had It Up to Here” “MC Lyte: Act Like You Know “Act Like You Know” “Skypager” “Check The Rhime” “The Infamous Date Rape” “What?” “Jazz (We’ve Got This)” “Buggin Out” “Migos: Culture II “Motorsport Feat. Cardi B and Nicki Minaj” “Butter” “Weather Report: Mr. Gone “Young and Fine” “A Tribe Called Quest: Midnight Marauders “Lyrics to Go” “Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers: Buhaina“A Chant for Bu” “Everything is Fair” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Brian Cross, better known to most as B+, is one of the most important photographers of the hip-hop generation to ever emerge out of the West Coast. A transplant from Ireland to California, Cross began documenting the L.A. rap community throughout the late '80s and early '90s, producing one of the great books about the region's hip-hop scene, It's Not About a Salary. He's also a founding partner of the music/events organization Mochilla. Just this year, Cross finally published his first book reflecting on his career in photography, Ghost Notes: Music of the Unplayed. For his episode with Heat Rocks, Cross took us back to 1991 and the release of To Whom It May Concern, one of the greatest West Coast hip-hop albums of all time...and one that most people never got to hear back in the day because of its limited distribution at the time. Better late than never; don't keep sleeping. More on Freestyle Fellowship and To Whom It May Concern Kevin Beacham's review of the album for Fifth Element. Patrick Taylor's review of the album for Rap Reviews. More on Brian "B+" Cross Oliver's interview with Cross from 2011. Max Bell's interview with Cross for Noisey in 2018. Mochilla's Website | Twitter | Ghost Notes website Show Tracklisting (all songs from To Whom It May Concern unless indicated otherwise): ”Here I Am” Cypress Hill: Cypress Hill “How I could Just Kill A Man” AMG: Bitch Betta Have My Money “Bitch Betta Have My Money” ”Good Life” ”7th Seal” ”120 Seconds” ”Jupiter’s Journey” ”For No Reason” ”We Are The Freestyle Fellowship” ”Sunshine Men” ”Dedications” Ornette Coleman: This Is Our Music “Humpty Dumpty” ”5 o’Clock Follies” Gang Starr: No More Mr. Nice Guy ”Manifest” Jon Hendricks: Freddie Freeloader “Freddie Freeloader” ”Convolutions” ”7th Seal” ”Legal Alien” ”We Will Not Tolerate” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

DJ Monalisa Murray is an O.G. on the L.A. scene, having made the transition from working in marketing and promotion for record labels to working for herself as one of the Southland's premier selectors, down with everyone from Umoja Hi-Fi Soundsystem, to Footlong Development, to the KPL All-Stars. For her album choice, she wanted to spin us back to the emergence of D'Angelo and his debut album, Brown Sugar. We talked about how D'Angelo struck a different note than R&B in that era, how his style played to and against hip-hop, and just what exactly "brown sugar" refers to. Spicy.  More on D'Angelo and Brown Sugar Michael Gonzales' reflections on Brown Sugar for Mass Appeal Cheo Coker's original 1995 review of the LP for Rolling Stone. Dan Buyanovsky's oral history of D'Angelo for Noisey. More on DJ Monalisa Her "Paths of Rhythm" show on Dublab. Facebook | Twitter | Mixcloud Show Tracklisting (all songs from Brown Sugar unless indicated otherwise): “Brown Sugar” “Jonez In My Bones” Billy Preston: Music is my Life “Will it Go Round in Circles” ”Cruisin D’Angelo: Voodoo “Feel Like Making Love” ”Me And Those Dreaming Eyes of Mine” J Dilla: A.K.A. J. Yancey “Me And Those Dreaming Eyes of Mine Remix” ”Shit, Damn, Motherfucker” ”When We Get By” ”Alright” Rolling Stones: Sticky Fingers “Brown Sugar” D’Angelo: “She’s Always In My Hair” D’Angelo: Black Messiah “Really Love” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Ishmael Butler aka Butterfly of Digable Planets aka one-half of Shabazz Palaces joined us to take us on a trip back to the blaxploitation era and one of the greatest soundtracks-in-search-of-a-movie: Hustlers Convention, the spoken word/funk album by Jalal Nuriddin of The Last Poets. Backed up musicians that included Kool and the Gang, Eric Gale and others, Hustlers Conventiontook listeners on a trip into the world of pimps, players, police and other street characters in a vivid, cinematic story that would go onto inspire rappers the world over. More on Lightnin' Rod and Hustlers Convention Documentary about the album and other street poets of the early '70s. Graeme Thompson's story about the album for The Guardian  Red Bull Music Academy's feature on the album. More on Ishmael Butler Oliver's profile of Shabazz Palaces for Bandcamp. Tim Larew's interview with Butler for Pigeons and Planes. Twitter for Shabazz Palaces | Instagram for Shabazz Palaces Show Tracklisting (all songs from Hustler's Conventionunless indicated otherwise): ”Sport” Digable Planets: Reaching’”The Rebirth of Slick” Curtis Mayfield: Superfly “Superfly” ”Hamhock’s Hall Wa Big” ”Spoon” ”The Shit Hits The Fan Again” ”The Break Was So Loud It Hushed The Crowd” ”Sentenced To The Chair” ”Brother Hominy Grit” Shabazz Palace: Lese Majesty “Forerunner Foray” Dr. Dre: Deep Cover “Deep Cover Feat. Snoop Dogg” Raekwon: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx”Heaven & Hell” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

MC extraordinaire Pharoahe Monch was no stranger to the trio known as Main Source (Large Professor + DJs K-Cut and Sir Scratch) back in the early '90s: Monch and Large Professor came up under the tutelage of the same mentor: producer Paul C. Though C was tragically murdered in 1989, both his proteges would go onto have banner years in '91 as Large Professor saw Main Source's Breaking Atoms released to critical fanfare while Monch enjoyed the same just a couple of months later when he and Prince Po released their debut, self-titled LP as Organized Konfusion. Pharoahe Monch sat down with us to talk about his experience of buying Breaking Atoms on tape from Hot Waxx in Queens and having it blow his mind on that first listen as well as what he's learned from the album in the 25+ years since. Listen to this episode live at your BBQ... More on Main Source and Breaking Atoms Stephanie Smith-Strickland's interview with the group on the occasion of the LP's 25th anniversary, for HighSnobiety. Andrew Winistorfer's breakdown of the album's samples for VinylMePlease. The original 4.5 mic review of the album in The Source.  More on Pharoahe Monch An interview with Monch in The Believer.  Monch discussing his PTSD album with Red Bull Music Academy Twitter | Instagram | Facebook |Bandcamp Show Tracklisting (all songs from Breaking Atoms unless indicated otherwise): “Large Professor” Pharoahe Monch: Internal Affairs "Simon Says" “Vamos A Rapiar” “Looking At The Front Door” “Just A Friendly Game Of Baseball” Lou Donaldson: Pretty Things Pot Belly” “Just Hanging Out” The Honeydrippers: "Impeach the President" Sister Nancy: One, Two “Bam Bam” Jesse Anderson: Thomas “Mighty Mighty” “Peace Is Not The Word To Play” “He Got So Much Soul” Bob James: One “Nautilus” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

The Grammy-nominated ladies of King are Anita Bias alongside sisters Amber and Paris Strother and it seems only right to have a super-sized guest talk about a super-sized album: Outkast's massive double LP from 2003: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. Amongst other topics, we talked about how each of the three women first crossed paths with Outkast, what the group meant for the rise of the South in the 1990s, and revisited the endless debate over whether this as an Outkast album or a pair of Big Boi/Andre 3000 solo albums packaged together. More on Outkast and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below MTV"s "making of" story of the album. Jon Caramanica's original review of the album for Rolling Stone. Oliver's original review of the album for the San Jose Metro More on King King on NPR's Music Field Recordings Okayplayer interview Band Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Soundcloud Show Tracklisting (all songs from Speakerboxxx/The Love Below unless indicated otherwise): “Ghetto Musick” KING: The Story “The Story” KING: The Story “Supernatural” Outkast: ATLiens “Elevators (Me & You)” “My Favorite Things” “Reset” “Where Are My Panties” Outkast: Aquemini “Spottieottiedopalicious” Dungeon Family: Even In Darkness “Trans DF Express” “Pink & Blue” “Prototype” “Unhappy” “Tomb of the Boom” “Church” “Knowing” “The Rooster” “She Live In My Lap” “Draculas Wedding” “Hey Ya!” “Love Hater” “Happy Valentines Day” “Take Off Your Cool” “A Day IN The Life of Benjamin Andre (Incomplete)” “Spread” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

When we approached Bardo Martinez of Chicano Batman, we figured he'd go with a left-field album choice and he did not disappoint. Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse was a cult LPs for years, one of the most overtly political albums of the entire '70s (least of all on Atlantic Records!) and might have been wholly forgotten if not for '90s hip-hop producers rediscovering it and using it as sample fodder. However, all groovy groove aside, Headless Heroes is also an astonishing album in regards to McDaniels' explicit politics regarding everything from the U.S. treatment of Native Americans to blue eyed minstrels to Watergate. It was supposedly blacklisted by no less than the Vice President of the U.S. (Spiro Agnew). As Chicano Batman are no strangers to merging message and music, it was the perfect LP for Bardo and us to dig into, least of all in this current political moment. More on Eugene McDaniels and Headless Heroes The late McDaniels website Mark Anthony Neal on McDaniels' legacy Testimonials about Headless Heroes More on Bardo Martinez and Chicano Batman Alex Piveysky's interview with Bardo Oliver's review of Chicano Batman's Freedom is Free Band Website | Twitter | Bardo's Instagram Show Tracklisting (all songs from Headless Heroes unless indicated otherwise): “Jagger The Dagger” Chicano Batman: “Freedom is Free” Freedom Is Free “The Parasite” “Supermarket Blues” “Lovin Man” John Lennon: “Instant Karma” Gene McDaniels: “Tower of Strength” Tower of Strength Eddie Harris & Les McCann: “Compared to What” Swiss Movement Eugene McDaniels: “Cherrystones” Outlaw “Susan Jane” “Freedom Death Dance” Eddie Harris: “Freedom Jazz Dance” The In Sound “The Lord Is Back” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Frannie Kelley, alongside Ali Shaheed Muhammed, hosts the Microphone Check podcast and when we invited her onto our show, she wanted to talk about one of her formative musical experiences as a teenager: TLC's sophomore album, CrazySexyCool. The three of us talked about how TLC shaped adolescent ideas about sexuality and femininity, how the group repped the hip-hop South at a time when that was just becoming to be recognized nationally, and how the group had one of the more underrated liner notes font game going on. More on TLC's CrazySexyCool Kenneth Partridge's track-by-track review for Billboard. The Soulbounce revisit review. VH1's interviews with stars reflecting on the album's 20th anniversary. More on Frannie Kelley Microphone Check podcast | Instagram Frannie's NPR story archive Twitter Show Tracklisting (all songs from CrazySexyCool unless indicated otherwise): “Intro-Lude” “Red Light Special” Brandy: Waiting To Exhale “Sittin Up In My Room” Brandy: Brandy “I Wanna Be Down” “Switch” “Waterfalls” “Something Wicked This Way Comes” “Sexy(Interlude)” “Can I Get A Witness (Interlude)” “If I Was Your Girlfriend” Prince: Sign ‘O’ The Times “If I was Your Girlfriend” “Creep” “Diggin On You” “Take Our Time” TLC: FanMail “No Scrubs” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Vernon Reid is one of rock's greatest guitarists, having rising to stardom in the 1980s as a member of Living Colour. It's not surprising, therefore, that he'd choose an album by one of rock's othergreat guitarists: Jimi Hendrix and his final album, Band of Gypsys, recorded live at the Fillmore East and released in the spring of 1970. Reid gave us an amazing lesson into what exactly made Hendrix so brilliant, least of all on this album. More on Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsys AVClub's Corbin Reiff on the album and its contractual history. Gary Von Tersch's original 1970 review of the album for Rolling Stone. Original New York Times review of the live concerts at the Fillmore East. More on Vernon Reid Interview with Jambase from last fall. Reid picks 10 albums for Keith McMillen Instruments' website Living Colour performing "Power of Soul" live. Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Show Tracklisting (all songs from Band of Gypsys unless indicated otherwise): Message of Love Jimi Hendrix on The Dick Cavett Show Jimi Hendrix: Star Spangled Banner Jimi Hendrix: Are You Experienced? Machine Gun Power to Love/Power of Soul Who Knows Them Changes Living Colour: Power of Soul Jimi Hendrix: Stop If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

We invited Philly hip-hop star Bahamadia to join us and she kept things tri-state by picking the 1974 debut album by New Jersey's The Kay-Gee's, originally an off-shoot of Kool and the Gang. The Kay-Gee's may not be household names in the same manner as Kool and the Gang or the Ohio Players but especially on this debut, they cooked up an impressively diverse and surprisingly eclectic set of tracks that defy simple expectation. What other band ends their album with their own "greatest hits montage"? More on the Kay-Gee's Keep On Bumpin' & Masterplan John Bush's review for AllMusic.com. The Kay-Gee's page on All Things Deep. More on Bahamadia Her EP, Dialed Up 2 from last fall. Interview with Bahamadia on Weekly Rap Gods. Website | Bandcamp | Twitter | Facebook Show Tracklisting (all songs from Keep On Bumpin' & Masterplan unless indicated otherwise): “Who’s the Man (With The Master Plan)” Bahamadia: Kollage “Wordplay” The Trammps: Disco Inferno “Disco Inferno” MFSB: Love Is The Message“Love Is The Message” James Brown: Getting’ Down To It“Cold Sweat” Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band:Express Yourself “Express Yourself” Parliament: Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome “Flashlight” “Wondering” “My Favorite Song” The Floaters: Float On “Float On” Cameo: We All Know Who We Are “Why Have I Lost You” “Aint No Time (pt 1)” You’ve Got To Keep on Bumpin” “Who’s The Man (With The Master Plan)” Madlib and J-Dilla: Champion Sound Jaylib (The Official) Tom Browne: Funkin For Jamaica “Funkin for Jamaica” “Get Down” “Anthology” Double Dee and Stein: Lesson 3“History of Hip-Hop Mix” “Hustle with Every Muscle” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

To talk about Kendrick Lamar's studio LP debut, we wanted to find someone of K-Dot's generation, another L.A. young gun, and who better than pianist and composer, Kris Bowers? Like Kendrick, Kris grew up in L.A. and just as Kendrick has ascended the hip-hop ladder, so has Kris in jazz, as he won the prestigious Theolonious . But more than that, the web of Los Angeles musical ties was bound to bring the two into orbit in different ways - something we discuss in the episode - not the least of which is the fact that Kris covered one of the biggest tracks in Kendrick's early career: "Rigamortis." In our conversation with Kris, we got deep into how he put together both the song and video for his version of "Rigamortis," whether or not Kendrick has a jazz sensibility in his style, and what it's like to see a hometown kid become the Greatest Rapper Alive. More on Kendrick Lamar's Section.80 Kendrick talking about Section.80 in an interview with Complex.com. Ditto but in an interview with Billboard. Ogden Payne's revisit of the album in 2016 for Forbes. More on Kris Bowers Kris on NPR's "Piano Jazz: Rising Stars." NY Times on Kris winning the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Prize. Website | Soundcloud | Twitter | Facebook Show Tracklisting (all songs from Section.80 unless indicated otherwise): "A.D.H.D." Kris Bowers: "Rigamortis (Kendrick Lamar Cover)" Kendrick Lamar: Good Kid M.A.A.D. City "m.A.A.D. city" MURS: Captain California "GBKW" Dr. Dre: The Chronic “Dre Day” A Tribe Called Quest: The Low End Theory “Jazz (We’ve Got This)” "High Power" "Rigamortis" "Keisha’s Song" Kendrick Lamar: “Sing About Me” "Ab-Souls Outro" "Kush & Corinthians" Willie Jones III: The Next Phase “The Thorn” Kendrick Lamar: To Pimp A Butterfly “If These Walls Could Talk” Chapter Six If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Bosco was an artist that Morgan knew, from jump, she wanted to get on the show. A Savannah native who's now an L.A. transplant (by way of Atlanta), Bosco's been steady climbing the ranks in the music game and has had a breakout year in 2017, especially wiht the release of her full-length, b. For her pick, Bosco wanted to revisit one of the formative albums that shaped her imagination as a kid: Erykah Badu's sophomore album: Mama's Gun. If Baduizm helped put Badu on the map, Mama's Gun - which was produced by the same Soulquarian team also working on D'Angelo's Voodoo and Common's Like Water For Chocolate - firmly established her as the preeminent queen of what was then called neo-soul and these days seems better described as future soul. Our conversation touched on many aspects of how Badu and her sound landed on people's ears back at the turn of the century and how it continues to reverberate today. More on Erykah Badu's Mama's Gun Daphne Brook's review in Pitchfork. Kieran Yates' "My Favorite Album" review in The Guardian.  Mensah Demary's "Liner Notes" breakdown of the album in The Toast. More on Bosco Alexander Aplerku's profile in Noisey. Julianne Shepherd's profile in The Muse. Website | Soundcloud | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Show Tracklisting (all songs from Mama's Gun unless indicated otherwise): ”Bag Lady” Bosco: b. “Castles” Erykah Badu: Baduizm “Apple Tree” ”Other Side Of The Game” The Roots: Things Fall Apart “You’ve Got Me ft. Erykah Badu and Jill Scott Live” Res: How I Do “How I Do” ”Cleva” SZA: Ctrl “Normal Girl” ”Time’s A Wastin” ”…&On” ”Didn’t Cha Know” Bosco: b. “Free” ”Penitentiary Philosophy” ”A.D. 2000” ”Orange Tree” …&On ”Kiss Me ON My Neck” ”Booty” ”Green Eyes” ”In Love With You Ft. Stephen Marley” Erykah Badu: “I’ve Been Going Through it All” ”Orange Tree” …&On ”Kiss Me ON My Neck” ”Booty” ”Green Eyes” ”In Love With You Ft. Stephen Marley” Erykah Badu: Erykah Badu “Amerykahn Promise” If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Jay Smooth was always on our list of "people who we gotta get for Heat Rocks." His cultural and political commentary, much of which he does through his pioneering Ill Doctrine videos, have positioned him as one of the hip-hop generation's leading pundits and he's also hosted one of the longest running rap shows in the world: The Underground Railroad on WBAI. For this show, Jay wanted to revisit Raising Hell a paradigm-shifting rap album that, as we discuss, has seemingly become underrated through the passage of time though it is unquestionably one of the most important hip-hop releases, ever. We get into the moment in which Run DMC first arrived, how they changed the game for rap artists (for better and for worse) and of course, all our fire track and sleeper jam picks off this LP. More on Run DMC's Raising Hell Mark Coleman's original review in Rolling Stone from 1986. John Freeman's revisit review on the album's 30th anniversary in Quietus. Chaz Kangas' celebration of Raising Hell's album cuts. More on Jay Smooth The Ill Doctrine video series. His interview on The Cipher podcast. Twitter | Youtube Show Tracklisting (all songs from Raising Hell unless indicated otherwise): Walk This Way Run DMC: Sucker MCs Run DMC: It's Like That Raising Hell Eric B. and Rakim: I Ain't No Joke It's Tricky Peter Piper Bob James: Mardi Gras Dumb Girl Is It Live? My Adidas Proud to Be Black You Be Illin' NWA: Straight Outta Compton Run DMC: Tougher Than Leather Aretha Franklin: I Never Loved a Man Jay-Z: Jockin' Jay-Z If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This is a special "prequel" episode, originally taped in December of 2016. Back then, Heat Rocks was just a mere glint in the eye Morgan and Oliver. All we had was a basic concept: how about a podcast devoted to doing deep dives into an album? We invited Univ. of Oregon musicologist Loren Kajikawa, author of Sounding Race In Rap Songs, to help us tackle one of the most important albums of the last 25 years: Dr. Dre's The Chronic, which just so happens to celebrate its 25th release anniversary today (hence why we timed to put it out now). For our listeners, you'll notice that while this episode shares some familiar aspects with our regular Heat Rocks shows, there are some differences. For one, we hadn't come up with our format yet, especially in having our guests pick a hot track, sleeper jam, etc. We had also toyed with a little "Context" section - complete with its own jingle! - that we eventually abandoned because it was superfluous (Oliver did have fun making the jingle though). But overall, we think you can easily see the seed of Heat Rocks even in this very early attempt. Hope you all enjoy it and we're so happy to finally share this, one year later. More on Dr. Dre's The Chronic: The Chronic "Track By Track" review in Billboard. "How The Chronic Changed Hip Hop Forever" in NME. "Dre Ain't Shit: 25 Years On and The Chronic Still Stinks" in Quietus More on Loren Kajikawa His book, Sounding Race In Rap Songs "The Hip Hop Prof" article on him in the Oregon Quarterly Faculty Profile |  Twitter Show Tracklisting (all songs from The Chronic unless indicated otherwise): Fuck Wit Dre Day Nuthin' But a G Thang Leon Haywood: I Want To Do Something Freaky To You Public Enemy: Bring Da Noise Above the Law: Livin' Like Hustlers Let Me Ride The Roach NWA: Niggaz 4 Life (From Efil4zaggin) Lyrical Gangbang (feat. Lady of Rage and Kurupt) Stranded On Death Row (feat. Kurupt and Snoop Dogg) Rat-A-Tat-Tat Dr. Dre: Deep Cover (feat. Snoop Dogg, from Deep Cover OST) Tupac and Snoop Dogg: Amerikaz Most Wanted The Day the Niggaz Took Over Bitches Ain't Shit If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Artist and producer Suzi Analogue originally hails from Missy Elliott's native state of Virginia though these days, she's rooted in Los Angeles, having come up within the city's beat scene. Suzi wanted to talk about what she described as the "underdog" album, Missy's enormously successful yet somewhat forgotten sophomore album, Da Real World, one in a string of five back-to-back platinum LPs for Missy and her production partner, Timbaland. We talked about Missy's creative genius and what that meant for a young girl, growing up in VA. More on Missy Elliott and Da Real World: Missy on Da Real World, for Vibe.com David Brown's review of the album in Entertainment Weekly. Missy's live recreation of the "She's a Bitch" video at this year's Hip Hop Honors show. More on Suzi Analogue Interviews with Suzi for Vice's Thump and Afropunk's Sound Check. Suzi's Zonez V3 album. Website | Bandcamp | Soundcloud | Twitter | Instagram Show Tracklisting (all songs from Da Real World unless indicated otherwise): All In My Grill Suzi Analogue: Wildflower (from Zonez V3) Mr. DJ Missy Elliot: The Rain (from Supa Dupa Fly) You Don't Know (feat. Lil Mo) Stickin' Chickens (feat. Aaliyah) Timbaland and Magoo: Up Jumps the Boogie (from Welcome To Our World) Timbaland and Magoo: Clock Strikes (from Welcome To Our World) Bus A Rhyme (feat. Eminem) Crazy Feelings (feat. Beyonce) U Can't Resist (feat. BG and Juvenile) She's a Bitch Beat Biters We Did It If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This episode is the edited version of our special live launch party we held on Nov. 11 in Los Angeles, as part of the Voyager Institute. We were joined by Grammy-nominated soul artist B.Slade, a self-described "Rhythm Nation-pedia" who, indeed, brought incredible insight and knowledge to our discussion of this seminal Jackson LP. How many people can name every single dancer in Janet's "Miss You Much" video? Exactly. It was a delightful conversation and having the live audience was great. It was our first time taping in front of an audience but hopefully won't be our last. Thanks to all those who came out and to those who couldn't, we're happy you finally get to listen to this.   More on Janet Jackson and Rhythm Nation 1814: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis' track-by-track breakdown of the album in Billboard. Jimmy Jam on the "making of" Rhythm Nation 1814 in Billboard. Joseph Vogel's "The Nation That Janet Built" for The Atlantic More on B.Slade: B.Slade's video for his cover of "Alright." An interview with him by UrbanBridgez.com. Website | Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram Show Tracklisting (all songs from Rhythm Nation unless indicated otherwise): Intro from "Rhythm Nation" "Interlude: T.V." B.Slade: Alright 2016 "Knowledge" "Interlude: Livin'...In Complete Darkness" "You Need Me" (b-side of the "Miss You Much" single) "Miss You Much" "Alright" Beyonce: "Freedom" "Rhythm Nation" "Miss You Much" "Love Will Never Do" "Someday Is Tonight" "Living In a World They Didn't Make" DeBarge: "Love Me In a Special Way" The Carpenters: "Close To You" If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This week, we are joined by The Shacks, the NYC-based duo of singer Shannon Wise and producer Max Shrager. Maybe you heard their cool cover of The Kinks' "This Strange Effect" on that Apple adthis fall? Or maybe you were already up on them from their EP, released by Big Crown? Either way, Max and Shannon threw us a curveball with their choice: a 1994 compilation of nearly two dozen sides recorded in the mid-1960s by The Sapphires, the obscure-ish R&B trio of Carol Jackson, George Gainer and Joe Livingston that recorded with Swan and ABC-Paramount before dissolving circa 1966. We talked about the unique sound of The Sapphires, the roots of Philly soul, and what it's like to dig through the crates to figure out your own sound. This episode was both the first time we had a group in the studio, which was fun, and the first time we tackled an album from the 1960s. Hopefully, it won't be the last, for either. More on The Sapphpires and their Best Of anthology: Soulwalking's page about The Sapphires Bruce Eder's review of the anthology for AllMusic.com More on The Shacks: Delicious Audio's interview with them about their foot pedals and production techniques. Supercorruptor's review of their EP. Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook Show Tracklisting: The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Who Do You Love" The Shacks: The Shacks EP "This Strange Effect" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Lets Break Up For A While" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Gotta Have Your Love" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Evil One" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Come On And Love Me" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Your True Love" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Evil One" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Your True Love" Edison Lighthouse: Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes "Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Hearts Are Made to be Broken" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "I've Got Mine, You Better Get Yours" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Evil One" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Who Do You Love" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Slow Fizz" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Baby You've Got Me" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Hearts Are Made To Be Broken" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Let Break Up For A While" The Sapphires: The very Best of the Sapphires "Gotta Have Your Love" If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This week, we are joined by cultural critic Ernest Hardy. Oliver first got to know Ernest through his remarkable writing in the LA Weekly and other outlets, some of which has been compiled into his Blood Beats Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 collections. For this episode, he chose Sade's Love Deluxe, which came out 25 years ago this fall. Ernest's deep love and appreciation for Sade was readily apparent to both Morgan and Oliver and it produced what we think is one of the most insightful episodes we've taped thus yet. We really loved this episode, we hope you do too. Check out bonus content from this episode exclusively at heatrockspod.com! More on Sade and Love Deluxe: Album review in Pitchfork. Producer Stuart Matthewman's Ebony interview on the making of the album. More on Ernest Hardy: Blood Beats Vol. 1 Blood Beats Vol. 2 LA Weekly archive Website Show Tracklisting: Sade: No Ordinary Love Massive Attack: Blue Lines Smith and Mighty: Too Late Sade: King of Sorrow Sade: Pearls Funk Brothers: Since I Lost You (Instrumental) Sade: Cherish the Day Sade: Feel No Pain Sade: When Am I Going to Make a Living Sade: Clean Heart Sade: Pearls (Live, Hollywood Bowl) Sade: Bulletproof Soul Sade: Somewhere In My Sadness Sade: Kiss of Life If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This week, we are joined by Anil Dash, the tech entrepreneur and activist whose love for The Purple One is legendary. He takes us into the Heat Rocks deep dive for Prince's 1999, the album that marked his new wave turn. All three of us share tales of our older family members being scandalized by the sexy-sexiness on the album. Mmmmmm...spicy.  More on Prince and 1999: The original Rolling Stone album review. Prince on the Larry King Show in...1999. More on Anil Dash: Anil's "I Am #Transformed" talk, which talks about Prince, technology and a history of South Asian immigration to the USA. His guide to listening to Prince on streaming sites. Anil's Website | Twitter Show Tracklisting: Prince: 1999 "1999" Prince: 1999 "Delirious" Prince: 1999 "D.M.S.R." Michael Jackson Thriller "Thriller" Prince: 1999 "Little Red Corvette" Prince: 1999 "Lady Cab Driver" Prince: 1999 "Something in the Water" Prince: 1999 "Free" Prince: 1999 "All The Critics Love U in New York" If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This week, we are joined by Los Angeles rapper, Ill Camille. She picked Common's Like Water For Chocolate from 2000, a moment that marked the Chicago's turn towards becoming a hip-hop elder statesman, backed by the production might of the Soulquarians crew. Camille's love for the album runs deep and during the course of our taping, she'd bust out Common's rhymes, line for line. More on Common and Like Water For Chocolate: Oliver's original 2000 review of the album for the LA Weekly Mensah Demary's "liner notes" of the album for The Toast. More on Ill Camille: Her new album, Heirloom Profile of Ill Camille and Heirloom in the L.A. Weekly Website | Twitter | Soundcloud Show Tracklisting: Common: Like Water For Chocolate "6th Sense (Feat. Bilal)" Ill Camille Heirloom "Black Gold" Common: Like Water For Chocolate "Nag Champa (Afrodisiac for the World)" Common: Like Water For Chocolate "Geto Heaven" Common: Like Water For Chocolate "A Song For Assata (Feat. Cee-Lo Green)" Common: Like Water For Chocolate "Funky For You (Feat. Bilal & Jill Scott)" Common: Like Water For Chocolate "The Light" Common: Like Water For Chocolate "Thelonius (Feat. Slum Village)" Georgia Ann Muldrow: "Untitled/Fantastic Remix" Common: Like Water For Chocolate "Dooinit" Common: Like Water For Chocolate "Time Travelin (A Tribute to Fela)" If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This week, we are joined by Dam-Funk, Stones Throw recording artist, resident DJ for the legendary Funkmosphere parties and all-around apostle of the boogie. He was one of the very first artists we invited to tape Heat Rocks, back in its pilot stage, and we're very pleased to finally shared the episode in which he took us on a deep trip into Change's Miracles.   Along the way, we talked about the post-disco, Chic-era of funk and R&B, how Italian and New York musical communities collided on this album, and how a young kid, growing up in Pasadena, would drive up to Mt. Wilson, bumping this on cassette. More on Change and Miracles: Love Come Down's post about whether Change is disco's "most underrated band". Robert Christgau's short-by-sweet review of Miracles  More on Dam-Funk: Dam-Funk spinning an hour-plus set on Boiler Room Collections His interview on Resident Advisor Andy Beta's review of his 2015 album, Invite the Light. Show Tracklisting: Change: Miracles "Paradise" Dam-Funk: Invite The Lights "Just Ease Your Mind From All Negativity (Feat. Snoop Dogg and Joi Gilliam)" Parliament: Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome "Flash Light" The Bar-Kays: Money Talks "Holy Ghost" Mtune: Juicy Fruit "Juicy Fruit" Chic: Risqué "Good Times" Change: Miracles "Heaven In My Life" Nite Funk: Nite-Funk "Let Me Be Me" Change: Miracles "Miracles" Change: Miracles "Hold Tight" Dam-Funk: A Beautiful Day "A Beautiful Day" Dam-Funk: Adolescent Funk "When I'm With You I Think Of Her" Change: Miracles "On Top" If you're not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This week, we are joined by Shea Serrano, contributor at TheRinger.com, author of both The Rap Yearbook and the brand new Basketball (And Other Things). For his heat rock, he choose DMX's smash debut LP, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot. *woof* During our conversation, we learned how it was Shea's grandmother, of all people, who introduced him to DMX and how that album became the formative soundtrack for him as a teenager. Shea drops wisdom nuggets on the nature of pain in DMX's persona and how this album marked a repudiation of the direction hip-hop was headed in during the jiggy era.

This week, Morgan and Oliver are joined by Ann Powers of NPR Music and author of the new book, Good Booty: Love and Sex, Black and White, Body and Soul in American Music. Together, the three dug into Like a Prayer, Madonna's critical breakout album form 1989. As Ann lays out, Madonna had already established herself as an MTV-era mega-star with her previous albums but Like a Prayer, with its then-controversial sexual politics and surprising personal candor, marked a new level of artistic ambition.

This week rapper, producer, and songwriter Phonte (Foreign Exchange, Little Brother) joins Oliver and Morgan to talk about the R&B group Intro's 1993 self-titled debut album. The trio's release was part of the changing tide of R&B music, when slow jams were giving way to more uptempo hits and singers were exchanging suits for Timbs and jeans. Phonte shares about what Intro's brand of new jack swing meant to him as a teenager growing up in Greensboro, North Carolina. Don't get him wrong: he was a hardcore hip-hop head, but he grew up in an R&B household and in church where singing became a big part of his musical formation. Phonte breaks down the group's influence on his understanding of songwriting, lyrics, and the balance between uptempo and down-tempo songs. He also discusses the album's mature themes, crediting them for helping a young brother's macking game.

On the premiere episode of Heat Rocks, future soul artist Joi Gilliam joins Morgan and Oliver to talk about They Say I'm Different, the 1974 album by the unsung queen of funk, Betty Davis! It's really an obvious pairing: Betty Davis was one of the most original and fascinating figures of the 1970s, and Joi is an artist very much cut from Betty's cloth, but a generation later. We had a super fun conversation about the importance and uniqueness of Betty and what she's meant, especially, to waves of Black women artists who've followed in her path in the 40+ years since.  Watch for Joi's new album, Rebekkah HolyLove Salvation Symphony, this fall! 

What's a heat rock? Oliver Wang and Morgan Rhodes explain in this sneak preview of their new show, coming to you October 3rd. New episodes every Tuesday!