Cut Curator Podcast

 Super producer Teddy Riley. Teddy shares stories about Heavy D, the birth of New Jack Swing, helping Doug E. Fresh produce "The Show", and teaming up with Kool Moe Dee. He also talks about almost losing a job with Michael Jackson before it really started and how MJ left him hanging for two weeks while recording Remember The Time. Teddy tells how he went from competing against Keith Sweat to teaming with him and his unique perspective on working with then up and coming producers like Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Devante Swing and Rodney Jerkins. He explains why their are two BlackSTREET's on tour, what it was like to work with Bobby Brown, how much he was getting cheated monetarily by his God father and manager Gene Griffin. He candidly tells the song that saved his life and the Top 5 songs he has ever made.

Bronx MC Fat Joe breaks down why R. Kelly makes him nervous, the reason black people can't claim Prince, his favorite collabo with Big Pun, working with the Diggin In The Crates Crew and how he helped 50 Cent get one of his biggest hits.

Da Brat is the first solo female MC to go platinum and she talks about her place in Hip Hop against other rappers with or without a vagina. She shares her thoughts about being a sex symbol for men and women, the super star that broke her heart and the song that resulted from it and how Biggie copied her style.

Super producer Kay Gee has made gold and platinum his for Naughty By Nature, Jaheim, Ideal, Zhane, Next, Queen Latifah and more. He shares how he Vinnie and Treach teamed up, his love of Slick Rick, Marley Marl and Teddy Riley. Plus he tells the importance family road trips from New Jersey to South Carolina influenced his sound.

A tribute episode to the King of Pop Michael Jackson. With rare stories and interviews from Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, Diddy, Chris Tucker, Naughty By Nature, Majic Johnson, Jermaine Dupri and more. Plus a dive into the Hop Hop classics that sampled MJ.

Rapper and author Prodigy from the group Mobb Deep discusses his challenges with Sickle Cell and the inspiration behind his cookbook Commissary Kitchen, their beef with 2 Pac, the best advice he got from street hustlers, how his grandma's coffee mug inspired an album, what drove his partner Havoc into production, and how being young and hard-headed effected their career.

The World's Greatest Entertainer and Hip Hop Icon Doug E. Fresh reflects on his friendship with Prince. He shares how he met his Purple Majesty and the role comedian Sinbad played leading the two to tour together from 1999 until 2016 and how he too got schooled by his hoop game.

Cedric The Entertainer, one of the Original Kings of Comedy, has been making people laugh for years. Starting out as a stand-up comic, he worn many hats from television, to film, serving as an actor in front of the camera, a director behind it, a musician, and as a game show host. Now he wants to talk about a health issue that is no laughing matter. He shared what led him to became the spokesperson for Diabetic Nerve Pain, his all-time favorite joke, why he loves making fun of rappers, and the reason we never got an Original Kings of Comedy II.

Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace would've turned 48 today (May 21, 2019). On this episode of the podcast you will hear stories from Diddy, Jay-Z, Big Daddy Kane, Kwame, Total, Carl Thomas, NaS, and DJ Eddie F. on their time working and playing with the Brooklyn born MC.

Producer Mannie Fresh explains why he deserves to have a seat at the table with Timbaland, Dr. Dre, Pharrell and Kanye West, the reason Beyonce will have to cut him a big check this summer, the New York origins of Nola Bounce music, his top 5 rappers from New Orleans, his departure from Cash Money Records and the lesson every opening DJ needs to learn.

New Orleans native Master P rewrote the rules or the record industry when he founded his No Limit empire. From making hit records, to fashion, television, movies and sports marketing Master P has tried and conquered them all. In this episode he tells the story of the one label executive that unknowingly changed his career path, dealing with the murder of his brother, and the one thing any aspiring entrepreneur should stop doing.

R&B singer/actor Christopher Williams tells how he was forced by his label to to be "the light skinned Bobby Brown", why he grabbed Stephanie Mills butt on TV, how his -ex Stacy Dash has become a basher of black people, and how he and Prince are eerily similar.

R. Kelly the talented and troubled R&B singer joins the Cut Curator podcast and shares his uncanny ability to mirror artist like Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, the experience that was like becoming Spiderman, who he originally approached for the Best of Both Worlds project and why The Notorious B.I.G. was never considered for that opportunity.

Keith Sweat, the Harlem-born R&B singer/songwriter joins the Cut Curator Podcast and shares why he doesn't like anyone to cover his songs, teaming up with his then rival Teddy Riley to make an instant classic, and the drummer with whom he patterned his singing style. He also shares why it's important for young R&B singers to recognize his contributions to the genre and why he doesn't have to tour anymore.

MC Grand Puba who is best known as for his work with Brand Nubian in the late 80's and early 90's discusses the rise and fall of the group, how his eclectic musical taste was formed by his parents, starting out as a DJ before picking up the mic, and why he thought Mary J. Blige was strange when first met her.

Brooklyn, NY born MC and producer Daddy-O joins the Cut Curator podcast and shares why Big Daddy Kane, and LL Cool J didn't want to be a part of the Self-Destruction record, how important break beats were to the early days of Hip Hop and why he thinks you rappers don't form groups.

Rakim Allah, universally recognized as one of the most prolific MC's to ever touch a microphone, explains how he thought he was on his way to play college football before he became a Hip Hop legend. The roll that Jazz played in his life and why the song Paid In Full only has one verse

Brooklyn MC Ecstasy of the famed Hip Hop group joins the podcast and talks about their competition with Run-DMC, how they tried to write all of their songs with one common theme, and why after 30 years together Grandmaster Dee left the group.

Kevin "Lovebug Starski" Smith is universally recognized as one of the core contributors in Hip Hop's early development. He was a DJ, MC, and all around party rocker. He passed away suddenly at the age 57 from a heart attack. On this episode of the podcast Kurtis Blow, Kwame The Boy Genius, DJ Eddie F, Biz Markie, and Christopher "Play" Martin reminisce on what made Starski this pillar of Hip Hop.

Big Daddy Kane was not only one of Hip Hop's preeminet MC's during it's Golden Era, he was emulated as a fashion icon with his high top fade, wardrobe and undeniable cool. On this episode he discusses his early influences like Grandmaster Caz, and Run DMC, his beef with Slick Rick, the only two people who were to be on the Symphony and what song stamped his arrival.

Doug E. Fresh the World's Greatest Entertainer, explains how he discovered beatboxing, why he and Slick Rick broke up, the reverence he has for his gift, his thought on Snoop Dogg biting La Di Da Di, and why its important to pay homage to the founders of Hip Hop like DJ Hollywood, Luv Bug Starski, Grandmaster Caz, Melle Mel and more.

The World's Greatest DJ Jazzy Jeff joins the Cut Curator podcast and he talks about how extreme fate helped form his alliance with Will Smith, the importance of playing music in the home for your kids, why 80 year-old White women stare at him on airplanes, and how he never expected to be this busy traveling the world playing records.

MC Lyte the legendary lyricist, DJ, voice over talent, actress, entertainer and icon joins the Cut Curator Podcast and talks about being socially conscience at a young age, how she ended up DJing Michael Jordan's wedding, why she never did a song with Salt N Pepa, her scholarship initiative to #EducateOURMen and why she took an 11 year break in between recording new music.

Christopher "Play" Martin one half of the legendary group Kid N Play explains how they landed their roles in the movie House Party, working with a young Martin Lawrence, why he and Kid only recorded three albums, and how wanted to commit suicide after achieving A-list status in Hollywood. Play also share the story behind a health scare that caused him to lose some sight, but gain vision from God in the process. Find out why Wikipedia has nothing on him from 1994-1999, and the creative projects that serve as an outlet for him to "give back".

Christopher "Play" Martin 1/2 of the iconic rap duo Kid N' Play talks about growing up in Queens during the formative days of Hip Hop, how he thought his ultimate legacy was going to be a life of crime, competing against his partner Kid when they were in separate groups, and how an appearance at the Disco Fever changed his life. He also share on the importance that John "Jellybean" Benitez had on his career, why Jalil of Whodini and Kurtis Blow have a special place in his heart, and the police officer that changed his life. Creating the Salt N Pepa logo, and how he gained the respect and favor of some of New York's most notorious gangsters. Yet through it all he had Divine coverage that protected him at every turn.

In 1989 the D.O.C. was on the verge of becoming recognized as one of Hip Hop's preeminent emcee's among the likes of LL Cool J, KRS-1, and Rakim. But only a few short months after the release of his debut album "No One Can Do It Better" he was involved in a near fatal car crash that cost him his voice and self-esteem. However, with the love of Erykah Badu and their daughter Puma he has gained true knowledge of self. He talks about meeting Dr. Dre and being instrumental in helping N.W.A. usher in the era of Gangsta Rap. He also recalls feeling left out when the lights became brightest and the other members were pushed to the forefront.

Scarface, the Geto Boys legend and renowned storyteller shares how hip-hop changed the life of a kid from the south side of Houston, and how he rose to the top-and ushered in a new generation of rap dominance. 
Scarface is the celebrated rapper whose hits include "On My Block," "Mind Playing Tricks on Me" and "Damn It Feels Good to be a Gangsta" (made famous in the cult film Office Space). The former president of Def Jam South, he's collaborated with everyone from Kanye West, Ice Cube and Nas, and had many solo hits such as "Guess Who's Back" feat. Jay-Z and "Smile" feat. Tupac. But before that, he was a kid from Houston in love with rock-and-roll, listening to AC/DC and KISS

Derrick "D-Nice" Jones talks about falling in love with Hip Hop, how a chance meeting with DJ Scott La Rock changed his life, the small (and odd) price he had to pay to get KRS-1 to write a verse on his biggest hit, and how originally offered "They Call Me D-Nice" to Kid Rock. He also shares how DJ Eddie F got him into DJ'ing, his long lay off from Hip Hop, being Mr. Mom, and why he chose to customize the beat for each artist on "Self-Destruction".

Full Force ruled Hip Hop and R&B in the 80's and 90's. The Brooklyn based group produced a string of hits ranging from UTFO's "Roxanne, Roxanne" to the Backstreet Boys "All I Have To Give". They even took the muscles and jheri curls to Hollywood as stars of "House Party" with Kid N' Play. Brothers B-Fine and Bow Legged Lou recall how hard they had to work to get discovered and how the sought out to be featured on TV One's Unsung. Plus the share an exciting new project that has reenergized their fan base.

Singer Tweet shares her memories on truly meeting God, the trials endured as a single mom trying to make it in the music biz, falling short of success with her group and ultimately finding stardom as a solo artist with the help of her guardian angel Missy Elliot.

Rapper, producer, and music executive Kwamé shares how Hip Hop turned it's back on him after Biggie's line in "Unbelievable", almost coming to blows with Slick Rick and how he inadvertently won a prestigious porn award. He also reveals the Hip Hop song that infected his soul, starting his own record label, going on tour with the Alumni, being a geek, and the worst record he ever produced.

Pt. 4 of my conversation with music mogul and Hip Hop icon DJ Eddie F. of Heavy and the Boyz fame. He recalls how he was able to get 2Pac and the Notorious B.I.G. on the same song, where he was when he got the news of Heavy D passing, and the time Heavy D told Michael Jackson he was wack, the best quality Heavy D processed. and how he ended up in Houston.

Pt. 3 of 4 in the conversation with music mogul and iconic Hip Hop producer DJ Eddie F. of Heavy D and the Boyz, rememebers how the tragedy of losing Trouble T-Roy become a Hip Hop classic, working and living with a young Didd, how he got 2Pac Pete Rock's production style, DJ Marly Marl and the early days of sampling, Mary J. Blige, Naughty By Nature, and how he relishes his anonymity. Plus, how growing up in Mt. Vernon was a breeding grown for success.

Pt. 2 of 4 in the conversation with music mogul and iconic Hip Hop producer DJ Eddie F. of Heavy D and the Boyz, In this episode he remembers the night of Trouble T-Roy's fatal accident, when he knew that the group had "made it", Heavy D debating with Uptown founder Andre Harrell on the groups direction, when he invented the remix. the group Intro, how Mariah Carey stopped his ascension to the top of the charts, and why he choose Johnny Gill to introduce his new artist CL Smooth to the world.

In part 1 of my conversation with DJ Eddie F. he tells how he fell in love with Hip Hop, how he started DJing, his first encounter with Heavy D, how DJ Jazzy Jeff pushed him into production, and what it was like to grow up in Mt. Vernon as Hip Hop was being birthed in other boroughs of New York.

Teddy Riley, the King of New Jack Swing, continues with part 5 of his conversation with Rob G. The General. He shares his feelings and thoughts on one of the best rappers he has ever heard, a young hungry Sean "Diddy" Combs, visionary producer DJ Eddie F., and artist that didn't listen and stopped their own shine. He also recalls working with The Winans, James Ingram, and going to the Apollo theatre as a young child with a severe fever. Plus he tells his real feeling on his daughter doing reality TV and dating Soulja Boy.

Part 4 of the conversation with super producer and the King of New Jack Swing Teddy Riley. He explains why their are two BlackSTREET's on tour, what it was like to work with Bobby Brown, the song that saved his life and the Top 5 songs he's ever made. He also reveals who much he was getting cheated monetarily by his God father and manager Gene Griffin.

Part 3 of the conversation with the King of New Jack Swing. How Al B. Sure helped save the first Guy album. Does Aaron Hall say "dumb b*tch" on "Piece of My Love? Teddy reveals his thoughts about that controversial line. He also reveals why he chose to leave Guy at the height of their popularity.

Part 2 of my conversation with producer and the King of New Jack Swing Teddy Riley. He shares stories about almost losing a job with Michael Jackson before it really started and how MJ left him hanging for two weeks while recording Remember The Time. Teddy tells how he went from competing against Keith Sweat to teaming with him and his unique perspective on working with then up and coming producers like Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Devante Swing and Rodney Jerkins. He ends the podcast talking about Guy and how they always ended up at Howard University's Homecoming.

Part 1 of Rob G. the General's talk with super producer Teddy Riley. Teddy shares stories about Heavy D, the birth of New Jack Swing, helping Doug E. Fresh produce "The Show", and teaming up with Kool Moe Dee. He also talks about falling in love with Hip Hop and the two men that helped start him on the road to success.