Dart Against Humanity

The word "oeuvre" refers to the collected works of an artist, author or a painter. An "overture" is either an orchestral piece at the beginning of an opera, suite, play, oratorio, or another extended composition or it can be an introduction to something more substantial. Smash them both together and you have an "oeuvreture". I run down the history of Dart Against Humanity, tell you what I've learned and what the future holds for me. Thank you for listening to Dart Against Humanity for the past 30 months and 5 seasons. I appreciate you all. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dart Adams discusses the 40th anniversary of Prince's classic 1980 LP "Dirty Mind", the first anniversary of the release of his book "Best Damn Hip Hop Writing: The Book Of Dart", his upcoming piece about the 25th anniversary of AZ's "Doe Or Die" & his gripes with Anchor in terms of sponsorships. Next week, its a wrap! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I tell the full story of how my verified Twitter account with over 20K followers got hacked and while I do want it back, why I'm simultaneously not in a rush to get it back. Report it as hacked so it can't infect other accounts and Twitter finally secures it, but I'm enjoying not arguing with people all day long in the interim. Also, happy 15th anniversary to my last day working a real job at CVS. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dart Adams discusses his appearance on Season 3 of KCRW's Lost Notes podcast hosted by poet/author Hanif Abdurraqib, his struggles with trying to carve out a space for himself in a new arena, how he was woefully unprepared for the 2nd straight week in a row to record an episode of Dart Against Humanity but he fully plans to have a solid final 3 episodes to close things out and make up for it. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode of Dart Against Humanity I had to figure out what to make the episode about since I've been so busy and I wrote a piece during this podcast since I'm on a deadline. I decided to call the episode Blockstun after an FGC term referring to when a video game character is still stuck in their blocking animation after stopping an attack. When you hear the episode, it'll make sense... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this episode of Dart Against Humanity, I discuss the year 1995 in Rap tapes and films from my perspective as a high school senior who was working with the Boston Public Schools and Office Of The Attorney General as well as an actor for MCET in Cambridge saving up money for when I attended Morgan State University for the Spring 1996 semester. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode I discuss the real life & career ramifications of keeping it 100 at times and never compromising as a critic/journalist versus when to recognize when there's no need to give your take or insert your opinion when it won't add to the conversation or it isn't warranted. Rest in eternal peace to Chadwick Boseman & John Thompson. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode of Dart Against Humanity I discuss the work stoppages in the NBA & WNBA bubbles which extended to protests in other sports leagues and the frustrations of being a Black creative feeling that your contributions, innovations, creations and your labor might have value but your life doesn't based on your lack of protection. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week's episode of Dart Against Humanity is LVL 45 ///. It's all about my life growing up and the lessons I learned along the way, the 30th anniversary of the North American release of SNK's Neo Geo Playmore which was Boston drug dealer status symbol, the tragic murder of Boston basketball legend Jamal Jackson in August 1995 who Boston Legends wanted to honor but it was prevented by the COVID-19 pandemic &finally the 5th anniversary of me A&Ring DJ Soko's "Domino Effect" LP on his imprint label Left Of Center/Fat Beats. Enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I explain where I presently am physically, emotionally and mentally 72 hours short of turning 45. I discuss my issues with Rob Markman going back years, why I skipped a mid life crisis and the mindfuck of being able to do things you always wanted to do as a young person but how that still might be enough to fill that void or satiate me. I'll explore this even further next week in LVL 45 /// --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Tonight I tell the full story behind the rise and fall of my label Producers I Know, how I quit journalism to the become a full time label owner, A&R and creative consultant in August 2015. By November 2016, everything had gone to shit. By January 2017, I was back in Rap journalism writing Knowledge Darts for Mass Appeal. This is a story of triumph, failure and resiliency in the face of adversity. Much like the train in "Snowpiercer" I will never stop moving forward, no matter what happens. Only 10 more left! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I revisit last week's episode about Bostonian Black & Latinx erasure before launching into my latest piece for Medium's LEVEL 40 Over 40 campaign titled "The 20 Best Rap Albums by Artists Over 40". I explain my process, approach and personal philosophy when it comes to writing pieces like these plus my thoughts on LEVEL's already controversial "The 40 Best Rappers Over 40" list. I then share some upcoming anniversary pieces I'm working on. Rest in eternal peace, Malik B. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I dedicated today's episode of Dart Against Humanity to the rampant erasure Boston's Black & Latinx populations have had to endure and its many byproducts, including how we're viewed by Blacks & Latinxs outside of New England unaware that we exist or our many contributions to the culture. This episode was a long time coming. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Last episode was called Non Stop, in this episode I decided to discuss what the aftereffects and realities of going nonstop or hustling your ass off are like. I feel that being completely transparent in this space is the only way to avoid making people in this space or field think in order to achieve success they need to do what I do. Do what works for you. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode I rehash all of the sports I've been watching at odd hours of the night since I don't sleep, the albums I listen to while I write and research, I discuss an article I was quoted in on Pigeons & Planes by Trey Alston then I spend the rest of the episode discussing the play "Hamilton" which I just saw last week on Disney+ and my many thoughts on it. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode of Dart Against Humanity, Dart talks about how 1985 was the year with the best & most influential coming of age/teen films of all time and even makes some bonus picks from the same year while breaking down their individual and collective impacts. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode, Dart discusses two articles about sample sources and from earlier this weeks and highlights how beat digging/sample chasing culture has changed vastly over the years in terms of rules, etiquette and protocol plus how he had to reconcile that as an old head and as a journalist who won't cross the line and reveal certain sources himself so as not to put his DJ or producer peers at risk. Hopefully, you enjoy this episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode of Dart Against Humanity I discuss Eric B. & Rakim's 3rd LP and arguably their best album overall "Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em" and its significance not only in their back catalogue but its overall impact on Rap in 1990. Look for my 30th anniversary retrospective on it which will drop on June 19th, 2020. Happy Juneteenth, America. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The episode stars out with me explaining why my approach to recording and distributing the podcast changed over time then launched into me talking about Jas Fly AKA Jas Waters, a fellow journalist/writer who recently passed away so I try to cope with her passing the only way I know how. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today on Dart Against Humanity I discuss the recent protests & rioting initiated by police attacking peaceful protestors and the looting/property damage often initiated by those who aren't down for the cause & are just opportunists. The Blackout Tuesday/Pause The Show debacle on IG, the "This You?" phenomenon on Twitter calling out hypocrites who supposedly stand with Black people all of a sudden, my issues with stan culture in modern music journalism vs. being an expert & lastly the Netflix documentary "Spelling The Dream" about East Asian/Indian American kids dominating the Scripps Spelling Bee over the past decade plus and how & why. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode Dart discusses his personal feelings on art, culture, standards and what moves him from an emotional, tonal and creative standpoint vs. other people might enjoy that differs from his preference & why he doesn't like when people ask for his opinion on certain things because of it. Art is open to interpretation and what I enjoy and what you enjoy might be two completely different things for a wide array of reasons. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today Dart discusses how he's passing the time 70 full days into quarantine doing home improvements, researching, doing consulting, fact checking & staying busy. Conversations jump from "The Last Dance", Top 5 discussions, UTFO's debut album, New Edition's "My Secret" controversy, video game release dates, Nintendo & the Turbo Grafx-16 Mini. A lot of ground was covered in only 45 minutes --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today Dart Adams discusses Ice Cube's debut solo album "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted" assisted by the Bomb Squad after leaving N.W.A.on the 30th anniversary of its release. The album's importance, lasting influence and role in the continuum of classic Rap albums is also expounded upon. Read Ice Cube’s “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted”: A 30th Anniversary Retrospective by Dart Adams on Medium! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dart decides to talk about his early days playing basketball and the life lessons he learned from being a kid who had natural ability, height and a love for the game who never really worked on his game although he watched a lot of ball and the reality checks he faces when he went up against those who did and the world of difference between organized basketball & streetball/pick up ball during my young teen years. Enjoy... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dart Adams discusses everything that's happened in the almost 3 month hiatus between Season 4 and Season 5 the final season of Dart Against Humanity, including the COVID-19 virus that's resulted in me being quarantined/sheltering at home for 49 days. I discuss my present mental state, coping mechanisms, early thought process, thoughts on being productive and what I'm doing to pass the time and stay positive in hopes the curve flattens some time in May. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In the final episode of Season 4, I discuss the past 10 years of my career and where my path crossed with FWMJ. Abare is a term dealing with the damage you can do in trades or exchanges in fighting games that allow you to survive or come out on top even when you're at a disadvantage. I talk about how I managed to get to where I am in my career and what the future holds for Dart Against Humanity going forward. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this edition of Dart Against Humanity, I discuss the ugly events surrounding the shoddy handling of reporting the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant & his daughter Gigi this past Sunday. I was so disgusted with the media and humanity as a whole I fell back from real time social media (especially Twitter) for 3 days. I discuss my thoughts on the past week & my personal process dealing with his death and the overwhelming wave of grief consuming my present spaces. Rest in eternal peace to everyone who lost their lives on Sunday. Amen. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The discussion today is about cult films, how that designation has changed over time and how easy or hard it is for a film to earn that title in the era of Real Time Social Media with all of the different streaming portals both legitimate and of the pirate variety. I even list quite a few cult classics and highly slept on films from the past 25 or so years in the process... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dart returned from MIT after seeing Harry Allen x Rob Swift's Harbanger turntable septet/orchestra with a fresh perspective on the value of Hip Hop culture. He talks about the transformative nature of Hip Hop culture and how art evolves over time due to influence while providing examples from his own life experiences. Next Friday will be about a brand new subject entirely. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Last night, I went to MIT to witness a lecture between legendary journalist/author Harry Allen & legendary DJ/turntablist Rob Swift. I had known both for quite a while but the subject matter of the lecture really resonated with me on many levels as a creative who isn't constantly aspiring to be better and reach the many lofty goals I have for myself which I might never reach. This podcast is about self discovery, self expression & reminding myself to enjoy the process/journey rather than the fact I'm not where I want to be yet. This is The Learning. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On the first episode of Dart Against Humanity recorded in 2020, Dart discusses his research done for articles about 1985 & 1990, including how & why it took so long for the first Rap song to hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100, MC Hammer's unique single roll out for his 1990 LP "Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em", how Bell Biv DeVoe's 1990 single & LP "Poison" changed the dynamic of the Pop charts plus the odd case of the ascent of Jane Child's "Don't Wanna Fall In Love" on the Hot 100 vs. Lisa Stansfield's "All Around The World" which was released as a single in North America in January 1990 but blew up on the Black music charts. Also, Dart discusses his initial findings regarding Run DMC's sophomore album "King Of Rock" which was released in January 1985. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode of Dart Against Humanity, he discusses his spoiler free reaction to seeing "The Rise Of Skywalker" last Friday, his new Medium piece "Tetsuo & Adulthood: The Influence Of “Akira” 30 Years Later" and he recounts his top 5 Christmases from when he was a kid to young adulthood. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dart talks about dealing with the potentially crippling doubt & uncertainty involved with being work for hire and having to deal with trying to sell your art to people that don't value it anywhere near as much as you do within that same space. The talk veers into the many ways this manifests itself or how the writer views storytelling in other mediums in order to study what works or doesn't work so they can apply it to their own craft/output. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dart talks about his experience at the 2019 Boston Music Awards, the passing of Hip Hop legend PHASE2 & what it means to him (and all of us), "Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker", "Dune", "Robotech" and for some odd reason? "Transformers: The Movie" --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode I address the last episode being trash, the Drake normalized rappers singing take, the 90's R&B wasn't filthy take, when I learned R&B was filthy back in 1984 and lost my innocence thus spoiling it for everyone else, working on my next two books, Uptown vs. Def Jam, digging for records fueling music discovery and I finish acknowledging the 20th anniversary of Ego Trip's Book Of Rap Lists. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Rebounding from Thanksgiving, Dart does an episode about the adaptation of the new season of "Watchmen", Martin Scorcese's "The Irishman", the Boston Celtics' insistence on booing Kyrie Irving as their being successful without him and how to stay motivated as a writer when you're not on the fringes simply trying to survive, New week's episode will be way better, I promise... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this episode of Dart Against Humanity I observe the 25th anniversary of Redman's classic sophomore album "Dare Iz A Darkside". I recall Def Jam's Month Of The Man promotional campaign. I even read from the album credits/liner notes of the CD J card & excerpts from Adario Strange's The Source cover story on Redman "Hell On Earth". --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dart discusses Winter albums again, which leads him to discussing the 25th anniversary of Method Man's classic debut "Tical" in detail. He also rehashes his Twitter debate about how iconic the Wu Tang Clan logo is then he sets up next week's discussion about Def Jam's Month Of The Man campaign and Redman's "Dare Iz A Darkside". --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dart discusses his thoughts about the game "Death Stranding" then talks us through the process of researching for several pieces he's presently writing including his Method Man "Tical" 25th anniversary retrospective, Independent As F* 3 & liner notes he's doing for an upcoming album which made him stumble on several erroneous release dates from 1989. Also, it looks like November 9th, 1999 is the real 20th anniversary of MF DOOM's "Operation: Doomsday". --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dart breaks down everything that happened with his book "Best Damn Hip Hop Writing: The Book Of Dart" being released on October 8th, 2019. The stress & eustress that came after its release, the unexpected sales success, what happened with the BBC's The Greatest Hip Hop Song Of All Time list he was involved in, his disappointment in "Zombieland: Double Tap" and what Netflix shows he's seen recently. Dart's back humanity! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On the final episode of Dart Against Humanity Season 3 I discuss the problems with trying to have genuine exchanges with people via Twitter and real time social media and the havoc that can ensue in part one. In part 2, I discuss leveling up using the 1989 classic NES game "Dragon Warrior" as a metaphor for growth & taking on new challenges. It's easy to get complacent and not push yourself for fear of failure, not realizing you will grow exponentially quicker from the lessons learned from those failures. This is Level 44. I'll be gone 'til November... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode of Dart Against Humanity I discuss the sheer power of the written word, the neverending chase of trying to get the reader feel or understanding what you were attempting to convey plus try to make people who may or may not have cared about something before they began reading to care about it now. In the second half of the podcast I discussed how being able to retain even information I think is useless benefits me at my advanced age then I just asked my listeners to tell me what podcast distributor they use to hear Dart Against Humanity globally. Yeah... This episode required crowd participation. It's a listener's poll! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode of Dart Against Humanity I discuss my fixation/fascination with album sequencing, specifically the difference between classic albums that are sequenced almost perfect vs. classic albums that could be sequenced in a way that make the album flow as well if not better than the original version. I begin with the case studies of Janet Jackson's "Control" & Anita Baker's "Rapture" vs. Phil Collins' "No Jacket Required" & Tears For Fears' "Songs From The Big Chair". Music nerds will love this one... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's episode of Dart Against Humanity, I discuss Nintendo fighting video stores on the subject on game rentals and the lengths they went through trying to maintain their dominant market share of the videogame industry with the 4th generation of gaming consoles looming over the horizon (Sega Genesis & NEC Turbo Grafx 16). I also discuss the upcoming developments with the IV Boston x Mathmatik Athletics Boston Legends Podcast & Summer 2019 Collection and a few other recent occurrences. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's episode of Dart Against Humanity subject stems from a tweet I made saying that Hip Hop had nerds involved it in from the outset & the resistance it received from some Twitter users who fail to see the connection. I decided to be the wholebrained INTJ-A that I am and break down exactly why I'm right and present a case beginning with the definition of the word and what it's often conflated with. Also, I discuss my new venture, the Boston Legends Podcast which debuted yesterday on Anchor with the Dana Barros episode. Next week's will be one for the ages... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode of Dart Against Humanity I discuss the cross section of playing role playing games, watching cartoons/anime, reading comic books/graphic novels and how it's an entry point for comic book/video game creators as well as writers and directors who are tasked with entertaining different audiences and world building for a living. I also run down a list of independent comic book companies from the 80's to the early 90's that are 95% now defunct but were springboards for many creators in the space of comics now. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode of Dart Against Humanity, I decide to discuss my fascination with music departments in film and television and my dream of becoming one in the near future by recapping some films and television (network, cable, Hulu/Amazon/Netflix) shows that I feel have incredible music supervision. This is a topic I'm passionate about which is near and dear to my heart as someone into the world of synch licensing, music placement and clearances. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode of Dart Against Humanity I discussed the lack of perspective, context, depth & nuance in much of today's art criticism and music journalism then I discuss many of the differences between the upbringings of Generation X, Millennials & Generation Z which often leads to misunderstandings and resentment plus I briefly discussed the 35th anniversaries of "Purple Rain" and "Graffiti Rock". --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The first half of today's episode of Dart Against Humanity I break down the false narrative that Danny Ainge had all the leverage and the assets imaginable and was at fault because no one wanted to make deals with him or the Boston Celtics. The second half of the episode is spent on the 25th anniversary of The Beatnuts' groundbreaking LP "The Beatnuts"/"Street Level". --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I talk about my panel The State Of Black Music & The Arts Across Greater Boston happening today at Hibernian Hall. my frustrations with the lack of representation on a national stage in terms of Black Boston plus the importance of history & controlling the narrative. I reflect on the Boston Bruins losing the Stanley Cup, not knowing what the hell the Boston Celtics are doing and my take on the Showtime series "City On A Hill". I covered everything like the Spread Gun in "Contra". --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app