LFOD Radio

What is the #StateOfNEHH? For the past four years, we’ve gathered with artists and industry professionals to discuss the State of New England Hip-Hop. This year we’re back to ask: what does it mean to be a regional artist in 2020? How do you cut through the digital noise to reach your listeners? Our goal, as always, is to pull back the curtain and push the convo forward. This year, we're joined by by Brandie Blaze, Brandon Matthews, CAEV, and Jessica Richards. Huge shoutout to Arielle Gray & Amelia Mason from WBUR for helping to put this together.

In the Season VI Finale, Sam and A-Ball take a look back at this year's adventures, both on and off the mics. With 25 episodes spanning from Boston to Pensacola, there was a lot to talk about. What stood out from each conversation? What is everyone up to now? Tune in to find out. Thank you for growing with us this year.   

HelloSIXX and Miles Stone are two Atlanta artists with very different stories and likewise, different perspectives on the city. SIXX grew up in Atlanta & focused her energy on basketball through college, switching gears after graduation. Miles grew up in the North Carolina countryside and rode his trombone playing to a scholarship in the city, where he found his creative partners. Lots of game within!

We met a LOT of artists in Florida. In addition to E-Turn and Big Lo, we also connected with Scrilla H and DJ Ross Lougee while we were in the Sunshine State. Scrilla is from Massachusetts but makes his home in Miami these days, producing, managing, and creating music of his own. Ross is something of a NH/VT legend, who also finds himself down south these days, although for much different reasons. Atlanta next week!

Big Lo is an independent producer/rapper/gentleman born and raised in the state of Florida. From there, he's used his talents to travel the continent, build up his community, and educate other artists aspiring to do the same. 

We chopped it up with DJ Deadeye about what he's learned in his 20 years in the game, observations on the current climate, advice to upcoming DJs, and what he's got cooking for 2020. Healthy amount of Sean talk, too. RiP.

Hard to believe that just a few months ago, we were traveling around the country interviewing artists. In fact, Sam spoke to E-Turn exactly two months ago in Orlando, Florida after a show with her Fake Four compadres, Ceschi, Gregory Pepper, Bluebird, and Juanchi. Good people!

Brandie Blaze joined us fresh off the release of Late Bloomer. We unpacked the emotions and experiences behind the album and dove deep into the meaning behind her namesake and the music she creates. It's been a long journey already and this is just the beginning.  

Three years ago today, we released our first album. That sentence feels like an understatement. Three years ago, we got 24 of our favorite artists together to record 24 songs in 24 hours and today is the three year anniversary of its release. We reached out to the artists involved, and here's what they had to say looking back.

DJ, educator, afro-futurist, and overall hip-hop head TROY Frost is our guest this week. There's no way you could ever predict the direction this convo went. We were certainly caught off guard... Press play and learn some things.

Award-winning podcasters, ItsLitBoston, join Sam & A-Ball to share their story with ya'll. It's been quite a ride. They also asked some very thoughtful questions of us, and raised a lot of good points about their (and our!) role in the discourse.

Eyenine threw on the snow tires and braved some rugged weather to get down for this one. And we're glad he did. We got into it about writing styles, creative boxes, insomnia, being a pillar of the NH Hip-Hop community, the RZA's birthday parties and a whole lot more. Stay safe out there, ya'll and show love to your favorite artists this week, they're going through it.

From the Road!! Sam has been traveling around the country interviewing artists in different cities. While he was in Charlotte, he linked up with Cyanca & Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon - two very different individuals who highlight not only the diversity of talent in the city, but the different experiences for artists coming out of it.

We're always looking to learn more about the artists around us, so we can introduce them to you, each other, and connect the dots between us all. Dancing & music are such a natural combo, but there still seems to be separation between the dancers & the musicians up here. Ever since we met A-Ball, he's been telling us about the vibrant community that exists and Stiggity Stackz' role in it, so it was a pleasure to have him on to talk about the realities of life for him. We touched on a lot of things in this one. Recommended listening for anybody looking to find their way.

C Wells joined us to talk about his journey as an artist from Lynn, MA, expressing himself through his music, and how his beliefs have carried him forward. We also got into habits, small acts that can spark creativity, and a whole lot more. Very glad we got to link up. Keep an eye out for new music from Wells soon.

Nightworks is one of our favorite events in Boston. We rolled through the two year anniversary and sat down with a few of the artists that performed. Here's our conversations with Obuxum & Daedelus, as well as an update from Atlanta.

Durkin joins Sam to talk about his experiences over the last 15 years in Boston - from DJing Zuzu, to working with Black El, Michael Christmas, meeting Maka, releasing their projects through Fool's Gold, and more. He shared his penchant for positivity and plenty of advice for aspiring DJs as well. Turn it up.

Choppa Tha Beatboxa & D-Koy came through to shine some light on the art of beatboxing. Once an integral part of the culture, it's role has shifted over the years, but the craft is stronger than ever. This convo was inspired by some IG comments of Choppa's, so it was cool to be able to collab like this. The two boxers have very unique styles, but lots of common ground. Great talk... and you best believe we let them go off as well. Even had an impromptu jam sesh. Turn it up.

Najee Janey popped in to talk about the The Purple Earth Theory, Most High Kingdom, his musical journey, recording 100 songs a year, and... well, you've just gotta press play.

Do you know who Rilla Force is? If the answer is "no", please press play to learn about one of New England's hidden gems. If the answer is "yes", press play to gain an even deeper understanding of the internationaly renowned super producer and his sound. We talked past, present, and future. Plus he hit us with an exclusive #LFODMix.

After the #StateofNEHH (Part I), the panel took some questions from the audience. Their answers may surprise you. #LFOD

As another year comes to a close, we linked back up with Bedlam, Dart, Latrell, and Oompa for our annual discussion. Tim couldn't make it this year, but Jessica Richards (who you'll remember from out WIHH panels) stepped in and provided a wealth of insight. One other big change... IT WAS PUBLIC! Shout out to WBUR Cityspace for believing in the importance of this convo and providing a stage for it to take place on. The growth continues...   #LFOD

In this episode, Sam & A-Ball reflect on the changes we've been navigating this season and let you in on some studio magic that's been taking place along the way. More importantly though, we share our plans for 2020. They're big, they're very much in motion, and we think you're gonna love 'em. Let us know, though.

The New England collective stops through to talk about their "heat check" in LA this year, what their name means, their goals, and more. Our biggest episode yet, we stretched the limits of our studio for sure. They flamed some #ExtraBars real quick as well. Definitely a team to keep an eye (ear?) on.

The incredibly active DJ WhySham is our guest this week. We talked about DJing for museums, political institutions, Brandie Blaze, community events, and everything in between. She does it all... and somehow finds time to create new spaces for art and healing with Boston Got Next and BBBMA as well. Tap in.  

Kay Wattz slid through LFOD to talk about the dirty money circulating in Boston, her hustle & dedication, and what it means to live authentically. The crew also answered the question "When did you fall in love with hip-hop?", spurred by her song of the same name. And you know we got some #ExtraBars in here as well.

Gio Dee is back. But where's he been? We talked about what he's been up to the past few years, the new music he's been dropping throughout 2019, and the album that's on the way. We also dug up some gems from the Never Going Back days, spoke about his influence on Boston hip-hop, and a whole lot more. Are you ready?  

Amanda, Sam, and A-Ball talk about what's in store for our sixth season... It's a lot!!! They also recapped The Hipstory's MFA Late Nite takeover, what's been in their headphones the past month, and the best way to approach ideas. We're back.  

Team Mass Apparel took home the Hoop Hop trophy this year and we invited the champs in to talk about the experience as well as their music. We were joined by Ant Thomas, Chatham the SUN, Eddie Play, and Bakari JB. Fun tournament, fun episode, big surprises from some of these guys. Tune in & get hip. LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

Amanda and Sam recapped this year's Alumni Cypher Series, which featured 32 MCs, a number of producers, and a whole lot of BARS. They talked about their favorite verses, moments, and more. We also heard from Thomas, and the guys shared their stories from Oompa's CLEO release party. What a summer it's been. If you missed the previous cyphers, you can watch them on YouTube, scroll back in your podcast app, or hit our Soundcloud. We also uploaded a bunch of bonus clips to Patreon.com/LFODLife. This year’s series was brought to you by the Table Manners DJs & Wreck Shop Movement. For the third year, The Beat Club Podcast provided the beats. LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

The Final Cypher. We're joined by Amanda Shea, Seti Tzu, Ant Thomas, YN Prop, Artisin, G-Eyez, V Knuckles, REKS, & Bakari JB. We caught up on what they've all been up to (a LOT) & then they went in over Manny Beats CHI production. If you missed the previous cyphers, you can watch them on YouTube, scroll back in your podcast app, or hit our Soundcloud. We also uploaded a bunch of bonus clips to Patreon.com/LFODLife.   This year’s cyphers are brought to you by the Table Manners DJs & Wreck Shop Movement. Once again, the Beat Club Podcast has provided us with the beats.   LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com   Thank you for rocking with us!!

Part III! The EMS Crew, along with Mertz, Chatham the SUN, Shalom the Poet, and Seti Tzu came through and got busy over production by MAD SURGEON . If you missed Parts I & II, you can see that on YouTube, scroll back an episode, or hit our Soundcloud. We also uploaded a bunch of bonus clips to Patreon.com/LFODLife.   This year’s cyphers are brought to you by the Table Manners DJs & Wreck Shop Movement. Once again, the Beat Club Podcast has provided us with the beats.   We'll be back next week at 9pm with the Final Cypher. Stay tuned... Live on 91.5FM in Boston and streaming at LFODRadio.com

We're back for Part II of the Fifth Annual Alumni Cypher Series with DL, TonyWhiteDDM, E Jake, Oompa, Anson Rap$, Paranom, D Ruff, Billy Dean Thomas, Philly G, and Chronic Tone with production by GRAND. If you missed Part I, you can see that on YouTube, scroll back an episode, or hit our Soundcloud. We also uploaded bonus clips to Patreon.com/LFODLife.   This year’s cyphers are brought to you by the Table Manners DJs & Wreck Shop Movement. Once again, the Beat Club Podcast has provided us with the beats for this year’s cyphers. Producers, get hip to them if you haven’t.   We'll be back the next three Tuesdays at 9pm with more. Live on 91.5FM in Boston and streaming at LFODRadio.com

Welcome to the Fifth Annual LFOD Alumni Cypher Series. Each July we invite all our past guests back to rhyme live on-air with their fellow MCs. All these artists have podcasts with us which you can hear on your favorite podcast app. We're kicking things off with NewmNera, Red Shaydez, Du-Karan, Time & Lepp, and Mike Wing over GRAND production.   This year’s cyphers are brought to you by the Table Manners DJs & Wreck Shop Movement. Once again, the Beat Club Podcast has provided us with the beats for this year’s cyphers. Producers, get hip to them if you haven’t.   We'll be back the next three Tuesdays at 9pm with more. Live on 91.5FM in Boston and streaming at LFODRadio.com

DJ Alcide returns to follow up on some comments from last week and drop a fresh mix of all New England artists. Podcast producer Thomas calls in to weigh in on his favorite episodes from this season as well. LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

DJ Alcide joined us to talk about what he's learned over his thirteen years in the game, how his Good Music Showcase Series has grown from a monthly event in Quincy to hitting multiple stages a month in different cities, and why he'll ALWAYS be here for the home team. Amanda and Sam recapped this weekend's events, previewed what's to come, and we said goodbye to A-Ball, who is about to embark on a three month adventure in New Mexico. LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

Boston Rise is an initiative to lift art, culture, and community in Boston by pairing working artists with youth creators. Lilly, D'Ana, Clark D, Echezona, JPRiZM, and JUMA came through to talk about their first album, what they learned together, and why they're so hopeful for the future. Great group, with a very healthy approach to life & art. We also recapped this weekend's shows: Thrive-a-Palooza & Smino's Hoopti Tour.   LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com   #LFOD

Hoop Hop 2019 is coming up on August 17... This is the sixth annual tournament & founder Bakari JB joined us to let us know about what's in store. Not only are signups active now, but they just dropped a mixtape as well! We'll be there this year - will you? LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

Cheez Bankroll & Louie Rock brought the ENERGY to the studio this week. Fresh off a run of shows in support of their Eastside record, they had a lot to talk about. Cheez is more than just a rapper - he also has a successful clothing line, CHVSE. Lots of gems in here about how to move like a business. No cap. LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

We're joined this week by Jha D & D. Ruff, two Boston poets and active members of the spoken word community. They host the 'if you can Feel it, you can Speak it' Open Mic on the second Thursday of every month, a vibrant & inclusive event that's become a home to many creative souls over the past ten years. We talked about the origins and mission of the Mic, differences between rappers and poets, and what LFOD means to them. D. Ruff hit us with some #ExtraBars as well. LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

Bretsil & Jeff from Dust Collectors came through to talk about their label, its many facets, and how they put artists first. Sky's the limit with these guys - they went from a Reddit forum to doing a million streams a week on Spotify. LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

Real P makes his return to LFOD Radio...exactly 100 episodes later. We promise that wasn't planned - it's wild how these things line up sometimes. A lot has changed since then, but he's stayed on his upward trajectory through the music industry. We touched on a lot of topics - what artists he's rocking with, advice for other artists looking to get his ear, and what his expectations are for the future. LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

Bobby Bangers is DJ, Producer, and all-around Boston Hip-Hop Representative. We chopped it up about his philosophies on life, art, professionalism, and the genuine love he feels in his community. He brought his tables and hit us with some rare music as well. You can hear that on our YouTube. LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

Red Shaydez joined the crew to talk about The Chillin' In The Shade EP, the long gap in between projects, balancing her perspectives, why she calls herself a Femcee and much much more. This was a lively and thoughtful conversation that both artists and fans will get a lot out of. LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

LFOD CREW chat this week. Sam, Alex, and Victoria talked about how trap reminds them of both punk rock & classical music (??), discovering new songs in 2019, upcoming shows in the area, and the future of our community on Patreon. Thanks for tuning in!   LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com   #LFOD

DJ Myth, of Rap Night fame, joined us to talk about the scene in NH, Rap Night & the Shaskeen's continued contributions to the culture, and what it's like to live in a haunted house. He brought his decks too & blessed us with a fresh mix. You can find that on our YouTube. LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

Strap in for a rollicking interview with Roxbury's own, Treva Holmes. Definitely one of our most energetic episodes yet, you could probably substitute this for your morning coffee. We talked about his relentless creativity, flood of new music and videos, and the example he sets for the youth in his city. Been Ready You Late out now. Catch a vibe. LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

E Jake came through to talk about his new album, enterprises, merging rap & realty, and just how he balances his life with so much going on. We also spoke about generational wealth, moving in sync with your family, and recapped this weekend's shows.  LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 7pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

"Am I telling the truth?" - The only question that matters to NewmNera when it comes to his music. We dug into some of that truth in the latest episode, discussing "The System" video, experimental nature of his music, and his views on chess...Sam and Amanda even had their roles reversed and answered some questions themselves. LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

Amanda Shea, Arielle Gray, Jessica Rich, and Lisa Finelli Fallon return for Part II of our Women in Hip-Hop series. The four of them are active & successful participants in the vibrant New England scene, with plenty of insight into it's inner workings. In Part I we discussed the challenges they faced and here they give advice to aspiring businesswomen, artists, and take a closer look at how we can all improve as a community. LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD

Y.U.R.P Nation founder YN Prop just dropped The King's Language 2 & came through to talk about it. We dug into the source of his ambition, goals for his music, and what it's like emerging from an emotional shell built up over years of adversity. Let's get it!! LFOD Radio broadcasts live every Tuesday at 9pm on 91.5FM in Boston. Learn more at LFODRadio.com #LFOD