People's Party with Talib Kweli

In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli sits down with the famed group Arrested Development to discuss the impact of their hit songs "Tennessee" and "People Everyday," religion and spirituality, and the group as a response to gangsta rap.

In this new episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli sits down with Masta Killa of the Wu-Tang Clan to discuss making "36 Chambers," the impact of "Triumph," remembering ODB, and much, much more.

In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli sits down with The Luniz to discuss how their timeless hit "I Got 5 On It" got made, "operation stackola," Oakland life, and much more.

In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli sits down with U-God of the Wu-Tang Clan to discuss the formation of the group and making "36 Chambers," RZA's genius, Method Man's talent, memories of ODB, and much more.

In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli sits down with Tiffany Dena Loftin to Black-Palestinian solidarity, student loan forgiveness, and fighting against the death penalty.

In this episode of People's Party filmed live in Miami, Talib Kweli sits down with NORE to discuss all things Drink Champs, rapping on Pharrell beats, Lil Kim/Foxy beef, and much more.

In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli sits down with Tash from Tha Alkaholiks to discuss working with Pharrell, Bow Wow performing Tash's rhymes, King Tee, and much more.

In this episode of People's Party, filmed live from Miami, Talib Kweli sits down with Lil' Cease of Junior M.A.F.I.A. fame to discuss Biggie, coastal beefs, Lil' Kim, and more.

In this episode of People's Party, filmed live from the birthplace of Hip-Hop -- 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx -- Talib Kweli sits down with Steffanie Christi'an And Jessica Care Moore to discuss their forming of "We Are Scorpio, female rappers, the power of art, and more.

In this episode of "People's Party with Talib Kweli" filmed live at the Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa Valley, Kweli sits down with Affion Crocket to receive a social media intervention, witness Affion's Jay-Z impersonation, and more.

In this episode of "People's Party with Talib Kweli" filmed live at the Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa Valley, Kweli sits down with attorney, journalist, and host of MSNBC's "The Beat" -- Ari Melber -- to dive deep on Jay-Z's genius, discuss quoting rap, and talk about the platforming bigots and the rise of antisemitism.

In this episode of "People's Party with Talib Kweli" filmed live at the Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa Valley, De La Soul talk about early days, the story behind Native Tongues, the reaction to "De La Soul Is Dead," the process behind making "Stakes Is High," why they had to fight for control of their catalog, and losing David Jolicoeur.

In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," filmed live at the Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC, Kweli sits down with Buckshot. The two discuss working Q-Tip's influence on Buck's jazzy style, the formation of Duck Down Records, and truth vs fiction when it comes to Tupac and Biggie.

In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," filmed live at the Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC, Kweli sits down with hip-hop legend and member of The Lox, Styles P. The two discuss working with DMX early on, making "24 Hours To Live," the impact of "I'm Black," and what it's like being locked up while famous.

In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," filmed live at the Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC, Kweli sits down with legendary producer Large Professor to discuss the working with Nas, Rakim & Eric B, and his own legacy in hip-hop.

In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," filmed live at the Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC, Kweli sits down with Havoc from the legendary Mobb Deep. The two discuss the impact of "Shook Ones" and producing for hip-hop's most influential artists.

In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," filmed live at the Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC, Kweli sits down with Sheek Louch from the legendary LOX. The two discuss Biggie, Puffy, Suge, MJB, and so much more.

In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," Kweli sits down with rapper, singer, actor, author and lead emcee of the legendary Philadelphia-based hip hop collective The Roots: BLACK THOUGHT" 

This live episode from the ON-AIR Fest in Brooklyn, NY, contains what is quite simply one of the best stories in the history of this show – DJ Drama telling the wild tale of his RICO arrest for making mixtapes. But that's not all the episode has to offer! Drama also gives deep insight into his many massive collabs, his upcoming album, and his creative relationship with Tyler, the Creator. If you want to understand how mixtapes have shaped hip-hop... this is the one for you.

Multi Grammy-winning Jazz keyboardist, arranger, and record producer, Bob James, joins Talib Kweli at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City to talk about his legacy as the most sampled man in hip-hop.   James, who has become the inadvertent sonic architect of rap's golden age by being sampled by everyone from Eric B and Rakim, to Run DMC Ghostface Killah, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Missy Elliot, The Beastie Boys, and the Wu-Tang Clan (to name a very small few) breaks down why so many rappers love his work, and talks about the origins of the New Orleans Street beat.   James also shares stories about cutting records with legends like Chet Baker and Quincy Jones and offers his thoughts on some of the most memorable sample flips of his work.   For fans of the art of sampling and hip-hop in general, this is a must listen with a true GOAT of the genre.

Voice of a generation, Jon Stewart joins Talib Kweli at the Blue Note Jazz Club to talk about his journey from stand-up comedian to activist (and back to stand-up comedian). He reflects on the legacy of The Daily Show, the modern media landscape, and his new show The Problem With Jon Stewart.   Stewart also reflects on the passing of the Daily Show torch to Trevor Noah, and shares how he balances his passion for standup, making movies, and breaking down the news. Stewart also gives us insight into the struggles he faced helping to pass the Pact Act.   For old fans of The Daily Show and new fans of The Problem with Jon Stewart—as well as anyone who enjoys the art of great satire—this is a must-listen.  

Check out this single from my new album Liberation 2, coming March 6 only on Luminary. Ft. Amani Fela (Talib Kweli Greene, Otis Jackson, Jr., Amani Fela Greene, Homer Banks, Carl Hampton, Raymond Jackson) Produced by Madlib. Recorded and mixed by Federico "c sik'' Lopez. Pen Skills Music (BMI) Songs of Windswept Pacific (BMI) all rights administered by BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, Loop Digga Publishing (BMI) administered by Sony/ATV Songs LLC. AMANIAINTHERE ASCAP 6845284. Samples a portion of “I'm Trying to Sing A Message To You"' By Luther Ingram, published by Irving c/o UMPG / Malaco. Sample Clearances by DMG Clearances, Inc. A&R Administration by Donna Dragotta

The hilarious and thoughtful comedian joins Talib Kweli at the Blue Note Jazz Club for an in-depth chat on her comedy career and life. Jay speaks on what she's learned from working at the institution that is Saturday Night Live and takes us behind some of her most well-known sketches there, including “Black Jeopardy.” Jay also discusses her ingeniously-named HBO series, Pause, and her Netflix special 3 In The Morning.    The conversation ends with some rich discussion around the Netflix original, You People, and Jay's role in the film. This episode is a must-listen for hardcore SNL fans and people who love all-things comedy, plus anyone who loved the discourse around You People.

The legendary comedian and actor joins Talib Kweli at the Blue Note Jazz Club for a hilarious chat about his latest comedy special “I'm From The Future,” and his current tour (“Appearances”).   The pair also discusses the huge cultural and comedic impact of “Arrested Development” and “Mr. Show,” and what it was like to work with big personalities like Will Arnett and Bob Odenkirk. Cross also discusses his work directing and appearing in music videos, and shares some of his most potent comedy influences.

Legendary rapper Smoke DZA joins Talib Kweli at The Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City for a deep conversation about the arc of his multi-faceted career. The duo dive into the intricacies of Harlem battle rap, the origins of the Smoker's Club, and more.   “If you don't know where you come from, you don't know where you're going,” Smoke DZA says.   He talks about linking up with Mac Miller, and making Full Court Press with Girl Talk, Wiz Khalifa, and Big K.R.I.T., and then shares insights into his incredible run of mixtapes. Plus: why he made the Polo-Rugby style his signature look.   For fans of New York rap and hip-hop in general, this is a must-listen.

The prolific DJ, Grammy-nominated multi-platinum producer, songwriter, and singer Clinton Sparks talks about his rise from local DJ to entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and one of the most valued voices in the music industry.  Sparks also offers a deep dive on the unique sound palette of Boston, and how the city's Black and Irish communities collide into a truly unique sound and aesthetic. Sparks also discusses the beginnings of Mixunit, his association with Faze Clan, meeting DJ Khaled. and what it's like to tour with Diddy.  If you're interested in the secrets of music industry success, this is a must-listen as Sparks offers unparalleled insight.   

Our guest today is a master of bars—one half of the hip-hop duo Heltah Skeltah, and a member of the Boot Camp Clik. You first heard him on Smif-N-Wessun's Dah Shinin on the song “Wontime,” “Cession at da Doghillee” and “Let's Git It On.”   In this revealing convo, The Rock sits with Kweli and co-host Jasmin Leigh in a no-holds-barred discussion of his career wins and losses, struggles with the law, lost friends, and major influences.

Anthony Jeselnik is one of the most fearless comics working today. While other comics cower to “cancel culture,” he laughs in its face. As such, he makes the perfect interview guest for Kweli and co-host Jasmin Leigh – both staunch supporters of dangerous humor.   This deeply personal interview is both insightful and funny – a deep dive into one of the most beloved comics of our time.

Chace Infinite is an industry ninja, an incredible MC, a fashion and entertainment maverick. In this conversation with Talib and Jasmin, he describes the reason he stays so busy, and how he remains vital in every project he touches. The legend also shares stories about how he plugged Khalil with Dr. Dre, what it's like working with A$AP Rocky and the A$AP Mob, and how he played a pivotal role in getting the new Black Star Album out.   This is a must-listen interview for hip-hop fans interested in how it all goes down behind the scenes.

People's Party's very first guest, the legendary Bun B, returns to chop it up with Talib and Jasmin about everything from his favorite sitcoms and his wildly popular burger business to the stories behind some of his most impactful songs.   The prolific rapper also goes deep on what makes the Houston rap scene so special, and how he developed his iconic sense of style. Plus, he shares more on where his restless creative spirit is taking him next.   For longtime People's Party listeners, this interview not only delivers a fun and rich conversation, it reflects just how much the show has grown since episode one.

Standup comedian and actor Tony Baker joins Talib and Jasmin for a deep and hilarious exploration of all things comedy. Baker discusses his experience on the show “Last Comic Standing,” how comedians grow funnier with age, and how he built his enormous social media following.   The comedian also talks about the origins of his viral “Cram Ram” clips, and shares his favorite comedy albums. Baker also talks about how comedy pulled him out of his most traumatic moment.   This interview is a must for anybody who believes in the transformative power of a good laugh.

The crown princess of Chicago rap joins Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh for a discussion of her origins and takes us deep into the best bars from her mixtapes and albums.  Dreezy also talks about playing Queen Cabrini on “Beats,” how she developer her flow, and what it was like working with Hit Boy and Jeremih. Listeners looking for one of the most vital voices in modern hip-hop won't want to miss this longform interview with this young artist. 

Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with three-fourths of the West Coast Rap super group Mount Westmore—E-40, Too $hort, and Ice Cube—for an interview of awesome proportions.   Mount Westmore members share deep-cut stories, break down their legendary careers, and emphasize the importance of giving each other their flowers daily. If you are a West Coast rap fan, this is a must-listen. 

Bay area rapper Symba joins Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh to discuss the origins of his name, plus how he linked up with Dr. Dre. The conscious rapper also talks about his early days freestyling in the lunchroom, the benefits of ghost writers, and what it was like to go viral—for one of the best cyphers in AGES—during the pandemic. Symba also pulls back the curtain behind his albums “Don't Run From R.A.P.,” and his newest “Results Take Time,” in this in-depth conversation between two of the conscious rap genre's best lyricists. This interview is essential listening for lovers of deep lyrics and the art of freestyle.  

Rapper, songwriter, singer and actor Wiz Khalifa joins Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh for a lengthy discussion about his legendary run of mixtapes and albums, which culminated most recently in his release titled “Multiverse.” The prolific rapper also discusses working with Snoop Dogg; being tied to the legacy of Paul Walker; his relationship with cannabis; and why he kept himself so busy during the pandemic with a string of collaborations and mixtapes.   Whether you're a superfan or are focused on his hits, this interview is an inspiring listen and offers a lot of gems that reveal what makes Wiz Khalifa one of the GOATs. 

Producer, DJ, and member of Jurassic 5, DJ Nu-Mark sits down with Talib and Jasmin to discuss the origins of Jurassic 5, sharing stories behind the group's most popular songs and albums.   Nu-Mark also talks about the finer aspects of DJing, like how to read a crowd, and the art of crate digging. Nu-Mark also describes how he innovates on the stage.   Fans of good vibes—and how to curate them—will find a lot of sage advice in this conversation with an absolute legend of the art of DJing.

Comedian Aida Rodriguez sits with Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh to discuss her place in comedy, as well as the big issues that she mines for her material. The conversation is wide-ranging, but Aida's own tremendous insight is a throughline. She opens up about her success on Last Comic Standing, mentorship in Hollywood, the Puerto Rican diaspora, and so much more.

Ty Dolla $ign is in the place to be, chatting with Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh. The conversation traces Ty's incredible career from his upbringing to signing with Taylor Gang to making monster hits with some of the biggest names in music – from Ye to Rihanna to Post Malone.  If you're a music fan and want to truly understand one of the biggest voices helping to bridge two eras in American hip-hop, you'll want to hear this deeply illuminating interview with Ty Dolla $ign! 

Radio Rahim sits down with Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh to talk all things boxing, including how Rahim pivoted his travel and boxing show, during the pandemic, to the Luminary Original podcast, "Til This Day," and how he's managed to become one of the most effective boxing commentators in the sport, despite not being an ex-fighter, nor being, as Kweli puts it, “an old white man.”  Radio Rahim also talks about the massive importance of Mike Tyson, and what it was like spending time with Pacquiao right at the height of his career. Radio also shares his list top five boxers of all time.

Comedian Ron Funches talks with Talib and Jasmin about the origins of his joyful and unique style of comedy, and how his love of cannabis has influenced what he does creatively.   The writer, actor, and comedian also discusses finding strength in his son's experience with autism, and speaks on his own extraordinary weight-loss journey, and his passion for wrestling. Plus: finding new avenues of expression via the Twitch platform and voice acting (BoJack Horseman, Trolls, Hoops, and more).

Hip-hop legend and icon Yasiin Bey joins Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh for a second time to talk about the process behind “No Fear Of Time,” including the decision to drop it as a Luminary exclusive, and where the group is going next. In the this interview, Bey also touches on his deep love of fashion and his friendship with the late Virgil Abloh. This episode isn't solely for fans of Black Star and the artistry of Kweli and Bey. Followers of underground hip-hop, comedy, and fashion will discover some previously unknown gems, too.  More Info Listen to the "No Fear of Time" album within "The Midnight Miracle" podcast feed on Apple Podcasts, or on Luminary: https://luminarypodcasts.com/black-star

This week Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh are joined by poet, writer, and activist Aja Monet.   The trio talk about some of Monet's seminal works, exploring her patterns of language and the deeper meaning of some of her most well-known poems. They also discuss the poet's role in modern society.   Monet breaks down her complicated and complex relationship to hip-hop, and speaks to the power and vitalness of language and of the written word. Plus, she talks about what's next in her career. This episode is for lovers of language, whether you're a fan of the written, rapped, or spoken word.

This week Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh are joined by Just Blaze–architect of classics from the ‘90s, aughts, and into today–for a deep dive into his storied career.   Kicking it off with a discussion of how producing and computer coding go hand-in-hand, Just and Kweli go into the history behind his alias “Megatron Don” as well as Just's love of sneakers–and how that led him to his new Uproxx show “Fresh Pair.”   Kweli and Just also delve into the history behind the Just Blaze tag, and the importance of branding yourself as a producer. They also discuss his work with rap legends Jay-Z and Beanie Siegel, among others.   The episode rounds out with a discussion of the production behind Rihanna and TI's “Live Your Life” and the recording of “Exhibit A” and “Exhibit C” with Jay Electronica.

In this important episode of The People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with hip-hop legend DJ Quik for a much-anticipated career retrospective.   Quik breaks down the West Coast sound, and how he learned the importance of pushing himself while working with Teddy Riley. He describes growing up in Compton, and the fact that his focus on music allowed him to avoid gang life as a youngster. Quik also goes deep on his collaborations—giving flowers to and speaking on the importance of the late Eazy-E and Tupac. Plus, he recounts some of his work with Suga Free, Raphael Saadiq, and of course Talib Kweli.   This episode is truly legendary, and will take you places you wouldn't expect. Talib, Jasmin, and Quik will have you locked in. Enjoy!  

Poet and civil rights activist Sonia Sanchez joins Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh for a deep exploration of her poetry, the importance of spoken word, and her relationship with hip-hop music.   But this interview is more than a study on the power of words. Sanchez also dips into colorism, shares how she turned her personal struggles into triumphant pieces of art, and touches on the contentious relationship between art and the media.   Whether you're moved by words or actions, Sanchez is an interview that will deepen your thinking on the power of both in this must-listen interview. It also offers tremendous context for those who want to understand more about the era of conscious hip-hop.  

Comedian and actor Russell Peters joins Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh for an in-depth discussion on his storied career as a stand-up.   Peters also breaks down the art, beauty, and ethos of roast culture, what it was like to launch the first Netflix comedy special, opening the door for many comics to follow, and how his brand of comedy continues to evolve.   Kweli, Leigh, and Peters shared love and knowledge of both comedy and hip hop make this a must-listen for fans of a clever turn of phrase and a good rhythm.