The Verse

1991 was the year that rap music transformed the Billboard charts and mainstream music industry forever. In this episode, Lesley and Dare highlight some of their favorite tracks from that historic year. Join the conversation by following us on Instagram, @Versecast!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Like the rest of the world, Lesley and Daré are sheltering in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic and decided to create a playlist full of songs to accompany any activity you may decide to engage in while on lockdown. Enjoy the great indoors! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Listen in as Lesley recounts the soundtrack of her school years from kindergarten to present (because she's addicted to school). Join the conversation via Instagram by following @VerseCast.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Under all of the bravado, rappers have feelings too. In this Valentine's Day-inspired episode, Lesley and Dare discuss some of their favorite hip hop songs centered on mushy emotions we don't hear very often in our beloved genre. Send us your favorites on Instagram via @VerseCast!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

At its core, hip hop is an exercise in wordplay. In this episode, Lesley and Daré recall some of their favorite verses that showcase wit and cleverness. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

On the finale of the "Represent Represent" regional series, Lesley and Daré chat about some of their favorite MCs from the "concrete jungle," specifically Brooklyn, Long Island and Staten Island. Listen in and join the conversation via IG by following @VerseCast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

On this episode of The Verse, we take it back to where it all began - New York! In part one of the New York edition of Represent Represent, Lesley and Daré discuss the history of hip hop and some of our favorite artists from The Bronx, Queens, and Westchester.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

In this installment of the Represent Represent regional series, Lesley and Daré give props to non-New York MCs from the East Coast. Enjoy and join the conversation via Instagram by following @Versecast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

In part three of the “Represent Represent” regional series, Lesley and Dare discuss MCs and trends from Lesley's home region: the Midwest. Listen in as we talk all things Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis and more, and feel free to join the conversation via Instagram at @VerseCast. Playlist: Go Go Gadget Flow by Lupe Fiasco Shadow Man - NoName, Phoelix, Smino & Saba Climax - Slum Village St. Louie - Nelly Questions - Tech n9ne Here I am - BK- One ft. Brother Ali, Phonte, The Grouch Cleveland is the City - Bone Thugs and Harmony f. Avant --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Today's episode is the second edition of our regional series, and today Lesley and Dare celebrate all things southern. So grab your Popeyes Chicken sandwich and listen in! Feel free to join the conversation via Instagram by following and tagging us at @Versecast.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Welcome to our latest regional series, "Represent Represent," where Lesley and Dare discuss distinct artists from and musical features of the five regions; starting with the West Coast. Follow us on Instagram via @VerseCast to continue the conversation! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

In the final installment of the Sample Series, Lesley and Dare explore the catalog of “Soul Man” Isaac Hayes and his impact on hip hop. We hope you enjoyed the series! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

James Brown is often referred to as the “Godfather of Soul,” and therefore may also be considered the Godfather of hip hop by extension. Listen in as Lesley and Daré discuss some unique James Brown samples throughout hip hop. Let us know your thoughts via Instagram: @VerseCast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

The Sample Series highlights hip-hop's embrace of various musicians through the art of sampling. This first installment of the Sample Series focuses on the work of the legendary Stevie Wonder. Sit back and enjoy some digital crate digging!  Playlist:  Gangsta's Paradise - Coolio f. L.V.  Callin' Me - Actual Proof f. Median and Bluu Suede Let It Be - Rapper Big Pooh f. Chaundon  Magnus Carlsen - The Game f. Anderson.Paak Dreamer - Action Bronson  So Many Tears - 2Pac  Thug Lovin' - Ja Rule f. Bobby Brown --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Today Lesley and Daré celebrate the contributions of iconic and genre-agnostic production duo: The Neptunes. Given The Neptunes' expansive discography, this episode focuses on some of our favorite Neptunes productions from 2003 - 2006. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Shazam isn't necessary when it comes to these artists. In this episode of The Verse, Lesley and Daré discuss MCs with instantly recognizable voices and/or flows that have withstood the test of time. Feel free to join the conversation by following us on Instagram: @Versecast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

  At its core, hip hop is a vessel for narration. During this episode, we highlight some of our favorite hip hop tales and the MCs who brought us into the room with them through their descriptive lyrics and infectious melodies.  Playlist: Children's Story  - Slick Rick I Gave You Power - Nas (1996) Milly Pulled A Pistol on Santa - De La Soul (1991) Love is Blind - Eve (1999) My HomeBoy's Girlfriend - 8Ball (1998) Ms. Fat Booty - Mos Def (1999) Cocaine - Royce da 5'9 (2018) T.R.O.Y. -  Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth (1992)   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Few things motivate us more than a great beat and inspirational lyrics. On this special episode of The Verse, Lesley and Daré are joined by Rhian Rogan of Rhian's Hope podcast as they discuss songs that inspire them. Please join the conversation via Instagram by following us @VerseCast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

With summer in full-swing, it's only right to show love to the songs that served as our audio creatine while working out. Throw this on at the gym! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Forget what the calendar says, with the weather breaking and BBQs popping, summertime is in full swing as well as music that reminds us of summer. This episode is dedicated to the freshly waxed cars, family reunions and day parties associated with summer; a summer soundtrack if you will. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Join Lesley and Dare as they discuss the art of the mixtape and recount some of their favorite of the past decade. Feel free to hit us at @VerseCast with some of your favorites as well! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

In this episode, Lesley and Daré discuss standout guest features. Hit us with your favorites via @VerseCast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

In this episode, Lesley and Daré discuss the evolution of the rap beef and chop it up about some of the most memorable battles of the past decade. Playlist Real Muthafuckin G's - Eazy-E f/ Gangsta Dresta and B.G. Knoccout Westside Slaughterhouse - Mack 10 feat Ice Cube & WC The Heart Part 4 - Kendrick Lamar Rap Devil - MGK Story of Adidon - Pusha T Takeover - Jay Z --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

While hip-hop is the music of an oppressed people; it's not always serious. This discussion and selected tracks reflect a lighter side of the genre. Kick back and laugh with us throughout this light-hearted discussion of humorous rap. Playlist: Biz Markie - Just a Friend I Wish - Skee-Lo The Yo-Yo - Little Brother   Obie Trice - Got Some Teeth Big Tymers - Still Fly Devin the Dude - Lacville ‘79 Digital Underground - Humpty Dance --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

With hip hop charts being dominated by MCs 25 and up, it's clear that hip hop is no longer just a young person's game. The MCs featured in this episode all came on the scene before they could legally drink.  We've enjoyed watching them mature and believe they'll continue to do so throughout the coming decades. Enjoy and let us know your thoughts via @VerseCast on social media! Playlist: YBN Cordae - Old Niggas Odd Future - Orange Juice Dreezy - The Dreamer 2 Saba & Mick Jenkins - Heaux Mac Miller - Nikes on My Feet Jaden Smith - Hello --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

We're back! We kick off Season 2 of The Verse by paying homage to the late Nipsey Hussle before discussing some MCs we felt could be popular in any era of hip hop. Feel free to join in on this fun and informal conversation via @VerseCast on all platforms. Playlist: Last Time That I Checc'd - Nispey Hussle f. YG Make ‘Em Clap To This - Eric B. & Rakim Y.O.U. - Redman & Method Man Po Pimp - Twista Magnificent - Rick Ross Many Men - 50 Cent Too Much - Drake Dedication - Nipsey Hussle f. Kendrick Lamar --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Missy Elliott Appreciation Day! Today we close out season one of The Verse by paying homage to the hip hop icon who is Missy Elliott. From her solo debut in the 1990s, Missy Elliot made and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of hip hop lovers everywhere. Thank you for listening, we'll catch you in April! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Happy Women's History Month! Listen in as Lesley and Daré kick off the festivities by paying homage to some of the most talented woman MCs in the game. Playlist: UKnowHowWeDu - Bahamadia That's What I'm Lookin' For - Da Brat Come Correct - Blimes Brixton & Gifted Gab (B.A.G.) Ghetto Symphony -Snoop Dogg f. Mia X, Fiend, C-Murder, Silkk The Shocker, Mystikal, & Goldie Loc Got It All - Eve & Jadakiss Monster - Kanye f. Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Rick Ross --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Music has always been a crucial element of many political movements, and in this political climate, hip hop is undoubtedly the soundtrack for the change that is bound to come. This week on The Verse, Daré and Lesley discuss some songs that awakened their inner activists and hope these songs have the same effect on you. Enjoy! Playlist Credits Fight the Power - Public Enemy Self-Destruction - The Stop the Violence Movement Reagan - Killer Mike 16 Shots - Vic Mensa Me Against the World - Tupac FDT - YG f. Macklemore & G-Eazy Land of the Free - Joey Bada$$ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

It's thaa reeemiixx! Listen as we discuss different types of remixes and dive into the impact of a few of our favorites. Playlist: Come & Talk to Me - Jodeci (Bad Boy Remix) Ha! (Remix) - Juvenile ft. Jay-Z That's on Me(Remix) - Yella Beezy ft. Rich The Kid, T.I., Boosie Badazz, Trapboy Freddie, 2 Chainz, & Jeezy Touch It Remix - Busta Rhymes f. (a rapping) Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks, Papoose and DMX Loungin' (Trackmasters Remix) - LL Cool J ft. Total Outta Control (Remix) - 50 Cent ft. Mobb Dee I Wanna Be Down - Brandy ft. MC Lyte, Yoyo & Queen Latifah --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Hip hop has become a global art form, and shows no signs of slowing down at all. This week, we highlight some dope hip hop artists from throughout the diaspora of hip hop music and culture. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

In this installment of The Verse, we dive into movie soundtracks that doubled as hit hip hop compilation albums. Show Corrections: 1. The Fat Boys were NOT cast in Who's The Man, but over 20 major hip hop artists were cast in the film. 2. “Ghetto Superstar” was on the Bullworth soundtrack, not Dead Presidents. Bullworth also included That's the Joint by Black Eyed Peas. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

In this edition of "The Verse" podcast, Daré and Lesley take a journey through some unique hip hop collaborations and discuss the impact it had on us and the culture. Take a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

 In this episode of The Verse: Hosts Daré (@dareamyson), Lesley (@hiphopheadmistress) and our FIRST featured guest: Moonrock Mont (@moonrockmont), who was recently ''hacked'' and forced to release a new playlist of 6 songs.  So we invited him in to the studio to hang and chat about his music as well as our topic of the day: pure party songs. Listen in for an explanation and a short but carefully curated playlist. Our Highlighted Songs  “Pitch in on a Party” - DJ Quik “Grove Street Party” - Waka Flocka  Produced by Lex Lugar “The Jumpoff” - Lil' Kim f. Mr. Cheeks “Feel Me Flow” - Naughty by Nature Clear My Throat- DJ Kool The Verse is produced by Dare Amyson and Lesley Gwam at Birdcage Studio & Engineered By Falcon  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Which came first? Chicken or egg? DJ or MC? It really doesn't matter anymore because they're both dope AF! Listen up as Lesley and Daré take you through the evolutionary role of the DJ. We highlighted 7 songs we know and love that emphasize the DJ. So, no, there's nothing here about "the incredible, edible egg" but lots about "the incredible evolutionary DJ." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Hey HipHop Fam, We're back from a little winter break! In this installment, we indulge in an engaging convo about artists whose sophomore albums that were just as good as, if not better than, the first. We squeezed in as many as we can into this episode (but we talk about alot of stuff, including "Surviving R. Kelly"). We even sprinkle in some of our favorites from 2018. Take a listen. -Detailed show notes coming soon- --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Here we go again! @hiphopheadmistress and @DareAmyson discuss the dopest hiphop crews/labels/collectives of the 2000s. We discuss their impact, and why they're so relevant. Crew 1: The Roots/Soulquarians Crew 2: Cash Money Millionaires Crew 3: Dipset (Diplomats) Crew 4: Murder Inc (The INC) Crew 5: G- Unit Crew 6: Rough Riders Honorable mentions In Closing: TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment) Dreamville --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Listen up! As @hiphopheadmistress and @DareAmyson discuss the dopest hiphop crews/labels/collectives of the 90s. They take a trip down memory lane and remind everyone of the greatness we heard back in the day that inspired the greatness we hear today. Track listing: CREW 1 - NATIVE TONGUES Ladies First - Queen Latifah & Monie Love Butter - A Tribe Called Quest(mostly Phife) Excursions - A Tribe called Quest CREW 2 - DEATH ROW Check out time - Tupac, korupt, Psych, etc.. CREW 3 - NO LIMIT Bout it Bout it - Master P & Mia X Down for my niggas(instrumental) - C-murder, Mr. Magic, Snoop dogg CREW 4 - WU-TANG CLAN It's Yours - nearly the entire Wu-Tang Clan CREW 5 - BAD BOY All about the benjamins - Puff Daddy, Notorius BIG, The LOX, Lil Kim In closing: Dungeon family: In Due Time - Outkast, Cee-lo ---------- --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message

Welcome back! Today we( the beautiful @hiphopheadmistress and myself) have fun with the proverbial "Black Friday" talking about our favorite Black experience hip hop songs. Take a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/versepodcast/message