Podcast by Josh "Whutsiznaim" Lefkowitz
"Why You'll Never Be A Rapper" - A Memoir Mixtape by Josh "Whutsiznaim" Lefkowitz. Join the author each week for another chapter in his journey through life and the music industry.
CHAPTER 2: My First Song - 8 year old Josh meets Raheem, who helps take Josh's love for hip hop to the next level.
Josh decides to take his love for hip hop to the next level. Whutsiznaim is born.
With the help of his mentor, Josh sharpens his skills.
Josh meets Asim, forms "Da Knozes," and the duo quickly begins gaining notoriety in the local scene.
Backstage at Lollapalooza, Da Knozes encounter a legend who offers to sign them to a record deal.
Josh moves to Greensboro, NC to attend college, and establishes himself in the local music scene.
In the summer of 1996, Josh gets an internship at Jive Records as an "in," and gets an education on the music industry. But not before he learns that, unbeknownst to him, one of his songs is getting airplay on New York's hottest radio station.
Josh has the opportunity to get his demo to a major label A&R, and meets some interesting characters while in NYC.
Josh befriends a legend and the relationship yields more than just music.
After Kane tells him he has "It," Josh's confidence is reignited.
Josh takes a journey to NYC to meet with Chris Lighty, and then makes a life-altering decision.
Josh and Rue step out on faith and move to NYC. And in an effort to make recording contacts, Josh meets a rapper who's life forces him to consider that sometimes things don't always turn out for the best.
Once they find their footing in NYC, Josh and Rue form a collective and try to take Whutsiznaim to the next level.
Josh and Rue focus on JimmieJoshua, and begin releasing projects under the imprint.
After 3 successful mixtapes, Josh and Rue decide it's time to sell the 4th.
With a catchy remake of a pop song, Josh gets a single deal which sends the song worldwide.
A surprise in Josh's life disrupts his path of frustration and misery.
Where are they now, and what does it all mean? "If you are on the receiving end of this message, Congratulations - you made it." -Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson
This is the last chapter in a 27-part audiobook/scripted podcast. Please start with "FOREWORD (feat. Phonte)/ CHAPTER 1: Let Me Start from the Beginning at the Top of the List" and work your way backwards
A surprise in Josh's life disrupts his path of frustration and misery.
With a catchy remake of a pop song, Josh gets a single deal which sends the song worldwide.
After 3 successful mixtapes, Josh and Rue decide it's time to sell the 4th.
Josh and Rue focus on JimmieJoshua, and begin releasing projects under the imprint.
Once they find their footing in NYC, Josh and Rue form a collective and try to take Whutsiznaim to the next level.
Josh and Rue step out on faith and move to NYC. And in an effort to make recording contacts, Josh meets a rapper who's life forces him to consider that sometimes things don't always turn out for the best.
Josh takes a journey to NYC to meet with Chris Lighty, and then makes a life-altering decision.
After Kane tells him he has "It," Josh's confidence is reignited.
Josh befriends a legend and the relationship yields more than just music.
Josh has the opportunity to get his demo to a major label A&R, and meets some interesting characters while in NYC.
In the summer of 1996, Josh gets an internship at Jive Records as an "in," and gets an education on the music industry. But not before he learns that, unbeknownst to him, one of his songs is getting airplay on New York's hottest radio station.
Josh moves to Greensboro, NC to attend college, and establishes himself in the local music scene.
Backstage at Lollapalooza, Da Knozes encounter a legend who offers to sign them to a record deal.
Josh meets Asim, forms "Da Knozes," and the duo quickly begins gaining notoriety in the local scene.
With the help of his mentor, Josh sharpens his skills.