Podcast appearances and mentions of rob crooks

Send us a Text Message.We do a deep dive into the Rob Crooks album Introducing the Ghost.  Rob has been busy lately on the beats and rhymes. We discuss this album as well as recent projects with Bazooka Joe, Kitz Willman, Pip Skid and Andrew Mbaruk. We also touch on his three upcoming cd's, two of which are on deck. One later on with the Deadly Stare. We included a song with Rob's album with Andrew as well as a secret bonus track at the end.   

Send us a Text Message.We talk to Kitz regarding his recent projects. Including discussing his newest album with Rob Crooks. Kitz lets us know he is excited that he took second place in the most recent beat battle. We discuss the Kingston, Ontario rap scene briefly. We also go off topic and discuss when he attended a show from the legendary Mike Laad outside Paris.   

Veteran Winnipeg MCs Gruf (Fermented Reptile, Frek Sho) and Yy (Park-Like Setting, Your Brother In My Backpack), alongside producer Rob Crooks are on the show about their outstanding new ‘Mental Health Day’ record!We talked about Gruf and Yy’s long-awaited team-up, the album’s lyrically dense sound, how boundaries were pushed on both vocals and beats, and much more!Get Mental Health Day now from Saskatoon Folk Rap Records (after you check out the podcast, of course). This episode brought to you by our pals at Devine Shirt Company and by the new Good + Plenty Producer's Club podcast!Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon! You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case! You can also throw a one-time tip via Buymeacoffee.As always, if you like the podcast, please tell a friend or 20! Rate and review on your podcast player of choice! Word of mouth is still the main way Witchpolice Radio reaches new ears.Thanks for listening!

Winnipeg rap veteran Pip Skid is back on the podcast for the first time in years! We talked about his multitude of in-the-works projects with the likes of mcenroe, Rob Crooks, and Crabskull... as well as his drawings, the pandemic, and much more.

Winnipeg rap veteran [Pip Skid](https://marathonofdope.bandcamp.com/album/its-ok) is back on the podcast for the first time in years! We talked about his multitude of in-the-works projects with the likes of [mcenroe](https://witchpolice.com/e/wr471-mcenroe-384ee662d6e278/), [Rob Crooks](http://witchpolice.com/e/wr527-rob-crooks-38eb440ee9ab1a/), and [Crabskull](https://witchpolice.com/e/wr307-crabskull-367cb5de29a4b0/)... as well as his drawings, the pandemic, and much more. This episode brought to you by [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), as well as [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Matthew Monias, a/k/a [Mattmac](http://mattmacmusic.com/), is a blind vocalist/producer out of remote Garden Hill First Nation. We talked about his gospel roots, the challenges of being from a fly-in community in northern Manitoba, the crazy success he's seeing with his debut release, the melodic pop/trap ‘20/20'... and much more. Inspirational dude making big moves in Manitoba music! This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), as well as [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Emma (vocals) and Chelly (bass) of basement indie rockers [Julien's Daughter](http://juliensdaughter.bandcamp.com/releases) are on the show! We talked about their origins as a Kijiji band (and the somewhat creepy but also hilarious story behind their name), their upcoming tape on [House of Wonders](http://witchpolice.com/e/wr473-house-of-wonders-3854683aa07b6c/), playing shows during the pandemic's ever-so-brief opening, and much more! This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), as well as [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Here's your introduction to Niverville-based country rocker [JR Charron](http://jrcharron.com/)! It's a fun conversation about his debut EP, Impression, (on which he's backed by some local heavy hitters), rural Manitoba's hidden musical gems, soft shredding, music lessons from a nun, and much more! This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), as well as [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Cosmic balladeer [Mister K](http://www.heyheymisterk.com/) is back on the show, making his first appearance in a number of years, and his first with his current musical identity and sound. We talked about the gradual transition away from his previous [Kevin Roy](http://witchpolice.com/e/wr210-kevin-roy-34d1d44229a9a6/) persona, making music that's true to himself, his upcoming record, documenting foxes, and much more! This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), as well as [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Bassist, singer, songwriter, etc., [Alex Kozub](http://alexkozub.bandcamp.com/releases) recently released his debut solo record, 'Evenings & Weekends'. We talked about his unique “songwriter funk” style, comparing his solo sound with his main gig as a member of [Colour By Numbers](http://colourbynumbers.bandcamp.com/), releasing music in our weird, dystopian future, and much more! This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), as well as [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Great conversation with a veteran presence in Winnipeg's rap scene, [Charlie Fettah](http://charliefettah.bandcamp.com/)! We talked about the upcoming vinyl release by his ‘[Steven Tyler](http://fourthquarterrecords.bandcamp.com/album/stvn-tylr-15)' project with BBS Steve, his deep catalogue, working with producers like [Crabskull](http://witchpolice.com/e/wr307-crabskull-367cb5de29a4b0/) and DJ Kutdown, listening to [Winnipeg's Most](http://www.facebook.com/winnipegsmost/) material years after the fact, and much more! This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), as well as [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Great conversation with a veteran presence in Winnipeg’s rap scene, Charlie Fettah! We talked about the upcoming vinyl release by his ‘Steven Tyler’ project with BBS Steve, his deep catalogue, working with producers like Crabskull and DJ Kutdown, listening to Winnipeg's Most material years after the fact, and much more! This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks and Saskatoon Folk Rap Records, as well as Devine Shirt Company! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

“Dark folk” (but also sometimes alt-rock and kinda metal but not obviously so...) group [Black-Eyed Suzie](http://black-eyedsuzie.com/) is on the show! We talked about the project's long history, its roots as a family band, breaking into the Winnipeg music scene as a group from out of town, and a whole lot more. This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), as well as [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

“Dark folk” (but also sometimes alt-rock and kinda metal but not obviously so...) group [Black-Eyed Suzie](http://black-eyedsuzie.com/) is on the show! ​ We talked about the project’s long history, its roots as a family band, breaking into the Winnipeg music scene as a group from out of town, and a whole lot more. ​ This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), as well as [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/)! ​ Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case! “Dark folk” (but also sometimes alt-rock and kinda metal but not obviously so...) group Black-Eyed Suzie is on the show! We talked about the project’s long history, its roots as a family band, breaking into the Winnipeg music scene as a group from out of town, and a whole lot more. This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks and Saskatoon Folk Rap Records, as well as Devine Shirt Company! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Lots of laughs in an interview with Badd Mannaz, best known as 1/3 of Winnipeg rap legends Shadez, but breaking out on his own with an upcoming solo EP anchored by BIG CHUNE “Champion”, out now! We talked about the new single and its classic dancehall-inspired vibe, blending West Indian culture with Winnipeg’s inherent... Winnipegness, and a lot more! We also got into his neighbourhood-centric @ywg204 clothing line. This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks and Saskatoon Folk Rap Records. Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Lots of laughs in an interview with [Badd Mannaz](http://www.instagram.com/ywg204_m_er_son_/), best known as 1/3 of Winnipeg rap legends [Shadez](http://witchpolice.com/e/wr355-shadez-3709a088c0f5ba/), but breaking out on his own with an upcoming solo EP anchored by BIG CHUNE “[Champion](http://youtu.be/HtU8h6E6RVI)”, out now! We talked about the new single and its classic dancehall-inspired vibe, blending West Indian culture with Winnipeg's inherent... Winnipegness, and a lot more! We also got into his neighbourhood-centric [@ywg204](http://www.instagram.com/ywg_204/) clothing line. This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/). Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Here's a very interesting chat with [Park Theatre](http://www.myparktheatre.com/) owner Erick Casselman about the venue's challenges due to the pandemic, the importance of live music to Winnipeg and what a return to “normal” could look like, and much more. The Park has been one of Winnipeg's cultural institutions for the past 15 years, and I'm sure all of you agree when I say I can't wait to see a full schedule of shows happening there again — hopefully sooner rather than later. You can support the venue during this down period by buying some of their[ awesome new merch](http://www.myparktheatre.com/merch/)! This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/), and [the Beer Boutique](http://www.facebook.com/beerboutiquewpg/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), including our latest supporter, Rach! You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Here's a very interesting chat with Park Theatre owner Erick Casselman about the venue’s challenges due to the pandemic, the importance of live music to Winnipeg and what a return to “normal” could look like, and much more. The Park has been one of Winnipeg’s cultural institutions for the past 15 years, and I’m sure all of you agree when I say I can’t wait to see a full schedule of shows happening there again — hopefully sooner rather than later. You can support the venue during this down period by buying some of their awesome new merch! This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks and Saskatoon Folk Rap Records, Devine Shirt Company, and the Beer Boutique! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon, including our latest supporter, Rach! You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Singer-songwriter [Gillian Hayek](http://www.gillianhayek.ca/), from the teeming metropolis of Cooks Creek, Manitoba, is on the show! We talked about her [new single](http://ffm.to/ghta) — the first formal release despite years of performing live — about embracing pop-punk, getting comfortable at Winnipeg open mics, and a lot more. This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), as well as [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Singer-songwriter Gillian Hayek, from the teeming metropolis of Cooks Creek, Manitoba, is on the show! We talked about her new single — the first formal release despite years of performing live — about embracing pop-punk, getting comfortable at Winnipeg open mics, and a lot more. This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks and Saskatoon Folk Rap Records, as well as Devine Shirt Company! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

The mighty [Vagina Witchcraft](http://vaginawitchcraft.bandcamp.com/) are back on the show (all four of them this time)! We talked all about their deadly debut album of hardcore-tinged doom metal -- which absolutely belongs in the 'record of the year' conversation -- some of the feedback they've received about its overt themes, the emotional catharsis of performing live, and much more. This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/), whose outstanding new album, Introducing the Ghost, is out now from [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/)! It's also brought to you by our pals at the[ Beer Boutique](http://www.facebook.com/beerboutiquewpg/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

The mighty Vagina Witchcraft are back on the show (all four of them this time)! We talked all about their deadly debut album of hardcore-tinged doom metal -- which absolutely belongs in the 'record of the year' conversation -- some of the feedback they’ve received about its overt themes, the emotional catharsis of performing live, and much more. This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks, whose outstanding new album, Introducing the Ghost, is out now from Saskatoon Folk Rap Records! It’s also brought to you by our pals at the Beer Boutique! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Singer, songwriter, composer and educator Heidi Korte is on the podcast, talking all about being taught to sing opera over the phone, the exciting things she’s doing with her students, developing her own style as an artist, Finnish reggae (!), and much more. PLUS she performed two live songs exclusively for the podcast. This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks and Saskatoon Folk Rap Records, as well as Devine Shirt Company! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Singer, songwriter, composer and educator [Heidi Korte](http://www.instagram.com/heidikorte_/) is on the podcast, talking all about being taught to sing opera over the phone, the exciting things she's doing with her [students,](http://www.instagram.com/heidikortemusicstudio/) developing her own style as an artist, Finnish reggae (!), and much more. PLUS she performed two live songs exclusively for the podcast. This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), as well as [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

This episode is an interview with Russ (guitar) and Scott (vocals) from Winnipeg five-piece[ Rooftop Static](http://www.facebook.com/RooftopStatic)! Stay tuned for a conversation about their upcoming second album, 'Liminal Spaces', adding a jazz-influenced groove to their alt-rock roots, the way lineup changes have reshaped their sound, and a lot more! This episode brought to you by[ Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/), whose outstanding new album, Introducing the Ghost, is out now from [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/)! It's also brought to you by our pals at[ the Beer Boutique](http://www.facebook.com/beerboutiquewpg/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

This episode is an interview with Russ (guitar) and Scott (vocals) from Winnipeg five-piece Rooftop Static! Stay tuned for a conversation about their upcoming second album, 'Liminal Spaces', adding a jazz-influenced groove to their alt-rock roots, the way lineup changes have reshaped their sound, and a lot more! This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks, whose outstanding new album, Introducing the Ghost, is out now from Saskatoon Folk Rap Records! It’s also brought to you by our pals at the Beer Boutique! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Guitarist and author Ava Glendinning is back on the show for the first time in a while. Ava is perhaps best known as one half of the mighty Bicycle Face, but also a member of Robojom, À La Mode, and The Lockdown Project (among others)! We talked about her various musical endeavours, as well as her recently-completed debut novel, a paranormal horror/comedy set in the Winnipeg music scene. Songs on this episode include a couple of Bicycle Face numbers, one of Ava's own isolation experiments, and a song by À La Mode. This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks and Saskatoon Folk Rap Records, and Boots & Saddle on CKUW. Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Guitarist and author [Ava Glendinning](http://www.instagram.com/awglen/) is back on the show for the first time in a while. Ava is perhaps best known as one half of the mighty Bicycle Face, but also a member of Robojom, À La Mode, and The Lockdown Project (among others)! We talked about her various musical endeavours, as well as her recently-completed[ debut novel](http://www.wattpad.com/user/awglen), a paranormal horror/comedy set in the Winnipeg music scene. Songs on this episode include a couple of Bicycle Face numbers, one of Ava's own isolation experiments, and a song by À La Mode. This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), and [Boots & Saddle](http://ckuw.ca/programs/detail/boots-and-saddle) on CKUW. Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

There's some time travel on this episode with Chenoa McKelvey and Jonathan Alexiuk of nostalgia-loving, jazzy, vocal harmony-heavy outfit [Smith's Onion](http:///www.manitobamusic.com/smithsonion)! It's fun chat about taking influence from hundred-year-old music and bringing it into a modern context, and a whole lot more -- just don't make me pronounce the name. Since Smith's Onion has been primarily a live band at this point -- or, at least they were before the pandemic -- they don't have any formal recordings yet, so the songs on this episode are just lo-fi live recordings. This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), [Boots & Saddle](http://ckuw.ca/programs/detail/boots-and-saddle) on CKUW, and [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/). Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), including latest patrons Scott Devine and Chris Friesen (who will be thanked on-air soon). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

There's some time travel on this episode with Chenoa McKelvey and Jonathan Alexiuk of nostalgia-loving, jazzy, vocal harmony-heavy outfit Smith's Onion! It's fun chat about taking influence from hundred-year-old music and bringing it into a modern context, and a whole lot more -- just don’t make me pronounce the name. Since Smith's Onion has been primarily a live band at this point -- or, at least they were before the pandemic -- they don't have any formal recordings yet, so the songs on this episode are just lo-fi live recordings. This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks and Saskatoon Folk Rap Records, Boots & Saddle on CKUW, and Devine Shirt Company. Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon, including latest patrons Scott Devine and Chris Friesen (who will be thanked on-air soon). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

It's a new interview (it had been way too long!) with rock n’ rollers The Bloodshots! We talked about their signing with Golden Robot Records, playing more layered, complex music, Winnipeg’s inherent weirdness as a place to play shows, and much more! Note that one member of this band (sorry, Orvis!) is difficult to hear. It's one of the hazards of doing these remote episodes with large groups -- sometimes connections/devices/etc. can have an impact. It definitely doesn't take away from the quality of the overall episode, though! This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks, whose outstanding new album, Introducing the Ghost, is out now from Saskatoon Folk Rap Records, and by Boots & Saddle on CKUW, hosted by Sean Burns Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

It's a new interview (it had been way too long!) with rock n' rollers [The Bloodshots!](http://www.bloodshotsmusic.com/) We talked about their signing with [Golden Robot Records](http://goldenrobotrecords.com/), playing more layered, complex music, Winnipeg's inherent weirdness as a place to play shows, and much more! Note that one member of this band (sorry, Orvis!) is difficult to hear. It's one of the hazards of doing these remote episodes with large groups -- sometimes connections/devices/etc. can have an impact. It definitely doesn't take away from the quality of the overall episode, though! This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/), whose outstanding new album, Introducing the Ghost, is out now from [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/), and by [Boots & Saddle](http://ckuw.ca/programs/detail/boots-and-saddle) on CKUW, hosted by [Sean Burns](http://seanburns.bandcamp.com/) Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Local producer/rapper Josue Davi is on the podcast! We talked about his recent outdoor beat videos, expanding his musical horizons to hip-hop, jazz and beyond (after growing up listening to hair metal), and a whole lot more! This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks, whose outstanding new album, Introducing the Ghost, is out now from Saskatoon Folk Rap Records! Check out our pals at Devine Shirt Company for your merch needs! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Local producer/rapper [Josue Davi](https://www.instagram.com/_josuedavi_/) is on the podcast! We talked about his recent outdoor [beat videos](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWtHIgVam1hk27ngH7lojoA), expanding his musical horizons to hip-hop, jazz and beyond (after growing up listening to hair metal), and a whole lot more! This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/), whose outstanding new album, Introducing the Ghost, is out now from [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/)! Check out our pals at [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/) for your merch needs! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Nigel Webber is a local writer and the author of the upcoming book Gritty City, an oral history of Winnipeg hip-hop. We talked about the ambitious project, the wide range of artists he has interviewed already, some of the long-lost Winnipeg rap records he has yet to hear, and more! Get a taste of Nigel’s project in this month's Stylus Magazine, which includes his hard-to-argue-with list of Winnipeg’s top 100 rap songs. This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks, whose outstanding new album, Introducing the Ghost, is out now from Saskatoon Folk Rap Records! It’s also brought to you by our pals at the Beer Boutique! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

[Nigel Webber](http://www.instagram.com/makingplansfornigel/) is a local writer and the author of the upcoming book [Gritty City](http://www.instagram.com/grittycitywpg/), an oral history of Winnipeg hip-hop. We talked about the ambitious project, the wide range of artists he has interviewed already, some of the long-lost Winnipeg rap records he has yet to hear, and more! Get a taste of Nigel's project in this month's Stylus Magazine, which includes his hard-to-argue-with [list of Winnipeg's top 100 rap songs](http://ckuw.ca/stylus/2020/10/06/winnipeg-state-of-mind-top-100-winnipeg-hip-hop-songs/). This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/), whose outstanding new album, Introducing the Ghost, is out now from [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/)! It's also brought to you by our pals at the [Beer Boutique](http://www.facebook.com/beerboutiquewpg/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

mcenroe finally hangs out with Gruf - the final Break Bread member to do the podcast. They take it all the way back to the Bootknock Rascals, Twisted Spirits, and Frek Sho, and then the formation of fermented reptile and the Break Bread crew.

On this episode, I explore distant planets with synthpop space traveller [Twitchitt](http://www.twitchitt.com/), whose cosmic new record, Bubblegum Disturbium, is out now! It's a fun conversation about her colourful (both sonically and visually) new direction, finding creative outlets during the pandemic, selling CDs door-to-door, and much more! Note: I accidentally erased the first couple minutes of this episode, so it launches right into the conversation as soon as it starts. This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/), whose outstanding new album, Introducing the Ghost, is out now from[ Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/)! Check out our pals at [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/) for your merch needs! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

On this episode, I explore distant planets with synthpop space traveller Twitchitt, whose cosmic new record, Bubblegum Disturbium, is out now! It’s a fun conversation about her colourful (both sonically and visually) new direction, finding creative outlets during the pandemic, selling CDs door-to-door, and much more! Note: I accidentally erased the first couple minutes of this episode, so it launches right into the conversation as soon as it starts. This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks, whose outstanding new album, Introducing the Ghost, is out now from Saskatoon Folk Rap Records! Check out our pals at Devine Shirt Company for your merch needs! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Rob Crooks is back on the show, talking about his outstanding new record, Introducing the Ghost (which came out Oct. 6), working with the Saskatoon Folk Rap Records collective, finding cohesion in the different sides of his sound, how his approach to sampling has changed, and much more! This episode brought to you by, well... Rob Crooks and his aforementioned awesome record. It's also brought to you by our pals at the Beer Boutique! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

[Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) is back on the show, talking about his outstanding new record, [Introducing the Ghost](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/album/introducing-the-ghost) (which came out Oct. 6), working with the[ Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](https://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/) collective, finding cohesion in the different sides of his sound, how his approach to sampling has changed, and much more! This episode brought to you by, well... Rob Crooks and his aforementioned awesome record. It's also brought to you by our pals at the[ Beer Boutique](http://www.facebook.com/beerboutiquewpg/)! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

In these strange times, some artists are still making a go of touring during the pandemic. Acclaimed singer-songwriter (and former Winnipegger) [Chantal Kreviazuk](http://www.chantalkreviazuk.com/) will be hitting the Park Theatre stage on Tuesday for an [intimate, socially-distanced performance.](http://www.myparktheatre.com/e/chantal-kreviazuk-up-close-and-personal-122320888069/) We had a quick chat about that gig, touring during the pandemic, playing for a hometown crowd at this stage in her career, and much more. This episode brought to you by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/), whose outstanding new album, Introducing the Ghost, is available Oct. 6 from [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/)! Check out our pals at [Devine Shirt Company](http://devineshirtcompany.ca/) for your merch needs! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

In these strange times, some artists are still making a go of touring during the pandemic. Acclaimed singer-songwriter (and former Winnipegger) Chantal Kreviazuk will be hitting the Park Theatre stage on Tuesday for an intimate, socially-distanced performance. We had a quick chat about that gig, touring during the pandemic, playing for a hometown crowd at this stage in her career, and much more. This episode brought to you by Rob Crooks, whose outstanding new album, Introducing the Ghost, is available Oct. 6 from Saskatoon Folk Rap Records! Check out our pals at Devine Shirt Company for your merch needs! Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

For this episode, I'm joined by prairie rap legend Epic! We talked about the new Saskatoon Folk Rap Records label and its Winnipeg connections (namely upcoming releases by Rob Crooks and The Gumshoe Strut), about his own decade-plus hiatus from rapping and what it’s like to come back during a pandemic, and much more. A great chat with a true original. Watch for some deadly new releases from the label soon. This episode is brought to you by Northern Royals and Bad Gardening Advice (who wrote me some lovely rhymes about the Schmolaris Prize to read on-air). Don’t forget to check out some socially-distanced shows at the Park Theatre, who have slowly reopened after a long COVID-19 closure. Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

For this episode, I'm joined by prairie rap legend Epic! We talked about the new [Saskatoon Folk Rap Records](http://saskatoonfolkraprecords.bandcamp.com/) label and its Winnipeg connections (namely upcoming releases by [Rob Crooks](http://robcrooks.bandcamp.com/) and [The Gumshoe Strut](http://thegumshoestrut.bandcamp.com/music)), about his own decade-plus hiatus from rapping and what it's like to come back during a pandemic, and much more. A great chat with a true original. Watch for some deadly new releases from the label soon. This episode is brought to you by [Northern Royals](http://northernroyals.com/) and [Bad Gardening Advice](http://badgardeningadvice.com/) (who wrote me some lovely rhymes about the [Schmolaris Prize](http://badgardeningadvice.com/schmolaris-prize) to read on-air). Don't forget to check out some socially-distanced shows at [the Park Theatre](http://www.myparktheatre.com/), who have slowly reopened after a long COVID-19 closure. Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice). You can help out for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

Back with another episode of the Third Verse weekly show. lots of new rap music for your listening pleasure, also playing live on CFCR at our usual time slot, 9PM Central every wednesday night. Remember to keep it locked and stay safe! tracks featured in this episode: losing my mind ft. skratch bastid - Pip Skidc & Rob Crooks (it’s ok) Outside - dumbfoundead & Satica (single) Do it Again - Moka Only (Single) Dangerookiepawaa Freestyle - Ab-soul (single) don’t wear that suit ajai - Serengeti & Kenny Segal (Ajai) 327 ft. Tyler the Creator, Billie Essco - Westside Gunn & Joey Badda$$ (Pray for Paris) Hurricane Ex ft. Kay the Aquanaut - Factor Chandelier (First Storm) The Exchange ft. Cee!!!! Ghettosocks, Aquakulture, Sean One - Tachichi & Moves (Pressure Posse EP) Tunnel Vision - Parab Poet (Attuned EP) Ooh La La ft. Greg Nice & DJ Premier - Run the Jewels (RTJ4) The Neverending Story - Jay Electronica (A Written Testimony) Superstore pt 2. - Fatt Matt (Petey’s Beats) Dragonball Durag - Thundercat (It is What it Is) Let the Animal Out ft. Moka Only - NWNB (Single) Negro Spiritual - Danny Brown (uknowhutimsayin?) Sleeping Shirts - Epic (Aging is what Friends Do Together) Terry Fox Adidas - Nestor Wynrush (Roxbury & Wooden Legs EP) Recalibrate - Parab Poet (Attuned EP) Doldrums - RAP Ferreira (Purple Moonlight Pages) Rusty Legs - Chisme (Still Breathing) End of the Block - Nolto, Dayda Banks & Trill Monroe (SADS) Addicted Youth - Hemlock Ernst & Kenny Segal The Highlife ft. Dvice - Fatt Matt (Petey’s Beats) Another World - Parab Poet (Attuned EP) Small Worlds - Mac Miller (Swimming EP) TISK TISK/COOKIES - Earl Sweatshirt (Feet of Clay)

Live Session Episode 38 in the Rap Nest! Rob Crooks was in town with his Winnipeg cohorts for a show with Factor and Ceschi, so Chaps and Epic took the opportunity to sit down with him in person, and go over the fundamentals of Rob's career so far. Rob has always been an innovator and experimenting with the sounds and techniques of hip hop, so it was great to get his perspective and vision from where he comes from. Thanks to UGSMAG and 319Heads for the episode illustration and the hosting at the webmag! Be sure to check us out there! We appreciate every listener! Please help us spread the podcast however you can! Songs featured in this episode: Speak Easy - Rob Crooks (Single) Pump up the Volume - Rob Crooks & Birdapres (Argyle) Not Cool - Rob Crooks (Hearts EP) Sloshin - Bazooka Joe & Rob Crooks (Schadenfreude) Frankenstein - Rob Crooks (Science is Magical)

Due to the current events, we here at Third Verse Industries have decided to start a number of efforts to continue to bring you the rap we normally play live on the air every Wednesday Night on CFCR 90.5FM in Saskatoon. Recorded at home and coming to you from your podcast sources, heres the latest episode of Third Verse! This should continue into the future as far as necessary, and possibly beyond! Thanks for tuning in and remember to keep it Locked! Two from the First Tracks featured in this weeks episode: Aint going out like that - Cypress Hill (Black Sunday) Samsara - Parab Poet (Single) Banana Pancakes - Moka Only (Vermillion) Itkanbe{sonice] -ft Anderson.Paak - Knxwledge (1988) Yankee and the Brave (ep.04) - Run the Jewels (RTJ4) Uphill Climb ft. Sarcasm, Governer Bolts - Josh Martinez (Buck Up Princess) Good Times ft. Skratch Bastid - Pip Skid & Rob Crooks (it’s OK) The World is Going to End Friday ft. Onry Ozzborn, Meganoke - Anthony Maintain (Plugging Holes in the Same Leaky Boat) Players Holiday ft. Too $hort, Mac Mall -TWDY (Derty Werk) Why Dance Alone - mikedecline (Prairie Mouth) Gimme Five Feet ft. Aceyalone - Fat Jack (Cater to the DJ) Dennehy - Serengeti (Dennehy) Ooh La La - Run the Jewels (RTJ4) 306/360 Degrees - Metropolis Now (Metropolis Now) Black NASA ft. Onry Ozzborne - Factor Chandelier (First Storm) Camelot Gardens - Yy & Gumshoe Strut w/ General Gyst (Milch & Allegra) Protect your Connect ft. Kab, Boldy James - The Cool Kids (single) Anyways - Ryan Stinson (Prairie Mouth) Wants ft. Apaso - Chisme (Still Breathing) Me and All My Friends - Rob Crooks (Me and All My Friends) Look Before You Leap ft. The Mighty Rhino, Nolto - Skizza (Fall Seven Rise Eight)

This episode is a long-awaited interview with one of my favourite local rappers. I sat down with [Yy](http://peanutsandcorn.bandcamp.com/album/an-uneven-eleven) for a great conversation about Winnipeg rap history, Your Brother in My Backpack, [Peanuts & Corn](http://peanutsandcorn.bandcamp.com/), [Park-Like Setting](http://peanutsandcorn.bandcamp.com/album/craftsmen), Turn the Gun, his solo records, working with artists like mcenroe, [John Smith](http://witchpolice.com/e/wr346-bazooka-joe-and-rob-crooks-36ebaee1550ce2/), [Gruf the Druid, the Gumshoe Strut](http://witchpolice.com/e/wr120-gruf-the-druid-and-the-gumshoe-strut-354741eff8d7ccL/), [Rob Crooks](http://witchpolice.com/e/wr285-rob-crooks-364062156eff9e/), [Nestor Wynrush](http://witchpolice.com/e/wr287-nestor-wynrush-3645e2d586cfd2/), and others...and a whole hell of a lot more. This episode is brought to you by our friends at [the Park Theatre](http://www.myparktheatre.com/). It's also brought to you by [Trevor Fisher](http://www.linkedin.com/in/fishertrevor) of Way2Wealth Management, a local Certified Financial Planner who can help you start planning your financial independence. Call him at 204-471-3011 or email him at trevor@way2wealth.ca to get your finances on the right track today! Don't forget to check out our pals in [Hearing Trees](http://witchpolice.com/e/wr459-hearing-trees-382de4f9e7026a/), who are releasing a brand new single at the Park on [March 25](http://www.facebook.com/events/679103765960155/). Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on [Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) – including newest patrons James Beaver and Steve McGeek – which you can do for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

This episode is a long-awaited interview with one of my favourite local rappers. I sat down with Yy for a great conversation about Winnipeg rap history, Your Brother in My Backpack, Peanuts & Corn, Park-Like Setting, Turn the Gun, his solo records, working with artists like mcenroe, John Smith, Gruf the Druid, the Gumshoe Strut, Rob Crooks, Nestor Wynrush, and others...and a whole hell of a lot more. This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Park Theatre. It’s also brought to you by Trevor Fisher of Way2Wealth Management, a local Certified Financial Planner who can help you start planning your financial independence. Call him at 204-471-3011 or email him at trevor@way2wealth.ca to get your finances on the right track today! Don't forget to check out our pals in Hearing Trees, who are releasing a brand new single at the Park on March 25. Huge thanks to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon – including newest patrons James Beaver and Steve McGeek – which you can do for as little as $1 a month if you like the show and want to throw some change in the guitar case!

In this episode of Now You Know Podcast Anthony, Clement and Fettah talk to rapper Bazooka Joe (formerly known as John Smith) along with producer Rob Crooks about their come up as young battle rappers to meeting each other and eventually coming out with their latest project, Schadenfreude. We get into Winnipeg's battle rapper scene, creating music for the city, rapper names and the funniest top 5 list to date on the NYK podcast.

Bazooka Joe (f/k/a John Smith) and [Rob Crooks](http://www.robcrooks.com) have worked together in various capacities over their decades of service to the local hip-hop scene, but Schadenfreude is their first collaborative record. The album, which [drops Dec. 29 on Eat 'Em Up Records](http://www.facebook.com/events/2037670619852384/), features beats by Crooks and rhymes by Joe, and Saturday's release show at the Garrick Hotel includes guests like [Gruf](http://witchpolice.podiant.co/e/354741eff8d7ccL/) and [Lonnie Ce](http://witchpolice.podiant.co/e/3551888dd55e86L/) (both past Witchpolice guests as well). We travel between a Robin's Donuts and a parked car to talk about the album, their collaboration, their other projects, and much more. This episode is brought to you by our friends at [the Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

Bazooka Joe (f/k/a John Smith) and Rob Crooks have worked together in various capacities over their decades of service to the local hip-hop scene, but Schadenfreude is their first collaborative record. The album, which drops Dec. 29 on Eat 'Em Up Records, features beats by Crooks and rhymes by Joe, and Saturday's release show at the Garrick Hotel includes guests like Gruf and Lonnie Ce (both past Witchpolice guests as well).

Great conversation with the one and only Bazooka Joe! One of Peanuts and Corn's hugely talented roster, Joe has been involved in the Canadian rap scene in some of the most memorable releases, videos, concerts and tours! We discussed the reason for the name change, his projects over the years, and his upcoming record, Schadenfreude with Rob Crooks, coming up soon! Looking forward to his new releases coming up and hopefully we get to see him rap live in a venue soon! Tracks featured in this episode: Kinship of the Down and Out - John Smith (Pinky's Laundromat) Carry Me - John Smith (Growing Pains) I Ain't Lazy - Taking Care of Business (TCOB) Hair of the Dog - Bazooka Joe & Rob Crooks (Schadenfreude) Lean - Bazooka Joe & Rob Crooks (Schadenfreude) Bonestorm - Bazooka Joe & Rob Crooks (Schadenfreude) Major Shouts to UGSMAG, 319Heads for always having our backs with the illustration and the hosting, be sure to check the new website with our weekly playlists from the radio show and more information as we update as often as possible! www.thirdverse.net

Musician, songwriter, performance artist and original Witchpolice co-host (2012-14) [Rob Crooks](http://www.robcrooks.com/) is back on the show to talk about his fantastic new release, *The Nothing From Which Nothing Comes*, which drops on [Disintegration Records](http://www.disintegration.ca/rob-crooks) May 26. Rob is also the star of the upcoming Mike Maryniuk film, [*The Goose*](http://vimeo.com/249316437), which has taken him to European film festivals and beyond. As noted in the disclaimer at the top of the show, this was recorded outdoors and there are a few moments where the wind gets in the way of the conversation, but overall, the integrity of the interview isn't lost. It's a really good discussion. This episode brought to you by the [release party for 'Quiet Dreams'](http://www.facebook.com/events/207263916702467/) the new album by local indie rockers (and past Witchpolice guests) Hearing Trees. The event, presented by our friends at the Park Theatre, takes place May 25 at the Good Will Social Club, with guests The Perms, Micah Erenberg and Sophie Stevens. The episode is also brought to you by [Fourth Quarter Records](http://www.fourthquarterrecords.com/), your home for quality local hip-hop, as well as merchandise like the glorious 3Peat hoodies you've been seeing everywhere lately.

Musician, songwriter, performance artist and original Witchpolice co-host (2012-14) Rob Crooks is back on the show to talk about his fantastic new release, The Nothing From Which Nothing Comes, which drops on Disintegration Records May 26. Rob is also the star of the upcoming Mike Maryniuk film, The Goose, which has taken him to European film festivals and beyond.

Jesse Matas of critically-acclaimed local folk/roots touring machines The Crooked Brothers has a long history with Witchpolice. His first-ever band (circa 1995) featured current Witchpolice Radio host Sam on guitar and past co-host/longtime collaborator Rob Crooks on vocals. He has also released a number of recordings on the site itself and in connection with various pre-Witchpolice attempts at starting record labels. While the Crooked Bros. are on a brief hiatus from their hectic road life, Jesse sat down to talk about solo work, songwriting, his experiences as a working musician inside and outside of the band, and more. He also performed a number of live acoustic songs (including a cover tune and a Crooked Bros. classic), which you'll hear throughout the episode.

Jesse Matas of critically-acclaimed local folk/roots touring machines The Crooked Brothers has a long history with Witchpolice. His first-ever band (circa 1995) featured current Witchpolice Radio host Sam on guitar and past co-host/longtime collaborator Rob Crooks on vocals. He has also released a number of recordings on the site itself and in connection with various pre-Witchpolice attempts at starting record labels. While the Crooked Bros. are on a brief hiatus from their hectic road life, Jesse sat down to talk about solo work, songwriting, his experiences as a working musician inside and outside of the band, and more. He also performed a number of live acoustic songs (including a cover tune and a Crooked Bros. classic), which you'll hear throughout the episode.

He's back... but not for long. Local rapper/songwriter/producer/man-about-town Rob Crooks -- an original co-host of this very podcast and occasional contributor -- is heading east to further his education. Before relocating to Ontario, he made a last appearance on the show (for now) and talked about his long-in-the-works full-length with Disintegration Records, his recent series of EPs for Marathon of Dope, the trials and tribulations of arts funding and a lot more.

He's back... but not for long. Local rapper/songwriter/producer/man-about-town Rob Crooks -- an original co-host of this very podcast and occasional contributor -- is heading east to further his education. Before relocating to Ontario, he made a last appearance on the show (for now) and talked about his long-in-the-works full-length with Disintegration Records, his recent series of EPs for Marathon of Dope, the trials and tribulations of arts funding and a lot more.

For episode 05 I catch up with recording artist and Winnipeg-based MC, producer, and former punk band member, Rob Crooks. We met at The Sherbrook Inn and talked about (among other topics) Rob’s approach to music, the Wu-Tang Clan, philosophy, and peg city’s legendary record shop, the Wax Museum. Available for download on iTunes.

Occasional co-host Rob Crooks is back for an outernational conversation with his Sugar Pill Gang cohorts Pip Skid (Winnipeg) and Tom De Geeter (Kortrijk, Belgium). They talk European tours, Tom's local connections with the Marathon of Dope label, and most importantly, the new album by Tom's Zucchini Drive project.

Occasional co-host Rob Crooks is back for an outernational conversation with his Sugar Pill Gang cohorts Pip Skid (Winnipeg) and Tom De Geeter (Kortrijk, Belgium). They talk European tours, Tom's local connections with the Marathon of Dope label, and most importantly, the new album by Tom's Zucchini Drive project.

On Sept. 27, we pulled out all the stops for our first-ever (and hopefully first of many) live onstage podcast. The show, celebrating our milestone 150th episode, featured interviews and live performances with old friends and collaborators Rob Crooks, Nestor Wynrush, Country Steve and first-time guest Mona Mousa. Although the turnout wasn't record-breaking, the crowd more than made up for it in volume and enthusiasm. We certainly hustled to get the word out about this event, with coverage from local newspapers The Metro, The Uniter and a number of campus radio interviews leading up to the big night. Huge thanks to everyone who came out and supported. It was a blast. We can't wait to do more live and direct events in future!

On Sept. 27, we pulled out all the stops for our first-ever (and hopefully first of many) live onstage podcast. The show, celebrating our milestone 150th episode, featured interviews and live performances with old friends and collaborators Rob Crooks, Nestor Wynrush, Country Steve and first-time guest Mona Mousa. Although the turnout wasn't record-breaking, the crowd more than made up for it in volume and enthusiasm. We certainly hustled to get the word out about this event, with coverage from local newspapers The Metro, The Uniter and a number of campus radio interviews leading up to the big night. Huge thanks to everyone who came out and supported. It was a blast. We can't wait to do more live and direct events in future!

If you don't think **[Gruf the Druid](http://www.witchpolice.com/2013/09/witchpolice-radio-episode-42-process.html)** is Winnipeg's best rapper, you probably have him on your shortlist. Between Frek Sho, Fermented Reptile, Sound Barriers and his acclaimed solo records, Gruf is an iconic figure on the local rap scene. He has also released a new album, _[Surface Area](http://marathonofdope.com/portfolio/gruf-the-druid-surface-area/)_ , produced by his Winnipeg rap contemporary **[The Gumshoe Strut](http://marathonofdope.com/portfolio/the-gumshoe-strut/)** (Your Brother in my Backpack, Turn the Gun). They both join Sam on the podcast to talk about the new record and, appropriately, “pagan” songs. If you like what you hear, the release party for _Surface Area_ is coming up April 4 at the Good Will Social Club. Gruf and Gumshoe are (obviously) on the bill, alongside Witchpolice Radio co-host **Rob Crooks** , past guest John "Bazooka Joe" Smith and DJ Hunnicutt (who will hopefully be a guest at some point).

Co-host Rob Crooks is back, joined by frequent guest Elliott Walsh for a special episode with the members of Winnipeg rap icons Shadez. With choice cuts from the group's catalogue (dating back to the early '90s) throughout, they discuss the early days of the Winnipeg hip-hop scene, their experience trying to grow their audience across Canada, and the culture shifts they've encountered along the way.

Co-host Rob Crooks is back, joined by frequent guest Elliott Walsh for a special episode with the members of Winnipeg rap icons Shadez. With choice cuts from the group's catalogue (dating back to the early '90s) throughout, they discuss the early days of the Winnipeg hip-hop scene, their experience trying to grow their audience across Canada, and the culture shifts they've encountered along the way.

Rob’s back this week! Co-host Rob Crooks makes his triumphant return after three months away from the show. This episode, he solo-hosts with guests from a couple of buzzy Winnipeg indie bands. Cole Woods of Cannon Bros and Marie-France Hollier of Haunter (both are also in a ton of other projects) join him to talk about the awesome “deformity” theme.

After the success of our special Wu-Tang episode, Witchpolice Radio is straying from the usual random-theme format again this week. For episode #42, Rob Crooks pulls a solo-host job alongside guests Elliott (Nestor Wynrush) Walsh -- threepeating here as the guest with the most appearances -- and fellow Winnipeg rap artist Yy. This time, the focus is on Winnipeg's Gruf the Druid, a mainstay of the local hip-hop scene dating back to the 1990s, and someone the host and both guests know and have worked with on a personal level. They're all big fans of his music, though, and that's what makes this such a great episode. If you're a nerd about Winnipeg rap, or Canadian underground rap in general, there's a lot for you to take in here. Whether you first heard Gruf's music on a Frek Sho album, or on the Fermented Reptile CD, or as a member of Sound Barriers, or never at all... you'll dig this.

If you've been listening to this show for a while, you may remember our guest from episode #26, Pip Skid. He's back again, as a fill-in host this time, and he forms like Voltron with our own Rob Crooks to talk with this week's guest, filmmaker Mike Maryniuk, about the "soldier" theme. This trio has worked together before, kind of, on Pip's "I Never Knew" video, but Mike's best-known work is probably his involvement with the excellent (seriously, watch it) Winnipeg Jets/psychedelia documentary "Death by Popcorn," which he talks about at length on the show.

If you've been listening to this show for a while, you may remember our guest from episode #26, Pip Skid. He's back again, as a fill-in host this time, and he forms like Voltron with our own Rob Crooks to talk with this week's guest, filmmaker Mike Maryniuk, about the "soldier" theme. This trio has worked together before, kind of, on Pip's "I Never Knew" video, but Mike's best-known work is probably his involvement with the excellent (seriously, watch it) Winnipeg Jets/psychedelia documentary "Death by Popcorn," which he talks about at length on the show.

Jon's back as co-host this week for the first episode in a while. For #33, we talk "tapes" with Simon Thibaudeau, a/k/a Winnipeg-by-way-of-Montreal noise artist Kvik. This episode marks the first major technical difficulties we've had in the show's history (not bad for 33 episodes), where the memory card on the recording unit conked out partway through a key part of the show. As a result, an entire section is missing, and it happens to be the part where we discussed, at length, one of my all-time favourite bands, Alien Hybrid. Thankfully, I enlisted Rob Crooks to record the intro with me even though he wasn't present for this episode, and we talked Alien Hybrid tapes awhile at the beginning of the show. Tragedy averted? Maybe? Anyway, Simon was a very interesting guest, coming from a very DIY/tape-heavy scene himself, and this is probably the most "out" of any of our shows thus far in terms of content...which is great!

Jon's back as co-host this week for the first episode in a while. For #33, we talk "tapes" with Simon Thibaudeau, a/k/a Winnipeg-by-way-of-Montreal noise artist Kvik. This episode marks the first major technical difficulties we've had in the show's history (not bad for 33 episodes), where the memory card on the recording unit conked out partway through a key part of the show. As a result, an entire section is missing, and it happens to be the part where we discussed, at length, one of my all-time favourite bands, Alien Hybrid. Thankfully, I enlisted Rob Crooks to record the intro with me even though he wasn't present for this episode, and we talked Alien Hybrid tapes awhile at the beginning of the show. Tragedy averted? Maybe? Anyway, Simon was a very interesting guest, coming from a very DIY/tape-heavy scene himself, and this is probably the most "out" of any of our shows thus far in terms of content...which is great!

We managed to (unintentionally) arrange things so we have three weeks in a row of guests connected to Winnipeg's Deafwish record label, kicking off with episode #30 and Michael "White Dawg" Johnson, a/k/a Durrt Dawg a/k/a Dirt Swan, hypeman for Deafwish artist Employee of the Month, spelling bee champ and all-around good guy. He's joined by Kent Davies, who is very familiar to most of Witchpolice's readers thanks to the Tales From CKUW section on this website and the countless times he's allowed Dynamo, The Mouth-Boat, Galactus, Rob Crooks and other combinations of this program's three hosts to appear on his Peg City Groove CKUW program (he also hosts Amateur Hour).

We managed to (unintentionally) arrange things so we have three weeks in a row of guests connected to Winnipeg's Deafwish record label, kicking off with episode #30 and Michael "White Dawg" Johnson, a/k/a Durrt Dawg a/k/a Dirt Swan, hypeman for Deafwish artist Employee of the Month, spelling bee champ and all-around good guy. He's joined by Kent Davies, who is very familiar to most of Witchpolice's readers thanks to the Tales From CKUW section on this website and the countless times he's allowed Dynamo, The Mouth-Boat, Galactus, Rob Crooks and other combinations of this program's three hosts to appear on his Peg City Groove CKUW program (he also hosts Amateur Hour).

This week's guest, Jessika Ellement, was the drummer in Filtered Reality way back in 1995 -- the first real band co-host Rob Crooks and I were ever members of. I've known her even longer, though, since way back in kindergarten, so it was awesome to have her on the show to talk about the (randomly-generated) "bleeds" theme. Jessika doesn't play drums anymore, but she's still muscially inclined, backing up other local artists, and she performed a song at the end of the show as part of our Live Exclusives series.

This week's guest, Jessika Ellement, was the drummer in Filtered Reality way back in 1995 -- the first real band co-host Rob Crooks and I were ever members of. I've known her even longer, though, since way back in kindergarten, so it was awesome to have her on the show to talk about the (randomly-generated) "bleeds" theme. Jessika doesn't play drums anymore, but she's still muscially inclined, backing up other local artists, and she performed a song at the end of the show as part of our Live Exclusives series.

As we inch ever-closer to 20 episodes, Winnipeg filmmaker Ryan Simmons stopped by the basement to discuss the "Cannibal" theme. This is another three-hosts-n'-a-guest format, and I'm really liking the way these ones are sounding. Ryan has been working on a new video for Witchpolice Radio co-host Rob Crooks, but he's also done videos for local bands like KEN Mode and This Hisses that we all know and love

As we inch ever-closer to 20 episodes, Winnipeg filmmaker Ryan Simmons stopped by the basement to discuss the "Cannibal" theme. This is another three-hosts-n'-a-guest format, and I'm really liking the way these ones are sounding. Ryan has been working on a new video for Witchpolice Radio co-host Rob Crooks, but he's also done videos for local bands like KEN Mode and This Hisses that we all know and love

Witchpolice Radio continues in guest mode with this week's instalment, featuring none other than Mas Steve in Jon's usual spot. Rob Crooks is back from Europe, too, and the three of us put our heads together to create a pretty grim episode of the show. When the theme is "traumatic," it's not like there's much of a choice. Steve played a new original song at the end of the show, "Lowdown Manitoba Blues."

Witchpolice Radio continues in guest mode with this week's instalment, featuring none other than Mas Steve in Jon's usual spot. Rob Crooks is back from Europe, too, and the three of us put our heads together to create a pretty grim episode of the show. When the theme is "traumatic," it's not like there's much of a choice. Steve played a new original song at the end of the show, "Lowdown Manitoba Blues."

So we finally got around to doing a podcast. I've been talking about this idea for years, and it came to fruition a few days ago when I sat down with Jon Askholm and Rob Crooks ** ** and recording a rambling, over-long 'radio show'. The format, if you want to call it that, was that we would each play records and discuss them, and despite a slow start, it actually started working out. We'll be ironing out the kinks in subsequent weeks (it's going to be a weekly show), cutting the show down to an hour and having a weekly theme... but here's the raw, unpolished debut episode of **Witchpolice Radio**.

So we finally got around to doing a podcast. I've been talking about this idea for years, and it came to fruition a few days ago when I sat down with Jon Askholm and Rob Crooks * * and recording a rambling, over-long 'radio show'. The format, if you want to call it that, was that we would each play records and discuss them, and despite a slow start, it actually started working out. We'll be ironing out the kinks in subsequent weeks (it's going to be a weekly show), cutting the show down to an hour and having a weekly theme... but here's the raw, unpolished debut episode of Witchpolice Radio.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peace, @Large here. This is a kite. This episode is podcasted in two parts. This is part one. You may have heard the rumours by now or you may just flat out know... that this is the last episode of The Dope Joints! Hip Hop Mixshow. This is something that I both regret and am relieved to have to inform you of. I'll get to why in a minute. In the meantime check out DJ Stress', Kinetik's and my Winnipeg Hip Hop Mixshow history, so far... - DJ Stress was part of a Hip Hop Mixshow with the Aftermath Sound Crew back in 1995, which cablecasted from the University of Winnipeg. - DJ Stress, Dialog and Sunil aka Francois scored a mixshow they called The Stress Files which aired Saturday nights from the fall of 1996 to the spring of 1997 on Envol CKXL 91.1 FM from the Franco-Manitobain Cultural Centre. - DJ Stress, Dialog and Mr. Ness scored a mixshow they called Hip Hop 101 which aired Wednesday nights and later Friday nights starting in September 1998 at UMFM CJUM 101.5 FM Campus & Community Radio at the University of Manitoba. DJ Stress and Mr. Ness eventually went on to other things and myself and later Kinetik joined the show. - Dialog & I scored a second mixshow dubbed Hip Hop 201 by Jared McKetiak who was our program director at the time (and later/currently our station manager). Hip Hop 201 aired Thursday afternoons starting in September 1999. - I left Hip Hop 101 due to artistic differences in the spring of 2004 and started The Dope Spot Hip Hop Mixshow which aired Wednesday nights. - The Dope Spot began syndication on Hip Hop Fundamentalz courtesy of DJ Prizmatik. - I started podcasting The Dope Spot on www.podomatic.com in the spring of 2005 under the direction of DJ Prizmatik. - The Dope Spot began syndication on www.mixlawax.com courtesy of Lord Faz. - Call Signal co-hosted The Dope Spot in the spring of 2005. - Students of DJ Brace; Mista Banks and DJ Climax joined The Dope Spot in early 2006. - I ended The Dope Spot in the spring of 2007 to settle into a house with my girlfriend and then get married. - Kinetik took over and changed the name of Hip Hop 101 to The Joints! - Kinetik initiated our reunion and in the fall of 2008 we combined The Dope Spot and The Joints! to create The Dope Joints! Hip Hop Mixshow. Kinetik also unearthed DJ Stress around this time. - The Dope Joints! Hip Hop Mixshow aired it's final episode on July 25th, 2012. We had to end our run of college radio Hip Hop mixshow after 17 years due to many smaller reasons that all stemmed from one, and it waits for no man... TIME. We didn't just come down to the show each week and freestyle it. We'd spend each week collecting and reviewing music so that only the dopest joints we came across would not only get played, but get played properly. This was easier at first when... - we were just in school or only working part time - getting serviced meant the label or distributor had to have bank enough to not only produce enough vinyl to give some away but that they'd actually mail it to your crib (imagine how many broke willy zero record sale fakers would get weeded out if we had to go back to this system!) - There was a community of Hip Hop Mixshows that included legends that inspired if not scared you to do your best The end of the radio show isn't the end of the podcast. We'll post mixes when we can but nowhere near as regularly as we have been. You would've already realized that something was up since we haven't been podcasting weekly since last year. Ever since this "Hip Hop is dead" bullshit mentality surfaced I've been countering it with "Hip Hop didn't die, you got lazy!" I feel there's never been as much good Hip Hop out there as there is today, tomorrow there'll be even more and the next day even more. In the same way there's also more bad Hip Hop out there than ever before. It takes real effort to not only find the gems in the crates but to even know what crates to look in. Hip Hop needs torch bearers. Please do what you can to promote Hip Hop music that is made in the essence; creative, positive, talented, original and dope sounding. Kinetik's "Psychedelic Soul Shack" will continue Saturdays 11 PM to midnight central on UMFM CJUM 101.5 FM in Winnipeg, MTS Cable Channel 718 in Manitoba and online at www.umfm.com/listenonline. Stay up on it at http://www.mixcloud.com/psychedelicsoulshack/. Stay up on his grisly discoveries at http://thegrislydiscovery.blogspot.ca/. DJ Stress is talking about starting and Old School Hip Hop show on UMFM next year. Radio is part of Rukus45's genes. Bundown Sound System has taken over our Wednesday 10 PM to Midnight central time slot with their fuelGOOD Radio. Who knows what the future holds? I'm going to end this blurb with a list of thank you's that I can conveniently add to over time as I realize who I forgot. If you feel you should be on the list and I missed you, I apologize. ABOVE ALL THE BIGGEST THANKS GO OUT TO THE FANS AND LISTENERS OVER THE YEARS, I say this often "we do this for y'all." The most satisfaction I get out of doing the show is when heads hit me up to thank me or to talk about the music we play. It makes the hustle worthwhile. The second biggest thanks goes out to the artists who's music we played. The quality of the music you created forced us to find ways to share it because it was too good to keep it to ourselves and quite literally we couldn't have done it without you. Special thanks to the following for being a part of the last episode... Rukus45, Rob Crooks, Daily, Missey M, DJ Grasshopper, Allan Lorde, Gamma Krush, 007 and Jared McKetiak. Check out Episode #10 of Daily's "Behind The Mic" which was recorded at UMFM during the last episode... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPoNVEjR158. Thanks to... UMFM CJUM 101.5 FM, Jared McKetiak, Michael Elves, Liz Clayton, Steve Brown, Born in the Break, Tone Arm Tactics, Sweet Dreams, The Sunday Night Cruise Show, Hip Hop Bistro, Joel Chevrefils from Songs That Sing, Paul, Jeff, Scott, Ian & Mike from Jam It On The 1, The Invisible Man & Warren from Right On Time, Podomatic, CKUW, Jello aka Jay Boogie & Sweet Diva from The Lounge, Suhni Sea & Mic Check, Mama Cutsworth & Stylus Radio, CFRO, The Urban Renewal Project, DJ Sage, CFMU, Dope FM, Daddy J, UWSA, Ted Turner, Brennan McIntyre. Park-Like Setting, Fermented Reptile, Frek Sho, Mood Ruff, Shadez, Your Brother In My Back Pack, Magnum K.I., The Fucking Retards, The Bruise Brothers, Moonshine Kru, Bundown Sound System, Deep Cave, The Happy Unfortunate, Winnipeg's Most, River City Knight Riderz, Sleeping Giants, Built Under Thought, Speeddial 7. DJ Hunnicutt, Mcenroe, Nestor Wynrush, Steve St. Louis, DJ Co-op, Darko, Birdapres, Sun Zoo, Rep-One, DJ Hipnotic, Quess aka Athavale, Dialog, DJ Brace, Call Signal, Mista Banks, Max aka DJ Climax, Co-Wrekt, Hobs Sputnik, Tank Wonderful, John Smith, Pip Skid, Gruf, Ismaila, Shazzam, Spoof, Ishq Bector, Reefill, Dow Jones, Odario, Ofield, Len Bowen, Eclipse, Big Casino, Yy, Saratonin, The Gumshoe Strut, General Gyst, DJ Kutdown, Fenom, Mikel "Echonawmik" Rondeau, Influence, Big Greezy, Buzzmad, Rupness Monsta, Cypha Diaz, Quadratik, Lucious, Malcolm J, Envoy, M-Kaps, Kidd Kane, Zeek Illa, Hendo, Abomination Colossal, Fini, Livin Proof, Darkhouse, Nereo, Illicit, Visions, Alter, Adam Hannibal, Big Bear, Broms, 40 Oz., Charlie Fettah, Jon C, Jon Cleveland, Thomas Quinlan, Tom De Geeter, DJ Prizmatik, Hip Hop Fundamentalz, Lord Faz, www.mixlawax.com, Ethex, Superstar Quamallah, L.I.F.E.Long, Rob Rothschild, Sean King, Adrian Arjona, RULER, Rene Boulet, David Haynes, Jonathan France, David Holgate, Simple Steve, Morph, Hip Hop Gremlins, Barry Arkley, Narcotic, The Dharma of Dope, Gnar Lee, Cass, Benz, Winnipeg Jules, Grant Paley. Brent at Just Entertainment, Jess at Co-Sign Collective, Double-J and Lee L'Heureux at Foundation Media, Papa D at Brick Radio Promo/Records, Dan Shores at CPP Marketing & Promotion, Shareef Hakeem at Black Fist Radio Promo, DJ RIQ at Shocksound Promo, Darryl Rodway at Urbnet, Troy Neilson at Brockway Entertainment, Semp Rok at Public Wizard Inc., DJ Episode & The CEO at Late Night Promotions, Radio Promo Chica Kate Wolfson. Peanuts & Corn Records, Your Brother Records, Vagrant Hobby, Foultone Records, Marathon of Dope, Balanced Records, Heatbag Records, Deadbeats Entertainment, Hand'Solo Records. Chris Andow at Advance, Luis Cordona at Long & McQuade, Adam at Long & McQuade/Mother's/Gordon Price Music, Rob Tremblay, Jai (R.I.P.), Stefan, Pat Lazo, Kevin Trosky, Dave Dub-L, The Attic, The Wax Museum, SK8, The Urban Bakery, The Vinylist, Music Trader, Into The Music, Petrified Sole, Nyce Records, The House of Cold Cuts, The Graffiti Gallery, J. Fox's, Byron Cooke, The Braemar Bakery & Village Restaurant, Stamina... you! The Dope Joints! Hip Hop Mixshow Vol. 5, # 23: The Last Session Part 1 of 2 Length: 134 Minutes Mountain Brothers - Galaxies (going out to Dave Haynes) Screwball - Seen It All (going out to Barry Arkley) DJ Stress in the mix (40:32): Rascalz - Funky Needs (Instrumental) Busy Bee - I Don't Play Chill Rob G - Dope Rhymes EPMD - So What Cha Sayin' LL Cool J - Droppin' Em Kool G Rap & DJ Polo - Road To The Riches Poor Righteous Teachers - Rock Dis Funky Joint D&D All-Stars - 1, 2 Pass It (going out to Justin Seweyestewa) @Large in the mix (86:46): D.O., Arabesque, G-Stokes & Slakah the BeatChild - Just Forfeit People Under The Stairs - Trippin At The Disco Mass Influence - Nightime Groove Jorun - Jorun's Way Rob Swift - Rabia - 2nd Movement El Da Sensei - Crowd Pleasa Shuman - Rap Critic Marco Polo & Masta Ace - Nostaligia King Solomon & Pase - Solomonic J Dilla - Won't Do DJ Numark & Large Professor - When You Sleep NYG'z - Policy Edo. G - Sayin' Somethin' BLEE & Lightheaded - Bridge Dope Joints! Hip Hop Mixshow with @Large, Kinetik the Jointman, sometimes DJ Stress and when we're lucky... Rukus45 http://dopespot.podomatic.com from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, MB Wednesdays 10 PM - Midnight Central on UMFM CJUM 101.5 FM and MTS TV Channel 718 in Winnipeg, streamed on www.umfm.com and syndicated on www.mixlawax.com requests: (204) 269-UMFM .mp3s: thedopejoints@gmail.com