Podcasts about Ruffhouse Records

This is Part 1 of an interview with Joe "The Butcher" Nicolo. He talks about his upbringing in Philly, Philly rap scene, and breaks down in detail streaming and how the game works. We will have part 2 coming soon where he talks more indepth about Ruffhouse Records and all of the records he's worked on. So enjoy Part 1. Follow the podcast wherever you stream podcasts, on Youtube at Youtube.com/BeyondTheAlbumCover and Facebook at Facebook.com/BeyondTheAlbumCover

We caught up with Grammy winning producer/manager Joe "The Butcher" Nicolo on how he got his nickname, working with The Fugees and Billy Joel, starting RuffHouse Records, and lots more. Ep 424 #ATJPod More: https://joenicolo.net/about @allthatjampod on IG, FB, and Twitter - www.allthatjampod.com - Subscribe - leave a review - tell a friend. Merch: https://t.co/QgtAisVtbV All That Jam is brought to you by Executive Producers Amanda Cadran and Kevin Hogan. Produced and edited by Amanda Cadran and Kevin Hogan. Mixed and Mastered by Kevin Hogan. Original Music by Aaron Gaul. Art by Amanda Cadran.

My latest sit-down with Joseph Nicolo aka Joe The Butcher owner of Ruffhouse Records -Studio 4 isn't just a nostalgic trip through the golden years of hip-hop; it's a revelation of the roots that keep this genre grounded and growing. With a fresh Cypress Hill homage inked on his skin, Joe takes us through his melody-rich journey that twines around the greats—from the soulful Stevie Wonder to the timeless Beatles. We're not just talking beats and bars; we're uncovering the sheer grit of Philly's rap scene and how Joe Nicolo's attic-born productions ascended to Grammy-winning heights alongside Philly legends like Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.Half a century of hip-hop has given us stories that could fill volumes, and here, we crack open the tome to some pivotal chapters. Remember when Kriss Kross had us all jumping? That era wasn't just about the tracks; it was a cultural upheaval that still echoes today. From the sharp insight that turned the Fugees' "The Score" into a monumental album to the ripples of Lauryn Hill's voice that have soothed souls across the globe, this conversation is a testament to the enduring craft and the undeniable impact these artists have left on both music and our personal lives.But our episode transcends the rhythm and the rhyme, touching on a topic that resonates on a different frequency: mental health. We spotlight the Sound Mind Network's mission to harness the harmonies for healing, illustrating music's profound role in confronting drug abuse, mental health challenges, trauma, and suicide. It's an episode that connects the dots between beats, business, and the betterment of our souls.Support the show

e're back! Join us for an all new episode as Nate recaps his trip to New Orleans before being joined by Singer/Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist, E.J. Simpson. They talk about E.J.'s early musical memories, the Monkees, the Beatles, learning to play music, finding and being drawn to the bass guitar, the balalaika, his Modulus Graphite bass, his first band the Vegetables and early collaborations with Adrian Harpham, Pierce Ternay, David Coppa, Steve Wolf & Andy Kravitz, early songwriting, moving to San Francisco, coming back to Philadelphia to for the first session that would become The Goats, the recent attempted reunion of the Goats, working with the Butcher Bros. (Joe and Phil Nicolo), the Goats/Bad Brains sessions, Ruffhouse Records, Maggi, Pierce & E.J., befriending Jeff Buckley, the MPE album For-Blue, the new album You Purple Virgin Presents Fabulous Fantasy, the record release show at the Fallser Club, the 17th Annual solo revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, playing with Beru Revue, the players on the new album, working with a large number of collaborators, and the Mark Twain project based on The War Prayer. Then, E.J. takes a run at The Jawntlet!E.J. Simpson's websiteMaggi, Pierce & E.J.'s websiteTickets for the record release show @ the Fallser Club (5/5)Tickets for the 17th Annual solo revival of Jesus Christ Superstar @ Old Swedes' Church (4/21) Subscribe to the Y!TMJ Newsletter! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ytmj/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ytmj/support

Team Supreme is joined by Co-founder of Ruffhouse Records, Chris Schwartz. From the streets of Philly, to signing household names like Cypress Hill, Kriss Kross, The Fugees and even giving Quest his first internship, Chris breaks down the highs and lows of running one of the most successful hip hop labels of the 90's.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Schwartz - CEO Ruffhouse Records, Cypress Hill, Kris Kross, the Fugees, Ms. Lauryn Hill, NAS and many others. He wrote an amazing book called "Ruffhouse - From the Streets of Philly to the Top of the '90s Hip-Hop Charts". Listen to his amazing story of being resilient and overcoming a complicated childhood and all the ups and downs of the amazing legend in the Hip Hop space. Find out what it took to get their unprecedented distribution with Sony/Columbia. Along with his partner Joe "The Butcher" Nicolo, who produced the Rolling Stones, Will Smith, Aerosmith and Bob Dylan to name a few, they became the most iconic Hip-Hop label of the 90s.

Watch the episode HERE Chris Schwartz is the founder of Ruffhouse Records. At various points, the label included The Fugees, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Cypress Hill, Nas, Kriss Kross, DMX, Kool Keith, and Schoolly D. Ruffhouse sold more than 120 million records worldwide, generating over a billion dollars in sales and a multitude of Grammy Awards. Chris has been the recipient of many awards celebrating his success while earning 250 gold and platinum records. Helping Schooly D birth an entire genre, gangster rap, and perhaps, more importantly, taking the first DIY rap artist to retail success will prove to be his most influential contribution to a culture he's lived for. In the show, we discuss Ruffhouse, Schooly D's burgeoning art career, Chris's fascinating basis for his next book Rebels & Poets, his new venture Ruff Nation, signing the first Asian hip-hop group, how rapping emerged as the top element of the 5 that comprise hip-hop, & a lot more. www.ruffnationent.com Follow Chris @schwartz_music on IG Order Ruffhouse: From the Streets of Philly to the Top of the '90s Hip-Hop Charts Book by Chris Schwartz HERE (Physical or eBook)

Watch the episode HERE Chris Schwartz is the founder of Ruffhouse Records. At various points, the label included The Fugees, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Cypress Hill, Nas, Kriss Kross, DMX, Kool Keith, and Schoolly D. Ruffhouse sold more than 120 million records worldwide, generating over a billion dollars in sales and a multitude of Grammy Awards. Chris has been the recipient of many awards celebrating his success while earning 250 gold and platinum records. Helping Schooly D birth an entire genre, gangster rap, and perhaps, more importantly, taking the first DIY rap artist to retail success will prove to be his most influential contribution to a culture he's lived for. In the show, we discuss Ruffhouse, Schooly D's burgeoning art career, Chris's fascinating basis for his next book Rebels & Poets, his new venture Ruff Nation, signing the first Asian hip-hop group, how rapping emerged as the top element of the 5 that comprise hip-hop, & a lot more. www.ruffnation.com Follow Chris @schwartz_music on IG Order Ruffhouse: From the Streets of Philly to the Top of the '90s Hip-Hop Charts Book by Chris Schwartz HERE (Physical or eBook)

Watch the episode HERE Chris Schwartz is the founder of Ruffhouse Records. At various points, the label included The Fugees, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Cypress Hill, Nas, Kriss Kross, DMX, Kool Keith, and Schoolly D. Ruffhouse sold more than 120 million records worldwide, generating over a billion dollars in sales and a multitude of Grammy Awards. Chris has been the recipient of many awards celebrating his success while earning 250 gold and platinum records. Helping Schooly D birth an entire genre, gangster rap, and perhaps, more importantly, taking the first DIY rap artist to retail success will prove to be his most influential contribution to a culture he's lived for. In the show, we discuss Ruffhouse, Schooly D's burgeoning art career, Chris's fascinating basis for his next book Rebels & Poets, his new venture Ruff Nation, signing the first Asian hip-hop group, how rapping emerged as the top element of the 5 that comprise hip-hop, & a lot more. www.ruffnation.com Follow Chris @schwartz_music on IG Order Ruffhouse: From the Streets of Philly to the Top of the '90s Hip-Hop Charts Book by Chris Schwartz HERE (Physical or eBook)

So much of hip-hop is built on the notion of creating something from something. Call it covering, call it borrowing, call it sampling, but don't call it unoriginal. For decades, samples have helped musicians turn some of greatest hits into even greater hits. Fugees are no exception to this. They built upon this legacy, The samples and covers included on 1996's The Score range everywhere from The Delphonics to Enya -- and yet they’re seamlessly woven together to create a distinct, singular album. In the Season 13 finale, host Jill Hopkins heads to the operating room to dissect three songs off The Score that best embody the art of the sample and the depth of knowledge the Fugees brought to the studio: "Zealots", "The Score", and "Ready or Not". Surrounding Jill at the table with scalpels and insight are Ruffhouse Records co-founders Chris Schwartz and Joe Nicolo; rapper Psalm One; and music journalist Insanul Ahmed. Together, they discuss why certain bits were used, why whole songs were sometimes included, and how the Fugees turned existing classics into their own -- read: completely new -- classics. Original music by Tony Piazza.

The Fugees were culturally unique in myriad ways. They were a trio comprised of one American-born Black woman and yet also two Haitian immigrants, who both took pride in their heritage. Naturally, this pride was weaved into the fabric of 1996's The Score, and the album's success meant that they were able to champion Haitian music in both America and abroad. In this episode, host Jill Hopkins speaks to the trio's family, friends, and fans about Haiti’s effect on the Fugees and the Fugees effect on Haiti, Haitians, and their fans who saw their own American immigrant and refugee experiences reflected back at them. Along for the journey are award-winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste, producer Jerry Wonda, Ruffhouse Records co-founder Chris Schwartz, music journalists Dometi Pongo and Insanul Ahmed, and reggae legend Sly Dunbar. Together, they study the symbiosis between band and homeland as it pertains to the Fugees. Original music by Tony Piazza. Don't forget to enter our giveaway to win a Fugees prize pack, which includes vinyl, a turntable, and headphones. (Note: If you’re having trouble seeing the widget, enter here.)

*** FOR DJ USE ONLY *** This is a mash of my reconstructed House of Pain - Jump Around to include Kris Kross - Jump, as I would more often than not mix them together anyway. The result has been dancefloor tested and it's a guaranteed heater. DJ Muggs from Cypress Hill made the beat for “Jump Around” and played it for a few of his friends, like Ice Cube, who passed on it . Everlast wrote the rhymes and it became a House Of Pain demo, famously dismissed by Joe “The Butcher” Nicolo, whose own Ruffhouse Records later “coincidentally” released the song “Jump” by the group Kris Kross (also produced by Muggs). This earned the record exec the nickname “Joe The Biter,” as heard at the end of the album version of “Jump Around”.

*** FOR DJ USE ONLY *** This is a mash of my reconstructed House of Pain - Jump Around to include Kris Kross - Jump, as I would more often than not mix them together anyway. The result has been dancefloor tested and it's a guaranteed heater. DJ Muggs from Cypress Hill made the beat for “Jump Around” and played it for a few of his friends, like Ice Cube, who passed on it . Everlast wrote the rhymes and it became a House Of Pain demo, famously dismissed by Joe “The Butcher” Nicolo, whose own Ruffhouse Records later “coincidentally” released the song “Jump” by the group Kris Kross (also produced by Muggs). This earned the record exec the nickname “Joe The Biter,” as heard at the end of the album version of “Jump Around”.

*** FOR DJ USE ONLY *** This is a mash of my reconstructed House of Pain - Jump Around to include Kris Kross - Jump, as I would more often than not mix them together anyway. The result has been dancefloor tested and it's a guaranteed heater. DJ Muggs from Cypress Hill made the beat for “Jump Around” and played it for a few of his friends, like Ice Cube, who passed on it . Everlast wrote the rhymes and it became a House Of Pain demo, famously dismissed by Joe “The Butcher” Nicolo, whose own Ruffhouse Records later “coincidentally” released the song “Jump” by the group Kris Kross (also produced by Muggs). This earned the record exec the nickname “Joe The Biter,” as heard at the end of the album version of “Jump Around”.

*** FOR DJ USE ONLY *** This is a mash of my reconstructed House of Pain - Jump Around to include Kris Kross - Jump, as I would more often than not mix them together anyway. The result has been dancefloor tested and it's a guaranteed heater. DJ Muggs from Cypress Hill made the beat for “Jump Around” and played it for a few of his friends, like Ice Cube, who passed on it . Everlast wrote the rhymes and it became a House Of Pain demo, famously dismissed by Joe “The Butcher” Nicolo, whose own Ruffhouse Records later “coincidentally” released the song “Jump” by the group Kris Kross (also produced by Muggs). This earned the record exec the nickname “Joe The Biter,” as heard at the end of the album version of “Jump Around”.

Instead of returning to the studio with outside producers, the Fugees took their $150k advance from Ruffhouse Records and ventured off to … the basement. Specifically, the Booga Basement in East Orange, NJ, where Wyclef Jean’s uncle and his cousin Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis lived. Booga, along with The Dungeon in Atlanta (where OutKast cut their debut), were two of the most successful underground studios in the game circa the mid-90s. These locales came with a productive, family vibe and endless head bobs to judge the quality of work. In this episode, host Jill Hopkins speaks to producer Jerry Wonda about building a studio and a sound that would continue the tradition of great New Jersey hip-hop. They also discuss why this kind of DIY ethos is so important to groups in the process of defining their sounds. Also heading into the basement are special guests Chris Schwartz and Joe Nicolo of Ruffhouse Records, in addition to MTV’s Dometi Pongo and Genius executive editor Insanul Ahmed. Original music by Tony Piazza. Don't forget to enter our giveaway to win a Fugees prize pack, which includes vinyl, a turntable, and headphones. (Note: If you’re having trouble seeing the widget, enter here.)

In the Season 13 premiere, we’ll find out what it took for a group in its own artistic and personal transition to find their place at the top of the charts and on the Grammy stage as the biggest hip-hop act of 1996. Hip-hop had considerably changed from when the Fugees started recording their first album in 1992 to just three years later when they began working on their second effort. The “Golden Age'' was coming to a close, and the genre was at a crossroads. So were the Fugees, though. Coming off their critically and commercially divisive first album, 1994's Blunted on Reality, the New Jersey trio of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel were similarly looking to reinvent themselves Join host Jill Hopkins as she dials the clock back to the mid-'90s alongside producer Jerry Wonda, Ruffhouse Records co-founders Chris Schwartz and Joe Nicolo, and rapper Psalm One. Original music by Tony Piazza. Don't forget to enter our giveaway to win a Fugees prize pack, which includes vinyl, a turntable, and headphones. (Note: If you’re having trouble seeing the widget, enter here.)

We're going deep behind the scenes and exploring how the cultural and business sides of Hip Hop meet in the middle. This week's guest is Chris Schwartz; Co-Founder of Ruffhouse Records. We talk about his start in the music business, marketing Cypress Hill, signing The Fugees (30 million sold!) and so much more. The episode closes with us addressing the elephant in the room and entering a discussion about 'colonisers' in Hip Hop. When we talk of colonisers, we're focused only on those who appropriate the culture for their own use, financial gain and social currency, while excluding and silencing others.   Follow Sumit  

Ray and Markus conclude their conversation with RuffHouse Records, RuffNation founder and CEO, Music Visionary Chris Schwartz about his book. He also shares news about Lauren Hill and others. The book is a wild, trippy ride through the record and music industries with some hard smatterings of reality and personal realization mixed into the story. We both recommend the book.

Ray and Markus conclude their conversation with RuffHouse Records, RuffNation founder and CEO, Music Visionary Chris Schwartz about his book. He also shares news about Lauren Hill and others. The book is a wild, trippy ride through the record and music industries with some hard smatterings of reality and personal realization mixed into the story. We both recommend the book.

Ray and Markus conclude their conversation with RuffHouse Records, RuffNation founder and CEO, Music Visionary Chris Schwartz about his book. He also shares news about Ms. Lauryn Hill and others. The book is a wild, trippy ride through the record and music industries with some hard smatterings of reality and personal realization mixed into the story. We both recommend the book.Listen to all the great Podcasts over on Pantheon!

Ray and Markus conclude their conversation with RuffHouse Records, RuffNation founder and CEO, Music Visionary Chris Schwartz about his book. He also shares news about Ms. Lauryn Hill and others. The book is a wild, trippy ride through the record and music industries with some hard smatterings of reality and personal realization mixed into the story. We both recommend the book. Listen to all the great Podcasts over on Pantheon!

Approximately the first 34 minutes are about Chris, his book, Ruffhouse Records, and old school hip hop from Schoolly D to the Fugees. The second half of the interview we dive into music business advice for artist. Chris’s Book: Ruffhouse: From the Streets of Philly to the Top of the '90s Hip-Hop Charts Mentioned Book: The History of Gangster Rap: From Schoolly D to Kendrick Lamar Songs mentioned: Coolin in Cali (audio) - 7A3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmBIW-XRs7c The Piper (Video) - Cheeba https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-OEmg0bi7I Typical American (Video ) - The Goats https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_F2FDpU1mM Mentioned Stories:: Chris swiping Schoolly D’s phone number from a rolodex Schoolly D and Chris become neighbors The Goats received more fan mail over a 15 year period than all the other Ruffhouse label mates combined. You can be dropped by the Amercian branch of a label and still have huge success overseas. Wyclef Jean taking off all his clothes and performing in his boxers during an office audition. Music Business advice for artist: In the era of mumble rap, does great song writing still matter? If you aren’t creating your own market, you’re just following. The greatest way to perfect the craft of songwriting (or anything really) is to network with other songwriters. Don’t torture people you want to connect with by spamming them with your music. His label never got a demo in the mail and signed that artist. The secret is YOUR NETWORK! Less is more. Don’t send a demo with 14 or 18 songs. No one has time for that. Send 2 bangers. Make sure you send a photo or video with the demo. You have to sell the label before you every sell to the general public. Major distributors are looking for 20 to 30 million hits on streaming/social media/YouTube. Get Online to Get Offline. The entertainment business is a relationship business. We are a singles driven music culture. Singles not albums. The missing element of A&R. Man artist haven’t developed live show skills in this era. Touring companies are creating small venues in order to develop artist. Put together a focus group! Matthew Knowles holds a grudge. Will AI put beatmakers, producers, and musicians out of work? Chris online: Instagram.com/ruffnationrecordsoffiicial Side bars into a story about Chuck D sitting outside of Schoolly D’s house for two hours! Who is coming out on RUFFNATION: --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nocapbranding/message

Episode 52 pays homage to Philly's own Ruffhouse Records. Home of Cypress Hill, Lauryn Hill, The Fugees, Tim Dog, The Goats, Kris Kross, and once, DMX and Nasty Nas! This interview driven episode features Ruffhouse CEO Chris Schwartz. We discuss how Schoolly D was an intricate part in helping Ruffhouse get started. We learn about Fugees' early struggles before their monstrous success. We find out Chris passed on Arrested Development, The Roots and House of Pain. We learn how Tommy Motolla took back Nas. We talk Kool Keith, Tim Dog, Lauryn Hill, Mountain Brothers, The Goats and everything Ruffhouse-related. If you've read Chris Schwartz's book "Ruffhouse", you're going to love this episode. If you haven't, then you're really going to love this episode. Be sure to check it out https://www.amazon.com/Ruffhouse-Streets-Philly-Top-Charts/dp/1635765994 What would a TIP episode be like without a dope mix? We got all the classics and then some for you at the break. For all things Take It Personal: www.takeitpersonalradio.com If you would like to support the show: https://www.patreon.com/TakeItPersonal

Episode 52 pays homage to Philly's own Ruffhouse Records. Home of Cypress Hill, Lauryn Hill, The Fugees, Tim Dog, The Goats, Kris Kross, and once, DMX and Nasty Nas! This interview driven episode features Ruffhouse CEO Chris Schwartz. We discuss how Schoolly D was an intricate part in helping Ruffhouse get started. We learn about Fugees' early struggles before their monstrous success. We find out Chris passed on Arrested Development, The Roots and House of Pain. We learn how Tommy Motolla took back Nas. We talk Kool Keith, Tim Dog, Lauryn Hill, Mountain Brothers, The Goats and everything Ruffhouse-related. If you've read Chris Schwartz's book "Ruffhouse", you're going to love this episode. If you haven't, then you're really going to love this episode. Be sure to check it out www.amazon.com/Ruffhouse-Streets…rts/dp/1635765994 What would a TIP episode be like without a dope mix? We got all the classics and then some for you at the break. For all things Take It Personal: www.takeitpersonalradio.com If you would like to support the show: www.patreon.com/TakeItPersonal

In the ‘90s you couldn't escape the sounds of Ruffhouse Records. Their roster included the classic hip-hop of Cypress Hill, Kris Kross, Kool Keith, Fugees and Lauryn Hill. In 1989, the label was founded by Chris Schwartz and his partner, Joe Nicolo. Chris’s new memoir, Ruffhouse: From the Streets of Philly to the Top of the ‘90s Hip-Hop Charts, not only chronicles his perspective on the music business but also his oftentimes, tumultuous personal life. Throughout its pages, Ruffhouse is a prime example of someone who never gave up on his dreams. Chris continues to be a music pioneer with his latest business venture, RuffNation. Visit Chris Schwartz online: https://twitter.com/ruff_nation https://www.instagram.com/schwartz_music boice is the host/producer of a brand new podcast. The StrandCast, The Official Podcast of Strand Bookstore in NYC at 12th and Broadway. Every other week listen to longform conversations with authors from different genres. For more information and to stream, visit: https://www.strandbooks.com/strandcast STREAM/SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY:                           http://bit.ly/TMTspotify SUBSCRIBE ON SOUNDCLOUD:                 https://soundcloud.com/thisisboice TMT APP FOR iPHONE: http://bit.ly/TMTappiOS TMT APP FOR ANDROID: http://bit.ly/TMTappANDROID SUBSCRIBE ON iTUNES: http://bit.ly/TalkMusicTalk SUBSCRIBE ON GOOGLE PLAY: http://bit.ly/TMTgoogleplay Please take a moment to leave a rating and/or review in the store. It helps increase the ranking of the podcast and exposes TMT to a new audience. Thanks! Liz (The Talk Music Talk Theme)-FULL VERSION Written and Composed on an iPad by boice. https://soundcloud.com/thisisboice/liz-talk-music-talk-theme

He paved the way for rappers to tour Europe while managing Schoolly D and made Cypress Hill, Kris Kross, The Fugees, Wyclef Jean, and Lauryn Hill household names. He is Chris Schwartz, Co-Founder of Ruffhouse Records, which sold over one hundred million records worldwide throughout the 1990's. Chris has a new book out called, Ruffhouse:... The post Chris Schwartz: Co-Founder of Philly's Legendary Ruffhouse Records appeared first on The Philly Blunt.

Insomniac Magazine's Israel Vasquetelle interviews Ruffhouse Records co-founder, Chris Schwartz. The record exec shares stories from his time working some of Hip Hop’s most iconic artists. Schwartz played a significant role in the careers of Kriss Kross, Cypress Hill, Wyclef, Pras, and the amazing Lauryn Hill. His company released records by Kool Keith, Benie Sigel, DMX, John Forte, The Goats, Tim Dog, and countless others. Ruffhouse created huge success with globally acclaimed albums such as "The Score” by The Fugees and "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” among others. In all, his company is responsible for the sale of over 120 millions records globally. His roots in the genre stem back to the 1980's when he managed Hip Hop phenom Schoolly D. Schwartz discusses the release of his new must read book "Ruffhouse: From the Streets of Philly to the Top of the '90s Hip Hop Charts." Sit back and get ready to take a deep dive into the Hip Hop history on this discussion with music industry executive Chris Schwartz. 

The Rock n Roll Archaeologist enters the world of Hip Hop for the first time with pioneering producer and record executive, Chris Schwartz!  As founder and President of Ruffhouse Records, Chris signed and help shepherd big names in late 80's and 90's hip hop, like Cypress Hill, Kriss Kross, NAS and the Fugees.  He was a part of the team that won Grammy's Album of the Year in 1999 with The Mis-education of Miss Lauren Hill, a record that has sold over 19 million units.Christian and Chris dig deep into his new book, Ruffhouse: From the Streets of Philly to the Top of the '90s Hip Hop Charts.How Ruffhouse Records founder Chris Schwartz overcame poverty, abuse, and addiction to start one of the most pivotal labels in hip-hop history and launch the careers of some of music's biggest starsAs a struggling musician trying to catch a break in the '80s Philadelphia, Chris Schwartz navigated the crime-infested, morally bankrupt music industry to build one of the most successful hip-hop record labels in the world. That label was Ruff-house, which launched the careers of Nas, The Fugees, Cypress Hill, and others, dominating the charts and generating global revenues of over one billion dollars.Schwartz and his partner, Joe Nicolo, built Ruffhouse from one desk and a phone to one of hip-hop's most revered record companies while simultaneously struggling with drug addiction and alcoholism. A story of money, greed, envy, betrayal, violence, addiction, loss, and redemption, not to mention a whole lot of music, Ruffhouse reveals the inside story of the record companies, recording studios, tour buses, private jets, mansions, radio stations, and concert halls at the height of hip-hop's 1990s heyday, while also uncovering the darker side of the business, from police stations to rehab clinics, courtrooms to prisons. Narrated in Schwartz's own candid, searing prose, Ruffhouse is a gripping portrayal of hip-hop culture and its transition to a global commercial platform.Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Ruffhouse-Streets-Philly-Top-Charts-ebook/dp/B07PZR78QZ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=chris+schwartz&qid=1560102815&s=gateway&sr=8-3More on Chris: https://www.facebook.com/chris.schwartz.526

The Rock n Roll Archaeologist enters the world of Hip Hop for the first time with pioneering producer and record executive, Chris Schwartz!  As founder and President of Ruffhouse Records, Chris signed and help shepherd big names in late 80's and 90's hip hop, like Cypress Hill, Kriss Kross, NAS and the Fugees.  He was a part of the team that won Grammy's Album of the Year in 1999 with The Mis-education of Miss Lauren Hill, a record that has sold over 19 million units.Christian and Chris dig deep into his new book, Ruffhouse: From the Streets of Philly to the Top of the '90s Hip Hop Charts.How Ruffhouse Records founder Chris Schwartz overcame poverty, abuse, and addiction to start one of the most pivotal labels in hip-hop history and launch the careers of some of music's biggest starsAs a struggling musician trying to catch a break in the '80s Philadelphia, Chris Schwartz navigated the crime-infested, morally bankrupt music industry to build one of the most successful hip-hop record labels in the world. That label was Ruff-house, which launched the careers of Nas, The Fugees, Cypress Hill, and others, dominating the charts and generating global revenues of over one billion dollars.Schwartz and his partner, Joe Nicolo, built Ruffhouse from one desk and a phone to one of hip-hop's most revered record companies while simultaneously struggling with drug addiction and alcoholism. A story of money, greed, envy, betrayal, violence, addiction, loss, and redemption, not to mention a whole lot of music, Ruffhouse reveals the inside story of the record companies, recording studios, tour buses, private jets, mansions, radio stations, and concert halls at the height of hip-hop's 1990s heyday, while also uncovering the darker side of the business, from police stations to rehab clinics, courtrooms to prisons. Narrated in Schwartz's own candid, searing prose, Ruffhouse is a gripping portrayal of hip-hop culture and its transition to a global commercial platform.Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Ruffhouse-Streets-Philly-Top-Charts-ebook/dp/B07PZR78QZ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=chris+schwartz&qid=1560102815&s=gateway&sr=8-3More on Chris: https://www.facebook.com/chris.schwartz.526

The Rock n Roll Archaeologist enters the world of Hip Hop for the first time with pioneering producer and record executive, Chris Schwartz!  As founder and President of Ruffhouse Records, Chris signed and help shepherd big names in late 80’s and 90’s hip hop, like Cypress Hill, Kriss Kross, NAS and the Fugees.  He was a part of the team that won Grammy’s Album of the Year in 1999 with The Mis-education of Miss Lauren Hill, a record that has sold over 19 million units. Christian and Chris dig deep into his new book, Ruffhouse: From the Streets of Philly to the Top of the '90s Hip Hop Charts. How Ruffhouse Records founder Chris Schwartz overcame poverty, abuse, and addiction to start one of the most pivotal labels in hip-hop history and launch the careers of some of music's biggest stars As a struggling musician trying to catch a break in the '80s Philadelphia, Chris Schwartz navigated the crime-infested, morally bankrupt music industry to build one of the most successful hip-hop record labels in the world. That label was Ruff-house, which launched the careers of Nas, The Fugees, Cypress Hill, and others, dominating the charts and generating global revenues of over one billion dollars. Schwartz and his partner, Joe Nicolo, built Ruffhouse from one desk and a phone to one of hip-hop's most revered record companies while simultaneously struggling with drug addiction and alcoholism. A story of money, greed, envy, betrayal, violence, addiction, loss, and redemption, not to mention a whole lot of music, Ruffhouse reveals the inside story of the record companies, recording studios, tour buses, private jets, mansions, radio stations, and concert halls at the height of hip-hop's 1990s heyday, while also uncovering the darker side of the business, from police stations to rehab clinics, courtrooms to prisons. Narrated in Schwartz's own candid, searing prose, Ruffhouse is a gripping portrayal of hip-hop culture and its transition to a global commercial platform. Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Ruffhouse-Streets-Philly-Top-Charts-ebook/dp/B07PZR78QZ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=chris+schwartz&qid=1560102815&s=gateway&sr=8-3 More on Chris: https://www.facebook.com/chris.schwartz.526

The Rock n Roll Archaeologist enters the world of Hip Hop for the first time with pioneering producer and record executive, Chris Schwartz!  As founder and President of Ruffhouse Records, Chris signed and help shepherd big names in late 80’s and 90’s hip hop, like Cypress Hill, Kriss Kross, NAS and the Fugees.  He was a part of the team that won Grammy’s Album of the Year in 1999 with The Mis-education of Miss Lauren Hill, a record that has sold over 19 million units. Christian and Chris dig deep into his new book, Ruffhouse: From the Streets of Philly to the Top of the '90s Hip Hop Charts. How Ruffhouse Records founder Chris Schwartz overcame poverty, abuse, and addiction to start one of the most pivotal labels in hip-hop history and launch the careers of some of music's biggest stars As a struggling musician trying to catch a break in the '80s Philadelphia, Chris Schwartz navigated the crime-infested, morally bankrupt music industry to build one of the most successful hip-hop record labels in the world. That label was Ruff-house, which launched the careers of Nas, The Fugees, Cypress Hill, and others, dominating the charts and generating global revenues of over one billion dollars. Schwartz and his partner, Joe Nicolo, built Ruffhouse from one desk and a phone to one of hip-hop's most revered record companies while simultaneously struggling with drug addiction and alcoholism. A story of money, greed, envy, betrayal, violence, addiction, loss, and redemption, not to mention a whole lot of music, Ruffhouse reveals the inside story of the record companies, recording studios, tour buses, private jets, mansions, radio stations, and concert halls at the height of hip-hop's 1990s heyday, while also uncovering the darker side of the business, from police stations to rehab clinics, courtrooms to prisons. Narrated in Schwartz's own candid, searing prose, Ruffhouse is a gripping portrayal of hip-hop culture and its transition to a global commercial platform. Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Ruffhouse-Streets-Philly-Top-Charts-ebook/dp/B07PZR78QZ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=chris+schwartz&qid=1560102815&s=gateway&sr=8-3 More on Chris: https://www.facebook.com/chris.schwartz.526

Recorded live on 15th of September 2017. DJ Mesmic kicks off the show with a smooth and understated Deep House session that gradually picks up speed by adding some Tech House into the mix. MK-Ultra takes over by dropping Funky House tunes that morph into Latin House halfway of the session. Mesmic turns up the heat with a banging Techno mix and MK-Ultra concludes the show with a selection of his favourite vinyls from the golden era of Hip-Hop.This podcast episode features content created or published by Illuminati Recordings, Azuli Records, JIVE Records, Ministry of Sound, Piston Recordings, PornoStar Records, Ruffhouse Records, Tall House Digital, Toolroom Records and others.Bicep & Hammer - Dahlia [Original Mix]Yotto - Personal Space [Original Mix]Après - Prophet [Extended Mix]KlangKuenstler feat. dAVOS - We Need Love [Original Mix]Dario D'Attis - Little Higher [Original Mix]Isaac Tichauer - Higher Level [Bicep Remix]Jacker Khan - Cool [Original Mix]Smokin Beats - Dreams [Tough Love Remix]Crazibiza - Shelter [Original Mix]Eli & Fur - Over Again [Original Mix]Mark Knight & Lee Van Dowski - Fall Down On Lee [Original Mix]Arnold Palmer & Simon Fava - Gotta Have That Bass [Arnold Palmer Edit]Mark Knight & Cevin Fisher - Rocket Man [Original Mix]Mat.Joe - Nighthawk [Dosem Remix]Mandal - The Light [Original Mix]Fish Go Deep feat. Tracey K - The Cure & The Cause [Dennis Ferrer Remix]TapeOut - Make Me Feel Good [Original Mix]Smokingroove - Check Me Out [Original Mix]Jerico - House Music [Original Mix]Gabriel Palko - El Chiquillo [That Version]Jason Rivas & Bossa Del Chill - Noches Interminables [Original Mix]Groovebox - Latino Drums [Original Mix]Joyce Muniz & Shanti Roots - Cumbia Lolita [Original Mix]Jason Rivas & Flamenco Tokyo - A Tu Vera [Club Mix]Simon Hardy - Samba [Original Mix]Monika Kruse & Voodooamt - Highway No. 4 [Skober Remix]DJ Fronter - Urra! [Original Mix]Yvan Genkins - Brother [Original Mix]Jayforce - Take Me [Original Mix]Umek - Collinearity [Oscar L Remix]Ejeca - BAK2U [Original Mix]Kaiserdisco - Nine Tea's [Original Mix]3 Channels - Rucola Apocalypse [Original Mix]Cypress Hill - Boom Biddy Bye ByeBahamadia - SpontaneityOutkast - Jazzy BellePete Rock & CL Smooth - For Pete's SakeA Tribe Called Quest - Oh My GodDe La Soul - Eye KnowDr. Dre - Let Me RideWu-Tang Clan - M.E.T.H.O.D ManNotorious B.I.G - Machine Gun FunkEl Michels Affair - Duel of the Iron Mics

Recorded live on 15th of September 2017. DJ Mesmic kicks off the show with a smooth and understated Deep House session that gradually picks up speed by adding some Tech House into the mix. MK-Ultra takes over by dropping Funky House tunes that morph into Latin House halfway of the session. Mesmic turns up the heat with a banging Techno mix and MK-Ultra concludes the show with a selection of his favourite vinyls from the golden era of Hip-Hop.This podcast episode features music published by Illuminati Recordings, Azuli Records, JIVE Records, Ministry of Sound, Piston Recordings, PornoStar Records, Ruffhouse Records, Tall House Digital, Toolroom Records and others.Bicep & Hammer - Dahlia [Original Mix]Yotto - Personal Space [Original Mix]Après - Prophet [Extended Mix]KlangKuenstler feat. dAVOS - We Need Love [Original Mix]Dario D'Attis - Little Higher [Original Mix]Isaac Tichauer - Higher Level [Bicep Remix]Jacker Khan - Cool [Original Mix]Smokin Beats - Dreams [Tough Love Remix]Crazibiza - Shelter [Original Mix]Eli & Fur - Over Again [Original Mix]Mark Knight & Lee Van Dowski - Fall Down On Lee [Original Mix]Arnold Palmer & Simon Fava - Gotta Have That Bass [Arnold Palmer Edit]Mark Knight & Cevin Fisher - Rocket Man [Original Mix]Mat.Joe - Nighthawk [Dosem Remix]Mandal - The Light [Original Mix]Fish Go Deep feat. Tracey K - The Cure & The Cause [Dennis Ferrer Remix]TapeOut - Make Me Feel Good [Original Mix]Smokingroove - Check Me Out [Original Mix]Jerico - House Music [Original Mix]Gabriel Palko - El Chiquillo [That Version]Jason Rivas & Bossa Del Chill - Noches Interminables [Original Mix]Groovebox - Latino Drums [Original Mix]Joyce Muniz & Shanti Roots - Cumbia Lolita [Original Mix]Jason Rivas & Flamenco Tokyo - A Tu Vera [Club Mix]Simon Hardy - Samba [Original Mix]Monika Kruse & Voodooamt - Highway No. 4 [Skober Remix]DJ Fronter - Urra! [Original Mix]Yvan Genkins - Brother [Original Mix]Jayforce - Take Me [Original Mix]Umek - Collinearity [Oscar L Remix]Ejeca - BAK2U [Original Mix]Kaiserdisco - Nine Tea's [Original Mix]3 Channels - Rucola Apocalypse [Original Mix]Cypress Hill - Boom Biddy Bye ByeBahamadia - SpontaneityOutkast - Jazzy BellePete Rock & CL Smooth - For Pete's SakeA Tribe Called Quest - Oh My GodDe La Soul - Eye KnowDr. Dre - Let Me RideWu-Tang Clan - M.E.T.H.O.D ManNotorious B.I.G - Machine Gun FunkEl Michels Affair - Duel of the Iron Mics

Spantaneeus aka: Span,Xtasty,Spantaneeus Xtasty started in the entertainment industry at the tender age of 5 yrs old starring in plays & print work modeling for children! As time went on at the age of 12 yrs old she became a fashion model in,Madrid Spain,at that tender age she looked more as an Adult then a 12 yr old with a very exotic look that many modeling agencies was seeking for! She would always keep up with her education & grades in school & during the summer she would be overseas modeling in the summer! Later she started to get into playing drums & music. She started her own band as a drummer doing gigs for a lot of colleges from east coast to west coast! She also was dancing & appearing in music video's for Rap Artist's for Ruffhouse Records & lots of people wanted to always see her as lead vocals for her band,so she started to go into the studio & start working on her rap vocals! She would be in the studio 8-10 hours per day practicing her vocals to perfection! Spantaneeus then started to get on tours opening up for, Chubb Rock & Mc Lyte Big Daddy Kane, Bizzy Bone from Bone Thugz & Harmony after that everyone started to talk about who was the female who shut the shows down,lyrically then every number 1 rap artist wanted,Spantaneeus to open up for them! So she end,up opening up for the Flavor Unit Tour with Queen Latifah,Blacksheep, Das Efx, Naughty By Nature, Apache,& Brothers of the Blackmarket from Select Records! After that tour she performed at the Jack The Rapper Convention in Atlanta,Ga then she got signed with Ichiban Records in Atlanta,Ga While being in Atlanta,Ga Tupac Shakur wanted to meet her,everyone was hearing about the female who was shutting down the stage! Tupac & Spantaneeus became best friends,then a romantic relationship then later he became her manager & signed her to his company,Thugz Mansion Management,as his only Female,artist under his,company! Spantaneeus was the 1st female rap artist signed to Ichiban Records who had other Artist's such as Curtis Mayfield & Mc Breed! Spantaneeus was signed with Ichiban Records for 5yrs but she got out of The contract because release dates for her album kept,changing! Throughout her career people always felt that she had the look to be a famous playboy movie star, someone she knew sent her photo to a major multi-million dollar playboy company in Hollywood,Ca! That company loved her look & they flew her to Cali & signed her under a contract,so Spantaneeus Xtasty the playboy movie star was created! So when Spantaneeus arrived to,Hollywood, a new star was born in 1995! Spantaneeus done 352 movies,won 9 Awards in The Adult Entertainment Industry! Spantaneeus is in the Hall of Fame,twice 2011 & 2012 at the UrbanXAwards in, Hollywood,Ca & The Players Hall of Fame in 2001 in New York City! Spantaneeus also received a LifeTime Achievement Award at The Music Global Award Show held in Philadelphia at the Africano TV Red Carpet Awards 2010! Spantaneeus movies sold 20 million globally & still selling today! She is now the,CEO for a major music company in Philadelphia & New York City called, Pleasure Life Music Publishing Inc.! With Artist's that she manages from,Philly & Nyc & also herself being a music artist,model & celebrity which she has crossed over to mainstream very successfully! Spantaneeus is the Most Followed on Twitter who has retired,from being a playboy movie star of a woman of color! Spantaneeus has been on the covers of,every playboy magazine in the industry! She has toured the world,USA from Japan, Germany,Spain,Canada,etc.......with sold out shows & in-store signings! She has done,show events for,"Make a Wish Foundation for Kids", worked with politicians & the Mayor of her city of Philadelphia! Spantaneeus also does lots of positive things to help the,homeless,churches & children of her city & The world! In 1997 Spantaneeus also appeared in the movie,Freeway with Brooke Shields that was in movie theatre's,HBO,Cinemax,& many other cable channels! Many people seen her on E Channel on the Howard Stern Show,that showed repeats many times!

STREAM or DOWNLOAD On this event-filled investigation Mista Montana and Menace do this: Minneapolis mouthpiece Slug,joins us to celebrate and explore Atmosphere's 8th full-length album "Southsiders", an ode to Minnesota and a testament to their illustrious and influential careers. We discuss its creation and explore the differences with their releases prior, specifically "The Family Sign", which he say's he made when he was in love. We also talk about their fans searching for hope in their music, the meaning behind their single "Kanye West", his highly anticipated album with Alchemist, of which he jokes will be called "Detox", Wu-Tang Clan's "Once Upon A Time In Shaolin" and much more. Everything is Awesome for rising Phoenixville, PA producer Vanderslice right now. New album. New label. New fans. We talk to the Demigodz affiliated producer about his latest release "Everything's Awesome" and everything between including his forthcoming music, which is set to include contributions from the likes of Roc Marciano, Freddie Gibbs, BJ The Chicago Kid, Troy Ave, Latoya Williams, Scarface, Anthony Hamilton, Merkules and more. We also touch on his new forthcoming project "My Neighbourhood", the Pen & Pixel era, Ron Jeremy and more. Awesome stuff! Apathy reports from the deep and dark hidden side of New England to detail his many upcoming projects, including "Connecticut Casual", an as of now untitled album with Celph Titled, a project with O.C. under the name Perestroika, a new Army Of The Pharoah's album, his oft delayed album with Diabolic and another solo album! We also talk the success of AOTP's new album "In Death Reborn", making it to number 63 in the Billboard chart, the visuals behind his latest video "The Grand Leveller", the misconceptions of him being a Free Mason, the disbanding of The Get Busy Committee and so much more. Bishop Nehru joinsus on the show fresh from his Nas co-signing to discuss his upcoming project "Nehruvian DOOM", a project he insists he can't describe better than its title. His goals of one day appearing in an episode of The Boondocks, the possibilities of working with Adult Swim and more in a passing chat with legends. President and co owner of Ruffhouse Records Joe Nicolo engages in a chronological history lesson, breaking down many of the legendary label's greatest and most defining achievements to date, reflecting back over such memories as the infamous Steady B and Cool C bank robbery, Schooly D blowing up studio speakers, Tim Dog's "Fu*k Compton"; making going to Compton a challenge, taking 'Shrooms with Cypress Hill during the mixing of "Hand On The Pump", working with Nas, The Fugees, The Goats, Kool Keith, clearing samples and so much more, in one of our favourite interviews to date. Classic! AND THAT'S NOT ALL! Mista Montana and Menace world premiere a pile of brand new songs, hand-passed to them at the CWR studio. ENJOY OUR MOVEMENTS! Contact:conspiracyworldwide@gmail.com

STREAM or DOWNLOAD On this event-filled investigation Mista Montana and Menace do this: Minneapolis mouthpiece Slug,joins us to celebrate and explore Atmosphere's 8th full-length album "Southsiders", an ode to Minnesota and a testament to their illustrious and influential careers. We discuss its creation and explore the differences with their releases prior, specifically "The Family Sign", which he say's he made when he was in love. We also talk about their fans searching for hope in their music, the meaning behind their single "Kanye West", his highly anticipated album with Alchemist, of which he jokes will be called "Detox", Wu-Tang Clan's "Once Upon A Time In Shaolin" and much more. Everything is Awesome for rising Phoenixville, PA producer Vanderslice right now. New album. New label. New fans. We talk to the Demigodz affiliated producer about his latest release "Everything's Awesome" and everything between including his forthcoming music, which is set to include contributions from the likes of Roc Marciano, Freddie Gibbs, BJ The Chicago Kid, Troy Ave, Latoya Williams, Scarface, Anthony Hamilton, Merkules and more. We also touch on his new forthcoming project "My Neighbourhood", the Pen & Pixel era, Ron Jeremy and more. Awesome stuff! Apathy reports from the deep and dark hidden side of New England to detail his many upcoming projects, including "Connecticut Casual", an as of now untitled album with Celph Titled, a project with O.C. under the name Perestroika, a new Army Of The Pharoah's album, his oft delayed album with Diabolic and another solo album! We also talk the success of AOTP's new album "In Death Reborn", making it to number 63 in the Billboard chart, the visuals behind his latest video "The Grand Leveller", the misconceptions of him being a Free Mason, the disbanding of The Get Busy Committee and so much more. Bishop Nehru joinsus on the show fresh from his Nas co-signing to discuss his upcoming project "Nehruvian DOOM", a project he insists he can't describe better than its title. His goals of one day appearing in an episode of The Boondocks, the possibilities of working with Adult Swim and more in a passing chat with legends. President and co owner of Ruffhouse Records Joe Nicolo engages in a chronological history lesson, breaking down many of the legendary label's greatest and most defining achievements to date, reflecting back over such memories as the infamous Steady B and Cool C bank robbery, Schooly D blowing up studio speakers, Tim Dog's "Fu*k Compton"; making going to Compton a challenge, taking 'Shrooms with Cypress Hill during the mixing of "Hand On The Pump", working with Nas, The Fugees, The Goats, Kool Keith, clearing samples and so much more, in one of our favourite interviews to date. Classic! AND THAT'S NOT ALL! Mista Montana and Menace world premiere a pile of brand new songs, hand-passed to them at the CWR studio. ENJOY OUR MOVEMENTS! Contact:conspiracyworldwide@gmail.com

Throughout the course of music history, there are certain artists that time simply refuses to forget. Their artistry has left such an indelible mark on the industry, far beyond what the gold and platinum standard can ever hope to measure. No matter how long their absence may be, it only seems to make the hearts of the listeners grow even fonder – eagerly awaiting their return. It’s safe to say that recording artist/ songwriter Glenn Lewis fits the description. His voice. His style. The unique way he effortlessly blends the sonic echoes of a bygone era with a soulful contemporary aesthetic, traversing an ocean of clichés in the process. With his forthcoming sophomore album Moment Of Truth on the venerable Ruffhouse Records, widely recognized for breaking the careers of successful multi-platinum period-defining artists such as The Fugees, Cypress Hill, Kriss Kross, and Ms. Lauryn Hill.  Raised in a West Indian household where R&B, soul, calypso, soca, and reggae shared equal space on the record shelf, music was an ever-present force during Glenn’s formative years. With his father being a member of popular Columbia Records vocal group Crack Of Dawn and his mother a singer-songwriter, the Toronto native was essentially destined to express himself through the gift of song.