In solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and in support of our community, we pushed the season six finale back until today. Before you listen to this episode we encourage you to research and donate to organizations dedicated to uplifting and empowering black communities and voices. We encourage you to sign petitions and contact your local elected officials to defund the police and hold racist police officers accountable for their actions. And if you can, safely, we encourage you to mak...
Jun 08, 2020•1 hr 23 min•Season 6Ep. 10
On our latest edition of Not 97 quarantine edition — recorded live on Twitch — we're joined by Andrew Barber, the founder and owner of Chicago’s wildly influential music blog Fake Shore Drive, as well as a manager, producer, curator, and more. Andrew did what he does best and shed light on two of Chicago’s most exciting up and comer — DAWEIRDO & Chris Crack. We explore new sounds from across the world with artists like Meer, pushing the limits of hip hop — as well as a Puerto Rico’s Buscabul...
May 18, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Season 6Ep. 9
We're back with another edition of Not 97's Quarantine Sessions, recorded live on our Twitch account. Today's episode features Sidney Madden, an influential editor and producer at NPR Music. Sidney introduces a powerful unreleased track from Kayla Steen. We dive into the sounds of two budding African music scenes with a dance-ready delivery from Ghana’s Odartei and an infectious single from Nigerian artist Merry Lynn. Tasha delivers a heart wrenching ode to black womanhood on “Lullaby”, In Kind ...
May 04, 2020•53 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Settling into our new normal, we're back with another episode recorded live on Twitch featuring Kei Henderson, a prolific figure in Atlanta’s music scene, a Grammy award winning manager for her work with 21 savage, and the president of Since The 80s. Kei introduces Dead Cassettes and their explosive genre bending-sound on the unreleased song "RNA in our DNA," as well as 16-year old Atlanta artist Metro Marrs. We spin a laid back delivery from Mileena, and a powerful track from Azekel. Tavi Monte...
Apr 20, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Today’s episode is unlike any we’ve ever released. As the world battles the Coronavirus, we weren’t able to record as normal this week. Instead we recorded this episode live on Twitch and were joined by Melanie McClain, Secretely Group’s Publishing A&R. Forgive the shoddy audio, shaky connection, and any other hiccups you may hear — the music goes on. Melanie introduced Serena Isioma, a captivating young talent from her hometown of Chicago, as well as a dynamic, dance ready delivery from Uga...
Apr 06, 2020•57 min•Season 6Ep. 6
This week on Not 97 we're joined by prolific New York DJ KittySayWord. Kitty introduces a contagious new track from the UK’s own Cadenza featuring Kasien, as well as a beautiful offering from the Venezuela-born singer-songwriter Maye. We discuss rich, dynamic deliveries from Chicago’s Mother Nature and Harlem’s Foushee, Jeremy Sullivan gets added to the ever-growing cleaning playlist, we introduce James Bambu’s breathtaking voice, and the synthetic soul of Chiiild, amongst much more. 01 "Dreams"...
Mar 16, 2020•59 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Kiesh Herman joins us at the Noah store today. With years of experience working in the advertising world and music industry, Kiesh is currently the head of social media and digital marketing at Glassnote records. Kiesh introduces Queen’s own Prince SAMO and his new sound on "Windy," as well as the Bay Area-born Nappy Nina. Toronto’s Rodney boasts an ode to summer, Pip Millett falls in love on "Contact," and K Roosevelt learns patience on "Slow." We get lost in a dream with London’s Ezria & d...
Mar 02, 2020•57 min•Season 6Ep. 4
On today's episode we're joined by our friend Sharell Jeffrey. Sharell is an influential social media manager, digital and music marketing professional, as well as an artist manager. Sharell introduces her longtime friend An Capone, as well as a track from Kay Wht remixed by the producer Larce Blake. We dive into London’s illustrious jazz scene with Bryony Jarmon-Pinto, we spin a recent stand out from Seattle production duo Nile Waters, and a playful groove by the Bay Area’s Garren Sean. We hit ...
Feb 17, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Today's episode features The Carlyle—a man of many talents from manager, to A&R, to director, and more. Carlyle introduces two New York up & comers — Nesta, and his bright & bouncy Benjis, as well as Zero McKenzi’s lively, jazz-infused Artwork. We talk off-kilter pop with Weslee, the weighted soul sounds of Brandon Banks & Giveon, a devastating delivery from DWY, & and explosive track from UK rapper Pa Salieu, amongst much more. 01 "it's okay to be alone" by Jaso 02 "Benjis" ...
Feb 03, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Season Six kicks off with New Jersey-born, LA-based singer/songwriter Love Mansuy. It's been a long time coming with Love—ever since his single "Mine" was featured in Not 97 3.11. Love was also interviewed in the debut edition of Not A Zine, discussing his experiences as an artist and young father—a common theme in his music. Love introduces the powerful and soulful sounds of Umi Copper as well has his friend and collaborator Sean Matsukawa. We discuss Greensboro’s own 5-piece afropunk outfit Bl...
Jan 20, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 1
For Season Five's finale we invited our friend Nick Hakim—the prolific Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter, producer—to join us at the Noah store. With pure curiosity and a dedication to uplifting talented young voices, Nick introduces us to the multifaceted performer and producer Keiyaa as well as an explosive young New York rapper and artist named Masaii. Dave Jonze comes back from his Swedish sabbatical to close the season with producer Dylan Sitts, we talk Brijean and her unmatched percussion ...
Aug 19, 2019•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 10
On Season Five Episode Nine we sit down with Timmhotep Aku, former editor of Pitchfork’s hip hop vertical Levels, NPR, and now Afropunk. Timm introduces the forward thinking hip hop styling of Slauson Malone and Pink Siifu, as well as unknown London group Sault and their modern, retro sound. We talk Melbourne funk outfit First Beige, and dive into the conceptual world of Jadu Heart. Rashaad brings the latest release from legendary producer and lyricist Snubnose Frankenstein, Genesis talks London...
Aug 05, 2019•54 min•Season 5Ep. 9
For today's episode we welcomed Katherine Friedland, the touring manager of the prolific indie record label Mom+Pop. We also welcome back friend and former guest Juicy Jackie to take over while Genesis is out of town. Katherine brings to the table Arthur Moon and their unique brand of off-kilter pop. We introduce multi-faceted New Orleans artist Sol Galeano, a raw, contagious delivery from California’s AntiHana, and the hypnotic sounds of Kadhja Bonet. Amongst much more. 01 "Time" by Ian Kirby 0...
Jul 22, 2019•51 min•Season 5Ep. 8
The latest episode of Not 97 features Anthony Blue Jr. aka Stonie Blue, one of the most in demand DJs in New York, as well as a talented producer, graphic artist, photographer and more. Blue introduces us to Atlanta's Dos Global, as well as "Sounds Fire," a track he produced from lyricist Jazmin LaBrie. We discuss Kaiya Crawford's strong and subtle single "Sell It," the genre-bending, forward-facing sounds of WOLFE De MICHLS, and break down the global, musical impact of the african diaspora thro...
Jul 08, 2019•56 min•Season 5Ep. 7
On today's episode we welcome Athena Koumis to the table. Athena is the current Head of Music Culture and Curation at XITE and former editor at Spotify. We go deep on a range of sounds like London’s 10 piece avant-Jazz collective SEED Ensemble, to New York’s own genre defying band IGBO. We discuss a mesmerizing delivery from the Long Island band Mr Twin Sister, and a cutting, deeply personal demo from an artist named Chris Miles. We bop with Claud’s “If I Were You,” ride with Slowya.Roll’s “Brok...
Jun 24, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 6
We're halfway through season five, and today we're joined by prolific hip hop journalist Regina Cho, known for her work with Billboard, Genius, Hot 97, and more. Cho delivers with two local NYC artists — an explosive young lyricist named Asoh Black! & a smooth, subtle vocalist named Jus. We discuss up-and-coming Chicago wordsmith Brittney Carter, left field England five piece AlaskaAlaska, as well as the track "Road Safety," a piercingly sweet offering from Boston-based Cehryl. Amongst much ...
Jun 10, 2019•52 min•Season 5Ep. 5
For our second episode live from Noah NY we welcome Noisey and Vice Music staff writer Kristin Corry. Corry introduces LA-based Dijon and his rich, daring brand of RnB. We play “Mockingbird,” the deeply personal, graceful debut delivery from London’s Uma. We discuss Kwaku Asante’s infectious new single “Say Goodbye,” as well as introduce budding Chicago’s collective Dial Up and their journey of a track “Promo/Lyft Home,” amongst much more. 01 "Fine" by Urbanation 02 "Bad Luck" by Dijon 03 "Mocki...
May 27, 2019•52 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Today's episode is a special episode, featuring a new team and a new home. Dave has gone on sabbatical in Sweden and we’ve welcomed back our friend and former guest, Def Jam publicist Genesis Garcia, to hold his seat. We've also found ourselves a new home, recording live from the Noah store in Soho. Today we’re joined by Brandon Jinx Jenkins, a multi-hyphenate creative and influential cultural voice. We talk East & West coast hip-hop styles with Villain Park, Solomon Faye, and Maxo. We parse...
May 13, 2019•52 min•Season 5Ep. 3
This is a special episode of Not 97, featuring an artist who we played on season one episode one — Chidi Himself. Chidi shares an unreleased track with us, as well as introduces London-based friend and frequent collaborator MTMBO. He also plays a Soundcloud find of his own, California's own Denyah. We discuss Berlin's J. Lamotta's and her playful, dynamic delivery "Back In Town," as well as the shadowy raps of unknown UK artist Saxon. Joy Crookes croones through the instant classic "Don't Let Me...
Apr 29, 2019•50 min•Season 5Ep. 2
We're kicking off our fifth season with New York's own Brandon Payano—a writer, editor, and the US A&R for the influential Youtube show Colors. Yano introduces a bold, mesmerizing track from Toronto's Adria Kain, as well as an intricately woven delivery from up & coming rapper Myquale. We debut the raw, subtle sounds of Riverside, California's Brandon, an explosive new song from soon-to-be pop sensation Destiny Rogers, and dip into the time-worn tradition of Americana blues from Canada's...
Apr 15, 2019•56 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Season four finishes strong, featuring one of our biggest guest yet — The Roots' own Captain Kirk Douglas! Kirk introduces us to his own flesh and blood, the 13-year-old Yung Ski Mask, along with his childhood friend: San Fransisco folk force Alabaster Adams. We dive into the deep soul of Kingsley Ibeneche, dig through the multi-faceted sounds of lyricists like Cain Casket and Serious Klein, as well as ride with the street-wise words of Granata. 01 "To The Citadel" by Kingsley Ibeneche 02 The Ki...
Feb 18, 2019•58 min•Ep. 37
Today's episode is a special one. Featuring "Juicy" Jackie Carrasco — a project manager at Lola Media Group and the founder of For The Creatives gallery — we're recording live from Kinfolk 90. Jackie digs deep with a young man from Maine named Sam Knight and his ear-catching brand of left field pop. RaShaad follows that up with the like-minded Public Library Commute and their East Coast dreams of "California." We ride with Lex Amor's "Mood," get lyrical with Rae Khalil, and hear the wildest "Mam...
Feb 04, 2019•56 min•Ep. 36
Vira Byramji joins us on today's episode. Vira was formerly assistant manager at the legendary Electric Lady Studio. She’s an audio engineer and the founder of the music industry networking event Now What! Energy starts high with an explosive young lyricist named Zhalarina. Vira introduces beat-maker and producer Space People with his collaboration with NY-bred spitter Nasty Nigel. We dip back to London with Nine8 Collective’s “No Smoke,” go big with Cumulus’s “Retreat,” float off with Melanie C...
Jan 21, 2019•58 min•Ep. 35
Gabe 'Nandez—the raw New York rapper—joins us on today's episode. Those that attended our Not A Showcase in October already know 'Nandez's sharp talent. The multi-cultural rapper discusses growing up around the world and the craft of creating music as a bilingual artist. Gabe introduces us to his longtime friend and frequent collaborator Ibekelia, as well as the street wise Rochester rapper Rigz. We sample London's young, genre-bending scene with captivating tracks from Osquello, KiLLOWEN, and I...
Jan 07, 2019•55 min•Ep. 34
We're joined today by Nigil Mack, Republic Records' Vice President of A&R, who has spent years in the industry and played a critical role in the careers of Kid Cudi, DRAM, and more. Nigil introduces Virginia-born crooner Marco McKinnis and Queens-bred up and comer Deem Spencer. We talk through the dynamic, ever expanding sounds of global hip hop with artists like Ireland’s Biig Piig and London’s Deji Okeze. And Berlin’s Gianni Mae stuns in her latest “They Say.” Amongst much more. 01 "Raze :...
Dec 24, 2018•53 min•Ep. 33
Our friend Arpan Somani comes to the table today. Arpan works in brand partnerships at SoundCloud, co-runs the Brooklyn-based independent newspaper Hands, as well as manages Jachary, whose music was previously featured on the show. Arpan introduces us to the lush melodies of two New York newcomers: Bathe & Rum.Gold. We introduce an electrifying, genre-blending offering from Berlin’s Tuftyhead, a raw, nostalgic track from Ojerime, as well as a menacing and yet playful delivery from Chicago’s ...
Dec 10, 2018•53 min•Ep. 32
Today's episode features Yohana Zecarias. Yohana is a multi-faceted producer working in the music industry. Her most recent work was as a producer for Black Thought's latest music video "Conception." Today’s episode is heavy with harmony from Atlanta’s Cousins to Tennessee’s Lauren McClinton. We go exploring with off kilter jungle jazz outfit Safari Williams, get deep with Olu Bliss’s sentimental soul, and hit a few grooves with the multi-national music duo Extremely Bad Man. 01 "Comfortable" by...
Nov 26, 2018•50 min•Ep. 31
This is season four episode three with Jayda B — Jayda is a DJ, a manager for our friend and artist DUVV, and the US community manager for Amuse.io — the free music distribution company and record label that sponsored our debut "Not A Showcase" last month. Today’s episode features jazz, and a lot of it, from new comers to season vets with Theo Hill to Ray Angry. Jayda talks is through her years living in Tokyo with local DJ Shigge and his track “Hit The Ceiling.” We hear NY’s new soul stand out ...
Nov 12, 2018•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 30
Mike Herard is a product of New York's music scene. Herard is an A&R at Shady Records, the founder of Beat Hustle, and a manager for The Last Artful, Dodgr as well as a number of up-and-coming artists. Since coming up in the early 90s in Queens, Herard has been an integral part of New York's hip hop scene. Herard introduces a sensational young Haitian-American producer, singer, and songwriter from Florida named Beni Moun, as well an explosive local rapper named Topprraaa. Georgia lyricist Co...
Oct 29, 2018•53 min•Ep. 29
Welcome back to NOT 97. This is season four's debut episode featuring New York / Seoul-based alternative RnB artist DUVV. We kick off season four with "Oro," a playful, cinematic delivery from Mexican-American duo Reyna Tropical. DUVV introduces former Grateful Dead cover band Circles Around The Sun and their journey of a song "Immovable Objects." Brooklyn's HDBeenDope spits his heart out on "For The Record." Toronto's Untradition shows talent wise beyond his humble beginnings on "New Drugs," an...
Oct 15, 2018•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 28
