Today we talk to Long Beach’s own Seafood Sam on the heels of releasing his latest Standing on Giant Shoulders . Sam discusses his legendary hometown and what it means to transcend the sound of the city. Over 8 albums in 5 years, we talk through Sam's prolific output and his evolution as a produce and songwriter. In addition, Sam gives a live in-studio performance of Rainboots & Ponchos. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holde...
Jul 31, 2024•26 min•Season 10Ep. 19
We’re sitting down with Tunji Ige to talk through his career from the blog days to today, coming up in Philly and how that creative community has shaped him as an artist, finding his sound and not being afraid to defy genre, what it has meant as a Nigerian American to see African artists be accepted worldwide, and his experience as a Grammy-nominated songwriter for his work on Khalid’s Location, amongst more. Plus an in-studio performance of his unreleased track "BUNNY RANCH." *Not 97 is powered...
Jul 25, 2024•32 min•Season 10Ep. 18
Rae Khalil joins the show as she gears up to release her debut album CRYBABY with Anderson .Paak's Ape.Shit. We talk to Rae about her introduction into music and how her career and creative process has evolved since we featured the track “Girlfriend” off her debut back in 2018. We discuss Rae’s experience on Netflix’s rap competition show Rhythm & Flow, working with and being Grammy nominated with .Paak, and her excellent debut record. Plus an exclusive performance of an unreleased track. *N...
Jul 18, 2024•23 min•Season 10Ep. 17
Chris Patrick joins us today to talk through his rapidly rising career from Jersey to Atlanta to LA. We talk through work ethic as Chris is one of the most hard working artists out now, we discuss his experience releasing music on EVEN and the value of sharing music directly with his fans, and what it has meant to have a community of like-minded artists to both support and motivate to go harder, amongst more. Plus a studio performance of his track "Barcelona." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard &...
Jul 11, 2024•26 min•Season 10Ep. 16
Peace Peace — our friend and former guest MoRuf joins the show as he rolls out his “Tiny Mic Raps Vol 1” and looks ahead to the next wave of his career. We talk through MoRuf’s long journey through the mixtape era, what Jersey means to him, coming up around legends like SZA, Jesse Boykins the 3rd, and Joshua Kissi, being a father, and what we can expect from his forthcoming project, MOOLODIC. Plus, a live in-studio performance of the track Naz Joint. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human...
Jun 27, 2024•41 min•Season 10Ep. 15
Erick The Architect joins us on the heels of releasing his latest “I’ve Never Been Here Before," his most honest, his most experimental, and his most free — featuring collaborations from Baby Rose, George Clinton, James Blake, Joey Badass, and more. We discuss Erick coming into his own as a producer and artist, how formative his family has been in shaping who he is, what he learned from the rise of the Flatbush Zombies, and his deep passion for design, amongst much more. *Not 97 is powered by Th...
Jun 20, 2024•31 min•Season 10Ep. 14
Fresh off releasing their debut solo project "Toothpick," we talk through Daisy World's rise in LA with the band DAISY and what this new era means to her going off on her own without the band. We discuss Daisy’s breakout feature on Tyler, The Creator’s "Call Me If You Get Lost" and how that moment fueled her confidence, building a whole world around her music through design, fashion, visuals, and more, and the value of showing the process, embracing the raw and vulnerable side of creativity. Amo...
Jun 13, 2024•29 min•Season 10Ep. 13
Over 5 years in the making, we finally sit with rising Atlanta rapper Kenny Mason. We introduced Kenny on NOT 97 back in 2018 and had him write a story for the first edition of NOT A Zine that same year. Kenny came to town on the heels of his latest project 9 and the Route 9 tour. We talk through Kenny’s growth since we first played his music on the show, signing with RCA, collaborating with legends, and touring the country. We discuss Kenny’s unwavering commitment to blurring boundaries and exp...
Jun 06, 2024•31 min•Season 10Ep. 12
Rapidly rising artist Joony joins the show to talk through his multi-dimensional sound and his prolific output dropping 5 albums in 2 years. We discuss the influence of Maryland and getting cosigns from artists like Brent Faiyaz and BLXST. Amongst more. Plus a live in-studio performance of “Cheap.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Le...
May 30, 2024•26 min•Season 10Ep. 11
Today's guest is making moves across the world for their breakout song "Slide" and the latest "Baddies" — Toronto’s own Sadboi. We discuss Sadboi’s career from releasing covers on YouTube and entering singing competitions as a young teen to being cosigned by Drake. We discuss her relationship with her mom who has helped manage and develop her career for years, releasing music under Ebhoni before reintroducing herself, Toronto’s multi-cultural influence, and her upcoming project “BARE CHAT.” Plus...
May 23, 2024•31 min•Season 10Ep. 10
Baltimore’s own Brandon Woody & his band Upendo have made a name for themselves across the world and have yet to drop an album. The trumpet virtuoso, band leader, and composer talks through his mindset in music and the importance of presenting art live to his audience. He breaks down his philosophy, thinking beyond genre, and working to express raw emotion & energy through sound. Amongst more. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their ri...
May 09, 2024•48 min•Season 10Ep. 9
Back in March when we launched this season, we threw an event at NuBlu to celebrate 10 Seasons and Boston-born Palestinian artist Neemz came down to perform with her band. We caught up with Neemz the day before the show to talk through her evolution in music since her start in 2020, we discuss her vision and what goes into creative directing all of her visuals, and representing herself and her culture as a proudly Palestinian artist, amongst more. Plus Neemz gives a high energy performance perfo...
May 02, 2024•49 min•Season 10Ep. 8
Today we’re joined by a very special guest — TDE’s own SiR, on the heels of releasing his latest, critically acclaimed album HEAVY. We talk through SiR’s journey from his debut Seven Sundays until now, the trial and tribulations of navigating this industry, and what this moment means to him, with his most vulnerable, introspective project to date. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. ...
Apr 25, 2024•19 min•Season 10Ep. 7
Queens-bred singer/songwriter Amal Zenab joins the show. We talk through Amal’s earliest memories making music, what inspired her to follow this dream, collaborating with Nathan Bajar on her latest body of work Safe & Sound and how that helped her find her own voice. As well, Amal performs BOSSA ANDALE for us. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter T...
Apr 18, 2024•23 min•Season 10Ep. 6
On today’s episode we’re joined by London’s own Shaé Universe. We sat down with Shaé back in February when she was in the midst of releasing her Valentine’s Day album “Love’s Letter.” We talked through the record and why this moment was important to put out a call for self-love. We tap into Shaé's history of going viral with covers on Twitter, how she’s gotten iconic features through genuine, organic connection, and what it means to work with the one & only Lalah Hathaway. Shaé also treats u...
Apr 11, 2024•24 min•Season 10Ep. 5
Today’s we're introducing the young, Toronto-born RNB upstart UNA MIA. Una is fresh off the heels of releasing her debut single "Lose You," with a breakout Colors performance. We talk through what it means to introduce yourself and your music to the world, Una’s journey as a classically trained Opera singer, finding her footing as a live performer, and more. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit p...
Apr 04, 2024•17 min•Season 10Ep. 4
Today’s episode features California newcomer Asha Imuno, on the heels of releasing his latest project, the debut “PINS & NEEDLES.” We talk through Asha’s journey in music since his days as a band kid, finding his voice, and balancing his place as a multi-faceted creative. As well, Asha gives an exclusive performance of “Watch My Step.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. *Not 97 ...
Mar 28, 2024•18 min•Season 10Ep. 3
Welcome back to NOT 97 on Today’s episode we link up with LA’s own Amindi to talk through her musical journey from her debut “nice” to 2023’s “Take What You Need.” Amindi talks through her vision for success, creative directing her own projects, and how to balance being true to yourself as a DIY artists and still knowing when to ask for help. Plus a live, in-studio performance of the standout track "green house." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ &...
Mar 21, 2024•20 min•Season 10Ep. 2
Welcome back to NOT 97 — this is Season 10! Today's episode featuring FELIX! Coming off the heels of being featured on the standout track "Upset" from Brent Faiyaz's latest album, FELIX! is the newest upstart from Brockton-based collective Van Buren Records. A creative Swiss Army knife, FELIX!'s music is a culmination of his past in design, fashion, and photography. His explosive singles "Paris Fashion Week," "Playboy," and "America Has A Problem" show an artist poised to take over in 2024. NOT ...
Mar 14, 2024•26 min•Season 10Ep. 1
Today’s episode has been a longtime coming, welcoming a dynamic duo we first introduced to our listeners back in 2018 with their song “How To Get By” — April + VISTA. The DC-natives recently released their collaborative EP with the legendary Swedish band Little Dragon. We talk about how that partnership came about, producing the record in Sweden, and their joint tour. We discuss the influence of the DMV & the DIY mentality that drives their artistry, as well as the importance of cherishing t...
Nov 30, 2023•40 min•Season 9Ep. 38
Today’s episode features an artist who we introduced earlier in the season during our episode with Kari Faux – a very special fellow Little Rock, Arkansas native by the name Rodney Chrome. We spoke with Rodney about how the south has shaped him and his music, his foundation as a dancer, queer representation in rap, and his undeniable belief in himself and his dreams. Plus an explosive in-studio performance of two unreleased songs: BBL & Serial Killer *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & H...
Nov 16, 2023•26 min•Season 9Ep. 37
Today we’re joined by Chicago’s own Femdot on the heels of dropping his latest mixtape "Free Samples Vol. 2" & kicking off his Free Samples headlining tour. We talk through the mixtape series and building towards his forthcoming album. We discuss the evolution of his writing style over the years as he’s sharpened his pen and become more comfortable telling intricate stories. And we talk through what it means to be a Chicago artist and following in the the legacy of those who have come before...
Nov 09, 2023•25 min•Season 9Ep. 36
On today’s episode we talk to New York’s own singer/songwriter, producer, & multi-instrumentalist Cisco Swank. Cisco discusses his early years being raised in a house filled with music & knowing he would pursue this life from an early age. We talk through his recent debut “MORE BETTER” as an introduction to Cisco as a fully formed artist blending genres and stepping into his own sound. Plus Cisco puts on an intimate performance of his track “Still Trying.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orcha...
Nov 02, 2023•18 min•Season 9Ep. 35
On today’s episode we welcome back the Gulf Coast’s own They Hate Change, coming off of a marathon year of tour — playing shows all over the world every since dropping their latest “Finally, New.” We talk through their mindset as they’ve opened for a range of artists from indie, to punk, to hip-hop, and more. How they prepare for their dynamic, highly coordinated live show and the many hip-hop duos they pull inspiration from, and discuss their most recent single “Stunt (When I See You).” Plus, D...
Oct 26, 2023•30 min•Season 9Ep. 34
Today’s episode is a special one — featuring seven interviews conducted live during the recent Digilogue Day music and tech festival hosted by Digilogue. We talked to NYLO XO about coming up in Chicago and producer her own music, Tymain Robbins on his latest project”Fashionably Late,” DZH putting New Jersey rap on the map, Lea The Leo about songwriting, Kerry Blu about starting his own grassoots festival, Florida’s Cedric Brazle on bringing real RNB back, and Prez Harris on opening for legends l...
Oct 23, 2023•51 min•Season 9Ep. 33
Welcome back to NOT 97 live from Digilogue Day, this is part two of our marathon live interviews as a part of Digilogue Day’s Music Discovery Media Hub. Part one includes conversations with budding artists from Nyla XO, to Tymain Robbins, DZH, and Lea The Leo. Here we have sit downs with Kerry Blu talking about organizing his own music festival, Cedric Brazle on how real RNB is here to stay, and Prez Harris on the art of the posse cut. Special thank you to the whole crew at Digilogue for invitin...
Oct 23, 2023•45 min•Season 9Ep. 34
Welcome back to NOT 97 — on today’s episode we sit down with UK newcomer Elmiene. Two years since going viral for covering D’Angelo, we talk through the journey from then till now, embracing the new life he’s living, getting cosigns & working with legends like Sampha, and his new project “Marking My Time” — out everywhere Friday, October 20th. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. ...
Oct 19, 2023•30 min•Season 9Ep. 32
Quick story time — back in December 2017 we played a song called “Alright With You” on NOT 97, featuring a raw, striking, unforgettable vocal performance. That voice was CS Armstrong — a Houston-born bluesman. Brought up in a deep tradition of gospel and soul, over the last few years Armstrong has made his mark on the music industry — cosigned by the likes of Dr. Dre, Lena Waith, Black Thought with placements in major motion pictures from Judas and The Black Messiah to Proud Mary. It’s been a lo...
Oct 12, 2023•33 min•Season 9Ep. 31
On today’s episode we catch up with Oakland’s King Isis, in town to perform at Afropunk. Isis talks through their budding career, carrying a musical family legacy that began with learning to play on her great grandmother’s piano at an early age. We talk through Isis’s debut EP scales released in March, and how their approach to songwriting has evolved as they look ahead to their sophomore project, Shed. Plus, King Isis gives a live in studio performance of “taste of you.” *Not 97 is powered by T...
Oct 05, 2023•17 min•Season 9Ep. 30
On today’s episode we sit down with Savannah, Georgia’s own Pote Baby. We introduced Pote to our audience on our Season Nine finale with his standout track “Do It 4 Pappy.” We talk through growing up in Savannah and what his hometown means to him, plus the importance of giving back and his own Pote Day — a city-certified, community-focused celebration for the city of Savannah. We discuss Pote’s consistency, his latest Yard Work Vol. 1 mixtape and what’s next. Plus Pote puts on a live in studio p...
Sep 28, 2023•27 min•Season 9Ep. 29
