Kurt Cobain’s influence went beyond just the music he created with Nirvana. He also put the masses on to some of his own favorite artists. One particular document from his journals has been instructive to many fans – his top 50 albums. Each week, The Cobain 50 podcast digs into albums from this famous list and how they may have influenced Cobain and Nirvana. While learning the individual histories of the different albums on the list, we gain new insights into artists on the fringes as well as some of the biggest groups of all time. The podcast takes us through the legacies of acts like Sonic Youth, Pixies, The Breeders, Public Enemy, PJ Harvey, Black Flag, Mazzy Star, The Shaggs, Shonen Knife, and more. Episodes drop weekly starting January 10, 2024.
On this International Clash Day , Dusty Henry dives into Combat Rock by The Clash. Their music reminds us not to tolerate the injustice that the world throws at us. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy Nikpour Podcast manager: Isabel Khalili Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobain See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
In the inaugural roundtable of our series, Dusty Henry, Martin Douglas, and Albina Cabrera dive into Kurt Cobain's list. Although it features a lot of traditional punk music, the list traversed many genres in a time when music fans were more accustomed to "staying in their lane." Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producer: Roddy Nikpour Podcast manager: Isabel Khalili Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobain 00:00: Intro 06:09: Reflecting on Kurt’s list...
Janice Headley dives into Dying for It by The Vaselines (listed as Pink EP ). By the time Nirvana began covering their songs, The Vaselines had broken up. It was Kurt’s love for the Scottish indie-pop duo that reunited the pair and lifted them out of obscurity. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Written + Produced: Janice Headley Mixed + Mastered: Roddy Nikpour Podcast manager: Isabel Khalili Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobain See omnystudio.com/listener...
Dusty Henry dives into Surfer Rosa by The Pixies. It's arguably the most influential "alternative music" album of the 90s — not just for Nirvana, but artists worldwide. Surfer Rosa was Nevermind before Nevermind . Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy Nikpour Podcast manager: Isabel Khalili Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobain See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Martin Douglas kicks off the series by diving into Raw Power by The Stooges. It's no surprise this is the first album on Kurt's list considering the muscular drumming, the dirty bass, and the way the guitar sounds like it’s on fire — all key elements for Nirvana's sound. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producers: Martin Douglas and Roddy Nikpour Podcast manager: Isabel Khalili Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobain See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...
Each week, The Cobain 50 will dig into Kurt Cobain's famous list of his top 50 albums and how those artists influenced the sound of Nirvana. It’s also a chance to dig into the individual histories of the albums on the list, spotlighting both artists on the fringes and some of the biggest groups of all time. The list will take us through the legacies of acts like Sonic Youth, Pixies, The Breeders, Public Enemy, PJ Harvey, Black Flag, Mazzy Star, The Shaggs, Shonen Knife, and more. Hosts: Dusty He...
Martin Douglas concludes the series with a visit back to 2022 with the track “Pollo Rico” by billy woods. It’s a deeply intimate track, and the themes are almost as dense as the smoke that inspired him. Plus, host Larry Mizell Jr. sends us off with some parting thoughts. Written by Martin Douglas. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Janice Headley revisits the Cedar Park Jams, which kicked off in the spring of 1974. At this point, DJ Kool Herc’s parties became so popular that they outgrew his apartment on Sedgwick Avenue. Written by Janice Headley Audio production by Janice Headley Mixed and mastered by Roddy Nikpour Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Larry Mizell Jr. talks with DJ Supreme La Rock about the original way for compiling and sharing music in hip-hop's early days: "old school tapes." Thanks to global distribution via military deployment, they became foundational for hip-hop culture around the world. Interview by Larry Mizell Jr. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
This bonus episode takes you on a journey through the vibrant world of Latin American and diasporic female hip-hop artists. Albina Cabrera, host of KEXP's El Sonido podcast, delves into the rich tapestry of Latin culture's influence on the genre, showcasing how Latinx identity and activism are deeply embedded in the roots of rap in español. From iconic figures like Ana Tijoux and Mala Rodriguez to rising stars like MC Millaray and J Noa, this scene is highlighting the intersection of feminism, I...
Martin Douglas revisits 2011 with the track “Thuggin’” by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib. The story behind this track involves a comeback from the streets, the power of collaboration, and on top of it all: pure luck. Written by Martin Douglas. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Martin Douglas revisits 1999 with an overview of The Alchemist's career, alongside a parallel story of Martin's reignited passion for making beats of his own. Written by Martin Douglas. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Larry Mizell, Jr. revisits 1988 with Nasty Nes Rodriguez, a DJ formerly based in Seattle. Together, they explore the proliferation of hip-hop in the Pacific Northwest through the power of radio and the one-and-only Sir Mix-a-Lot. Interview by Larry Mizell, Jr. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Dusty Henry revisits 1996 with the album 3 'n the Mornin' (Part Two) by DJ Screw. The record was a culmination of a movement Screw started from his bedroom: his trademark “chopped and screwed” sound and a unifying moment for Houston’s then-emerging hip-hop scene. Written by Dusty Henry. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Roddy Nikpour talks with Chris Read, head of content at WhoSampled, about four iconic tracks from 1990: "U Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer, "Can I Kick It?" by A Tribe Called Quest, "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy, and "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice. Each of them incorporates iconic samples, so we're unpacking the culture of sampling in hip-hop, as well as misconceptions behind the craft. Written and produced by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hi...
Dusty Henry revisits 2007 with the track "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" by Soulja Boy. This iconic hit and its accompanying dance ushered in a new era for hip-hop and defined “ringtone rap” and the concept of "going viral." Written by Dusty Henry. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Martin Douglas revisits 1998 with the track “Ha” by Juvenile. Where we come from is an inevitable part of the stories we tell and the art we make. Juvenile’s career is packed with the rich culture of the city that made him: New Orleans, Louisiana. Written by Martin Douglas. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
During KEXP’s fall fund drive, discover the variety of music podcasts we produce at KEXP and hear some of our favorite clips from each one. We’re thankful to the thousands of amplifiers who already donate to KEXP, building the foundation for our community of storytelling, and we want you to join them with a one-time donation or a recurring gift! 50 Years of Hip-Hop: https://www.kexp.org/podcasts/50-years-of-hip-hop/ El Sonido: https://www.kexp.org/podcasts/el-sonido/ Fresh off the Spaceship: htt...
Janice Headley revisits 1992 with the track “Tennessee” by Arrested Development. It's a Grammy-Award-winning single inspired by grief on an immediate level — as well as an intergenerational level. Written and produced by Janice Headley. Mixed and mastered by Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To celebrate Indigenous People's Day, Kevin Sur revisits 2014 with the album Sheplife by Briggs. Emily Fox talks with KEXP's Kevin Sur, host of Sounds of Survivance, to unpack the music and advocacy of this Aboriginal rapper. Produced by Emily Fox and Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, Dusty Henry takes us back to 1982 with the track “Bam Bam” by Sister Nancy. Her story is one of innovation: how Jamaican tradition contributed to hip-hop stylings that are still popular today. It's also a story of unrecognized talent: how decades passed before Sister Nancy finally received the recognition she deserved. Written by Dusty Henry. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Janice Headley takes us back to 1976 with an exclusive interview with graffiti artist Lee Quiñones. He and his crew, The Fabulous Five, made history by tagging a ten-car train in a single night. Written and produced by Janice Headley. Mixed and mastered by Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas revisit 1995 with the track “Shook Ones, Pt. II” by Mobb Deep, who we’ll hear from in this episode. After shaking off the commercial flop of their first album, their DIY mentality set them up for success with their sophomore album, which features one of the most recognizable rap songs in history. Written by Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Larry Mizell Jr. revisits 2008, a pivotal year in the rise (and fall) of Kanye West. As a standout producer and Black icon, his gradual alignment with far-right ideologies has affected how we talk about hip-hop, Blackness, and mental health. Joining the conversation are Martin Douglas, Stas THEE Boss, DJ Yaddy, and Christy Karefa-Johnson (DoNormaal). Audio engineering and production by Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Isabel Khalili talks with two members of DAM, Tamer and Maysa, about their influences, the themes from Ben Haana Wa Maana , as well as the power (and limitations) of hip-hop as a tool for change. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Isabel Khalili revisits 2019 with the album Ben Haana Wa Maana by the Arabic hip-hop pioneers DAM. The group formed more than 20 years ago when they saw what hip-hop was doing in the U.S., tapped into its power, and used it as a vehicle for change in their home across the world in Palestine. Written by Isabel Khalili. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Vitamin D and Supreme La Rock join Larry Mizell Jr. to revisit 1984, a year so foundational in hip-hop history that we couldn’t focus on just one artist. Engineering assistance by Dusty Henry. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Roddy Nikpour and Martin Douglas revisit 2009 with an earworm: the Reese’s Puffs rap. From cereal to sneakers, we'll explore how hip-hop’s commercial success made it a useful marketing tool. Written by Roddy Nikpour and Martin Douglas. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dusty Henry revisits 2004 with the track "All Caps" by Madvillian, the brainchild of MF DOOM and Madlib. These two underground legends brought two coasts together in the name of depravity. Written by Dusty Henry. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
KEXP’s DJ Supreme La Rock talks with the renowned DJ Hollywood, who was there when it all started in 1973. Hip-hop fans are quick to celebrate a certain party in the Bronx as the “official” birthday, but DJ Hollywood reminds us that there was so much more brewing in New York that led to the birth of this worldwide movement. Engineered by Dusty Henry. Produced by Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
