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...
Jan 10, 2024•24 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 03, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Dec 27, 2023•11 min•Ep 50•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Dec 20, 2023•9 min•Ep 49•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Dec 18, 2023•22 min•Ep 48•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 15, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Dec 13, 2023•13 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Dec 06, 2023•20 min•Ep 46•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Nov 22, 2023•18 min•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Nov 15, 2023•17 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Nov 08, 2023•21 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Nov 01, 2023•12 min•Ep 42•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Oct 25, 2023•11 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 19, 2023•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Oct 18, 2023•8 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Oct 11, 2023•12 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Oct 04, 2023•15 min•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Sep 27, 2023•21 min•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Sep 20, 2023•15 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Sep 13, 2023•45 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Sep 08, 2023•17 min•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Sep 06, 2023•13 min•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Aug 30, 2023•16 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Aug 23, 2023•17 min•Ep 32•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Aug 16, 2023•21 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Aug 09, 2023•32 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast Dusty Henry revisits 1989 with the track “Cha Cha Cha” by MC Lyte. This hit single represents one of the first times when a woman broke the glass ceiling in hip-hop through training, collaboration, and her own genius. Written by Dusty Henry. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 02, 2023•10 min•Ep 29•Transcript available on Metacast Janice Headley revisits 1981 with the track “Rapture” by Blondie, who leveraged their celebrity to shine a spotlight on hip-hop. 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.
Jul 26, 2023•10 min•Ep 28•Transcript available on Metacast Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas team up to revisit the 2003 double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by Outkast. Since Big Boi and Andre 3000 each recorded their halves separately, we'll bring you two separate perspectives on the legacies of Outkast's founding duo. 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....
Jul 19, 2023•26 min•Ep 27•Transcript available on Metacast Larry Mizell Jr. revisits 1985 with the track "I Can't Live Without My Radio" by LL Cool J. This young upstart from Queens delivered the seminal anthem for a generation of boombox-lugging, D-battery draining peace-disturbers. Written by Larry Mizell Jr. Audio production by Emily Fox. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 12, 2023•15 min•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast 
