#FullBlastBooking #KennyMercer #DeuceBug #Cappadonna #GhostfaceKillah #Raekwon #GZA #WuTangClan #WuTang #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Therapy #MentalHealthConnecticut #MentalHealthAmerica #Redman #KRSOne #Onyx #KoolGRap #RahDigga #RomeStreetz #38Spesh #Nems #Cormega #LLCoolJ #Punk #HardcorePunk #ThinkDifferently #AesopRock #DefJux #DefinitiveJux #MobbDeep #JudgementNight #IceT #SickOfItAll #SonicYouth #CypressHill #PearlJam #DelTheFunkyHomosapien #DinosaurJr #Biohazard #Slayer #RusteJuxx #RasKass #HalfDecent #RATheRuggedMan #TourForLife

DMC (of Run DMC) talks origins of hip hop and what was missing from the 50 years of hip hop celebrations. Friday, March 21, 2025 at Royale in Boston, Massachusetts 🎥 @etows 🎙️ #VanStylez at @ianvanzile for #BigDookieChain #DMC #RunDMC #Rap #HipHop #OldSchoolHipHop #90sHipHop #80sHipHop #BoomBap #GoldenEraHipHop #HipHopCulture #DarrylMcDaniels #RevRun #JosephSimmons #JamMasterJay #DJHurricane #KingOfRock #DookieRope #DookieChain #TruckJewelry #Boombox #Rock #Reggae #Funk #RnB #RhythmAndBlues #Jazz #Disco #Emcee #DJ #GrandmasterFlash #TheFuriousFive #GrandWizzardTheodore #RappersDelight #ComicBooks #KurtisBlow #ChristmasRappin #TheBreaks #RussellSimmons #SuckerMCs #StJohnsUniversity #SaintJohnsUniversity #AfrikaBambaataa #RollingStone #HipHop50 #DJKoolHerc #KoolHerc #Breakdancing #Graffiti #KoolMoeDee #TreacherousThree #FunkyFourPlusOne #SoulsonicForce #JazzyFive #Nas #50YearsOfHipHop #ReggieReg #CrashCrew #ColdCrushBrothers #UniversalZuluNation #ZuluNation #BlackSpades #ChuckD #PublicEnemy #MelleMel #TheMessage #Scorpio #Aerosmith #WalkThisWay #Maktub #MakTube #MakTubeMedia

Rap radio royalty Gee Spin pulled up to the studio for a brand new episode of the Big Dookie Chain🎙️ A hip hop hometown hero here in Boston, Gee Spin started The Launch Pad at JAM’N 94.5 🚀 On a global scale he assembled the World’s Most Dangerous Morning Show: The Breakfast Club☕️ Most recently, you’ve heard him curating vibes on Drake’s Sound 42 OVO Sound Radio on @siriusxm 📡 But trust, there’s way more to the story. In this 2.5 hour deep dive, we cover it all‼️ Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the #BDC studio in Weymouth, Massachusetts 🎬 #BigDookieChain podcast featuring: - #HushHarding IG: @hushharding (producer) - #VanStylez IG: @ianvanzile (host) - #Tash IG: @fcurtschilling (host) #GeeSpin #DjGeeSpin #Rap #HipHop#HipHopCulture #BostonHipHop #NewEnglandHipHop #Radio #Jamn #Jamn945 #LaunchPad #TheLaunchPad #BreakfastClub #TheBreakfastClub #Sound42 #OVO #OVOSoundRadio #SiriusXM #KurtisBlow #RunDMC #TLaRock #DefJam #LLCoolJ #KanyeWest #ChanceTheRapper #KoolGRap #DJKoolHerc #KoolHerc #AfrikaBambaataa #RappersDelight #TheMessage #GrandmasterFlash #MagnusJohnstone #LeccosLemma #EricB #Rakim #WERS #WendyWilliams #DJClarkKent #KidCapri #DooWop #ChildrensStory#KRSOne #NewKidsOnTheBlock #TheSource #UnsignedHype #TheHighAndMighty #LeedzEdutainment #Akrobatik #MrLif #7LAndEsoteric #Nas #ILLmatic #AllenIverson #CherryMartinez #DJRoyBarboza #GSquared #LilNasX #VanillaIce #JustinTimberlake #Beyonce #CrazyInLove #MaryJBlige #BeWithoutYou #SummerJam #BobbyShmurda #ClintonSparks #iHeartRadio #StretchAndBobbito #FunkFlex #FunkmasterFlex #KaySlay #DJKaySlay #Termanology #Questlove #TheRoots #DBlock #RadioPersonality #RKelly #Aaliyah #Ramiro #MasterP #SilkkTheShocker #Wyclef #WyclefJean #Nelly #SeanPaul #Onyx #OnAndOn #DJOnAndOn #Papoose #RemyMa #MobbDeep #LaunchPadCypher #MisterCee #Fugees #ATribeCalledQuest #TheBackInTheDayBuffet #BackInTheDayBuffet #BackNTheDayBuffet #EdLover #DjClue #Charlamagne #CharlamagneThaGod #AngelaYee #PaulRosenberg #Shade45 #DjEnvy #RayJ #SouljaBoy #Birdman #Timbaland #ChrisBrown #MichaelJordan #LeBronJames #TrippieRedd #Drake #KendrickLamar #TheGrammys #PeteRock #CLSmooth #FrankieBeverly #Maze #BeforeILetGo #FatmanScoop #DJEDubble #PARTYNEXTDOOR #2Pac #Tupac #DearMama

The Source Magazine! #BigDookieChain #Benzino #TheSource

🎙️ Had the one and only Suave-Ski in the studio for a brand new episode of The Big Dookie Chain! Suave is amongst the top-tier of Connecticut recording artists representing the state right now. 🏆 Suave was named a CT Arts Hero (2021) and made Connecticut Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 (2022) — not just for his music, but for his community work through Artflame, his nonprofit teaching teens about publishing rights + royalties. 🎥 On top of being a recording artist, he’s also a phenomenal videographer, graphic designer, and web developer, connecting artists of all disciplines through his Creative Konnection marketing company. You might’ve seen him on tour with Chris Webby or Apathy (he considers himself an honorary Demigod 👑), and now he’s gearing up for the #Snowgoons 25th Anniversary Tour in Europe! 🔥 Peep the full interview — this one’s packed with gems. Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the #BDC studio in Weymouth, Massachusetts 🎬 #BigDookieChain podcast featuring: - #HushHarding on Instagram at @hushharding (producer) - #VanStylez on Instagram at @ianvanzile (host) - #Tash on Instagram at @fcurtschilling (host) #SuaveSki #SuaveMob #ConnecticutHipHop #ANoyd #ChrisWebby #Apathy #Demigodz #ArmyOfThePharaohs #AOTP #CelphTitled #Videographer #Fabolous #AND1 #MPC #ChoppedAndScrewed #PaulWall #BunB #SlimThug #Sizzurp #TexasChristianUniversity #ChoppedAndScrewed #Chamillionaire #RickRoss #JacksonWheeler #LensForHire #LittleVic #Blacastan #RickyPowell #Nas #iLLmatic #JohnMayer #TheSkinnyBoys #AllCity #FuegoBase #Ceschi #LosFidel #Nox #NoxBeatz #CreativeKonnection #Artflame #Eminem #Guru #GangStarr #KoolGRap #LordSko #BLPKosher #GraphicDesign #Snowgoons

Episode 46 of the Big Dookie Chain podcast features the legendary Raymond Scott, aka Benzino! 🔥 This one’s a must-watch! Our plan was to dive deep into The Source, and we definitely did that—exploring its history and all the impactful moments. It was a dope conversation! Things got heated at one point, and we had to cut the cameras, but we pushed through and finished strong. It was touch-and-go for a while though. But the friction is sure to keep you, the viewer, on the edge of your seat, so we'll call it a win overall! Benzino never disappoints—always bringing that fire! If you missed our previous interview with him, be sure to check that one out too. Trust me, this one’s a whole different vibe… You don’t want to miss it! Tune in and let us know your thoughts! #BigDookieChain #Podcast #Benzino #TheSource

Hush Harding steps out from behind the boards here at the Big Dookie Chain! A true Hush of all trades; the composer, coder, producer, director, engineer, graphic designer, videographer, and rapper reclaims His thrown in the spotlight 🤩 💫 👑 The wait is over. The moment is now. The return is undeniable (although really, he never left) 🫡 Friday, January 10, 2025 at the #BDC studio in Weymouth, Massachusetts 🎬 #BigDookieChain podcast featuring: - #HushHarding at @hushharding (producer) - #VanStylez at @ianvanzile (host) - #Tash at @fcurtschilling (host) #HushHarding #Hush #Rap #HipHop #IndieHipHop #UndergroundHipHop #BoomBap #HipHopCulture #BostonHipHop #NewEnglandHipHop #Weymouth #Quincy #Massachusetts #SouthShore #2Pac #Biggie #NotoriousBIG #PuffDaddy #Diddy #BadBoy #BadBoyRecords #JNCO #JNCOJeans #Awol #RepTheBean #HipHopBlogs #Blogs #GenerationalGap #GenerationGap #GreatestHits #Eminem #GangstaRap #BattleRap #RapBattles #Charron #DissTracks #Gravity #GrindTime #Photoshop #Computers #Cypher #RapCypher #Cassidy #Daylyt #JCole #RapGod #Producer #MusicProducer #Engineer #SoundEngineer #JuiceWRLD #KevinGates #Slaine #Moroney #DjDeadeye #Acting #Actor #LouisBell #PostMalone #Termanology #GoneBabyGone #TheTown #MattDamon #BenAffleck #CaseyAffleck #TheInstigators #GoodBurger #GoodBurger2 #Maktub #MakTube #MakTubeMedia

Had DJ Rasheed in the studio twice recently to share his wild story!  In the late ‘80s, Rasheed was part of an R&B/pop group called The Superiors, with his uncle being the legendary Maurice Starr, who’d just discovered New Edition. Starr produced The Superiors’ “Step By Step” in 1987, which was released by Motown. But after Motown fell apart, so did The Superiors. Years later, Starr gave the same “Step By Step” track to his new group, New Kids On The Block, who turned it into their biggest hit, making it their signature song.   How many know that “Step By Step” was originally by The Superiors? If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Part 1 of our interview with DJ Rasheed, where we dive into all the juicy details and much more! What we didn’t expect was the massive backlash that followed! After the livestream, Rasheed was bombarded with messages and phone calls, including a cease-and-desist request from a law firm demanding we remove sections of the interview about “Step By Step” and New Kids on the Block! Honestly, we were hoping for that cease-and-desist letter from the New Kids lawyers— we’ve already picked out a spot on the studio wall for it and everything. Maybe it’s still in the mail? Fingers crossed 🤞. Here in Part 2, Rasheed takes us through the fallout from Part 1, confronting the crisis head-on and giving us the inside scoop on what happened next! Sunday, January 12, 2025 at the #BDC studio in Weymouth, Massachusetts 🎬 #BigDookieChain #podcast featuring: - #HushHarding at @hushharding (producer) - #VanStylez at @ianvanzile (host) - #Tash at @fcurtschilling (host) #DJRasheed #RasheedSequeira #TheSuperiors #Superiors #NewKidsOnTheBlock #NKOTB #StepByStep #MauriceStarr #MusicIndustry #RecordingIndustry #MusicBusiness #RnB #NewEdition #BoyBand #Motown #MotownRecords #Maktub #MakTube #MakTubeMedia

Had the heavyweight Dj Rasheed into the studio twice over the past two weeks ✌️ Why twice? Well, because the story he had to tell was wild! Here’s a taste 👅 👇 It’s the late 80s and Rasheed is a member of an RnB/pop crossover group called The Superiors. Rasheed’s uncle is none other than the legendary Maurice Starr 🤩 Starr, who had recently discovered New Edition, is riding the high of having produced their recent mega hit “Candy Girl” 🍭 Starr starts producing for his nephews group The Superiors. At this time The Superiors are signed to Motown Records. Starr works with them to create the song “Step By Step”. It’s released as a 12 inch vinyl record in 1987. Fast forward a few years and Motown Records falls apart. With it goes The Superiors 👋 Fast forward a few more years, and Starr takes the track “Step By Step” and gives it to another group he’d discovered and is producing for: The New Kids On The Block 😳 The New Kids On The Block are already a huge success; but it’s the title track and lead single off their third album “Step By Step” that is their most commercially successful, and is considered their signature song! This song cements them as one of the biggest pop acts of the 1990s! How many people know that “Step By Step” is a cover song, and had already been released years earlier by another Boston group called The Superiors? We dig into all this and more in our interviews with DJ Rasheed! This is the first of the two interviews. The follow-up will be dropping next week! Be sure to subscribe to our channel on YouTube so you don’t miss a thing ⏯️ Friday, January 3, 2025 at the #BDC studio in Weymouth, Massachusetts 🎬 #BigDookieChain #podcast featuring: - #HushHarding IG: @hushharding (producer) - #VanStylez IG: @ianvanzile (host) - #Tash IG: @fcurtschilling (host) #DJRasheed #RasheedSequeira #RnB #TheSuperiors #Superiors #NewKidsOnTheBlock #NKOTB #RnB #MauriceStarr #MusicIndustry #RecordingIndustry #MusicBusiness #MarthaAndTheVandellas #Heatwave #Bloodstone #TheOJays #OJays #TheTemptations #Temptations #TheWhispers #Whispers #DJKoolHerc #KoolHerc #GregWilliams #GregoryWilliams #BoyBand #Choreography #FridayNightVideos #WRBB #NotheasternUniversity #NotheasternUniversityRadio #Skeeter #WallaceT #RustyDaToeJammer #NewEdition #CandyGirl #Streetwise #StreetwiseRecords #Rayburn #RayburnMusic #HouseOfHits #CritiqueRecords #KimFields #TagTeam #WhoompThereItIs #HollywoodTalentNight #BlockParties #JoeyCarvello #SunnyJoeWhite #Kiss108 #Disco3 #TheFatBoys #FatBoys #Prince #LansdowneStreet #BrookePayne #FourTops #Spinoff #DanceFactory #ChezVous #BillsBar #Motown #MotownRecords #AristaRecords #JonzunCrew #PacJam #StepByStep #Nynuk #BreakDancing #TheStylistics #SoulTrain #TheChannel #JohnnyGill #GeorgeMichael #HanginTough #PerfectGentlemen #ArsenioHall #ElvisPresley #DJ #DJing #FunkyFreshRecords #SureShot3 #Turntables #Turntablism #Battlecat #DjBattlecat #RunDMC #KurtisBlow #PlanetPatrol #Eminem #RapGod #FatmanScoop #LoudRecords #SteveRifkind #WuTangClan #TheAlkaholiks #Alkaholiks #DJEddieCue #GuerrillaMarketing #ShowOff #ShowOffRecorda #CypressHill #ChrisLighty #Violator #ConcertPromotor #ClubPromotor #TraceyLee #TrayLee #RamSquad #YoungGuns #BlackRob #NotoriousBIG #Biggie #PuffDaddy #Diddy #FoxyBrown #SauceMoney #Nas #ShawnPrez #Camron #JimJones #Hot97 #CheddarDVD #MethodMan #UpInSmokeTour #Kurupt #TQ #Jive #CashMoney #NateDogg #Eminem #Rhymefest #JRWriter #SmokeBulga #Maktub #MakTube #MakTubeMedia

Had the homie M-Dot (of EMS) in the studio for Episode 42 of the Big Dookie Chain podcast! 🎙️ Real hip hop in the building! 🙌 Not only is this man incredibly talented, but his work ethic is next level. Balancing fatherhood, husbandhood, and union work, with nonstop music-making and touring the globe 🌍💪 We dive into his journey — from the very beginning, to: • Touring Europe 🇪🇺 • Features on 6 Snowgoons albums ❄️ • Tracks with some of the biggest emcees & producers 🎤 • Having a track he did with Pete Rock be sampled by DJ Premier (for a commercial joint, no less!) 🤩 • A favorite from his own catalog produced by Apollo Brown 🎧 • Another favorite with Erick Sermon 🎚️ • Another favorite featuring Grand Puba 🫨 • And yet another favorite with Method Man 👐 Plus, he’s got 3 albums dropping this year, including: - A full project with Big Shugg💥 - A full album with Confidence 🎯 - And a solo album that’s gonna be fire 🔥🔥 Catch the full convo and more on Episode 42 of the Big Dookie Chain podcast! Don’t miss it! 🎙️ Tuesday, January 7, 2024 at the #BDC studio in #Weymouth, #Massachusetts 🎬 #BigDookieChain #Podcast featuring: - #HushHarding IG: @hushharding (producer) - #VanStylez IG: @ianvanzile (host) - #Tash IG: @fcurtschilling (host) #MDot #EMS #ExperimentalMindstate #Rap #HipHop #RealHipHop #IndieHipHop #UndergroundHipHop #OldSchoolHipHop #90sHipHop #BoomBap #GoldenEraHipHop #HipHopCulture #BostonHipHop #NewEnglandHipHop #Maktub #MakTube #MakTubeMedia #TLC #2Pac #Tupac #Revere #Lynn #TourLife #WhiteRapper #JimmyIovine #Onyx #Snowgoons #VocalControl #HipHopKemp #BostonCalling #STLGLD #Slaughterhouse #JoellOrtiz #KxngCrooked #RoyceDa59 #Saigon #Prodigy #Benzino #PeteRock #CLSmooth #DJPremier #Logic #Czarface #Esoteric #7L #InspectahDeck #MFDoom #BigShug #BMF #50Cent #XLTheBeast #TheKreators #Guru #Jaysaun #KrumbSnatcha #MOP #TrainingDay #ErickSermon #Rashad #EdoG #GDot #Spotify #Vinyl #LimeWire #Napster # TheSocialNetwork #JustinTimberlake #SeanParker #DavidFincher #FightClub #Seven #BenjaminButton #ApolloBrown #MelloMusicGroup #SageFrances #StrangeFamous #SeanPrice #DrDre #VinnyPaz #VinnyPazienza #VinniePaz #Shade45 #DjEclipse #HowardStern #HalftimeRadio #LargeProfessor #LargePro #Skyzoo #GrandPuba #TheMightyVIC #MightyVIC #Beatnuts #DJClue #Alchemist #LordJamar #XXXTentacion #Adam22 #NoJumper #WizKhalifa #QuietStorm #MobbDeep #JoeyBadass #RATheRuggedMan #MethodMan #DjDeadeye #Redman #DrDre #SnoopDogg #Chronic2001 #JoelOrtiz #Aftermath

For episode 41 of the #BigDookieChain podcast, we sit down with Mr. Cheeks (of Lost Boyz). We discuss the stories behind the classics ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - “Legal Drug Money” - “Love, Peace & Nappiness” …and the hits 🤩 - ‘Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz’ - ‘Me and My Crazy World’ - ‘Music Makes Me High’ - ‘The Yearn’ …and of course the wildly famous ‘RENEE’ 👸🏽 Did you know that was based on a true story⁉️ We talk Cheeks’ uncle Gil Scott-Heron 🎼 We discuss how Cheeks & Freaky Tah met when Tah and his dad were remodeling Cheeks’ grandma’s kitchen 👵🏽 We talk Canibus being the first person they’d ever seen bring a laptop into the studio (when recording his legendary verse for ‘Beasts From The East’) 💻 We discuss how Lost Boyz made the song ‘Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz’ to let people in the hood know they’d really made it… then further drove that point home (literally) by filming the video in heart of South Jamaica, Queens 👑 We talk DJ Spigg Nice becoming a bank robber and spending 19 years behind bars 🚨 …and so much more! Monday, December 30, 2024 at @seacrestcapecod in #Falmouth, #CapeCod, Massachusetts 🎬 #BigDookieChain #Podcast featuring: - #HushHarding at @hushharding (producer) - #VanStylez at @ianvanzile (host) - #Tash at @fcurtschilling (host) #MrCheeks #LostBoyz #Rap #HipHop #RealHipHop #OldSchoolHipHop #90sHipHop #BoomBap #GoldenEraHipHop #HipHopCulture #Maktub #MakTube #MakTubeMedia #Fernway #DJSpiggNice #SpiggNice #PrettyLou #FreakyKah #FreakyTah #LegalDrugMoney #LifestylesOfTheRichAndShameless #LovePeaceAndNappiness #LBIVLife #LBF #LBFam #GrandScheme #UptownRecords #AndreHarrell #HeavyD #DontBeAMenaceToSouthCentralWhileDrinkingYourJuiceInTheHood #Renee #MusicMakesMeHigh #JeepsLexCoupsBimazAndBenz #BeastsFromTheEast #A+ #Redman #Canibus #TheYearn #AmericaIsDyingSlowly #WuTangClan #Queens #SouthJamaica #SouthJamaicaQueens #LightsCameraAction #UniversalRecords #JohnPKelly #GilScottHeron #BlueNote #LBNextGeneration #Legacy #NewYorkUndercover #Rakim #MCShan #BornKing #BaisleyPark #40Projects #SmifNWessun #Buckshot #BlackMoon #DuckDown #DuckDownRecords #BootCamp #BootCampClik #Bucktown #Havoc #MobbDeep #CNN #CaponeNNoreaga #TheTunnel #EbonyWilliams #Hollis #2Pac #Tupac #TupacShakur #BrendasGotABaby #CoolerRuler #MCLyte #QueenLatifah #GladysKnight #LutherVandross #TeddyPendergrass #FleetwoodMac #BarryWhite #MarvinGaye #SnoopDogg #SnoopDoggyDogg #DrDre #Missionary #TheChronic #CypressHill #RasKass #Common #PeteRock #TalibKweli #JackTheRapper #BeatStreet #WildStyle #NotoriousBIG #Biggie #BigPoppa #IceT #KingTee #Treach #NaughtyByNature #EasyMoBee #PuffDaddy #Diddy #PDiddy #MikeTyson #LennoxLewis #JakePaul #FloydMayweather #FloydMayweatherJr #BusterDouglas #Boxing #GervontaDavis #Tank #CaneloÁlvarez #TerenceCrawford #BigPun #FatJoe #CubanLink #TerrorSquad #JimJones #GDep #BlackRob #JennyJones #Nature #RoyalFlush

In this raw and unfiltered interview, Slaine opens up about addiction, survival, hip hop, acting, and the chaotic road that shaped his career. Growing up in 17 different homes around Boston, Slaine talks about discovering hip hop as a kid after seeing Donnie Wahlberg breakdancing in Dorchester and hearing the Beastie Boys “Licensed to Ill” album for the first time. He started writing rhymes at just 9 years old, long before rap felt accessible for white artists. Moving to New York in the mid-90s completely changed his mindset about authenticity, culture, and what it really meant to represent something bigger than yourself in hip hop. The conversation dives deep into Slaine’s early years — attending Don Bosco Technical High School, studying film at School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, performing at the legendary Nuyorican Poets Cafe in 1996, and eventually developing the “Slaine” persona while working with Lordz of Brooklyn. Slaine also reflects on the darker side of his rise: cocaine and alcohol binges that blurred the line between day and night, repeated hospital visits, and blowing major opportunities because of drugs and alcohol. He shares stories about hustling ecstasy between Boston and New York during the late-90s club era, living in abandoned warehouse studios with no electricity while recording “White Man Is The Devil Volume 1,” and the period that eventually led to the formation of Special Teamz & La Coka Nostra. Along the way, he talks about mentorship from figures like iLL Bill, Danny Boy, MC Shan and DJ Lethal, and how art ultimately became the thing that saved his life. Slaine also reflects on his transition into acting, including being told by an acting teacher that he was a natural before eventually landing roles in major Boston crime films. He shares stories from the set of “Killing Them Softly,” including conversations with Brad Pitt about divorce, life, and navigating personal struggles while working in Hollywood. The interview also explores sobriety, ADHD, creativity, acting, and how fear and love finally pushed him toward recovery after years of self-destruction. From open mics in New York to acting in iconic movies, Slaine reflects on the highs, the crashes, and the lessons he’s still learning today. Topics include: - Addiction and recovery - Early Boston & NYC hip hop culture - The origins of Special Teamz & La Coka Nostra - Recording "White Man Is The Devil" - Acting and discovering natural talent - Creativity vs sobriety - Surviving the music industry - Life lessons from Ozzy Osbourne - Discussing divorce on the set of “Killing Them Softly” with Brad Pitt #Slaine #LaCokaNostra #Rap #HipHop #IndieHipHop #UndergroundHipHop #BoomBap #HipHopCulture #BostonHipHop #NewEnglandHipHop #Addiction #Sobriety #Recovery #Detox #Leedz #LeedzEdutainment #WhiteManIsTheDevil #DonBosco #StretchAndBobbito #CatholicSchool #Fashion #DonnieWahlberg #NewKidsOnTheBlock #Breakdancing #BBoy #BeastieBoys #LicensedToIll #KRSOne #RunDMC #BigDaddyKane #KoolGRap #LLCoolJ #Eminem #HouseOfPain #Everlast #DannyBoy #DjLethal #NuyoricanPoetsCafe #iLLBill #Necro #CompanyFlow #Juggaknots #FatBeats #RickRubin #DrugEpidemic #2Pac #Tupac #DMX #StickyFingaz #FredroStarr #Onyx #Acting #MovieDirector #Film #VideoEditing #Screenwriting #MickeyFeatherstone #Westies #ADHD #Kaves #LordzOfBrooklyn #BustaRhymes #DiamondD #MCShan #RunDMC #JamMasterJay #RCA #TommyBoy #360Deal #CBGB #DeryckWhibley #Sum41 #MTV #Roslindale #Boston #SpecialTeamz #EdoG #Jaysaun #Krumbsnatcha #UGHH #UndergroundHipHopDotCom #MattyTrump #ChrisFaraone #Nox #AWOL #BigLeft #EmersonCollege #FenwayPark #StatikSelektah #PeterParker #BrianLife #MCSerch #MedicationAssistedTreatment #DMS #DannyDiablo #TheArcitype #OzzyOsbourne #KillingThemSoftly #BradPitt

- The Roots: B-Boying, AZNRaps, & Early Influences First Influences: - Aztech started as a b-boy (breakdancer) in elementary school before transitioning to an emcee by high school. His first cassette was A Tribe Called Quest's Low End Theory, but skipping school to buy Wu-Tang Forever was the first time lyrics truly blew his mind. The "Asian Seouljah" Days: - Growing up in a Latino neighborhood where people assumed he was Mexican, Aztech wanted to embrace his roots. He started out under the name "Asian Seouljah" on AZNRaps.com, writing his earliest rhymes exclusively about the Asian experience. He notes how much times have changed for Asian entertainers, shifting away from soft-spoken stereotypes. The Early Grind: - To get his music out, Aztech would label his CDs "free" and sneakily place them behind popular rap albums in music stores. He later ran the Grind Time Boston battle rap division alongside local legend Edo G. The Jin Friendship & Unreleased Heat Before the Fame: - Aztech’s friendship with Jin started long before Jin’s legendary 106 & Park freestyle run. Back then, the tight-knit community of Asian rappers all knew each other. Jin's Secret Stardom: - He discusses Jin's massive transition from a Ruff Ryders artist to a Hollywood actor and absolute icon in Hong Kong. Aztech reveals he has an unreleased song with Jin, discusses future collabs, and talks about Jin’s comedy career and new label venture with Ne-Yo. The Anime Pivot: Becoming a Legend in Japan The Chance Encounter: - Losing faith in his hip-hop career, a chance encounter with famed jazz musician Yuki Kanesaka changed Aztech's life. Alongside Paranom, they resurrected their group Hybrid Thoughts, pitched it to a Japanese label, and scored a record deal on their very first try—debuting at the top of the charts. Anime's Most Featured Rapper: - This link-up led to Aztech rapping on anime soundtracks, making him the most featured hip-hop artist in anime history. He first fell in love with the vibe watching Samurai Champloo in 1993, and now he has traded traditional hip-hop shows for massive anime conventions. Soundtrack Lore: - He recorded 6 songs in a single session, only discovering he was on the Dr. Stone soundtrack while flipping through TV shows. His work on the Jujutsu Kaisen soundtrack completely changed his life—garnering over 10 million streams. He even admits that a verse he originally hated was recycled for an episode and has since gone viral. Industry Secrets: - Aztech breaks down how to get hired for anime tracks. Rule #1: Don’t rap about anime! Write authentic lyrics instead. Japanese Culture, Commercials, & Personal Life Accidental Placements: - Aztech accidentally rapped for a Japanese Reebok commercial after laying down a 30-second verse without knowing what it was for. He also recorded a "nerdy white radio host" voiceover that randomly ended up on Disney Japan. Why Japan Loves Hip Hop: - Aztech explains that Japan truly appreciates hip-hop culture more than America because their shows still holistically include all four elements: graffiti, breakdancing, DJing, and emceeing. Creative Family & Fun Facts: - He debunks common myths about Japan and discusses traveling there. On the personal side, his wife Nicole “Lola” Lyons is an elite fashion stylist who designs outfits for Erykah Badu. Aztech also wrote a children's book about his cat. Also in the studio: - Aztech's protege, Kold Kwan. #Aztech #HybridThoughts #KoldKwan #AsianRap #AsianHipHop #Rap #HipHop #IndieHipHop #UndergroundHipHop #BoomBap #HipHopCulture #BostonHipHop #NewEnglandHipHop #JujutsuKaisen #Anime #FunkyAztecs #SlippinIntoDarkness #ATribeCalledQuest #BBoy #BBoying #Breakdance #Breakdancing #FreestyleMusic #NativeTongues #WuTang #WuTangClan #NWA #Tupac #2Pac #Jin #BlackEyedPeas #BooYaaTribe #SnackyChan #KPop #AZNRaps #106AndPark #RuffRyders #SoundClick #Limewire #Nas #BattleRap #BattleRapper #PatG #ErykahBadu #YukiKanesaka #Leedz #LeedzEdutainment #BloodBlockadeBattlefront #DrStone #Graffiti #DJ #DJing #NeYo #AnimeConvention #Beastars #TOHOAnimation #EdoG #Disney #DisneyJapan #SamuraiChamploo #RZA #FlyingLotus #Substantial

Rasheed Chappell Interview: Project City, Industry Heartbreak, & Hip-Hop Redemption Growing Up in "Project City" & Early Influences - The Aspen Place Projects: Rasheed grew up in the Alfred Speer Village projects in Passaic, New Jersey. He nicknamed it "Project City" because it had everything internally (laundromat, school, groceries, basketball court), which kept residents from ever leaving. He wrote a song about the window bars being designed to keep residents in, rather than keeping outsiders out. - The Birth of a Performer: Originally obsessed with R&B group New Edition, Rasheed's desire to perform was sparked in 2nd grade when he read MLK Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Moving his teacher to tears, he realized the immense power of words. - Family Hardship: Rasheed's mother had a million-dollar record collection but lost it to addiction during the crack era. With his mother going to prison and his father struggling, a teenage Rasheed cared for his sister. By age 17, his girlfriend became pregnant. - Straight Edge Lifestyle: Rasheed has never drank or smoked in his life, a strict personal boundary he set after watching addiction ravage his parents' lives. Knowledge of Self & Early Emcee Days - The Nation of Islam: In high school, his father introduced him to the Nation of Islam. Rasheed joined at 15 and became a Junior Minister by 16 before moving on. His father named him "Rasheed," meaning "the righteous or one who leads to the right path." - The Worst Rap Alias: Rasheed started writing rhymes at 14 under what he calls the worst rap alias ever: Baby Squirt. He later became The Prophet before using his government name. - The Writing Challenge: Inspired by local project legends World Renown signing to Warner Bros., Rasheed began battling. Early on, his uncle challenged his skills by forcing him to write a complete rhyme without using the words I, me, my, or mine. The Industry Rollercoaster: Sony, Rawkus, & Kenny Dope - The Near-Misses with Majors: Shopping his analog demos from 1995 onward, Rasheed landed meetings with Trackmasters and Loud Records. By his mid-20s, a Sony A&R loved him but hated his beats, suggesting a collab with producer Chops that never panned out. Later, a track he made with Jacques Slade (now a massive sneaker influencer) blew Sony away, but the deal fell through. - The Rawkus Heartbreak: Rasheed was finally promised a deal with indie powerhouse Rawkus Records—only for the legendary label to suddenly shut down operations entirely, taking his contract with it. - The Kenny Dope Era: In 2008, Rasheed aligned with iconic producer Kenny Dope. Rasheed rapped over production masterpieces originally meant for Raekwon, creating their acclaimed album Future Before Nostalgia. Raekwon wanted to sign him, but logistics failed, leading to an independent release before Rasheed and Kenny split due to differing career visions. Manager DJ Eclipse & A Legendary Legacy - Iconic Collaborations: Now managed by DJ Eclipse, Rasheed has cemented himself as an underground giant. He has released two albums produced by 38 Spesh and collaborated with icons like De La Soul, Pharoahe Monch, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Roc Marciano, Rome Streetz, Che Noir, Da Beatminerz, Lil Fame, Slaine, and Peter Rosenberg. - Old New York Love: Rasheed also discusses his track "Old New York Love," which tells the true story of meeting his girlfriend at one of his live hip-hop shows. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive hip-hop history! #RasheedChappell #Rap #HipHop #IndieHipHop #UndergroundHipHop #BoomBap #HipHopCulture #GrandmasterFlash #TheFuriousFive #TheMessage #AfrikaBambaataa ##DougEFresh #SlickRick #Beatbox #Beatboxing #NewEdition #MartinLutherKing #MalcolmX #TheJackson5 #Jackson5 #BeatStreet #CrazyLegs #StyleWars #Graffiti #BBoy #BBoying #Breakdance #Breakdancing #RecordCollector #Analog #KnowledgeOfSelf #NationOfIslam #FivePercentNation #PublicEnemy #XClan #BrandNubian #Rakim #PoorRighteousTeachers #Kwame #Redman #EPMD #NaughtyByNature #WorldRenown #MarleyMarl #BigPun #LivingstoneBramble #WesleyHodges #WesleyHogges #SteveRifkind #Trackmasters #DefJam #LoudRecords #TheBeatnuts #BlackEyedPeas #KanyeWest #Chops #JacquesSlade #Kustoo #Nas #Onyx #NWA #NewKidsOnTheBlock #WuTang #WuTangClan #Rawkus #RawkusRecords #KennyDope #PeteRock #FutureFlavas #Cormega #KDef #BizMarkie #JuiceCrew #BigDaddyKane #KoolGRap #GhostfaceKillah #Raekwon #JazzyJeff #ApolloBrown #HusKingpin #DJEclipse #FatBeats #WilSwink #LordFinesse #Wordsworth #ReekDaVillian #MethodMan #BustaRhymes #Buckwild #DITC #Crimeapple #DanielSon #Arcitype #DJScratch #LilFame #MOP #PlanetAsia #XPTheMarxman #RocMarciano #JayRoyale #LittleVic #LamarTyree #YolandaSargeant ##DyaniStarMyles #Aidan #RomeStreetz #LisaBello #STLGLD #Slaine #NoelPancho #TheMusalini #BeatsByJBlack #MickeyBlue #PeterRosenberg #DaBeatminerz #EvilDee #MrWalt #DeLaSoul #PharoaheMonch #Griselda #BernadettePrice #Daringer #RoadsArt #FrankG #Hieroglyphics