The Questions Hip-Hop (The Questions Hip-Hop)

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com Buy the Questions Hip-Hop Trivia Game Brother Ali and Dee-1 join Sean for an in-person interview as the duo travel the United States on the Satisfied Soul Tour. Deep conversation and some real perspective from two artists who have never been afraid to speak truth through their music. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram Brother Ali: https://brotherali.com | Instagram Dee-1: https://www.dee1music.com | Instagram

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME San Jose 6/24 RSVP Original Broadcast: April 15, 2020 Classic throwback episode with A&R/producer Dante Ross, the man who played a pivotal role in the careers of some of hip-hop's legends including De La Soul, KMD, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Brand Nubian, Busta Rhymes, and many more. Go order Dante's new book 'Son of the City: A Memoir' by visiting https://rarebirdlit.com/son-of-the-city-signed-by-dante-ross/ The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Dante Ross: @danteross (IG), @danteross (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Sean Kantrowitz connects with hip hop's biggest fans – rappers, DJs, producers, writers, comedians, actors, and everything in between – to test their rap trivia skills, discuss their careers, and talk about how the music changed their lives. 

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com youtube.com/thequestionshiphop The first 'Making Illmatic' episode of 2025 finds Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST joined by hip-hop pundit/writer Dart Adams to take a deep dive into Roc Marciano's classic debut album 'Marcberg.' The trio must trim the album down to its 10 best tracks – but which ones will make the cut? And does doing this help or hurt 'Marcberg'? The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram MidaZ the BEAST: Instagram Dart Adams: Instagram

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Originally broadcast on September 7, 2020 A return to the Questions classic crates with an intriguing conversation with Visitor aka Homeboy Sandman. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter

In this new sub-series, Sean is joined by co-host MidaZ the BEAST to participate in 'Making Illmatic,' a conceptual experiment to see if a hip hop album is improved by trimming it down to 10 tracks. They're joined by producer Optiks to break down Jay-Z's 2003 LP 'The Black Album.' Sean: @seandammit MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Optiks: @thisisoptiks

Join our PATREON Classic episode: Warren G is a hip-hop icon and the creator of not just one of the genre's most influential sounds, but also one of the most popular and successful rap songs of all-time. In this throwback episode, he puts his hip-hop trivia skills to the test and also shares stories about the making of "Regulate," his origins as a producer, Nipsey Hussle, his BBQ sauce line, and much more. Original broadcast: August 19, 2020

Classic episode: We're joined by hip-hop icon Bun B. Plenty of great stories in this one, as Bun talks about highlights from his career (including the making of UGK's album 'Ridin' Dirty' and the filming of their music video for "International Players Anthem"), his friendship with Biz Markie, the origin of his coloring book (how many rappers have one of those?), and more...and of course, some hip-hop trivia sprinkled throughout! Originally broadcast July 30, 2020

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Sean rides solo on this episode and presents his Top 10 Underrated J-Dilla productions/songs. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Making Illmatic returns in 2024 with Sean and MidaZ joining ranks with Jamal Gasol to attempt to trim DMX's debut 'It's Dark and Hell is Hot' down to just 10 songs. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter MidaZ the BEAST: Instagram | Twitter Jamal Gasol: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Original Broadcast: March 21, 2021 Hip-hop indie pioneer Sage Francis sits down to talk about the stories surrounding five randomly-selected songs from his catalog. "Jah Didn't Kill Johnny" ('A Healthy Distrust', 2005) "Grace" ('Copper Gone,' 2014) "Doomage" feat. Brother Ali and Slug (prod. MF DOOM) (Non-Prophets "Damage" single, 2004) "Whoremonger" ('Still Sickly Business,' 2005) "Underground For Dummies" ('Human the Death Dance', 2007) The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Sage Francis: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME A Sean solo joint. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Join the PATREON Original livestream date: July 2, 2020 Diggin' in the crates with producer/DJ RJD2! In this classic episode, RJ talks about the records that shaped his identity as a musician, shares stories from the heyday of his Def Jux days, goes seriously granular on the art of re-creating drumbreaks, and more. https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter RJD2: https://rjd2store.myshopify.com/ EMAIL SEAN: sean@questionshiphop.com

Join the PATREON Original livestream date: August 19, 2021 J-Zone has worn many hats throughout his career – rapper, MC, DJ, author, blogger, session drummer – but in this throwback episode, he's taking on the role of would-be hip-hop trivia champion. We talk about his transition into a full-time drummer, getting sampled by his peers, the formative rap records of his childhood, and much more. https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter J-Zone: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com youtube.com/thequestionshiphop Esteemed hip-hop historian and journalist Dart Adams returns to the Making Illmatic series of The Questions Hip-Hop, joining Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST in examining Cannibal Ox's debut album 'The Cold Vein.' How do you trim this LP down to 10 songs and does doing so help or hurt the album? The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram MidaZ the BEAST: Instagram Dart Adams: Instagram

Classic episode: We take a deep dive through some hip-hop minutia with DJ and producer Statik Selektah. Topics covered include: Wu-Tang, Gang Starr, Boston's hip-hop scene, working with Roc Marciano, the unappreciated aspects of DJ Khaled's career, Statik's first placement on a Def Jux record, and much more! Original broadcast: September 9, 2021

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop We're back with an episode in the ' 'Making Illmatic' series. Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST attempt to trim A Tribe Called Quest's 1998 album 'The Love Movement' down to 10 songs. They're joined by Demone Carter aka Dem One, 1/3 of the Dad Bod Rap Pod. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Dem One: @lifeafterhiphop (IG), @lifeafterhiphop (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Making Illmatic makes its long-awaited return as Sean, MidaZ, and guest Orion revisit Method Man's sophomore album 'Tical 2000: Judgment Day.' What 10 songs make the cut and where does the album stand after getting the Making Illmatic treatment? The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter MidaZ: Instagram | Twitter Orion: Instagram

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME The Worst Episode of The Questions Ever. Featuring Video Dave. This is also a great episode. Dave talks about his new album 'Articulated TexTiles' with Controller 7 that drops this week and much more. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Video Dave: @video_dave (IG), @video_dave (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Join the PATREON Original livestream date: September 28, 2020 Throwback classic episode with Philadelphia's hip-hop queen Bahamadia. The emcee/producer talks about some of her greatest influences/allies in her career, the ways in which she has continued to innovate and move in both the industry and her own creative space, and of course...throws down on some hip-hop trivia! https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Bahamadia: Instagram | Twitter EMAIL SEAN: sean@questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com We're uncovering the making of this summer's Ol' Dirty Bastard documentary 'Ol' Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys,' streaming now on A&E. Sean connects with the film's co-director Jason Pollard and one of the film's producers, Young Dirty Bastard (son of ODB). All audio clips from the film appear courtesy of A&E/Four Screens Management. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Ol' Dirty Bastard: Instagram Young Dirty Bastard: Instagram | Twitter Jason Pollard: Instagram | Twitter Four Screens Management: Instagram

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop It might get loud. This episode of The Questions' 'Making Illmatic' series is all about El-P's 'Fantastic Damage,' as Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST are joined by Wrecking Crew (Curly Castro, PremRock, Small Professor, & Zilla Rocca) attempt to trim the album down to 10 tracks. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) wreckingcrew.bandcamp.com Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Curly Castro: @curlycastro (IG), @curly_castro (Twitter) PremRock: @premrock (IG), @planetpremrock (Twitter) Small Professor: @smallpro (IG), @smallpro (Twitter) Zilla Rocca: @zillarocca (IG) @zillarocca (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Kooley High members Tab-One and DJ ill Digitz stop by to talk about their latest album 'All Infinite,' discuss the group's NC history, and put their hip-hop trivia skills to the test. Kooley High The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter

Join the Patreon! Episode #124: LA hip-hop duo Blu & Exile are about to hit the road for a west coast tour commemorating the 15th anniversary of their classic debut 'Below the Heavens.' But before the celebration comes the battle, as the emcee and producer square off in a battle royale of hip-hop trivia. Who emerges the victor? Tune in to find out (and get some great anecdotes and stories from their careers along the way). questionshiphop.com Blu (IG) Exile (IG) Sean Kantrowitz IG | Twitter Blu & Exile 'Below the Heavens' 15th Anniversary Tour Dates 7.24 - Los Angeles, CA (The Lodge Room) 7.25 - Phoenix, AZ (Trill Hip Hop Shop) 7.29 - Los Vegas, NV (Taverna Costera) 7.30 - San Francisco, CA (Neck of the Woods) 7.31 - Sacramento, CA (Esthers Park) 8.02 - Portland, OR (Mississippi Studios) 8.04 - Seattle, WA (High Dive)

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com youtube.com/thequestionshiphop It's the inaugural Draft episode of The Questions Hip-Hop podcast. Sean Kantrowitz, MidaZ the BEAST, Trackstar the DJ (Run the Jewels, Killer Mike), and Jason Gloss (Philaflava) are combing through the year 1995, selecting their picks for Best Album, Best Beat, Best Emcee, Best Verse, Best Guest Feature/Verse, Best Producer, and Best Album Cover. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram MidaZ the BEAST: Instagram Trackstar the DJ: Instagram Philaflava: Instagram

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com youtube.com/thequestionshiphop Originally broadcast on May 24, 2021. Simply put, Tre Hardson aka Slimkid3 is a legend. Hip hop was forever changed in 1992 when his group the Pharcyde emerged onto the scene with their classic debut album 'Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde.' The group brought a decidedly animated and imaginative element to their songwriting and presence on the microphone – and Tre definitely stood out with his distinct melodic voice; you could really even say that a lot of these rappers who sing owe a bit to Slimkid3. The Pharcyde’s second album Labcabincalifornia sported a darker sound (and early contributions from the great Jay Dee aka Jay Dilla) that reflected the frustration the group was going through with both the industry – and internally. Tre did one last album with the group (2000’s Plain Rap) before embarking on a solo career that also has seen him team up with DJ Nu-Mark from Jurassic 5, Ozomatli, and occasional reunions with various members of his Pharcyde brethren – and today they are back at it (as a trio), touring the world and possibly poised to release new music soon. In this Can't Knock the Shuffle classic, we break down stories behind the following songs: "Groupie Therapy" (Pharcyde 'Labcabincalifornia', 1995) "Trust" (Pharcyde 'Plain Rap', 2000) "King" feat Diamond D and K-Natural ('Slimkid3 & Nu-Mark', 2016) "Life is Love" ('Liberation', 2002) "Pick It Up" feat Dillon Cooper (TRDMRK, 2019) "4 Better or 4 Worse" (Pharcyde 'Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde', 1992) The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram Slimkid3: Instagram

Original Broadcast: May 21, 2020 NYC radio legend DJ Mister Cee gives The Questions a deep dive into all things Notorious B.I.G. with an all Biggie-themed game and episode. Plenty of great stories from the man who played a pivotal part in the beginning chapters of the greatest rapper of all-time's career. Also includes the full Patreon bonus segment/Q&A. RIP Mister Cee! Thank you for all of your contributions, kindness, and support.

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Sean and MidaZ the BEAST bring back the Making Illmatic format – a thought experiment in which they attempt to condense an album down to 10 songs – and this time the record going under the microscope is Jaylib's 'Champion Sound,' the collaborative project between J Dilla and Madlib. They're joined by returning MI guest Supastition, who also talks about his latest project, 'All That Was Left Unsaid.' The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter MidaZ the BEAST: Instagram | Twitter Supastition: Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com A conversation all about MF DOOM and 'The Chronicles of DOOM' – the new biography about the masked villain– with author S.H. "SKIZ" Fernando, Jr. Order the book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/743088/the-chronicles-of-doom-by-sh-fernando-jr/ The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter

Original Broadcast October 21, 2020 Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com Open Mike Eagle has never been shy about getting personal with his music. After emerging from LA's Project Blowed collective, the rapper/producer released his first solo album in 2010 and has been dropping projects at a steady clip ever since. With a comedic wit and quirky eclectic nature to his songs, Mike has also been equally proficient in the worlds of comedy and television. He co-created comedy and music showcase 'The New Negroes,' first as a live event and later as a show for Comedy Central, which we discuss in this episode. He's also no stranger to podcasts – from his own Secret Skin podcast, as well as 'What Had Happened Was,' his acclaimed interview series with which has featured interviews with Prince Paul, El-P, Dante Ross, and Questlove, all on his own Stony Island Audio podcast network. Here are the songs that we dive into in this episode: "Sounds Like Rap" (Thirsty Fish, 'Watergate,' 2011) "Art Rap Party" ('Unapologetic Art Rap', 2010) "Single Ghosts" ('What Happens When I Try To Relax', 2018) "Woke As Me" feat Phonte Coleman ('The New Negroes' Season 1 Soundtrack, 2019) "Leave People Alone" ('Hella Personal Film Festival', 2016) "Overland" (Cavanaugh, 'Time and Materials', 2015) "Raps for When It's Just You and the Abyss" ('A Special Episode', 2015) Open Mike Eagle: www.mikeeagle.net The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Original Broadcast: March 6, 2021 This week's episode is a classic from the archives featuring Nature. The QB elite emcee flex his hip-hop trivia skills, talk about his career, share stories about The Firm, Juice Crew, and much more. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Nature: @therealnature (IG), @therealnature (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com Buy the Questions Hip-Hop Trivia Game Sean is joined by author and music journalist Marcus J. Moore to discuss the current state of music journalism, the process of writing his latest book 'High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul,' and the controversy that followed its publication late last year. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram Marcus J. Moore: Instagram

Join the PATREON Original livestream date: August 31, 2020 Mr. Len is an underground legend. The Bronx-born DJ/producer first made noise on a national scale as 1/3 of Company Flow with group-mates El-P and Bigg Juss, and in the years since has produced for and done projects with the likes of Prince Paul, Jean Grae, MC Paul Barman, Murs, Jedi Mind Tricks, and many more. This classic episode is not only filled with some Len Gems (patent pending) but also marks a milestone in the show's history (you'll have to listen to find out). https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Mr. Len: Instagram | Twitter

Join the PATREON An episode in which there is no new episode and yet also some very cool news coming soon... MAILING LIST https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter

Join the PATREON Original livestream date: June 22, 2020 2020 isn't a year most of us are thrilled to revisit, but this classic episode with radio personality Peter Rosenberg (HOT 97, Juan Ep is Life, ESPN) is reason enough to hop back in the time machine. https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Peter Rosenberg: Instagram | Twitter EMAIL SEAN: sean@questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Originally broadcast on September 30, 2021 It's a Questions Classic as voted on by the Patreon! Sean sits down with Alaska (Hangar 18, Call Out Culture podcast) for some rap trivia and musings on all things indie hip-hop (and beyond). The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME RSVP: THE QUESTIONS - DE LA SOUL EDITION (LOS ANGELES JULY 20) Brand new format called The Answers. Sean and MidaZ with no guest, no album to focus on, strictly conversation. In this episode, the duo reflects on the legacy of "ringtone rap" and the impact that movement had on the independent/underground scene that was happening at the same time. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ the BEAST: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Producer Optiks returns to the show to join Sean and MidaZ in a Making Illmatic episode featuring Prodigy's 2000 debut solo album 'H.N.I.C.' What 10 songs will the three of them keep? The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Optiks: @thisisoptiks (IG), @thisisoptiks (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Originally broadcast on March 10, 2021 It's a Questions Classic as voted on by the Patreon! Sean is joined by producer Marco Polo for some stories from throughout his career, geeking out on some rap fan ish, and of course some hip-hop trivia. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Marco Polo: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com Email me: sean@questionshiphop.com Originally broadcast on July 1, 2020. Diving back into the archives of The Questions livestream era, with special guest emcee/radio personality + host D-Stroy. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter D-Stroy: Instagram | Twitter

RSVP to the Almanac of Rap Questions Shows: questionshiphop.com Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Quick plug. The Questions is coming to NYC this week: Thursday 10/12 - Bierwax Queens w/ ItsTheReal Monday 10/16 - Top Shelf Premium w/ Fatboi Sharif Tuesday 10/17 - Bierwax Brooklyn w/ Josh Gondelman and Petey DeAbreu The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com

Original broadcast: June 8, 2020 Classic episode: World Famous Beat Junkie/DJ/Producer Rhettmatic puts his hop-hop trivia skills to the test and shares stories about the Los Angeles scene, J Dilla, Visionaries, Filipino food recommendations, and more!

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Sean and MidaZ the BEAST are joined by comedian Tony Baker for another installment in the 'Making Illmatic' series, in which the trio attempts to trim Biggie's sprawling double-album 'Life After Death' down to just 10 songs. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Tony Baker: @tonybaker (IG), @tonybakercomedy (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

https://www.patreon.com/thequestionshiphop Original broadcast date: May 1, 2020 Emcee/producer/DJ J-Live is one of the most inventive artists in hip-hop, a student of the game and someone who has carved out his own independent career thanks to a distinct approach and style he brings to his music. In this classic episode, he puts his trivia skills to the test and also discusses the many chapters of his storied catalog, including tales surrounding his classic debut 'The Best Part,' working with producers such as Prince Paul and DJ Spinna, and more. https://www.realjlive.com https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter J-Live: Instagram | Twitter

Another installment of The Questions' 'Making Illmatic' series, in which Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST attempt to improve an album by trimming it down to 10 tracks. They're joined by founder of Memphis collective Unapologetic./producer IMAKEMADBEATS to take on the herculean task of trimming down Wu-Tang Clan's 1997 double-album 'Wu-Tang Forever.' The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) IMAKEMADBEATS: @IMAKEMADBEATS (IG), @IMAKEMADBEATS (Twitter) questionshiphop.com https://www.weareunapologetic.com/

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Sean and MidaZ return with another installment in the Making Illmatic series. This time they're joined by Sha Stimuli to take on the formidable task of trimming Jay-Z's double-album 'The Blueprint 2: The Gift and the Curse' down to just 10 songs. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Sha Stimuli: @shastimuli (IG), @shastimuli (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Original Broadcast April 21, 2020 Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Masta Ace is one of hip hop's greatest storytellers. After making his debut on the Juice Crew's classic posse cut "The Symphony," Ace has many amazing accomplishments throughout his 30+ year career, including membership in hip hop supergroup Crooklyn Dodgers, classic concept albums, full album collaborations with producers like MF DOOM and Marco Polo, and so much more. In this Can't Knock the Shuffle classic episode, we break down the following songs from his catalog: "Think I Am (feat. Big Daddy Kane and MF DOOM)" ('MA_DOOM: Son of Yvonne', 2012) "Crooklyn" (Crooklyn Dodgers) ('Crooklyn' soundtrack, 1994) "Sunken Place" (feat. Pav Bundy) ('A Breukelen Story' w/ Marco Polo, 2018) "Type I Hate" (feat. Leschea and Rah Digga) ('Disposable Arts', 2001) "Bklyn Masala" (feat. Leschea) ('A Long Hot Summer', 2004) "SlaughtaHouse" ('SlaughtaHouse', 1993) "Mathematics" ('The Falling Season', 2016) Masta Ace: https://www.mastaace.com/ The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Brand new (?) format time. Sean is joined by Donwill (Tanya Morgan, The Almanac of Rap) for the inaugural SeanDon Hour (aka Don Ep). Freeform conversation including the art of writing timeless yet timely lyrics, John Mulaney, a certain rap beef, the current state of podcasting, the 15th anniversary of TM's Brooklynatti, and more. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Donwill: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Live from Bierwax Queens! Sean and Donwill team up for a live podcast/game with special guests ItsTheReal (The Blog Era, A Waste of Time). This is a triple podcast threat with plenty of random rabbit holes and hip-hop minutia for your listening pleasure. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (X) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (X) Donwill: @donwill (IG), @donwill (X) ItsTheReal: @itsthereal (IG), @itsthereal (X) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com

PRE-ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop Closing out 2022 with one more edition of 'Making Illmatic,' this time with Posse Cut Bracket Tournament winner Steven C. Martin. And we're breaking apart...Dr. Dre's '2001.' Happy holidays! The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Steven C. Martin: @stevenceemartin (IG), @eclecticbeings (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Live from Top Shelf Premium/Vintage on First in Hoboken, NJ! Sean sits down with Fatboi Sharif for a live conversation and trivia game with Optiks on the 1s and 2s. Stay tuned at the end for a special performance by Fatboi Sharif. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (X) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (X) Optiks: @thisisoptiks (IG) @thisisoptiks (X) Fatboi Sharif: @fatboi_sharif (IG) @fatboyprospect (X) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com

It's a battle royale featuring rapper Mic King (FKA iCon the Mic King) and producer Trox (50 Cent, YBN Cordae, Snoop Dogg, Ty Farris). The duo recently put out the 'iCONIC' EP, a collaboration whose innovative iterative release mirrors that of a software or subscription, allowing fans to purchase on Bandcamp and receive updated versions of the record as they come. These two storied underground music vets duke it out in a battle to see who knows the most random hip hop trivia.   Recorded February 27, 2022

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com youtube.com/thequestionshiphop Sean Kantrowitz and DJ Steve1der pay tribute to Roy Ayers, highlighting not just his contributions to music but specifically the ways in which his compositions informed the DNA of so many hip-hop songs through sampling, interpolation, and collaborations. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram Steve1der: Instagram

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com Sean sits down with producer, Unapologetic. founder, and close friend IMAKEMADBEATS to talk about his latest album 'WANDS,' the journey of carving out a unique sound in the Memphis hip-hop scene, and the personal obstacles that have shaped the last few years of his life and career. Unapologetic. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram IMAKEMADBEATS: Instagram

Join the PATREON Original livestream date: January 27, 2021 Legendary producer Salaam Remi (Fugees, Nas, Amy Winehouse) gets in the hot seat to talk about some of his most acclaimed collaborations, stories from his career, and more. This is a must-listen! https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Salaam Remi: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com We're going digi! Sean and MidaZ are joined by return guest TzariZM to unpack the RZA's solo debut album, 'Bobby Digital In Stereo.' What are this album's 10 best songs, and does trimming it down help or hurt the record? The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter MidaZ the BEAST: Instagram | Twitter TzariZM: Instagram | Twitter MidaZ the BEAST and Tzarizm 'The Vivid Laser Eye Guy'

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop FREE RSVP: The Questions 4/20/23 at Bar Clara (DTLA) ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Rapper Rittz joins the show while on the road to put his hip-hop trivia skills to the test, discuss his greatest influences as an artist, and to talk about his newly released album Mellow LOvation Music. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Rittz: @rittz (IG), @therealrittz (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Live from the Park RVA in Richmond, Virginia! The Questions & Confessions Tour with Mad Skillz/Hip Hop Confessions, featuring special guest DJ Harrison! The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Original broadcast: July 13, 2020 Classic episode featuring esteemed hip-hop journalist and television executive Kim Osorio. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Kim Osorio: @kimosorio1 (IG), @kimosorio1 (Twitter...or X? Are we calling it X now? I guess it's X) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Live from Beach House 757 in Virginia Beach! The Questions & Confessions Tour with Mad Skillz/Hip Hop Confessions, featuring special guest Fam-Lay! The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Sean and MidaZ return for another installment in the Making Illmatic series. They're joined by Torae as the trio revisit Jay-Z's fifth album 'The Dynasty: Roc La Familia' and attempt to see if the album is improved or hurt by cutting it down to 10 songs. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Mean Joe Scheme: @meanjoescheme (IG), @meanjoescheme (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Potential sacred cow alert: Sean and MidaZ return to the Making Illmatic format for De La Soul's fourth album 'Stakes is High' with special guest DJ Steve1der. Which 10 songs make the cut? The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter MidaZ the BEAST: Instagram | Twitter Steve1der: Instagram | Twitter

Join the PATREON Sean is joined by friends of the show Optiks and Mean Joe Scheme to go through listener submissions for the Best Posse Cut Bracket Tournament and to break down some of their own picks. Sign up to receive your bracket and join in on the tournament: https://www.playthequestions.com/posse https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Optiks: Instagram | Twitter Mean Joe Scheme: Instagram | Twitter

Classic episode: Hip-hop trivia with Hieroglyphics member and indie rap icon Del the Funky Homosapien! Listen in as Del puts his rap trivia skills to the test and talks a variety of topics, including the origin of the Hiero logo, his relationship with his cousin Ice Cube, his P-Funk recommendations, work with the Gorillaz, the future of the Deltron 3030 project, video games, the evolution of his own sound, and more! Originally broadcast June 17, 2021

ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop Original broadcast: September 2, 2020 Throwback episode featuring the Stro Elliot of the Legendary Roots Crew. We talk about the path that led him to his current gig, his production technique and evolution as a musician, touring with A Tribe Called Quest, and much more. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Stro Elliot: @stroelliot (IG), @StroElliotMusic (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Originally broadcast on August 12, 2021 Revisiting the Questions archives for this classic episode featuring Donwill and Von Pea from Tanya Morgan in a battle royale of hip-hop trivia wits. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter

ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop Original broadcast: February 10, 2021 Classic episode with producer Jake One, a modern-day super producer with the track record to prove it. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Jake One: @jakeuno (IG) @jakeuno (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Kidz in the Hall (Naledge and Double-0) revisit seven randomly-selected songs from their catalog and reflect on two decades in the rap game, covering stories from the Rawkus Records era, collaborating with their peers in the Blog Era, and redefining what artistry looks like in your 40s with their latest album 'Adulting Anonymous.' Songs in the shuffle: "Oh My God" feat Ro$$ Mac ('Adulting Anonymous', 2023) "Jukebox" feat MC Lyte ('Land of Make Believe,' 2010) "Life I Know" ('The Professional Leisure Tour', 2009) "The Pledge" feat Sean Price and Buckshot ('The In Crowd,' 2008) "Get Fly pt 2" feat Sean Kantrowitz and J. Ivy ('Adulting Anonymous,' 2023) "Crash Dummy" feat Killa Kyleon ('Occasion,' 2011) "Do It All Again" ('Land of Make Believe,' 2010) The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (X) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (X) Kidz in the Hall: @kidzinthehall (IG) Naledge: @naledgesince82 (IG), @naledgesince82 (X) Double-0: @godouble0 (IG), @godouble0 (X) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Join our PATREON Sean "Slug" Daley of independent hip-hop pioneers Atmosphere puts his hip-hop trivia skills to the test and shares stories from his career. We also talk about Del the Funky Homosapien, the new Black Star record, Kendrick Lamar, Cypress Hill, crate-digging, touring, and much more. atmospheresucks.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Sean, Optiks, and Mean Joe Scheme are celebrating the genius and vast catalog of Q-Tip with this special 'Making Tip-Matic'. The trio present their favorite Q-Tip produced/featuring songs and dig down some Abstract rabbitholes. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Optiks: Instagram | Twitter Mean Joe Scheme: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com Originally broadcast on October 21, 2020 A deep dive into The Questions archives with Wyann Vaughn. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Wyann Vaugn: Instagram | Twitter

Join the PATREON House Shoes just might be one of hip hop's most passionate torchbearers. The DJ/Producer/record label owner was an early champion of J. Dilla, and has since helped shine a light on a slew of incredibly dope artists – Quelle Chris, Elzhi, Stro Elliot, to name just a random few – through his co-signs, his production work, and through releases via his record label Street Corner Music. Shoes makes a return to the show (his first appearance in 2020 got lost in the archive) and talks about everything from the business of running a record label to the key to putting together a great album to the reason why he still hasn't forgiven Bob James. Oh yeah, all that and some hip-hop trivia! https://www.questionshiphop.com https://www.streetcornerscm.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter House Shoes: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Originally broadcast on August 3, 2020 We dip back into the IG Live archives for a classic episode featuring comedian/DJ/podcaster Cipha Sounds. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com youtube.com/thequestionshiphop Uncharted Making Illmatic territory as Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST give the Making Illmatic treatment to Redman's 2024 album 'Muddy Waters Too,' the most recent - and longest! - LP to get the MI treatment yet. They're joined by returning guest Zilla Rocca (Call-Out Culture, Wrecking Crew) to attempt to shave the 32-song album down to its 10 best songs – and to decide if doing so helps or hurts the record. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram MidaZ the BEAST: Instagram Zilla Rocca: Instagram

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Killa! Sean and MidaZ the BEAST are back at it with another Making Illmatic, and they've got the podcasts 'castin' this time as they're joined by DJ Chong Wizard to assess Cam'ron's 'Purple Haze.' The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter MidaZ the BEAST: Instagram | Twitter Chong Wizard: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com Original broadcast: November 4, 2020 Revisiting the appearance of Visitor (aka Homeboy Sandman) on Can't Knock the Shuffle, in which the artist and Sean explore the stories behind seven randomly-selected songs from his catalog: "Nuts" ['Nourishment (Second Helpings)', 2007] "Lightning Bolt, Lightning Rod" ('Actual Factual Pterodactyl,' 2008) "Trauma" ('Don't Feed the Monster', 2020) "Heaven Too" ('Hallways', 2014) "Always" ('Dusty', 2019) "Unforgettable" ('Subject: Matter', 2012) "Fat Belly" ('White Sands', 2014) The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Homeboy Sandman: https://homeboysandman.bandcamp.com/

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Slum Village (T3 and Young RJ) share the stories behind seven randomly selected songs from the SV catalog. The duo reflect on the group's evolution over the course of nearly three decades, from their early days with J Dilla to their most recent project, 2024's 'F.UN.' Songs explored in this episode: "To the Disco" ('F.U.N.', 2024) "Hear This" (feat Black Milk and Phat Kat) ('Slum Village,' 2005) "All Live" ('F.U.N.,' 2024) "Beej-N-Dem" ('Fantastic Vol. 1,' 1997) "We'll Show You" feat AB ('Villa Manifesto,' 2010) "Unisex" ('Trinity,' 2002) "Untitled/Fantastic" ('Fantastic Vol. 2', 2000) Slum Village https://www.instagram.com/officialslumvillage The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Potential sacred cow alert: Sean and MidaZ return to the Making Illmatic format for De La Soul's fourth album 'Stakes is High' with special guest DJ Steve1der. Which 10 songs make the cut? The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter MidaZ the BEAST: Instagram | Twitter Zilla Rocca: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com Get ready for a deep dive into LA's underground history as Sean and MidaZ the BEAST return with the Making Illmatic format – a thought experiment in which they attempt to condense an album down to 10 songs. This installment in the series puts Xzibit's second album '40 Dayz & 40 Nightz' under the microscope, and they're joined by LA legend/Beat Junkie Rhettmatic. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter MidaZ the BEAST: Instagram | Twitter Rhettmatic: Instagram | Twitter

Join the PATREON State of the union micro-episode, including news about the next Bracket Tournament. Tell me your picks for Best Posse Cut and which albums we should have on a future episode of 'Making Illmatic': EMAIL SEAN: sean@questionshiphop.com https://www.questionshiphop.com The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop Back at it with another installment of The Questions' 'Making Illmatic' series, in which Sean Kantrowitz and MidaZ the BEAST attempt to improve an album by trimming it down to 10 tracks. They're joined by producer/emcee TzariZM to pick apart Redman's classic 1996 album 'Muddy Waters.' The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) TzariZM: @tzarizm (IG), @tzarizm (Twitter) questionshiphop.com

As part of Dilla Week 2022, we're joined by author Dan Charnas ('Dilla Time,' 'The Big Payback') as well as former guest of the show/Detroit hip hop luminary Frank Nitt (Frank-N-Dank). Lots of J Dilla stories, anecdotes, and general geeking out in this one. Recorded Feb 6, 2022.

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop FREE RSVP: The Questions 4/20/23 at Bar Clara (DTLA) ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Sean and MidaZ the BEAST are joined by rapper/producer Supastition in the latest installment of 'Making Illmatic' series, in which the trio attempts to trim The Roots' 'Things Fall Apart' down to just 10 songs. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Supastition: @supastition (IG), @supastition_NC (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com youtube.com/thequestionshiphop Originally broadcast on November 18, 2020. Digging in the Questions Classic crates for this throwback episode featuring DJ and producer 7l of Czarface and 7L & Esoteric. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram 7L : Instagram

Classic episode: We're joined by super producer Just Blaze, who proves that his reputation for being a walking hip-hop encyclopedia is indeed warranted. Along the way, he also shares some great stories, including working with MF DOOM, the origin of his iconic producer tag/calling card, his opinion on the last 'Star Wars' trilogy, the intricacies of production, and so much more. Originally broadcast July 23, 2020

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Original Broadcast: November 18, 2020 Blueprint is someone who knows a thing or two about multitasking. The producer/emcee played a pivotal role in the emerging underground scene in the Midwest during the late 90's/early '00s, with his own Weightless crew and also amongst the artists that would eventually comprise the rosters of indie juggernauts Rhymesayers and Definitive Jux. He's continued to put out a steady clip of music since then (both as a solo artist as well as one half of Soul Position with RJD2), but music isn't where his journey ends. He's become a film/video director, a published author with four books under his belt, and the host of his own 'Super Duty Tough Work' podcast. But no matter what the medium, he's essentially a storyteller, and so it was great to hear the stories behind these seven randomly selected songs from his catalog: "The Jerry Springer Episode" (Soul Position '8 Million Stories', 2003) "Alchemy" (Aesop Rock, 'Daylight', 2002) "The American Dream" ('Deleted Scenes,' 2012) "Great Eyedeas Never Die" ('King No Crown,' 2015) "Fresh" ('1988', 2005) "Arms Too Short" ('Chamber Music', 2004) "Overdosin'" ('Respect the Architect,' 2014) Lots of great conversation here, too: reflecting about the rise of the scene he helped build, the forces that caused that machine to slow down years later, his approach to songwriting and recording, and so much more. Enjoy! The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Blueprint: @printmatic (IG), @printmatic (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Live from Delicious Pizza Hollywood on July 20, 2023. A De La Soul Edition of The Questions Hip-Hop Trivia with Sean, DJ Jedi, and special guest co-host Dante Ross! The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop Original broadcast: October 7, 2020 Can't Knock the Shuffle is coming back under the umbrella of The Questions Hip-Hop Podcast. To get you all caught up, here's a flashback to the very first episode of CKTS with Murs. Murs has been consistently releasing music since the late 90s, repping his home of Los Angeles the entire time. He's incredibly prolific, with a catalog ranging around 600 songs, and he's worked with practically everybody in the business, from Kendrick Lamar to El-P (Run the Jewels) to Snoop Dogg to Slug from Atmosphere. In this episode, he shares the stories behind these songs: "My Story" (Good Music, 1999) "Are You Ready?" (Sweet Lord, 2008) "Doing Me" (Melrose w/ Terrace Martin, 2011) "Signs" (3 Melancholy Gypsies, Grand Caravan to the Rim of the World, 2005) "Freak These Tales" (Murs 3:16: The 9th Edition, 2004) "Hot Bars" (Felt, Felt: A Tribute to Christina Ricci, 2002) "Wifey" (The White Mandingos, The Ghetto Is Tryna Kill Me, 2013) ...and reveals why he thinks his fans don't love his favorite albums, the origin of his partnership with producer 9th Wonder, the album that *almost* became his major label debut, and the model who snubbed him on a 5-hour flight across the country. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Murs: @murs316 (IG) @murs (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

BRACKET DOWNLOAD: https://bit.ly/bracket4 This week we're kicking off our fourth bracket tournament, and this time we're collectively deciding on the greatest hip-hop producer of all-time. While you fill out your brackets (see the above link), we figured it was a good time to discuss some of the producers listed here (and those that did not make the cut). Sean, producer Optiks, and emcee MidaZ the BEAST get deep in the bracket trenches. We also take some of your submissions. Optiks: instagram.com/thisisoptiks twitter.com/thisisoptiks MidaZ the BEAST: instagram.com/midazthebeast twitter.com/midaz

ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop Original broadcast: April 26, 2021 A return to the Can't Knock the Shuffle archives with Grammy-nominated producer Nicolay. Originally hailing from the Netherlands, Nicolay launched his career as we know it in the early 2000s, when he was sharing files over the Internet with Phonte Coleman from Little Brother. Their remote international collaboration resulted in the group Foreign Exchange, an ahead of its time side project that eventually brought Nicolay to the states and would lead to several albums, consistent touring around the globe, his own Foreign Exchange Music record label, and a Grammy nomination for the group’s second album Leave it All Behind – and they’ve done it all independently and playing by their own rules. Nicolay has also released his own albums – both instrumental and with other vocalists – and has built his brand around a refusal to conform to one sound or style. In this episode, we break down these songs: "There's No Guarantee" ('City Lights Volume 1.5', 2005) "Nic's Groove" (Foreign Exchange 'Connected', 2004) "A New World" ('A New World', 2020) "Behind Your Door" (w/ The Hot At Nights, 'Glaciers', 2018) "Laughing At Your Plans" (Foreign Exchange 'Authenticity', 2010) "What It Used To Be" feat Wiz Khalifa ('Here', 2006) "Asking For a Friend" (Foreign Exchange, 'Tales from the Land of Milk and Honey', 2015) Nicolay/Foreign Exchange: foreignexchangemusic.com The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Nicolay: @nicolaymusic (IG), @nicolaymusic (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME WHERE BROOKLYN AT, WHERE BROOKLYN AT? Sean and Donwill team up for a live podcast/game with the Almanac of Rap Questions at Bierwax BK with special guest comedians Josh Gondelman and Petey DeAbreu. This is live chaos in the best way possible with plenty of laughs and insightful rap rabbitholes for you to explore. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (X) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (X) Donwill: @donwill (IG), @donwill (X) Josh Gondelman: @joshgondelman (IG), @joshgondelman (X) Petey DeAbreu: @pdeezjokes (IG), @pdeezjokes (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Brother Ali returns to the podcast to take part in Can't Knock the Shuffle, in which he must break down the stories behind seven randomly selected songs from his catalog: "Self Taught" ('Champion EP', 2004) "More Than This" (single, 2022) "Namesake" ('Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color', 2012) "The Solution" Abstract Rude feat. Slug and Brother Ali ('Keep the Feel: A Legacy of Hip-Hop Soul,' 2015) "Abu Enzo" ('Secrets & Escapes,' 2019) "You Say (Puppy Love)" ('Us,' 2009) "Letter From the Government" ('The Undisputed Truth,' 2007) The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) Brother Ali: @brotheraliisblind (IG), @BrotherAli (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Sean and MidaZ are back at it with the Making Illmatic series. This time they're joined by Mean Joe Scheme to examine Drake's 'Nothing Was the Same' and see if the album is improved or hurt by cutting it down to 10 songs. The Questions: @thequestionshiphop (IG), @questionshiphop (Twitter) Sean: @seandammit (IG), @seandammit (Twitter) MidaZ: @midazthebeast (IG), @midaz (Twitter) Mean Joe Scheme: @meanjoescheme (IG), @meanjoescheme (Twitter) Email: sean@questionshiphop.com questionshiphop.com

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Things take a conceptual turn in this installment of the Making Illmatic series, as Sean and MidaZ are joined by writer/journalist Kevito Clark to dissect Sticky Fingaz's debut narrative album 'Black Trash: The Autobiography of Kirk Jones'. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter MidaZ the BEAST: Instagram | Twitter Kevito Clark: Instagram

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com youtube.com/thequestionshiphop Originally broadcast on December 9, 2020. Steve1der connects with hip-hop TV host, radio personality, dancer, and choreographer Leslie "Big Lez" Segar to talk to her about the many facets of her career and to put her hip-hop trivia skills to the test! The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram Steve1der: Instagram Leslie Segar: Instagram

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com youtube.com/thequestionshiphop Originally broadcast on May 25, 2020. Digging in the Questions Classic crates for this throwback episode featuring comedian, DJ, and hip-hop champion Russell Peters. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram Russell Peters: Instagram

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Originally broadcast on October 7, 2020 Digging into the Questions crates with this classic episode featuring Bay Area artist Lyrics Born. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter Lyrics Born: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com youtube.com/thequestionshiphop Originally broadcast on November 11, 2020. Revisiting Bahamadia's appearance on Can't Knock the Shuffle, in which she and Sean explore the stories behind these randomly-selected songs from her catalog: "Innovation" ('Kollage', 1996) "Transcend" (King Britt, 'Adventures in Lo-Fi', 2003) "Proceed III" (The Roots, 1994) "Dialed Up 2" ('Dialed Up 2', 2017) "Thank You" ('Good Rap Music', 2006) "One-4-Teen (Funky For You)" ('BB Queen', 2000) "Here" (2015)

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com We're taking it back with this one! Sean and MidaZ the BEAST bring the Making Illmatic format back as they attempt to condense Kool G Rap and DJ Polo's second album 'Wanted: Dead or Alive' down to 10 songs. They're joined by emcee/author/hip-hop multi-hyphenate Wordsworth. RIP to DJ Polo, whose untimely passing occurred weeks after this episode was recorded. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter MidaZ the BEAST: Instagram | Twitter Wordsworth: Instagram | Twitter

Patreon.com/thequestionshiphop questionshiphop.com ORDER THE QUESTIONS HIP-HOP TRIVIA GAME Original Broadcast: October 14, 2020 J-Live is unparalleled as a writer in the craft of hip hop. He first got his start in the mid-90s with 'The Best Part,' a classic debut that was shelved and eventually bootlegged to the masses. Since then, he's also developed more as a DJ and producer over the course of a dozen independent projects that he's since released. A true student of the game, J-Live's attention to detail makes him the perfect candidate to dive into the stories behind songs in his catalog. In this episode, we explore: "Ya Momma So Black" (How Much is Water?, 2015) "Braggin' Writes (Revisited)" (12-inch single/'The Best Part', 1996/2001) "The Upgrade" feat Oddisee + Posdnuos ('Then What Happened?', 2008) "Like This Anna" ('All of the Above', 2002) "Watch Sun Watch" feat. YC the Cynic ('S.P.T.A. Said Person of That Ability', 2011) "Walk Like" ('Around the Sun', 2014) "Anotha Hip Hop Song" ('At The Date Of This Writing', 2019) Learn how J-Live's trademark part of his stage show was created somewhat by accident, the story behind the delay and shelving of his classic first album, what motivates him to self-produce vs. working with other producers on his albums, and the process by which he constructs so many of his intricately-conceived songs. The Questions Hip-Hop: Instagram | Twitter Sean Kantrowitz: Instagram | Twitter J-Live: Instagram | Twitter