This live episode from the ON-AIR Fest in Brooklyn, NY, contains what is quite simply one of the best stories in the history of this show – DJ Drama telling the wild tale of his RICO arrest for making mixtapes. But that’s not all the episode has to offer! Drama also gives deep insight into his many massive collabs, his upcoming album, and his creative relationship with Tyler, the Creator. If you want to understand how mixtapes have shaped hip-hop... this is the one for you.

People's Party with Talib Kweli

DJ Drama Breaks Down His Amazing Mixtape Run, His Grammy with Tyler, the Creator, and the Wild Tale of His Rico Arrest

Multi Grammy-winning Jazz keyboardist, arranger, and record producer, Bob James, joins Talib Kweli at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City to talk about his legacy as the most sampled man in hip-hop.   James, who has become the inadvertent sonic architect of rap’s golden age by being sampled by everyone from Eric B and Rakim, to Run DMC Ghostface Killah, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Missy Elliot, The Beastie Boys, and the Wu-Tang Clan (to name a very small few) breaks down why so many rappers love his work, and talks about the origins of the New Orleans Street beat.   James also shares stories about cutting records with legends like Chet Baker and Quincy Jones and offers his thoughts on some of the most memorable sample flips of his work.   For fans of the art of sampling and hip-hop in general, this is a must listen with a true GOAT of the genre.

Bob James Talks about Being the Most Sampled Man in Hip-Hop as Well as the Sonic Architect of Rap’s Golden Era

Voice of a generation, Jon Stewart joins Talib Kweli at the Blue Note Jazz Club to talk about his journey from stand-up comedian to activist (and back to stand-up comedian). He reflects on the legacy of The Daily Show, the modern media landscape, and his new show The Problem With Jon Stewart.   Stewart also reflects on the passing of the Daily Show torch to Trevor Noah, and shares how he balances his passion for standup, making movies, and breaking down the news. Stewart also gives us insight into the struggles he faced helping to pass the Pact Act.   For old fans of The Daily Show and new fans of The Problem with Jon Stewart—as well as anyone who enjoys the art of great satire—this is a must-listen.  

Jon Stewart on His Journey from Comedian to Activist, the Legacy of ‘the Daily Show,’ and the State of the Modern Media Landscape

Check out this single from my new album Liberation 2, available now, only on Luminary. https://luminary.link/liberation2 Ft. Amani Fela (Talib Kweli Greene, Otis Jackson, Jr., Amani Fela Greene, Homer Banks, Carl Hampton, Raymond Jackson) Produced by Madlib. Recorded and mixed by Federico "c sik'' Lopez. Pen Skills Music (BMI) Songs of Windswept Pacific (BMI) all rights administered by BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, Loop Digga Publishing (BMI) administered by Sony/ATV Songs LLC. AMANIAINTHERE ASCAP 6845284. Samples a portion of “I'm Trying to Sing A Message To You"' By Luther Ingram, published by Irving c/o UMPG / Malaco. Sample Clearances by DMG Clearances, Inc. A&R Administration by Donna Dragotta

After These Messages - Single (Talib Kweli and Madlib)

The hilarious and thoughtful comedian joins Talib Kweli at the Blue Note Jazz Club for an in-depth chat on her comedy career and life. Jay speaks on what she’s learned from working at the institution that is Saturday Night Live and takes us behind some of her most well-known sketches there, including “Black Jeopardy.” Jay also discusses her ingeniously-named HBO series, Pause, and her Netflix special 3 In The Morning.    The conversation ends with some rich discussion around the Netflix original, You People, and Jay’s role in the film. This episode is a must-listen for hardcore SNL fans and people who love all-things comedy, plus anyone who loved the discourse around You People.

Sam Jay on the Film “You People,” Her Comedy Specials, and the Challenges of Being the First Black Lesbian Writer on SNL

The legendary comedian and actor joins Talib Kweli at the Blue Note Jazz Club for a hilarious chat about his latest comedy special “I’m From The Future,” and his current tour (“Appearances”).   The pair also discusses the huge cultural and comedic impact of “Arrested Development” and “Mr. Show,” and what it was like to work with big personalities like Will Arnett and Bob Odenkirk. Cross also discusses his work directing and appearing in music videos, and shares some of his most potent comedy influences.

David Cross Discusses His Latest Comedy Special and the Cultural and Comedic Impact of Both “Arrested Development” and “Mr. Show”

Legendary rapper Smoke DZA joins Talib Kweli at The Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City for a deep conversation about the arc of his multi-faceted career. The duo dive into the intricacies of Harlem battle rap, the origins of the Smoker’s Club, and more.   “If you don’t know where you come from, you don’t know where you’re going,” Smoke DZA says.   He talks about linking up with Mac Miller, and making Full Court Press with Girl Talk, Wiz Khalifa, and Big K.R.I.T., and then shares insights into his incredible run of mixtapes. Plus: why he made the Polo-Rugby style his signature look.   For fans of New York rap and hip-hop in general, this is a must-listen.

Smoke DZA on His Unparalleled Mixtape Run, the Origins of His Polo-Rugby Style, Battle Rapping in Harlem, and the Formation of the Smoker’s Club

The prolific DJ, Grammy-nominated multi-platinum producer, songwriter, and singer Clinton Sparks talks about his rise from local DJ to entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and one of the most valued voices in the music industry.  Sparks also offers a deep dive on the unique sound palette of Boston, and how the city’s Black and Irish communities collide into a truly unique sound and aesthetic. Sparks also discusses the beginnings of Mixunit, his association with Faze Clan, meeting DJ Khaled. and what it’s like to tour with Diddy.  If you’re interested in the secrets of music industry success, this is a must-listen as Sparks offers unparalleled insight.   

Clinton Sparks on the Unique Sound of Boston, His Relationship With DJ Khaled, and the Story of His Music Career Journey

Our guest today is a master of bars—one half of the hip-hop duo Heltah Skeltah, and a member of the Boot Camp Clik. You first heard him on Smif-N-Wessun’s Dah Shinin on the song “Wontime,” “Cession at da Doghillee” and “Let’s Git It On.”   In this revealing convo, Rock sits with Kweli and co-host Jasmin Leigh in a no-holds-barred discussion of his career wins and losses, struggles with the law, lost friends, and major influences.

Heltah Skeltah’s Rock (aka Rockness Monsta) talks about Sean Price’s Death, Boot Camp Clik, Gang Life, and His Best Bars

Anthony Jeselnik is one of the most fearless comics working today. While other comics cower to “cancel culture,” he laughs in its face. As such, he makes the perfect interview guest for Kweli and co-host Jasmin Leigh – both staunch supporters of dangerous humor.   This deeply personal interview is both insightful and funny – a deep dive into one of the most beloved comics of our time.

Anthony Jeselnik on: the "Joke Police," the Ruining of “Last Comic Standing,” and Jokes About Racism

Chace Infinite is an industry ninja, an incredible MC, a fashion and entertainment maverick. In this conversation with Talib and Jasmin, he describes the reason he stays so busy, and how he remains vital in every project he touches. The legend also shares stories about how he plugged Khalil with Dr. Dre, what it’s like working with A$AP Rocky and the A$AP Mob, and how he played a pivotal role in getting the new Black Star Album out.   This is a must-listen interview for hip-hop fans interested in how it all goes down behind the scenes.

Chace Infinite Shares Secrets and Wisdom from the Industry, How He Linked Up with the A$AP Mod, and Reveals How Helped Get the Black Star Album Out

People’s Party’s very first guest, the legendary Bun B, returns to chop it up with Talib and Jasmin about everything from his favorite sitcoms and his wildly popular burger business to the stories behind some of his most impactful songs.   The prolific rapper also goes deep on what makes the Houston rap scene so special, and how he developed his iconic sense of style. Plus, he shares more on where his restless creative spirit is taking him next.   For longtime People’s Party listeners, this interview not only delivers a fun and rich conversation, it reflects just how much the show has grown since episode one.

Bun B Discusses the Inspiration and Impact of His Well-Known Songs, What Makes Houston Rap Special, and His Current Status as a Burger Baron

Standup comedian and actor Tony Baker joins Talib and Jasmin for a deep and hilarious exploration of all things comedy. Baker discusses his experience on the show “Last Comic Standing,” how comedians grow funnier with age, and how he built his enormous social media following.   The comedian also talks about the origins of his viral “Cram Ram” clips, and shares his favorite comedy albums. Baker also talks about how comedy pulled him out of his most traumatic moment.   This interview is a must for anybody who believes in the transformative power of a good laugh.

Tony Baker on the Origins of His Viral “Cram Ram” Videos, Live vs. Online Comedy, and the Power of Comedy in Healing Trauma

The crown princess of Chicago rap joins Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh for a discussion of her origins and takes us deep into the best bars from her mixtapes and albums.  Dreezy also talks about playing Queen Cabrini on “Beats,” how she developer her flow, and what it was like working with Hit Boy and Jeremih. Listeners looking for one of the most vital voices in modern hip-hop won’t want to miss this longform interview with this young artist. 

Dreezy Takes Us behind Some of Her Greatest Bars and Most Cinematic Videos, Explains How She Caught the Ear of Common, and How She Developed Her Flow

Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with three-fourths of the West Coast Rap super group Mount Westmore—E-40, Too $hort, and Ice Cube—for an interview of awesome proportions.   Mount Westmore members share deep-cut stories, break down their legendary careers, and emphasize the importance of giving each other their flowers daily. If you are a West Coast rap fan, this is a must-listen. 

Rap Super Group Mount Westmore Joins Talib at the Table for an Epic Interview

People’s Party is a weekly interview show hosted by hip-hop legend Talib Kweli. The show features big-name guests exploring hip-hop, culture, and politics.