Take It Personal Podcast

We’re officially 3 years deep in this podcast game and we got 56 episodes and a bunch of tributes and great interviews to show for it. In three short years, we’ve landed the greatest producers of all-time like DJ Premier (twice), Pete Rock and Erick Sermon. We've interviewed legendary MC's like KRS-One, Redman, Masta Ace, Pharoahe Monch, Casual, Del and were fortunate enough to chopped it up with Roc Marciano, Evidence, Murs, Planet Asia, Ras Kass, Slug, Apathy, Open Mike Eagle, Supastition and Bonz Malone to name a few. We covered Philly hip-hop, Brooklyn hip-hop, Indie hip-hop, West Coast hip-hop, Southern hip-hop and produced extensive tributes for DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Nas, Jay-Z, YO! MTV Raps, Native Tongues, KRS-One, Prodigy, Redman, Hieroglyphics, Atmosphere, Pharoahe Monch and Wu-Tang Clan. Plus, we Respect(ed) The Architects while covering LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, Eric B. & Rakim, Run-DMC, EPMD and Boogie Down Productions. We also tackled New Jack Swing,

Many people as well as publications are calling this best DJ Premier interview in years. We can tell you all the reasons why you should listen, but we're talking DJ Premier! When the G.O.A.T. talks, you just listen. DJ Premier goes in-depth about the new album. We talk plenty about Guru, their relationship, the misunderstandings and the family bond. We collabos with Nas, Pete Rock, De La Soul, Q-Tip, Bun B, K-Rino. We discuss the artists featured on One of The Best Yet, as well as those who weren’t on the album but felt they should be. There was nothing off-limits and DJ Premier opened about Solar like we've never heard before. Of course, we had to have a little fun, so, we made Preem choose his best work outta Livin' Proof, The Sun Rises In The East or Hard To Earn.

I can tell you all the reasons why you should listen to our DJ Premier interview, but we're talking DJ Premier! When the G.O.A.T. talks, you just listen. DJ Premier goes in-depth about the new album. We talk plenty about Guru, their relationship, the misunderstandings and the family bond. We collabos with Nas, Pete Rock, De La Soul, Q-Tip, Bun B, K-Rino. We discuss the artists featured on One of The Best Yet, as well as those who weren’t on the album but felt they should be. There was nothing off-limits and DJ Premier opened about Solar like we've never heard before. Of course, we had to have a little fun, so, we made Preem choose his best work outta Livin' Proof, The Sun Rises In The East or Hard To Earn. Episode 55 also features plenty of '19 music with Gang Starr, Benny The Butcher, Murs, Pharoahe Monch, Brother Ali, Little Brother, Diamond D, DJ Shadow, Apollo Brown, Meyhem Lauren, Westside Gunn, Rapsody, Freddie Gibbs, Him Lo, Skyzoo & Pete Rock, Black Moon, Big Shug, Ghostface Killah, Supastition, Dar

When we decided to tackle the greatest hip-hop battle of all-time, we knew it had to be special. It had to be something unlike we've ever witnessed before, even though the battle took place nearly 20 years ago. It was important to re-create the magic and the memories and celebrate two of the most decorated veterans in hip-hop. This epic episode plays like a Scorsese film. But, unlike most films, this gladiator battle has 4 acts. Each mix has been carefully curated to bring out the best in each opponent. We found a way to breathe new life into this battle of rap dominance and New York supremacy. From the little nuances, sound bytes, samples and scratching throughout this episode, if you don't get chills, you might not have a pulse. Take It Personal covers the battle of Nas. vs. Jay-Z like never before. Whether you're Team Nas or Team Jay-Z, we guarantee you moments where you'll feel conflicted, startled and even celebratory. So much goes into making these types of shows, so, please continue to spread the w

It’s not every day you get to go back to your old school and talk with your teachers. Today, we got that chance to speak to one of them. Doctor Dre was the only doctor I knew growing up besides Dr. Spock. Dre, along with Fab Five Freddy and Ed Lover, were instrumental in our early exposures to hip-hop. They helped educate and they definitely helped entertain us. If not for YO! MTV Raps, many of us wouldn’t have even known these classic rap videos existed. There was no internet back then. Certainly nothing remotely close to Youtube. If you didn’t catch Music Box, Pump It Up, Rap City or Yo!, chances are, you just missed out! While Fab Five Freddy took on the more serious role as the teacher who dropped knowledge all day, it was the fun-loving duo of Doctor Dre and Ed Lover that really captivated you. They had you laughing from the start of the class to the end of it. They left you wanting more. Doctor Dre knew how to kick dunn language, like on Knowledge Me, and he and Ed both knew how to have fun like Back U

Episode 52 pays homage to Philly's own Ruffhouse Records. Home of Cypress Hill, Lauryn Hill, The Fugees, Tim Dog, The Goats, Kris Kross, and once, DMX and Nasty Nas! This interview driven episode features Ruffhouse CEO Chris Schwartz. We discuss how Schoolly D was an intricate part in helping Ruffhouse get started. We learn about Fugees' early struggles before their monstrous success. We find out Chris passed on Arrested Development, The Roots and House of Pain. We learn how Tommy Motolla took back Nas. We talk Kool Keith, Tim Dog, Lauryn Hill, Mountain Brothers, The Goats and everything Ruffhouse-related. If you've read Chris Schwartz's book "Ruffhouse", you're going to love this episode. If you haven't, then you're really going to love this episode. Be sure to check it out https://www.amazon.com/Ruffhouse-Streets-Philly-Top-Charts/dp/1635765994 What would a TIP episode be like without a dope mix? We got all the classics and then some for you at the break. For all things Take It Personal: www.takeitperso

If you haven’t checked out our Official Hieroglyphics Tribute, it’s available on all streaming platforms as well as our website. This interview is one of four featured on the tribute. We interviewed Del, Domino, Casual & Tajai and we’ve got stories for days! Tajai’s breaks down his feelings towards the group’s sophomore album and the importance of each album sounding different. Takeitpersonalradio.com

Episode 51 we pay homage to jazz music. There is no hip-hop without this great artform. We've got joints from Digable to De La. We've also have Freestyle Fellowship, Blackalicious, Madkap, Organized Konfusion, Sound Providers, Damu The Fudgemunk, Artifacts, Buckshot LeFonque and Siah & Yeshua DapoED to name a few. Remember, on Soundcloud you can now download each episode for free. Our website has all the track lists for each episode and we just released a few new tees for the fall. For all things Take It Personal please visit takeitpersonalradio.com Jazz ain't the past, this music's gonna last. And as the facts unfold, remember who foretold! - Guru

Ask and you shall receive. This is our Official Hieroglyphics Tribute (Episode 50) with 3 1/2 hours of non-stop Hiero. No talking, no interviews, just 100% music! takeitpersonalradio.com hieroglyphics.com

If you haven’t checked out our Official Hieroglyphics Tribute, it’s available on all streaming platforms as well as our website. This interview is one of four featured on the tribute. We interviewed Del, Domino, Casual & Tajai and we’ve got stories for days! We talk about Del doing shrooms with Q-Tip. We find out Ice Cube wasn’t a fan of Gang Starr and thought Kool Keith was too weird Del explains what it was like not only being cousins with Ice Cube, but their musical similarities and his involvement earlier on in his career. We learn about Del’s feelings towards the Gorillaz, while Domino breaks down just about every Hiero collaboration imaginable. 135 minutes of unfiltered Hieroglyphics! Takeitpersonalradio.com

If you haven’t checked out our Official Hieroglyphics Tribute, it’s available on all streaming platforms as well as our website. This interview is one of four featured on the tribute. We talk to Casual about getting a deal with Pharoahe Monch to losing the same deal with Pharoahe Monch. We talk about the infamous Hiero vs. Hobo Junction battle and we break down the classic Fear Itself. Check, check it out! Takeitpersonalradio.com

If you’re going to Hiero Day, EPISODE 50 is going to enhance your experience exponentially. If you aren’t attending, this is the next best thing. We interviewed Del, Domino, Casual & Tajai and we’ve got stories for days! We talk about Del doing shrooms with Q-Tip to Casual freestyling with Pharoahe Monch at the Gavin. Of course, we touch on Casual vs. Saafir and the impact it had on battle rap. We find out Ice Cube wasn’t a fan of Gang Starr and thought Kool Keith was too weird (ya don’t say?). Del explains what it was like not only being cousins with Ice Cube, but their musical similarities and his involvement earlier on in his career. We learn about Del’s feelings towards the Gorillaz, while Domino breaks down just about every Hiero collaboration imaginable. We talk I Wish My Brother George Was Here, ’93 Til Infinity, No Need For Alarm, Fear Itself, Like It Should Be and No Man’s Land. We discuss their rap dominance prior to being dropped by the label. Tajai’s breaks down his feelings towards the group’s so

Episode 49 concludes our Crossover (Summertime Edition) series. We've got music from O.C., Large Professor, Grand Puba, The Beatnuts, MC Eiht, The Pharcyde, Naughty By Nature, Dilated Peoples, Atmosphere, Little Brother and Too $hort to name a few. Plus, during the break, we got the debut of Dick Knickerbocker on our “name that tune” segment. What should have been an easy game, turned into the most difficult and at times, embarrassing game we’ve ever played on the show. Enjoy part 3 and stay tuned for #50!

Oakland is a city filled with dynasties teams. You had the Raiders, the A’s and most recently, the Warriors. But this Oakland collective, better known as the Hieroglyphics Crew, had a dynasty of their own. Founded by Del the Funky Homosapien, this was squad rolled deep, very deep. They were like the Wu before the Wu even existed. Hieroglyphics featured many  personalities and styles ranging from Del, Casual, Pep Love, Domino, Opio, Phesto, Tajai, A-Plus, Jay-Biz, Mike G, Snupe, Extra Prolific to Toure. Their 3rd eye logo is immediately recognizable as are many of their classics cuts. This mini-mix is from our West Coast Classic series, and while we only scratched the surface, this Hiero tribute serves as a great reminder of the their dominance in hip-hop. Oaktown is full of legends like Rickey Henderson, Bill Russell, Kamala Harris, Tom Hanks, Mark Hamill, Bruce and Brandon Lee, Gary Payton, Marshawn Lynch, 2Pac, Paul Pierce, MC Hammer, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Frank Oz, The Pointer Sisters, Too $hort, Mac Dre,

Episode 47 embodies every possible emotion you could experience in summertime. Whether you’re posting up on the stoop cursing at the heat, dippin’ in the streets or dippin’ in the pool, we got you covered. Whether you’re at the beach, a BBQ or going thru summer love, we got you! Music is often associated with our memories and we bring back a lot of them for ya’ll on this one. With classics from Soul of Mischief, Original Flavor, Ill Al Skratch, De La Soul, Slum Village, Warren G, Naughty By Nature, Suga Free, Ice Cube and The Roots, we got you plenty COVERED! Grab a nice cold one and turn this shit way the f*ck up!

We could write-up a colorful description to entice you to listen, but we’re talking about Redman. If you know how Take It Personal does interviews, you know we cover just about everything. We ask the questions most don’t and know sh*t most don’t. Reggie Noble is charismatic, energetic, honest, informative, appreciative and in typical Redman fashion, HILARIOUS in this interview! Remember for more info, all of our shows and downloads, you can check us out @ TakeItPersonalRadio.com.

There aren’t many rappers deserving of a 7 hour tribute, but we’re talking Redman here. On part 2, we air our exclusive Redman interview along with countless hours of music covering his looseys, remixes and ridiculously dope collabos. We remind you how the Def Squad was a force to be reckoned with. The chemistry between Erick, Keith and Redman was a thing of beauty. We also have the Wu features, the collabos with Tame One, Kris Kross, Pete Rock, M.O.P., Meth, Eightball, Scarface and Snoop Dogg. And you know we had to throw in some surprises, too. I once said in jest we’re the “King of The Tributes,” but after this, Preem, Pete Rock, Pharoahe Monch, Wu-Tang, KRS-One, Prodigy, Atmosphere, Southern, West Coast, Indie, Philly Hip-Hop and The Native Tongues tribute, it just might be the truth.

Redman is one of a kind. I really can’t think of another rapper like him. Not in style, not in sound and definitely not with his personality. As I told Redman during our interview, it’s hard to name another rapper of as likable as him. Redman is ridiculously funny, constantly entertaining and his energy is through the roof. Not to mention, he is honest to a fault. You have to love those qualities in a person, let alone a rapper. In terms of rapping tho, he’s been doing this officially since 1990. That’s almost 3 decades! Most rappers don't have that kind of longevity and certainly most haven't been able to maintain a career without their skills deteriorating. If you listen to Redman today, he’s as sharp as he was back when he debuted with EPMD. During this 2-part tribute, we pay homage to Redman aka Funk Doctor Spock aka Mr. Reggie Noble. We cover the classics, the remixes and both the hip-hop and R&B collabos. We got all the Def Squad collabos too. We cover the joints with Cypress Hill, KRS-One, Boyz II Men

Ice Cube was the best rapper from 1990-1992. I don’t feel that’s up for debate. Some may point out his work on Straight Outta Compton, but it’s hard to overlook Slick Rick in 1988. In 89, while Cube was prepping the release of his debut album with The Bomb Squad, The D.O.C. took home both the MVP and Rookie of The Year honors. But after that, it was all Ice Cube and he had one hellava run. That 3-year run solidified him among the very best in hip-hop history. If you’re wondering who took the honors of after that, I’d have to give it to Snoop (93), then Nasty Nas (94), then Big (95). But let’s get back to Ice Cube, aiight? Ice Cube released 3 consecutive classic albums, 4 if you want to count his EP (Kill at Will). And it’s not like he just put out consecutive classics like Redman, Scarface, Jay-Z or ATCQ, I’d argue that AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted and Death Certificate are the TWO best back-to-back debut and sophomore releases by any rapper, ever. The magnitude of those releases can’t properly be articulated.

Episode 44 is a continuation of our Beats, Baseball and Brews theme. On part 2, we talked to actor, director and sometimes rapper, Stu Stone. We delve into his recent film “Jack of All Trades,” and discuss the nostalgia of baseball cards, rapping with Jamie Kennedy, acting in Donnie Darko and touring Iraq with Paul Wall. And since Stu is from T-Dot, we had to play some Canadian hip-hop this episode. We also have throwbacks from Black Moon, Artifacts, Krown Rulers, Wee Bee Foolish, Big Daddy Kane, Das EFX, Showbiz & AG, Heltah Skeltah and Fat Joe. Plus, new music by DJ Premier, Your Old Droog and Horror City. This was a fun episode with a panel of discussion, great music and special guest Rhymecology dropped a gem on us. Please remember, our shows are available on takeitpersonalradio.com, where you can stream or download them directly. We post all the track listings there too. Take It Personal can be heard on Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, iHeart Radio, SoundCloud, Stitcher, PlayerFM and anyplace that hosts