Brooklyn Props Podcast

On this extra special episode we talk to Griddy's father about growing up in Scotland, traveling the world and experiences immigrating to the United States.

We did a joint show with Effwhutuheard Radio. Join the Brooklyn Props crew, Wolf of BK and DJ Tay Ferg as we comment on some previous shows. Everything form gentrification to the current goth-rap trends. You can find Effwhutuheard Radio on iTunes.

This week the crew welcomes DJ Still Life, creator of Str8 West Coastin, a West Coast hip-hop party hosted in Brooklyn every summer. We talk about how Still Life got started DJing in California, and how legendary crews like the Beat Junkies and Invisibl Skratch Piklz inspired him. Then we switch gears to discuss his experiences DJing in NYC over the last decade. We get into minutiae of planning and hosting your own party, including how to find the right venue, dealing with food vendors, the role of marketing/advertising, and finding the right mix of music, vibes, and frequency that can help make the party a success. If you are in Brooklyn on Saturday, August 19, drop by Project Parlor in Bed-Stuy for the final Str8 West Coastin party of the summer.

This episode we are joined by A$AP Rocky collaborator, sound engineer, producer, and composer Daniel Lynas. We talk about his start as a performer, the advantages of going to school in NYC, and what contributed to his early success. We then get technical and talk about his love for loud speakers, Wurlitzer organs, and the importance of studio room dynamics. Lynas also gives us his favorite production plug-ins as well as the hierarchy of studio equipment and what you should spend money on for your bedroom set-up. Afterwards we talk about working with artists: the best ways to collaborate, developing your composition, and when you should stop a session. We close out by talking to Lynas about his personal projects, balancing personal creativity and creativity-for-hire, and how he started working with A$AP Rocky. All that plus "Despacito," Kendrick dominating, woke Jay-Z, reverb, Lord Alfred, and we try to answer the the question: What does DJ Khaled actually do? To contact Lynas and inquire about recording/engineering/composition, email him at daniel.lynas@gmail.com. 

Most hip-hop fans are familiar with XXL's annual "Freshman" class of up-and-coming rappers. As rap music--and its fans--get older, we thought it would be fun to discuss which rappers are part of the Sophomore, Junior and Senior classes. In this episode, we try to answer the following questions: What does it it take to become an Upperclassmen? What keeps hip-hop Freshman from moving on to the next class and into long-term success? What does a mature hip-hop career look like? Whose next to graduate?

We also highlight a documentary that served as an inspiration for this episode: "Adult Rappers." The film features older, independent hip-hop artists discussing what it's like to continue to follow their dreams of making music in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Definitely check it out--it will give you a totally new perspective on the work it takes to be a working artist. The hour-long film can be viewed on YouTube and Vimeo.  

Lastly, we give a quick shoutout to Camp Brooklyn Fund, a nonprofit that raises money to send low-income kids living in Brooklyn to summer camp in Upstate New York. It's a great organization that helps kids get out of the city and into nature. Michael from Camp Brooklyn joins us in the beginning of the episode to talk about their latest fundraising initiatives: a gala and silent auction. Visit CampBrooklyn.org for more info.

Thanks to our special guests, Michael and Marques, for coming on the show. 

This episode is dedicated to conscious rap. We explore the different definitions of conscious rap, where it started, political vs. non-political conscious rap, and how modern rappers have evolved these ideals. We also talk about some our favorite current conscious rappers.

 This episode we are joined by the writer, producer and cast of the short film "Harlem Love." We spoke to the independent filmmakers about their entire production process, from writing the script and casting the roles, to developing the set and costumes designs and filming in NYC. We also talked about full-length films vs. short films, navigating the film festival circuit and how to successfully raise money on the fundraising site Indiegogo. thanks to Richard Joseph, Nadhege Ptah, Yvette Joseph, and Curtis L. Williams for coming on the show.

Follow https://twitter.com/harlemlovefilm for more info on the film!

What is it about modern producers that makes them as marketable as performing artists? The crew unpacks this and other questions as we talk about how the role of the producer has evolved into a tastemaker for the music industry. Topics include: The difference between producers like Puffy and DJ Premier, what makes a producer hot, and defining "traditional" hip-hop production and what it sounds like. We also provide a sonic exploration of the genesis of Atlanta's beats that links MC Shy D to Young Thug. We close the show with the King of TV, and talk about Atlanta, one of our new favorite TV shows. Thanks to BrooklynRadio.com and Brickhaus Studios. P.S. Don't do it, Delores!  

This podcast is for the sports fans. We open the show with the NFL and the Josh Norman situation: Is he out of position? Overpaid? Then we talk about the best of the young quarterbacks in the league (aka Goff vs. Wentz) [6:00]; Belichick getting it done; Darrelle Revis; and the best receivers in the league. [14:00] We also pour one out for Jameis Winston (#all.I.do.is.Winston) [18:00]. We then shift gears to the NBA [20:45] and go into the stories of the upcoming season. We dive into Dwight Howard and the Atlanta Hawks: Will they change their system to fit new personal? Then we turn to the Chicago Bulls [25:00]: Whose team is it? Was bringing in new coach Fred Hoiberg last year a good move? We move on to the Washington Wizards: Do John Wall and Bradley Beal have issues with each other? [28:00] We round out the Eastern conference with the Milwaukee Bucks and Black Porzingis! We then turn [31:00] to the Western Conference and talk about whose up next for the San Antonio Spurs; the Minnesota Timberwolves and their ceiling [33:00]; and the Portland Trail Blazers and if they will evolve into a consistent playoff team. We then spotlight Carmelo Anthony and James Harden, and the questions surrounding these stars going into the season [35:00]. Lastly, we talk about NBA League Pass and give you the best games for the first half of the season [39:00]. We close with some King of TV and the Emmys [52:00]. All that plus Antonio Brown, business Romo, the Betrayal Bowl and graphic packages. Go for it! Thanks to BrooklynRadio.com and The Brickhaus for the support! #blackporzingis 

Just the crew on this one. We open with our [MUSIC] segment and get into the controversy surrounding Frank Ocean's recent split with the Universal Music Group. We discuss the events that led up to the split, identify the stakeholders involved, talk about where all the money goes, the larger legal issues, and how this may change the way labels finance and promote artists. Then we get into our [SPORTS][39:00] segment, where we talk college football and the waning SEC, comebacks, Derrick Rose, Tebow's new career prospect, boxing (Griddy with the call), the NFL and Tony Romo (sorry, Charlie), and the best of current sports documentary. All that plus Terrence Malik, Britney Spears and ITT. Check for The Stranger Things mix here (the stream jumps because of some technical issues). Thanks to BrooklynRadio.com and Brickhaus Studios. Grime dem boys! #legalissues, 

*The Derrick Rose Confidence Tape mentioned in this episode was created prior to the release of the grand jury testimony. We are in no way encouraging or endorsing the behavior described in the transcripts. I am just a Knicks fan, trying to get hype for the pre-season.  

Today we interview a member of the Brooklyn Radio podcast family, Leschea, creator and host of the Leschea Show. We talk about her experiences growing up in Bed-Stuy, how she went from singing in talent shows to touring with artists, and her relationship with Warner Brothers record label [12:30]. We also get into the creation of her podcast [25:00], some behind-the-scenes insight regarding her legendary interviews, and how her and co-host Danny Love use their differences in race, gender, and age to create show content [1:01:00]. We close the show with some special "King of TV" recommendations for Leschea and an impromptu segment, which started out as a story about a lost ring and ended with major revelations! What can we say: Leschea is a good interviewer. All that plus liquid soap vs. bar soap, the genius of Breaking Bad, internet shopping, and Charles Oakley the cook. Make sure to check for the Leschea Show, live on Periscope every Sunday at 11AM or on BrooklynRadio.com every Tuesday. Thanks to @baghdiddy and Brickhaus Studios for the help. 

It's just the crew on this one. We open the show with [SPORTS] and talk about the issues surrounding the Rio Olympics and how we feel this may effect the athletes, as well as, those in attendance. Is there doo-doo in the water? Are athletes getting robbed? Should you watch Olympic basketball? Afterwards we get into our [CULTURE][19:35] segment where we talk about The Rub's 14th Anniversary dance party and the next wave of music-industry focused television shows [25:00], including Vinyl, Roadies, Empire, Nashville, and the upcoming The Get Down and ATL. Topics include how "real" these shows are, why the music industry can be a compelling storytelling platform, the power of soundtracks, what music supervisors do, the business of synchronization rights and the role of nostalgia. We close the show with our [MUSIC][1:03:00] segment, where we give you some recommendations to get your summer moving. All that, plus obligatory Knicks talk, Hamilton and Time Square The Musical! Thanks to BrooklynRadio.com and the Brickhaus. Props to King Capo and shouts to Aruba!  

Our guest for this episode is Masta Ace. From his first appearance on "The Symphony" (1988), to his most recent release, The Falling Season, Ace has consistently made great music. His verses are always intentful, and his albums are filled with songs with meaning. He is a true Brooklyn emcee; more wit, more skill and less rah-rah. Intelligent and gifted in the art of story telling, his solo albums are a mixture of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lee Daniels and David Simon. Pure cinema.

We cover a lot of territory in this episode, including Ace's experiences with different record labels, how he finds out about new music, The World's Famous Supreme Team, neighborhood battles, Marley Marl and how a rap contest at a roller skating rink started everything. But it wasn't all hip-hop: We also talk about Ace's stint as a high school football coach and the importance of youth sports. Additionally, Ace's wife, Leschea, talks about working with her husband on creative projects, why she started her own podcast, and how she met her show's co-host, Danny Love. Lots and lost of stories. And we mange to even say some positive things about the Knicks. It was a great time!

If you haven't already, definitely check out Ace's trilogy (Disposable Arts, A Long Hot Summer, The Falling Season) as well as the latest single, "Y.B.I. (Young Black Intelligent)" featuring Pav Bundy and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. For entertainment and culture news, watch the live broadcast of the Leschea Show every Sunday morning on Facebook and Periscope @lescheashow. 

The whole crew is back on this episode. We open the show with [SPORTS][4:05] and commemorate the great Muhammad Ali. Griddy shares some of his favorite stories about the boxing legend as we go into his history as an athlete, as a leader and as a once-in-a-lifetime personality. We also talk a little basketball [26:00] and give our take on The Finals, possible Knicks woes, the Orlando Magic, Kevin Durant, the basketball vs. soccer playing schedule, and Kevin Love. We close the episode with [CULTURE][47:10] and our first "King of TV" segment for the summer. We got picks to get your Netflix right. Thanks to Brooklyn Radio, Lynas and all of ya'll for listening. 

Leaner and meaner. It's just the boys on this one.  We open the show with [SPORTS] and discuss Mayweather v. Mcgregor [1:20]. The rumors, the facts and all in between. We then talk a little baseball, some Knicks and move into our [CULTURE] segment where we get into the Streaming Wars [13:40].  We discuss the major and minor music streaming services, how artists are getting paid (or not) and the future of these types of services. We end the episode with our [MUSIC] segment and speak on the possible ramifications of the shooting involving Troy Ave and how it may impact future hip-hop performances in NYC [35:30]. We hope all those harmed during the incident fully recover and hope that the hip-hop community can move on. Thanks to Brooklyn Radio, all our listeners. Special thanks to Linus for holding it down and Solace for the help! Backhand springs for life.

*Maino and Uncle Murda were NOT on stage during the shooting according to statements made after the recording of this episode. Our apologies to both of them. And run with that Heard U! 

After a hiatus the crew is BACK! We changed studios and changed our format, but have not changed our attitude. We are now splitting the show into segments. For our SPORTS segment, we talk a little NBA, some Johnny Football and suggest some social media rules for athletes. For our CULTURE segment, we recap a recent trip to Atlanta (19:00), and compare the Southern city to Brooklyn in terms of city planning, performance venues and record shops. For our MUSIC segment (34:00), we talk the recent trends in vinyl sales, which vinyl albums are selling and the impact of Record Store Day. We also play a game called "IS THIS RAP OR R&B?" (47:00), where I play some tracks and Griddy and Megatronic try to guess whether the song is rap or r&b. And that is that. Shouts out to BrooklynRadio for the support. Big ups to our podcast brothers at Effwhutuheard, props to BuendiaBK and Linus aka Lord Alfred for holding it DOWN. And thanks to our listeners, all three of ya'll. Put some respek on it.

A cold open to match the Brooklyn weather. From the tundra of NYC, we got a new set-up with the same crew. We comment on recent events such as the lackluster Grammy awards, the NBA All-Star weekend and our breakdown of the television show Empire. We also talk about Joey Bada$$, his latest album B4.Da.$$, and get into the industry behind urban artists. All that plus Kanye vs. Beck, the worst Lionel Richie impression, Cookie and Terrence Howard's hair. Check the full article at brooklynprops.com and get up on The Underachievers. Still impressive!

2014 was a crazy year and we sum it up in under 60 minutes. We talk some Cosby, a bit of Ghostface, and we do our version of album reviews for "The New Classic" and "The Pinkprint." Afterwards the crew gets into the hip-hop artists you should check, groups you may have missed, what the kids are really listening to, and some British people. Another year down. For more on Versos, go here. Special thanks to BrooklynRadio.com and to you for listening! Less Drake, more beer.

On this episode we welcome actor Parisa Fitz-Henley. We talk about getting her start in pageants, living the international model life, working in music videos, and transitioning into film and telelvision. We also get into the grind of being a working actor, including agents and directors, portfolios and auditioning, as well as, how she stays creative. All that plus NO I.D. gets a new job, Jay-Z buys something, Common as a carpenter, Chocolate Skateboards, some Christmas gift ideas for the discerning hip-hop fan and the King of TV's latest recommendations. Thanks to Parisa for coming through, Brooklyn Radio for the support and Frans for working his magic! Follow Parisa on Twitter @ParisaFH. They know better!  

Traum Diggs talks to us about growing up in Brooklyn and how hip-hop was seen on the streets back then, the pedigree of Philadelphia as a home of emcees, finding inspiration and writing from a personal perspective, collaborating with international artists, working with live musicians and staying motivated as an independent artist. All this plus Bobby Shmurda, Def Jam 30^th Anniversary concert and some Soundscan news. Thanks to Traum Diggs for showing love. Be sure to check out his website (here) and pick up the “Jazz Hop” release (here). New studio, same people. Thanks for listening! Royals.