You Must Learn Episode 2: Smif-N-Wessun "Dah Shinin"

Released January 10, 1995, Dah Shinin is celebrated for the synergy between Smif N Wessun’s two members, Tek and Steele, and the cohesive, gritty production courtesy of Da Beatminerz. In 1998, The Source placed the album in its list of 100 Best Rap Albums. What you’re about to hear is Tek and Steele take us through the backstory and the making of their quintessential classic. They talk about: their relationships with Biggie and Tupac; going to high school with Maxwell and Sean Price; being inspired by the work of Roy Ayers, and what the Doghilee actually was. “You Must Learn” is produced by Peter Oasis and is written by Dharmic X; the podcast features contributions from DJ Flipout and Soul Khan. Special thanks Kelly Green. Listen below to Episode 2 of You Must Learn...

You Must Learn Episode 1: Jeru The Damaja "Sun Rises In The East"

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of a hip-hop record distinguished by its raw sound, uncompromising lyricism, and social commentary: Jeru the Damaja's debut album, The Sun Rises In The East. 1994 was a powerful, transformative year for hip-hop. Nas, OutKast, and Biggie Smalls each dropped their debut albums, while other more established artists released projects regarded both then and now as milestones in the genre. Jeru was only 21 years old when he recorded the The Sun Rises; 22 when it came out on Payday Records. What you're about to hear is Jeru the Damaja taking us track by track through his DJ Premier-produced debut album, delving into an array of subjects and stories such as: waiting and watching for Nas to create Illmatic; spending formative years with the members of the Wu-Tang Clan; the nature of Brooklyn pride; his inspiration drawn from his family, friends and predecessors, and the story of how he got his pet hamster. "You Must Learn" was produced and edited by Peter Oasis, written by Dharmic X, and executive produced by Evan Auerbach, with narration from Soul Khan. The intro was produced by DJ Flipout, and the artwork was designed by Kelly Green. Listen to the debut episode of "You Must Learn" below.