Gems Podcast with Shom

This episode of Gems with Shom features Stimulator Jones (aka Samuel Jones Lunsford), a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, DJ & maker of records, an artist devoted to originality and staying true to himself.Crafting a sound that moves effortlessly between beat-heavy instrumentals and soulful R&B grooves, his catalog spans acclaimed projects across several independent labels, from his breakout track “Soon Never Comes” and the album Exotic Worlds and Masterful Treasures on Stones Throw Records, to the instrumental Beat Anthology and La Mano, each revealing new layers of artistic evolution.Before signing to Stones Throw in 2016, he had several successful releases with The Young Sinclairs. His work has earned critical acclaim and unexpected attention, including a spotlight moment when Billie Eilish featured his music on her “At Home” playlist, and now he continues to evolve with his new single “Paradise Untold.”We explore:His beginnings as a beat digger and self-taught musicianHis work with The Young SinclairsThe evolution of his artistry across genresThe unexpected spotlight from Billie EilishThe making of “Soon Never Comes” and Exotic Worlds and Masterful TreasuresHis creative philosophy and how music remains his compass👉 Tune in for a grounded, soulful conversation about artistry, evolution, and putting music above everything else.

This episode of Gems with Shom features Oliver Wang — writer, scholar, DJ, collector, museum curator, and author.We explore his lifelong obsession with records — from De La Soul to Cruising J-Town, his book and museum exhibition celebrating Asian American identity through cars, sound, and community.Oliver reflects on crate digging, writing, and how the stories behind records help us understand who we are.Hashtags:#OliverWang #GemsWithShom #CrateDigging #BeatDigging #Storytelling #VinylCommunity #WaxPoetics #RecordCollectors #HipHopCommunity #DeLaSoul #LilKim #CruisingJTown #AsianAmericanCulture

This episode of Gems with Shom features Andre Torres — Founder, Publisher, and Editor-In-Chief of Wax Poetics and Editor-In-Chief of Scratch Magazine, two landmark publications that elevated record collecting and hip-hop journalism.We trace Andre’s journey from discovering beat digging to shaping the culture through a fearless approach. The conversation explores his creative choices, fearless entrepreneurship, community, endless stories of meeting music legends, and how technology and AI are opening infinite possibilities for today’s artists and storytellers.#InfinitePossibilities #WaxPoetics #ScratchMagazine #MusicCulture #GemsWithShom #HipHopCommunity #AndreTorres #NotoriousBIG #DrDre #JDilla #Prince#VinylCollectors #CrateDigging #RareRecords #Beatdigging

This episode of Gems with Shom features Arcee — writer, artist, and creative director and one of the creators of CrateryCon, the record-collecting convention that’s become a gathering place for beat diggers and music lovers worldwide.We trace Arcee’s journey from pause-tapes at the public library and late-night radio to building lasting connections with producers. The conversation explores:The lineage from Live Convention to CrateryConWhy in-person culture and community still matterCreative direction as an extension of crate-digging tasteThriving amid “infinite options” by treating creativity as a daily disciplineWe also talk about Arcee’s shift into creative direction, his philosophy of creativity as practice, and building projects like the General Principle label with Jake One.CrateryCon: A Record Wellness Retreat📍 Toronto, Canada | September 25–28, 2025👉 Tune in for stories behind the beats, the people who keep the culture alive, and where record collecting goes next.#BeatDigging #CrateryCon #VinylCulture #HipHopCommunity #RecordCollectors #JazzInfluence #CreativeDiscipline #RareGrooves #GemsWithShom

This episode of Gems with Shom features Diallo Riddle, actor, producer, director, and sometimes DJ, whose creative path spans comedy writing, television, music, and podcasting.This hilarious and insightful conversation goes deep into the crates as we explore Diallo’s early days DJing in college, his background in history, and the collaborative spirit fueling his creativity. He reflects on iconic moments from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, including the legendary “Slow Jam the News” with President Obama, and takes us behind the scenes of The One Song Podcast, where he unpacks the stories and magic behind his favorite songs.From the artistry of sampling to the enduring influence of ’90s hip hop, Diallo offers a thoughtful take on music’s evolution and a call for a return to joyful, danceable music. #DialloRiddle #GemsWithShom #TheOneSongPodcast #HipHopCulture #90sHipHop #MusicDiscovery #CrateDigging #BeatDigging #Sampling #LateNightWithJimmyFallon #SlowJamTheNews #VinylCulture #RecordCollectors #ComedyAndMusic #CreativeJourney #MusicPodcast #RareRecords #StorytellingThroughMusic

This episode of Gems with Shom features House Shoes - DJ, producer, collector and owner of Street Corner Music, a key figure in Detroit’s golden era of hip hop. Known for breaking records and his uncompromising standards, House Shoes shares his journey from Detroit to Los Angeles, becoming one of the most trusted voices in music.We dive into his early memories of DJing at St. Andrew’s Hall, sharing J Dilla’s iconic beat tapes, early Slum Village demos, and the tightly knit Detroit scene that shaped his career. House Shoes also talks crate digging, running a label, navigating music industry politics, and the artists and records he thinks people are sleeping on today.Packed with stories behind legendary records and reflections on artistry, this episode is a class in trusting your taste, shaping vision, and staying true to your principles.#HouseShoes #GemsWithShom #StreetCornerMusic #Jdilla #JayDee #SlumVillage #detroitmusic #DetroitHipHop #goldenerahiphop #CrateDigging #BeatDigging #RecordCollectors #MusicPodcast #HipHopPodcast #RareRecords #MusicDiscovery #ProducerLife #BeatTapes #slumvillage #digging #breaks #digging #jdilla #houseshoes #90shiphop

Other Side of the Game: Inside the Life of a Record DealerThis episode of Gems with Shom features DJ KINETIK aka Secret Sauce Records, a record dealer known for his elusive presence and deep knowledge of global music, who has carved out a unique space in the digging world.In this conversation, KINETIK shares his journey into record dealing, from early influences through to building a business around rare finds. We explore the differences between digging as a dealer versus as a collector, and the delicate balance between passion for music and the realities of the marketplace.You’ll hear first-hand stories of rare finds and unusual digging adventures, providing a rare look at the other side of the game.#SecretSauceRecords #DJKinetik #VinylCulture #RecordDealing #BollywoodRecords #LibraryRecords #Digging #BeatDigging #RareRecords #HiddenGems #GemsWithShom #VinylCommunity #RecordCollectors #Breaks #SampleHunters #CrateDigging #VinylRecords #ObscureRecords

This episode of Gems with Shom features Mike Wallace, producer, DJ, and Library Record expert. Best known for his Theme and Beat series, Mike has also been working to repopularize the genius of Italian soundtrack legend Piero Umiliani.Starting in 2019, he began recording an LP series that reflects his passion for library and film music, while studying instruments like piano, guitar, bass, and percussion. Over the years, Mike has created music that spans moods from drama and tension to new age, hip hop, and electronics—honoring the past while maintaining a fresh, original approach.In this conversation, Mike shares his journey as an artist, the historical context of library music, and the overlooked world of Italian soundtracks. We explore the evolution of music production, the ethics of sampling, and the importance of maintaining balance in the creative process. You’ll hear why hidden gems—from vinyl culture to obscure soundtracks—remain a source of endless discovery and inspiration.Keywords / Tags#PieroUmiliani #ThemeAndBeat #LibraryRecords #ItalianSoundtracks #MusicProduction #Sampling #DJ #VinylCulture #BeatDigging #Creativity #HiddenGems #GemsWithShom #MikeWallace

MF DOOM’s story is unlike any other in music history. In this episode of Gems with Shom, SKIZ—writer, music producer, and author of The Chronicles of DOOM: Unraveling Rap's Masked Iconoclast [Astra Publishing House] takes us deep into the life of the masked supervillain. From his early days with KMD and the tragedies that nearly ended his career, to his reinvention, the Madvillainy masterpiece, and his underground-to-global cultural impact, we explore how DOOM became one of the most original and influential artists of all time.We also dive into SKIZ’s own life as a multi-hyphenate creative, world traveler, and lifelong learner, sharing his perspectives on artistic independence, freedom, and building a life around doing what you love.

In this artist profile episode of Gems with Shom, we explore the lost groove of Rhythm of Life (1977), the rare groove classic by James Mason—former guitarist and keyboardist for Roy Ayers’ Ubiquity band.We trace the cult classic’s deep influence on the acid jazz movement, its synth-heavy, soul-infused sound, and its journey from overlooked release to crate-digger essential. Along the way, we uncover lesser-known stories behind the record—from the mysterious vocalist Clarice Taylor (was she also on The Cosby Show?) to the game-changing ARP synths and the UK club scene that helped revive it.Part of a growing series of artist profiles, this episode reflects the show’s broader mission: celebrating hidden gems, rare records, and the cultural stories behind them.

This week on Gems with Shom, we’re joined by Phill Most Chill, aka Soulman or as I call him the “record dealer to the stars” of the golden era. A true Hip Hop Renaissance Man, Phill is a rapper, record collector, mixtape DJ, magazine writer, producer, and all around artist.We dig into his unmatched ear for records that make iconic samples, stories from the infamous Roosevelt record conventions, and his journey through hip hop, vinyl culture, and creative hustle. Phill shares how he came up and the new phase of freedom he’s embracing today.As always, we’re celebrating hidden gems and giving them their shine.

This week on Gems with Shom, we travel to the Netherlands to dig deep with Leon. The mind behind Leonscuration and a true connoisseur of deep cuts.We explore his unique perspective on music discovery in the Netherlands, how he built his deep musical knowledge, and his experiences at the legendary Utrecht Record Fair. Leon shares his approach to collecting, reflections on cultural blind spots in music, and a few prized grails from his shelves. From deep crates to deep thinking, this episode takes us on a journey through the many ways digging shapes taste, memory, and obsession.As always, we’re celebrating hidden gems and giving them their shine.

This week on Gems with Shom, we're joined by DJ Pari — global crate-digger, DJ, producer, filmmaker, and radio host.We dive into his early exposure to acid jazz in Germany, the rise of his Soulpower brand, and incredible stories from working with legends like James Brown and Leroy Hutson. From booking global tours for overlooked artists to producing documentary films that spotlight soul’s heroes, Pari’s deep musical knowledge, jazz expertise, and passion for vinyl make this a fascinating listen.As always, we’re celebrating hidden gems and giving them their shine.

This week on Gems with Shom, we’re joined by B-Man - DJ, producer, editor, remixer, hip-hop enthusiast, and all-around music junkie.We dig into his journey through his viral sample edits, the evolution of his taste, and the people who inspire his work.As always, we're celebrating hidden gems and giving them their shine.

Celebrating Scenery, Ryo Fukui’s timeless jazz piano masterpiece that continues to inspire generations of Japanese jazz enthusiasts and crate diggers around the world.

Exploring Barış Manço’s legendary, futuristic Turkish psych-rock sound.

Gems with Shom celebrates hidden gems—lesser-known music, rare records, and the worlds of jazz, funk, soul, and international heat.We continue our artist features with Stark Reality—a mind-bending blend of jazz, funk, and psychedelia.

Gems with Shom celebrates hidden gems—lesser-known music, rare records, and the worlds of jazz, funk, soul, and global grooves.We kick off with Cortex—the French jazz-funk group whose lush grooves became gold for hip-hop producers. Discover how their sound traveled from rare vinyl to iconic samples.

Celebrating hidden gems and giving them their shine. Dive into lesser-known music, rare records, vinyl culture, and the worlds of jazz, funk, soul, rare grooves, and international heat.