Heat Rocks

This week, we talk to singer/songwriter Yola about Jill Scott's debut studio album "Who Is Jill Scott? - Words and Sounds, Vol 1." We get into Jill's time with The Roots, how her poetry shaped her songwriting, and Jill's role in the neo-soul movement.More on YolaCheck out Yola's newest single and upcoming album Stand for Myself! Yola is Ready to Meet Her Moment  (Rolling Stone)Twitter | InstagramMore on Jill ScottJill Scott’s Debut Album ‘Who Is Jill Scott? Words And Sounds Vol. 1’ Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective (Albumism)Check out the original version of  You Got Me by The Roots w/ Jill ScottJill Scott's Def Poetry appearanceShow Tracklisting (all songs from Who Is Jill Scott? - Words and Sounds, Vol. 1 unless otherwise indicated):Love RainYola: Goodbye Yellow Brick RoadYola: Stand For MyselfA Long WalkBrothaThe Roots: You Got Me (Live)Slowly SurelyJilltroTryIt's Love Jill Scott: Gotta Get Up (Another Day)Honey MolassesThe Roots (Interlude)Do You Remember Love RainI Think It's BetterExclusivelyJill Scott: Crown Royal on IceHe Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)A Long WalkDo You RememberMoe Koffman: Days Gone BySlowly SurelyI Think it's BetterHe Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)Watching Me A Long WalkGettin' In The WayIt's LoveI Think it's BetterThe Roots (Interlude)Grenique: Star of the StoryAdriana Evans: Love Is All AroundMinnie Riperton: Les FleursHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! 

In honor of Kendrick Lamar's Section.80 turning 10 years old this month, we are re-airing our convo with Kris Bowers on Lamar's  debut studio album.[show notes from original post]To talk about Kendrick Lamar’s studio LP debut, we wanted to find someone of K-Dot’s generation, another L.A. young gun, and who better than pianist and composer, Kris Bowers? Like Kendrick, Kris grew up in L.A. and just as Kendrick has ascended the hip-hop ladder, so has Kris in jazz, as he won the prestigious Theolonious . But more than that, the web of Los Angeles musical ties was bound to bring the two into orbit in different ways – something we discuss in the episode – not the least of which is the fact that Kris covered one of the biggest tracks in Kendrick’s early career: “Rigamortis.”In our conversation with Kris, we got deep into how he put together both the song and video for his version of “Rigamortis,” whether or not Kendrick has a jazz sensibility in his style, and what it’s like to see a hometown kid become the Greatest Rapper Alive.More on Kendrick Lamar’s Section.80Kendrick talking about Section.80 in an interview with Complex.com.Ditto but in an interview with Billboard.Ogden Payne’s revisit of the album in 2016 for Forbes.More on Kris BowersKris on NPR’s “Piano Jazz: Rising Stars.”NY Times on Kris winning the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Prize.Website | Soundcloud | Twitter | FacebookShow Tracklisting (all songs from Section.80 unless indicated otherwise):Hol' UpA.D.H.DKris Bowers: Forget-erKris Bowers: RigamortisRigamortisMurs: Everything Chapter SixKeisha's Song (Her Pain)Kendrick Lamar: Sing About Me, I'm Dying of ThirstAb-Souls OutroPoe Mans Dreams (His Vice)F*ck Your EthnicityKush & CorinthiansRigamortisKris Bowers: RigamortisWillie Jones III: The ThornRigamortisBlow My High (Members Only)HiiiPowerAb-Souls OutroHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This week, we talk to producer/singer Benny Sings about Phil Collins' solo debut album, Face Value. We get into the incredible drum fill of In The Air Tonight, it's iconic use on Miami Vice, and the real life issues Collins was going through when making this album.More on Benny SingsCheck out Benny's new album MusicWith The Vibrant 'City Pop', Benny Sings Stakes His Claim For The Masses (NPR)Twitter | InstagramMore on Face ValuePhil explaining the origins of In The Air TonightIn The Air Tonight on Miami ViceCheck out Chris Molanphy's episode of Hit Parade on Phil CollinsShow Tracklisting (all songs from Face Value unless otherwise indicated)This Must Be LoveDronedBenny Sings: Sunny AfternoonPhil Collins & Phillip Bailey: Easy LoverOne More NightIf Loving Me Is EasyDronedHand In HandI Missed AgainBehind the LinesIn The Air TonightI'm Not MovingIn The Air TonightIf Leaving Me Is EasyI'm Not MovingGino Vanneli: Love & EmotionFrank Sinatra: Only the LonelyPaul McCartney: Say Say Say

Singer/songwriter Marzz sits down with us to discuss Kierra Sheard's gospel album This is Me. We get into the secular production of this album, Kierra's place in the Clark Sheard family, and Marzz's own experience in the church. More on MarzzCheck out Marzz's Love Letterz EP Marzz Evokes The Brightest And Most Vibrant Colors All By Living In Her Truest Aura (Uproxx)Instagram | TwitterMore on Kierra SheardKierra and Karen Sheard singing "You Loved Me"Kierra on This Is Me back in 2006This is Me music videoShow Tracklisting (all songs from This Is Me unless otherwise indicated): This is MeWhy Me?Marzz: Countless TimesIt Is What It IsNo, NeverFaithKaren Clark Sheard & Kierra Sheard: You Loved MeHave What You WantThis Is MeYesFaithNo, NeverYouYesHear ThisChangeYouKim Burrell: Open Up The DoorMary Mary, Shackles (Praise You) J Moss: RebuildHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This week, Oliver and Morgan are discussing Lil' Kim's debut studio record "Hard Core" which is turning 25 years old this year. We get into Lil' Kim's role in Bad Boy and Junior M.A.F.I.A., the effect she had on the Megan Thee Stallions and Cardi B's of today, and what made this record so unforgettable.More on Hard CoreA timely reminder that Lil Kim’s ‘Hard Core’ is still the greatest rap record of all time (NME)Biggie's reference track for Queen BitchHow Lil’ Kim’s ‘Hard Core’ Changed Rap (The Ringer)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Hard Core unless otherwise indicated):DrugsSpend A Little DoeJunior M.A.F.I.A.: Get MoneyBig Momma ThangNot TonightBig Momma ThangNot TonightSpend A Little DoeJeru The Damaja: Ya Playin' YaselfTotal: Can't You See112: Peaches and CreamJunior M.A.F.I.A.: Player's AnthemFoxy Brown: I'll BeFoxy Brown: (Holy Matrimony) Letter to the FirmCity Girls: Fuck On UHWA: Little DickNo TimeFuck YouRoberta Flack: Hey That's No Way To Say GoodbyeQueen BitchThe Notorious B.I.G.: Queen BitchDrugsFuck YouDreamsWe Don't Need ItCrush On YouBig PoppaDreamsScheamin'Big Momma ThangCrush On YouCrush On You (Remix)The Jeff Lorber Fusion: Rain DanceNo TimeG Yamazawa: Crush On YouMariah Carey: A No NoLido: Melodies From Heaven/Crush On YouNo TimeCrush On YouFoxy Brown: Ill Na NaNicki Minaj: Itty Bitty PiggyNicki Minaj: Barbie DreamsHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

This week, we discuss Prince for the SIXTH time on Heat Rocks with musician/scholar Vijay Iyer. We get into Prince's love of the drum machine, Vijay's love of the 80s, and the many sides of Prince we see on this record. More on Vijay IyerFloating Along In Uncertainty With Vijay Iyer (NPR)Check out UneasyTwitter | InstagramMore on Sign o' The TimesIs Prince’s Sign O’ The Times the greatest album of all time? (BBC)The Story of Prince's Sign o' The Times (Classic Album Sundays)Prince's 'Sign O' the Times' Turns 30: All the Songs Ranked (Billboard)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Sign o'The Times unless otherwise indicated): HousequakeStarfish and CoffeeVijay Iyer: Night and DayPrince: Little Red CorvetteSlow LoveSign O' The TImesStarfish and CoffeeItHousequakeIf I Was Your GirlfriendThe Ballad of Dorothy ParkerIf I Was Your GirlfriendItHot ThingThe CrossAdoreU Got The LookIt's Gonna Be A Beautiful NightHot ThingThe Ballad of Dorothy ParkerLords of the Underground: Flow On (New Symphony)The Ballad of Dorothy ParkerForever In My LifeThe CrossSlow LoveVijay Iyer: Human NatureMystic BrewIf I Was Your GirlfriendThe Cure: Just Like HeavenMadhouse: ThreePrince: Sometimes It Snows in AprilHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Bassist/producer/rapper Patrick Paige II joins Oliver and Morgan to discuss Biggie's debut studio album Ready To Die. We get into Big's knack for storytelling, Patrick's very cool math teacher, and what Biggie's career might've looked like if he were still with us today.More on Patrick Paige IICheck out If I Fail Are We Still Cool?Bass to Bass: In Conversation with Patrick Paige II and Thundercat (Complex)Twitter | InstagramMore on Ready To DieThe Notorious B.I.G.'s 'Ready to Die' at 20: Classic Track-by-Track Album Review (Billboard)Amazon Music's mini documentary on Ready to DieThe Notorious B.I.G.’s ‘Ready To Die’ at 25: 9 surprising things about the era-defining album (NME)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Ready to Die unless otherwise indicated):RespectMary J Blige: What's the 411 (Remix)Friend of MinePatrick Paige II: VoodooBig PoppaSuicidal ThoughtsMary J Blige: What's the 411 (Remix)Super Cat: Dolly My Baby (Remix)Notorious B.I.G.: Party and BullshitUnbelievableOne More ChanceGimme The LootWarningThings Done ChangedJuicyGimme the LootEveryday StruggleMachine Gun FunkMe and My BitchWho Shot YaThings Done ChangedMachine Gun FunkUnbelievableBig PoppaThe WhatUnbelievableRespectMe and My BitchJuicyMachine Gun FunkWun Two: JuicyCraig Mack: When God ComesA Tribe Called Quest: Phony RappersHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Musician/producer/minister Steve Arrington sits down with Morgan and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Heatwave's debut scorcher, Too Hot To Handle. We talk about the music scene in Dayton, Rod Temperton's prolific career, and Heatwave's ability to meld various genres into one cohesive and funky record. More on Steve ArringtonSteve's interview on NPRCheck out Down to the Lowest Terms: The Soul SessionsTwitter | InstagramMore on HeatwaveUnsung: The Story of HeatwaveGreg Phillinganes on Rod TempertonAlways and Forever LiveShow Tracklisting (all songs from Too Hot To Handle unless otherwise indicated):Always and ForeverAin't No Half Steppin'Slave: Watching YouSteve Arrington: Nobody Can Be You Boogie NightsI'll Beat Your BootyToo Hot To HandleSuper Soul SisterBoogie NightsLay It On MeAll You Do Is DialSho 'Nuff Must be LuvSlip Your Disc To ThisRock With You (Rod Temperton Demo)Slip Your Disc to ThisBoogie NightsAin't No Half Steppin'Michael Jackson: Off The WallBoogie NightsAll You Do Is DialToo Hot To HandleAlways and ForeverSuper Soul SisterAin't No Half Steppin'Ohio Players: (I Wanna Know) Do You Feel It?The Brothers Johnson: Closer to the One That You LovePrince: Condition of the HeartHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Rapper/producer Pell sits down with us to talk about N.E.R.D's "In Search Of..." We get into the sex, drugs, rock & roll of it all, The Neptunes' prolific career, and N.E.R.D's influence on Pell's own work.More on PellWebsiteCheck out glbl wrmngTwitter | InstagramMore on N.E.R.D.Explaining the Cult Popularity of N.E.R.D. (Vulture)Pharrell's Signature 4 Count  (Genius)‘In Search Of…’: N*E*R*D’s 21st-Century Hip-Hop Mission Statement (uDiscoverMusic)Show Tracklisting (all songs from In Search Of... unless otherwise indicated):LapdancePell: Eleven:11Mase: Lookin' At MeMystikal: Shake Ya AssKelis: Caught Out ThereBritney Spears: I'm A Slave 4 U702: I Still Love YouJadakiss: Knock Yourself OutOld Dirty Bastard: Got Your MoneyJay-Z: I Just Wanna Love You (Give It To Me)Nelly: Hot In HerreTape YouBrainBrain (2001 Electronic Version)BrainRun To The SunYoung Franco: JuiceN.O.R.E.: SuperthugAm I HighProviderStay TogetherRun To The SunAm I HighBobby JamesThings Are Getting BetterBaby DollTape YouProviderLapdanceThe Neptunes: Light Your Ass On FireN.E.R.D.: Perfect DefectN.E.R.D.: You Know WhatHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

It’s #MaxFunDrive and if you like what we’re doing here on Heat Rocks, please consider supporting us and our network and help keep the show going!https://maximumfun.org/join Director and screenwriter Kemp Powers sits down with us to discuss De La Soul's  sophomore effort, De La Soul Is Dead. We get into DLS's shift in image and tone, the growth of Prince Paul as a producer, and Kemp's very , ahem, special connection to the song "Let, Let Me In"And stay tuned to the very end for a short bonus beats on Kemp's love of dancehall music! More on KempKemp Powers’s long journey to becoming Pixar’s first Black writer-directorWith ‘Soul’ and ‘One Night in Miami,’ Kemp Powers finally hits his artistic strideTwitter | InstagramMore on De La Soul Is DeadDe La Soul Is Dead Turns 30 (The Source)De La Soul's Classic Album De La Soul Is Dead Is Turning 30. It Was The First Album I Fell In Love With (Very Smart Brothas)An Album Found in a Trashcan: De La Soul Is Dead (PopMatters)Show Tracklisting (all songs from De La Soul Is Dead unless otherwise indicated):IntroShwingalokateJungle Brothers: I'll House YouMy Brother's A BaseheadDe La Soul: Brain Washed FollowersPease PorridgeBitties in the BK LoungeOodles of O'sRing Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)Kicked Out the HouseSkit 1A Roller Skating Jam Named "Saturdays"Millie Pulled A Pistol on SantaLet, Let Me In.Bitties in the BK LoungePease PorridgeRap De Rap ShowKeepin' The FaithA Roller Skating Jam Named "Saturdays"Oodles of O'sA Roller Skating Jam Named "Saturdays"Bitties in the BK LoungeLou Donaldson: It's Your ThingBittis in the BK LoungeRing Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)Skit 5Black Sheep: Flavor of the MonthThe Pharcyde: Otha FishA Tribe Called Quest: Buggin OutEek-A-Mouse: Border PatrolShinehead: Chain Gang RapSuper Cat: Ghetto Red Hot (Remix)Sean Paul: PunkieSuper Cat: Dolly My Baby (Remix)Shabba Ranks: Mr. LovermanIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

It's #MaxFunDrive and if you like what we're doing here on Heat Rocks, please consider supporting us and our network and help keep the show going! https://maximumfun.org/join Drummer and producer Karriem Riggins sits down with us to discuss a bonafide classic, A Tribe Called Quest's third studio album Midnight Marauders. We get deep into the samples used on this record, Q-Tip's growth as a producer, and how Bob Power helped shaped the sound of the LP. More on Karriem RigginsKCRW Presents Lockdown Listening: Karriem RigginsCheck out Pardon My FrenchTwitter | InstagramMore on Midnight MaraudersEnd of Discussion: Why A Tribe Called Quest’s “Midnight Marauders” Is Better Than “The Low End Theory” (Complex)A Breakdown of the samples used on Midnight Marauders (Power 106)A Tribe Called Quest’s ‘Midnight Marauders’ Turns 25 (Albumism)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Midnight Marauders unless otherwise indicated):Midnight Marauders Tour GuideElectric RelaxationJahari Massamba Unit: Etude MontrachetA Tribe Called Quest: I Left My Wallet In El SegundoAward TourSteve Biko (Stir It Up) The Chase, Part IICommon: The HustleClap Your HandsThe Roots: Push Up Ya LigherSucka N****Award TourJ Dilla: Beej-n-Dem Part 2MidnightQ-Tip: Let's Ride8 Million StoriesElectric RelaxationOh My GodGod Lives ThroughKool & The Gang: Who's Gonna Take The WeightOh My GodA Tribe Called Quest: Oh My God (Remix)A Tribe Called Quest: Oh My God (Know Naim Remix)Cal Tjader: AquariusMidnight Marauders Tour GuideLyrics to GoMinnie Riperton: Inside My LoveJames Brown: Just Enough Room For StorageLyrics to GoRonnie Foster: Mystic BrewElectric RelaxationBrethren: Outside LoveElectric RelaxationJack Wilkins: Red ClaySucka N****The Meters: Handclapping SongClap Your HandsBob James: NautilusClap Your HandsLou Donaldson: Ode to Billie JoeClap Your HandsWeldon Irvine: We Gettin' DownJade: Don't Walk AwayAward TourLyrics to GoGod Lives ThroughDigable Planets: Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)The Roots: Good MusicPete Rock and C.L. Smooth: They Reminisce Over You  (T.R.O.Y.)Slum Village: Keep It OnDe La Soul: Breakadawn Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

 In honor of Computer World's 40th anniversary (!!!) we decided to rerun our episode with Nite Jewel discussing this classic album.[show notes from the original post]When we invited L.A.’s own Nite Jewel to join us, it probably shouldn’t have been a surprise that she picked Kraftwerk’s Computer World; after all, she’s toured the world performing the album. In sitting down with us, NJ (aka Ramona Gonzalez) broke down how she first became obsessed with the album, walking the streets of Berkeley, thinking about German philosophy (no, really!) and why the LP is such a masterpiece of fusing a variety of musical elements all colliding in the early 1980s.More on Computer WorldHow the album invented “computer funk” (Rolling Stone)The “sampling legacy” of the album (The Vinyl Factory)DJ Food’s appreciation (Clash Music)More on Nite JewelNite Jewel on performing Computer World (Pitchfork)2017 interview (Bandcamp)Interview with KALX (aka the best college radio station out there, according to O.W.)Website | Facebook | TwitterShow Tracklisting (all songs from Computer World unless indicated otherwise):Computer WorldNite Jewel: 2 Good 2 Be TrueNite-Funk: Let Me Be MePocket CalculatorComputer LoveZapp: Computer LoveHome ComputerModel 500: FutureCluster: ProtheseIt's More Fun To ComputeGillette: Short Dick Man (Bass Mix)Afro-Rican: Give It All You GotNumbersNite Jewel: Artificial IntelligenceHome ComputerNight Jewel: NumbersNumbersHome ComputerComputer World 2Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Bassist/composer Joshua Abrams sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Arthur Verocai's underrated self-titled debut record. We discuss the rediscovery of this album via sampling, the texture of Arthur's synth work, and why we connect with the album even though our Portuguese is, uhh, a bit rusty.More on Joshua AbramsJoshua Abrams' Chameleonic Quartet Gets Exuberantly Ornery On 'Cloud Script' (NPR)Joshua's Quarantine ConcertWebsiteMore on Arthur VerocaiArthur Verocai: Return Of A Brazilian Secret (NPR)The Legend of Arthur Verocai (The Vinyl Factory)I Threw Everything Away: An Interview with Arthur Verocai (Sounds and Colours)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Arthur Verocai unless otherwise indicated): Pelas sombrasSeriadoVelho parenteCabocloLittle Brother: We Got NowDedicada a elaSeriadoVelho parentePresente gregoSylviaCabocloAaliyah: Are You That Somebody?CabocloQue mapa?CabocloNa boca do solSylviaNa boca do solQue mapa?Karina (Domingo no Grajaú)Dedicada a elaIvan Lins: Hei VocêCelia: Na Boca Do SolGal Costa: RelanceHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Writer and musician Jason King sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss the Sylvester live album Living Proof. We talk about Sylvester's vision of wholeness and sharing good vibes, the countless gorgeous moments captured in the live setting, and the medley of genres he blended together. Please stick around to the end of the episode to hear a snippet of our past conversation with Shea Serrano about DMX. Rest in Power.More on Jason KingJason in conversation with Dua Lipa (NPR Music)Check out Jason's work with PitchforkTwitter | InstagramMore on SylvesterLove Me Like You Should: The Brave and Bold Sylvester (Amazon Music)The Extraordinary Musical Legacy of Sylvester (The Guardian)Bigger Than Disco, 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' Is A Celebration Of Self (NPR)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Living Proof unless otherwise indicated):Overture - LiveHappiness - Live Sylvester: You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)Sylvester: Over and OverLover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?) - LiveHerbie Hancock: Magic NumberLover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?) - LiveSharing Something Perfect Between  Ourselves - LiveBody Strong - LiveSylvester: FeverMedley: LiveBlackbird: LiveYou Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) - LiveBlackbird - LiveSharing Something Perfect Between Ourselves - LiveYou Are My Friend - LiveMedley - LiveDance (Disco Heat) - LiveYou Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)Sylvester: I Need Somebody to Love TonightPatrick Cowley & Sylvester: Do You Wanna Funk?Sylvester & The Hot Band: A Whiter Shade of PaleSylvester: Be With YouHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Producer and DJ The Twilite Tone sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Stevie Wonder's 1980 comeback album, Hotter Than July. We get into Stevie's foray into country western and reggae, his return to All I Do, a song he cowrote over a decade prior as a teenager, and the impact Disco Demolition Night had on black music.  More on The Twilite ToneDo It Properly music videoTwilite Tone @ Vinyl FactoryTwitter | InstagramMore on Hotter Than JulyMaster Blaster (Jammin') Live in 1980KCRW's piece on Stevie Wonder's comeback in 1980The Making of ‘Hotter than July,’ The Album That Revived Stevie Wonder’s Career (Okayplayer)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Hotter Than July unless otherwise indicated):Cash In Your FaceRocket LoveThe Twilite Tone: Do It ProperlyStevie Wonder: FingertipsAll I DoDo Like YouAs If You Read My MindI Ain't Gonna Stand For ItMaster Blaster (Jammin')I Ain't Gonna Stand For ItHappy BirthdayAs If You Read My MindMaster Blaster (Jammin')Tammi Terrell: All I Do Is Think About YouAll I DoLatelyRocket LoveDo Like YouCash In Your FaceHappy BirthdayAs If You Read My MindLatelySyreeta: Cause We've Ended As LoversDonny Hathaway & Roberta Flack: You Are My Heaven Gary Byrd & The GB Experience: The CrownLogg: Lay It On The LineHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!