Rap Stories
To celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th, a tribute with a twist: We’re highlighting timeless yet underrated albums by artists we love. ESPN’s network, Andscape, sits down with MC Lyte, Wiz Khalifa, Little Brother, Freddie Gibbs, Curren$y, Goodie Mob, Ja Rule and Too $hort, Young Guru, The Lox, Bun B and Big K.R.I.T. Host David Dennis Jr. rewinds time, asking the artists to tell us about one album - its backstory, relevance, and lasting impact. Andscape: where Blackness is infinite.
Our Editor's Take
The Rap Stories podcast reveals the stories behind influential rap albums. Host David Dennis Jr. is an expert on the subject. Readers follow him for his social criticism and astute opinions on race and culture. In this podcast, David rediscovers his favorite albums from the past. Listeners will hear why he loves them and his interviews with the rappers.
In one podcast episode, Ja Rule's second album from 2000, Rule 3:36, is up for discussion. Ja Rule is a multi-platinum-winning artist from New York who debuted in 1999. David has been a Ja Rule fan since his debut album and enjoyed watching his music videos after school. He believes Rule 3:36 to be his best album and why he became so successful.
Ja Rule chats to David on Rap Stories about relistening to his first albums and how his musical style changed over time. He talks about working with female collaborators and how each brought something different. For Ja Rule, Rule 3:36 marked his understanding of making music. From then on, he challenged himself to learn more about music theory to become a better artist.
In another episode, David chats to MC Lyte about her debut album Lyte as a Rock, released in 1988. By age 12, Lyte had already written the single "I Cram to Understand U," which is on this first album. David refers to the album as one that changed the history of rap music forever. He praises her for her lyricism and her bravery.
Lyte talks to David about growing up in Brooklyn and why she wanted to show her toughness through her album. She says failure wasn't an option when she was making music. Lyte also talks about the importance of New York for musicians and how inspiring the pace of the city can be.
Other musicians featured on Rap Stories include Wiz Khalifa, Young Guru, and Bun B. In each episode, David talks with nostalgia about listening to each album for the first time. It's a rap history lesson from a passionate fan and the artists at the center.
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