About this episodeThis episode celebrates the 30th anniversary of Air to the Ground Hip Hop and features an in-depth interview w…AI summary
This episode celebrates the 30th anniversary of Air to the Ground Hip Hop and features an in-depth interview with Tech of Smith & Wesson regarding his new book, 'Legacy of Lyrics.' The conversation explores the evolution of hip-hop from the 90s to today, contrasting the era's emphasis on lyrical skill and artist development with modern mainstream trends. Tech shares personal anecdotes about recording with legends like Tupac and Biggie, discusses the therapeutic process of writing his book, and promotes upcoming live events.
Key takeaways 5
Legacy Preservation: Tech emphasizes that writing books is essential for hip-hop artists to preserve their narrative and legacy, as digital platforms (like SoundCloud) can erase content, whereas physical books provide permanence.
Industry Critique: The discussion highlights a shift in the music industry where major labels have abandoned artist development and A&R, focusing instead on signing already-viral artists with starter kits (chains, watches) rather than cultivating raw talent.
Creative Process: Writing a memoir like 'Legacy of Lyrics' serves as a form of therapy, allowing artists to process grief and relive memories, though it requires balancing personal exposure with professional boundaries.
90s Hip-Hop Ethos: The interview underscores the high standard of lyricism in the 90s (Wu-Tang, Nas, AZ), where individuality and sharp pen game were mandatory to survive in a competitive landscape, contrasting with today's homogenized sound.
Cross-Generational Appeal: Smith & Wesson's music bridges generational gaps, with fans now bringing their children and grandchildren to shows, proving the longevity and relevance of their lyrical content.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“If you don't write your own narrative and become a published author... this is going to be around forever for infinity. You can't rip up every book. You can't not just delete that.”
▶ 38:35Tech explains why he chose to write a book to ensure his legacy and story are preserved permanently, unlike digital media which can be deleted.
“They did away with artist development and they did away with A&R. You get a chain, you get a mitt, you get a watch and just put it on your... that's the starter kit package for the to draw you in to trap you into the contract.”
▶ 1:46:02Critique of the modern music industry's lack of investment in developing artists' skills compared to the 90s model.
“When I seen that interview... of course they did. Of course. So that was there. B. Let's get on it. Y. So then that led to this... After that, we still going to be here. So we going to be here forever.”
▶ 1:40:12Tech recounts how the song 'Forever' was created in the studio by reacting to current events and interviews at the time, demonstrating their improvisational and responsive creative process.
“The situation was a hot mess. The situation around the situation, not the music.”
▶ 1:49:20Reflecting on the chaotic environment surrounding hip-hop groups in the 90s (like Mobb Deep), while affirming that the actual music produced during that time was high quality.
“I learned you can't expect a you out of everybody else... You ain't going to act like you. Not going to have your ethics.”
▶ 1:41:12Advice on navigating the music business, emphasizing that artists must maintain their own standards and ethics regardless of how others behave.
Chapters & Sections (53)▼
3:41Air to the Ground Hip Hop Anniversarychapter2
6:30Radio Show Hustle and Missing Tapes
8:41Equipment, Staples Store, Brooklyn Combine
10:26Bushwick Day Block Party Takeoverchapter2
12:06Bushwick Block Party Nostalgia and Critique
13:31Shoutouts and Dispensary Opening
14:51Queens Beaches, Double Dutch, and Hip Hop Legacychapter1
17:28YouTube Shoutouts and Ticket Giveaway
19:03Personal Growth and Resilience Through Musicchapter1
20:59Detachment, Ego, and Artistic Dominance
25:37Rejecting Consumerism and Mainstream Mediachapter2
27:15Truth vs. Mainstream Media Manipulation
29:33Analyzing Erykah Badu and Alchemist Collaboration
32:47Badi Candle Discussion and Book Launchchapter1
34:35Book Endorsements and Legacy of Lyric
37:17Documenting Hip-Hop History and Creative Inspirationchapter
42:42Meaning of Monstructor and Writing Book Legacychapter1
44:36Significance of Street Names and Book Legacy
47:21Writing Book vs Music: Grief and Therapychapter2
49:38Factual Writing vs Rap Embellishment
51:49Family Secrets and Childhood Violence
53:18Medina Remix Performance and Street Lyricschapter1
56:44Medina Remix Performance and Street Lyrics
58:40Tek of Smif-N-Wessun New Album Reviewchapter1
1:02:35Audio Distortion Feedback and Show Announcement
1:04:31Legacy of Lyrics book and generational hip-hopchapter2
1:06:27Analyze Recognize song and remix
1:08:01Closing generational gap in hip-hop
1:09:20Personal Boundaries and Hip-Hop Legacychapter1
1:11:59Hip-Hop Lyrics Evolution and Book Availability
1:13:52Direct-to-Consumer Book Sales and Legacychapter2
1:15:52Sound Effects and Book Promotion
1:17:00Negotiating Recording Fees with Puff Daddy
1:19:20Vegas Residency Performance and Marriage Storychapter
1:23:46Acting Career and Original Music Performancechapter1
1:26:05Lyrical Analysis of Deception and False Fronts
1:29:32Rap lyrics on hustle, success, and industrychapter1
1:32:28Philosophy of hustle and industry success
1:34:53Infinity Album Creation and Industry Reflectionschapter2
1:36:48Infinity Album Recording Experience
1:39:29Beat Selection and Industry Politics
1:41:12Work Ethic, Artist Development, and Music Industry Changeschapter2
1:43:04Brotherly Bond and Music Connections
1:44:34Sharp Bars and Artist Development
1:46:37Industry Support and Personal Content Boundarieschapter1
1:49:11Balancing Personal Exposure and Subject Content
1:51:05Tek's Voice Acting Career and Introversionchapter3
1:52:35Upcoming Hip Hop and Natural Fest Appearances
1:54:15Voice Acting Origins and Rapping Career
1:55:44Debate Over Introversion and Reflective Nature
1:58:03Introvert Debate and Show Wrap Upchapter2
2:00:01Introvert Debate and Show Wrap Up
2:01:20Chat Shoutouts and City Winery Event Details
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