About this episodeDiamond D and Talib Kweli discuss their collaborative album 'Gotham,' reflecting on their long-standing friend…AI summary
Diamond D and Talib Kweli discuss their collaborative album 'Gotham,' reflecting on their long-standing friendship and the evolution of hip-hop production from hardware to software. The conversation highlights the impact of the pandemic on touring artists, with Kweli finding stability in community and home-based work, while also addressing the economic exploitation of artists by streaming platforms like Spotify.
Key takeaways 5
Production Evolution: Diamond D notes a shift from hardware-based production (MPCs, samplers) to software-based workflows (Pro Tools, Logic, Yamaha Motif keyboard), allowing remote collaboration via session files rather than physical travel.
Pandemic Impact on Touring: Talib Kweli reveals he toured 200 days a year for 20 years, describing it as a 'toxic and grinding' lifestyle. The pandemic forced him to stay in one place for the first time in his adult life, leading him to pivot to writing his memoir and focusing on community in Ohio.
Streaming Economics: Talib Kweli explains that Black Star will not release their upcoming album on DSPs (Digital Service Providers) because artists are 'taken advantage of,' receiving fractions of a penny and lacking transparency in accounting, despite DSPs being where 90% of consumers find music.
Authenticity in Art: Kweli distinguishes between experimental work (released on free mixtapes) and core artistic statements (collaborating with Diamond D), noting he won't ask fans to pay for experimental tracks but will invest in high-quality collaborations.
DMX's Struggle: Kweli reflects on an interview with DMX, observing that DMX was actively struggling with internal demons ('the monster') and focused on caring for others rather than himself, highlighting the spiritual battle DMX faced throughout his life.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I toured the way I toured relentlessly 200 days a year for 20 years straight... it's toxic and is grinding and it can be very unhealthy... when the pandemic forces you to sit down you got you start to make different choices.”
▶ 13:21Talib Kweli discussing the physical and mental toll of constant touring and how the pandemic forced a necessary lifestyle change.
“We are not getting our just due we are getting fractions on a penny and a lot of times we not even privy to the accountant we can't even see what they make to even know if they treat us fair.”
▶ 31:39Talib Kweli explaining why Black Star is avoiding DSPs like Spotify for their next release due to unfair compensation structures.
“Diamond created that sound he's one of the people that created that sound... he's not just a master at the craft he's one of the architects of the craft.”
▶ 24:56Talib Kweli praising Diamond D's foundational role in defining the classic hip-hop sound associated with shows like Sway in the Morning.
“DMX took care of other people so much that he didn't take the time to take care of himself... that was his way to deal with the monster that he described that he was facing.”
▶ 4:43Talib Kweli's retrospective analysis of DMX's behavior during their interview, linking his outward generosity to internal struggles.
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