The Combat Jack Show

Bun B, long time friend of the Combat Jack Show and Trill OG turnt college professor is back for the 4th time and brought Dr. Anthony Pinn along to discuss their Religion and Hip Hop Culture course at Rice University which is now being offered online for free! We also discuss the roles class, race, and religion play in society and what the next generation needs in order to ease racial/religious tensions. Class is in session so you can stop guessing.

Four years ago we had the Cultivation Editor of High Times Magazine Danny Danko stop by. Sean Price was our guest co-host. We talked, we laughed, we got high. Enjoy this special throwback gem

Recorded on 12/10/2010, this has to be one of my top ten favorite episodes of all time. Chaz Williams shares how he's a genius at bank robbing and prison breaks. Listen to this movie now!!!

This was two full years ago, February 2013, and Pusha T discussed the differences in working with The Neptunes and Kanye, why Big Daddy Kane > Rakim, how Big Sean is really a problem within the G.O.O.D Music camp, why rappers like Rick Ross can’t ever really get away from the streets, how he can’t ever be right with Consequence, how he threw a shot at me, the possible name for the next Clipse album and more.

Fresh off his release from Hot 97, Cipha Sounds makes his 2nd appearance on the Combat Jack Show to share how he lost weight, his continued success as a comedian and exactly wtf happened? Plus, you heard their buzz, or should've, the creator and stars of the Youtube hit series Money and Violence.

Four years ago, The Combat Jack Show was still a live internet radio show (whaddup PNC), we were all planking, Jay Z and Kanye dropped "Otis" (which I hated at the time) and we were the first radio show that Action Bronson ever appeared on. Dallas Penn missed this episode and Premium Pete made one of his earliest appearances as a co-host. We also had callers like the legendary Dart Adams. #TBT Internets!!!

J. Cole details the inspiration behind '2014 Forest Hills Drive', his battle with expectations, wanting to sign Kendrick Lamar when they first met and his thoughts regarding the shots-ridden "Control" verse. Cole also talks the hip hop culture shift that inspired "Fire Squad", consciously staying out of Drake's lane while creating his own, what happened that eventful night with Diddy, visiting Ferguson, his new outlook on life and how he became a voice of his generation.

We get a lot of requests for West Coast rappers. Ras Kass breaks down his history, his battles, beefs and come up. He also goes deep with his views on religion, President Barack Obama, racism and more. Amen b.

Family is everything. Darryl Strawberry visits the Combat Jack Show to share his incredible story of becoming a New York legend, and the women, and alcohol, and drugs, and his redemption. Diamond Strawberry talks about her life beyond Love and Hip Hop. And we hear a father and daughter talk about breaking the cycles of abuse and abandonment. Family is everything.

New Year. New Episode. Sadat X delivers in this ep of his come up, Puffy, Tupac, B.I.G., Grand Puba, guns, prison, how Regina Hall is the one who got away and how he and Will Tell are doing BIG things in the wine game.

Another year in the books. And as the year 2014 winds down to and end, we present to you the very best episodes of The Combat Jack. You guys have been very great to us this year. Enjoy. And always... Dreams those dreams!

We got DJ Premier, Royce da 5'9" and Adrian Younge to sit in with us on this special in studio listening session of their album 'PRhyme', which is very dope. Hear what that have to say about this project.

We couldn't end this year right without having the G.O.A.T. on. How he survived an abusive upbringing, studied his craft with early rap pioneers in the same rap dojo with Kool G. Rap, becoming the foundation stone that became Def Jam, building with Queens' street legends, battling this rapper, that rapper and Jay Z, why he didn't sign management with Diddy, the "Accidental Racist" thing, flipping burglars in his castle and the victory of seeing his wife survive Cancer, its all here and more. From Hollis to Hollywood, this episode is most certainly blowticious. LL Cool J will forever remain hard as hell. Pause.

Always wanted to rap to these brothers. Looking at all their interviews, all we get is the tragedy that was their experience. Raymond Santana shares how fun it was as a kid growing up in Harlem during the late 1980’s. Then the horror. And how he became a part of the “crime of the century”. And of course, his redemption and triumphs. With the recent epidemic of police on Black murders, this story of how 5 innocent children were railroaded by #MyNYPD should be a reminder for us all to always #StayWoke. This might be The Combat Jack Show’s proudest moment for 2014.

Rick talks of growing up a die hard rap fan of some our lyrical greats, his unappreciated skill as a song writer/ ghostwriter, his relationships with Jay Z and Diddy and the books he reads to keep his mind focused. Also, the some details of his #RossFit training regimen, his Wing Stop chicken empire and why he really instigated his beef with Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson". Stop being a munkey and press that download button, ya underdig?

The good homie talks how he ended up at ESPN2, his 30 for 30 doc 'Rand University', racism in Miami, the Charlemagne and Ma$e encounter from a few weeks more, Artie Lange's recent meltdown, whether Lord Jamar is the Pras of Brand Nubian, Big KRIT and more. This one here is all types of hilarious. So glad to see Bomani shining and #winning.

You think you know the scope of the Ruff Ryders history? You heard all the stories about DMX, Eve, "The L.O.X." Swizz Beats and the Def Jam takeover? Co-founder Joaquin "Waah" Dean takes the history back to the ground zero of Hip Hop with Kool Herc, to the legendary DMX vs Jay Z battle, to taking over the history and more. No shiny suits will be worn during the listening of this episode. Nothing but #BlockWork here b.

You want to hear a great story, or stories? You want to be inspired? You want to learn what it takes to be a success? Kevin Liles blessed us with so much, behind the scenes of Def Jam, working with Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen, the deaths of Biggie, Tupac, Jam Master Jay and Chris Lighty, stories of DMX, Jay Z, Red and Meth and so much more. If you're not ready to conquer the world after listening to this episode, you gotta check your pulse.

JD's Hip Hop pedigree is so official. 30 plus years of history here. Who else can wax so poetically about the 1980's Fresh Fest, Kriss Kross, Jay Z and the ascension of the South musically? This live episode recorded at Tree Sound Studios in Atlanta, Georgia was so official. Plus, Mr. Dupri opens up about his relationship with Janet Jackson. This is a guaranteed So So Def episode. #Salutes to Groove Chambers and Mali Hunter for making this happen.

Live from Atlanta, at the tenth anniversary of the #A3c Music Festival, we finally caught up with producer and Harvard scholar 9th Wonder where he share his incredible story about leading a scene in North Carolina with the incredible Little Brother crew to not giving Jay Z a track he had for his own group. The breakup with Phonte and Big Pooh, making hits for Destiny's Child and why he's going so hard for his Jamla Records premier artist Rapsody, why he really wants to collaborate with Rich Homie Quan and of course, his journey in becoming a professor at Harvard University. This was truly an honor building with 9th and I hope you enjoy this as much as we did.

Ryan Leslie wants you to respect him as a rapper, on top of his talents as a singer/songwriter and producer. And he doesn't care if you think he fell off. Listen to how he makes way more money than you. How he's heavy in the tech world, and how he does concerts in castles and such. Also, the most in-depth walk through of the Diddy Cassie situation. Get your fresh Combat Jack Show The Logo tee shirts in multiple colorways available now at http://TeeSpring.com/CombatJackShow Use code 'Combat' to get 20% off your first order at GetBevel.com

King Remembered In Time makes his second Combat Jack Show appearance. On the eve of his 2nd Def Jam album 'Cadillactica', which drops November 11, 2014, K.R.I.T. talks about his growth as an artist, surviving his debut album "tanking", touring with Macklemore, separating his professional and private life, being called out on Kendrick Lamar's "Control" and why he's about to shake up the game as he claims the south as his kingdom. This time around, I'm doubling down on this Mississippi native. Get your fresh Combat Jack Show The Logo tee shirts in multiple colorways available now at http://TeeSpring.com/CombatJackShow Use code 'Combat' to get 20% off your first order at GetBevel.com

Here's a special episode from the Combat Jack vault featuring April Walker, pioneer urban/street wear designer of iconic Walker Wear label and two time Super Bowl champion Carl Banks. Beyond football and being a sports analyst, Carl Banks is heavily involved in attire owning the Starter brand. We talk a bit about Ray Rice, coming up in the fashion game, their relationship and more. Use code 'Combat' to get 20% off your first order at GetBevel.com

How does one go from Brownsville, Phillips Exeter Academy, NYU, Lauryn, Wyclef, 'The Score', 'The Carnival' to prison? How does one get pardoned by George Bush? And how does one find redemption and true freedom afterwards? John Forte tells us his entire journey and where he is now. Use code 'Combat' to get 20% off your first order at GetBevel.com

Ice T's been around for a while and came through to share his journey from the death of his parents in New Jersey to encountering gang culture in Los Angeles. From drugs to robberies to rapping to a record deal. A step by step of how the Body Count song "Cop Killer" changed his whole life, and how he and Coco (she's here too) managed to keep their marriage alive. There's a whole lot here. Ice T, uncensored. To check out your Bevel razor, go to GetBevel.com today. Use code ‘Combat’ to get 20% off your first month.

Ohio's first son (other than Lebron) talks Rick Ross, MMG and the role he plays. His come up days with Dame Dash, Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa, the day Mos Def "discovered" him, how he might could be more Brooklyn than you and more. What is one of today's most slept on rappers plan on making an impact with his debut album 'Ohio' dropping on October 28th? Go ahead and press play.

Man, this has got to be one of the most unique interviews ever conducted on this show. It's also one I throughly enjoyed. Go ahead and press play.

On the eve of the release of 'Seen It All', his 5th studio album, Jeezy shared his growth as an artist, what the word "leadership" means to him, his experience at Ferguson, St. Louis, moving from being a street cat to a responsible role model, his relationship with Jay Z, his thoughts on Sean "Diddy" Combs and why he's feeling so happy these days. No more "Young", it's now Mr. Jeezy.

Retired NYPD Deputy Inspector Corey "Life" Pegues' life is a movie. No cliche. Growing up as a young gun in the crack riddled NYC borough of Queens, Life was one of the best soldiers of the legendary and most notorious Supreme Team street gang. Life talks his introduction to crack, the gun fights and the murders, and the moment he decided it was time to join the biggest gang in NYC, the NYPD. Listen as he takes us through the Dinkens to Giuliani to Bloomberg regimes, what Stop and Frisk really is, and what the fvck is really going on with the war that the police across the nation has seemingly declared against the nation's people of color. We also get some expert analysis on The Abner Louima, Sean Bell, Eric Garner, Oscar Grant, Amadou Diallo and Michael Brown cases. Bonus: Dallas Penn, fresh off his honeymoon, stops by like if he never left.

In this age of tweaking, thots, wanton capitalism, violence and outsiders dictating what our culture is, QB veteran Cormega and legend Large Professor drop their brilliant 'Mega Philosophy' album. Cormega walks us through this classic, track by track. Go 'head and press play/ dl. To support the Combat Jack Show and for the best way to buy and manage domain names, got to Hover.com and enter POWERTHRU for 10% off your first purchase.

Mr. Nasheed is a Jack of all trades, but man has he mastered the art of making an impact. We talk about him growing up in the racist south, moving to Los Angeles to learn game, how he became a New York Times bestselling author, then how he switched it up with his hit documentary series 'Hidden Colors'. Love him, hate him, one thing is guaranteed, you press play on this episode and you will learn game.

Mr. Ben Yang has a lot to say. About a lot of people. And he got it off his chest. Ya'll been clamoring for a West Coast guest? Here it is. Baller has stories for days. Suge Knight, Dr. Dre., Tupac Shakur, Death Row, Denzel Washington, Aftermath. He's even got some Dame Dash and Jay Z stories. From record man to jeweler to the stars, dude doesn't disappoint. We also had up and coming Pittsburgh rapper Boaz come through and talk about being signed to Rostrum Records, going on tour with Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar, and how he'll smoke Mr. Khalifa way tf under the table.

Internets, this is such an honor. It's been few years of me trying to get the legendary Chuck D on The Combat Jack Show. It took current events, plus the Freddie Foxxx episode to make this happen (thank you Bumpy!). How do I even describe this 3 hour long discussion with Chuck D and Keith Shocklee? Def Jam, Hot 97, Dr. Dre, N.W.A., Ice Cube, Tupac Shakur, Marley Marl, Flavor Flav, Eric B and Rakim, COINTELPRO, Run-DMC, the Bomb Squad, the dearth of diversity on rap radio... so much knowledge. What I'm walking away with is how we have the power to control how we're perceived in this culture. And how we have to stop making excuses. Now. Ladies and gents, we present to you, the Episode Without A Pause.

90 minutes wasn't enough time. On the eve of releasing his tenth album 'Nobody's Smiling', Common revisits his days growing up in Chicago, being inspired by Michael Jordan, house music, Chicago mayor Harold Washington, Rev. Jeremiah Wright and how this album addresses the current plight of black on black crime in the windy city. Also, what it means to reunite with No I.D., being haunted by the ghost of Emmett Til and the very real and deep mystical powers of the phenomena known as "Badu Box". So much wasn't covered, 90 minutes wasn't enough, but you won't hear this type of Common interview anywhere else on the planet.

From Run-DMC to Kanye West, Soul Brother No. 1 been the go to guy to to make classic material. On top of that, how many countless producers he inspired, from legends like J Dilla and Kanye West to innovators like Madlib? #NeverForget the rap giants he helped birth, like NaS, and the Notorious B.I.G. Pete talks being raised by mentor/family member, the late, great Heavy D, and being encouraged to rap by Grand Puba, the true soul that went into producing "They Reminisce Over You", and the uncredited classic hits you know but didn't know was a Pete Rock production. Another session of Rap History is in effect, pull up a seat and learn about your culture.

Bumpy Knuckles stopped by to share his storied history with us. The depth of his relationship with Tupac Shakur. How Pete Rock saved his life. His deep relationship with NaS. How Chuck D literally had his life on the line for this culture. Another Steve Stoute story. And why, even though the rumors about him being the toughest guy in Hip Hop is exaggerated, no one should ever step to him in any club, even if they're holding a sharpened weapon. I love this interview. We're back to what we do, no hype, no shenanigans, no CEO beef, no industry shakedown, just the greatest rap stories you've never heard. Now go press download.

Who is Joie Manda? Why is his name being mentioned so much these days? Is he a "culture vulture"? And how did he get to be a representative of Black music? For someone who hasn't done a lot of public speaking, he speaks a great deal about these questions and more on this one.

Damon Dash is making noise. Noise inspiring to some and uncomfortable to others. No punches pulled, shots most definitely fired. Everybody gets hit. Let's go.

Vashtie Kola is perfect. How do you interview someone with no flaws? We were fortunate to squeeze out the not so perfect aspects of her life, where she grew up, the disfunction she experienced in her life, and what drove her to perfection, as well as her quirks and her discomfort about discussing past love Pharrell Williams. In a most intimate interview, we get what makes Vashtie so great.

We mention others as being on GOAT super producer status, but I'm not hearing Marley Marl's name. Which is criminal. Listen to how Marley literally changed the game and pushed the art form. Hear him talk about the discoveries of Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap. Learn about how he inadvertently produced his own dis track "The Bridge Is Over", what happened to the Juice Crew, and more. After this episode, you're guaranteed to acknowledge his place amongst the greatest whoever did it. Kings really do come from Queens.

Who is more Renaissance Man than Mr. Derrick Jones? The Human TR-808 gives his most descriptive interview ever. He walks us step by step to the moment of Scott La Rock's death, and how it affected his relationship with KRS-One. He shares how, after he blew up as a solo artist, everything dried up and he became homeless, broke and depressed. Then rebirth. Web designer, photography, one of the world's preeminent DJ's. From peddling drugs to DJing for the President. We've heard many stories about one's journey from the bottom to the top, but if this one doesn't inspire you, you're already dead. I know ya'll keep telling us weekly how the latest episode be your top 5. You need to readjust that list again.

Diggin' In The Crates co-founder Lord Finesse gives us a history lesson on his days as the Funky Technician, discovering the late great Big L, being a part of the Notorious B.I.G.'s classic 'Ready To Die' album, running with Puff, working closely to this day with Dr. Dre and his legal issues with Mac Miller. Of course there's more to this, so pull up a chair because rap class is in session so you can stop guessing. PLUS, a cameo comeback by Dallas Penn. #Str8Flourishments in effect b.

How does a man stay married and yet have license to bed a thousand plus women? How does a man get kidnapped by Big Pun, and mad other crews and stay alive? How does a man get to pal around with Michael Jackson? How does one ride shotgun with 50 Cent and not get clapped at? Too many stories, but who else but Whoo Kid to tell them? Pow!

The Tupac of Baton Rouge was in the building looking so clean. Lil Boosie gives us this exclusive on his seven children, his relationship with Pimp C, Webbie, Bun B and Young Jeezy. How freedom feels after being out over a month. And what kept him sane all them years in jail, and where the "Boosie Fade" came from. He's doing other interviews, but you already know where his best one is coming from. Wipe me down Internets!

Pharoahe Monch has been a favorite MC of mine for a long time so it only makes sense that we deliver his best interview in existence. In support of his brilliant album 'P.T.S.D.' we had an in studio listening session as Monch gave us his most personal interview to date. Who knew he used to carry them blammers? Who knew he was fed a deadly drug cocktail that took him to the edge of insanity? Who knew he was a heavy DipSet fan? Or liked 2 Chainz/ What other MC admits getting murked on his own song? I really enjoyed this session. I hope you do too. Stand the fuck up!

Scarface lost 100 pounds. And we're all over the place in this interview. He plays guitar, he talks drugs and depression and Pink Floyd, he talks about his time in prison, why his son went missing earlier this year, why Rick Ross is underrated and more. He does his best to avoid making controversial statements, but he just can't help himself. This is Brad Jordan like you've never heard before.

What's in a word? Obviously a lot as far as "nigger" is concerned. The media and politicians say "ban it" but how impossible is it to make the world's most dangerous word disappear from existence? And do we really know what it means? Hakim Green of Channel Live fame walks us through this black word's history, it's etymology, and explains why this word will never go away, and why we should embrace and cherish rather than shun it. Also, Sean C. and L.V. talk their musical history and why we should cop their new album 'Loud Dreams' for only $Free Ninety Nine. My lips is like an oowop as I start to spray it.

In the episode we have none other than Ma Dukes, mother of the late great J. Dilla. She's joined by Brooklyn's own Talib Kweli. We learn about J. Dilla and his posthumous legacy, his impact on hip hop culture, The J. Dilla Foundation and more. We also find out about Talib's new album, why Jean Grae doesn't fuxs with him right now and why he doesn't like doing interviews anymore. #DillaLives

Here's the teaser for the next episode featuring the Ma Dukes the mother of the late great J. Dilla and Talib Kweli. Be sure to tune in to the full episode on Tuesday 3/25/14. #Newman On Sunday, March 23, 2014, history will be made as Talib Kweli headlines “NY Loves Dilla,” the first ever official J Dilla tribute show in New York, which will also feature special performances by Phony PPL, YC the Cynic and surprise guests, with an all-Dilla set by DJ Parler following the show! Hosted by Jarobi of A Tribe Called Quest andMaureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, Dilla's mother, this event will be the first annual officially sanctioned Dilla tribute show in NYC to honor the legacy of the Grammy Award-winning producer, James “J Dilla” Yancey, and directly benefit the J Dilla Foundation. Doors for this historic event will open at 6:30PM, and the show will begin promptly at 8PM. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.websterhall.com. Proceeds will benefit the J Dilla Foundation.

You think you know the history of New York Hip Hop? You really don't know Jack until you talk to Jessica Rosenblum. Hear her talk about her role in opening the downtown NYC nightlife scene to Russell Simmons, Lyor Cohen, the Beastie Boys and LL Cool J. Listen as she shares about her role in making a then unknown Sean "Diddy" Combs into a household name. Learn as she walks us through what really happened that fateful night at the tragic CCNY event and why she wasn't responsible. Marvel at how she decided to build Funk Master Flex into the brand that he is today. Take in her close and meaningful relationship with the late, great Chris Lighty. We only scratched the surface as to this woman's integral role in contributing to this culture, but this episode's lessons is an important and mostly overlooked in this thing we call rap. PLUS: Dallas Penn shares how he single handedly broke the Internets with his ingenious execution of Pologate.