Video After The Jump
In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with rapper, singer and record producer JPEGMAFIA. As one of the most brazen, uncompromising, and unpredictable figures in hip hop today, with this interview JPEGMAFIA keeps it 100, true to form. The wide-ranging conversation includes his early years growing up in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and his move to Alabama at age 13, where he experienced prevalent racism. They also tackle gentrification, Ice Cube's profound influence on both his and Talib's unflinching approach to racism, the punk/hip hop connection, artist's empowerment to control their public image once they've paid dues, and JPEG gives his take on Kanye's support of Trump.
Later the trio discusses JPEG's hometown of Baltimore, pacifism vs. violence to promote social change, how he handles online racists, and the concept of "righteous anger". He also speaks on his years in the military, joining at a time when he saw no other viable options, the black men crying stigma, white fans trading the n-word for "cracker" at his shows, and in closing JPEG offers up words of encouragement to aspiring emcees on the steep uphill climb to success.
Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe and rate the audio podcast on Apple and Spotify. Full timestamps below.
APPLE: https://applepodcasts.com/peoplesparty
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/72bYFZBBZIwc7kdYUmRgFe
TIMESTAMPS
2:01 -- JPEG talks about the unique titles of his projects, which are intentionally off-putting to weed out the people that most likely wouldn't vibe off his music, and also explains the origins of his rap name.
5:29 -- JPEG reflects on growing up in Flatbush, Brooklyn, then moving frequently with his Jamaican parents starting at age 13, finally choosing Baltimore as his home base. He also speaks on the culture shock of the outwards racism he experienced while living in the south, and gives his impartial take on gentrification.
13:22 -- JPEG and Talib reflect on Ice Cube's mega influence and impact on each of them and across the industry. As well as Cube's signature way of attacking racism in America from a street level, everyday approach.
17:00 -- JPEG and Talib discuss the punk/hip hop connection and the freedom, empowerment, and control that an artist feels once they've established a lasting legacy, using Lauryn Hill as an example.
25:47 -- Talib asks JPEG to elaborate on a paraphrased quote regarding withholding the judgement of Kanye West's backing of Donald Trump. JPEG also speaks on how profoundly honored he feels when he hears his idols acknowledge him and are fans of his music.
33:34 -- JPEG speaks on the deep love he has for his hometown of Baltimore. They also discuss it's history of being used as a political football, and pacifism vs. the necessary use of violence, and the combination of both to promote change.
48:18 -- JPEG feels forced to interrupt Talib before he begins quoting Nelson Mandela to apologize in advance if he throws up anytime during the interview, and moments later he apologizes once more. They go on to discuss battling online twitter racists, and the concept of "righteous anger".
53:58 -- JPEG reflects on his military background, joining at a time when he felt he had no other viable options. They also discuss Trump's relationship with the media, and JPEG expresses why he thinks he'll be elected for a second term.
1:04:50 -- JPEG breaks down in detail the analogy he uses of his records being his children.
1:07:53 -- Talib references JPEG's song "Thug Tears", and asks him about the stigma of black men crying, and showing vulnerability.
1:10:14 -- JPEG is asked if he is ready for the last two questions, while he ponders if he needs a reunion with the people's party trash can. Once the show is back on track he responds to prompting his white fans at his shows to trade out the n-word for "cracker" when rapping along with him during sets.
1:15:23 -- Talib closes the show with one of JPEG's most notable quotes about perseverance of aspiring artists on the steep uphill climb to achieving success.
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