Best The 5th Element Podcast Network/Central Sauce Podcasts (2024)

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Ep.69 - Video Game Music, Vol. 4 1:16:34

1y ago1:16:34

1:16:34

On the 4th VGM ISOS: Brandon brings a piece on "Hotline Miami" and the use of Techno in games. Tyler goes video with the wonders of rhythm games. And Ryan also goes video with a case on VGM being the future of Jazz. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Brandon's Pick: (12:55) "Hotline Miami and the Rise of Techno in Ultra-Violent Video Games" By Nina Corcoran Ty…

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Ep.68 - Hip-Hop Media & Justin Hurwitz 57:43

1y ago57:43

57:43

On this episode of ISOS: Brandon brings in a piece about the devolution of Hip-Hop Media and Ryan brings an interview with film composer Justin Hurwitz. They also begin the Pod recognising the recent deluge of Media layoffs. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Brandon's Pick - (19:33) "How Did Hip-Hop Media Get So Bad?" By Israel Daramola Ryan's Pick - (40:49) …

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Ep.67 - Steven 'Lenky' Marsden & Touring Burnout 44:14

1y ago44:14

44:14

On this episode of ISOS: Miki brings a oral history on Steven "Lenky" Marsden and how his "Diwali Riddim" owned 2003; and Brandon brings a book review-reporting hybrid on the rising numbers of touring artists suffering from burnout and other mental health issues. TIMESTAMPS & ARTICLES Miki's Pick - (6:06) "The Diwali Riddim: Creator Steven ‘Lenky’ …

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Ep.66 - Sped Up Remixes & The Strokes 42:13

1+ y ago42:13

42:13

On this episode of ISOS: Ryan brings a piece on sped-up remixes and Brandon brings a piece on narratives, using The Strokes as a foundation. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Ryan's Pick - (10:06) "The Rise of the Sped-Up Remix" by Reanna Cruz Brandon's Pick - (27:07) "The problem with "The Strokes changed everything" narrative about aughts indie" By Robin Ja…

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Ep.65 - TikTok Virality, Chris Brown & Vic Mensa 58:56

1+ y ago58:56

58:56

On this episode of ISOS: Miki brings a trendy piece on how female artists in Hip-Hop have used TikTok to their advantage; Tyler brings a piece on why women keep working with Chris Brown and host Brandon brings a Q&A with Vic Mensa. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Miki's Piece: (1:40) "TikTok Is Making Space For Today's Women in Rap to Thrive" By Njera Perki…

1
Ep.64 - YoungBoy NBA & SZA 55:36

1+ y ago55:36

55:36

On this episode of ISOS: Tyler brings a profile of SZA (helmed by friend of ISOS Danyel Smith) & Miki caps off with a profile on YoungBoy NBA. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Miki's Pick - (6:46) "The Secret Life, House Arrest And Rebirth Of YoungBoy Never Broke Again" By Meaghan Garvey Tyler's Pick - (29:47) "SZA’s Ruination Brought Her Everything" By Dany…

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Ep.63 - MusicLM, Japanese Breakfast & Lil Yachty 52:41

1+ y ago52:41

52:41

On this episode of ISOS: Jashima brings a conversation starter about a Google AI making music; Ryan brings a profile on Japanese Breakfast and host Elliot brings a profile on Lil Yachty. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Jashima's Pick - (2:56) "Google AI Tool Creates Music from Written Descriptions" By Bryan Lynn Ryan's Pick - (18:34) "Japanese Breakfast Is …

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Ep.62 - Questlove, Billy Woods & Ice Spice 1:02:03

1+ y ago1:02:03

1:02:03

On this all-profile episode of ISOS: Brandon brings a profile on Questlove, Ryan brings a profile on Billy Woods and Jashima brings a profile on Ice Spice ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Brandon's Pick - (3:19) "The Passion of Questlove" by Jazmine Hughes Ryan's Pick - (29:49) "Billy Woods Would Rather You Be A Little Uncomfortable" By Arielle Lana LeJarde …

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Ep.61 - pgLang, Alpha Males & 2022 1:12:06

1+ y ago1:12:06

1:12:06

On this episode of ISOS: Host Miki brings a piece on pgLang founders Kendrick Lamar & Dave Free talk their next chapter; Tyler brings a piece on misogyny and "Alpha Male" fandoms and Brandon brings a piece looking back at 2022 within the scope of live music. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Miki's Pick - (12:27) Kendrick Lamar’s New Chapter: Raw, Intimate an…

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Ep.60 - Touring Ability & Woodstock 99 57:56

1+ y ago57:56

57:56

On the final episode of ISOS for 2022, we're going dual with Ryan & Brandon with pieces on artists' ability to tour & how Woodstock 99, Alt-Rock radio & a bill link with contemporary right-wing media. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Ryan's Pick - (13:58) "Musicians like me can no longer afford to tour. Live music won’t survive unless the industry changes" b…

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Ep.59 - Weird Al Yankovic, Boldy James & ALL CAPS 1:03:09

1+ y ago1:03:09

1:03:09

On this episode of ISOS: Brandon brings a piece rivalling the length of The Odyssey, profiling Weird Al Yankovic. Tyler brings a piece on Boldy James and Ryan brings a breakdown of the classic "ALL CAPS" music video. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Brandon's Pick - (5:32) "The Weirdly Enduring Appeal of Weird Al Yankovic" By Sam Anderson Tyler's Pick - (30:…

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Ep.58 - BTS, Detroit & Tickets 1:08:09

1+ y ago1:08:09

1:08:09

On this episode of ISOS: Elliot brings a piece on BTS' hiatus announcement; Miki brings piece on the rising Detroit rap scene and Tyler introduces a "Last Week Tonight" segment on tickets. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Elliot's Pick - (6:32) "South Korea stands to lose billions from making K-pop superstars BTS do military service" By Chloe Taylor Miki's P…

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Ep.57 - "Passion Economy", Kelela & Gangster's Paradise 1:02:37

2y ago1:02:37

1:02:37

On this episode of ISOS: Host Brandon brings a piece on the "Creator Economy" and how it's turning into a new rat race. Tyler brings a piece on the return of Kelela; and Charlie brings an oral history of Coolio's "Gangster's Paradise". ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Brandon's Pick - (7:28) "The Rosy ‘Creator Economy’ Is Music’s Biggest Lie" By Tim Ingham T…

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Ep.56 - Music Loops, Kreayshawn & Kenny Beats 1:10:09

2y ago1:10:09

1:10:09

On this episode of ISOS: Brandon brings a piece on music loops, host Elliot brings a retrospective on Kreayshawn and the "meme rap" era as a whole; and Miki brings a video where producer Kenny Beats talks on a multitude of subjects. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Brandon's Pick - (3:12) "How Music Loops Help Me Feel More Present" By Miguel Otárola Elliot's…

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Ep.55 - Video Game Music, Vol. 3 1:06:20

2y ago1:06:20

1:06:20

On this all-video episode of ISOS: Host Tyler brings a very meta essay on VGM as a whole and why modern compositions aren't as memorable as the compositions of old. Ryan brings an essay on positive & negative stress in games, with Celeste as a case study. And Brandon finishes off with a monologue on Hollow Knight lore... And there's also an essay t…

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Bonus - Nintendo Direct Predictions 7:13

2y ago7:13

7:13

During the recording of the most recent ISOS recording, Tyler, Ryan & Brandon thought it'd be fun to do some Nintendo Direct predictions. I thought it'd be fun to extract it from the episode and make it a bonus, right as the Nintendo Direct goes down. Episode drops the day after, I'll link here. But for now, enjoy some predictions.…

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Ep.54 - Cheat Codes, Whisper Networks & Miami 1:10:16

2y ago1:10:16

1:10:16

On Ep.54 of ISOS: Brandon brings an interview with Black Though & Danger Mouse, host Ryan brings a piece about Whisper Networks & Miki caps things off with a piece on power players in music migrating to Miami. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Brandon's Pick - (2:08) "Black Thought and Danger Mouse break down Cheat Codes, their hip-hop two-hander" By Todd Gil…

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Ep.53 - NOT THE TWOS, Kid Cudi & "No Fear of Time" 1:14:38

2y ago1:14:38

1:14:38

On this episode of ISOS: Miki brings an interview for recent Kendrick co-signee, NOT THE TWOS, Jashima brings a news piece on Kid Cudi changing artwork for his re-release of "A Kid Named Cudi", and Charlie brings a semi-review of Black Star's "No Fear of Time" that morphs into a love letter to RSS. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Miki's Pick - (7:35) "Meet …

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Ep.52 - Kendrick @ Glastonbury, Jackson Wang & Run The Jewels 1:00:42

2y ago1:00:42

1:00:42

On this episode of ISOS: Ryan brings a piece on Kendrick Lamar's Glastonbury headline performance. Tyler brings a conversation with multi-hyphenate Jackson Wang. And Elliot brings a video on Run The Jewels' second album. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Ryan's Pick: (2:24) "Kendrick Lamar's ground-breaking Glastonbury set meets the moment with an abortion ri…

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Ep.51 - Streaming Addiction, Les Rallizes Dénudés & Snoop Dogg 1:02:17

2y ago1:02:17

1:02:17

On this episode of ISOS: Host Ryan brings a long read on streaming addiction, Brandon goes left-field with a piece on a Japanese psych-rock band and Jashima caps off with a look into Snoop Dogg's NFT empire. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Ryan's Piece - (6:51) "The Woes Of Being Addicted To Streaming" By Jeremy D. Larson Brandon's Pick - (25:34) "The fuzz,…

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Ep.50 - Newsletters, UK Rap & The Eminem Show 1:01:38

2y ago1:01:38

1:01:38

On this episode of ISOS: Host Brandon brings a shining example of how to do a newsletter. Charlie brings an essay on the current UK Rap landscape. And Miki brings a retrospective on Eminem's "The Eminem Show" as it turns 20. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Brandon's Pick - (5:38) "#136: Decadence And Disenchantment" By Todd L. Burns Charlie's Pick - (22:06)…

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Ep.49 - redveil, Chad Hugo & Bree Runway 53:48

2y ago53:48

53:48

On this episode of ISOS: Brandon brings a profile on redveil, host Miki brings a piece on the legend Chad Hugo & Tyler caps it all off with a piece on Bree Runway. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Brandon's Pick: (5:15) "First Look Friday: redveil is the DMV’s Next Great Hope" By Josh Svetz Miki's Pick: (20:17) "In Search of Chad Hugo" By Jeff Mao Tyler's Pi…

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Ep.48 - Will Smith, PJ Morton & Heba Kadry 47:58

2y ago47:58

47:58

On this episode of ISOS: Host Elliot brings a video on Will Smith, Tyler brings a profile on PJ Morton, and Miki brings a piece he wished he wrote, covering Mastering Engineer Heba Kadry. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Elliot's Pick: (1:47) "TRAINWRECKORDS: Will Smith's "Lost and Found" By Todd In The Shadows Tyler's Pick: (18:29) "PJ Morton’s ‘Watch the S…

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Ep.47 - Festival Posters, Eco-Vinyl & Clickbait? 1:05:31

2y ago1:05:31

1:05:31

On this episode of ISOS: Ryan brings a piece on Festival posters and the politics of space on them amongst artists. Host Charlie brings a piece on the concept of "Eco-Vinyl". And Elliot goes meta and brings a piece on the recent Rocky-Rihanna break up rumours. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Ryan's Pick - (2:01) "Size Matters: Inside the Politics of Festiva…

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Ep.46 - Deaf DJs, Drake, & 2Pac/Biggie 1:03:09

2+ y ago1:03:09

1:03:09

On this episode of ISOS: Ryan brings in a piece about deaf DJs. Host Elliot brings a video essay on Drake and The "Death of Hip-Hop". And Brandon caps off with a piece on the 25th anniversary of the untimely passing of 2Pac & The Notorious B.I.G. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Ryan's Pick: (2:56) "Frequencies I'd Never Felt Before": How Deaf DJs Are Revolu…

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Ep.45 - Streaming Alternatives, To Pimp A Butterfly & Encanto 58:29

2+ y ago58:29

58:29

On this episode of ISOS: Jashima brings a deep dive on the likes of 'Ye' & Snoop Dogg taking their music to new platforms, host Elliot brings an anniversary commentary of Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp A Butterfly", and Ryan continues the video agenda, bringing a video on the song "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from Disney's "Encanto". ARTICLES & TIMESTAMP…

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Ep.44 - Bandcamp, Stevie Wonder & EARTHGANG 56:24

2+ y ago56:24

56:24

On this episode of ISOS: Ryan brings a commentary on Epic Games acquiring Bandcamp. Miki brings a piece highlighting Stevie Wonder's production chops and Tyler brings an interview with EARTHGANG. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Ryan's Pick: (5:12) "Epic Games, Bandcamp, and fandom for the ‘me’ generation" by Mark Mulligan Miki's Pick: (23:55) "Stevie Wonder…

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Ep.43 - Cash Cobain, Rave Scene & Earl Sweatshirt 58:41

2+ y ago58:41

58:41

On this episode of ISOS: Host Ryan, Miki & Brandon bring pieces on producer Cash Cobain, the resurgence of Rave and a profile on Earl Sweatshirt. And if you're a regular listener, it's way too easy to guess who brought which piece. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Miki's Pick - (5:37) "I Made Beats With New York Drill Rap's Hottest Producer, Cash Cobain" By …

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Ep.42 - Saba, Pink Siifu & Sean Bankhead 55:48

2+ y ago55:48

55:48

On this episode of ISOS: Tyler brings an essay penned by Saba on ownership and independent business. Brandon brings an interview with Pink Siifu. And host Miki continues the video agenda, highlighting choreographer Sean Bankhead. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Tyler's Pick - (5:42) "Art, Ownership, and Business: An Essay" By Saba Brandon's Pick - (21:07) "…

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Ep.41 - Quiet Storm, Preservation & Jay-Z/Verzuz 1:15:17

2+ y ago1:15:17

1:15:17

On this episode of ISOS: Miki continues the video agenda with a deep dive on "Quiet Storm" radio. Tyler brings a long read on Hip-Hop preservation and host Elliot brings a conversation starter on the odds to beat Jay-Z in a Verzuz. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Miki's Pick - (3:47) "Quiet Storm: How 1970s R&B changed late-night radio" By Vox Earworm Tyler…

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Ep.40 - Grammys Postponed, R&B Yin-Yang & Moses Sumney 1:02:18

2+ y ago1:02:18

1:02:18

On this episode of ISOS: Elliot makes his return with the news of The Grammys being postponed due to the Omicron variant. Host Tyler brings a piece that has Ari Lennox & Summer Walker succeeding in R&B but in different ways. And Jashima brings a profile on Moses Sumney. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS Elliot's Pick - (3:50) "2022 Grammys Postponed Due to Omi…

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The 5EPN Special 2021 1:09:58

2+ y ago1:09:58

1:09:58

To end the year, hosts of the various 5EPN podcasts come together to reflect on the year that has been 2021, the podcasts themselves and finish with a fun team exercise. To everyone that has listened to a 5EPN Podcast this year, on behalf of everyone in the 5EPN, we thank you for your listenership, your time and we hope we can join you as you begin…

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Ep.39 - Me(n)tal Health, Ringtones & "Law & Order" 45:29

2+ y ago45:29

45:29

In this episode of ISOS: Brandon brings a piece on mental health in Punk & Metal circles. Host Ryan continues the video agenda with one on the Ringtone era. And Jashima brings a critique of a Drill Rap episode of "Law & Order: SVU". ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Brandon's Pick - (3:02) "A Look At Punk, Metal, Extreme Music And Mental Health" By David Kono…

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Ep.38 - Maxo Kream, Olivia Rodrigo & "Morning View" 1:02:16

2+ y ago1:02:16

1:02:16

On this episode of ISOS: Brandon brings a piece on Maxo Kream behind his new album drop "Weight of the World". Host Charlie brings a piece on Olivia Rodigo and her historical connection to Classical music. And Miki brings a retrospective on Incubus' "Morning View" turning 20. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Brandon's Pick: (4:54) "On 'Weight of the World,' …

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Ep.37 - The Streaming Boom, Ka & Adele 1:04:42

2+ y ago1:04:42

1:04:42

On this episode of ISOS. Charlie brings stats on the current Streaming landscape. Ryan brings a piece on the introverted Ka. And Tyler brings the deep dive profile on Adele. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Charlie's Pick - (2:02) "‘Odds are against you’: the problem with the music streaming boom" By Mark Sweney Ryan's Pick - (25:41) "The Last Underground Ra…

1
ISOS 2nd Anniversary Trivia Special 58:01

3y ago58:01

58:01

It has been two years since ISOS began. So to celebrate. Brandon, Charlie, Jashima, Miki & Ryan come together for a little trivia where only one can win. Place your bets before you hit play. (Charlie hosts. Had to make it fair for the others.) And of course, an obligatory thank you to everyone that has tuned in so far. To another year. Thanks for l…

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Ep.36 - Hip-Hop Business, Monsune & Spirited Away 54:26

3y ago54:26

54:26

On this episode of ISOS: Jashima brings the first Podcast to the Podcast, Miki brings a piece on a producer who made a big break on a Drake cut & Ryan brings another video essay, this time on the music of Studio Ghibli film "Spirited Away". ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Jashima's Pick - (5:51) "The Business of Hip-Hop" By Hip-Hop Raised Me (Podcast By DJ …

1
Ep.35 - Video Game Music, Vol. 2 52:49

3y ago52:49

52:49

On this 2nd edition of ISOS' VGM series: Tyler brings a piece on the way music shapes how we play video games. Ryan continues his video agenda with a piece on the concept of "indeterminate music". And host Brandon lightens the mood with a piece on apocalyptic soundscapes. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Tyler's Pick - (4:54) "How music shapes the way we pla…

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Ep.34 - Bbymutha, André 3000 & Amy Winehouse 1:05:02

3y ago1:05:02

1:05:02

On this episode of ISOS: Miki brings in a personal essay from Christina Lee, (Peep our interview with Christina here) intertwining with Bbymutha's "Muthaland". Ryan brings another video essay, this time on how André 3000 writes about love. And host Soma brings in a retrospective on Amy Winehouse. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Miki's Pick - (5:33) "Bbymuth…

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Ep.33 - Isaiah Rashad, The Weeknd & Mac Miller 1:14:21

3y ago1:14:21

1:14:21

On this episode of ISOS: Tyler brings in a profile on Isaiah Rashad off the back of his new album "The House Is Burning". Brandon brings in his own profile, covering The Weeknd. (Vs Abel Tesfaye) And host Ryan brings a video essay on Mac Miller's "Circles". TEXTS & TIMESTAMPS: Tyler's Pick - (3:56) "Isaiah Rashad Was Always TDE’s Secret Weapon — No…

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Ep.32 - Whitney Houston, SAULT & Album Lengths 1:08:37

3y ago1:08:37

1:08:37

On this episode of ISOS: Host Charlie brings in a piece on Whitney Houston's relationship with America. Miki brings a review on SAULT's new album "NINE". (Fun Fact: As of the day of this episode dropping, you have 66 days to spin until it leaves DSP's) And Brandon brings in a conversation starter about why albums are so damn bloated. ARTICLES & TIM…

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Ep.31 - AURORA, Gucci Mane & "Real R&B" 1:09:03

3y ago1:09:03

1:09:03

On this episode of ISOS: Soma brings a dreamy profile on Norweigan Alt-pop artist AURORA. Miki brings a lengthy piece on Gucci Mane and Tyler gets a conversation-starting piece on the state of modern R&B. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Soma's Pick - (9:52) "'Inspired By The Light And The Dark' Clash Meets AURORA" By Jessica Fynn Miki's Pick - (28:49) "How …

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Ep.30 - DOOM Immigration, Dean Blunt & Record Collections 1:08:15

3y ago1:08:15

1:08:15

On this episode of ISOS: Jashima brings an enlightening piece on MF DOOM and his battles with US Immigration. ISOS debutant Soma brings a review of Dean Blunt's new record "Black Metal 2". And host Miki brings a poetic piece on record collections and the trio talk about the vinyl they hold most dear. TIMESTAMPS & ARTICLES: Jashima's Pick - (12:45) …

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"Unafraid Of Words" W/ Danyel Smith 1:04:32

3y ago1:04:32

1:04:32

On this special episode of ISOS, Miki, Jashima and Ryan interview Danyel Smith! Danyel is a legend of music journalism. She is the former EIC of Vibe magazine, the former culture editor at ESPN’s The Undefeated and the former editor of Billboard. Her writing has touched such publications as NPR, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. Right no…

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The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Episode: Music Journalism 1:54:26

3y ago1:54:26

1:54:26

What would a Pulitzer Prize for Hip-Hop journalism look like? Brandon, Miki and Ryan dig into the answer on this episode. After having dissected the Pulitzer’s relationship with Hip-Hop last time out, we turn our attention to what the Pulitzers see as great music journalism. Each member picked a previous Pulitzer winner to research and to analyse w…

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“It Means When The Poles Shift” W/ SAROS 1:30:37

3y ago1:30:37

1:30:37

SAROS are a musical collective who have never met in person. Through the Internet, they have fostered personal friendships and deep musical understandings which form the basis of their musical movement. In this interview, Ryan looks to get to the core philosophy of this movement by documenting their journey to this point and where they hope to go f…

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The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Episode: DAMN. 1:41:01

3y ago1:41:01

1:41:01

In our interview with Yoh Phillips last year, we discussed the possibility of winning a Pulitzer Prize for Hip-Hop journalism. Over the next 2 episodes, we will be breaking down what both Hip-Hop and journalism are in the eyes of the Pulitzers to determine what such a win would look like. In the first part of the series, we focus on Hip-Hop by taki…

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Ep.29 - Solange's Process, Sound of Metal & Grief 1:29:37

3y ago1:29:37

1:29:37

On this episode of ISOS: Miki brings in a technical piece all about Solange's recording engineer Mikaelin "Blue" Bluespruce and the equipment she uses to record. Host Brandon brings a piece on the recent litany of deaths that have happened in Hip-Hop. And Ryan brings in a piece about Academy Award-winning "Sound of Metal". ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Mi…

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Ep.28 - Genres, Toxic Fanbases & NFTs 1:09:48

3y ago1:09:48

1:09:48

On this episode of ISOS: Miki introduces a piece on Genre and how the litany of subgenres and the loose lines between them all are starting to blur the more mainstream genre labels. Ryan brings in a piece on fanbases and how their propensity to be toxic lives as long as the artist who 'leads' those fanbases say nothing about it. And lastly, Jashima…

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SauceFest1.0 Interviews 1:50:05

3+ y ago1:50:05

1:50:05

To hype you up for SauceFest, you’re about to hear 6 short interviews that we think really highlight how unique and incredible these emcees, producers, musicians and singer/songwriters are that we’re platforming on SauceFest. You’re about to hear from Donnie Durag, Fika, Imp, Nora Toutain, Otis Mensah, and STORRY. We weren’t able to connect with Ab…

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