From Dean of Black Twitter, Michael Harriot comes a Black history podcast like you've never heard before. Using a recipe that includes detailed research, barbershop humor and a little seasoned salt, a parade of cookout-certified celebrity guests helps Michael Harriot serve up a compelling, hilarious, and more accurate version of Black history that …

For the final episode of this season, DJ Semtex looks back at some of the key moments; From Public Enemy's Chuck D fighting the power, Ghetts and Robert Greene talking about the use of power of Rap, to Sarkodie breaking down the importance of his fans, KidEight taking his art to the next level and changing the rules on how we view art and music. 20…

For the last episode of the season, and the year, DJ Semtex wraps up 2021 with Atlanta rapper Alpha 23 to talk about Hip Hop's impact in the metaverse, music NFTs, the greatness of Playboi Cart's 'Whole Lotta Red', the best album of 2021, who could really stand on a Verzuz stage next to Jay-Z, and loads more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…

You’ve been rocking with Allan Kingdom since he collaborated with Kanye West on the legendary club banger ‘All Day’. Several years later he is at the forefront of the Web 3.0 revolution taking place with gaming, art, and music. DJ Semtex talks the future of music with Allan Kingdom on the latest episode of the ‘Hip Hop Raised Me’ podcast. Learn mor…

While we are all getting our heads around the concept of the metaverse, Web 3.0, and NFTS. Many artists are embracing these new advances in tech immediately with their own communities of fans. Which is why DJ Semtex caught up with forward thinking Rapper / Producer Haleek Maul during the middle of an auction for one of his songs on the Ethereum blo…

Artwork is as important as the actual music. It tells the story behind an artists body of work, trends, genres, and reinforces the culture. KidEight is a digital artist who has created some of the most iconic logos and artwork for some of the biggest Hip Hop artists. Earlier this year he made the transition from taking client work to focus on launc…

There's a lot happening in the world of Hip Hop right now. So DJ Semtex caught up with BlaqBones, the self proclaimed 'Best Rapper in Africa' to talk about the 2022 Grammy nominations, Kanye West, Drake, African Rap, and the success of his most recent album 'Sex Over Love', and loads more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/…

Lyricism matters. Real Rap is as important as it ever was. In an era of commercial watered down microwave music, labels such as J Cole's Dreamville are the developing ground for elite lyrical wizardry. JID is one of the artists artists that has flourished and evolved under the guidance of Cole. DJ Semtex caught up with JID to talk about his recent …

Spottie Wifi is the worlds first ever, and only Crypto Punk Rapper who recently sold 2000 NFT albums at $96 each. His very existence is ground breaking, and his approach to releasing music is revolutionary, entirely different to what every other artist is doing. DJ Semtex and Spottie Wifi connect to talk NFTs, blockchain, the metaverse, Rap, and lo…

Lil Kim once said "First you get the money, then you get the power...". Many artists such as Kanye West, Nas, J Cole, and Curren$y have dropped tracks about power, while 50 Cent's debut album was originally set to be 'Power of The Dollar', and he recently created 'The Power Universe' for the Starz cable network. For the latest 'Hip Hop Raised Me' p…

Show Dem Camp are the African giants of Rap. They are Nigeria’s Hip Hop pioneers who recently released ‘Clone Wars 5’. Even though they have paid their dues, and endured the beautiful struggle to establish themselves. In 2021 with the advent of cultures clashing, and technology leading art, it could be said that they’re just getting started. Dj Sem…

J Cole is one of the greatest rappers, and his label Dreamville is home to a collective of elite MCs, such as Cozz. Dj Semtex caught up with the South Central native to discuss everything from working with J Cole and Kendrick Lamar, to living life on the edge and managing to stay alive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc…

The eve of an album release is the most critical time for an artist. It's the ultimate moment of truth, the last chance to make any changes. It can be a nerve wracking time of anxiety, frustration, mixed with anticipation of how a new body of work will be received by fans. Wale has released 11 mixtapes, and is about to release his 7th album. For th…

Maxo Kream went from Trap star to Rap star. Against all odds he turned his life around for the whole world to witness the depth of his ‘Big Persona’. On the eve of his forth coming album ‘Weight of the World’, DJ Semtex connects with Maxo Kream to get the detail on what’s next for the Houston native. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastc…

He is a living legend, a giant within African Rap. Internationally known, and highly revered within his homeland Ghana, Sarkodie's name rings throughout the diaspora and beyond. DJ Semtex caught up with Sarkodie to discuss his recent album 'No Pressure', connecting with international artists such as Wale, Giggs, and Vic Mensa, the importance of the…

There is no doubt that Nipsey Hussle is sorely missed by his family, friends, and fans. The rapper, activist, and entrepreneur passed away March 31st 2019 and his music and words continue to live on and resonate with people across the world. When DJ Semtex bought Nipsey Hussle to the UK for his first ever headline show in London, he recorded an exc…

Strick has a fascinating story. He walked away from a stable well paid career to follow his dream of being a successful rapper. A couple of years later he is signed to Young Thug's YSL label, working with Future, Kid Cudi, and Skepta. Touring the world, and having a sit down with DJ Semtex to detail how he did it for the latest episode of the Hip H…

When Kendrick Lamar announced that his next album would be his last on TDE, all eyes turned to Isiah Rashad who had just released his brilliant third album 'The House Is Burning'. DJ Semtex caught up with the Chattanooga, Teennessee native to talk about his latest body of work, TDE, his favourite UK artists and more. Learn more about your ad choice…

Pi'erre Bourne has a relentless hustle. His mantra is to "Strategise, Plan, and Execute ", which is why he is already a highly successful producer / rapper / songwriter / creative entrepreneurial at the age of 28. A similar age to Kanye West when he dropped 'The College Dropout'. Like Kanye, Pi'erre is defining the sound of his generation, launchin…

The business of Hip Hop is as important as the music. Every other day rappers / creative entrepreneurs like Jay-Z, Nas, Kanye West, Drake,Travis Scott, Tyler the Creator, etc. are launching a clothing line, beverage, cannabis strain, crypto initiative, or other creative partnerships with industries outside of music. These initiatives are financiall…

DJ Semtex connects with Belly for the latest Hip Hop Raised Me episode. When you have A certain belief system and something happens in your life that shakes that belief system… it’s a hard mountain to climb. Xo recording artist Belly climbed that mountain, and managed to get to the other side. DJ Semtex caught up with Belly to talk about all of thi…

EST Gee is one of the hottest new artists coming through. Signed to Yo Gotti's CMG label, he recently dropped his 5th mixtape 'Bigger The Life Or Death' which secured his biggest success thus far. DJ Semtex caught up with the Louisville, Kentucky native to discuss everything from working with Lil Baby, to connecting with Jay-Z. Learn more about you…

Blxst is the future. The West coast rapper / singer is one of the most exciting emerging artists, and he has been gradually building his fanbase. Over the last 12 months people have been discovering him through bangers like 'Over Rated', or ' Chosen'. His music has a timeless feel, and he's just getting started. He's that artist you need to know ab…

Straight out of Atlanta Georgia, Latto is one of the hardest emerging artists in the game. She dropped a mixtape last year called 'Queen Of The Souf' which immediately won her fans across the world, After tearing up the Rolling Loud festival, DJ Semtex caught up with Latto to talk about everything from the name change, the hustle, going harder, wor…

Straight out of Queens New York, and part of J Cole’s Dreamville collective, Bas is one of the hardest lyricists in the game. DJ Semtex caught up with Bas to talk about everything from his work on the ‘Off Season’ album, to the UK Drill phenomenon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

On Febuary 10th 2020 DJ Semtex recorded an in depth interview with Pop Smoke. Several days later the world lost a legend in the making. Another heart wrenching instance of an amazing artist gone to soon. The interview with Pop Smoke was intended to be the inaugral episode of the Hip Hop Raised Me podcast and for obvious it was put on hold. Recently…

Bobby Sessions is in his 20s and he's already signed to Def Jam, dropped his debut album 'Manifest', won a Grammy, and worked with Marvel. The interesting part is that he had already envisioned this, the self proclaimed 'Young Legend' from Dallas Texas saw it coming, his manifestation is constantly coming into fruition. He's more than a rapper, and…

Imagine patiently waiting for your time to blow, then after a 9 year wait it arrives. Could you wait that long, would you be ready for it? Bia’s definitely ready, and it’s her time. DJ Semtex caught up with her for the latest episode of the Hip Hop Raised Me podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

LA Rapper Tre Capital is travelling at the speed of life, connecting with some incredible people along the way. Tre details working with the Good Music team, Wondagurl, and Xzibit. The influence of Hip Hop on fashion, advice from Dr Dre, and loads more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Ladipoe was born and raised in Lagos, but received his higher learning at North Carolina University where his Rap career started, and gave him an incredible insight into the game. Ladipoe talks to DJ Semtex in detail about the art of Rap, artistry, the pursuit of perfection, the reasons for Drake's success, the baggage of Hip Hop, and much more. Le…

Most fans have an overview of their favourite artists. Cultural curators have an overview of artists, their music, how it works, connects with fans, and play a pivotal roll in taking an artist’s music to a bigger audience. Tuma Basa is the Director of Black Music and Culture at YouTube. Prior to this he created the Rap Caviar playlist at Spotify, a…

Peter Rosenberg is more than a DJ, he is an acclaimed cultural curator who broadcasts live from New York everyday. He co-hosts a breakfast show and presents the 'Real Late' Rap show every Sunday evening on Hot 97. It's safe to say that he is one of the founding fathers of podcasting within the Hip Hop genre. Together with Cipha Sound they were ahea…

Killy is a self made artist, and one of the most streamed young rappers to emerge from Toronto, Canada. On the eve of the release of his latest project, ‘Killstreak 2’, DJ Semtex caught up with him to talk about his journey so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy DJ Semtex

Every now and then a new artist emerges, catches a vibe and blows up beyond all expectations. Straight out of South Memphis Tennessee, Pooh Shiesty set the streets on fire with his debut Lil Durk collaboration 'Back in Blood'. Signed to the living legend / mogul / Trap God known as Gucci Mane, and droopping his debut mixtape 'Shiesty Season' at the…

The Covid pandemic has changed the world, including the way that artists create and share their music. During the lockdowns many artists have evolved, adapted, and tried different ways to release music. DJ Semtex recently caught up with acclaimed NYC rapper Wiki, formerly of Ratking who broke down how he flipped his approach to creating his new col…

Hip Hop has always been appreciated across the globe, and there has always been a presence of international rap. In 2021 the rap landscape has radically evolved, every Country has their own scene, every major city has their own breakout artists that are dominating the culture worldwide; whether it's Lil Baby from Atlanta, Drake from Toronto, Stormz…

Morray is an incredible rapper / singer from North Carolina who literally started from the bottom and turned his life around. Tracks such as 'Quicksand', and 'Switched Up' have rapidly established him as one of the hottest new breakout artists of 2021, attaining noteable fans such as J Cole, and Dababy. He is at the start of his career, and from li…

AJ Tracey's latest album is influenced by 50 Cent's breakthrough album 'Get Rich Or Die Trying', and Michael Jordon. Like Mike, AJ Tracey is highly inspirational; his skill is undeniable, his success is nonstop, he stays winning, but he isn't retiring anytime soon. DJ Semtex caught up with the award winning rapper / singer for another exclusive, in…

"I want to be a friend to the people that listen to me." That is why he chose the name and you actually feel this warmth within his music. Kota The Friend is an amazing rapper from Brooklyn, New York. Just from listening to 'To Kill A Sunrise' his most recent collaborative album with Static Selectah, his highly positive, and uplifting lyricism catc…

When Princess Nokia first arrived on the scene she had her very own N.Y state of mind. She was already ahead of her time merging styles of music, existing within different scenes, directing her own videos, and in control of her own career. She was already a boss, travelling across the world, building her fanbase, and executing her own vision. DJ Se…

Hip Hop was built on the art of sampling. From Jay-z and Nas to Kendrick and Cole; most rappers got their biggest breakthrough moment by releasing tracks that sampled records from the past. After years of patiently waiting to establish herself, Fousheé literally threw herself in the deep end, climbed her mountain, and cracked the code. She took a c…

Brooklyn, New York is the home of Hip Hop icons such as Jay-z, and The Notorious B.I.G. It is a borough within the home of Hip Hop that constantly set styles and trends worldwide such as the current BK Drill movement, which is heavily influenced by the UK Drill sound. Fivio Foriegn is at the forefront of this movement, and DJ Semtex caught up with …

Some of the hottest artists in the world are emerging from West Africa. The recent Grammy wins by Burna Boy and Wizkid will only inspire a new generation of Nigerian artists, and put the spotlight on the Afro fusion genres. Ice Prince describes himself as an Afrobeats Hip Hop artist. He was one of the first Nigerian artists to fuse Afrobeats with R…

Straight out of Memphis Tennese, Duke Deuce is one of the hottest artists to emerge from the South. After releasing his 'Memphis Massacre' mixtape series, Duke Deuce teamed up with the Quality Control empire; home of Migos, Lil Yachty, City Girls, and Lil Baby, to release his latest album 'Duke Nukem'. DJ Semtex caught up with the Crunk resurrector…

Ghetts is a pioneering Grime artist, one of the hardest. A highly revered MCs MC doing a lot of great things, and it's clear that 2021 is shaping up to be his year. DJ Semtex caught up with the self confessed 'analyst of music', to talk about his new album 'Conflict of Interest', working with Ed Sheeran, Skepta, Stormzy, the Hip Hop artists that in…

It's just over a year since we lost Pop Smoke, and he is deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans. He was an amazing prolific artist who was destined to do some incredible things. Born and raised in Brooklyn, the spirit of that classic New York Hip Hop feeling permeated throughout his music. He was immediately embraced, respected, and revered…

JPEGMAFIA is rapper / singer / producer who strays from normality. He has his own style, his own lane, and embraces his 'weirdness'. Before his latest project 'EP2!' dropped, DJ Semtex connected with JPEGMAFIA to talk about his work with James Blake, the importance of MF Doom, the skulduggery of politics, the death of Rock n Roll, and loads more. L…

He's one of the hottest up and coming artists straight out of Crown Heights, Brooklyn New York. J.I. the Prince of NY is a 20 year old rapper / singer / songwriter who first appeared on the scene at the age of 15 via Jermaine Dupri's show 'The Rap Game'. Several mixtapes and EP's later his sound is starting pop off across the US, and the rest of th…

Brothers Eric and Jeff Rosenthal are better known as 'ItsTheReal'. These guys are known for their comedy scenes, music, and their legendary podcasts; 'A Waste Of Time', as well as the incredibly titled podcast '2 Jews and 2 Black dudes Review the Movies', which they co-host with revered rap group The Lox. Together, they break down films like 'Paras…

French Montana was born and raised in Morocco, but grew up in the South Bronx, 4 blocks away from where Hip Hop started. He is one of the hardest working artists you will ever meet. Constantly releasing singles, mixtapes, albums, and he frequently collaborates with other great artists. Amongst many other things, in this episode French Montana talks…