Shots Fired Podcast

One of the most versatile and impressive producers of the last decade, Dawaun Parker, entered the Cosmic Zoo to discuss working with Dr. Dre, producing for Eminem, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, Phil Beaudreau; attending the Berklee School of Music, Providence hip-hop and much more. He even drops a little knowledge about the status of "Detox." Interview starts at the 37:00 minute mark. In addition, Nocando and Jeff discuss Ferguson and racism, KCon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Taylor Swift. Listen to Dawaun Parker's Music: https://soundcloud.com/d-park Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DawaunParker Come see a live episode of Shots Fired in Minneapolis on Friday, Sept. 12 for the Greenroom Magazine Release Party. Ft. guests Dam-Funk, Open Mike Eagle, and P.O.S. (http://greenroommagazine.com/lifestyle/issue-003-release-party/) Subscribe to the Shots Fired YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbd7VXWPG13AbTiL8BSV5jg

The art-rap baron Open Mike Eagle made a return visit to the Cosmic Zoo around the time of the release of his excellent new album "Dark Comedy." We talked about racism in the South, our inability to understand soccer, popular rap, unpopular rap, funny rap, not funny rap, the art of comedy, and esoteric 90s sitcoms. (Interview starts at the 26:00 minute mark). In addition, Nocando and Jeff discuss EDM and their recent experiences attending Jay Z and Beyonce's "On the Run" and Eminem and Rihanna's "The Monster" tours. You can purchase "Dark Comedy" here: http://mellomusicgroup.bandcamp.com/album/dark-comedy Follow Shots Fired on Instagram here: http://instagram.com/shotsfiredpodcast Subscribe to the Shots Fired YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbd7VXWPG13AbTiL8BSV5jg

In which Sage Francis takes a break from his "Copper Gone" tour to come to the Cosmic Zoo and discuss everything from his early years discovering rap in Providence, RI, to Scribble Jam and Slam Poetry, running an independent label (Strange Famous) and various personal and professional trials that have shaped his two-decade career. In addition, Nocando and Jeff discuss the Yung Lean phenomenon, ballet and what kind of weed they bought as teenagers. You can purchase Sage Francis' new "Copper Gone" album here: http://www.strangefamousrecords.com/news/sage-francis-copper-gone/

In which Chanel West Coast (https://twitter.com/chanelwestcoast) comes to the Cosmic Zoo to discuss being a white female rapper growing up in the Valley, signing to Young Money, working with Lil Wayne and French Montana, starring on Rob Dyrdek's "Fantasy Factory" and "Ridiculousness," the ins and outs of Instagram, and much more. In addition, Nocando and Jeff discuss the growing rupture in Maybach Music and the Instagram/Twitter feud between Wale and Meek Mill.

Richmond's own IAMSU! heads down Interstate 5 to make his second appearance in the Cosmic Zoo. The co-founder of the HBK Crew talks about basketball, the based God, buying weed brownies in Berkeley, Bay Rap, and of course, his new album, "Sincerely Yours." In addition, Nocando and Jeff talk about line dancing, Bar-Mitzvah's and the saga of Shia Labeouf. You can purchase "Sincerely Yours" here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sincerely-yours-bonus-track/id861195068

The venerable Ohio architect, Blueprint steps into the Cosmic Zoo to tell stories about the early days of Columbus hip-hop with Camu Tao, RJD2 and MhZ, computer programming, the travails of running an independent label, and his artistic evolution from The Greenhouse Effect and Soul Position to his solo career. In addition, Jeff and Nocando talk about hookahs, Tyga, and Tyga's new album executive-produced by Kanye (that Jeff somehow heard). Purchase Blueprint's latest album, "Respect the Architect" and other music here: http://printmatic.net

In advance of this weekend's inaugural Low End Theory Festival, all five residents of the world-renowned beat mecca gather for their first-ever interview together. In turns, Daddy Kev, Gaslamp Killer, Nobody, D-Styles, and Nocando tell stories about the genesis of Low End Theory, the beat scene sound, back-stories behind appearances from Odd Future and Thom Yorke, plans for the club's future, and much more. Recorded at the Cosmic Zoo Studio in Atwater Village.

After several years spent becoming a household name in Hong Kong, Jin is back on U.S. soil and a guest in the Cosmic Zoo. The first Asian-American rapper to ever release a major label solo record waxes philosophical about growing up in Florida, the fleeting nature of fame, his legendary wins on BET's Freestyle Friday's, working with Kanye West, his time on Ruff Ryders, battle rapping, and what he's learning in the process. Amounted together, it makes for one of the most insightful and interesting episodes of Shots Fired yet. In addition, Nocando and Jeff talk about Apple's purchase of Beats by Dre and the T.I and Floyd Mayweather feud. You can make a pledge to support Jin's new album, "14:59" here: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/mcjin?utm_campaign=project7921&utm_medium=post_pledge_share&utm_source=twitter

Oakland's Clyde Carson ("Slow Down)" steps into the Cosmic Zoo to discuss everything from the early days of hyphy and his come up with The Team, to gambling, his favorite Playboy playmate, car culture, and living in LA. In addition, Nocando and Jeff (and intro guest, LA Weekly Music Editor Ben Westhoff) discuss Aguas Frescas, "Street Fighter 2," Macklemore's possibly anti-Semitic incident, and Weezer's "Pinkerton." You can purchase Clyde Carson's "Playboy EP" here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/playboy/id820519680

For the 70th episode, LA hip-hop radio legends, The Baka Boyz rolled through the Cosmic Zoo to tell stories about their roots as DJs in Bakersfield, hosting the first-ever live hip-hop mix show on Power 106, Latin rap, and producing for Volume 10, Yo-Yo, and The Whooliganz. In addition, Nocando and Jeff discuss the Solange Vs. Jay Tae Bo elevator fiasco of 2014. Follow The Baka Boyz on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/TheBakaboyz

The New York rap trio Ratking (Wiki, Hak, & Sporting Life) run up through the Cosmic Zoo shortly after their Coachella performance. They discuss their excellent new XL album, "So It Goes," taking inspiration from grime, Big Pun, and Dipset, the Eminem comparisons, Kurt Vonnegut, and how New York factors into their aesthetic. In addition, Nocando and Jeff discuss the Donald Sterling saga, why rappers are getting seizures all of a sudden, and the XXL Freshmen Cover. You can buy "So It Goes" here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/so-it-goes/id811237362 Nocando's "Jimmy the Burnout" is still live: https://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com/album/jimmy-the-burnout

In which Meg Myers and producer/podcaster Dr. Rosen Rosen ("Totally Laime") enter the Cosmic Zoo to discuss everything from life in Tennessee to signing to Atlantic Records, to furries and shamans. Other topics tackled include the impact of "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" and random Halloween costumes. In addition, Nocando and Jeff discuss Nocando's short career as a wrestler, veganism, punching old people on airplanes, and hipsters who heart hip hop. You can and should listen to Meg Myers' music here: https://soundcloud.com/meginthedark Nocando's "Jimmy the Burnout" is still in stores: https://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com/album/jimmy-the-burnout Never trust shamans.

Jeff and Nocando welcome Open Mike Eagle and author/comedian D.C. Pierson for one of the most candid and real episodes of Shots Fired. They discuss the struggle of making it as a creative person from the depressed lows to drunken highs. They discuss what American culture values in an artist and the absurdity of the Internet world. It's funnier than it sounds. In addition, Nocando and Jeff talk about Outkast at Coachella among other random banter. Recorded at the Cosmic Zoo Studio in Atwater Village.

After a brief hiatus, Shots Fired is back for its Burnout Episode. Daddy Kev, co-founder of Low End Theory and founder of Alpha Pup, joins Nocando and Jeff to discuss Nocando's career and new record. Jeff interviews Nocando about his battle years, his early love of B-Legit and Yukmouth of Luniz, and his evolution as an artist. In addition, they discuss new albums from YG, Vince Staples, and MadGibbs, the gospel of Suga Free, and Benzino getting shot. Go purchase "Jimmy the Burnout" so Nocando can purchase a Bentley with Naruto's face emblazoned on it. https://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com/album/jimmy-the-burnout Recorded at the Cosmic Zoo Studio in Atwater Village.

Interscope's Audio Push enter the Cosmic Zoo to talk to Jeff and Nocando about their career evolution from their jerkin' days to recording with Lil Wayne on his tour bus last summer. In between, Oktane and Price talk about the highs and lows of the industry: how they dealt with label turmoil, re-ignited their career on Hit Boy's HS87 imprint, and why they have the Inland Empire on lock. In addition, Nocando calls Jeff from the road for an impromptu banter about Mexican food and the release of Lil Boosie. You can listen to Audio Push's "Come as You Are" mixtape here: http://www.datpiff.com/Audio-Push-Come-As-You-Are-mixtape.529033.html Catch Hellfyre Club on tour and at SXSW this weekend. Dates and times here: http://hellfyreclub.tumblr.com/post/79295075819

In which House Shoes and Quelle make return visits to the Cosmic Zoo to discuss pro wrestling, Mexican strip clubs, pop music, Detroit techno, selling out, DJ Khaled, and of course rap music. In addition, Nocando calls from the road to give an update on the Hellfyre Club tour and Jeff discusses his displeasure with the new Socialist NBA Slam Dunk format. You can listen to music from House Shoes' Street Corner Music here: https://soundcloud.com/houseshoes You can listen to Quelle Chris here: http://quellechris.bandcamp.com/ Catch Hellfyre Club on Tour Now: http://mikeeaglestinks.tumblr.com/post/76027764873/dvttour-buy-a-presale-ticket-and-get-the-deleted

For the latest Shots Fired, Mibbs of Pac Div visits the Cosmic Zoo to talk about his new solo music, how the Antelope Valley shaped Pac Div, dealing with the major label shuffle, and coming up in the LA rap scene circa 08-09. In addition, Nocando and Jeff discuss cures for scurvy, "The College Dropout" at 10 years, and the Hellfyre Club Tour. You can listen to Mibbs latest tunes here: https://soundcloud.com/mibbsoe Be sure to go see Hellfyre Club on tour now. Dates here: http://www.songkick.com/artists/7621129-hellfyre-club

San Francisco turntablist legend, DJ Qbert steps into the Cosmic Zoo to discuss aliens, the Illuminati, trips to the porn store with a young Kool Keith, and the evolution of his career. Tune in for stories about his early years working with Mixmaster Mike, the formation of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz, and his classic "Wave Twisters" movie/album. In addition, Nocando and Jeff talk about attending an Action Bronson show, pogs, and why DMX should not have fought George Zimmerman. You can contribute to the Kickstarter for Qbert's new album here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thudrumble/dj-qbert-extraterrestria-new-album-pre-order

Dam-Funk makes a return trip to the Cosmic Zoo to talk modern funk, the story behind his new "7 Days of Funk" album with Snoop Dogg (Snoopzilla), social media, independent music, and the idea of stardom. In addition, Nocando and Jeff discuss the Grammy's and what it's like to live in a world post-Macklemoorish takeover.

For this week's episode, Nocando and Jeff welcome Isaiah Rashad, the newest member of LA's Top Dawg Entertainment. They discuss Tennessee rap, the glory years of No Limit, how he got signed to TDE, and his debut EP, "Cilvia" (due out Jan. 28). In addition, Nocando and Jeff run down the list of Grammy nominees and outline their respective fear of a post-Grammy world ruled by the Macklemoors. Recorded at the Cosmic Zoo Studio in Atwater Village.