Fresh Era

Join PJ Butta on a journey through the life of Tweet, a founding member of the legendary R&B Trio, NEXT! You’ll find out why he (along with his brother, T-Low) moved away from home at the age of 12, how he muscled his way into the music industry with nothing but hard work and dedication to his craft, and ultimately was discovered and signed by none other than DJ Kay Gee of Naughty By Nature. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We all know the name Montell Jordan and his smash hit "This Is How We Do It", but where did he come from and how did he actually "do it"? Join LA Radio legend PJ Butta on a journey through Montell's incredible life and learn about the choices he made to get to the legendary status he has garnered since his reign of the 90's including where he went to college, how he signed to Def Jam, and so much more. Make sure to follow @smootherapodcast and @stupidflymedia on IG for exclusive content, and leave a review wherever you are listening. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the "Old Heads" who brought you Fresh Era, comes the new series about the legends of 90's R&B. Season One features audio documentaries from the likes of Montell Jordan, Next, Color Me Badd, Shai, Jon B, and Jodeci. Hosted by LA Radio Pioneer, PJ Butta. Make sure to follow us @stupidflymedia or @smootherapodcast, and be on the look out for more episodes of Fresh Era coming this Spring! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teren "Del The Funky Homosapien" Jones was a latch-key kid of Oakland, CA in the 1970's, a lover of Hanna Barbera cartoons, and had advanced knowledge of computer technology from an early age. Often dismissed as "slow" in grade-school, Del took his passions and found an outlet for them all in the art of Hip-Hop. Come on a journey through his life and hear how he leveraged his family connection with Ice Cube and his love for technology, cartoons, and art, and turned it into becoming one of the most iconic, legendary MC's out of Oakland, and one of the few that has transcended multiple generations and genres. Follow us on social @stupidflymedia and make sure to leave us a review and comment wherever you're reading this right now. Come sleep on our couch at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler was born in Seattle, WA, but had a portal into the east coast thanks to his father. From there, he learned the coolest in Jazz music, fashion, and Hip-Hop - all in which he studied from a young age. He took the determination he formed through his love for basketball, and turned that into his pursuit of becoming a full-time musician. Come on a journey through his life and hear how he plotted out Digable Planets years before they became the platinum selling, Grammy Award winning trio and fully realized his vision after discovering Doodlebug and Ladybug Mecca through a chance encounter in the early 90's. Wanna be Cool Like Dat? Come join us at www.stupid-fly.com Make sure to leave us a review and click the subscribe button wherever you are listening to this episode, and make sure to follow us @stupidflymedia @fresherapodcast and @iamcraigsmith on Instagram. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're loving Fresh Era, please check out the newest Stupid Fly podcast "Gold Rush" where we dig deep into the understated moments of Hip-Hop history. In our premier episode, we examine the Sprite campaign that changed it all. Before the "Obey Your Thirst" campaign, Hip-Hop in advertisements was perceived as "corny". In this episode of Gold Rush, Sean Kantrowitz talks to the people involved in the making of this legendary, game-changing campaign, as well as the artists featured in the spots, to discuss what made this such an important part of Hip-Hop history. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Peter "Gunz" Pankey didn't just come up with his MC moniker out of nowhere. As an aspiring artist in 1980's New York, Peter used gun-running as a means to survive. Come on a journey through his life and find out what it was like seeing the crack-epidemic ravage his world, how he and Lord Tariq first met, what Steely Dan wanted for the use of his samples, and how Shaq Diesel became the godfather of his son and future superstar, Corey Gunz. Follow us on social media @stupidflymedia and @fresherapodcast Don't forget to pick up some merch to show your support at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grand Puba, born Maxwell Dixon, is an iconic figure in Hip-Hop who has lived a life filled with "balance". As a youth he "balanced" street life with an enriched education of black history. As an artist he created a lyrical style "balancing" uplifting, positive, black messages with suave, pimpalicious wordplay. And as a human he "balances" spreading love to his compatriots in Rap while trying to climb the ladder of success for himself. Come on a journey into Grand Puba's life to celebrate Black History Month with us! Don't forget to dive deeper down the Stupid Fly rabbit hole - www.stupid-fly.com Follow us on our socials - @stupidflymedia and @fresherapodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kim "Kool Kim" Sharpton was born, not only with an amazing gift in poetry, but with an uplifting, positive attitude that made it easy for him to make friends in his neighborhood of Staten Island in the 70's and 80's. Unfortunately, in the early 90's, Hip-Hop culture didn't make it easy on the people or groups that tried to uplift and have fun. Come on a journey through the life of Kool Kim to hear how he navigated through the tough waters of the music business in the early 90's to create one of the most amazing albums, Fruits of Nature, how he went from changing the game to getting changed by the game, and all the shenanigans that came along with it. Jump in the Stupid Fly dance circle at - www.stupid-fly.com Follow us on social @stupidflymedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Peter "Pete Rock" Phillips continues to be one of the most legendary Hip-Hop producers ever. He developed his own sound early on and never waivered from who he is and what he's about. One of the most important influences that contributed to his identity was his older cousin, Heavy D. Come take the aduio journey through his life and career and find out what it was like growing up with a Hip-Hop icon int he family, how he and CL met, and what it was like being a part of the creative process of Nas' "Illmatic" album. Come join our real life Posse Cut at www.stupid-fly.com Don't forget to check out our new podcast launching February 7th, entitled Gold Rush (@hiphopgoldrush on social)! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fresh Era had an amazing 2022. We got to speak with 90’s legends from coast to coast, help tell their stories, and build some new friendships along the way. One important connection we made, was with fellow podcaster, and hip-hop giant, DJ EFN (Drink Champs) who was nice enough to suggest his favorite episode from season 2 and leave us a message telling us why. Enjoy and see you in 2023! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Todd "Speech" Thomas was destined to be an entrepreneur. With two parents who showed him how to be successful on their own terms, Speech took the torch they gave him and ran with it. Come on a journey through his life and find out what it was like growing up in Milwaukee, becoming the first MC to release a record in the City of Cream, why he ventured south to start Arrested Development, and what it was like to be the first rap group to win Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards. Become an Everyday Person with us at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roger "King Tee" McBride had laser focus on becoming successful in music since he was a child. He forewent doing well in school, and in turn, got kicked out of multiple establishments in multiple states for doing so. That experience forced him onto a journey he, or his closest friends & family, never saw coming. One that would take him from becoming a local radio DJ to a worldwide, international MC to the founder of one of the most successful West Coast rap crews to date. Come join us on a tour through his life and find out how King Tee rose to success and helped define the sound for the entire Golden State. Do the virtual Kid N Play Kickstep with us at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before Christopher "Kid" Reid became one of the most iconic faces in Hip-Hop history, along with his partner in rap, Christopher "Play" Martin, he had to endure a lot to become who he is. Nothing came easy - the white people didn't respect him because he was half Jamaican. The black people laughed at him because he was half white. This meant he had to work doubly hard, and use his charismatic personality and love for Hip-Hop as tools to navigate the rough waters of New York life. Come on an audio journey of his life and hear how he went from performing for free at park jams in the Bronx to working at Sears with Martin Lawrence to being the first rapper with a Saturday morning cartoon. Do the Kid N Play kickstep without embarrassment at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Since his childhood in the 1970's, Kirk "Sticky Fingaz" Jones manifested his destiny with his determination and undeniable hustling skills. He went from an aspiring teenage MC listening to Run DMC to being signed by the late-great Jam Master Jay. He learned how to fake-it-till-you-make-it by grabbing a pair of hair clippers and becoming one of the most sought-after barbers in Brooklyn. Nothing got in his way, even if it meant running over some of his favorite MC's on his journey to the top. Come on the audio journey of his life in this episode of Fresh Era and hear how it all came to be. Join the Stupid Fly Dance Circle at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Parrish "PMD" Smith alongside his partner in rhyme, Erick Sermon, created EPMD - one of the most iconic Hip-Hop groups of all time. Setting trends with their music and fashion, the two carved a path for every MC that came after. In this episode hear how Parrish pivoted from sports to music, from DJing to MCing, and from MCing to artist management, and all that came with it. Join our army of Golden Era Gladiators at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duval "Masta Ace" Clear has built a legacy that will live on forever, but it didn't come easy. He has had to pivot and rebrand multiple times in his career, but with each new iteration has come classic records that have stood the test of time. Come on an audio journey through his life to hear how he survived being a latch-key kid in 70's Brooklyn, how he found his way into the legendary posse-cut, The Symphony, and why you need to live every day like it could be your last.  Come jump on the Stupid-Fly posse cut at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ulpiano Reyes, better known as Mellow Man Ace, was born with the Midas touch. As a toddler he won the Cuban Lottery which made it possible for him and his family to migrate to the United States. Come on the audio journey through his life and find out the origin story of The Godfather of Latin Rap - from growing up with his brother Sen Dog of Cypress Hill, the B-Boy brawl that connected him with his future DJ, Julio G, and how performing after a tank explosion is business as usual in Colombia. Come join the Stupid Fly cartel at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tajai Massey was raised in Oakland, CA during the explosion of Hip-Hop in the early 80's. His father, who worked at Stanford University, instilled a work ethic in him from a young age, but permitted his exploration of the emerging genre of music, as long as he maintained good grades at school. Come listen to an audio journey through the life of Souls of Mischief member, Tajai and find out what it was like recording with Del The Funky Homosapien in Los Angeles at the ripe age of 15, how he maintained his grades while attending Stanford while on tour, and how 93 Til Infinite almost didn't make their debut album. Join the Old Man Hip-Hop Army at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Corey "C.L. Smooth" Penn is one of the most recognizable voices of the Golden Era. Also known as The Mecca Don, CL breathed new life into 90's hip-hop by incorporating honest lyrics and sharing real emotions in his rhymes. Through that, he and Pete Rock created one of the most iconic songs in music history - They Reminisce Over You - A tribute to his family and their dear friend, Trouble T. Roy. Come on an audio journey through the life of CL Smooth and find out how big of an influence his grandfather was to him, the advice Heavy D. instilled in him, and the true story about he and T. Roy's first encounter in front of "Big Lou's". Join our army of Golden Era Gladiators at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Although Al Skratch's success seemingly came towards the end of The Golden Era, he had actually been an architect, helping build the blueprint, for years before. Raised in the 70's, Al saw the rise of Hip-Hop in popular culture from the city he was born, Brooklyn, and took it with him when he relocated to Harlem as an early teen. Come on an audio journey through his life to find out how he managed to transform himself from a failing DJ to a successful MC, why he and Ill balanced each other out, and why working with Michael Jackson was the most special project he ever completed. Join the Stupid Fly community of Golden Era Gladiators at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kim "Arabian Prince" Nazel is the overshadowed member of "The World's Dangerous Crew", NWA...but he prefers it that way. Growing up in Compton, CA in the late 60's, Arabian was guided by his gang-banging family members and taught what NOT to do. Instead of taking the route of street thuggery, he found a passion in music and electronics and forged his own path in music history by fusing the two in ways most had never done before. Come join us on an audio tour through his life and find out what his life was like pre-NWA, how he met Dr. Dre, and why living in the shadows has paid off big. Come hang in a Golden-Era cyber-land at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shyheim Franklin wasn't anything like the other child rappers of the 90's. He was from a different borough, wrote his own rhymes, and was mentored by one of the greatest crews to ever exist - The Wu-Tang Clan. Come on an audio tour of The Rugged Child's life and find out what it was like to perform at Madison Square Garden alongside Biggie & Pac at the ripe age of 13, feature on a Big Daddy Kane posse cut, and write rhymes for The Cosby Show's Raven Symone. Come join the Stupid Fly army at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Much like the music Ronald "Money B" Brooks, his upbringing was far from the norm. A Philadephia transplant whose parents moved him to the Bay Area to work for the Black Panthers in the early 1970s, Money B quickly learned what having a strong community meant. He took that knowledge and applied it to his networking and worked his way from breakdancer to DJ to MC to superstar. Join us on a journey through Money B's life and find out what it was like to be a part of one of the most successful rap groups to come out of the Bay Area. Come be a part of the Fresh Era movement at stupid-fly.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kenyatta "Buckshot" Blake is so much more than just one-third of the legendary rap group Black Moon. Not only did his debut album "Enta Da Stage" influence a whole generation of underground rappers to follow in his footsteps in the mid-'90s, but it also introduced the world to the rest of his crew, the Boot Camp Clik. Taking a page out of his father's playbook, Kenyatta saw an opportunity to seize the opportunity and build multiple thriving businesses around the success of his crew. Including one of the most successful independent hip-hop record labels, Duck Down. Come and join us on a journey through the life of Buckshot and hear how his endless drive and determination took him to the top. Come be the stupidest fly at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The contributions of Krazy Drayz and the iconic duo he created, Das EFX, are often overlooked. His rise from being an Jamaican-immigrant-turned-New-Jersey-resident into an iconic Hip-Hop superstar was so rapid and groundbreaking that it didn't take long for biters to swarm. If it wasn't for their innovative style, there would be no Kriss Kross "Jump". If it wasn't for their creative lingo, there wouldn't be a Blackstreet "No Diggity". And most notably, if it wasn't for their fashion sense, there wouldn't be an entire wave of NY streetwear. Come listen to how Drayz developed his persona and turned it into a legacy that will live on forever. Chiggity Check Out Our Wiggity-Website at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fresh Era returns OCTOBER 19 with ten brand new episodes featuring more Golden Era legends including Masta Ace, Tajai (Souls of Mischief), and Arabian Prince (N.W.A.). Each episode is jam packed with enough Hip-Hop nostalgia to cure even the most severe case of CHDS (Classic Hip-Hop Deficiency Syndrome). Subscribe now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grand Puba, born Maxwell Dixon, is an iconic figure in Hip-Hop who has lived a life filled with "balance". As a youth he "balanced" street life with an enriched education of black history. As an artist he created a lyrical style "balancing" uplifting, positive, black messages with suave, pimpalicious wordplay. And as a human he "balances" spreading love to his compatriots in Rap while trying to climb the ladder of success for himself. Come on a journey into Grand Puba's life for the Fresh Era Season One Finale! Don't forget to dive deeper down the Stupid Fly rabbit hole - www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leor "DJ Lethal" Dimant immigrated from Latvia as a small child. Emulating his father, who decided to take the road less traveled and sought out a career in music, Lethal gravitated towards Hip-Hop and did whatever it took to make it. From leaving LA at sixteen to tour with Everlast & the Rhyme Syndicate, to showing up The Beastie Boys while performing as their opening act, to sampling his own father on Funkdoobiest's "Bow Wow Wow", DJ Lethal accomplished more before twenty than most people do in a lifetime. Click play to hear his Hip-Hop version of the American dream. Tap in to the Stupid Fly dance battle at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

James "J-Ro" Robinson and The Alkaholiks brought a whole new sound to West Coast Hip-Hop in the early 90's, fusing East-Coast inspired, sample-chopped tracks, with laid back, punchline-riddled Cali flows. However, the journey to the top wasn't easy. Hear about J's upbringing in The San Fernando Valley, the failed demo-deal with A&M Records, and why spraying beer on a crowd isn't the best way to make new friends. Join the Stupid Fly Posse at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fatlip of The Pharcyde is an LA native who helped craft two of the highest regarded albums in hip-hop, and through the popularity of the group, helped Delicious Vinyl rebrand into the 90's. But what's this West-Coast rap superhero's origin story? Did he really used to dress like Pee Wee Herman? Did he really get six fails on a report card? Did he really name his son RZA? Come find out on this audio tour through his life. Come join the Stupidverse at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most people know Smooth B for the legendary hip-hop hits he and partner, Greg Nice, made for Nice & Smooth, but few know about his origin story. From his twin "street scientist" older brothers showing him the ropes, to washing car windows which gained him access to the legendary Bronx nightclub The Sparkle in the 70's, to his early days of touring with Bobby Brown. Come hear firsthand what it was like in the life of The Legendary Smooth B both pre and post "Hip-Hop Junkies" Come be a part of the varsity team at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Funkdoobiest brought a lighter side to the Soul Assassin's sound. Where House of Pain was about raw aggression and Cypress Hill, the weed and the streets, Funkdoobiest used DJ Muggs' and Lethal's production to kick rapid-fire punchlines about everything from Pac Man to Porno (Son may or may not have even starred in a couple). Come on an audio-tour into the life of Son-Doobie and the less-talked-about-yet-equally-important, Tomahawk Funk to find out how the group came together, what it's like on tour with House of Pain, and most importantly, how to stage dive off a three-story speaker stack. Get jumped in to the Stupid Fly Gang at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roderick "Chip-Fu" Roachford is a Brooklyn born, multi-styled MC and one third of The Fu-Schnickens - the legendary hip-hop trio who took the 90's hip-hop scene by storm when they dropped "F.U. Don't Take It Personal", and Chip-Fu was the driving force behind their success. In a matter of two years, he wrote a gold album, two gold singles, wrote songs for CB4 and The Addams Family Values, and mentored a young, super-tall MC, who you may have heard of, named Shaquille O'Neal. Come find out the motivation behind Chip-Fu's drive to be a rap superstar as well as why you should only allow a select few in your circle. Join the Stupid Fly community at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marvin “Young MC” Young is a British transplant who relocated to Queens, NYC, before the birth of hip-hop. He excelled at school, used rapping as his creative outlet, and worked his way to USC for his higher education. It was there, in his dorm room, where he was discovered and began his journey into the career of hip hop. Come learn about his life before “Bust A Move,” what it was like to have written the first rap single to go Platinum, and be the first rapper to have received a televised Grammy. Come join the Stupid Fly community at stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dres, born Andres Titus, is a native New Yorker who was raised in Queens. He was one half of Black Sheep - the 90's hip-hop group who is responsible for one of the most legendary albums in hip-hop history - A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing. And while the album itself exuded fun and innocence, Dres' background was anything but. Come find out his origin story as well as why he vowed to never talk about his criminal past on record. Be a part of the Fresh Era community at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chubb Rock, born Richard Simpson, was one of five children from a West Indian family raised in Brooklyn, NY in the 1970's. He saw the birth of Hip-Hop first hand, and through chance encounters, embarked on a journey to stardom alongside his cousin and mentor Howie Tee. The success of "Treat Em Right" was far from instantaneous. Come find out about Chubb's motivation, set-backs, and focused determination that made him the unforgettable star that he is today. Be a part of the Fresh Era community at www.stupid-fly.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fully Immersive, Guided Audio Tour into the Lives of Rap Legends of the 1990's