Let's get this straight, Poison Pen is a legend in every right, from growing up in Brooklyn, coming up under BootCampClik to touring the world with people such as Immortal Technique, Chino XL and Sean Price etc. Pen is a part of HipHop in every aspect. He's been through multiple generations back to his dad producing for some of the first ever songs of the genre recorded. It's tough to explain how influential and how much effect Pen has had within the industry as well as battle rap. Constantly evolving in everything he has ever put a hand in Pen is one of the best ever. He's an MC, he's a host, he's a forefather of this shit, he's just a legend. I was able to speak with him and hopefully have him on again. Too many gems were dropped in this one, enjoy the episode and follow Poison Pen on all platforms!
https://www.instagram.com/poisonpenbk/
https://twitter.com/poisonpenbk
On this episode I have on Hayward California legend Frank Stacks. Frank is a legend in many different aspects of this world and culture I surround myself with. Growing up in Hayward in the East Bay Frank witnessed a lot of multi culture as well as finding himself in many different kinds of music and pop culture. Frank is known most for Rap is a Joke but he also has quite the battle rap trajectory, getting booked internationally after only 2 battles in the early days. Frank's regular music is amazing and shines through his knowledge and experience really doing this. Look up Rap is a Joke, Frank's battles, listen to his music etc. This was a great episode and Frank taught me more than I could explain. Enjoy the episode and peep the links below!
https://www.rapisajoke.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/rapisajoke
https://www.instagram.com/frankstacks/?hl=en
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0kgXNKBPgSBhlhY6PuFNlF?fbclid=IwAR3ew5iE89EcykLO2og8Aq0hkY8sGeTnhzyaEyRSJ9_Rp2FmQOu1QO259eQ
On this episode we have on artist Ocean AKA Adriano Erasmo, Ocean is a good friend of mine from Ottawa. We met in college and I've been a fan of everything he's released since we met. Not often am I a fan of a close friends music but Ocean breaks that mold. His grandparent's came from Italy in the 50's, he fell in love with music as a child. Ocean is a unique individual and as humble as can be. This is a great episode with a very wholesome feel as it's just two friends shooting the shit. Enjoy!
https://www.instagram.com/theoc34n/?hl=en
https://open.spotify.com/track/5mcdjzhc8ABzxP7QVANw76?si=Uaa77NL1TWqDfAacwFiKJg&dl_branch=1&nd=1
On this episode I have on UK legend Liam Bagnall AKA BodyBagnall. From growing up in North York to Kent to London, Liam grew up in love with film and battle rap. Using his love for film, he went to school for it. Finding school more theory based than hands-on, he took it upon himself to start doing video work outside of school. Starting out promoting business's that didn't have much of an online or social media presence to eventually filming for Don't Flop and becoming their creative director. Liam has also filmed battle rap events around the world. He then moved onto UniLad as well as multiple TV programs and traveling the world for documenting some of the most unique stories. Right now he is part of the show Sounds Like combining battle rap centric multi-syllabic rhymes into a whole variety show with classic characters in the battle rap world to well known comedians. Liam is just a great and humble guy at the end of the day and this was just an all around fun and uplifting interview. Enjoy the episode!
On this episode I interview Nova Scotia legend Pat Stay. I've been a fan of Pat since I was a little kid. He's known around the world as one of the best battle rappers to ever do it. He begun his journey battling in one of the first league's ever in Nova Scotia called The Elements League. Then becoming the KOTD champion years later and battling around the world. He's followed by some of your favorite rappers, comedians, all kinds of celebrities celebrate Pat. Growing up in Nova Scotia myself I've always held Pat to the highest regard as a person representing one of Canada's smallest provinces making people think it's larger than life. He is currently a great dad, working on sketch comedies, interviewing legends himself as well as possibly preparing for a new battle. This was big for me, I've had on so many greats but Pat is one of the people I look up to most in life. Enjoy the episode and check out everything Pat Stay!
https://www.instagram.com/patstay_902/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/user/PatStayTV
On this episode I have on Stockton California legend Okwerdz aka Brian Peeples. Okwerdz has been in the game for a long time from rising to the top talent in his hometown to battling around the world. Being on the source unsigned hype, recording with some of the most legendary artists in the game. From Hilltop Hoods, Tech N9ne, Method many many more. It's hard to explain how much of a pioneer Okwerdz is within the battle rap world, the streaming world and the podcasting world. He also worked on the TV show Drop The Mic writing battle verses for celebrity guests. He now is streaming heavy on twitch making world record speed runs. This truly was an amazing episode with some stories that will open your eyes. Enjoy the episode!
https://www.twitch.tv/okwerdz209
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXtEmokX4qQc31ojG4-2jBg
On this episode I have on Hollister California legend Reverse Live aka Cody Sepulveda. Reverse has been around the scene for a hot minute. With 78 battles online under his belt as well as amazing music catalogue. Reverse is a pit bull in the ring and on the mic. Not letting any opponent faze him or any beat intimidate him. He was a part of the infamous DirtBagDan show cast. He’s part of two musical acts Death Dealers Anonymous with DBD as well as GoldShards with DJ Akoza. His knowledge of hip hop as well as punk music is remarkable. Root for him in KOTD’s season 1! His music is linked below!
Enjoy the episode!
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2lmWGaXgm8vhR1UhFcAL0w?si=hL9KBAleTA2_49GIECU-JQ&dl_branch=1
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2heg1GidktdKUKoyocVDde?si=U6IHEocNRo2qAxg1Zm2GQw&dl_branch=1
On this episode I have on Drect AKA David Williams. From growing up in Massachusetts and eventually landing in Atlanta he has been a part of several rap scenes around America. It's hard to explain exactly how legendary and ground breaking Drect is within the battle rap scene. Drect is the sole reason for why battle rap is where it is today. He also was one of the OG competitors in the WRC 2007. He started the first ever modern battle rap league Grindtime that became the biggest of its kind at the time. He also is responsible for creating RapGrid, the ESPN of battle rap. He is also known as battle rap's best and first real A and R. We speak on everything within his history and his perspective on the evolution of battle rap. Enjoy this incredible gem of an episode.
On this episode I have on Real Deal AKA Trevor Weller. He currently is the 3x reigning KOTD champion. Real Deal is from Pittsburgh and grew up freestyling at a local show called Rhyme Calisthenics which Mac Miller used to frequent at the same time. Real has been through the wringer of battle rap from Scribble Jam days to being the current KOTD champion. It's safe to say he's an OG. With his immense knowledge of the game he has started doing Instagram live interviews with fellow OG's in the game, the show is called "The Deal". We touch on everything about him and our certain similar interests. We also touch on a subject that is very prevalent for the man Trevor is. #JusticeForCharlie is a petition to change medical malpractices in the state of Pennsylvania for his late father. We speak on everything going on with the situation and linked below is the petition that is easy to sign along with a link to Real Deal's website where you can purchase #JusticeForCharlie merch. Proceeds go straight to the fund for the cause. Enjoy the episode and please do what you can to help.
https://www.change.org/p/state-legislature-extend-the-statute-of-limitations-in-pennsylvania-for-medical-malpractice?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_29380917_en-US%3A7&recruiter=352073484&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=share_petition&use_react=false
https://www.realdealraps.com/
On this episode I interview recording artist Shea Michael who is formerly known as Chedda Cheese in the battle rap scene. Shea makes amazing melodic rap music. Based out of Vancouver, he grew up loving music. From doing text rap battles online to being a strip club DJ for a big chunk of his life, everything Shea touches music wise is gold. He produces music for artists all over the world. He doesn't really stick himself into one lane which is what makes him the spectacle. His most recent collab 150 Fahrenheit is with another Canadian artist Kuzi Cee. The whole song is at the end of the interview and I suggest you listen to more of his music! Trust me it will surprise you. Enjoy the episode!
On this Episode, I speak to Atlanta legend Ness Lee. Ness has been through it all from being on TV, getting signed, dealing with the fraudulent industry, knowing his worth and his progression in between mainstream and independent. From growing up in America and Germany his perspective is quite inspirational. He is also known as one of the best battle rappers in the world, he has battled in places such as South Africa, England, Sweden, Australia as well as all over the US and Canada. His music and battles speak to the unique and remarkable rapper he is. This is one of the best episodes to date, listen and share!
PS: He is Shaq’s 3rd cousin!!
On this episode I interview Florida battle rap legend, Jonny Storm. Jonny has been through it all in battle rap with 20 plus years experience, from the freestyle era to everything battle rap has evolved into today. He also has a very solid solo music career as well as he is the main component in the group ShottaVille. Jonny's name is known worldwide. We speak on why and how he got to where he is. As always, we delve into some of the interviewee's interests. In this case, we discuss everything basketball, from memories as fans to legendary moments in NBA history. Enjoy the episode!
On this episode, I have on the former KOTD champion, leader of KOTD Alberta Division as well as western representative as a staff member and a battler. Sketch is such a nice guy. We speak about everything battle rap and his life at this point. He currently resides in Vancouver and is a co-host of a podcast called Main x Hasting where they speak on everything Vancouver centric, whether it be history or current events. Having Sketch on was like catching up with an old friend you grow up with, and it was the first time we met! Enjoy the episode.
On this episode I speak with Bay Area legend Caustic, AKA Daniel Stefani. From growing up in the Bay Area and being inspired by local artists, to touring in a group, to battling around the world, Caustic is a pinnacle in the battle community. When he was immersed when battling was at its peak, he was known as the career killer. He has ended many a MC's career after just one battle. Not many have done what he has done. We also just chop it up about life and basketball. Stay tuned for some basketball podcasts with Caustic! Enjoy the episode.
On this episode I speak with Large from Barstool Sports. We speak about him growing up in Brooklyn in the 70's, working in the stock market, 9/11, his transition to Barstool and making podcasts and creating content. Large is an iconic person with an interesting story. The 9/11 story is one of the most personal ones I've ever heard. He also hosts and amazing podcast called Twisted History (shout out to his wife St. Anne for all the amazing research) delving into any subject you could think of. He also hosts another one called The Podfathers where he touches on being a father with other host Barstool Clem. He is also a food aficionado so we speak about some food memories and favorites.
Enjoy the episode!
On this episode I interview super producer/rapper/hiphop genius, Chase Moore. Chase was born in Australia and moved to Sacramento, California at 9 years old, he currently lives in Los Angeles. Chase has been engineering, producing and rapping for a long time. He has worked with many artists as well as released some amazing projects himself. His newest project, Water Buffaloes, is a duo project with rapper Fredo Algebra. The duo take on an approach no other duo in the game has ever done. He is unique, precise, and humble. Enjoy the episode and listen to Chase's music!
On this episode I interview rapper/comedian/retired podcast host/dog rescuer plus an all around cool guy, Dirtbagdan AKA Daniel Martinez. Dan is from San Jose California and has rapped all around the world in places such as England, Sweden, Amsterdam, Australia, the Philippines and Canada. He also started a successful podcast and battle rap league out of San Jose California.He's currently retired the personality Dirtbagdan and pursued a new music venture with fellow rapper Reverse Live called Death Dealers Anonymous. He has put his public life at rest for the time being to pursue a passion project called Adopt my Block, which is a dog rescue agency he started with his wife. We speak about everything that can come to mind when thinking of Dan. Enjoy the episode and adopt a dog or donate to the cause!
https://www.adoptmyblockdogrescue.com/
