Brooklyn Props Podcast

"We eat fish, tossed salads and make rap ballads..." Griddy and Blis talk hip-hop and current events from a Brooklyn point of view.

The John Rafferty Episode 09/07/2019

The John Rafferty Episode On this episode we talk to Griddy's father about his life growing up in Scotland, traveling the world and his experiences immigrating to the United States. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/11159717

The Effwhutuheard Radio Episode 12/22/2017

The Effwhutuheard Radio Episode We did a joint show with Effwhatuheard Radio. Join The Brooklyn Props crew, Wolf of BK and DJ Tay Ferg as we comment on some previous shows. Everything from gentrification to the current goth-rap trends. You can find Effwhatuheard Radio on iTunes. Happy New Year! /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/6080940

The Str8 West Coastin Episode 08/16/2017

The Str8 West Coastin Episode We interview DJ Still Life (Str8 West Coastin) /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/5648244

The Daniel Lynas Episode 07/26/2017

The Daniel Lynas Episode This episode we are joined by New York City-based A$AP Rocky collaborator, sound engineer, producer, and composer Daniel Lynas. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/5580117

The Adult Rapper Episode 04/17/2017

The Adult Rapper Episode Most hip-hop fans are familiar with XXL's annual "Freshman" class of up-and-coming rappers. As rap music--and its fans--get older, we thought it would be fun to discuss which rappers are part of the Sophomore, Junior and Senior classes. In this episode, we try to answer the following questions: What does it it take to become an Upperclassmen? What keeps hip-hop Freshman from moving on to the next class and into long-term success? What does a mature hip-hop career look like? Whose next to graduate? We also highlight a documentary that served as an inspiration for this episode: "Adult Rappers." The film features older, independent hip-hop artists discussing what it's like to continue to follow their dreams of making music in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Definitely check it out--it will give you a totally new perspective on the work it takes to be a working artist. The hour-long film can be viewed on and . Lastly, we give a quick shoutout to Camp Brooklyn Fund, a nonprofit that raises money to send low-income kids living in Brooklyn to summer camp in Upstate New York. It's a great organization that helps kids get out of the city and into nature. Michael from Camp Brooklyn joins us in the beginning of the episode to talk about their latest fundraising initiatives: a gala and silent auction. Visit for more info. Thanks to our special guests, Michael and Marques, for coming on the show. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/5273900

The Conscious Rapper Episode 12/24/2016

The Conscious Rapper Episode This episode is dedicated to conscious rap. We explore the different definitions of conscious rap, where it started, political vs. non-political conscious rap, and how modern rappers have evolved these ideals. We also talk about some our favorite current conscious rappers. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/4940424

The Independent Film Makers Episode 12/06/2016

The Independent Film Makers Episode This episode we are joined by the writer, producer and cast of the short film "Harlem Love." We spoke to the independent filmmakers about their entire production process, from writing the script and casting the roles, to developing the set and costumes designs and filming in NYC. We also talked about full-length films vs. short films, navigating the film festival circuit and how to successfully raise money on the fundraising site Indiegogo. thanks to Richard Joseph, Nadhege Ptah, Yvette Joseph, and Curtis L. Williams for coming on the show. Follow for more info on the film! /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/4892013

The Rise of the Producer Episode 10/24/2016

The Rise of the Producer Episode What is it about modern producers that makes them as marketable as performing artists? The crew unpacks this and other questions as we talk about how the role of the producer has evolved into a tastemaker for the music industry. Topics include: The difference between producers like Puffy and DJ Premier, what makes a producer hot, and defining "traditional" hip-hop production and what it sounds like. We also provide a sonic exploration of the genesis of Atlanta's beats that links MC Shy D to Young Thug. We close the show with the King of TV, and talk about Atlanta, one of our new favorite TV shows. Thanks to and . P.S. Don't do it, Delores! /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/4770929

The NFL and NBA Episode 09/28/2016

The NFL and NBA Episode This podcast is for the sports fans. We open the show with the NFL and the Josh Norman situation: Is he out of position? Overpaid? Then we talk about the best of the young quarterbacks in the league (aka Goff vs. Wentz) [6:00]; Belichick getting it done; Darrelle Revis; and the best receivers in the league. [14:00] We also pour one out for Jameis Winston (#all.I.do.is.Winston) [18:00]. We then shift gears to the NBA [20:45] and go into the stories of the upcoming season. We dive into Dwight Howard and the Atlanta Hawks: Will they change their system to fit new personal? Then we turn to the Chicago Bulls [25:00]: Whose team is it? Was bringing in new coach Fred Hoiberg last year a good move? We move on to the Washington Wizards: Do John Wall and Bradley Beal have issues with each other? [28:00] We round out the Eastern conference with the Milwaukee Bucks and Black Porzingis! We then turn [31:00] to the Western Conference and talk about whose up next for the San Antonio Spurs; the Minnesota Timberwolves and their ceiling [33:00]; and the Portland Trail Blazers and if they will evolve into a consistent playoff team. We then spotlight Carmelo Anthony and James Harden, and the questions surrounding these stars going into the season [35:00]. Lastly, we talk about NBA League Pass and give you the best games for the first half of the season [39:00]. We close with some King of TV and the Emmys [52:00]. All that plus Antonio Brown, business Romo, the Betrayal Bowl and graphic packages. Go for it! Thanks to BrooklynRadio.com and The Brickhaus for the support! #blackporzingis /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/4703305

The Frank Ocean vs. The Music Industry Episode 09/12/2016

The Frank Ocean vs. The Music Industry Episode Just the crew on this one. We open with our [MUSIC] segment and get into the controversy surrounding Frank Ocean's recent split with the Universal Music Group. We discuss the events that led up to the split, identify the stakeholders involved, talk about where all the money goes, the larger legal issues, and how this may change the way labels finance and promote artists. Then we get into our [SPORTS][39:00] segment, where we talk college football and the waning SEC, comebacks, Derrick Rose, Tebow's new career prospect, boxing (Griddy with the call), the NFL and Tony Romo (sorry, Charlie), and the best of current sports documentary. All that plus Terrence Malik, Britney Spears and ITT. Check for The Stranger Things mix (the stream jumps because of some technical issues). Thanks to and Brickhaus Studios. Grime dem boys! #legalissues, *The Derrick Rose Confidence Tape mentioned in this episode was created prior to the release of the grand jury testimony. We are in no way encouraging or endorsing the behavior described in the transcripts. I am just a Knicks fan, trying to get hype for the pre-season. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/4661241

The Leschea Show Episode 08/28/2016

The Leschea Show Episode Today we interview a member of the , Leschea, creator and host of the Leschea Show. We talk about her experiences growing up in Bed-Stuy, how she went from singing in talent shows to touring with artists, and her relationship with Warner Brothers record label [12:30]. We also get into the creation of her podcast [25:00], some behind-the-scenes insight regarding her legendary interviews, and how her and co-host Danny Love use their differences in race, gender, and age to create show content [1:01:00]. We close the show with some special "King of TV" recommendations for Leschea and an impromptu segment, which started out as a story about a lost ring and ended with major revelations! What can we say: Leschea is a good interviewer. All that plus liquid soap vs. bar soap, the genius of Breaking Bad, internet shopping, and Charles Oakley the cook. Make sure to check for the , live on Periscope every Sunday at 11AM or on every Tuesday. Thanks to and for the help. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/4623336

The Music on TV Episode 08/04/2016

The Music on TV Episode It's just the crew on this one. We open the show with [SPORTS] and talk about the issues surrounding the Rio Olympics and how we feel this may effect the athletes, as well as, those in attendance. Is there doo-doo in the water? Are athletes getting robbed? Should you watch Olympic basketball? Afterwards we get into our [CULTURE][19:35] segment where we talk about The Rub's 14th Anniversary dance party and the next wave of music-industry focused television shows [25:00], including Vinyl, Roadies, Empire, Nashville, and the upcoming The Get Down and ATL. Topics include how "real" these shows are, why the music industry can be a compelling storytelling platform, the power of soundtracks, what music supervisors do, the business of synchronization rights and the role of nostalgia. We close the show with our [MUSIC][1:03:00] segment, where we give you some recommendations to get your summer moving. All that, plus obligatory Knicks talk, Hamilton and Time Square The Musical! Thanks to and the Brickhaus. Props to and shouts to Aruba! /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/4566865

The Masta Ace Episode 07/21/2016

The Masta Ace Episode Our guest for this episode is Masta Ace. From his first appearance on "The Symphony" (1988), to his most recent release, The Falling Season, Ace has consistently made great music. His verses are always intentful, and his albums are filled with songs with meaning. He is a true Brooklyn emcee; more wit, more skill and less rah-rah. Intelligent and gifted in the art of story telling, his solo albums are a mixture of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lee Daniels and David Simon. Pure cinema. We cover a lot of territory in this episode, including Ace's experiences with different record labels, how he finds out about new music, The World's Famous Supreme Team, neighborhood battles, Marley Marl and how a rap contest at a roller skating rink started everything. But it wasn't all hip-hop: We also talk about Ace's stint as a high school football coach and the importance of youth sports. Additionally, Ace's wife, Leschea, talks about working with her husband on creative projects, why she started her own podcast, and how she met her show's co-host, Danny Love. Lots and lost of stories. And we mange to even say some positive things about the Knicks. It was a great time! If you haven't already, definitely check out Ace's trilogy (Disposable Arts, A Long Hot Summer, The Falling Season) as well as the latest single, "Y.B.I. (Young Black Intelligent)" featuring Pav Bundy and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. For entertainment and culture news, watch the live broadcast of the Leschea Show every Sunday morning on and Periscope @lescheashow. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/4532005

The Ali Episode 06/11/2016

The Ali Episode The whole crew is back on this episode. We open the show with [SPORTS][4:05] and commemorate the great Muhammad Ali. Griddy shares some of his favorite stories about the boxing legend as we go into his history as an athlete, as a leader and as a once-in-a-lifetime personality. We also talk a little basketball [26:00] and give our take on The Finals, possible Knicks woes, the Orlando Magic, Kevin Durant, the basketball vs. soccer playing schedule, and Kevin Love. We close the episode with [CULTURE][47:10] and our first "King of TV" segment for the summer. We got picks to get your Netflix right. Thanks to , Lynas and all of ya'll for listening. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/4435015

The Streaming Wars Episode 06/02/2016

The Streaming Wars Episode Leaner and meaner. It's just the boys on this one. We open the show with [SPORTS] and discuss Mayweather v. Mcgregor [1:20]. The rumors, the facts and all in between. We then talk a little baseball, some Knicks and move into our [CULTURE] segment where we get into the Streaming Wars [13:40]. We discuss the major and minor music streaming services, how artists are getting paid (or not) and the future of these types of services. We end the episode with our [MUSIC] segment and speak on the possible ramifications of the shooting involving Troy Ave and how it may impact future hip-hop performances in NYC [35:30]. We hope all those harmed during the incident fully recover and hope that the hip-hop community can move on. Thanks to Brooklyn Radio, all our listeners. Special thanks to Linus for holding it down and Solace for the help! Backhand springs for life. *Maino and Uncle Murda were NOT on stage during the shooting according to statements made after the recording of this episode. Our apologies to both of them. And run with that Heard U! /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/4415475

The Atlanta is the New Brooklyn Episode 05/09/2016

The Atlanta is the New Brooklyn Episode After a hiatus the crew is BACK! We changed studios and changed our format, but have not changed our attitude. We are now splitting the show into segments. For our SPORTS segment, we talk a little NBA, some Johnny Football and suggest some social media rules for athletes. For our CULTURE segment, we recap a recent trip to Atlanta (19:00), and compare the Southern city to Brooklyn in terms of city planning, performance venues and record shops. For our MUSIC segment (34:00), we talk the recent trends in vinyl sales, which vinyl albums are selling and the impact of Record Store Day. We also play a game called "IS THIS RAP OR R&B?" (47:00), where I play some tracks and Griddy and Megatronic try to guess whether the song is rap or r&b. And that is that. Shouts out to BrooklynRadio for the support. Big ups to our podcast brothers at Effwhutuheard, props to BuendiaBK and Linus aka Lord Alfred for holding it DOWN. And thanks to our listeners, all three of ya'll. Put some respek on it. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/4356589

The Midtown Episode 02/19/2015

The Midtown Episode A cold open to match the Brooklyn weather. From the tundra of NYC, we got a new set-up with the same crew. We comment on recent events such as the lackluster Grammy awards, the NBA All-Star weekend and our breakdown of the television show Empire. We also talk about Joey Bada$$, his latest album B4.Da.$$, and get into the industry behind urban artists. All that plus Kanye vs. Beck, the worst Lionel Richie impression, Cookie and Terrence Howard's hair. Check the full article at and get up on . Still impressive! /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/3374835

The Year-End Episode 01/04/2015

The Year-End Episode 2014 was a crazy year and we sum it up in under 60 minutes. We talk some Cosby, a bit of Ghostface, and we do our version of album reviews for "The New Classic" and "The Pinkprint." Afterwards the crew gets into the hip-hop artists you should check, groups you may have missed, what the kids are really listening to, and some British people. Another year down. For more on Versos, go . Special thanks to and to you for listening! Less Drake, more beer. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/3276250

The Parisa Episode 11/29/2014

The Parisa Episode On this episode we welcome actor . We talk about getting her start in pageants, living the international model life, working in music videos, and transitioning into film and telelvision. We also get into the grind of being a working actor, including agents and directors, portfolios and auditioning, as well as, how she stays creative. All that plus NO I.D. gets a new job, Jay-Z buys something, Common as a carpenter, Chocolate Skateboards, some Christmas gift ideas for the discerning hip-hop fan and the King of TV's latest recommendations. Thanks to Parisa for coming through, Brooklyn Radio for the support and Frans for working his magic! Follow Parisa on Twitter @ParisaFH. They know better! /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/3208204

The Traum Diggs Episode 10/27/2014

The Traum Diggs Episode /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/3145736

The Timothy Ruiz Episode 10/01/2014

The Timothy Ruiz Episode The crew welcomes our first singer-songwriter Timothy Ruiz. Repping New Jersey, Timmy breakdowns the grind of an indepedent singer. We get into his origins, getting started at open mics, developing relationships with clubs, booking gigs and how he stays motivated. We also talk about why Jersey City and why performers should check it, as well as, getting into the differences between rappers and singers and the obstacles they face breaking into the music scene. All that plus the NFL, green sweaters, doo-wop, Red Lobster, gift baskets and the King of TV breaks down why Derek Jeter is just awesome! We close the show with a special in-studio performance by Timothy Ruiz. If you like the music, check out more at Timothy's website () or get his EP "Good Shtuff" (). Special thanks to Ishlabs and Brooklynradio for all the support! Emotions. Google. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/3096658

The Off Episode 08/29/2014

The Off Episode We return after an unanticipated hiatus. The crew covers the recent award shows, summer travels and the 50 vs. Floyd squabble (shots fired!). We also discuss Ferguson and whether hip-hop artists have a responsibility to respond. All that plus roller coasters, brunch, Becky Hamon, Bridgeport, Kevin Durant, Clive Owen and the King of TV breaking down what you should be watching. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/3037127

The Weekend Money Episode 04/25/2014

The Weekend Money Episode This week the crew is joined by hip-hop group Weekend Money. and represent the new Brooklyn, an eclectic blend of tradition and innovation. We get into their mutual love of electro and how that led to their first recording session (shouts to Prkr) at The Brickhouse as well as insight into how they create their “future-trap sound,” the meaning of "" and the challenge of creating sample-free music, their adventures at SXSW and other music festivals, and their approach to distributing music. We also talk about their process, their crazy promotion game and how they maximize their social media efforts. That plus flag pants, Japanese women in Timberlands, Hot Sugar, guns, Tallahassee time machines, Riff Raff vs. Ciara, and Fat Tony. These guys were awesome to talk to! You can reach them at . Their new release, Freddie Merkury, is out ! You should grab that, their first release and some fresh W$ to put some Brooklyn in your life. Thanks to , BrooklynRadio.com and Ishlab Studios. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/2800701

The DJ Sakir Episode 04/13/2014

The DJ Sakir Episode DJ Sakir reminds us of DJs like King Britt and Geology, equal parts soulful and ecletic. She joins the crew on this episode to talk music, art and life. We get into the origins of her creativity and her forthcoming DJ lifestyle brand , how she deals with the male-dominated DJ culture, booking gigs in Brooklyn, growing up in Florida and participating in the Zulu Nation, private events vs. club gigs, and what exactly is "ear intelligence." Plus, we dicuss the Wu-Tang sculpture album, Jay-Z's medallion controversy, Noir Soul, Shazam, Blood, Sweat and Heels, Puerto Rico and The Rocksteady Crew, Idris Elba vs. Questlove, and roman numerals. We close with The King of TV crushing Netflix. Make sure to check DJ Sakir's webpage and get on them ! Thanks to BrooklynRadio.com and Ishlabs Studios. Shouts to Buendia Brooklyn, and F! /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/2780460

The Gentrification Episode 03/18/2014

The Gentrification Episode This week the crew discusses gentrification. We provide context to this complex issue by talking about being priced out of neighborhoods, how class and race define the issue, the benefits of gentrification and some tips for assimilaitng to Brooklyn culture in our Anti-Gentrifier's Guide. All that plus Frank Ocean, Gang Starr, Carmelo and the Knicks, HBO Go, bongos and the King of TV breaking down True Detective. Thanks to BrooklynRadio.com, Ishlabs and Mixcloud! /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/2734142

The We Back Episode 02/05/2014

The We Back Episode The crew is back for the new year and we play catch-up. We talk about the Grammy Awards, the Macklemore controversy, Kanye's influence on the Kendrick/Imagine Dragons mash-up and whether Lorde's win means a return to conscious lyrics. We then talk about what was new for us in 2013. We follow that up with some sports talk, whether defense wins championships, Richard Sherman, will Carmelo stay, prostitutes and new media. All that plus The King of TV, the miracle known as the bluetooth speaker, hats, sharing Netflix, and Dungeons and Dragons. Please note that this was recorded prior to the Super Bowl. Special thanks to Stephen Rafferty for joining us (), and . Special shout out to the Mello Music Group for bringing the heat in 2013. Be sure to check out their latest releases . Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/2663870

The DJ Ayres Episode 12/29/2013

The DJ Ayres Episode This week we are joined by DJ Ayres, co-owner of T&A Records and co-founder of The Rub, one of the longest running and arguably best dance parties in New York City. We talk about his start in Mississippi, the mid-nineties music scene in New York, building with , Darshan Jesrani (), and Dan Bayless () in college and how that influenced his career. Plus: How was started and the art of 'going in' and bringing the heat as a DJ, developing an audience and engaging the crowd, linking up with and creating a movement. We also discuss the start of and the origins of Moombaton (shouts to !), building a roster and making moves as a DJ-run label, ghost producers and EDM music, and why he started the Small Talk podcast. All that, plus dust and The Roots, Iverson, Marco Polo, Childish Gambino, Wale, Beyonce, catfish and December album recommedations. Thanks to DJ Ayres, it was a blast! He can be reached on Twitter or at . Aspiring producers, please be sure to check out the Beautiful People remix contest (more info ). Thanks to BrooklynRadio and Ishlabs. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/2611381

The Tanya Morgan Episode 11/21/2013

The Tanya Morgan Episode This week brings rap duo to the studio to talk about their new album Rubber Souls. Rappers Donwill and Von Pea talk about working with producer , writing to beats versus writing free verse, balancing solo work and group work, collaborating with a Who's Who of underground hip-hop, Von's mixing and mastering skill, Don's movie thing with Wyatt Cenac and the origin of The Lessondary. Don and Von also provide an inside look at how Converse is helping artist in New York, share some tales of and the fate of Chance the Rapper. All that, plus Kendrick Grammy predictions, Eminem breaks another record, the King of Television and what you should be listening to now. Thanks to and for making this a great episode! Get their new album, Rubber Souls, available now. Be sure to check out the latest visuals from that album as well (Never to Much, Pick it Up). Special thanks to and . /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/2561615

The Latino Hip-Hop Episode 10/27/2013

The Latino Hip-Hop Episode This week's episode welcomes the Buendia Brooklyn/INK crew to discuss Latinos and Hip-Hop. Comprised of several New York-based Latin and Latin-American artists, as well as Rack and T-Killa (founder of INK) fresh out of Mexico, the Buendia/INK crew provides key insight into Spanish-language hip-hop. We get into the stereotypes, how the music translates across the numerous countries in Central and South America, and performaning in front of non-Spanish-speaking audiences. Then we do the first-ever cypher on the show and close with a special showcase from the Buendia/INK crew! All that, plus the five hip-hop albums you should consider this fall. Thanks to T-Killa, Rack, Versos, Mauro, Mr. Phillips, Timothy Ruiz, Kortezau, Reko, Kombate, Rapy and Danny for making this a special episode. Thanks to Raul for the translation help and Reko and Kombate (Enemies from the Underground) for providing the beats. Props to Ishlabs Studios and BrooklynRadio.com. /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/2525290

The Masculinity Episode 09/26/2013

The Masculinity Episode Fall is here and the crew is back talking masculinity. Really? Really. We cover college football and whether the recent string of blowouts is good for the game. Then it is NFL time, where we comment on the recent rule changes and declare our favorite teams. Afterwards, Griddy breaks down the Mayweather fight and provides insight on how the lack of competition could impact Floyd's future bouts. Then we discuss Mister Cee and his resignation, Drake vs. Wu-Tang and the evolving representation of masculinty in hip-hop music. All that plus October release dates, DMX vs. the Carters, a real rap "battle" and the King of TV! Special thanks to and and props to our extended fam and the . /episode/index/show/brooklynprops/id/2486874

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