Kwamé sits down with Shawn Stockman to break down the birthplace of musical greatness — the neighborhood that produced Slick Rick’s legendary storytelling, Will Smith’s crossover power, and an entire generation of Black excellence in hip-hop. From the roots of East Elmhurst, Queens, to the rise of icons who shaped rap and pop culture, Kwamé reflects on the lineage, the legacy, and the voices that created hip-hop’s real DNA. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:21 Guest Introduction: Kwamé Holland 00:46 Kwamé’s Early Career and Influence 01:07 Fashion and Persona in Hip Hop 02:05 Musical Prowess and Production 03:12 Cultural Representation and Influence 10:09 The Importance of Individuality in Hip Hop 22:04 Kwamé’s Musical Beginnings 34:00 The Influence of Parental Support 35:04 Growing Up Around Legends 36:40 The Magic of East Elmhurst 41:23 Meeting Herbie and the Birth of Salt-N-Pepa 43:51 The Rise of Kid ’n Play 46:54 Navigating the Music Industry 51:00 The Impact of Early Influences 01:04:47 The Polka Dot Movement 01:09:48 Philly Connections and Studio Four 01:14:48 Recording Sessions and Studio Ghosts 01:15:31 The Story of Jerry the Ghost 01:21:05 Creating Make Noise Recordings 01:27:38 Joining the Supergroup: The Alumni 01:28:38 Top 5 Favorite Superheroes 01:41:33 Advice to Younger Self and Kwamé Raps
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