Episodes

4d ago

What do the Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide, Cha Cha Slide, Swag Surf, and The Wobble all have in common? They move the culture. In this episode of The Almanac of Rap , Donwill sits down with Cupid, six-time platinum recording artist, Guinness World Record holder, and officially proclaimed “Line Dance King of the World.” If you’ve ever heard “Down, down, do your dance…” at a wedding, cookout, HBCU homecoming, or kickback, this one’s for you.From selling CDs out of his trunk in Louisiana to global tours across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Djibouti, and beyond, Cupid breaks down: The origin story of the Cupid Shuffle Line dance beef (yes, it’s real) Why drill music needs a line dance Follow Donwill for fun hip-hop history, cultural commentary, and more. Substack: New Music Tuesdays Instagram/Threads: @donwill Mixcloud: Donwill Website: Donwill.me Follow Cupid: Instagram: @officialnewcupid TikTok: @officialnewcupid Okayplayer is a division of AREYA MEDIA Inc. Originally launched in 1999, Okayplayer is the original progressive music site and maintains its position as the premier digital destination for music and culture connoisseurs worldwide. Do you like what Donwill was wearing in this episode? Find exclusive Okayplayer merch, tees and limited releases at https://shop.okayplayer.com

4d ago

Hosted by rapper, DJ, and producer Donwill, Season 4 of the two-time Webby Award winning Almanac of Rap podcast series returns February 26th with a new lineup of hip-hop legends, innovators, and cultural architects. This season features conversations with: Bun B, Raekwon, Havoc, 9th Wonder & Reuben Vincent, LaRussell, Cupid, Mr. DJ, Jharrel Jerome , and more. Each week, Donwill dives deep into hip-hop history, rap trends, and the stories behind the culture; uncovering hidden gems, surprising perspectives, and unexpected moments. New episodes drop every Thursday (alternating audio and video versions every other week.) Follow Donwill for fun hip-hop history, cultural commentary, and more. Substack: ⁠⁠New Music Tuesdays⁠⁠ Instagram/Threads: ⁠⁠@donwill⁠⁠ Mixcloud: ⁠⁠Donwill⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠Donwill.me⁠⁠ The Almanac of Rap is a production of Okayplayer and is distributed by Talkhouse Podcast Network. ⁠⁠Okayplayer⁠⁠ is a division of AREYA MEDIA Inc. Originally launched in 1999, Okayplayer is the original progressive music site and maintains its position as the premier digital destination for music and culture connoisseurs worldwide. Season Credits: The Almanac of Rap is executive produced by Donwill, Isha Sesay and Travis Harris for Okayplayer Media and distributed by Talkhouse Podcast Network. Episodes are written and hosted by Donwill; directed by Travis Harris; produced and edited by Kobina Baffour, with production coordination by Bianca B. Ortiz. Technical direction by Compton Timberwolf. Director of Audience & Product Development by Hassan Spruill, Publishing Producer and Audio Marketing Strategy by Faybeo’n Mickens. Music production by Von Pea. Public Relations by Audible Treats. Extended support from Areya Media: Mariama Todd (VP of Finance), Ashon McCollin (Audience Development Manager), Associate Producers Brianna Harris, Tyara Jackson, and Javon Stephonson; Art Director Kaushik Kalidindi; Graphic Designer Jefferson Harris; Writing Assistant Peter Berry.

Oct 18, 2024

For our season finale we talk to Lupe Fiasco about his concept albums, his work with MIT, Yale and Google and history in martial arts. We also talk about the many supergroups he’s started and get a status update on if they are active or dormant. Lupe Fiasco is a grammy award winning rapper who has found a voice outside the booth by teaching classes about rap at MIT and working with Google’s large language model to develop a TextFX, an AI tool made specifically for writers. For more information visit: Lupe Fiasco: LupeFiasco.com Donwill: Donwill.me or donwill.substack.com Okayplayer: Okayplayer.com The Almanac of Rap is executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sesay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced by Travis Harris.Edited by Travis Harris & Kobina Baffour. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Graphic Design by Crystal Simone. Music Production by Von Pea.

Oct 10, 2024

This week’s guest is Homeboy Sandman and we talk about him not being on social media, getting love from mainstream artists, his creative process and his upcoming tour. Homeboy Sandman is a Brooklyn based MC with a deep discography and rich history in the New York music scene. For more information visit: Homeboy Sandman: patreon.com/homeboysandman Donwill: Donwill.me Okayplayer: Okayplayer.com The Almanac of Rap is executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sesay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced by Travis Harris. Edited by Travis Harris & Kobina Baffour. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Graphic Design by Crystal Simone. Music Production by Von Pea.

Oct 3, 2024

This week’s guest is Cory Gunz and we talk about him being mentored by Nick Cannon, Godfathered by Shaq, working with Lil Wayne and being raised by Peter Gunz. We also discuss his current crop of releases and his new crew, The Militia. For more information visit: Corey Gunz: instagram.com/CoryGunz Donwill: Donwill.me Okayplayer: Okayplayer.com The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sesay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced by Travis Harris.Edited by Travis Harris & Kobina Baffour. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Graphic Design by Crystal Simone. Music Production by Von Pea.

Sep 26, 2024

This week we talk to MC Lyte about her career and the way that she’s pioneered in music, fashion and more. We also do a quick study of the history of rappers with cartoons and pitch a few ideas for new cartoons that feature rappers. MC Lyte is rapper, DJ, actor and TV producer who’s been a part of some of culture's biggest moments. For more information visit: MC Lyte: mclytenow.com Donwill: Donwill.me Okayplayer: Okayplayer.com The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sesay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced by Travis Harris.Edited by Travis Harris & Kobina Baffour. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Graphic Design by Crystal Simone. Music Production by Von Pea.

Sep 19, 2024

This week we talk to Cavalier about releasing multiple albums, ‘legal weed’, moving to New Orleans and much, much more. Cavalier is a fiercely independent Brooklyn born artist whose new album Different Type Time has achieved critical acclaim. For more information visit: Cavalier: cavwins.com Donwill: Donwill.substack.com Okayplayer: Okayplayer.com The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sesay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced by Travis Harris.Edited by Travis Harris & Kobina Baffour. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Graphic Design by Crystal Simone. Music Production by Von Pea.

Sep 12, 2024

This week we talked to Von Pea about Internet Rappers and the etiquette of being online. We also play a game of ‘Guess The Real Rapper’ to further illustrate the fine line between URL and IRL. Von Pea is a founding member of the group Tanya Morgan and a charter member of Okayplayer and he also moderated the message boards. so he has tons of experience dealing with people online. To order 15 Year Anniversary pressing of Brooklynati visit: vinylmeplease.com For more information visit: Von Pea: Instagram.com/VonPea Donwill: Donwill.substack.com Okayplayer: Okayplayer.com The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sesay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced by Travis Harris, Edited by Kobina Baffour & Tony Mui. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Music Production by Von Pea.

Sep 5, 2024

Summer 2024 is almost over so this week we went outside to find out what the streets were feeling. Top artists, album and of course song of the summer. We are still taking answers to all the questions so feel free to chime in on the comments as well! For more information visit: Donwill: Donwill.me Okayplayer: Okayplayer.com The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sesay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced by Travis Harris. Edited by Travis Harris & Kobina Baffour. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Graphic Design by Crystal Simone. Music Production by Von Pea.

Aug 29, 2024

This week we talk to Rodney Jerkins about his time spent working with Micheal Jackson, Brandy, Mary J Blige, Whitney Houston and Beyonce, to name a few. We also get to the bottom of a few unsolved mysteries that have been rattling around my brain. Rodney Jerkins is a Grammy award-winning producer and songwriter who has worked with more than his fair share of legends. For more information visit: MAVI: Mavi.bandcamp.com Donwill: Donwill.substack.com Okayplayer: Okayplayer.com The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sssay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced by Travis Harris. Edited by Travis Harris & Kobina Baffour. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Graphic Design by Crystal Simone. Music Production by Von Pea.

Aug 22, 2024

This week we talk to MAVI about his latest release, seeking the approval of your parents and the concept of a shadow self. He wasn’t able to make it into the studio so we did it via Zoom. MAVI is a hip-hop artist from Charlotte North Carolina and his new album is titled shadowbox . He’s been widely praised for his mindful rhymes and evocative instrumentals. For more information visit: MAVI: Mavi.bandcamp.com Donwill: Donwill.substack.com Okayplayer: Okayplayer.com The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sssay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced by Travis Harris. Edited by Travis Harris & Kobina Baffour. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Graphic Design by Crystal Simone. Music Production by Von Pea.

Aug 15, 2024

This week we talked to Lalah Hathaway about how she stays inspired to keep her music fresh. We also talk about hip-hop samples, vocal colors, vocal signatures, and a whole bunch of other fun stuff. Layla is a Grammy award-winning singer, artist, writer, and producer and she is also the daughter of Donny Hathaway. Her new album Vantablack is available everywhere now. For more information visit: Lalah Hathaway: lalahhathaway.com Donwill: Donwill.substack.com Okayplayer: Okayplayer.com The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sesay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced by Travis Harris, Edited by Kobina Baffour. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Music Production by Von Pea.

Aug 8, 2024

This week we talk to JSWISS about his career and upcoming release. We also discussed a few recent events including the LOX on NPR’s Tiny Desk, who his personal Big 3 are and Nardwuar’s iconic journalism. JSWISS is an artist with a career unlike any one as he’s worked with several jazz luminaries including Nicolas Peyton, Elvis Costello, Casey Benjamin, Keyon Harold and Marcus Machado. (album with Micheal Lionheart. For more information visit: JSWISS: jswissmusic.com Donwill: Donwill.substack.com Okayplayer: Okayplayer.com The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sessay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced by Travis Harris, Edited by Kobina Baffour. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Music Production by Von Pea.

Aug 1, 2024

The Almanac of Rap is back and for our Okayplayer-produced season opener and our first guest is A-Trak. A-Trak is a Canadian DJ, record producer, and co-founder of Fool’s Gold Records. We discuss Canadian hip hop, the impact of Fool’s Gold and give him the chance to give the Grammy acceptance speech he never got to make. The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sesay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced & Directed by Travis Harris. Edited by Kobina Baffour & Tony Mui. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Music Production by Von Pea. For more information about A-Trak visit: www.atrak.com ( http://www.atrak.com ) For more information about Fool’s Gold Visit: www.foolsgoldrecs.com ( http://www.foolsgoldrecs.com ) For more information about Donwill visit: www.donwill.me ( http://www.donwill.me ) For more information about Okayplayer visit: www.okayplayer.com ( http://www.okayplayer.com )

Nov 21, 2023

To read show notes for this episode go to donwill.substack.com

Nov 14, 2023

To read the show notes for this episode go to donwill.substack.com

Nov 7, 2023

Today's episode is a compilation of sorts. I asked Timmhotep and DJ R-Tistic (two past guests) two wild questions - which religion and which gang has had a bigger impact on hip hop. We also talk about rappers that have turned to religion. It's a fun one. And oh yeah subscribe to the new newsletter over at donwill.substack.com

Oct 31, 2023

In this episode we discuss parody rap songs with none other than DIallo RIddle and Blake 'Luxxury' Robin. We also take a look at Russ Parr's history as a parody rap artist and track down The Rappin Duke to see what he's been up to. You can check out One Song hosted by DIallo RIddle and Blake 'Luxxury' Robin here . Visit donwill.me/aor to check out the show notes and sign up for our newsletter! Donwill: Twitter.com/donwill Instagram.com/donwill The Almanac of Rap: Instagram.com/thealmanacofrap

Oct 24, 2023

Do you have a comfort album? If so leave your response in the comments section of this Instagram post and I'll include them in an upcoming episode! I'll be back in your

Oct 10, 2023

In this episode we talkt to Will Miles about the distinct bond between rap and comedy. We look at a few comedians who have bars and talk about a few rappers that are actually hilarious You can find out more about Will Miles at his website Visit donwill.me/aor to check out the show notes and sign up for our newsletter! Donwill: Twitter.com/donwill Instagram.com/donwill The Almanac of Rap: Instagram.com/thealmanacofrap

Sep 26, 2023

On this episode we revisit an interview that I conducted in 2015 with Billy Woods and Elucid of the rap group Armand Hammer. They were fresh off of the release of their album Furtive Movements and preparing to release a set of solo albums. We talk about their origins as a rap group and their creative process. Their new album We Buy Diabetic Test Strips drops on 9/29 via Fat Possum Records. Visit donwill.me/aor to check out the show notes and sign up for our newsletter! Donwill: Twitter.com/donwill Instagram.com/donwill The Almanac of Rap: Instagram.com/thealmanacofrap

Sep 19, 2023

On today's episode we talk to DJ R-Tistic about LA dance music, west coast rap and discuss a few fantasy DJ match-ups. DJ R-Tistic is an LA native who has DJ’ed events for everyone from Stevie Wonder to Issa Rae. You can find out more about him at his website . Visit donwill.me/aor to check out the show notes and sign up for our newsletter! Donwill: Twitter.com/donwill Instagram.com/donwill The Almanac of Rap: Instagram.com/thealmanacofrap

Sep 12, 2023

In this episode I try to wrap my head around the co-relation between Pussy Rap and the conversation about rap being boring or uninspired or whatever and lean on my friend DJ Tara for support. You can tune in to her radio shows and find out where in the world she's spinning next at her website . Visit donwill.me/aor to check out the show notes and sign up for our newsletter! Donwill: Twitter.com/donwill Instagram.com/donwill The Almanac of Rap: Instagram.com/thealmanacofrap

Sep 5, 2023

In this episode Donwill talks to Moruf to figure out what exactly Jersey Club is. He also tries to figure out if Tik Tok dances are the new break dancing. You can find out more information about Moruf and Some Jazz Playing here Visit donwill.me/aor to check out the show notes and sign up for our newsletter! Donwill: Twitter.com/donwill Instagram.com/donwill The Almanac of Rap: Instagram.com/thealmanacofrap

Aug 29, 2023

In this episode Donwill talks to Dave Giles II to figure out what happened to the danceable hip-house style of rap music. He also brings up that time KRS-One battled KRS. You can find out more information about Dave and his many dope projects here For a list of 10 Chicago House & Hip House songs, Kool Rock Steady's music video, a short documentary on Hip House and more visit donwill.me/aor/hip-house Visit donwill.me/aor to sign up for our newsletter! Donwill: Twitter.com/donwill Instagram.com/donwill The Almanac of Rap: Instagram.com/thealmanacofrap

Aug 11, 2023

We are coming back August 2023! To check out past episodes, join my newsletter or get more information in general visit www.donwill.me/aor

Apr 25, 2023

The mix for this episode is available on Soundcloud. Kathy is an author and professor at NYU who’s written books with Lil Kim, Prodigy and T Pain. You can learn more about her work here Follow the us on social media: The Almanac of Rap - Instagram Donwill - Twitter / Instagram Visit Donwill.me to subscribe to my mailing list, book me for stuff or just find out more information in general.

Apr 18, 2023

The mix for this episode is available on Soundcloud . Timm is a writer and curator.who created Levels & The One’s for pitchfork. He hosted Squeeze Radio on the legendary 89.9 FM with Sucio Smash and currently has his own show on NTS radio. Follow the us on social media: The Almanac of Rap - Instagram Donwill - Twitter / Instagram Visit Donwill.me to subscribe to my mailing list, book me for stuff or just find out more information in general.

Apr 11, 2023

The mix for this episode is available on Soundcloud . Petey is NYC comic who reps the Bronx thoroughly. He has credits on Comedy Central, That Damn Micheal Che and stages across the country. For more info check out his Instagram Follow the us on social media: The Almanac of Rap - Instagram Donwill - Twitter / Instagram Visit Donwill.me to subscribe to my mailing list, book me for stuff or just find out more information in general.

Apr 4, 2023

The mix for this episode is available on Soundcloud . Tajai is a founding member of Souls of Mischief/Hieroglyphics. For more info check out their website . Von Pea is a founding member of Tanya Morgan. For more info check out their website Follow the us on social media: The Almanac of Rap - Instagram Donwill - Twitter / Instagram Visit Donwill.me to subscribe to my mailing list, book me for stuff or just find out more information in general.

Mar 28, 2023

The mix for this episode is available on Soundcloud . Psalm One is a chemist turned rapper turned author (Her Word is Bond) and founding member of The Shift Cooperative, a Minneapolis based Mutual aid fund providing relief and support to disadvantaged and underserved communities. For more info check out her website Follow the us on social media: The Almanac of Rap - Instagram Donwill - Twitter / Instagram Visit Donwill.me to subscribe to my mailing list, book me for stuff or just find out more information in general.

Mar 21, 2023

The mix for this episode is available on Soundcloud . Phonte is a rapper, singer and producer who is a member of Little Brother & Foreign Exchange. He also co-hosts Questlove Supreme and does the music for Sherman’s Showcase. Follow the us on social media: The Almanac of Rap - Instagram Donwill - Twitter / Instagram Visit Donwill.me to subscribe to my mailing list, book me for stuff or just find out more information in general.

Mar 14, 2023

The mix for this episode is available on Soundcloud . Wyatt Cenac is an Emmy award winning comedian, actor, writer & producer. For more information visit wyattcenac.com Follow the us on social media: The Almanac of Rap - Instagram Donwill - Twitter / Instagram Visit Donwill.me to subscribe to my mailing list, book me for stuff or just find out more information in general.

Mar 7, 2023

This episode originally aired on March 7, 2023 The mix for this episode is available on Soundcloud . Jean Grae is a writer, comedian and retired rapper. You can find out more about what she’s been up to at patreon.com/JeanGrae Follow the us on social media: The Almanac of Rap - Instagram Donwill - Twitter / Instagram Visit Donwill.me to subscribe to my mailing list, book me for stuff or just find out more information in general.

Feb 21, 2023

Simply put, this is a trailer for ashow about rap made by a rapper. There will also be mixes to accompany each episode and they can be found at Soundcloud.com/donwill once the episodes go live Follow The Almanac of Rap IG: Instagram.com/thealmanacofrap Follow Donwill IG: Instagram.com/donwill Twitter: Twitter.com/donwill