Good Vinyl Mornings with PL Sweets

Some of the most iconic sounds in hip-hop history came from unexpected places. In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson explores the legendary breakbeat from Bob James' "Take Me to the Mardi Gras"—one of the most sampled drum breaks in hip-hop—and its deep connection to the culture, especially through Run-D.M.C.’s classic "Peter Piper."

But the story doesn’t start with Bob James. Its origin...

Sometimes, the best opportunities come from the most unexpected places. In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson explores how embracing unusual partnerships can lead to legendary success, using Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s iconic track "Nuthin’ But a G Thang" and its sampled foundation, Leon Haywood’s "I Want to Do Something Freaky to You."

When Dr. Dre was crafting the sound of The Chr...

If you’ve ever danced through a hard time, you know this truth: joy isn’t just a reaction—it’s a practice. And excellence? That’s not just in the big milestones—it’s in how you make your bed, how you speak to a stranger, how you show up for the dream even when no one’s watching.

On today’s episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets drops the needle on Inner Life’s underground disco classic, “Moment of My Life,” a track that ...

How do you define your worth? Is it based on how others see you, or is it something deeper—something only you can prove to yourself? In this introspective episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson breaks down the soulful storytelling of Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name” and its deep connection to The Main Ingredient’s timeless track “Let Me Prove My Love to You.”

Alicia’s 2003 hit, produ...

In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets steps into one of the most unspoken dynamics in our everyday lives: the balance between those who pour in and those who constantly take out. And riding shotgun for this conversation is the undeniable groove of Chaka Khan’s “What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me,” a song that doesn’t just ask a question — it shines a spotlight on expectations, energy, and mutual respect.

Chaka’s vocals f...

On this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets breaks down a truth we don’t always like to face: correction isn’t punishment — it’s an invitation to get better. And nothing frames that message with more honesty than Champaign’s smooth 1983 classic, “Try Again.”

Before the synth lines shimmer in and the drums settle into that slow-groove pocket, the song already embodies the spirit of humility. It’s a track about owning y...

Today’s groove is deep, cosmic, and quietly powerful—just like your dreams. On this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson guides you through the lush, synth-rich landscape of Herbie Hancock’s “Stars in Your Eyes”. With its shimmering keys and soul-funk fusion, the track invites you to reflect inward and protect what matters most.

Because dreams don’t expire—they evolve. And sometimes, the best w...

True friendship isn’t flashy—it’s soul-deep, tested by time, and rooted in trust. In this heart-centered episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we explore the invisible glue that holds real friendships together: consistency, vulnerability, and a rhythm that never skips a beat.

We start with Alicia Keys’ “Unbreakable,” a warm, affirming anthem that speaks to the power of connection that survives life’s seasons—good and bad. But the...

On this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets drops the needle on a truth we all struggle with but eventually must face: forgiveness isn’t something you give to people who hurt you — it’s something you give back to yourself. And nothing captures that tender balance of pain, hope, and release like Aretha Franklin’s powerful interpretation of “I Say a Little Prayer.”

Originally recorded by Dionne Warwick, the song takes o...

This morning on Good Vinyl Mornings, we invite you to pause, breathe, and truly celebrate the sunrise—not just the one outside your window, but the one rising inside of you. With “Golden Time of Day” as our soulful soundtrack, Frankie Beverly and Maze remind us that peace, purpose, and clarity often come in life’s stillest, most sacred moments. Released in 1978, this timeless track wraps you in warm instrumentation and gen...

If you’ve ever danced through a hard time, you know this truth: joy isn’t just a reaction—it’s a practice. And excellence? That’s not just in the big milestones—it’s in how you make your bed, how you speak to a stranger, how you show up for the dream even when no one’s watching.

On today’s episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets drops the needle on Inner Life’s underground disco classic, “Moment of My Life,” a track that ...

In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets invites you to take the scenic route through purpose and patience as we cruise to “Drive Slow” by Kanye West featuring Paul Wall and GLC. What begins as a smooth, meditative ride becomes a full sermon-on-wax once you trace its lineage back to Hank Crawford’s 1972 gem “Windflower,” a slow-burning jazz-soul piece filled with tension, release, and emotional space.
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Just as ...

In this powerful and cinematic episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets takes us deep into the layered storytelling of Kendrick Lamar’s “DUCKWORTH.” — a song that feels more like a short film than a track. Produced by the legendary 9th Wonder, this closing cut from DAMN. reminds us how one decision, one act of kindness, or one moment of grace can alter the entire course of a life — and ultimately, a legacy. Built around t...

In this raw and reflective episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host PL Sweets drops the needle on Jay-Z’s “4:44” — a confession, an apology, and a masterclass in vulnerability. This isn’t just another track from one of hip-hop’s greatest artists; it’s a public reckoning. Jay-Z stepped into the booth not as a mogul, not as a legend — but as a man owning his mistakes. Produced by No I.D., the track samples Hannah Williams & ...

In this soulful deep dive, Good Vinyl Mornings host PL Sweets rewinds to one of the most pivotal studio moments in hip-hop history — the day Dr. Dre met Eminem, and magic happened. “My Name Is” wasn’t just a debut single; it was the very first song the two ever recorded together. From that moment, the game was forever changed. PL takes you inside the creative chemistry of that legendary first session at Dre’s home studio. ...

In this tender and emotionally grounded episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets drops the needle on “Rainy Days and Mondays” by The Carpenters, a song that reminds us it’s okay not to be okay. Through Karen Carpenter’s hauntingly pure voice and Richard’s delicate piano lines, we’re invited into a quiet space where sadness isn’t something to escape—but something to feel.

PL opens the conversation around grief—not only the ...

In this meditative and deeply felt episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets lifts the tonearm over to “Sea of Tranquility” by Kool & The Gang, tracing the spiritual thread that stretches thirty years forward to D’Angelo’s “Send It On.” What begins as a peaceful instrumental journey turns into a reflection on legacy—how music, energy, and intention ripple through time like soundwaves that never die.

The lush horn arrang...

In this soulful and introspective episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets drops the needle on “Love Is a House” by The Force MD’s, transforming a timeless R&B groove into a spiritual reflection on the walls we build—and the views we miss behind them.

Beneath the smooth harmonies and slow-burning rhythm lies a lesson about love, fear, and the silent architecture of self-protection. Many of us build emotional walls afte...

In this soulful and eye-opening episode, PL Sweets spins “Work to Do” by The Isley Brothers — a timeless anthem that reminds us that blessings often come disguised as assignments. Everybody wants success, but not everyone wants the responsibility that comes with it. The groove is smooth, but the message is heavy: having work to do means you’ve been trusted with purpose.

PL breaks down how responsibility isn’t a burden — it’...