The Almanac of Rap
The Almanac of Rap is a Webby award winning show that examines trends in hip hop and their impact over time and it's way more fun than that description makes it sound. Each week our our host Donwill asks a question, presents a theory and finds a guest to come to some sort of consensus about it. Simply put, it’s a show about rap by a rapper who loves rap music.
Episodes
September 5, 2024 • 17 mins
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 wri...
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August 29, 2024 • 46 mins
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: Do...
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August 22, 2024 • 18 mins
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.subs...
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August 15, 2024 • 45 mins
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
D...
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August 8, 2024 • 33 mins
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 infor...
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August 1, 2024 • 33 mins
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 writte...
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November 21, 2023 • 76 mins
To read show notes for this episode go to donwill.substack.com
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November 14, 2023 • 99 mins
To read the show notes for this episode go to donwill.substack.com
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November 7, 2023 • 34 mins
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
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October 31, 2023 • 37 mins
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
Instagra...
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October 24, 2023 • 6 mins
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
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October 10, 2023 • 36 mins
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
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September 26, 2023 • 28 mins
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 sho...
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September 19, 2023 • 28 mins
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/thealman...
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September 12, 2023 • 19 mins
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 Alma...
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September 5, 2023 • 23 mins
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
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August 29, 2023 • 24 mins
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...
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August 11, 2023 • 5 mins
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
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April 25, 2023 • 33 mins
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.
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April 18, 2023 • 35 mins
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 informat...
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