On this episode of Insomniac Magazine's "Sounds From The Underground" podcast, an eclectic group of Hip Hop artists share their inspirations and provide some insight into their takeaways from marketing. Featured artists include Dell P (Philly), CasanovaOnTheMic (Guam), Twan Mack (Milwaukee), Messiah Black (Pittsburgh), Cassandra The Goddess MC (NYC…

On this episode, IZ-REAL speaks with a Chicago music and art scene staple Sharkula. The prolific rhyme practitioner has been creating non-stop for the better part of two decades, crafting over thirty albums, EPs, mixtapes and other projects. With a one-of-a-kind approach and unrelenting dedication to the culture, this veteran emcee is a Hip Hop ori…

On this episode of Insomniac Magazine's "Sounds from the Underground" podcast, we hear from producer, filmmaker, and record label president David C-Doc Snyder. He discusses the new Public Enemy album, directing their live performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, distributing his film "Heights Girl 2," and the latest on The Spit Slam Recor…

On this episode of Insomniac Magazine's "Sounds from the Underground" podcast, we hear from a handful of indie Hip Hop practitioners who share their inspirations and give insights into some of their marketing efforts and takeaways. They touch on topics, including branding and creativity and provide a perspective from things they've put into practic…

In this Insomniac Magazine interview, the legendary emcee and freedom fighter, Chuck D talks with Israel "IZ-REAL" Vasquetelle. The iconic artist provides insight into Public Enemy’s newly released masterwork What you Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down. He shares his thoughts about the current state of affairs in 2020, working with Rage Against the M…

On this episode, rising Hip Hop artist Pounds provides insight into his role as Big Pun in the upcoming Big L biopic, branding, working with Daupe Records, collaborations, and his music industry journey so far. The upstate New York rapper conducted the interview while on break for a music video production on the docks of a Boston shipyard.…

On this episode of Insomniac Magazine's Sounds From The Underground, the manager for the legendary Roc Marciano imparts music industry insight. Jazz has worked with the mic phenom since the early days of his career. This Hip Hop vet shares jewels from the trenches of this successful indie giant's camp, their distinct approach to monetizing music in…

Legendary emcee Ras Kass made history in 1996 with his iconic album Soul On Ice. Since then, he’s continued to make impactful Hip Hop music with social and lyrical potentency. From his deals with a major label to his creative approach to marketing his independent releases, Ras Kass shares insight into his journey in the music industry. Speaking wit…

Cedric Miller aka Ced Gee entered the Hip Hop game decades ahead of his time. As a member of one of the most groundbreaking groups in the genre's golden era, Ultramagnetic MCs, he did double-duty as emcee and producer. Beyond creating classic music with Ultra, he also crafted multiple songs on "Criminal Minded" the iconic debut album from another o…

Dom Pachino’s accomplishments in Hip Hop go back well over two decades when he helped make music history as part of Hip Hop’s royal family, the Wutang brethren group known as Killarmy. During his career, he’s toured the planet, appeared on television, and films. Since those early days, he’s launched his own record label and has continued his moment…

Insomniac Magazine editors IZ-REAL and Kevin Keith examine innovations in Hip Hop through the decades in this new series as part of Sounds From The Underground. On this episode of the podcast, they delve into the 1980s and discuss some of the most groundbreaking acts in the genre.Oleh Insomniac Magazine

If you know Hip Hop, then you know that the most talented artists are not found on the top of the charts or going viral. That type of visibility is a seriously good look if you can get it, but many times it's nothing more than a fleeting spell of vapor fame. Instead, some of the most impressive emcees can be found grinding in the trenches, well-bel…

In this episode, IZ-REAL interviews Jackie O. Asare, a veteran music industry professional whose career began in the early 90s and continues to present day. She's worked with artists such as Lecrae, Mýa, Teddy Pendergrass, Freddie Jackson, 112, Cormega, Three Six Mafia, Lil Jon, Naughty By Nature, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, GURU and more. She's held the…

As we venture into 2020, it’s only fitting to do so with an artist who’s always projected the future of Hip Hop, the legendary Kool Keith interviewed by Israel "IZ-REAL" Vasquetelle. I suggest that the true measure of success for an artist in any genre of music is longevity. Some will be able to shock their way into the consciousness of social medi…

Comedian, actor, and filmmaker, Rudy Ray Moore is a legend. This podcast is a 1996 interview that I had the pleasure of conducting with the legend himself. Despite his film persona, Moore was immensely conscientious and gracious. I've always cherished the opportunity I had to chat with him both on the air and off, and during a later meeting while h…

On this episode of Insomniac Magazine's "Sounds From The Underground" podcast, Hip Hop vet Mr. P Chill shares in-depth insight into booking shows and tours as an independent artist. The Sacramento, CA emcee and producer has been creating his own brand of classic era Hip Hop for over 20 years. He's toured the United States many times over and typica…

The Griselda camp has built a significant brand for their movement and key members over the past few years. Regular visitors to InsomniacMagazine.com have been seeing the name dominating our top ten lists beginning at the start of 2015. Since those days, label head Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine and Benny The Butcher have become mainstays throug…

In this in-depth interview with Insomniac Magazine's Israel Vasquetelle, Schoolly D discusses his storied career, an upcoming album, and insight into a lifetime of uncompromised creativity that shows no sign of slowing down. There's no shortage of reasons why Schoolly D is a trailblazer. Off the top, he is indeed the undisputed creator of gangster …

On this episode of the podcast, we challenge Hip Hop artists to elevate their craft in a variety of ways, including drawing inspiration from some of the genre's pioneers.Oleh Insomniac Magazine

Insomniac Magazine's Israel Vasquetelle interviews Ruffhouse Records co-founder, Chris Schwartz. The record exec shares stories from his time working some of Hip Hop’s most iconic artists. Schwartz played a significant role in the careers of Kriss Kross, Cypress Hill, Wyclef, Pras, and the amazing Lauryn Hill. His company released records by Kool K…

Long time Hip Hip radio hosts, editors and tastemakers, Israel "Iz-Real" Vasquetelle and Kevin Keith recommend not so known Hip Hop tracks from past decades to help broaden your knowledge base on the genre's rich history.Oleh Insomniac Magazine

On this episode of the “Sounds from the Underground” podcast, we hear from a handful of artists and producers from around the globe who share their Hip Hop inspirations and provide insight into some of their marketing efforts. Israel Vasquetelle and Kevin Keith discuss takeaways on branding and creativity from each of these Hip Hop talents. Feature…

There's plenty of insight to be gleaned by upcoming artists from Hip Hop's rich history. On this episode, Israel Vasquetelle and Kevin Keith share some examples of impactful artists and lessons that can be learned from their fine tuned brands. Despite all of the changes in the music industry, there are still many gems to be unearthed from the cultu…

On this episode of Insomniac Magazine's "Sounds from the Underground" podcast, Israel Vasquetelle speaks with producer, filmmaker and artist David "C-Doc" Snyder on an array of relevant Hip Hop music industry topics. As president of the Chuck D founded Spit Slam Label Group, C-Doc discusses the enterprise's rich history, including its initial roots…

On this episode, emcee, educator and luminary Jahi shares his story in Hip Hop. The talented artist provides insight into his creative accomplishments with PE 2.0 and his impactful work with the African American Male Achievement program, which empowers youth in public schools of Oakland. Jahi also provides a distinct perspective into collaborating …

Hip Hop producer PF Cuttin' delves into 20+ years of experience in the music industry. This includes first signing with major label Mercury Records as 1/2 of the group Blahzay Blahzay to doing his own thing as an independent producer and international DJ. He shares insight into working with the amazing late great Hip Hop icon Sean Price and his rec…

Hip Hop veteran El Da Sensei discusses his near 30 year span in the music industry. He shares insight on his foray into the industry with the groundbreaking group Artifacts during the early '90s, and a career that has kept him making music while keeping true to the Hip Hop culture for nearly three decades. He speaks with Israel Vasquetelle about wo…

Nine has one of the most distinctive voices and deliveries in Hip Hop. In this interview with Insomniac Magazine, the veteran emcee shares insight from his incredible three decade long journey in the music industry.Oleh Insomniac Magazine

Hip Hop staple emcee Sadat X and member of the legendary Brand Nubian shares insight with Israel Vasquetelle about longevity in the music industry and other distinctive perspectives from his impressive career.Oleh Insomniac Magazine

On this episode, Knowledge the Pirate shares his incredible journey in the Hip Hop music industry which stems back to the early '90s working with Teddy Riley, Will Smith, and being signed to Interscope, yet not releasing an album until 2018.Oleh Insomniac Magazine

In this classic KRS One interview with Insomniac Magazine, the iconic emcee shares tons of jewels pertaining to Hip Hop culture and the music industry. This discussion is steeped in history and a distinct perspective from one of the culture's most celebrated artists.Oleh Insomniac Magazine

In this discussion, Israel Vasquetelle speaks with multi-award winning battle champ and DC Hip Hop mainstay Flex Matthews. This episode features insight on everything from securing shows, touring, playing festivals, collecting vinyl records, and tips for artists to make a living in the music industry. This veteran emcee has performed and toured wit…

Insomniac Magazine chats with west coast powerhouse Hip Hop artist Supreme Cerebral. We discuss his progression in Hip Hop, selling music in a digital era and his work with impressive up and coming and established talent.Oleh Insomniac Magazine

On this episode, Insomniac Magazine editors Kevin Keith and Israel Vasquetelle discuss what current up and coming artists can learn from Hip Hop history to apply to their strategies in branding and other aspects of their careers.Oleh Insomniac Magazine

AnkhleJohn talks about making strides in the music industry as an indie Hip Hop artist. The talented emcee and creative shares insight into his current path that's brought him to create a strong buzz in the underground Hip Hop scene.Oleh Insomniac Magazine

On this episode of Sounds from the Underground, Israel Vasquetelle speaks with Hip Hop vet Blueprint. The talented emcee, author, filmmaker and entrepreneur shares insight into his nearly 20 year span within the music industry. He also discusses his new album, "Two-Headed Monster."Oleh Insomniac Magazine

Dane Uno discusses his start in the Chicago Hip Hop scene and how inspiration from seeing one of the greatest emcees perform in the park as a kid led him to pursue his dreams in the music industry. Dane exudes passion for the culture and his craft. Listen to this talented artist's story.Oleh Insomniac Magazine

On this episode of Sounds From The Underground, the Hip Hop Lifestyle and Marketing Podcast presented by Insomniac Magazine, Israel Vasquetelle speaks with David "D'Stroy" Melendez of the world famous Hip Hop group The Arsonists. This talented artist, radio host, actor and writer shares his story of how Hip Hop opened a world of opportunities. This…

On this episode, Hip Hop activist, freestyle champ, entrepreneur and co-founder of the hugely successful Grind Time battle league shares his insight and experience in the Hip Hop music and media industries during a talk with Israel Vasquetelle. Not only is Madd Illz a top tier lyricist, battle emcee and recording artist, but he also had the distinc…

Platinum powerhouse producer Xtreme and lyrical titan Rosati (of #TheWinners collective) share their journeys within the music industry. These talented Hip Hop creators discuss their new project, musical inspirations, and Xtreme talks about getting a big break through a chance meeting with Jay Z on the streets of Chicago. Don’t sleep on this episod…

Ida Divine has proven to be a superior branding practitioner in all of her artistic endeavors. Her carefully crafted sound and look exude confidence with an authentic vintage flair. This, along with immense marketing savvy, makes her a model example of what it takes to effectively maneuver as an entrepreneurial artist. Ida seemlessly blends classic…

Ice Cube needs no introduction, he’s conquered music, film, and television. In this throwback interview recorded a few years before the film "Straight Outta Compton," was released Ice Cube spoke with Israel Vasquetelle for Insomniac Magazine about his transformation from gangsta rapper to film star and entertainment mogul. He also sheds insight int…

In this episode of Sounds from the Underground, Insomniac Magazine founder Israel Vasquetelle digs deep with Hip Hop icon Kool Keith. This enigmatic Hip Hop veteran is truly a rapper's rapper. In this discussion, Keith shares thoughts on his legacy in the Hip Hop music industry and his perspective on its progression.…

On the first episode of "Sounds from the Underground" the Hip Hop lifestyle and marketing podcast from Insomniac Magazine, host Israel Vasquetelle talks with prolific Toronto emcee Daniel Son. This interview delves into the up and coming artist's inspirations, as well as his global approach to music production and marketing in the incredibly compet…