Shots Fired Podcast

Nocando and Jeff welcome El-P to the Cosmic Zoo. Over the course of a one hour conversation they discuss pop stars, running an indie-rap label, the greatness of Bell Biv Devoe, his Run the Jewels partnership with Killer Mike, the early years of Company Flow, and more.

In which Jeff and Nocando welcome back Quelle Chris and Open Mike Eagle to discuss a wide range of conspiracy theories include the Illuminati, lizard people, aliens, aliens eating pizza, who shot 2Pac and Biggie, the CIA spreading crack, and who shot JFK (probably 2Pac). In addition, they ramble about yoga and fistfights, the Lakers ongoing futility and the enduring longevity of African Dad. Recorded at the Cosmic Zoo Studio in Atwater Village.

For their latest episode of errant gunfire, Nocando and Jeff welcome Zilla Rocca, Curly Castro, and Prem Rock for a discussion on Philadelphia hip-hop, noir-rap, their "otherground collective" and the occasional reggaeton digression. In addition, Nocando and Jeff talk about what they did for New Year's and pour out a little hummus for James Avery of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and Benjamin Curtis of The Secret Machines. Recorded at the Cosmic Zoo Studio in Atwater Village.

For the last episode of the year, Nocando and Jeff do a "Holiday Themed" episode. Sadly, no Christmas Trees are smoked nor is any Lean Nog sipped. But there is seasonal discussion including Christmas as a Jew, weird family interactions and hater uncles. They also run down the Top 50 songs of the year -- with tracks from Kevin Gates, Chance the Rapper, Migos, Nas, Tyler and Earl, IAMSU! & Juvenile.

Nocando and Jeff welcome back Busdriver and Milo for a very special Hellfyre Club episode in honor of the release of "Dorner Vs. Tookie." They talk about the rise of light-skinned rappers, assess Future and Rich Homie Quan, discuss the making of Hellfyre's compilation record, and record their highs and lows of 2013. In addition, Jeff and Nocando discuss the recent revelations surrounding R. Kelly's sex scandals, Future, Drake and Juicy J's "Shit Remix," and Wale's phone call freak-out to Complex Magazine. You can download "Dorner Vs. Tookie" here: http://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com/album/dorner-vs-tookie Recorded at the Cosmic Zoo Studio in Atwater Village.

For their second episode in the Cosmic Zoo, Nocando & Jeff welcomed the Far East Movement ("Like a G6," "Girls on the Dance Floor.") They discussed the viral origins of their #1 hit, their roots in the underground K-Town music world, the first time they met Riff Raff, what it's like to be huge in Slovakia, and their new EP with Kurupt, "Murder was the Bass." In addition, Nocando and Jeff discuss the time that Eric Andre made an audience member drink Kreayshawn's breast milk, the return of Kobe, and the Death of Nelson Mandela (and why Jay Z should have picked a better song than "Young Forever" to dedicate to him).

After a six week hiatus in which Jeff and Nocando were imprisoned in an third-rate Malaysian jail cell, Shots Fired has returned with 25 percent more references to friendship bracelets. For our first episode in our new home, The Cosmic Zoo Studios, we welcomed Problem and Bad Lucc of Diamond Lane Entertainment. Topics covered included sampling Young Bleed on their hit single, "Like Whaat," how Problem got his start writing for Snoop Dogg, rapping about Molly, and the pros and cons of staying independent. Jeff and Nocando also discuss Kanye's recent binge of insanely quotable interviews, Jay-Z and Beyonce's decision to go vegan, and why Weedology may be an inaccurate science.

Jeff & Nocando had the pleasure to interview Chicago's own Do or Die (Belo Zero, N.A.R.D. & AK-47) in another special episode recorded LIVE from the Atlanta A3C Hip Hop festival. They discuss their early days selling records independently, getting signed to Rap-A-Lot, recording the first album on a farm outside of Houston, R. Kelly’s basketball skills, the story behind their break out hit “Po Pimp,” and their upcoming solo & group projects. Plus, Jeff & Nocando discuss the future of the podcast. Be sure to get yourself a copy of Jeff’s book “2pac vs. Biggie: An Illustrated History of Rap’s Greatest Battle,” and Nocando’s mixtape “Tits ‘N Explosions” at http://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com.

After revisiting some classic Pharoahe Monch tracks, Jeff & Nocando interview Pharoahe in a special episode recorded LIVE from the Atlanta A3C Hip Hop festival. They discuss Organized Konfusion, East coast hip hop producer Paul C, the Rawkus era, Pharoahe's first retail job at a Macy's, getting served while mowing the lawn due to “Simon Says” sample issues, writing rhymes for Puffy, working with Nate Dogg, and being majorly influenced by Jazz musicians such as John Coltrane. Also, Jeff & Nocando talk about the Future & Drake beef, Eminem's "Rap God," and Kanye West's leather jogging pants. Be sure to get yourself a copy of Jeff's book “2pac vs. Biggie: An Illustrated History of Rap’s Greatest Battle,” and Nocando's mixtape “Tits ‘N Explosions” at http://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com.

Jeff, Nocando, and Open Mike Eagle welcome The Eric Andre Show’s own Eric Andre to talk about Bootsy Collins’ son Dru Down, Steve-O disrespecting O.D.B. at a Wu-Tang concert, what Da Brat has been up to, the many sightings of Skee-Lo, and Jenkem. Eric also tells us about interviewing Jay-Z & Beyonce on his show, what he thinks of Miley Cyrus, and why he recently got arrested. Be sure to get yourself a copy of Jeff’s book “2pac vs. Biggie: An Illustrated History of Rap’s Greatest Battle,” Nocando’s mixtape “Tits ‘N Explosions” at http://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com, Open Mike Eagle’s latest EP “Sir Rockabye” at http://openmikeeagle.bandcamp.com, and tune in to The Eric Andre Show on Thursdays at 12:30 am on Adult Swim!

Detroit MC/producer Black Milk & Motown’s Quelle Chris & Denmark Vessey join Jeff & Nocando to talk about Detroit music on this week’s Shots Fired! They discuss early Motown, Detroit techno, the Hip Hop Shop, and rappers from Esham to Danny Brown. Plus, they talk about Steve Albini’s “The Problem with Music." Be sure to get yourself a copy of Jeff’s book “2pac vs. Biggie: An Illustrated History of Rap’s Greatest Battle,” Nocando’s mixtape “Tits ‘N Explosions” at http://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com, Black Milk's new album “No Poison In Paradise” at http://blackmilk.biz/, Quelle Chris’ latest album at http://quellechris.bandcamp.com, and keep firing shots of your own by calling us at (424) 216-6230!

LA rapper, singer, producer Ty Dolla $ign joins Jeff & Nocando to talk about his single “Paranoid,” being compared to Nate Dogg, working with Juicy J, his dad being in the all time great Funk band Lakeside, J Dilla being his favorite producer, and writing/producing “Toot It and Boot It.” Plus, Nocando responds to an Earwolf forum commenter, Jeff tells us about being stood up by Nicki Minaj, and we hear a shot from an overseas listener. Be sure to get yourself a copy of Jeff’s book “2pac vs. Biggie: An Illustrated History of Rap’s Greatest Battle,” Nocando’s mixtape “Tits ‘N Explosions” at http://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com, Ty Dolla $ign’s latest mixtape “Beach House 2” at http://www.datpiff.com/Ty-Dolla-ign-Beach-House-2-mixtape.494390.html, and keep firing shots of your own by calling us at (424) 216-6230!

Jeff & Nocando are joined by rappers Pistol McFly & Snubnose Frankenstein on this week’s episode of Shots Fired! They talk about RiFF RaFF’s LA Weekly cover story, Gucci Mane’s Twitter rant, Atlanta rappers, train life, 2 Chainz’s new album “ B.O.A.T.S II My Time,” Eminem’s latest Beastie Boys inspired video, and The Weeknd. Plus, we find out what is everyone’s most played iTunes track. Be sure to get yourself a copy of Jeff’s book “2pac vs. Biggie: An Illustrated History of Rap’s Greatest Battle,” Nocando’s mixtape “Tits ‘N Explosions” at http://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com, Snubnose Frankenstein’s latest album at http://snubnosefrank.bandcamp.com, Pistol McFly’s latest album at http://mars2.bandcamp.com, and keep firing shots of your own by calling us at (424) 216-6230! Trap Lord in stores now!

Jeff & Nocando welcome Low End Theory DJ/Producer Nobody and returning guest Busdriver on today’s episode of Shots Fired! They’ll talk about bear meat, adopting puffins, Lil Wayne’s new mixtape, Juicy J’s writing process, incidental rappers, street DVDs, and Lil B’s Bitch Mob. Be sure to get yourself a copy of Jeff’s book “2pac vs. Biggie: An Illustrated History of Rap’s Greatest Battle,” Nocando’s mixtape “Tits ‘N Explosions” at http://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com, Nobody’s latest album “Vivid Green,” and keep firing shots of your own by calling us at (424) 216-6230! Look out for the Hellfyre Club compilation album “Dorner Vs. Tookie” in October!

Jeff, Nocando, and Open Mike Eagle welcome Stones Throw rapper Homeboy Sandman on this week’s episode of Shots Fired! They discuss Kanye West’s “Kris” interview, Martin Luther King Jr. being compared to Macklemore, Miley Cyrus acting a fool, and various music based websites. Be sure to get yourself a copy of Jeff’s book “2pac vs. Biggie: An Illustrated History of Rap’s Greatest Battle,” Nocando’s mixtape “Tits ‘N Explosions” at http://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com, Open Mike Eagle’s latest EP “Sir Rockabye” at http://openmikeeagle.bandcamp.com, Homeboy Sandman’s latest album “All That I Hold Dear” at http://www.stonesthrow.com/store, and keep firing shots of your own by calling us at (424) 216-6230!

BEeFF (Bertran, Evan and every fucking female) returns to talk about Kendrick Lamar’s “Control” verse, some of the many responses, and whether it will have a positive impact on Hip-Hop. They also discuss Earl Sweatshirt’s new album “Doris,” what makes a hit record, and A$AP Ferg. Plus, Jeff talks about speaking at a high school Career Day and Nocando tells us about his time on the Low End Theory Europe tour. Be sure to get yourself a copy of Jeff’s book “2pac vs. Biggie: An Illustrated History of Rap’s Greatest Battle,” check out Nocando’s mixtape “Tits ‘N Explosions” at http://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com, and keep firing shots of your own by calling us at (424) 216-6230!

On this week’s episode of Shots Fired, Jeff & Nocando discuss good/bad new music from Yung Lean, Spark Master Tape, Forest Swords, Drake, and Breezy Lovejoy. Plus, Jeff tells us about his recent experience at a Phish concert, he has a mini ep of Analyze Phish with Nocando, and they both show some love to the late George Duke. Be sure to get yourself a copy of Jeff’s book “2pac vs. Biggie: An Illustrated History of Rap’s Greatest Battle,” check out Nocando’s mixtape “Tits ‘N Explosions” at http://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com, and keep firing shots of your own by calling us at (424) 216-6230!

Head of Stones Throw Records and well known DJ/producer, Peanut Butter Wolf joins Jeff & Nocando to explain how he would describe Stones Throw to people on a plane, talk about discovering Madlib, the Stones Throw philosophy, living with Madlib & DOOM for a time, and how he ended up meeting J Dilla. Plus, Jeff & Nocando share their thoughts on social media, discuss the current state of Nocando’s weekly Sunday hip-hop party Daylight, and respond to some of your shots. Be sure to get yourself a copy of Jeff’s book “2pac vs. Biggie: An Illustrated History of Rap’s Greatest Battle,” check out Nocando’s mixtape “Tits ‘N Explosions” at http://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com, and keep firing shots by calling us at (424) 216-6230!

Long Island bred rapper/producer Roc Marciano joins Jeff & Nocando to talk about growing up in Hempstead, when he started recording music, what he learned from working with Pete Rock, his collaborations with Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, and GZA, and producing his entire upcoming album “Marci Beaucoup.” Plus, they discuss the Death Row incident at the 1995 Source Awards and its aftermath. Be sure to get yourself a copy of Jeff’s book “2pac vs. Biggie: An Illustrated History of Rap’s Greatest Battle,” check out Nocando’s mixtape “Tits ‘N Explosions” at http://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com, and keep firing shots by calling us at (424) 216-6230!

LA based rapper Zeroh & Hellfyre Club rapper Milo join Jeff Weiss & MC Nocando to talk about their unexpected influences such as Ludacris, Nas, and B-Legit. They also talk about R. Kelly, Beats by Dre, skinny jeans, and art rap. Be sure to get yourself a copy of Jeff’s book “2pac vs. Biggie: An Illustrated History of Rap’s Greatest Battle,” Nocando’s mixtape “Tits ‘N Explosions” & Milo’s latest EP “Calvacade” at http://hellfyreclub.bandcamp.com, Zeroh’s latest EP “Bred” at http://horez.bandcamp.com/, and keep firing shots of your own by calling us at (424) 216-6230!