You Must Learn is an audio documentary that breaks down classic musical moments by going directly to the artists and others responsible for their creation. Find out the inspirations and obstacles that your favorite artists faced on their way to making the music you listen to everyday. So far they’ve released two episodes…
2014 marked the 20th Anniversary of a hip-hop record distinguished by its raw sound, uncompromising lyricism, and social commentary: Jeru the Damaja’s debut album, The Sun Rises In The East. What you’re about to hear is Jeru the Damaja taking us track by track through his DJ Premier-produced debut album, delving into an array of subjects and stories such as waiting and watching for Nas to create Illmatic, spending formative years with the members of the Wu-Tang Clan, the nature of Brooklyn pride and of course the story of how he got his pet hamster.
Episode two enters the “Doghilee,” stomping ground for the crew known as the Boot Camp Clik, which was comprised of four unique groups: Black Moon, Smif N Wessun, Heltah Skeltah, and O.G.C. Emerging with Black Moon’s seminal debut album, Enta Da Stage, BCC cemented their status with Smif N Wessun’s debut, Dah Shinin. The album is celebrated for the synergy between Smif N Wessun’s two members, Tek and Steele, and the cohesive, gritty production courtesy of Da Beatminerz. In 1998, The Source placed the album in its list of 100 Best Rap Albums. What You’re about to hear is Tek and Steele take us through the backstory and the making of their quintessential classic. They talk about their relationships with Biggie and Tupac, going to high school with Maxwell and Sean Price, being inspired by the work of Roy Ayers and what the Doghilee actually was.
