5. Sunspot Jonz (Mystik Journeymen/Living Legends), Aaron Cartier

5. Sunspot Jonz (Mystik Journeymen/Living Legends), Aaron Cartier

Author: Extraordinary Rap January 13, 2021 Duration: 1:16:56

In this edition we speak to Sunspot Jonz (Mystik Journeymen/Living Legends) and Aaron Cartier, plus a salute to MF DOOM, a middle finger to year-end lists, new music recommendations, and more.

Regardless of familiarity with Sunspot Jonz, any rap fan should be fascinated and inspired by his triumphant tale of overcoming the odds by pure grit. Underground hip hop culture as we know it was shaped to a large degree by this unsung hero, so we insist, no we demand, that everyone familiarize themselves. Sunspot (pka BFAP) walks us through the mid-thru-late 90s rise of Mystik Journeymen and Living Legends as they established themselves first in the Bay Area and then worldwide. We discuss how they built an indie rap music market from scratch and popularized the terms "underground hip hop" and "backpacker". We detail their forging of an international DIY hip hop tour circuit and their approach to self-marketing and distribution before the internet. Being some of the first bedroom hip hop producers and even creating the first consumer "beat tape", we look at their then-unique lo-fi and low-budget approach to recording and manufacturing. Sunspot also speaks about his early relationships with Del, Hieroglyphics, and Good Life/Project Blowed. Finally, he explains the importance of taking risks and believing in oneself.

In a complete 180, we talk to newschool genre-hopping MC/producer Aaron Cartier, getting into the workings behind his noise-trap album Aaron Cartier Best Dog (co-produced by Dylan Brady of 100 Gecs fame) and more.

We also pay tribute to the life and legacy of genius innovator MF DOOM, detail the harm and hubris of year-end lists, recommend the Media Roots Radio podcast (Soundcloud / Apple / Stitcher), and shout out some recent music releases (Spirejump: Granville 31, RAP Ferreira: Bob's Son, and Moor Mother & billy woods: BRASS).

Monthly bonus episodes (thus far including Anti-Pop Consortium, New Kingdom, Cambatta, and Brzowski) available $3/month via patreon.com/weirdrap.

Weekly Weird Rap Discussion Gang at youtube.com/weirdrap.

Weird Rap t-shirts, social media links, etc. at weirdrap.com.

Please rate/review at weirdrap.com/rating.

Email weirdrap3000@gmail.com. (No self-promo, please, unless it's truly advanced, ground-breaking, or otherwise WEIRD.)


Dive into the depths of hip-hop with Extraordinary Rap Podcast, where host Th' Mole applies his veteran perspective as a rapper, producer, and performer to map the genre's most uncharted territories. This isn't a surface-level review of hits; it's a dedicated exploration of rap's avant-garde, the sonic experiments that push boundaries, and the enigmatic figures who operate outside the mainstream. Each episode functions as an audio documentary, investigating both contemporary innovators and overlooked pioneers to uncover the profound beauty and intricate complexities within their work. You'll hear detailed analysis of artistic choices, the stories behind unconventional sounds, and conversations that get to the heart of what makes this music so compellingly unique. The Extraordinary Rap Podcast serves as a central hub for this ongoing investigation, extending from the audio itself into an independent label and media presence, all committed to celebrating hip-hop's endless capacity for surprise. Tune in for a thoughtful, insider's journey into the corners of the culture where creativity knows no rules, documenting the mysterious manifestations that keep the genre perpetually evolving.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 54

Extraordinary Rap Podcast
Podcast Episodes
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Introducing the Weird Rap Discussion Gang. This week we discuss the groundbreaking, influential, and ill-fated 1993 album Innercity Griots by Freestyle Fellowship. With Beverly Fre$h - http://beverlyfresh.com - and Chief…
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It's the show notes! This episode's focus is on New Kingdom, plus some social commentary, podcast recommendations, and a new music rundown. With guest correspondent Beverly Fre$h, we interview all three members of the gr…
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Duration: 2:16:06
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