The word anniversary once referred to the commemorative feast in honor of a Catholic saint. Today we use the term for a celebration of any past event that took place the year or years prior on the same date. 

This year in particular marks 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. 1994 was a powerful, transformative year for hip-hop. Nas, OutKast, and Biggie Smalls each dropped their debut albums, while other more established artists released projects regarded both then and now as milestones in the genre. Jeru was only 21 years old when he recorded the The Sun Rises; 22 when it came out on Payday Records. And the album was well received in the hip-hop community.

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. 
- His inspiration drawn from his family, friends, and predecessors.
- And the story of how he got his pet hamster.

This is "You Must Learn."

"You Must Learn" was produced and edited by Peter Oasis, written by Dharmic X, and executive produced by Evan Auerbach (of @UpNorthTrips), with narration from Soul Khan. The intro was produced by DJ Flipout, and the artwork was designed by Kelly Green. Special thanks to Sarah Honda for the love. 

"You Must Learn" was recorded in your mother's basement next to your favorite blogger somewhere in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. 

Please subscribe to "You Must Learn" on iTunes, Stitcher, and wherever great podcasts can be found. 

You Must Learn - Episode 1 - Jeru The Damaja - The Sun Rises In The East

Mos Def - Say You Will

FINANCIAL FREEDOM

New music form Washington DC Emcee/Producer J Scienide 

Power Of The Holy Ghost

The Away Team presents their latest audio leak "Set It Off" from their upcoming album 'Scars &amp; Stripes' out October 11th through Jamla / It's A Wonderful World Music Group / Duck Down Music.  "Set It Off" features Talib Kweli &amp; Rapsody.  

Pre-Order the album now on iTunes: http://bit.ly/p7CNLp  

For full track listing, visit: http://bit.ly/oe0xXV

Be sure to catch The Away Team on tour this October with 9th Wonder &amp; Phonte 

To stay up-to-date with The Away Team make sure to follow @SeanBoog &amp; @Khrysis on Twitter


The Away Team feat. Talib Kweli &amp; Rapsody "Set It Off"

Busta Rhymes - Choose A Side (Feat. J Doe & Aaron Cooks)Prod By Dready

And The Anonymous Nobody...

De La Soul - Whoodeeni (Ft. 2 Chainz)

Villain Notsha from Bellport NY collaborates with VA's very own legendary producer nottz and a special guest feature from Big Pooh on this record.  

Untrue Ft Rapper Big Pooh (Prod. Nottz)

More Politics

Where's The Love ft Bun B, Bodega Bamz & Masspike Miles (Prod By Hi-Tek)

off her debut album out now worldwide, Presented by Tony Touch.

Busta Rhymes - Choose A Side (Feat. J Doe & Aaron Cooks)Prod By Dready

Dready

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