The incomparable Slug joins us to discuss the latest Atmosphere album "The Day Before Halloween", a dystopian concept album based in the 80s about the life of a graffiti artist living in a  surveillance state. We also discuss what the future looks like for touring, his relationship with UK hip hop, the 20th anniversary of "Lucy Ford, and more!

Slug (Episode 22)

In this wide-ranging interview, we chop it up with the legendary Esoteric, one-third of the comic book-inspired trio Czarface, to talk about "Super What?" and working with the late great MF DOOM. We also discuss his upcoming landmark original graphic novel "Czarface: A Czar is Born", writing for Marvel comics and more!

Esoteric (Episode 24)

Bigg Jus is an alternative hip hop artist, who's spent over two decades contributing to the evolution of independent hip hop, helping to lay the foundation for a generation of fierce, independent artists, from Company Flow's debut album ‘Funcrusher Plus' (1997) and beyond. Whether it be reshaping the concept of underground hip-hop with Co Flow, or his solo Big Justoleum work, to his work with Orko Elohim as NMS, the impact of Jus' influence is teeming with innovation. 

We sit down with one of hip hop's most elusive trailblazers, to talk about the Company Flow co-founder’s storied career for an expansive two-hour deep dive. Dig in!

Bigg Jus (Episode 26, S2)

On episode 30, we talk to Blah records co-founder, Lee Scott, who joins us for a rare and insightful conversation about the making of his latest album, 'Gate Clicks Shut', his upcoming novel and journey so far!

Lee Scott (Episode 30, S2)

Indie rap stalwart Jam Baxter walks us through key moments from crafting his latest release, including recording during a state-wide alcohol ban in San Cristobal De Las Casas, the conception behind "The Infamous Gatwick Meltdown of 2016", the influence of rich Mexican culture, and more!

Jam Baxter (Episode 41, S3)

We spoke with producer and engineer extraordinaire Bob Power about his pivotal role in a whole host of conscious rap classics, helping to shape the Native Tongue collective's greatest boom of creativity (Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Black Sheep, Jungle Brothers), working with The Roots, Erykah Badu and the greatness of J Dilla and Common.

Bob Power (Episode 42, S3)

AJ Suede is this week's featured guest, who joins us for a career-spanning chat, exploring his early days, seminal moments, and the revelation that the baby featured in the iconic Def Squad logo was based on him! We also discuss collaborating with Televangel for one of his most searing and nuanced gems in his discography, 'Metatron's Cube

AJ Suede (Episode 43, S3)

This week –cult rapper, producer and multi-instrumentalist Rodney 'Godfather Don' Chapman is on the show. In this candid talk we explore Don's one-of-a-kind career, working with Kool Keith on The Cenobites LP, Hydra Entertainment and so much more, including the upcoming reissue of Hazardous and a collaborative project with Vijay Anderson.

Rodney 'Godfather Don' Chapman (Episode 47, S3)

The legendary DJ Q-Bert takes us inside the making and meaning of his psychedelic 'Origins (Wave Twisters 0)' and each of the album's 18 songs. Dive deep into the studio process and the Wave Twisters characters via this fascinating track-by-track breakdown!

DJ Q-Bert(Episode 48, S3)

Fliptrix takes us through his journey as a solo artist and the origins of the independent powerhouse that is High Focus Records. Join us as we pay tribute to one of UK's leading hip hop labels and dive into its historic contributions, meteoric rise, artists, and growing legacy in this deep-dive conversation!

Fliptrix (Episode 49, S3)

Defcee is many things— an artist, a technically adept MC, a writer's writer, a teacher, a father, and co-facilitator of Emcee Wreckshop. Fresh from his acclaimed 'For All Debts Public and Private' with BoatHouse, he joins us to unpack his process and discuss his incredible career and everything between on our FIFTIETH episode!

Defcee (Episode 50, S3)

We're joined by the garden state gargoyle Fatboi Sharif (+ Wavy Bagels) to chronicle the making of his dystopian and disruptive Cyber City Society EP with LoneSword. We also discuss the influence of cults, colours and Cronenberg in this very special season four premiere!

Fatboi Sharif and Wavy Bagels (Episode, 51, S4)

We're celebrating twenty years of David Simon’s original and uncompromising look into corruption and policing in Baltimore, The Wire. This week, we're joined by director Ernest Dickerson to discuss the lasting legacy and impact of HBO’s ground-breaking crime show with special guests: Skyzoo, A$AP Ant,  Kam Thandi (808 Crate Podcast), Dylan Green (Reel Notes, Pitchfork), Kennith B. Inge (Dead End Hip Hop), DJ Alkemy and Skarr Akbar! (WARNING: Contains spoilers)

Ernest Dickerson (Episode 52, S4)

This week we're joined by the generationally respected King Vision Ultra (Geng) for an extended edition of the pod. Producer, DJ, visual designer, archivist and teacher—we discuss his journey and the enduring legacy of PTP!

King Vision Ultra (Episode 53, S4)

We're celebrating the enduring legacy of the house that DJ Muggs built and looking back on thirty years of Soul Assassins—with producer and host of Shade-45's Soul Assassins Radio—Ernesto "Ern Dog" Medina

Ernesto "Ern Dog" Medina (Episode 54, S4)

This week, the enigmatic Billy Woods pulls back the curtain on his Preservation helmed opus–'Aethiopes'–and–gets candid about its creation. Raw, passionate, poetic and urgent: We dissect his most ambitious LP to date for a fascinating one-on-one chat!

Billy Woods (Episode 55, S4)

This episode, we're joined by creative director and designer Michelle Willems to bring her distinctive visions to life in a rare and intimate conversation. From concept and art direction for photo shoots, design direction for editorial, branding, advertising, and logos—Michelle's work has spanned generations and major brands in music, television and publishing. We discuss the curation and creation of several iconic album covers, including: De La Soul's 'Stakes Is High', Big L's 'Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous', Kool G Rap's '4, 5, 6', Prince Paul's 'Psychoanalysis: What Is It?!', Big Noyd's 'Episodes Of a Hustla', and more!

Michelle Willems (Episode 56, S4)

This week, two of the UK's most unique and foremost purveyors of grit and grace—Sonnyjim and The Purist —sit atop of the pod. On this episode we discuss the making of 'White Girl Wasted', collaborating with the likes of the late great MF DOOM, Madlib, and more!

Sonnyjim & The Purist (Episode 57, S4)

Producer L'Orange and rapper Solemn Brigham join us to discuss the creative foundations of their forthcoming album 'Marlowe 3', as well as their affinity for the people and places in UK that fuelled its making!

L'Orange & Solemn Brigham AKA Marlowe (Episode 58, S4)

The foremost expert of his craft, Homeboy Sandman joins your host Luke Bailey on this week's episode to discuss and premier songs from his forthcoming album with Decca: Still Champion.

Homeboy Sandman (Episode 59, S4)

Welcome to the first episode of Hip Hop Wales Cymru Podcast. This episode, Cardiff based DJ and producer, Jason "Jaffa" Farrell is our first honorary guest, joining us to discuss his unique journey and enduring career. Known for rocking jams during hip hop's earliest development, Jaffa leveraged his success as a local staple into a permanent position as one of Wales' most recognised DJ's today.

From recording with Jive Records as one half of Just The Duce, to attempting the world record for the longest continuous DJ marathon, to hosting a bi-weekly radio show, This That & The Third, Jaffa has remained a consistent force in hip hop for almost four decades.

Credits: Jason "DJ Jaffa" Farrell, Ed "Mr Phormula" Holden, Sophie "LilMiz" Barras, Jonathan "Johnny B" Burgess, Tom "Killer Tom" Clugston, Ben "DW Smith" Cook, Huw Stephens, Robert "Joe Blow" Picton, Terry "Rapster-Tee" Cooper, Jaya Had a Dream, Samuel "Mudmowth" Jones, Ricardo "DJ Comfort" Banks,  Kwam Chang, Mark "Bad Belly" Lang, Paul "Rollo", Motion Dance, Pete "Pedro", Joseph "Joe Dirt" Barker, Miles Day, Gem Squires, Dave Akton, Dek-Masha Slicer Man, Tom Wallace, Neil "DJ Lok" Archer, Roy "DJ Moneyshot" Spencer, MC Mercury, Kaptin Barrett.

Produced by: Dale Lewis and Luke Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media

Art direction: Lloyd Bailey

Special thanks to Matt "Junior Disprol" Herbert and Friendly Rich (The Tom Green Show)  

About: From the producers of Fly Fidelity comes a candid and celebratory history of Welsh Hip Hop—featuring long-form, neglected and under-documented tales from Wales. Hosted by Luke Bailey, Hip Hop Cymru Wales dives into the notable and nuanced evolution of Welsh hip hop history and its impact, exploring the intimate road map to an incredible and powerful culture, that's still enduring and changing lives today.

A live exhibition coming Summer 2023 at the National Museum Cardiff in partnership with Avant Cymru supported by Heritage Lottery Fund Wales and Great Western Railway

Fly Fidelity Presents: Hip Hop Cymru Wales (S1, Episode One Feat. DJ Jaffa)

Now known as Bad Meaning Good, the iconic turntablist formerly known as DJ Excel is the next guest to join this very special episode of Hip Hop Cymru Wales. We sat down with the five time DMC finalist to discuss over three decades of experience and iconic-battles, including the DMC Championships and Vestax, as well as inventing the Twiddle Scratch/Crab scratch, and more!

Credits: Miaer "Bad Meaning Good (fka DJ Excel)" Lloyd, Alfy "DJ Demo" Rossi, Richard "DJ Q-bert" Quitevis, John "Cutmaster Swift" Swift and Morgan Khan.

Produced by: Dale Lewis and Luke Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media

Art direction: Lloyd Bailey

Special thanks to Friendly Rich (The Tom Green Show)and DW Smith

About: From the producers of Fly Fidelity comes a candid and celebratory history of Welsh Hip Hop—featuring long-form, neglected and under-documented tales from Wales. Hosted by Luke Bailey, Hip Hop Cymru Wales dives into the notable and nuanced evolution of Welsh hip hop history and its impact, exploring the intimate road map to an incredible and powerful culture, that's still enduring and changing lives today.

A live exhibition coming Summer 2023 at the National Museum Cardiff in partnership with Avant Cymru supported by Heritage Lottery Fund Wales and Great Western Railway

Fly Fidelity Presents: Hip Hop Cymru Wales (S1, Episode Two Feat. DJ Excel nka Bad Meaning Good)

This week we are featuring a chat with former member of Headcase Ladz and Goatboy—Swansea based turntablist and producer Dek Masha Slicer Man. Known as a chief pioneer of hip-hop in Wales, Slicer has uncompromisingly revolutionised the scope and sound of Welsh rap permeating the Welsh musical landscape and beyond!  On this episode, we discuss his wonky and wonderful career and everything between!

Credits: Dek Masha-Slicer Man, Rhys "Eggsy" Hutchings, Alfy "DJ Demo" Rossi, Andy Cowan (Hip Hop Connection), Marcus "DJ Cuz" Wood and Kaptin Barrett.

Produced by: Dale Lewis and Luke Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media

Art direction: Lloyd Bailey

Special thanks to Friendly Rich (The Tom Green Show)

About: From the producers of Fly Fidelity comes a candid and celebratory history of Welsh Hip Hop—featuring long-form, neglected and under-documented tales from Wales. Hosted by Luke Bailey, Hip Hop Cymru Wales dives into the notable and nuanced evolution of Welsh hip hop history and its impact, exploring the intimate road map to an incredible and powerful culture, that's still enduring and changing lives today.

A live exhibition coming Summer 2023 at the National Museum Cardiff in partnership with Avant Cymru supported by Heritage Lottery Fund Wales and Great Western Railway

Fly Fidelity Presents Hip Hop Cymru Wales (S1, Episode Three Feat. Dek Masha Slicer - Man)

Within hip-hop DJing and turntablism circles Joel Lipman is a legend of epic proportions. DJ, producer, record-maker, Joel’s meticulous dedication to his craft stretches back to his role as a member of the crew of DJs – Optimas Prime – under the moniker Monkey. In this intimate conversation, we discuss his come up permeating hip hop in wales as one of the most skilled scratch DJ’s and making music today as Elmono.

Credits: Paul "DJ PR-1" Robles, Peter "Parker" Hall aka Neuropol, Marcus "DJ Cuz" Wood, Rob "Joe Blow" Picton, Matt "Junior Disprol" Herbert, and Alfred "Daedelus" Darlington

Produced by: Dale Lewis and Luke Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media

Art direction: Lloyd Bailey

Special thanks to Friendly Rich(The Tom Green Show) and Matt "Junior Disprol" Herbert

About: From the producers of Fly Fidelity comes a candid and celebratory history of Welsh Hip Hop—featuring long-form, neglected and under-documented tales from Wales. Hosted by Luke Bailey, Hip Hop Cymru Wales dives into the notable and nuanced evolution of Welsh hip hop history and its impact, exploring the intimate road map to an incredible and powerful culture that's still enduring and changing lives today.

A live exhibition coming Summer 2023 at the National Museum Cardiff in partnership with Avant Cymru supported by Heritage Lottery Fund Wales and Great Western Railway

Fly Fidelity Presents Hip Hop Cymru Wales (S1, Episode Four Feat. Monkey nka Elmono)

Cardiff-born producer and award winning turntablist Keltech opens up about his career on this week's episode. Take a trip down memory lane as we discuss how he got into both deejaying and producing, collaborating with Johnny B (Xenith), being one of the first turntablists to go viral in the UK, as well as his creative insights into his craft!

Credits: Jonathan "Johnny-B" Burgess, Sophie "Lil Miz" Barras, John "Cutmaster Swift" Swift,  Andy Cowan(Hip Hop Connection and Terry "Rapster Tee" Cooper.

Produced by: Dale Lewis and Luke Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media

Art direction: Lloyd Bailey

Special thanks to Friendly Rich(The Tom Green Show)

About: From the producers of Fly Fidelity comes a candid and celebratory history of Welsh Hip Hop—featuring long-form, neglected and under-documented tales from Wales. Hosted by Luke Bailey, Hip Hop Cymru Wales dives into the notable and nuanced evolution of Welsh hip hop history and its impact, exploring the intimate road map to an incredible and powerful culture that's still enduring and changing lives today.

A live exhibition coming Summer 2023 at the National Museum Cardiff in partnership with Avant Cymru supported by Heritage Lottery Fund Wales and Great Western Railway

Fly Fidelity Presents Hip Hop Cymru Wales (S1, Episode Five Feat. Keltech)

This week, DMC finalist DJ Killer Tomato discusses his journey as DJ, from house parties and clubs to touring with Skinnyman and Goldie Lookin' Chain to supporting Jay-Z and Beyonce at Cardiff’s principality stadium. We also reflect on his memories competing in the DMC Championships, crafting mixtapes , teaching Charlotte Church how to deejay, and more!

Credits:  Tom "Killer Tomato" Clugston, Joel "Elmono" Lipman, Peter "Parker" Hall aka Neuropol, Rhys "Eggsy" Hutchings and John "Cutmaster Swift" Swift 

Produced by: Dale Lewis and Luke Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media

Art direction: Lloyd Bailey

Special thanks to Friendly Rich(The Tom Green Show)

About: From the producers of Fly Fidelity comes a candid and celebratory history of Welsh Hip Hop—featuring long-form, neglected and under-documented tales from Wales. Hosted by Luke Bailey, Hip Hop Cymru Wales dives into the notable and nuanced evolution of Welsh hip hop history and its impact, exploring the intimate road map to an incredible and powerful culture that's still enduring and changing lives today.

A live exhibition coming Summer 2023 at the National Museum Cardiff in partnership with Avant Cymru supported by Heritage Lottery Fund Wales and Great Western Railway

Fly Fidelity Presents: Hip Hop Cymru Wales (S1, Episode Six Feat. DJ Killer Tomato)

This episode, we’re featuring TWO back-to-back conversations with art-rap royalty - Paul “Willie Green” Womack and Open Mike Eagle. We discuss and reflect on their process and releases in 2022, including ‘Aethiopes’, ‘I Told Bessie’, ‘A Tape Called Component System With The Auto Reverse’, and more!

Willie Green & Open Mike Eagle(Episode 60, S4)

Duncan Trussell, comedian and co-creator of THE MIDNIGHT GOSPEL joins us to discuss working with Pendleton Ward, writing and directing Clancy, Netflix, Buddhist folk-tales, the tibetans yoga of dreaming and sleep, world peace and more!

Duncan Trussell (Episode 3)

In his second appearance on Fly Fidelity, Duncan Trussell joins us to discuss his relationship with meditation during a pandemic, The Midnight Gospel, online toxicity and digital hygiene, the importance of paying tribute and the disciplic succession, nostalgia, comedy, and more!

Duncan Trussell (Episode 5)

Hosted by Luke Bailey, The Fly Fidelity Podcast is a weekly podcast featuring thoughtful, layered, nuanced and authentic conversations with fascinating guests from hip hop and beyond. Produced by Luke Bailey & Dale Lewis for Fly Fidelity Media

The Fly Fidelity Podcast

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