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

Brooklyn, New York City. Home of fancy coffee shops, expensive condominiums, and trendy neighborhoods. But in 1995, Brooklyn was not synonymous for “gentrification.” Back then, Rudy Giuliani was Mayor of New York and he was in the midst of a serious war against crime. In 1995, Giuliani’s New York registered its lowest crime rate since the 1970s. From 1,156 homicides then to roughly 300 homicides now, the Big Apple has come a long way.

In the heart of Brooklyn stood the “Doghilee,” stomping ground for the crew known as the Boot Camp Clik. BCC, which helped spearhead New York’s hardcore rap scene, 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.

Released January 10, 1995, Dah Shinin 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.

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. Special thanks to Dru Ha and Duck Down Records for the love.

"You Must Learn" was recorded in your mothers 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 2 - Smif N Wessun - Dah Shinin'

You. Must. Learn.

An audio-documentary experience 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. 

Remember: You. Must. Learn.

Produced & Edited by: @peteroasis 

Executive Producer: Evan Auerbach of @UpNorthTrips

Written By: @dharmicx

The Voice of YML: @SoulKhan 

Intro: @DjFlipout



YouMustLearn

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