Best Hip Hop Foundation Podcasts (2025)

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Technoroll 1.16: The Acid House Revolution Shakes the UK to its Foundations 45:41

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2d ago45:41

45:41

Today hosts Nate Wilcox and Ryan Harkness continue their discussion of “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life - The History of the Disc Jockey” by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton. This week’s episode focuses on Ibiza and the unique Balearic sub-genre it spawned as well as Belgian new beat and other Euro dance trends of the late 80s. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GO TO THE…

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Special Guest - Iwan Rheon 37:47

6d ago37:47

37:47

🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥 In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen sits down with the multitalented Iwan Rheon—actor, musician, and singer-songwriter—to talk about his deep love of music and his brand-new album. Known to many for his powerful performances in shows like Game of Thrones and Misfits, Iwan is just as passionate about musi…

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Technoroll 1.15: Ibiza's Balearic Beat Modeled Modern Dance Music in the 1980s 43:31

6d ago43:31

43:31

Today hosts Nate Wilcox and Ryan Harkness continue their discussion of “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life - The History of the Disc Jockey” by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton. This week’s episode focuses on Ibiza and the unique Balearic sub-genre it spawned as well as Belgian new beat and other Euro dance trends of the late 80s. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GO TO THE …

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"Jaws in Space" 20:26

6d ago20:26

20:26

Do you know the story behind the most famous pitch in film history? It was for 1979's Alien. Legend has it, the screenwriters told the studio heads three words: "Jaws in space." The power of the pitch is clear, and there will be a workshop during the Plaza Classic Film Festival to help writers finesse that much-needed skill. El Paso Film Commission…

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Technoroll 1.14: Trance Connected Berlin with Goa, India 45:17

9d ago45:17

45:17

Hosts Nate Wilcox and Ryan Harkness continue their discussion of “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life - The History of the Disc Jockey” by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton. This week’s episode focuses on the birth of trance music and the cross-pollination between Berlin and Goa, India that made it happen. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GO TO THE LET IT ROLL SUBSTACK TO HEAR …

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Special Guest - Blue Foundation 33:15

13d ago33:15

33:15

🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥 In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen sits down with the incredibly talented Tobias Wilner from the acclaimed band Blue Foundation. Known for their cinematic blend of dream pop, electronica, and indie rock, Blue Foundation’s haunting soundscapes have featured in major films like Twilight and Miami Vice, as…

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A Night at the Museum(s) 30:50

13d ago30:50

30:50

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. As part of a massive collaborative effort, the Plaza Classic Film Festival is teaming up with FIVE of El Paso's museums to showcase "Hollywood Goes to War," the festival's major theme commemorating the anniversary. Podcast hosts Stephanie Valle and Lisa Elliott are joined in studio by repr…

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Technoroll 13: The Belleville Three Create Techno in Detroit 47:05

16d ago47:05

47:05

Hosts Nate Wilcox and Ryan Harkness continue their discussion of “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life - The History of the Disc Jockey” by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton. This week’s episode focuses on the Belleville Three (Juan Atkins, Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson), the "Belleville Fourth" Eddie Fowlkes, the Electrofying Mojo and the birth of Techno…

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Technoroll 12: Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy and the Birth of House Music in Chicago 49:00

16d ago49:00

49:00

Hosts Nate Wilcox and Ryan Harkness continue their discussion of “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life - The History of the Disc Jockey” by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton. This week’s episode focuses on Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy and the birth of House Music in Chicago (and don't forget the Hotmix 5). ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GO TO THE LET IT ROLL SUBSTACK TO HEAR THE …

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Ep. 117-Humble beginnings—my conversation with Oscar-winning director Guy Nattiv 57:56

17d ago57:56

57:56

Guy Nattiv—the Israeli-born director, producer, and screenwriter—won an Oscar in 2019 for his short film Skin. His latest release, Tatami, is out now in select theaters. In this episode, we speak about the subject matter of Skin, his filmmaking process, and the impact it had on him and on the actors. It's a highly unconventional story of revenge, m…

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Special Guest - Dunstan Bruce / Chumbawamba 1:02:28

20d ago1:02:28

1:02:28

🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥 In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen is joined by the one and only Dunstan Bruce—former frontman of Chumbawamba and the creative mind behind the powerful one-man show and documentary, "I Get Knocked Down." Dunstan has spent decades challenging the status quo through music, activism, and storytelling. From…

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From BlacKkKansman to the Hip Hop Cop 28:14

20d ago28:14

28:14

El Pasoan Ron Stallworth had an eventful career in law enforcement. He helped sabotage KKK activities in Colorado Springs as an undercover member of the Klan, and he also uncovered Bloods and Crips activity in Salt Lake City's Mormon Country. His true life stories are more fascinating than fiction, prompting screenwriters to bring his published mem…

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Live Show - Artists Starting With The Letter J 49:26

27d ago49:26

49:26

Welcome to Off The Beat & Track Podcast with me Stu Whiffen. This episode is the 20th of a series of online live shows with our Patreons. On this episode i chat to them about artists beginning with the letter J, this is an unstructured and fun chat. Hope you enjoy this chat and if you do please feel free to support the podcast here https://supporte…

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"The Empire Strikes Back" 22:58

27d ago22:58

22:58

The sequel to the Star Wars, the 1977 sci-fi film that defined the genre and shaped a generation, is blasting its way onto the Plaza Classic Film Festival schedule this summer. Jaime Mendez, a member of the film festival's advisory committee and an avid Star Wars fan, joins Lisa Elliott and Stephanie Valle to convince them -- and all of you -- that…

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Technoroll 11: Larry Levan Kept the Dance Music Torch Burning at the Paradise Garage 47:47

1M ago47:47

47:47

Hosts Nate Wilcox and Ryan Harkness continue their discussion of “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life - The History of the Disc Jockey” by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton. This week’s episode focuses on Larry Levan, his club the Paradise Garage and the post-disco genre named for it. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GO TO THE LET IT ROLL SUBSTACK TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ …

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Special Guest - Gaz Whelan (Happy Mondays) 54:43

1M ago54:43

54:43

🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥 In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen sits down with the legendary Gaz Whelan, drummer and founding member of the iconic Happy Mondays. As part of one of the most influential bands to emerge from the Madchester scene, Gaz helped shape a sound that fused acid house, indie rock, and psychedelia—forever chang…

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The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ 26:08

1M ago26:08

26:08

Do you remember when the Mighty Wurlitzer organ was encased in glass near the food court in Sunland Park Mall? That was just one unlikely stop before the classic instrument returned to its home in the Plaza Theatre. Gary L. Williams, the Vice President of Programs for the El Paso Community Foundation, and Richard Garven, Organist-Choirmaster Emerit…

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Technoroll 10: Afrika Bambaataa Distils Electro and Hip-Hop Matures in the Recording Studio 45:54

1M ago45:54

45:54

Today Nate and Ryan are joined by hip-hop ringer Steve Juon continue their discussion of “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life - The History of the Disc Jockey” by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton. This week’s episode focuses on hip hop’s transition to records with the Sugarhill Gang, Afrika Bambaataa’s epic “Planet Rock” and how hip hop morphed from mus…

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Ep. 116-Healing rituals—my conversation with Naïssam Jalal 1:57:38

1M ago1:57:38

1:57:38

My guest for this episode is flautist, vocalist, and composer Naïssam Jamal. Born in Paris to Syrian parents, she entered a conservatory at age six to study classical flute. We discuss her early life in Paris and issues surrounding her cultural background; she talks about her experiences in the conservatory and her subsequent travels throughout the…

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Special Guest - Ditz 52:48

1M ago52:48

52:48

Welcome to Off The Beat and Track, the iTunes chart-topping podcast where host Stu Whiffen delves deep into the world of music, culture, and life stories with some of the most influential figures in the industry. In this special episode, we are thrilled to welcome special guest Ditz. Ditz is an explosive post-punk band known for their intense live …

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No-no-no-Notorious 25:51

1M ago25:51

25:51

The Master of Suspense is making his mark on the Plaza Classic Film Festival once again. Alfred Hitchcock's Notorious (1946), featuring Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant, will screen during the festival, which takes over Downtown El Paso July 17-27, 2025. The festival Advisory Committee's Hitchcock expert, Leanne von Mittenwald, joins podcast hosts Lis…

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AIN'T NO PRESIDENTS: A RICHMOND VA STORY 10:18

1M ago10:18

10:18

JayQuan explores the Richmond VA musical sound bed behind Jay=Z's debut single. Support the showBy JayQuan

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Technoroll 9: Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, & Afrika Bambaataa Invent Hip-Hop 48:40

1M ago48:40

48:40

Nate and Ryan get back to their discussion of “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life - The History of the Disc Jockey” by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton. This week’s episode focuses on the birth of hip-hop in the Bronx and the Holy Trinity: DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa. ⁠⁠⁠GO TO THE LET IT ROLL SUBSTACK TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE⁠⁠…

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Special Guest - Ian Prowse 57:23

2M ago57:23

57:23

🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥 In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen sits down with the brilliant Ian Prowse—singer-songwriter and frontman of Amsterdam and Pele. A true troubadour of British music, Ian has spent decades crafting powerful, heartfelt songs that blend rock, folk, and Celtic influences. With a career spanning from the anth…

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"Her Husband's Trademark" 28:03

2M ago28:03

28:03

A silent film that partly takes place in the Borderland is making its Plaza Classic Film Festival debut this summer. When "Her Husband's Trademark" lights up the Plaza Theatre screen on July 27, it will feature something it didn't have when it premiered in 1922: an original score. You could say this moment was over 100 years in the making. But in a…

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EP. 143 - Jazz With Father Doran 1:20:15

2M ago1:20:15

1:20:15

Digging deep into the NAMM Oral History collection, our podcast team unearthed some remarkable jazz treasures we’re excited to share with you! In this special episode, we’re joined by Father Doran Stambaugh, priest at St. Michael’s Church in Carlsbad and host of a unique weekly jazz service called Evening Song. Together, we’ll explore powerful inte…

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EP. 142 - Peter Yarrow 1:22:38

2M ago1:22:38

1:22:38

Folk singer-songwriter and one-third of the legendary group Peter, Paul and Mary, Peter Yarrow, passed away earlier this year. In honor of his memory and his profound contributions to music, we’re reposting the podcast episode of Peter's full NAMM Oral History interview we conducted with him in June 2017. We remain grateful for the time he shared w…

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Technoroll 8: Before Hip-Hop Disco DJ's Like Grandmaster Flowers & DJ Hollywood Set the Stage 46:14

2M ago46:14

46:14

Today Nate and Ryan pause their discussion of “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life - The History of the Disc Jockey” by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton to welcome a special guest, hip hop writer Steve Juon. Together, they take a look at the documentary “Founding Fathers of Hip Hop” which fills in some important gaps in the story -- namely what were str…

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Ep. 115-Reflection of another self—my conversation with Milena Casado 1:01:38

2M ago1:01:38

1:01:38

In this episode, I talk with the talented trumpeter, composer, and arranger Milena Casado. Born and raised in Spain, she’s a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, where she honed her skills working with amazing teachers. She shares about growing up in a small village town, looking different from other members of that community; about meeting he…

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Special Guest - Saul Adamczewski (Fat White Family / Insecure Men) 29:46

2M ago29:46

29:46

🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥 In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen sits down with the brilliant Saul Adamczewski—musician, songwriter, and creative force behind Fat White Family and Insecure Men. Known for his raw, unpredictable energy and boundary-pushing songwriting, Saul has been a key figure in the UK’s underground music scene. Fr…

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Technoroll 7: Hi-NRG Kept the Dance Going In the Early 80's 43:42

2M ago43:42

43:42

Hosts Nate Wilcox and Ryan Harkness continue their discussion of “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life - The History of the Disc Jockey” by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton with a look at how Hi-NRG, the sound that emerged in the post-disco backlash club scenes of London, San Francisco and New York, spawned the most successful production/songwriting team…

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Technoroll 5: Disco Begins In New York 42:30

2M ago42:30

42:30

Nate Wilcox and Ryan Harkness continue their discussion of “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life - The History of the Disc Jockey” by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton. Today's topic is the early days of disco in New York when an innovative wave of DJs like David Mancuso and Francis Grasso created a dancer’s utopia in Manhattan. ⁠GO TO THE LET IT ROLL SUB…

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Ep. 114-Space-age Africans—my conversation with Ankh West 2:27:43

2M ago2:27:43

2:27:43

In this episode, I talk with Ankh West, a science advocate who focuses on scientific literacy within the African-American community. Science, he explains, can be a tool for promoting rigorous academic standards within institutions. He talks about the importance of peer-reviewed scholarship, archaeological data, and linguistic research. Among his pr…

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Special Guest - Jonny Polonsky 49:05

2M ago49:05

49:05

Welcome to Off The Beat and Track, the iTunes chart-topping podcast where host Stu Whiffen delves deep into the world of music, culture, and life stories with some of the most influential figures in the industry. In this special episode, we are thrilled to welcome special guest Jonny Polonsky. Jonny Polonsky is a critically acclaimed singer-songwri…

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Technoroll 6: Disco Blows Up in the Late 70's 43:42

2M ago43:42

43:42

Today Nate and Ryan continue their discussion of “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life - The History of the Disc Jockey” by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton with a look at the high water mark of disco -- Studio 54, Saturday Night Fever, the Bee Gees and the backlash. GO TO THE LET IT ROLL SUBSTACK TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE⁠⁠ -- The final 15 minutes of thi…

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1978's "ENTERPRISE" FROM THE 'RUNAWAYS' SOUNDTRACK: THE FIRST RAP RECORD? 16:36

2M ago16:36

16:36

JayQuan explores 1978's "Runaways" and its place in the Rap discography. Support the showBy JayQuan

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Special Guest - Harry Shotta 1:01:07

2M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

🔥 Welcome to Off The Beat and Track! 🔥 In this special episode, host Stu Whiffen sits down with the incredible Harry Shotta—one of the most electrifying and technically gifted MCs in drum & bass, grime, and hip-hop. Renowned for his rapid-fire delivery, record-breaking bars, and high-energy performances, Harry has solidified himself as a heavyweigh…

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Special Guest - Rum Jungle 34:56

3M ago34:56

34:56

Welcome to Off The Beat and Track, the iTunes chart-topping podcast where host Stu Whiffen delves deep into the world of music, culture, and life stories with some of the most influential figures in the industry. In this special episode, we are stoked to welcome the incredible Rum Jungle as our guests. Hailing from Australia, Rum Jungle have been m…