Writer and musician Jason King sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss the Sylvester live album Living Proof. We talk about Sylvester's vision of wholeness and sharing good vibes, the countless gorgeous moments captured in the live setting, and the medley of genres he blended together. Please stick around to the end of the episode to hear a snippet of our past conversation with Shea Serrano about DMX. Rest in Power.More on Jason KingJason in conversation with Dua Lipa (NPR Music)Check out Jason's work with PitchforkTwitter | InstagramMore on SylvesterLove Me Like You Should: The Brave and Bold Sylvester (Amazon Music)The Extraordinary Musical Legacy of Sylvester (The Guardian)Bigger Than Disco, 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' Is A Celebration Of Self (NPR)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Living Proof unless otherwise indicated):Overture - LiveHappiness - Live Sylvester: You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)Sylvester: Over and OverLover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?) - LiveHerbie Hancock: Magic NumberLover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?) - LiveSharing Something Perfect Between  Ourselves - LiveBody Strong - LiveSylvester: FeverMedley: LiveBlackbird: LiveYou Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) - LiveBlackbird - LiveSharing Something Perfect Between Ourselves - LiveYou Are My Friend - LiveMedley - LiveDance (Disco Heat) - LiveYou Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)Sylvester: I Need Somebody to Love TonightPatrick Cowley & Sylvester: Do You Wanna Funk?Sylvester & The Hot Band: A Whiter Shade of PaleSylvester: Be With YouHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

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Jason King on Sylvester's "Living Proof" (1979)

Producer and DJ The Twilite Tone sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Stevie Wonder's 1980 comeback album, Hotter Than July. We get into Stevie's foray into country western and reggae, his return to All I Do, a song he cowrote over a decade prior as a teenager, and the impact Disco Demolition Night had on black music.  More on The Twilite ToneDo It Properly music videoTwilite Tone @ Vinyl FactoryTwitter | InstagramMore on Hotter Than JulyMaster Blaster (Jammin') Live in 1980KCRW's piece on Stevie Wonder's comeback in 1980The Making of ‘Hotter than July,’ The Album That Revived Stevie Wonder’s Career (Okayplayer)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Hotter Than July unless otherwise indicated):Cash In Your FaceRocket LoveThe Twilite Tone: Do It ProperlyStevie Wonder: FingertipsAll I DoDo Like YouAs If You Read My MindI Ain't Gonna Stand For ItMaster Blaster (Jammin')I Ain't Gonna Stand For ItHappy BirthdayAs If You Read My MindMaster Blaster (Jammin')Tammi Terrell: All I Do Is Think About YouAll I DoLatelyRocket LoveDo Like YouCash In Your FaceHappy BirthdayAs If You Read My MindLatelySyreeta: Cause We've Ended As LoversDonny Hathaway & Roberta Flack: You Are My Heaven Gary Byrd & The GB Experience: The CrownLogg: Lay It On The LineHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! 

The Twilite Tone on Stevie Wonder's "Hotter Than July" (1980)

Multi-instrumentalist & songwriter Xenia Rubinos joins Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Abbey Lincoln's underrated jazz LP, Abbey is Blue. We discuss Abbey's melancholy voice, her work in the civil rights movement, and how her work has influenced Xenia's own music.More on Xenia RubinosCheck out Xenia's newest music video "Did My Best"BandcampTwitter | InstagramMore on Abbey LincolnMax Roach & Abbey Lincoln performing live in 1964Abbey Lincoln: The Power Of Voice (NPR)How it Feels to be Free (PBS)Show Tracklisting (all songs from Abbey is Blue unless otherwise indicated):Softly, As In A Morning SunriseCome SundayXenia Rubinos: Lonely LoverLost In The StarsMax Roach & Abbey Lincoln: Triptych: Prayer/Protest/PeaceBrother Where are You?Afro Blue Thursday's ChildLaugh, Clown, LaughLost In The StarsXenia Rubinos: Laugh ClownLet UpLong As You're LivingMongo Santamaria: Afro BlueAfro BlueLonely HouseLet UpLonely HouseLaugh, Clown, LaughCome SundayLong As You're LivingLaugh, Clown, LaughMax Roach & Abbey Lincoln: Driva' ManNina Simone: I Loves Your PorgyCharles Mingus: Fables of FaubusDuke Ellington: Warm ValleyHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Xenia Rubinos on Abbey Lincoln's "Abbey is Blue" (1959)

This week marks the 17th anniversary of Madvillainy and we invited A&R man and producer Dante Ross to discuss working with KMD, Dumile's move from Zev Love X to MF DOOM, and the stories behind the production of Mr. Hood and Black Bastards. Buckle up, we go deep on this one. Rest in power, VillainMore on Dante RossDante on NPR's Mic CheckCheck out Dante's legendary discographyTwitter | InstagramMore on DOOMALL CAPS: The Legacy of MF DOOM, Rap’s Greatest Supervillain (Mancunion)The Wondrous Rhymes of MF DOOM (The New Yorker)For DOOM by Open Mike EagleShow Tracklisting:MF DOOM: FigaroGrand Puba: 360° (What Goes Around) - SD50 Remix3rd Bass: The Gas Face KMD: PeachfuzzKMD: Boy Who Cried WolfKMD: PeachfuzzKMD: Bananapeel BluesKMD: HumrushLittle Wink & Eddie's 25th Century Band: PeacockKMD: Soulflexin'KMD: F*@# Wit' Ya Head!!KMD: Get-U-NowKain: I Ain't BlackKMD: Black Bastards!KMD: Constipated MonkeyShazzy: GigahoeBrand Nubian: Wake Up - Stimulated Dummies MixEverlast: What It's LikeGrand Puba: Step to the RearKMD: Plummskinz (Loose Hoe, God and Cupid)KMD: Black Bastards! KMD: What A N**** Know - Q3 VersionKMD: What A N**** Know?KMD: Sweet Premium WineThe Five Stairsteps: New Dance CrazeKMD: Sweet Premium WineKMD: Suspended AnimationMF DOOM: Rhymes Like DimesMadvillain: Meat GrinderMadvillain: All CapsMadvillain: AccordionMadvillain: Rhinestone CowboyMadvillain: All CapsMF DOOM & Ghostface Killah: Lively HoodMadvillain: RainbowsMF DOOM: Rap Snitch Knishes MF DOOM: Hoe CakesMF DOOM: PotholderzMF DOOM: LIGHTWORKSHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

MF DOOM Special with Dante Ross

DJ and record collector Megan Pattison AKA DJ Mamabear sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Teena Marie's It Must Be Magic. They get into Teena's growth as an artist and producer, the growing rift between her and Motown Records, and how roller skating was the best way to get into new musicMore on Megan PattisonCheck out DJ Mamabear's mixes on DublabSweaterfunk on SoundCloudInstagram | TwitterMore on Teena MarieTeena Marie: An Accidental Hero to Fellow Artists (The Wrap)Teena on American BandstandShow Tracklisting (all songs from It Must Be Magic unless otherwise indicated)The Ballad of Cradle Rob and MeRevolutionVaughan Mason & Crew: Bounce, Rock, Skate, RollIt Must Be MagicTeena Marie: Lovergirl365Opus III (Does Anybody Care)Square Biz - Instrumental - 12" B SideRevolutionPortuguese LoveWhere's California7 Days of Funk: Let It GoIt Must Be MagicSquare BizIt Must Be Magic365 Yes IndeedWhere's CaliforniaSquare BizChange: Hold TightAnnette Peacock: PonyOzone: (Our Hearts) Will Always ShineOzone: Strutt My ThangHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Megan Pattison on Teena Marie's "It Must Be Magic" (1981)

Writer and DJ Sheila Burgel sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss The Ronettes' Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica. We talk about impact of girl groups through the decades, the "wall of sound" formula, and the influence of girl groups across the globe.More on Sheila BurgelCheck out Sophisticated Boom Boom on WFMUSheila's astonishing record collection (Dust & Grooves)Website More on The RonettesIt's Time To Recognize The Ronettes As Rock And Roll Pioneers (NPR)Classic Tracks: The Ronettes 'Be My Baby' (Sound On Sound)The Ronettes on American BandstandShow Tracklisting (all songs from  Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica unless otherwise indicated):Chapel of LoveBaby, I Love YouAmy Winehouse: Back to BlackBLACKPINK: Ice CreamBe My BabyWhat I'd Say(The Best Part Of) Breakin' UpI WonderDo I Love You?So Young You BabyC. Jérôme: Da Dou Ron RonEiichi Ohtaki: Kimiwa TennenshokuAdrienne Posta: Shang A Doo LangThe Pipettes: Because It's Not Love (But It's Still A Feeling)Walking in the Rain(The Best Part Of) Breakin' UpBaby, I Love YouBe My BabyHow Does It FeelWhen I Saw YouBe My BabyThe Shangri-Las: Give Him A Great Big KissLaura Nyro & Labelle: The BellsThe Dixie Cups: I'm Gonna Get You YetReparata and the Delrons: I Can Hear The RainLesley Gore: You Don't Own Me  Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Sheila Burgel on The Ronettes' "Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica" (1964)

It doesn't get much more classic than this, John Coltrane's A Love Supreme is a bonafide heat rock. Musician/DJ Jeff Parker sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss this truly iconic album, it's unexpected gospel leanings, and the intentionality behind every aspect of this album.More on JeffNPR's Fresh Air discusses Jeff's album Suite for Max BrownJeff Parker Collaboration with Artist Harold MendezTwitter | InstagramMore on A Love SupremeThe Story of A Love Supreme (NPR)Seeing Through A Love Supreme to Find John Coltrane (The New Yorker)A Love Supreme's entry in the Library of CongressShow tracklisting (all songs from A Love Supreme unless otherwise indicated):A Love Supreme Pt. I - AcknowledgmentA Love Supreme Pt. IV - PsalmTortoise: TNTJeff Parker: Fusion SwirlA Love Supreme Pt. II ResolutionA Love Supreme Pt. IV - PsalmJohn Coltrane: AlabamaA Love Supreme Pt. I - AcknowledgmentA Love Supreme Pt. III - PursuanceA Love Supreme Pt. IV - PsalmA Love Supreme Pt. III - PursuanceA Love Supreme Pt. IV - PsalmA Love Supreme Pt. I - AcknowledgmentA Love Supreme Pt. II - ResolutionA Love Supreme Pt. I - AcknowledgmentA Love Supreme Pt. II - ResolutionA Love Supreme Pt. IV - PsalmDuke Ellington & John Coltrane: In A Sentimental MoodAlice Coltrane: The SunJohn Coltrane: SpiralHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Jeff Parker on John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" (1965)

Singer/songwriter Samm Henshaw  sits down with us remotely to discuss Kirk Franklin's gospel masterpiece, The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin. The blending of secular music and gospel, Kirk Franklin's role in the gospel music scene, and how his own work has been influenced by Kirk's work.More on Samm HenshawCheck out Samm's new single All GoodInstagram | WebsiteMore on Kirk FranklinKirk's Tiny Desk Concert The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin LiveShow Tracklisting (all songs from The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin unless otherwise indicated):When I Get ThereSamm Henshaw: ChurchSamm Henshaw: BrokeKirk Franklin: Why We SingLauryn Hill: Joyful JoyfulKirk Franklin: Stomp (Remix)Funkadelic: One Nation Under A GrooveHe Reigns/Awesome GodIntroHosannaDon't CryMy Life, My Love, My AllWhen I Get ThereThe Blood SongSamm Henshaw: All GoodHosannaBrighter DayDon't CryCaught UpIntro911HosannaMy Life, My Love, My AllDon't CryKirk Frankin: Declaration (This Is It!)Charles May & Annette May Thomas: Keep My Baby WarmKirk Franklin: Silver and GoldHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! 

Samm Henshaw on Kirk Franklin's "The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin" (2002)

We wrap up another edition of Take Two and discuss Mary J Blige's debut album What's The 411? We get into Mary's role in hip-hop soul, the story of Uptown Records, and Mary's image at the time. More on NaimaCheck out #MusicSermonNaima’s chat with the National Museum of African American MusicTwitter | InstagramMore on What's the 411?Mary J. Blige, 'What's The 411?' at 20: Classic Track-By-Track Review (Billboard)‘What’s The 411?’: When Hip-Hop And R&B Collided On Mary J. Blige’s Debut (uDiscoverMusic)Show Tracklisting (all songs from What's the 411? unless otherwise indicated):Slow DownWhat's The 411?Lil Louis: Club Lonely (I'm On The Guest List Mix)My LoveReal LoveLeave A MessageLove No LimitMariah Carey: EmotionsShanice: I Love Your SmileTracie Spencer: Tender KissesLisa Fischer: How Can I Ease The PainReal LoveReminisceLove No LimitIntro TalkI Don't Want To Do AnythingLove No LimitChanges I've Been Going ThroughYou Don't Have To WorryWhat's the 411?Leave A MessageAudio Two: Top Billin'Real LoveReminisceChanges I've Been Going ThroughIntro: Ribbon in the SkyGuy: Do Me RightSWV: Anything - Old Skool Radio VersionHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Take Two #8: Mary J Blige's "What's the 411?" with Naima Cochrane

Take Two is back again with another couple of iconic albums from an iconic artist. This time, Morgan is talking about Mary J Blige's album "Mary" with music industry vet Naima Cochrane. We get into Mary's shift in tone on this album, the production and talent behind the scenes, and what Mary means to New York.More on NaimaCheck out #MusicSermonNaima's chat with the National Museum of African American MusicTwitter | InstagramMore on Mary20 Years Later: A Look Back on Mary J Blige's "Mary" AlbumThe Making of "Mary"Show Tracklisting (all songs from Mary unless otherwise indicated):Give Me YouTimeFather MC: I'll Do 4 UDestiny's Child: Jumpin' Jumpin'Mariah Carey: HeartbreakerMissy Elliott: She's A BitchMacy Gray: I TryAll That I Can SaySexyDeep InsideI'm In LoveThe Love I Never HadYour ChildAll That I Can SayThe Love I Never HadBeautiful OneThe Love I Never HadI'm In LoveLet No Man Put AsunderGretchen Parlato: All That I Can SayGretchen Parlato: WeakNot LookinBeautiful OnesMary J Blige: My Life (Live)Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Take Two #7: Mary J Blige's "Mary" with Naima Cochrane

In honor of J Dilla's birthday, we've put together a medley episode featuring our conversations on Donuts and Fantastic, Vol. 2 with Nate Patrin and Dan Charnas, respectively. Happy Birthday Jay Dee, we miss you.If you like these snippets, please check out our full episodes in the archives!Show TracklistingJ Dilla: Two Can WinPharcyde: DropSlum Village: PlayersErykah Badu: Kiss Me On My NeckJ Dilla: One For GhostPharcyde: She Said (Remix)Motherlode: When I DieJ Dilla: Donuts (Intro)J Dilla: Waves10cc: Johnny Don't Do ItThe Isley Brothers: Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time For Love) Pts. 1 & 2J Dilla: ByeJ Dilla: So Far To GoTarika Blue: DreamflowerErykah Badu: Didn't Cha KnowJ Dilla: WorkinonitGalt MacDermot: Golden Apples Pt. IIJ Dilla: MashJ Dilla: Geek DownThe Jimi Entley Sound: Charlie's ThemeJackson 5: All I Do Is Think Of YouJ Dilla: Time: The Donut of the HeartJ Dilla: Don't CryJ Dilla: U-LoveSlum Village: CB4Prince: Lady Cab DriverLittle Beaver: A Tribute to WesSlum Village: Conant GardensThe Singers Unlimited: ClairSugarhill Gang: Rapper's DelightSlum Village: PlayersSlum Village: Hold TightSlum Village: Forth and Back (original version)Slum Village Get Dis MoneyHerbie Hancock: Come Running to MeSlum Village:: JealousySlum Village: Untitled/FantasticSlum Village: I Don't KnowBaden Powell: É Isso AíSlum Village: Fall In LoveGap Mangione: Diana In The Autumn WindSlum Village: Fall In LoveHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

J Dilla Special

In January 1960, 22 year-old Etta James began recording her debut album, At Last!  It would go on to be her best selling record and the title track is undoubtedly one of the greatest songs ever to be put on wax.  Etta lived the blues and effortlessly moved through pop, R&B, and rock. She went on to release countless more records, but never reached the commercial success of At Last, partially due to the changing musical landscape and her struggles with addiction throughout her life.Singer/songwriter Valerie June sits down with us to talk about the legacy of Etta James, what separated Etta's voice from her contemporaries, and how khakis introduced Oliver to an Etta classic. More on Valerie JuneCheck out Valerie's new track "Call Me A Fool"Valerie's Tiny Desk ConcertTwitter | InstagramMore on Etta JamesEtta live at Montreux 1975Etta's interview on Fresh AirShow Tracklisting (all songs from At Last! unless otherwise indicated):At LastMy Heart CriesValerie June: You Can't Be ToldGirl of My DreamsIt's A Crying ShameTrust In MeAretha Franklin & Lou Rawls: At LastAretha Franklin: Skylark (Alternate Version)Valerie June: Workin' Woman BluesEtta James: I'd Rather Go Blind (Live at Montreux)Valerie June: Cosmic DancerAll I Could Do Was CryA Sunday Kind of LoveAt LastA Sunday Kind of LoveAnything to Say You're MineIf I Can't Have YouTough MaryAt LastEtta James: The Sound of LoveEtta James & Sugar Pie DeSanto: In The BasementEtta James: Champagne & WineHere is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Valerie June on Etta James' "At Last!" (1960)

There's a certain lo-fi feel to Jungle Brothers' debut effort, Straight Out The Jungle.  The group made the record at home using early sampling technology, but its influence is undeniable. It brought together house music, jazz, and hip-hop, and marked the beginning of the Native Tongues family. Groups like De La Soul and ATCQ would become the biggest members of the collective, but don't sleep on this heater. Record  producer Salaam Remi sits down with us to chat about the JB's place in the Native Tongues family, the countless flipped samples throughout the record, and his personal journey as a super producer.More on SalaamSalaam on NPR MusicSalaam's interview with The Breakfast ClubWebsite | TwitterMore on Jungle BrothersJungle Brothers’ Debut Album ‘Straight Out the Jungle’ Turns 30 (Albumism)Music video for Straight Out The JungleThe Source's retrospective on Straight Out The JungleShow Tracklisting (all songs from Straight Out The Jungle unless otherwise indicated):Jimmy's Bonus BeatJimbrowskiOn The RunBehind the BushSlick RIck: Children's StoryMC Lyte: Paper ThinEPMD: You Gots To ChillBig Daddy Kane: Ain't No Half Steppin'Braggin' and Boastin'The Magictones: Good Old MusicJimbrowskiSly & The Family Stone: You Can Make It If You TryBecause I Got It Like ThatIsaac Hayes: JoyBehind the BushThe Meters: Groovy LadyI'm Gonna Do YouThe Meters: Rigor MortisI'm Gonna Do YouMandrill: Mango MeatStraight Out The JungleMarshall Jackson: Move Your BodyI'll House YouSuper Cat: Ghetto Red Hot (Remix)Lou Donaldson: It's Your ThingDe La Soul: Bitties In The BK LoungePoor Righteous Teachers: ShakiylaSuper Cat: Ghetto Red Hot (Remix)Because I Got It Like ThatBehind The BushI'm Gonna Do YouBecause I Got It Like ThatOn The RunStraight Out The JungleQueen Latifah: Come Into My HouseKMD: PeachfuzzChill Rob G: Court Is Now In Session Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on thereIf you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!

Salaam Remi on Jungle Brothers' "Straight Out The Jungle" (1988)

Scorching guests and sizzling records: join music writer Oliver Wang and music supervisor Morgan Rhodes each week as they invite their favorite artists, critics and scholars for in-depth conversations about the albums that shape our lives. Each week our special guests will take you deep into their heat rocks from the world of hip-hop, soul, dance, jazz, funk and more. Get with us!

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Heat Rocks

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