MusicMusic Commentary

Gems Podcast with Shom

shomghosh

Celebrating hidden gems and giving them their shine. Dive into lesser-known music, rare records, vinyl culture, and the worlds of jazz, funk, soul, rare grooves, and international heat.

Play

Open in

25 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr 34 min
English

Episodes 25

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

S1 · E69
Saturday · 1 hr 33 min
DJ Khalil: Grammy-Winning Producer on Dr. Dre, Eminem & Jay-Z
DJ Khalil, 3X Grammy-winning producer and half of Self Scientific, breaks down his journey from DJing house parties in LA to producing for Dr. Dre, Eminem, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Clipse, Kanye West, Anderson .Paak and Aloe Blacc. He grew up the son of NBA All-Star Walt Hazzard, surrounded by jazz, soul and his dad’s record collection. He met Dr. Dre as a kid at a party his parents threw, and years later Dre remembered him and signed him to Aftermath. In between: sneaking his dad’s records to loop up beats, recording a demo at Ice-T’s house with Kool Keith and Diamond D, and pressing his own records with Self Scientific during LA’s independent hip hop wave. In this episode: Sampling prog rock, Brazilian music and jazz fusion when everyone else sampled soul Moving from the ASR-10 to Reason, and how Dre taught him to use space How “I Made It” landed on Jay-Z’s Kingdom Come after the album was already mastered The stories behind “Kush,” “Kinda Like a Big Deal,” “County Building Blues,” “Heart Don’t Stand a Chance” and “The Man” Working with 50 Cent, Sha Money XL and the G-Unit era Eminem’s Recovery Why great producers know their role, and why he still learns from young producers GEMS with Shom is a show about beat digging, records, production and other things. Subscribe for more conversations with the producers, DJs and diggers who shaped the music. #DJKhalil #DrDre #Eminem #JayZ #HipHopProducer #BeatDigging #MusicProduction #GEMSwithShom
S1 · E68
October 4 · 1 hr 37 min
Lord Jamar: Brand Nubian, Production, Acting & the Power of Self-Belief
This episode of Gems with Shom features Lord Jamar: founding member of Brand Nubian, producer, DJ, actor, and lifelong artist.From DJing house parties in New Rochelle to producing In God We Trust, developing Dead Prez, working with the Boot Camp Clik, and transitioning to acting with fantastic performances on HBO's Oz, Lord Jamar has built an extraordinary career around records, loops, and an unshakable belief in himself.Lord Jamar and Shom get into the story behind that journey: growing up on his mother's 45s, collecting breakbeat tapes from the city, learning to hear loops from Grand Puba, forming Brand Nubian with Sadat X with no demo and no group name, and teaching himself to produce by reading the MPC manual.🎙 In this episode, we dive into:- His mother's 45s, breakbeat tapes, and the records that shaped his ear- Starting as a DJ at 12 and learning to cut by studying tapes and TV clips- How Grand Puba taught him to find the magic part of a record- Forming Brand Nubian and recording their first song at Jazzy Jay's studio- The making of One for All, a five-mic classic- Why a beat invoice led him to buy an MPC 60 and produce In God We Trust himself- Working with Diamond D on "Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down"- The digging story behind "Wake Up (Reprise in the Sunshine)"- The original version of A Tribe Called Quest's "Show Business"- Producing for Heltah Skeltah, OGC, and Buckshot- Developing Dead Prez as artists- Landing a role on Oz as Supreme Allah- Picking records by their cover art and digging in the digital eraLord Jamar also shares incredible stories from a lifetime in hip-hop, from pushing his turntables down Main Street in a shopping cart to turning down a spot as an extra on Oz because he knew he'd be back with a real role.The conversation goes deep into how a DJ becomes a producer, why everybody hears loops differently, what it takes to stay creative across decades, and why you have to believe you've already won in order to win.From New Rochelle house parties and Sadat X's father's record collection to classic albums and prestige television, Lord Jamar's story is ultimately about what happens when self-belief meets a great ear for records.For fans of Lord Jamar, Brand Nubian, Sadat X, Grand Puba, Diamond D, A Tribe Called Quest, Dead Prez, Boot Camp Clik, golden era hip-hop, beat digging, sampling, hip-hop production, and deep music conversations, this is a real gem.Subscribe to Gems with Shom for weekly conversations with the DJs, producers, collectors, artists, and cultural figures behind the records.#LordJamar #GemsWithShom #BrandNubian #BeatDigging #HipHopProduction #RecordCollecting #SadatX #GrandPuba #DeadPrez #GoldenEraHipHop🎙️ A show about beat digging ... records, production & other things ✨ Celebrating the art of beat digging 🎶 Jazz | Soul | Hip Hop | Global Sounds ⬇️ Full episodes & clips weekly 👉 Subscribe & listen: linktr.ee/shomghosh#beatdigging #vinylcollecting #records #hiphop #jazz #soul #funk #raregroove #production#レコードディギング #レコードコレクター #ビートディギング #ヒップホップ #ジャズ #ソウル #ファンク #日本
S1 · E67
September 20 · 1 hr 43 min
DJ Rhettmatic: Beat Junkies, Battling, and Production
DJ Rhettmatic is a battle champion, producer, member of the Visionaries, and founding member of the legendary Beat Junkies. In this episode of Gems with Shom, Rhettmatic discusses his Filipino American roots, LA’s early hip-hop scene, DJ battles, production, and the rise of the Beat Junkies. He also shares stories about J Dilla’s final European tour and the creative connection between Dilla and Madlib. A deep conversation about DJing, beat digging, records, production, and a lifetime devoted to hip-hop. Subscribe to Gems with Shom for more conversations about beat digging, records, and music production. #DJRhettmatic #BeatJunkies #JDilla #Madlib #Turntablism #HipHop #BeatDigging #GemsWithShom
S1 · E66
September 13 · 1 hr 30 min
DJ Serious: Record Digging, Hip-Hop, and the Underground
This episode of Gems with Shom features DJ Serious — DJ, producer, record collector, creator of the acclaimed albums Dim Sum and Cold Tea, and one of the founding members behind CrateryCon. Ahead of CrateryCon 2026, DJ Serious and Shom get into a lifetime spent deep in records, hip-hop, DJ culture, production, and the underground. DJ Serious traces his journey from discovering hip-hop and skate culture to getting his first turntables, becoming a working DJ, producing records, hosting college radio, throwing underground parties, and eventually releasing Dim Sum and Cold Tea. The conversation also gets into the evolution of record digging and how DJ Serious eventually found his way back to collecting through Cratery — developing an even deeper appreciation for overlooked music, complete songs, and records that might otherwise disappear between the cracks. 🎙 In this episode, we dive into: • Record digging, DJ culture, production, and underground hip-hop • Dim Sum, Cold Tea, and DJ Serious’ evolution as a producer • Working with Masta Ace and touring Europe with A-Trak • College radio, underground parties, record stores, and creating your own platform • Cratery, deep record knowledge, and rediscovering the excitement of digging • CrateryCon and building a community around records, DJs, collectors, and music discovery • Why overlooked Canadian records have become one of DJ Serious’ latest digging obsessions DJ Serious also shares stories about working in record stores, opening his own shop Daily Operation, playing the Jazz Cafe, DJing for Lee “Scratch” Perry, stepping away from collecting, discovering photography, and eventually being pulled back into the record world. And, of course, we Drop a Gem on ’Em — getting into Gene McDaniels, Eddie Hazel, Mighty Ryeders, Masta Ace, Clear, Run-DMC, Pete Rock, Ultimate Breaks & Beats, and some serious record knowledge along the way. The episode also looks ahead to CrateryCon 2026, taking place September 24–27, where collectors, DJs, producers, and serious music heads come together for a weekend built around records and digging. Gems with Shom will also be there for its first live episode, featuring Gene Brown with an appearance from Jake One. For fans of record digging, hip-hop, DJ culture, rare records, production, Cratery, underground music, and deep music conversations — this is a real gem. Subscribe to Gems with Shom for weekly conversations with the DJs, producers, collectors, artists, and cultural figures behind the records. #GemsWithShom #DJSerious #RecordDigging #HipHop #CrateryCon #RecordCollecting #Cratery #Vinyl #DJCulture #UndergroundHipHop #MusicProduction
S1 · E65
September 3 · 1 hr 41 min
Jake One: From Beat Digging to All-Time Classics
Jake One joins Gems with Shom for a deep conversation about beat digging, record collecting, sampling, and a legendary career producing for some of the biggest names in music. From digging through dollar bins in Seattle to producing records for Jay-Z, Drake, J. Cole, Rick Ross, Dr. Dre, The Weeknd, De La Soul, MF DOOM, 50 Cent, Freeway and many more, Jake One has built an extraordinary career around records, samples, and an incredible ear. Jake and Shom get into discovering samples in his parents’ record collection, learning the art of digging alongside Seattle legend Supreme La Rock, making the influential Conmen mixtapes, and traveling across North America hunting for records before becoming one of hip-hop’s most respected producers. They also get into working with Dr. Dre, the story behind Rick Ross and Jay-Z’s “3 Kings,” making “Rock Co.Kane Flow” with De La Soul and MF DOOM, producing for Drake and J. Cole, and Jake’s evolution beyond hip-hop through Tuxedo. Jake shares stories from a lifetime of digging and making beats — from traveling with almost no money in search of records to hearing Funkmaster Flex drop bombs on “3 Kings” in New York and realizing his career had reached another level. The conversation goes deep into how digging develops your ear, what separates a great beat from a great record, the producers who influenced Jake, and why collecting records remains an essential part of his creative process decades into his career. From Seattle record stores and underground mixtapes to some of the biggest records in hip-hop, this is the story of what can happen when an obsession with records becomes a lifetime of making them. Follow Gems with Shom for weekly conversations with the DJs, producers, collectors, artists, and cultural figures behind the records. #JakeOne #GemsWithShom #BeatDigging #HipHopProduction #RecordCollecting
S1 · E64
September 2 · 1 hr 40 min
Best Of: DJ Amir ... On Track to Infinity
Following the incredible response to our recent episode with KON, we’re going back into the Gems with Shom archives for one of our favorite conversations — with DJ Amir, the other half of the legendary KON & Amir. Amir is a DJ, producer, record collector, cultural historian, and founder of 180 Proof Records. Alongside KON, he helped define an era of beat digging through the legendary On Track series, introducing a generation of listeners to obscure soul, funk, jazz, rare grooves, and the original records sampled by some of hip-hop’s greatest producers. From growing up in Boston to working at Fat Beats and Wax Poetics, Amir’s journey runs through the heart of beat-digging and record-collecting culture. 🎙 In this episode, we dive into: • KON & Amir, On Track, rare samples, and the art of beat digging • Kings of Diggin’, DJ Muro, and the global culture of record collecting • Working at Fat Beats and Wax Poetics • Digging scenes from Japan to Berlin • Stories from a lifetime around legendary collectors, DJs, and producers • Amir’s reflections on J Dilla • Reviving Detroit’s Strata Records through 180 Proof Records • Jazz, reissues, preservation, and keeping overlooked music alive Through 180 Proof Records, Amir has continued the same spirit of discovery that made On Track essential — digging into musical history, uncovering overlooked records, and bringing incredible music back into circulation. From hip-hop samples and rare records to Detroit jazz and digging around the world, Amir’s story is ultimately about discovery, preservation, and a lifetime devoted to music. If you discovered Gems with Shom through the KON episode, this is the other side of the story. Subscribe to Gems with Shom for weekly conversations with the DJs, producers, collectors, artists, and cultural figures behind the records. #GemsWithShom #DJAmir #KONAndAmir #OnTrack #BeatDigging #RecordCollecting #JDilla #RareGroove
S1 · E63
August 27 · 1 hr 24 min
KON: From On Track to Around the World
This episode of Gems with Shom features KON - legendary DJ, record collector, producer, and one half of KON & Amir of the famed On Track series that are core to the world of beat digging. From growing up in Boston and witnessing hip-hop culture take shape in New York to digging for rare records around the world, KON has built a life around music, discovery, and an extraordinary ear. KON and Shom get into the story behind KON & Amir and the legendary On Track series, which introduced a generation of listeners to obscure soul, funk, jazz, disco, and the original records sampled by some of hip-hop’s greatest producers. The conversation follows KON’s journey from hip-hop and beat digging into disco, re-edits, remixes, house music, and production — including The Vision with Ben Westbeech and “Heaven,” Saturday Love with Fiorious, and a career that has taken him from Boston to Brazil and beyond. 🎙 In this episode, we dive into: • KON & Amir, On Track, rare samples, and the art of beat digging • Growing up around Boston hip-hop and witnessing the culture develop in New York • Producing, remixing, re-editing, and the transition from hip-hop into disco and house • The Vision, “Heaven,” Saturday Love, and KON’s evolution from hip-hop into disco and house • Record collecting, musicianship, production, and why making a great record is about more than making a great beat KON also shares incredible stories from a lifetime in music — playing an early show with KMD and Gang Starr, his connection to Boston hip-hop, meeting musical heroes, digging around the world, and the experiences that shaped his ear. The conversation also takes a deeply personal turn as KON reflects on facing cancer, undergoing a bone marrow transplant, and returning cancer-free with a renewed appreciation for music, creativity, and the relationships he has built along the way. From rare sample sources to dance floors around the world, KON’s story is ultimately about where a lifetime of listening can take you. For fans of KON & Amir, On Track, beat digging, rare records, hip-hop samples, disco, soul, funk, house music, record collecting, production, and deep music conversations — this is a real gem. Subscribe to Gems with Shom for weekly conversations with the DJs, producers, collectors, artists, and cultural figures behind the records. #GemsWithShom #KON #KONAndAmir #OnTrack #BeatDigging #RecordCollecting #HipHop #Disco #RareGroove #SoulMusic #Funk #HouseMusic #MusicProduction
S1 · E62
August 22 · 1 hr 38 min
Dante Ross: The A&R Who Helped Shape Hip-Hop
Dante Ross joins GEMS with Shom. A legendary A&R, producer, beat digger, author, and storyteller, Dante Ross helped shape some of the most important music of hip-hop’s golden era. From De La Soul, Queen Latifah, Brand Nubian, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Busta Rhymes, MF DOOM, ODB, Everlast, Del the Funky Homosapien, Leaders of the New School, and many more, Dante’s ear, taste, and creative instincts have touched records and artists that continue to define the culture. In this conversation, Dante discusses growing up on the Lower East Side, hearing salsa, funk, soul, disco, punk, new wave, and early hip-hop in New York, and understanding how the energy of downtown New York helped shape hip-hop history. We talk about his early days in A&R, working with De La Soul, Queen Latifah, Brand Nubian, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Busta Rhymes, MF DOOM, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and the artists who changed rap music forever. Dante also shares stories about beat digging, rare records, sample culture, producing, library records, digging in Europe and Japan, the lessons he learned from Grand Puba, Prince Paul, 45 King, Red Alert, and others, and why knowledge, taste, honesty, and being teachable still matter. We also discuss his book Son of the City, his life as a writer, storytelling, reinvention, and what it means to keep contributing to culture across different chapters of life. GEMS is a show about beat digging, records, production, and other things. Subscribe for more conversations on music, creativity, records, culture, and the deeper stories behind the DJs, producers, artists, executives, collectors, and cultural figures who shape the sound. Full episode available now.
S1 · E61
August 15 · 1 hr 25 min
Nashiem Myrick: Stories Behind the Classics - From “Who Shot Ya” to “T.O.N.Y.” | Best of episode
This episode of Gems with Shom features Nashiem Myrick - legendary producer, record collector, and key member of the Hitmen super-producer collective. Also known as your favorite producer’s favorite producer.From crafting timeless records like The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Who Shot Ya,” Capone-N-Noreaga’s “T.O.N.Y.,” Lil’ Kim’s “Queen B,” and Scarface’s “My Block,” Nashiem helped shape the sound of ’90s hip-hop and R&B.Born in Jamaica, Queens, raised on a deep record collection, and forged in New York’s studios, Nashiem represents the perfect balance of ear, emotion, and engineering - a producer who could find samples, build drums, and elevate every artist he touched.🎙 We dive into:• The making of Who Shot Ya - from the Keith Murray promo to Biggie’s version• Teaching Havoc the 950 sub-bass trick that shaped Shook Ones Pt. II• Creating T.O.N.Y., Queen B, and What You Want with Total & Mase• Digging in Sound Library, A-1, and digging with Pete Rock & Large Pro• Sending Kanye the “Blood on the Leaves” through Carlos Brody• Working within the Hitmen’s collaborative system - the supergroup of sound• His relationships with other Queens hip-hop legends🌍 Featured artists & crews:Mary J. Blige | The Notorious B.I.G. | Capone-N-Noreaga | Lil’ Kim | Scarface | The LOX | Mobb Deep | Pete Rock | Q-Tip & Tribe | Large Professor | Kanye West📸 Follow: ⁠instagram.com/gems.podcast⁠🔖 Hashtags#GemsWithShom #NashiemMyrick #Hitmen #WhoShotYa #TONY #QueenB #MyBlock #MaryJBlige #MyLife #TheNotoriousBIG #LilKim #Scarface #CaponeNNoreaga #TheLOX #MobbDeep #PeteRock #LargeProfessor #KanyeWest #HipHopHistory #BeatDigging #CrateDiggers #VinylCommunity #QueensNY #ProducerLife #SampleCulture #MusicCulture #CreativeJourney #StayInspired #GemsPodcast #ClassicHipHop #KanyeWest
S1 · E60
August 8 · 46 min
Bobbito Garcia: Taste, Storytelling & Never Selling Out
Bobbito Garcia, aka Kool Bob Love, joins GEMS with Shom. A legendary DJ, author, filmmaker, ballplayer, radio host, announcer, entrepreneur, and cultural storyteller, Bobbito has spent decades shaping taste across hip-hop, basketball, sneakers, records, radio, film, and New York culture. In this conversation, Bobbito discusses storytelling, authenticity, social activism, family, music, basketball, and the importance of never creatively compromising for attention, reach, or sales. We talk about his father’s record, Ray García y Su Charanga, Lord Sear’s “Alcoholic Vibes,” Gil Scott-Heron, MF DOOM, Rhymes Like Dimes, and the cultural moments that continue to ripple decades later. Ray García y Su Charanga single: https://www.fatbeats.com/products/ray-garcia-y-su-charanga-la-charanga-de-garc-a-b-w-para-ti-opaque-white-7?_pos=1&_psq=ray+gar&_psid=a8e01b827&_ss=e We also discuss Bobbito’s films Rock Rubber 45s, Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives, and Doin’ It In The Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC. Learn more: Rock Rubber 45s www.rockrubber45s.com Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives www.stretchandbobbito.com Doin’ It In The Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC www.doinitinthepark.com GEMS is a show about beat digging, records, production, and other things. Subscribe for more conversations on music, creativity, records, culture, and the deeper stories behind the DJs, producers, artists, collectors, and cultural figures who shape the sound. Full episode available now.
S1 · E59
August 2 · 1 hr 39 min
DJ Day: Samples, Breaks & Record Karma
DJ Day joins GEMS with Shom. A producer, DJ, multi-instrumentalist, turntablist, and deep record collector, DJ Day has built a sound rooted in hip-hop, jazz, funk, soul, electronic music, live instrumentation, and sampling. In this conversation, DJ Day discusses growing up in Palm Springs, discovering records through his family, teaching himself how to make pause tapes, diving into turntablism, building with the Innernational Crew, and developing a musical style shaped by samples, loops, breaks, and feeling. We talk about his albums The Day Before, Land of 1000 Chances, Life After You, and Náufrago with Thes One, along with his work as a producer, remixer, DJ, and global touring artist. GEMS is a show about beat digging, records, production, and other things. Subscribe for more conversations. Full episode available now.
S1 · E58
July 25 · 1 hr 36 min
Phonte: The Art of Reinvention | Best of episode
This best of episode of Gems with Shom features Phonte Coleman. One of our most popular episodes ever. Phonte is a grammy-nominated rapper, singer, songwriter, filmmaker, actor, and one of the most talented and versatile artists in modern music. From Little Brother to The Foreign Exchange, from razor-sharp MC storytelling to lush, soulful compositions, Phonte’s career stands as one of the most consistent and quietly influential in post-millennial hip-hop and R&B.But this conversation isn’t a typical interview.Instead, Phonte and Shom riff, break down records, swap stories, and explore the creative philosophy that has shaped his evolution across two decades. It’s funny, honest, and full of gems for artists, fans, and anyone navigating their own reinvention.🎙 In this episode, we dive into:• Little Brother to The Foreign Exchange — the collaborations that shaped his sound• The Art of Reinvention — why your best work might still be ahead• Evolution in Real Time — balancing music, acting, film & voice work• Being a lifelong student — curiosity, humility, and learning new crafts• Deep crates & DJ culture — the music that shaped his ear• Maturity & honesty in songwriting — making music for real life• DIY for life — how Phonte navigates the entertainment business• The joy of rediscovery — why he loves being surprised by music📌 About PhonteA North Carolina native, Phonte built his legacy as one-third of Little Brother, a pioneering group in the alternative hip-hop movement of the 2000s. He later co-founded The Foreign Exchange with producer Nicolay, earning a Grammy nomination for “Daykeeper.” His solo work — from Charity Starts at Home to Pacific Time 2 — showcases one of the most dynamic voices in modern Black music. Beyond music, he writes, acts, produces, and contributes to film and TV projects including Sherman’s Showcase, The Breaks, and Sesame Street.📸 Follow:IG: instagram.com/gems.podcastYouTube: @GemsPodcastListen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts#Phonte #PhonteColeman #LittleBrother #ForeignExchange #HipHopHistory #SoulMusic #GemsWithShom #GemsPodcast #RapperLife #SingerSongwriter #MusicEvolution #CreativeJourney #Reinvention #ArtistLife #DeepCuts #ProducerLife #MusicCulture #HipHopLegends #NeoSoul #StayInspired
S1 · E57
July 19 · 1 hr 16 min
Marco Polo: Production, Sampling & Composition
Marco Polo joins Gems with Shom. From Toronto to New York, Marco Polo has built a career as one of underground hip-hop’s most respected producers, working with legends including Masta Ace, Rakim, KRS-One, Talib Kweli, Kool G Rap, Sean Price, Buckshot, Large Professor, Westside Gunn, DJ Premier, and more. In this conversation, Marco discusses his journey from Toronto beatmaker to producer, moving to New York, interning at The Cutting Room, learning from Ayatollah, creating Port Authority, and building a sound rooted in hard drums, samples, records, and classic hip-hop. We also discuss the evolution of his production style, from sample-based beats to full compositions, library music, soundtrack influences, synthesizers, drum programming, sound design, and his new project The Many Moods of Marco Polo: Blooming Hits, Vol. 1. Marco shares stories about Masta Ace, DJ Premier, Nas, Rakim, Large Professor, Westside Gunn, Pete Rock, J Dilla, Akai, MPCs, Port Authority, Nostalgia, and the challenge of making old sounds feel new again. In the Drop a Gem on ’Em segment, we discuss ESG, Bob James, Westside Gunn, Main Source, Pete Rock, Guru, Kenny Burke, Lords of the Underground, library records, international digging, and more. GEMS is a show about beat digging, records, production, and other things. Subscribe for more conversations on music, creativity, records, culture, and the deeper stories behind the producers, DJs, artists, and collectors who shape the sound. Full episode available now. #MarcoPolo
S1 · E56
July 11 · 1 hr 53 min
Cosmo Baker: The Art of DJing, Record Digging & Music Culture
Cosmo Baker joins GEMS. Known globally as one of the world's premier DJs, Cosmo discusses growing up in Philadelphia, discovering hip-hop, developing his craft behind the turntables, moving to New York during one of the greatest eras in music, The Rub, the Scratch DJ Academy, record collecting, vinyl, traveling the world, and why curiosity and learning have remained at the center of his life and career. We explore the art of DJing, what makes a great selector, developing a musical identity, discovering records through sampling, the evolution of music culture, and why the pursuit of knowledge never ends. In the Drop a Gem on Em segment we discuss Jackie Wilson, Ernie Hines, Ohio Players, Gang Starr, Roy Ayers, Sly Stone, The Roots, J Dilla, Slum Village, house music, sampling, Philadelphia DJ culture, books, and much more. #Gemswithshom #CosmoBaker #DJ #BeatDigging #RecordCollecting #Sampling #Philadelphia #HipHop #MusicHistory #OpenFormat
S1 · E55
July 3 · 1 hr 31 min
Hakim Tafari: Music, Mindfulness & The Art of Transformation
Hakim Tafari joins GEMS. From sound system culture in the UK to hip-hop, soul, spiritual jazz, DJing, running, Buddhism, and mindfulness, Hakim Tafari has lived a life shaped by music, movement, art, and transformation. In this conversation, Hakim discusses growing up in England with Jamaican roots, discovering hip-hop, traveling to Brooklyn, DJing, making music, and finding refuge in records, sound system culture, and community. We talk about how music became a path into deeper questions of identity, spirituality, health, healing, and survival. Hakim shares his journey through Rastafarianism, the Five Percent Nation, Buddhism, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, running, trail running, visual art, modeling, and the mind-body practices that helped him rebuild his life. We discuss the spiritual power of music, including Alice Coltrane, John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme, spiritual jazz, Black liberation, reggae, sound system culture, and the records that shaped his worldview. In the Drop a Gem on ’Em segment, we discuss Eugene McDaniels, Cal Tjader, Phil Ranelin, Henry Franklin, Alice Coltrane, John Coltrane, Les McCann, RAMP, Lonnie Liston Smith, Rudolph Johnson, Gang Starr, and more. GEMS is a show about beat digging, records, production, and other things. Subscribe for more conversations on music, creativity, records, culture, and the deeper stories behind the artists, DJs, producers, and collectors who shape the sound. Full episode available now. #HakimTafari #GEMSWithShom #GEMSPodcast #SpiritualJazz #HipHop #Mindfulness #Buddhism #SoundSystemCulture #Reggae #SoulMusic #DJCulture #BeatDigging #RecordCollecting #AliceColtrane #JohnColtrane #ALoveSupreme #RunningCulture #MindBodyConnection #TaiChi #QiGong
S1 · E54
June 28 · 1 hr 42 min
Aki - Cosmos Records: The Beat Digger’s Record Store
Aki of Cosmos Records joins GEMS. In the world of beat digging, Cosmos Records is considered one of the greatest record stores in the world. Based in Toronto, Cosmos Records has become a destination for DJs, producers, beat diggers, record collectors, and music lovers looking for rare grooves, breaks, soul, jazz, Brazilian records, Cuban records, Latin records, 45s, and the records behind the records. Aki discusses growing up between Tokyo and Toronto, learning the record trade through Japanese dealers and buying trips, working at Play De Record, opening Cosmos Records, building taste over decades, and why knowledge, humility, quality, and time matter in record collecting. We also discuss how hip-hop taught a generation about samples, breaks, rare grooves, and music history. From Madlib and MF DOOM digging through Brazilian records, to Prince visiting the shop, Jude Law searching for Sabu Martinez, Pete Rock digging in the warehouse, and J Dilla stories from the floor, Aki shares the history behind one of the most respected record stores in the world. In the Drop a Gem on ’Em segment, we discuss Madlib, MF DOOM, Pete Rock, Large Professor, J Dilla, Prince, Jude Law, Sun Ra, S.O.U.L., Cymande, WEE, Brazilian records, Cuban records, sample records, DJ records, record store culture, and more. GEMS is a show about beat digging, records, production, and other things. Full episode available now.
S1 · E53
June 19 · 1 hr 36 min
Maneesh on the Beat: Untold Story of Drake’s “Shabang” Producer
On this episode of GEMS, I sit down with producer, DJ, and songwriter Maneesh on the Beat. You may know Maneesh from his work with Drake, J. Cole, Giveon, Rihanna, Travis Scott, Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris, and many more. We explore his journey from Toronto turntablist to producer, the stories behind Drake's "Shebang" and "Make Them Cry," working with OVO, developing his sound, and what it took to keep going through years of rejection before finding success. In the Drop a Gem on Em segment we discuss J Dilla, Diamond D, Gang Starr, Hieroglyphics, Luther Vandross, the Isley Brothers, record collecting, DJ culture, and the records that shaped his creative perspective. A conversation about persistence, creativity, music, and trusting your own ear. #Drake #Shabang #MakeThemCry #ManeeshOnTheBeat #Giveon #BeatDigging #RecordCollecting #ProducerLife #Podcast #GEMSPodcast #GEMSwithShom
S1 · E52
June 10 · 1 hr 23 min
Waxvillain: Rare Soul, Record Collecting, and Forgotten Classics
This episode of Gems with Shom features Waxvillain, a Seattle-based record collector, interviewer, content creator, and A&R for Fraternity Music Group Records. Waxvillain and Shom get into his journey from hip-hop fan and beatmaker to one of the most passionate voices in the rare soul community. The conversation explores sampling, record digging, Wax Poetics, Amsterdam record culture, Brazilian music, indie soul, lost soul, and the records that shaped his life. They also discuss how the pandemic changed his relationship with music, the rise of Waxvillain, building community through records, and why soul music continues to resonate with collectors and listeners around the world. 🎙 In this episode, we dive into: • Growing up on hip-hop, discovering samples, and learning through records • Dilla, MF DOOM, Madlib, beatmaking, and the path to record collecting • Rare soul, indie soul, lost records, and the art of digging • Wax Poetics, Fraternity Music Group, reissues, and music community We also talk about Gil Scott-Heron, Brian Jackson, Tim Maia, The Sacred Souls, Penrose Records, Action Bronson, Alchemist, Amsterdam digging culture, and the emotional connection that great records can create. For fans of rare soul, record collecting, beat digging, Dilla, MF DOOM, Madlib, soul music, vinyl culture, and deep music conversations, this is a real gem.
S1 · E51
June 5 · 1 hr 41 min
MIKEY D: A CREATIVE LIFE, MAIN SOURCE & BATTLING
This episode of Gems with Shom features Mikey D, the Queens MC, battle rapper, and member of Main Source and LA Posse. Mikey D and Shom get into his early years coming up in Laurelton, Queens, discovering rap, and building his reputation as one of Queens’ most respected battle MCs. The conversation explores LA Posse, working with the legendary Paul C, joining Main Source, the New Music Seminar Battle for World Supremacy, and stories about LL Cool J, MC Shan, Kool G Rap, and Melle Mel. 🎙 In this episode, we dive into: • Growing up in Laurelton, Queens • Battle rap and the New Music Seminar • LA Posse and Paul C • Joining Main Source • LL Cool J, MC Shan, Kool G Rap, and Queens legends • Creativity, authenticity, and leading a life focused on music over the years For fans of battle rap, Main Source, LA Posse, Paul C, Queens hip-hop, golden era rap, and deep hip-hop culture, this is a real gem.
S1 · E50
May 28 · 2 hr 15 min
DJ FLIPOUT: RECORD DIGGING, RADIO LIFE, AND THE ART OF THE 45
This episode of Gems with Shom features DJ Flipout, a legendary DJ, producer, radio host, beat digger, and one of Canada’s most respected 45 collectors. Flipout and Shom get into his incredible journey through music, from growing up around Portuguese records, AM radio, and early hip-hop videos to becoming a teenager on the radio, a rapper, dancer, producer, and eventually one of the defining DJs of Vancouver’s hip-hop scene. The conversation explores his deep roots in Canadian radio, including The 5 O’Clock Traffic Jam, his early work on college and commercial radio, and how he built a decades-long career through curiosity, taste, and a lifelong commitment to DJing. They also dive into record digging, sample culture, 45s, De La Soul, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Nardwuar, The Alchemist, Mad Child, and Vancouver hip-hop history. 🎙 In this episode, we dive into: • Vancouver hip-hop, Canadian radio, and Flipout’s early DJ roots • Record digging, 45s, samples, and musical memory • Rapping, dancing, producing, and coming up through the local scene • The 5 O’Clock Traffic Jam and a life built through radio • Stories about De La Soul, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Nardwuar, The Alchemist, Mad Child, and more

Showing 1–20 of 25 episodes