Episode 111: Vinnie Paz

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Vinnie Paz founded the group Jedi Mind Tricks when he was a teenager in mid-90s Philly. His raps about politics, mythology, war, religion, conspiracy theories, and the paranormal set him apart immediately from most of the underground rap of the era.

The group’s full-length debut was The Psycho-Social, Chemical, Biological & Electro-Magnetic Manipulation of Human Consciousness, a bizarre, fascinating, and uncompromising concept album. In 2000, they put out by Violent By Design, a more streamlined and aggressive record that got a lot of attention and remains a fan favorite to this day.

Vinnie and Jedi Mind Tricks would continue through ups and downs, with frequent collaborator Jus Allah and producer and co-founder Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind moving in and out of the group over the years. Vinnie has also released records under his own name, with the Army of the Pharaohs collective, and with Ill Bill as the duo “Heavy Metal Kings.” Through it all, his expansive vision, powerful style, and devotion to his fans has remained consistent. His latest release with a reunited Jedi Mind Tricks is The Thief and the Fallen.

Tracks featured in this episode:

1. Beastie Boys, “Mark On The Bus”
2. Venom - Live At City Gardens, NJ. CLASSIC.
3. SLAYER - 6/12/86 @ The Ritz, NYC, NY - FULL SET
4. Jedi Mind Tricks f/Demoz, “When Crows Descend Upon You”
5. Jimi Hendrix, “Manic Depression”
6. One Day as a Lion, “Wild International”
7. Terror f/Vinnie Paz, “Kickback”
8. Jedi Mind Tricks, “Intro”
9. Jedi Mind Tricks, “Lemarchand’s Box”
10. Nightbreed: The Cabal Cut - Trailer
11. Jedi Mind Tricks, “The Winds of War”
12. Jedi Mind Tricks f/Breath of Judah, “Chinese Water Torture”
13. Jedi Mind Tricks f/El Eloh, “Books of Blood: The Coming of Tan”
14. Jedi Mind Tricks, “The Immaculate Conception”
15. Jedi Mind Tricks, “Scars of the Crucifix”
16. 5mtl.com Charles Bukowski kicking his soon to be fiancé
17. Black Sabbath, “Black Sabbath”
18. Jedi Mind Tricks, “Hell’s Messenger”
19. Schoolly D, “Gucci Time”
20. Eazy-E, “Boyz-N-The Hood”
21. Chic, “Good Times”
22. Schoolly D, “P.S.K. ‘What Does It Mean’?”
23. Jedi Mind Tricks, “The Age of Sacred Terror”
24. Jedi Mind Tricks, “When All Light Dies”
25. Jedi Mind Tricks f/Percee P, “Walk With Me”
26. Jedi Mind Tricks, “Untitled”
27. Jedi Mind Tricks f/DiamondBack, B.A. Barakus, & Louis Logic, “Blood Reign”
28. Jedi Mind Tricks, “Heavenly Divine”
29. Jedi Mind Tricks f/Canibus, “Tibetan Black Magic”
30. Jedi Mind Tricks f/Sean Price, “Blood Runs Cold”
31. Jedi Mind Tricks f/Kool G. Rap, “Animal Rap”
32. Jedi Mind Tricks, “I Who Have Nothing”
33. Jedi Mind Tricks f/J-Treds, “The Executioner’s Dream”
34. Jedi Mind Tricks f/Demoz, “When Crows Descend Upon You”
35. Jedi Mind Tricks f/Virtuoso, Esoteric, & Bahamadia, “Exertions (Remix)”
36. Vinnie Paz f/Shara Worden, “Keep Movin’ On”
37. Vinnie Paz f/Yes Alexander, “Is Happiness Just a Word?”
38. Vinnie Paz f/Liz Fullerton, “Same Story (My Dedication)”
39. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back - Kick Some Ass
40. Vinnie Paz f/Yes Alexander, “Is Happiness Just a Word?”
41. Vinnie Paz f/Lawrence Arnell, “Ain’t Shit Changed”

Show notes:

1. Dead Rhetoric, “Slayer – ‘The Cushion Riot Concert’ Exclusive Excerpt From ‘Slayer 66 2/3: The Jeff & Dave Years’”
2. The New York Times 9/3/88, “Review/Rock; For Slayer, the Mania Is the Message”
3. Wikipedia, “MOVE, 1985 bombing”
4. PBS Independent Lens: Let the Fire Burn