Episode 173: TC Izlam

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TC is a DJ, emcee, and producer who began his career as a teenager in the mid-1980s, releasing several singles. But even back then, he was already an important member of the Zulu Nation, and eventually became a surrogate son, confidant, and musical collaborator of the organization’s leader, Afrika Bambaataa.

TC’s main musical contribution is combining hip-hop with dance music to create a unique hybrid he calls “hipstep.” Hipstep, which has its roots in both UK dance music and Bambaataa’s early experiments with electro, takes the tempos and sounds of drum and bass, jungle, and other dance genres, and brings them together with TC’s inimitable rhymes and song concepts.

The Zulu Nation, of course, has been rocked by scandal ever since a former member, Ronald “Bee Stinger” Savage, came forward this past spring with allegations of sexual abuse against Bambaataa. We’ll get TC’s comments on that as well, and his thoughts on the inner workings of the organization.

Tracks featured in this episode:

1. Onyx, “DIrty Cops”
2. Skinny Boys, “Skinny Boys”
3. Mr. Magic, “Rappin’ With Mr. Magic”
4. Steely Dan, “Peg”
5. Schoolly D, “P.S.K. ‘What Does It Mean’?”
6. TC Izlam, “Sucka MCs”
7. Schoolly D, “P.S.K. ‘What Does It Mean’?”
8. Schoolly D, “Saturday Night”
9. Schoolly D, “Gucci Time”
10. TC Izlam, “Funky Fresh New England”
11. TC Islam, “Party Pooper”
12. TC Izlam, “Can You Play It”
13. TC Izlam, “Sucka MCs”
14. TC Izlam, “Funky Fresh New England”
15. TC Islam, “Party Pooper”
16. Yes, “Owner of a Lonely Heart”
17. TC Izlam, “Can You Play It”
18. TC Islam & Funky Alien f/Afrika Bambaataa, “Enter Planet 2020”
19. TC Islam & Funky Alien f/Afrika Bambaataa, “Jungle Jam 2020”
20. TC Islam & Funky Alien f/Afrika Bambaataa, “Pale Horse”
21. TC Islam & Funky Alien f/Afrika Bambaataa, “Alienism”
22. T.C. Izlam f/Elisabeth Troy & Roots Manuva, “Leaving Yesterday”
23. TC Islam & Funky Alien f/Afrika Bambaataa, “Aliens On The Run”
24. TC Izlam, “Chameleon”
25. Herbie Hancock, “Chameleon”
26. I-Cue feat. Supa MC TC Izlam - Time And Space
27. DJ Wally, “Mustard Plaster”
28. Soul Slinger & MC TC Izlam - Konkrete Jungle, Las Vegas - 2/22/12
29. Audio Two, “Top Billin’”
30. Public Enemy, “Rebel Without A Pause”
31. Rocker’s Revenge f/Donnie Calvin, “Walking on Sunshine ‘82”
32. Afrika Bambaataa Responds To Molestation Allegations [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]
33. EXCLUSIVE: Afrika Bambaataa denies sexual abuse allegations
34. TC Izlam, “Make Ya Move Redo”

Show notes:

1. TC Izlam in Parade
2. Video explains the world’s most important 6-sec drum loop