Episode 054: Brian Brater of Rawkus Records

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This episode of the Cipher, we bring you a talk with Brian Brater, co-founder of Rawkus Records. Rawkus was perhaps the single most important underground record label of the 90s, putting out singles and albums featuring artists like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Company Flow, Pharoahe Monch, Big L, Common, Eminem, and more

Brater tells us about the ups, downs, hits, misses, and the couple big ones that got away. So lace up your Timbs, grab your backpack, and join us as we talk to Brater about hip-hop’s last real golden age

Annotated excerpts on Genius.com:

1. Rupert Murdoch, underground rap kingpin?
2. Rawkus head praises the shiny suit era?
3. Soundbombing 2
4. Eminem
5. Hi-Tek

Tracks featured in this episode:

1. Lupe Fiasco, “Kick Push (Live in Chicago)”
2. The Goats, “RU Down Wit Da Goats”
3. Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth, “Funky Technician”
4. Main Source f/Joe Fatal, Akinyele, & Nas, “Live at the Barbeque”
5. euronews, “James Murdoch quits BSkyB to save hacking scandal damage”
6. The Fugees f/Pacewon, Rah Digga, Young Zee, & John Forté, “Cowboys”
7. “John Forte speaks on how he got arrested on #SwayInTheMorning”
8. Papa Bear Kool Breez, “What’s The Word”
9. The Rose Family, “Beaches & Creme”
10. 7 Universal, “Talk That Talk”
11. Puff Daddy f/ The Notorious B.I.G., The LOX & Lil’ Kim, “It’s All About the Benjamins”
12. Children of the Corn, “Where I’m From”
13. Eminem, “Any Man”
14. EMINEM: VERY 1ST FREESTYLE ON AIR!!!! WITH SWAY!!
15. Common & Sadat X, “1-9-9-9”
16. Black Star, “RE: DEFinition”
17. Mos Def, “Universal Magnetic”
18. Reflection Eternal f/Mos Def & Mr. Man, “Fortified Live”
19. The High & Mighty f/Eminem, “The Last Hit”
20. Eminem f/Dido, “Stan”
21. Talib Kweli, “Get By”
22. Talib Kweli, Kool G Rap, Rah Digga, Sporty Thieves, Mos Def, Shabam Shaddeq, Common, Pharoahe Monche, Posdnuos (of De La Soul), “One Four Love Pt. 1”
23. Pharoahe Monch, “Mayor”
24. El-P, “Deep Space 9mm”
25. Talib Kweli, “Right About Now”
26. Hi-Tek f/Common & Vinia Mojica, “The Sun God”
27. 50 Cent, “Get In My Car”
28. Hi-Tek f/Jonell, “Round and Round”
29. Brian Irving, “Eyes Wide”

Show notes:

1. Stereogum, “El-P-Diddy Pic Causing A Rawkus”