Elements: Breaking Down Classic Albums – Details, episodes & analysis

In the first episode of our new series, Elements, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ready To Die by The Notorious B.I.G.! You'll hear from those who were part of the album's creation—producers, engineers, and collaborators who helped craft its unique sound. We'll also bring you trusted voices from the community and people who lived the same experiences Biggie rapped about, offering a firsthand view into the world he depicted. And we'll hear from scholars who will deconstruct the social, political, intellectual, philosophical and psychological depths of Ready to Die.

Special guests include:

• Prince Charles Alexander (Recording Engineer and Lecturer who recorded several songs on the album)
• Donald Harrison (Legendary Jazz Saxophonist who taught Biggie about musical performance and poetic devices)
• Justin Tinsley (Journalist and Author of It Was All A Dream: Biggie & The World That Made Him)
• Shakir "Biz" Willis (Former Bad Boy Records Marketing Executive)
• Skyzoo (Rapper, Writer and Artist from Brooklyn who was one of Biggie's neighbours)

Join us as we unpack the human experience through the lens of one of hip-hop's greatest storytellers.

Produced by Sumit Sharma and Chris Mitchell for Breaking Atoms.

Special thanks to Dart Adams for linking us up with Prince Charles Alexander. Respect every time.

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In this special audio drama episode, Sumit Sharma and Chris Mitchell set off to the fictional world of Latveria to uncover the layers of MF DOOM’s iconic album “MM..FOOD”, 20 years after it's release. From late-night food spots to record store conversations, their journey blends memory, mystery, and music in true DOOM fashion.

Along the way, they’re joined by… and bump into… an all-star lineup of DOOM’s famous friends and fans, including John Robinson, Sean Kantrowitz, MC Paul Barman, Dart Adams, Jason Jagel, Spanish Ran and Stahhr. Together, they break bread over beers, beats and the brilliance of the Supervillain.

Tune in, mask up and hear stories about one of the greatest artists and albums of all time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.