Talib Kweli & Lord Finesse On D.I.T.C, Big L, 'The Awakening,' Large Professor | People's Party Full

In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with rapper, writer, DJ, and producer:
LORD FINESSE
Here's what we got into with one of D.I.T.C.'s finest:
• Large Professor being one of Finesse's biggest mentors coming up.
• How his Bronx neighborhood of Forest Hills was similar to a village.
• Entering himself in the New Music Seminar to battle the best.
• 'Funky Technician' being the spark that formed the D.I.T.C. crew.
• His longtime friendship with fellow D.I.T.C. member Diamond D.
• DJ Mike Smooth who he looked up to like a big brother.
• Talib relating to Finesse's history of freestyling at school lunch tables.
• Finesse's signature compound rhyme scheme of using three syllables.
• What rappers inspired Finesse the most while growing up.
• Where Finesse's knack for clever and comedic punch-lines stems from.
• 'Funky Technician' being Finesse finding his way and paying tribute to his heroes.
• Guru picking his demo tape while acting as A&R for Wild Pitch Records.
• Finesse's first encounter with Big L during an autograph signing.
• Being blown away by how polished Big L was at such a young age.
• Becoming a fully fledged producer, giving 5 tracks to Big L for his debut.
• The lead up to Finesse's producing for Biggie on 'Suicidal Thoughts.'
• Why Finesse's third effort 'The Awakening' was his most personal album.
• Getting the opportunity to work with jazz great Roy Ayers on 'Soul Plan.'
• Record companies pushing artists to portray false images.
• Working with a young Capone-N-Noreaga and producing 'Channel 10.'
• Fat Boy Slim's sampling of Finesse for the smash hit 'The Rockafeller Skank.'
• Fellow D.I.T.C. member Fat Joe and his doing what it took to become a star.
• Finesse producing one of Dr. Dre's most introspective songs, 'The Message.'
• Finesse's philosophical side is explored about passion and purpose.
• What made the 90's so special and wanting to see hop hop evolve.
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PEOPLE'S PARTY WITH TALIB KWELI
People's Party is a weekly interview show hosted by Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh. Guests range from the biggest names in hip-hop to global entertainers to the most progressive minds moving our culture forward. The audio podcast is available on Apple and Spotify.

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TIME STAMPS: 2:49 -- Finesse and Talib recall the last couple of times they crossed paths, seeing each other in Puerto Rico and Austin, Texas while they were DJing shows. They go on to discuss Large Professor being one of Finesse's biggest mentors when he was coming up, watching LP produce beats on the iconic SP-1200 sampler. They also get into Q-Tip also being heavily influenced by Large Pro and LP producing Kool G Rap & Polo's 'Wanted: Dead Or Alive' while he was still in high school. 7:12 -- Finesse speaks on how his Bronx neighborhood of Forest Hills was similar to a village and notes the other members of D.I.T.C. that came up in the same projects. They discuss his making his name as an emcee in the streets and then taking things to the next level by entering himself in the New Music Seminar where all the top tiers test their skills against the best. He also details how he ended up meeting AG and how Finesse's debut album 'Funky Technician' was the spark that brought the Diggin' In The Crates Crew to fruition. 12:50 -- Finesse reflects on his longtime friendship with fellow D.I.T.C. member Diamond D. He talks about how he would often end up skipping class to visit Diamond at his crib where the two would spend hours DJing and cutting mixtapes together. Finesse goes on to speak about his close friend DJ Mike Smooth who he looked up to like a big brother, they discuss the importance of having passion with a purpose and get into how much Talib relates to Finesse's line of "I was the funkiest rapper in the lunchroom". 18:04 -- Talib brings up Finesse's signature compound rhyme scheme and how the style was highly influential to his own. Finesse talks about how his technique was birthed out of the inspiration from his emcee heroes such as Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, KRS-One, Kool G Rap. They discuss where Finesse's knack for clever and comedic punchlines stems from, why he likens writing raps to boxing, and his take on today's rappers being less tactical. They also get into Finesse's early days of carrying around a thesaurus and catching criticisms for raps that go over people's heads. 24:25 -- Finesse speaks on how his debut album 'Funky Technician' was essentially him finding his way and paying tribute to his heroes as he details which songs and lines point to those specific influences. They also get into Finesse, starting to record the album when he was 19, right after he finished up his first New Music Seminar event. They explore Guru picking his demo tape up while he was an acting A&R at Wild Pitch Records and how that led to Finesse being the first rapper to collab with DJ Premier on wax outside of Gang Starr. 28:26 -- Finesse walks us through his first encounter with Big L at an autograph signing when L was determined to make sure Finesse didn't leave without hearing some bars. Finesse details being blown away by how polished L was at such a young age and foreseeing the amazing potential he had for a future in the rap game. Finesse also reflects on how L took matters into his own hands when he released 'Ebonics' on his own label, the last phone call he had with L before he passed and feeling blessed to be a part of L's legacy. 32:56 -- Finesse talks about the time he started taking his beat making ambitions to the next level when he picked up his own SP-1200 and locked himself in his house for two weeks to lay down several tracks. 5 of them ending up on Big L's debut album 'Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous'. They dig into how rapper Jesse West aka 3rd Eye got Puff Daddy to take notice of Finesse's production skills, which would lead work on the 'Who's The Man?' soundtrack and eventually Biggie's ''Suicidal Thoughts.' They also discuss the history and importance of EPKs (electronic press kits) for artists back in the day. 40:33 -- Finesse speaks on his third effort 'The Awakening' and how it was his most personal album. He details how this was the project where he finally got the chance to create an album with no outside interference, produce most of the tracks himself and even have the freedom to write the script for all the music videos. He also talks about getting the opportunity to work with jazz great Roy Ayers on 'Soul Plan,' record companies pushing artists to portray false images, the art of emceeing becoming lost in the social media era, and wise words from DJ Jazzy Jeff about artists not blaming the music for their discontent. 50:19 -- Finesse is asked about his experience working with a young Capone-N-Noreaga while they were label mates and his producing for their debut album on the song 'Channel 10'. They go on to discuss Fat Boy Slim's sampling of Finesse for the smash hit 'The Rockafeller Skank,' why Finesse cleared it, as well as it all becoming a hard lesson learned. They go on to explore the legacy of fellow D.I.T.C. member Fat Joe and how he was willing to break through the hardcore hip hop taboo of not collaborating with popular artists. They also talk about Finesse producing one of Dr. Dre's most introspective songs, 'The Message.' 1:00:55 -- Finesse's philosophical side is explored as they discuss his quote of "success is waking up and saying what am I going to do today", keeping company that inspires you, and putting purpose behind your passion. Finesse goes on to give us a rundown of some of his most recent projects including the 'Motown State Of Mind' as well as 'The SP1200 Project: A Re-Awakening' instrumental album. They also discuss what made the 90's so special, wanting to see hip hop evolve and Finesse's take on why the statement of "everyone has a short attention span for music these days" is bullsh*t.

[@judocomplex7759]

Appreciate ya'll for these breakdowns... I wish other podcasts did the same... and THANK YOU for finally interviewing one of the illest emcee-producers in the game. Stand up salute to DITC and the whole Boogie Down BX!

[@josephmedeiros6559]

Please get Chino xl on the show!

[@hiphopotal]

3,

[@Chris-bf8rp]

Thank you for the Stamps 💯💯💜✔️☮️ Great interview as always!!! 💛💙 D.I.T.C/the NFL Crew. RIP: great Lamont Coleman🦁💪 💯💯💯💯 💜💜💜

[@jaimemartinez2528]

We need O.C. on the People's Party. That brother is criminally underrated and has been killing the mic for years and putting out classics

[@ICEBERG1K]

That is a fact!!!

[@knesecary]

MEGA FACTS!

[@slimboogz4396]

I concur

[@MoneyPlethoraAlways]

True I like Smoke N Mirrors & Trophies with Apollo Brown

[@pmidaz]

Facts oc is heavy from day one

[@KD_SWAGGER]

Lord Finesse and the rest of D.I.T.C. are legends to me. Very inspirational to say the least. Lord Finesse you can tell is very humble and down to earth. From rapping, producing or DJing he has excelled in all. R.I.P. Big L!

[@jimr9499]

For sure but they don't get the props and flowers that they deserve. Not from the general public/average hip hop listener anyways. Fat Joe is the only one of them who gets an appropriate amount of respect. And Big L would be second. But all the rest of them deserve so much more love. A.G. is my personal favorite out the crew.

[@jimr9499]

But actually, now that I said it, A.G. and Finesse are tied for my favorite f D.I.T.C. But they're all so incredibly dope.

[@mhc12k]

I STILL play The Awakening til this day. Absolute classic and nothing sounds like it. Finesse also brought punchlines to the front

[@culturefreedom7840]

Food for Thought & True & Livin' - Timeless Masterpieces!

[@julian139lenoxdrozario3]

The whole D.I.T.C are the most underrated and the greatest group and artists of all time! Starts with Big L the most valuable poet on the mic R.I.P 🐐 #139&Lenox #dangerzone

[@jimr9499]

"where no man can withstand to hold is own"

[@rahmansundiata7475]

That Heavy D verse was from THE BASEMENT OFF MECCA& THE SOUL BROTHER LP. R.I.P. HEAVY. D.

[@joshuaking1749]

One of my favorite tracks is Brainstorm with him, OC, and KRS from the Awakening album. These interviews always make me go down memory lane and listen to some 🔥🔥🔥

[@paulramasco6769]

Talib does the absolute best interviews. Lord Finesse has been one of my favorite MC/Lyricists/DJs since the 80s but watching this interview, he's one of my favorite people (that I've never met). The last ten minutes, listen to the life advice he's giving. Thank you for the amazing interview.

[@alantoler8266]

Peace to Kweli ....these are the technicians and architects of Real hip hop

[@2020TYBO]

SHOUT OUT TO PERCY PEE, LEGENDARY UNDERRATED BRONX EMCEE/MC..

[@jaimemartinez2528]

Facts 💯💯

[@vincentwilliams5271]

It's good to see the underrated Lord Finesse getting some love. This man influenced Big L. He's my favorite member of DITC and definitely deserves to be in the hiphop HOF!!!

[@xariqx_]

man, we need a Poor Righteous Teachers interview!

[@alantoler8266]

Much luv to Lord finesse .....one of the greats they come from the best time of music they are masters of the craft of how it should sound ....peace to the goD

[@MrJd74100]

My favorite mc ever very underrated producer and a bad ass dj living legend finesse 🙌 👏 👌

[@craigtheflux]

this was a dope ass interview. Glad to hear Finesse Speak

[@nene71286]

Props Talib, Jasmine. Its not just the guests but how the interview was conducted. I just discovered D. I.T.C. A few back, Lord Finesse a wise man. Peace

[@thecunninlynguist]

Ditc! Finesse also did a dope ass remix album for mo Town a few years ago

[@rahmansundiata7475]

Bout time some 1 gave LORD FINESSE HIS FLOWER'S THIS THE FUNKY MAN

[@samuelblinne6040]

Big l and lord finesse has the best punchlines

[@arc.insight]

My introduction to Lord Finesse was finding a 12" of "Shorties Kaught In The System" digging in the crates of Atlanta (pun intended of course, but true story)... blew my mind.

[@AndrewClawson19]

Lord Finesse is the spine of the rap game. Big big fan ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@jaycee7417]

“ If you perform for the applause , you’ll die from the criticism” -- lord finesse

[@koolsanthony623]

*WORD IS BOND*

[@leekyoverhere]

So many gems. This cat is a musical savant. I loved the part where yall discussing bringing verses together because I write mine almost the exact same way. The cart sometimes comes before the horse so to speak and it's very validating to hear something like that from 2 master craftsmen. Keep on rocking yall!

[@Ismail-cf6xu]

This was a great interview. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾Much respect to Lord Finesse.

[@geoffferreros6401]

Lord finesse is a musical genius 🔥🔥🔥🙏

[@clarktownsend8991]

this was a needed Peoples Party, I hope you get Showbiz or AG on also. Funny how every legendary rapper from the 90s be hanging out with Russell Peters. hearing from everyone that he is a super hiphop head.

[@silewis9396]

In case you didn't know Russell Peters has a podcast called Culturally Cancelled where he has a bunch of legends like Finesse, Kane with comedians at the same time chilling and chopping it up

[@carvellidavis4672]

Much respect to Peoples Party, for interviewing one of the best emcee in the game. PEACE 7

[@dn30001]

emcee AND producers

[@JM1993951]

I wait for the full interview because these are just fucking masterpieces. I gotta experience it like a movie. I’m just glad it doesn’t take 2-3 months for the full video like Vlad.

[@SHOGUNS85]

Another great interview. Lord Finesse dropped some heavy jewels. Peoples party is the #1 podcast!👏👏☝

[@SCATTLE]

been waiting for this episode, Finesse's excellence goes beyond words

[@aemvii]

MUCH NEEDED INTERVIEW , SHOUT OUT LORD FINESSE AND THE WHOLE DITC

[@jKHAHN215PA]

Lord Finesse and Raekwon reminds me of 1 another ..that would be a dope song !! Both lyrical af in completely different ways #215salute 💪🏾

[@obscurestreetz]

Man both of this Man are necessary in the game. Thank you Peoples Party podcast No1 legit info💯

[@kelz3454]

Lord Finesse dropped jewels for real. He gave me like 6 quotables that I will frame on my wall. "Put Purpose behind your Passion" damn

[@repshowhost]

Gems on top of gems. All those stories, memories that reside inside the mind of the Lord Finesse. Loved this interview. Listening to The Awakening...

[@ChanceMinus]

Impressive interview. Finesse is an intelligent dude. Jess West is talented.

[@abdatruthteller5895]

Damn this was a priceless jewel with Lord Finesse!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@fakenames7065]

THE BEST podcast for people like us. may people’s party never end!!

[@Dezzyyx]

Those jewels at the end... golden

[@miamirus617]

This interview is so full of gems and I love how the energy stayed constant. Loved every minute of this from two of my favorite artists ever!

[@Kwambo19]

Shot out to Finesse and remember to keep pushing with prayer 🙏🏾

[@victorholm9598]

Much respect to Lord Finesse for both his musicality and the fact that he always keeps it true to himself and eloquently explains his views on hiphip! I interviewed him for my Danish hiphop site back in 2004 and he was just as cool to talk to back then. Salute Lord!

[@bigcel42]

Only half way through, this is INCREDIBLE.

[@cazm360]

Lord dropped so many gems on us. Thank you for this interview.

[@damiancastronyc]

If Lord Finesse is in your city or country please go listen to this man set. You will have a religious Hip-Hop experience. The man knowledge of music and collections of 45’s is amazing! Salute!

[@randallross420]

man i'm glad to finally put a face to that voice, i been hearing Lord Finesses for years

[@alunique2627]

Finesse seems like he's in a real good spot. He was one of the few emcees I've ever heard where I said, "I wanna sound like that". Love this interview. Peace

[@mr.hernandezdrives]

What an inspiration Lord Finesse, great episode fam

[@adriansmith4064]

Lord Finesse is Hip Hop Royalty Respect

[@sahbian]

Great interview! Glad to finally hear some stories about the Wild Pitch era, and Guru discovering him. There’s a big hole in hip hop history due to WP business. and man did Finesse drop truths🔥🔥🔥

[@VECTeezy]

& props to this channel for not being advertisement crazy. That much more great of a channel!

[@andrewah15]

Great interview. Pure knowledge from Lord Finesse. 🔥😎👊🏾

[@TheSstretch68]

THE LEGENDARY LORD FINESSE!!!!!!!!! DITC FOR LIFE!!!!!!!! FINESSE KILLED THIS INTERVIEW!!!!

[@prof3ssor178]

Hip-Hop legend! Highly underrated in every aspect of Hip-Hop

[@fredyace]

One of the coolest dude ever met in my Life. He’s with it no matter what. Thank you Talib and Lord Finesse. Salute 🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@BenRobConsultant]

"Yes you May" with the incredible M. C. PERCEE P💯✊🏽💯✊🏽💯

[@diamondgeorge7460]

Thankyou thankyou THANKYOU🙏🏿

[@MatthewAugust1]

great interview! Bumpy knuckles would be dope on this platform

[@sleepleZZZV3]

INCREDIBLE!!!

[@3593997]

Nothing but jewels 🔥🔥💯💯

[@marcy-brooklyn161]

"You Know What I'm About" is one of my favorite tracks by son....he used the Scooby Doo sample on that joint...Word Up

[@ivanbrown4564]

Once again The Prime Minister of Brooklyn does it again. Every time I have a doubt about a guest appearance, I'm shocked and amazed at how deep they are. Thank you P.M. Kweli.

[@MichaelBrownPastorJITB]

This made my year

[@seppukuhiphop]

LEGEND!

[@ericsearcy8939]

Love this interview ✊🏿

[@2020TYBO]

THE UNDERBOSS PROJECT IS FIRE, BOUGHT THAT DURING EARLY COVID 2020..

[@ClasherSports]

Speaking of G Rap .... can we get him on the show???

[@ralphjames6247]

Lord Finesse droppin' some life-gems..WORD👊

[@musichouse]

I never knew about the motown state of mind remix album thank you Lord Finesse I been rocking with you ever since your first lp one love.

[@chanosocarras8720]

MUCH LOVE TO THE FUNKY TECHNICIAN FROM NORCAL!!!! BEEN DOWN SINCE 11TH GRADE 1991!!!!

[@MatrixxSoundlab]

His comments on Jazzy Jeff at 47:44, and the jewels he dropped during the last 10 minutes!!! Life lessons fo sho! 💪🏾

[@uncvic1]

Great talk, salute Lord Finesse... And yeah, he prominently announced YO IM DEAD ASS on record back then.

[@KidAlmighty30]

great hearing from Lord Finesse, very nice interview.

[@samuelblinne6040]

Awesome video

[@killabee4realg]

we definitely did the half moon in London UK

[@sjenanoubis39]

Bought Trespass album on a flea market , I am a fan since !

[@mojo-synthesis9404]

Fly episode; part of my rap name actually derived from lord finesse name " Finesse + techniques = Finique... G Rap, Tragedy, kane , Ll , slickrick, Heavy D ...were some of my earlier influences...Rakim and G Rap taught me how to write ✍ 💯 KRS made me read lots of 📚...books..

[@stefanbogdanovic590]

Show some love to GURU for discovering Lord Finesse!

[@beelzebubbla]

Not only is he an amazing artist but dude dropped some amazing wisdom in this episode! Thank you.

[@UPROXXVideo]

Absolutely! Glad it resonated!

[@Dogen70]

I'm surprised cats aint copied how Showbiz laced his drums. They were so thick!

[@DeVonAmbitious]

This was dope frfr.

[@lexxmusic7549]

Great episode, thank you. The way he's dropping heavy sh*t makes you think he was eating bricks for dinner :)

[@thomasschweda5104]

I love this dude.

[@ruff1draft]

Great interview

[@samuelblinne6040]

Keep up the good work

[@Dantearmstrong007]

Excellent interview. Lord is very articulate.

[@lamontricks1074]

This was a very good interview just wish it was larger

[@braksuper]

Respetos para lord finesse! saludos de Chile.

[@2020TYBO]

SHOUT OUT TO EMMANON, LEGENDARY HUMAN BEAT BOX FROM HARLEM..

[@christopherbenning6085]

Let’s go 💨💨💨💨

[@trinigladiator8830]

If you're just listening, Lord Finesse kind of sounds like, Raekwon The Chef. 👐🏿💪🏿😎

[@obscurestreetz]

Same cloth 👑 dying breed 💯

[@anthonyadams5862]

lol,. man this was a great interview,.

[@DjHazey82]

Man, this was a great episode! I always thought Finesse was extra dope for being a talented emcee, producer and DJ. He seems like such a chill guy too. The stories! Like I pictured him walking by Diamond's window. What's up with a Kweli and Lord Finesse song?

[@raydennis16]

@Talib I was the NMS in '93 and saw that Craig G vs. Supernat battle #Legendary

[@erwinrogers9470]

Classic interview

[@janconner2087]

Finesse is a Legend. My cousin Chris (RIP)grew up with him in the BX

[@ALiM4Do4SelfMusic]

RESPECT!!!!

[@jimr9499]

Damn I love this shit. You'd almost never be able to pick out shit like at 25:30 when he quotes his track that was in the essence of G Rap. But now that he said it you can totally hear it. I fuckin live for shit like this.

[@LAVISHING]

Love this Talib!

[@Majestik-dp4cb]

We did the fade and the half moon because of New York cats here in Rhode Island. Big up to Lord Finesse!

[@Lastman737]

this guy is so wise