Talib Kweli & Masego On 'Tadow,' Drake, FKJ, Tyler The Creator, Dilla, 'Yamz' | People's Party Full

In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with musician, singer/songwriter and producer:
MASEGO
Here's what we got into:
• Masego feeling privileged to be part of Ari Lennox's musical journey.
• Why he coined the term "Trap House Jazz" to describe his brand of music.
• How being the son of two preachers influenced him growing up.
• Becoming an multi-instrumentalist to impress the girls.
• Coming to the conclusion that hip hop is synonymous with pop culture.
• Why he could care less if his music gets radio play.
• The boldness of artists like Tyler the Creator and Childish Gambino.
• Masego's name meaning "little blessing" in Tswana.
• DJ Jazzy Jeff inviting Masego to his Playlist Retreat.
• Tiffany Gouché and her being featured on 'Queen Tings'.
• His love for basketball and talking trash to Will Smith.
• Feelings on Drake sampling Masego's 'Navajo' for 'Champagne Poetry'.
• How 'Yamz' was inspired during this trip to South Africa.
• Talk about the history behind the saying "jazz is dead".
• 'Disconnected (Shorty from VA)' having a J Dilla vibe.
• Masego's love-hate relationship with social media.
• What he was going through when he penned the song 'White Man'.
• His 2018 album 'Lady Lady' and how Ari Lennox helped with 'Silk'.
• The story behind 'Black Love' and his mother's tearful reaction.
• The collab with French saxophonist FKJ on 'Tadow'.
• How his touring inspired songs like 'Well Traveled' and 'Passport'.
• Creating 'Silver Tongue Devil' featuring Shenseea, produced by Izzy Beats.
• How Alex Isley challenged his pen game on 'Good & Plenty'.
• 'Somethin Ain't Right' featuring JID & Rapsody.
• Masego's love for animation.
• Buying up houses to turn into a 'Tadow Studios'.
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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: 2:33 -- Talib and Masego reflect on where they originally met and Kweli tells about his first hearing of Masego was when he was attending an Ari Lennox show with him as a featured performer. They discuss how artists like Ari have brought back the Neo-Soul vibe of yesteryear and Masego's feeling privileged to have witnessed her musical journey first-hand. He goes on to talk about the mutual respect and friendship that formed while vibing in the studio together and we also hear some breaking news about Masego's upcoming album. 7:00 -- Masego speaks on how the term "Trap House Jazz" he created to describe his music goes back to the early days of having jam sessions in abandoned buildings while he was coming up in Virginia. They go on to discuss Masego being the son of two preachers, how that influenced him and the church congregation being among his first fans. They also get into Masego's song 'I Do Everything!' speaking to his being a multi-instrumentalist as he tells how those ambitions all stemmed from trying to impress the girls he was into at the time. 11:22 -- Masego is asked about his stating that if an artist isn't into hip hop they don't exist in pop culture. He talks about coming to that conclusion while traveling the world and witnessing the full influence of hip hop culture. He also explains why he doesn't care about getting radio play, not wanting to put that kind of pressure on his art and music being his therapy. They also discuss the boldness of Tyler the Creator as well as Childish Gambino and how they carved out their own lane in the industry, forcing people to pay attention. 16:40 -- Masego's birthplace of Kingston, Jamaica is brought up and they go on to discuss Masego's name meaning "little blessing" in Tswana and he tells the story of choosing the name while in high school. They go on to talk about DJ Jazzy Jeff inviting Masego to his Playlist Retreat that he puts on for an annual gathering of progressive artists to inspire each other and Jeff being so deeply invested in all that attend. They also discuss Tiffany Gouché and her being featured on 'Queen Tings'. 22:21 -- Masego speaks on his love for basketball, thinking he was the best shooter around and no one being excluded from his trash talk, including Will Smith. They go on to discuss Masego creating 'Navajo' and how he felt about Drake sampling the song for 'Champagne Poetry'. They also get into Masego making 'Bounce' to get girls dancing and they explore 'Yamz' with a shout out to Devin Morrison for producing the track. Masego explains how the song was inspired during this trip to South Africa. 28:20 -- Masego's songs 'Loose Thoughts' and 'You Gon' Learn Some Jazz Today' are brought up and they talk about the history behind the saying "jazz is dead". Masego tells how he could care less of what others feel about his brand of music and they discuss artists not wanting to be boxed into a genre. They also get into Masego's 'Disconnected (Shorty from VA)' having a J Dilla vibe and Dilla pushing back against those that tried to label his and Slum Village's music as well as go on to discuss why Masego developed such a love-hate relationship with social media. 35:47 -- Masego gets into his inspiration for the song 'White Man' stemming from a time when most of his interactions with white people were transactional and tells about his views changing after traveling the world while touring. They go on to talk about his 2018 album 'Lady Lady' and songs like 'Silk' that emerged from an Ari Lennox freestyle studio session. They also discuss 'Old Age' that he wrote after attending a Kat Williams show and it being essentially an anti R-Kelly song. 41:43 -- Masego's 'Black Love' is brought up as he tells how he wrote the entire song during a train ride to see a girl that he was in love with as well as his mother tearing up when she heard the song for the first time. They also get into the collaboration between him and French saxophonist FKJ on 'Tadow', some frustrations he had during the session, his having no idea it would turn out to be the global phenomenon that it did and the title coming from an episode of Fresh Prince he watched while on the plane to Paris. 46:08 -- Masego gets into how traveling the world has been the continuation of his education, made him who he is today and inspired songs like 'Well Traveled' and 'Passport'. They go on to discuss how his record 'Silver Tongue Devil' featuring Shenseea, produced by Izzy Beats all came together, what spawned the song title as well as his record 'Polygamy'. Masego is asked for his thoughts about how the polyamorist lifestyle has been mainstreamed and Jas gives some advice to the men that are considering trying to become poly. 54:18 -- Alex Isley's song 'Good & Plenty' featuring Masego and Jack Dine is brought up as Masego tells how that collab transpired and how Alex challenged his pen game due to her incredible songwriting ability. They go on to discuss the song 'Somethin' Ain't Right' that Masego did with JID & Rapsody for the soundtrack to 'Judas and the Black Messiah' and how producer Wu10 gave him the perfect canvas to work with. They also explore Masego's love for animation, buying up houses to turn into a 'Tadow Studios' and helping those around him with investment opportunities.

[@datchocolatedude]

Masego is a real musician who is very underrated ✊🏾💯👑

[@gamerfox1379]

Fax

[@JosiahDaPrince]

He is but it be better he not be so mainstream. He’ll get watered down

[@khoikidd]

The energy in this interview was dope, shoutout to all of yall, Masego is a dope dude

[@larrytan73]

This dude is FIRE! Every time I starts doubting this generation. BAM! I run across an artist that kills any doubt..

[@mannyoso7988]

I bought a sax because of Masego. Coming from the jungles of Belize i enjoy his music as much as Fkj, drake, and J.cole I hope one day i can impress you the way you impacted my life. It was mainly a massive change in quality.

[@thenopasslook]

Great interview! Masego is an exceptional artist

[@lanceshoaf4109]

I first heard Masego on Tadow and been listening to him ever since. Now he's a grammy winner, can't wait to see where he goes from here.

[@ronaldparker68]

This man is the future. Masego remember that name💯👍🏿

[@JasminLeigh]

Hes also the now!!!!

[@jamerraeure4090]

I'm so glad this interview was done. I have been in love with Masego music for years. His songs go sooooo hard. The joint you gone learn some jazz, girls that dance, 24 hr relationship. The list goes on . Thank you so much for this for his real fans

[@heavenwhite5936]

Masego touched my soul at the perfect time. So sweet and talented

[@isabelledupoint5205]

OMFG, this interview is hilariousss...I have not laughed soo much in a very long time! Absolutely glorious, genuine and smart!

[@MrMonopolistic]

This has to be ONE of the GREATEST INTERVIEWS... I LOVE THESE GODS. Let's get a Blackstar and Masego joint

[@UPROXXVideo]

We need that

[@MrMonopolistic]

@@UPROXXVideo This the reemergence of the Golden age of HipHop

[@lolaispure4296]

@@UPROXXVideo oooh my GOD, YES!!!!!😍💕

[@latyshal.2286]

Masego is so talented. 👑👌🏾🔥 Love that he created his own path with his artistry.

[@libra_6534]

🦋I love this team. My favorite part is where in so many words Masego says how the essence of a womans age & visible imperfections of scars & love pooch is perfect.

[@skylaindigoink2013]

Ayyyyeeee TEAM: Masego! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This was truly a delightful session!

[@cdharris842]

I’m just so in love with this man ❤

[@lakeishamangel9949]

I fell in love with him from sir's oh na na, he's the type of artist you just let play no skips.

[@arielanderson7841]

If I ever go big I want Talib to interview me. So intellectual and kind asking no drama steering questions, just love it all.

[@thuraya53]

This dude can be an actor. Maybe a comedy. Dude is real intelligent with his thoughts and he is funny. Salute~

[@lolaispure4296]

He reminds me of Mos Def.

[@37735]

Exactly 💯

[@evamia9242]

have loved masego for a long time, saw him in concert in january 2019. his music and vibe is incredible and this conversation was so great! thank you ✨

[@kingday2424]

Been waiting for this episode. That yamz song with Devin Morrison is 🔥 2 talented brothers

[@niquejackson2734]

Such a great interview! Highly enjoyed it ❤️

[@latricefondren1198]

Amazing interview!!! Love how authentic everyone is!!! Looking forward to the album Masego!

[@walterrei1780]

This was a great interview. I laughed all the way through it. Cant beat Jasmin and Talib. 🤗

[@skinnyspiice]

This was an amazing interview! Super organic and funny. Can't wait to see Masego in Philly next month! 😁

[@magnificentlybeautiful1478]

The show was amazing tonight at the Filmore!!! Loved every bit of the show. He was amazing!!! So amazing that I’m here after his concert watching this interview 😊.

[@weslineroberty230]

Well done interview. Very refreshing

[@twinmomonthego]

Love this interview. Stay in the vortex!!! 🙏🏽❤️🌞

[@antonpeep9297]

Just the confirmation I needed 🔥🙏🏾

[@kaelynndominique]

This was a great interview 🎷✨

[@simonelove8307]

Amazing interview!!! The epitome of loving what you do and not working a day in your life.

[@veeman0966]

Talib!! I so get your perspective on this new generation of artists. You validated my discovery of the great talents. I find I let KZbin introduce me to new artists which is how i found Masego. You don't need the club or radio anymore. I feel old! I really enjoyed this interview!

[@jbarnes200]

Chantae Cann just has a dreamy voice but I feel him on Find My Way To Love. From an R&B/Jazz fan, I feel like this is one of my fave UPROXX interviews. Every time they mentioned a song, I'm looking for it to reminisce or discover something to put in the library. And shout out to K Foxx, I remember her when I used to listen to Hot 97. I stopped watching it as soon as she left the show. Again, one of the best interviews for me for sure! Thanks, UPROXX!

[@andreadillardsturge1274]

Masego , you are so cool, love your music, creativity and uniqueness. Keep giving it to us ❤. Great interview, thanks for sharing.

[@prettysmile777]

Yamz SLAPS! Definitely my go-to for summer 22. I want more sounds like that! 👍🏾

[@Emilistic]

Mannnn. I’m obsessed with his music. There’s not one bad song!!! Loved this interview.

[@shanadakennedy908]

Impeccable interview !

[@chinamason6294]

Love masego...best concert i have ever been to 😀 can't wait for the next album

[@siyandamavimbela4435]

this was a really great interview. just good vibes, insightful and a lot of laughter!!😄

[@tarabrown6932]

This interview was so gooooooddddd and funny! Very entertaining

[@donnellatherley3341]

Tadow is what I play when ppl say they don't make good music anymore

[@INFINITE.S.O.L]

Dope interview

[@ivanbrown4564]

I love conversations like this between two intelligent and intellectual African people. Rather than the corny ones with cursing, lack of substance and talking about stupid things.

[@duanetalley9733]

Great interview!

[@music-84]

Masego! Hell yea I'm checkn this one out for sure! Thank you!

[@melodysprings2195]

This was my first time looking at your show It was an amazing interview. Talib killed this interview the questions you asked where so on point. I love the fact that your cohost was extremely funny and blended well as well . I also love how Masego was so organically open about everything it was like a breath of fresh air, keep up this good Content blessings to you all .

[@whaa3222]

I love his style I love how he works in blends with other artists just all around an Entertainer.

[@caroline3231]

😮Amazing interview! 🙌🏾New found respect for Masego ❤❤❤❤

[@YHWHsDaughter]

Good interview, whoever this girl is chiming in was throwing off the vibe of this interview they need to drop her , Much love to Masego may your success continue to grow!

[@twizrock7081]

Got damn!! I love this podcast!!! Talib and Jas , I don’t even have words for how perfect the combination is!..👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Ruhul612]

This episode was a vibe 😂 hilarious

[@tshedisetiloane1518]

This was a dope interview 🤣

[@chrisgarcia1487]

YAMZ is one of my favorite songs. I love this dude!

[@thesoulfulexpat]

So good. Love some Masego, he's exactly the same in person. Met him at a Jazz Festival in Rotterdam. Also, I know that song by Omar,...so good.

[@Track_id]

Amazing. Such good vibes.

[@queenteireigns6212]

I just love him. Thanks Tiny desk. I got to see him perform at the Roots Festival

[@omas7609]

This interview was so 🔥.I hope an interview with my boii Sir happens in the near future.He’s also a great artist and just as dope as my boii Masego.Fun fact, Sir & I share the same birthday ♏️🙏🏽🤙🏽.

[@ellievesty]

Talib Kweli your interviewing skills are absolutely insane. Thank you.

[@AshleeElease]

Really great interview I love Masego❤

[@janiecej7637]

Great interview

[@ABoyCalledRic]

You sang it right Talib! Omar - Nothing Like This 💫 classic song

[@yannirush8385]

My fav is Afraid

[@Meo9131]

Masego's music makes timeless music. I remember Bounce randomly playing on some Apple playlist I was listening to and being blown away. I remember saying out loud did this man just take Bone Thugs n Harmony and make it jazzy? I didn't know you could do that. I'm glad he's final made it to this podcast.

[@tshedisetiloane1518]

Masego, you're talented AF. We love you 💞 come to SA soon

[@Z21926]

Hearing Masego pronouncing Masego correctly >>>🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@lettuceandtomatoes4065]

The language is pronounced as: se-Ts (pronounced like TS in seats)-wana 🤓 All love from South Africa

[@DMT74]

thank You good Vibes Here. LoveFrom POland

[@leekyoverhere]

Yo it's crazy to hear you mention Bilal man I just saw him live at the City Winery in Atlanta and it blew my fucking socks off

[@ellaj642]

The one and only Masego,, loved the interview

[@murkle1tanz]

Loved this interview MASEGO to di worlllllld, Omar is the TRUTH! #LEGEND

[@ivanbrown4564]

The beautifully amazing thing about TPP w/The Prime Minister Kweli, is that he introduces us to mind blowing/thought-provoking artist(singers, rappers, actors & culture creators) that I would never listen to, who blow my mind instantly. Then have me giving them a new found respect and admiration. Thank you TALIB KWELI!

[@latricefondren1198]

Smiling so hard!!! @Navajo!! that jawwwn fye!

[@TALKONTHANET]

I am so glad he in love with his music because the industry will make you lose love for the music with their underhanded antics. 🙄🙄🙄🙄🎶🎶🖤🎶🎶

[@alkhemetic]

OMAR!! Dope underrated artist from way back!

[@thulanikhambule4875]

I fucks with Omar

[@JolaAndile]

Beautiful name + Dope Music. 🙏🏾

[@uncvic1]

Great talk, the laughs,all that. I gotta get into his music

[@naimahkarimou1827]

Love your music first time I hear tadow I was blown away.

[@thegrownsimmer9472]

i think babe meant to say "sugar walls" at 39:30 i dont think ari is on Silk. Sugar Walls is a slept on VIBE on Lady Lady. Short n sweet too ♥

[@smileforme8879]

SUCH a great interview, Masego is a real GEM, so talented and real love his confidence so SEXY!!!

[@ParniaNyx]

Thank you for asking about polyamory. I hope the difference between polyamory and polygamy can be further explored in future episodes. I'm happy to be a resource 🙋🏽‍♀️

[@arielanderson7841]

Lol beautiful interview so much laughter. Ps. I’m still gone listen to r-Kelly

[@ntobekomtimkulu239]

love Omar. S/o to Masego... South Africa loves you.

[@premiumdre5228]

"JAZZ NIGGA!" lmfao dawg i stan Masego

[@arielanderson7841]

I love this man

[@soultreebeadingco8648]

My song i fell in love with him was mystery lady❤

[@user-hx2mt9lz3o]

Eh I'm always late to the party i just be vibin out😂 but I get the vibes here🎉💖

[@pololee-james8347]

28:46 "I be like bang bang shoot shoot in a zoot suit. You were like *dis nigga here*" This is literally my favourite person in the industry🤣 he'll take shit he did and be like "really?!" #MyGuy 🤣

[@rickjames21]

Talib Kweli is hiphop. I love how he represents New York and HipHop and is super respectful

[@IndigoMusicTV]

Omgggg Masego about to discover Omar!! Manifesting a collaboration… that would be INCREDIBLE!!!!!!

[@breeshm8545]

Aww Masego sooo 😍 charismatic

[@MarieChilds-nv8pn]

Masgo my nick name for you young G.You keep doing you.you have great insight.I like your music.😊

[@moviesceneswithjazmeen2049]

Hey brotherrrrrrrrrr ♥️♥️

[@soultreebeadingco8648]

Love him sooo much

[@raytheo4258]

his music is so good

[@raygreeko]

It’s sick when u find an artist then next thing you know they BLOW tf up

[@christopherbenning6085]

Let’s go💨💨💨

[@greatamericanspotlight145]

Well, this was definitely one of the better interviews on here. And the People's Party is the world's best podcast. And Jasmine Leigh is in the place to be. Man, this guy Mesego is pretty cool. After hearing him and seeing him on here, I want to check out his music. I'm not familiar with him. I never heard of him before today. But after this interview, I just want to know and listen to everything he got. I like his swag. Really cool guy. And he gave Talib Kweli one of his best interviews. Now also, I would like to mention that I am waiting for the new BlackStar release. I saw the episode with Mos Def. I think their should be a BlackStar website created for people to download the album. You guys should make your own website. That way you two can control the price and the profits. Then you should also make a promo/snippet of a song from the album and distribute that to all the streaming platforms. Like 60 seconds of a song and then you say "go here to our website to buy the album." If you promoted your website and told the fans where to buy the album. Well I would buy it. And a lot of your other fans would too.

[@JasminLeigh]

It will be released May 4 on luminary and thank you for watching

[@greatamericanspotlight145]

@@JasminLeigh Good stuff. Thanks for letting me know. Tell Talib I'm going to buy it. And yes, I'm watching you guys. And you are a pretty cool co-host on this show too. There should be an episode where you bring some of your friends on the show. Talib Kweli is bringing all his friends on. I know, you know some people too. I want to see some episodes where we some of your friends.

[@arielanderson7841]

“What’s what’s your question sense it’s so eloquent” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🧨🥰

[@user-tk7rl6hw6c]

Masego is really underrated

[@neekswelchito]

🐐🔥✨

[@devondarden3033]

Fuck yes give us YAMS trap house jazz lets get that new album

[@TheWattsSuperhero]

@26 minutes what a turn, hold on to your seats!

[@JazzyLo]

I love Talib Kwali