Talib Kweli & MC Eiht Talk Gang Life, Menace II Society, Tupac, DJ Quik Beef | People's Party

In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with rapper, actor and West Coast legend MC Eiht. Being a veteran and pioneer of the Gangsta Rap genre, as well as someone who was fully immersed in the lifestyle that he portrays on wax, Eiht has a deeply authentic story to tell. To kick things off, they discuss how Eiht got turned onto gang life at such a young age, the sensationalizing of gang-banging, and how the sets have evolved since he was active. Eiht also digs into his famous, long-standing beef with DJ Quik, and how they finally reconciled.
Later, Eiht speaks on his mindset when he penned two of his most acclaimed recordings appearing on soundtracks for 'Boyz N The Hood' and 'Menace II Society.' He talks about landing the role of A-Wax in 'Menace', ad-libbing most of his lines, the double-edged sword of filming authentic hood movies, and Tupac's casting call in 'Menace.' The Pac stories continue with his firing and Eiht gives his account as to why the rapper got involved in the gangster lifestyle at the height of his success. Kweli also asks about Eiht's voice acting work in 'Grand Theft Auto - San Andreas,' his short-lived group Warzone, and his friendships with DJ Premier and the Wu-Tang Clan.
Finally, Eiht offers advice to kids growing up in the projects with feelings of hopelessness and no way out.
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Interview timing:
3:47 -- Eiht speaks on how he's been able to transcended genres, attaining bi-coastal respect through diverse sample selection and vivid storytelling.
8:40 -- Eiht discusses how he ended up in gang culture. He goes into the romanticizing of gang life through rap, movies, and media, how much more dangerous it was during his day due to the evolution of sets becoming more unified and less violent.
14:22 -- Eiht talks about his reconciliation with DJ Quik over their long-standing beef. They also discuss remaining true and authentic to their roots while transitioning to music that reflects their lives today.
19:40 -- Eiht explains how his name was inspired by KRS-One, he reveals when he started with his trademark phrase "Geah", breaks down what went into the making of his classic song "Growin' Up In The Hood", touches on the legacy of John Singleton, and inner-city youth choosing the hustler life by means of necessity.
29:14 -- Eiht explains the timeless relevance of his "wake yo punk ass up" signature intro that he used on 'Growin' Up In The Hood', 'Streiht Up Menace', and Kendrick Lamar's 'M.A.A.D. City'.
35:07 -- Eiht frames how he landed the role of A-Wax in 'Menace II Society', and the Hughes Brothers allowing him to ad-lib the majority of his script. They also discuss the double-edged sword of keeping it real in film by shooting these movies in real hoods, with real gangsters, as well as the risks involved when reaching success, while still keeping an outstretched hand to those you grew up with.
46:10 -- Eiht talks about how Tupac originally had the role of Sharif in 'Menace II Society.' and why he was fired from the set. He also gives his take on Tupac's connection with gang life, seeing that as a step back, as someone that had already made it through the struggle.
54:31 -- Eiht talks about his experience voice-over acting as the character "Ryder" in the video game "GTA - San Andreas".
58:24 -- Eiht speaks on Warzone.
1:04:23 -- Eiht talks about his friendships with members of Wu-Tang.
1:06:04 -- Talib asks Eiht what advice he would have for a kid growing up in Compton.
1:10:10 -- Talib asks Eiht to envision where his character A-Wax's life might be present day.
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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.
#PEOPLESPARTY #TALIBKWELI #MCEiht #UPROXX #UPROXXVIDEO #JASMINLEIGH

[@UPROXXVideo]

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[@DeTriniJam]

I thought Ms Hill named her album after Carter G. Woodson book Miseducation of the negro

[@nonenone2275]

@THE 911 GT3 LIFE man nigga hell yeah that's him nigga think he me an shit

[@BGeorgeVideo]

UPROXX Video .... QUESTION: Is it more profitable for this if it’s watched on KZbin or in apple podcast .... SERIOUS QUESTION

[@BGeorgeVideo]

Jamhari De TriniJam I’d assume it was a mixture but after thinking of that movie and where she’s from and things, I’d accept them both as viable influences

[@jairamadogutierrescortes1054]

Good looking out for Artis t! la

[@unclebrooks5725]

The 51 dislikes don't have no snaps for the petro.

[@jayfarris4564]

😂😂😂

[@Vandalio_Saez]

They can get the pen gun 😂

[@richharrington5820]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 my man

[@bkamara1]

Hahahahahahaah

[@realnotpopular2831]

They ain't got no snaps period

[@sg71717]

Glad you guys went over his role in San Andreas

[@MindTrickedX24]

As soon as Kweli mentioned it in the intro, I clicked that Like (I was going to do it anyway, but that made me do it immediately). Favorite game of all time. "You can stop me!"

[@TheAutisticCapricorn811]

"Keep up, muthafucka!"

[@MindTrickedX24]

@@TheAutisticCapricorn811 You can't stop me!

[@sg71717]

RYDER NIGGA!

[@MindTrickedX24]

@fleshnbone187 Yeah, I watched something about that very thing (on here) a few months ago.

[@cesarbaca]

Love that Gang Starr hoodie. RIP G.U.R.U.

[@uppersouthside7430]

MC Eiht is Top 5 in LA. His wordplay & Delivery is Smooth

[@hiiipoweriii2211]

Not only L.A. Hiphop period.

[@waynemartin5730]

💯

[@JorgieTV01]

@@hiiipoweriii2211 was going to say

[@CaliforniaLA323]

Mc eiht a Legend

[@CaliforniaLA323]

You can't compare nobody to cuz

[@ceedee7647]

MC Eiht is like the West Coast Slick Rick with his Compton Gangster Storytelling

[@Bizzle223]

Great analogy !

[@topbackpodcast2615]

I think MC Eiht, like he said, is more equivalent to KRS-One. Snoop is the west coast Slick Rick to me

[@ateam137]

@@topbackpodcast2615Snoop has said that Slick Rick was his idol.

[@CaliforniaLA323]

No eiht more like kool g rap

[@CaliforniaLA323]

California we had the movies no other citie was on are level

[@NueNues]

I grew up listening to Mc Eiht! His style was and is beyond amazing!

[@sherrillraymond7595]

Right real story teller

[@jowhit226]

Love his rapping voice, it's so unique

[@CaliforniaLA323]

​@@sherrillraymond7595real compton crip

[@BORDEMER78]

he's a real story teller

[@Rico19735]

MC Eiht never got his just do,this my guy. The way he painted the pictures in his rap and his flow omg,Glad I came across this interview.

[@powshadowzable]

I grew into being a "Positive Black Man" is real as f*ck. Much Respect Eiht! This was a great interview.

[@tiagotv7697]

I never thought I could become a bigger fan of Eight than I already was, but this interview absolutely did it. 💯💪🏾💪🏾

[@Crs313]

Yo luv the show kweli. U ask the questions that actual fans wonder which is not always done and u have great guests. Im sure u get this all the time but when u gettin mos def on?!?? Anyway Detroit got luv for u...shout out royce da 5'9 !!

[@dogsandyoga1743]

I remember seeing Eiht in the Wu Can It Be video. Even though the so-called "East/West" thing hadn't jumped off yet, that was still a bit of an rarity in 93...I thought it was dope...

[@theoriginal668]

Eiht has always been down with the Wu

[@barbarabutler7086]

"Can it be so simple".

[@sblake1016]

Eiht was also in ODB’s Shimmy Shimmy Ya video too.

[@Tx3rd_Ross]

Geah

[@mustafaahali3474]

Stephen Blakely and did a remix with ODB, shout out to MC Eiht

[@forevershampoo]

Always love to hear the OG speak

[@ericsingleton3655]

Best description on 2pac, I can absolutely believe that..

[@elbjornbjorn]

Another monday saved! Thanks Kweli and Jasmin (plus folks behind the scenes)

[@UPROXXVideo]

Here for you!

[@OGGOAT23]

You read my words man saved

[@WHY-DID-I-GET-FIRED]

@@UPROXXVideo hello! Can I email someone about my tv show idea please?

[@johnniematthews2359]

TALIB GOOD SHOW MAN I HOPE TO GET A MESSAGE BACK HOLLA PATNA.

[@bokardithetaomicron4932]

Brother Kweli: Your swag translates to both coasts in an authentic way that is difficult for New Yorkers, particularly Brooklyn kids, to pull off. I'm 54, (I have to remind my 18 year old nephew: my generation ushered in rap, so I'lll be hip hop till I die), from the South, and no hate in my game; we all loved and tried to emulate NYC, and for me, Brooklyn talent was hands down the mo'fing best. Keep up the good work.

[@THEMANCURTIS]

Laurence Fishburne was in Cornbread Earl and Me. 🗣 MC Eiht is underrated. Bars

[@xDTHECHEMISTx]

"Cornbread!! They killed Cornbread!!" Lol

[@Love-dc5tq]

I remember that movie

[@johnrose1908]

Jamal Wilkes from the Lakers

[@daronboyd8567]

NEW MC EIHT INSTAGRAM NEW ALBUM REVOLUTION IN PROGRESS COMING SOON GEAH 2022 . FIRE 🔥

[@ad2swift]

Loved that Growing Up In The Hood Cleopatra Jones movie theme song sample. Quik & Eiht should do a whole album together. Half production by CMW, half by Quik! 🔥

[@damonrussell2016]

That would be Out of this Galaxy

[@ad2swift]

@@stoneycaldwell Yup. I'm talking a whole album with just them

[@drdread9896]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@blacktiger5985]

Seen the movie forgot the name of it thanks homie.

[@TheWardBond]

I love listening to Eiht talk, dude's as real as they get

[@user-bj2cv3ii9u]

@TheWardBond Indeed, Eith is a well spoken & intelligent brother.

[@AntwanFloydSr]

He doesn't get his props much as a great story teller.

[@5burowz]

#GoinOutLikeGeez2020

[@richharrington5820]

Word...hes under appreciated as a MC period

[@alite3928]

This is a dope convo. Two straight OGs of hip hop!! Love the guests y'all are bringing on keep Bangin Talib

[@DreCloud]

Thoroughly enjoyed this interview. I came up on Mc Eiht, so it's nice to see him still doing his thing.

[@prfu1222]

MC Eiht is a true gentleman and a class person. Amazing interview.

[@skribblinthoughts5218]

If Quik and Eiht dropped an album I'm buying 100 copies.Positive talented brothas

[@skribblinthoughts5218]

@Reshon BryantTrue I just want eiht to get well and hopefully him and Quik can drop something spectacular for the west coast.

[@skribblinthoughts5218]

@Reshon Bryant God bless you

[@daronboyd8567]

NEW MC EIHT ALBUM REVOLUTION IN PROGRESS COMING SOON GEAH 2022 . FIRE 🔥 FIRE 🔥 FIRE 🔥 GEAH MC EIHT CMW

[@daronboyd8567]

MC EIHT - LESSONS ALBUM 🔥 MC EIHT - OFFICIAL ALBUM 🔥

[@jeremyst.romain508]

This is one of the best interviews ever! I was hanging on every word of this guy! He should be on everyone’s podcast!

[@char_d.0908]

Was looking forward to this, "full" MC Eiht interview. Good interview ❤

[@ScaryToRemarry]

Charmaine D I was wondering when they would post the whole video. I was watching all the snippets

[@char_d.0908]

@@ScaryToRemarry Same here! I started watching the snippets, but wanted the full interview

[@88PLR]

Talib is starting to bring people on the show to get my attention! Geah!!! - MC Eiht

[@Gabe_May]

Thanks for having MC Eiht, great interview! R.I.P. B.I.G. March 9th

[@elliot2177]

The G.O.A.T..

[@roweart]

i love hearing eiht talk, real og much respect

[@elliot2177]

Eiht always had love out here in NYC..He was in the Wu Tang can it be all so simple video and Ole Dirty Shimmy Shimmy yall video.Menace is my favorite gangsta flick of all time.

[@GHOST91141]

Aye homie, You need some help 🔫 😂😂

[@davidthompson4381]

My nigga......that scene terrified me as a lil church kid from the suburbs!! One of the hardest lines in the movie!

[@matthewsalmon431]

david thompson 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🙈 me too a-wax was too real for me at the time

[@matthewsalmon431]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@davidthompson4381]

@@matthewsalmon431 facts!!

[@IAM1OUTOF60]

Should've came to the Wax , boy, could've did it much better.

[@dmaster5556]

Mad props to Eiht for the Gang Starr hoodie!

[@ronaldjames7843]

Him & Gang Starr was also signed to the same label at the time

[@lahdik1011]

Thanks to Brother Kweli and Jasmine for bringing The God MC Eiht to the program. Splendid episode. Agreed, Another Monday Saved. Word.

[@roberthill3703]

Now we need the homie Spice 1 on the People's Party, loved this episode and enjoy the podcast. Much luv from the 801!

[@kayfuller7304]

I’m from Philly, but MC Eiht one of my favorite rappers ever, definitely my favorite on the west

[@andrewmarino5441]

He killed it on Menace II Society

[@prof3ssor178]

A REAL gangsta rap/Hip-Hop artist a street Icon! Great interview

[@VZAAGE]

GYEAH!!

[@sir_charelzwatzbrackin7705]

Dayz of 89' ..2.. Gangsta Gangsta....Appreciate Eiht!! Appreciate the wonderful work yall doin PP!!! Keep it up 💪🏾🖖🏾

[@anchorpromo]

Sir_charelz Sir_charelz life ain’t nothing but money and hot nines 🔥🔥🔥🎤

[@Diwani_Spark14]

Dope interview. I appreciate this platform. MC Eiht is a legend one of my favorite MC’s with Talib Kweli another one of my favorites. Real Talk.

[@Lamont24012]

One of the best whoever did Ehit Hype the Compton Phycho

[@dionmiller3282]

Yo classic mc Ehit. Growing up in the hood remix all time cut play every year since it dropped. The hood took me under. Straight up menace. One time gaffeling up. Dead man tells no lies def wish music to drive by classic. This is why i barely give up and coming g- rap artistes a shot. They shit sound foo compare to my dawg and spice 1. Eihts earlier beats and narrative skills are unmatched. This is the man plus he a intelligent family man. Much props. You new dudes can not top this mans quality of work nor Face Cube Too Short or Spice 1. Niggas subject matter dont move me like Ehits music back then and he wasnt yelling crip this crip that. This my uncle i will always have

[@space_dogg]

Drive by Miss Daisy is an underrated track. The beat is dark as fuck, the cadence is dark as fuck, the subject matter is dark as fuck, the scratches are great. Then they have a live piano player doing the hook over a sample beat playing his ass off which sounds crazy aswell

[@anthonymcmillan8273]

Got the "Menace 2 society" DVD to watch. Everyone who was involved in the film did a phenomenal job including Charles S. Dutton as "Mr Butler (the teacher)! I was looking forward for the "Warzone" group album to come together but "situations" got in the way👎😒!! I enjoyed the "Wich way iz west" album from him. Particularly the songs with Blaqpoet, Freddie 🦊 and Lady or rage✊👍! It still sucks that you can't please everyone when people grew up with your music because like 8 said some of his music made people help them get through difficult times. Imagine if 2pac was to be Sharif in Menace...who knows how greater the movie can be. Vonte did his part Justice though! A really great interview. Rip Pac and John Singleton!!

[@davidthompson4381]

Charles S Dutton aka ROC.....KILLED THAT ROLE!!!

[@drdread9896]

david thompson fuckin right he did

[@simonzuniga5077]

Shout out from Chile, in the south side of South America. Keep 'em coming!

[@aleshapaustin4492]

One of the best interviews I've ever seen, a lot if gems & words of wisdom...

[@supremeaura4129]

Mc Eiht is legendary. Love this channel

[@luiso.9103]

I love these kind of interviews because never in a million years did I ever think my heroes in hip hop would be treated serious as I took them let alone an interview. I’m glad I’m able to witness the history of how rap has changed into a certified genre and taken seriously .i don’t know about today’s rap but my 80’s & 90’s had it on lock 🔒!

[@TkKirkland-lm5wv]

Geaahhh don't forget about lil hawk & bird lol.. we come strapped

[@hiiipoweriii2211]

RIP Tweedy Bird

[@t.breeze8659]

Thumbnail image of Eiht might be first time I’ve seen dude smiling

[@omegawicked1]

Gee yeah

[@TheBoodog1]

Man!! Mc Eith is one of my all time favorite. I’m a huge fan of CMW.

[@roy-haroldthompson4650]

Exactly 8 all day. MUSIC 2 drive by.

[@bornc1619]

Being from the Est Coast he always made me feel what Cali might feel like! Dont F wit Eiht!

[@mattpfarr5992]

Born C BITCHES SING !

[@kizzieward6441]

Matt Pfarr ooooouuuuu

[@Rosquilliam2]

When Eiht said “Fruitation”, I had to give this video a thumbs up.

[@19509b4]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@ceddymcmartin8988]

Hilarious!!! Who gon tell him he wrong?

[@drdread9896]

titanaup 📠 🤣🤣🤣

[@19509b4]

Great interview! Eiht is such a good dude

[@WILD__THINGS]

When he mentioned being in the Wu Tang video I had to pause this and go see for myself. Somehow I never noticed his cameo! And how appropriate that he comes out on camera when they say "dedicated to niggas who do drive-bys".

[@marcuslouissaint1836]

Lmao

[@marcuslouissaint1836]

Wow....you super late.... Back in 94' i recorded it while watching rap city on my vcr...and seen him pounding with the wu ...i was amazed

[@rickmoreno548]

Touching on his production. No one was using the samples he was using. Billy Cobham, Anita Baker, Lee Dorsey. Gave CMW a completely different sound than what NWA and others were doing at the time

[@Bizzle223]

Sonically he was just different which seperated him from the others and with his Flow n delivery plus content took him to the top ...

[@jowhit226]

His sound had a bluesy flavor to it.

[@SHADOW-ph4ic]

The people's party did a hella of a great job with the MC Eiht interview. No bull shit questions asked. Entertained from beginning to end.✌

[@emaricarter4885]

True. I enjoyed it

[@nigglas1664]

Just for these interviews he is by far my favorite mc nothin but respect 💯🙏

[@Ronin030]

2Pac for ever

[@JSwaggDon]

What part does he talk about Pac?!!..

[@Ronin030]

J Swag Don I do not know as if I pull in the interwiew I prefer to listen to 24h 2pac nerv not hater and just treat yourself it’s joke 😂

[@Sameer-Mustafah-Raza1-2-1]

@@JSwaggDon 46:11

[@brooklynsennyhardaway2430]

Dope interview 💯💪🏽 Brooklyn M.C. and a Compton M.C. chopping it up. The unity and respect is always needed.

[@streetscholar2276]

Eiht and spice 1...are the most underrated spitters of all time

[@johnmiles6147]

Menace 2 Society is one of my favorite movies of all-time.

[@mrp4235]

I see him, I IMMEDIATELY Hear THE BASS LINE TO -STRAIGHT UP MENACE.... 🎹 🎼...

[@toddwilson3702]

One of the best interviews I've seen on this show, thanks.

[@Hawkeyes319]

"Nothing but the gangsta" and "This is compton" are eternal bangers..

[@Similee]

Every episode is amazing and captivating

[@kennethtodd9117]

My Favorite Rapper!

[@TheBoodog1]

When he answered the phone like “ Geah” lol

[@loveone4292]

His verse on Cypress Hill album is legendary

[@dabusdriva1577]

MC Ehit. Living legend/living history book🔥🔥🔥

[@thelovechild_1285]

This is One of the Best interviews this year already

[@dibbage]

My favorite songs of him... 1: Streight up menace 2: Late night hype

[@RJAce-ql3ey]

Grew up on Eiht and CM Dubb. Peace to Eiht and his family.

[@stayoncodetexastexas5684]

All MC 8 albums nice even his newest one affiliated I’m 25 I just started jamming 8 like 3 years ago and he is continually in rotation on the Spotify list Like this and like that jam he can make music

[@sexytomato100]

Another great episode. Stay excellent.

[@damionmorse5624]

“You need some help homie?” Boom 💥 Boom 💥

[@ScaryToRemarry]

Who else played CMW and Eiht music after watching this video? 😃

[@Bubikoglu]

Thank you so much People’s Party for this episode. Eiht is one of the GOATs , Music To Driveby one of the greatest (and under rated) Hip Hop albums of all time. Fantastic episode, keep em comin!

[@aaronorange6732]

Underrated interview for real✊🏿

[@slimjim414]

My boy...West Coast shit...💯💯

[@mfknrmxthebangmessiah6012]

Gyeah!

[@cesarbaca]

Growing Up In The Hood original version was my shit! I played the Boyz In Tha Hood soundtrack the fuck out in 91✊🏽

[@tee_tow]

Loved Menace II Society so I had to make a vid including edits from the movie to Ice Cubes "Ghetto bird" Great interview with West coasts own, MC Eiht! 😎

[@anthemmakersmusic]

Great discussion! My Grandmother wanted out of Alabama, we wanted out the Bronx. I get it. Each generation, is trying to do better. We moved up, up might not have always been better but that's life. It's a journey.

[@jaretb6160]

Im from canada westcoast is my life growing up godbless all ya much love because everything bout the rap game the music plays a big factor in my life keep doing the damn thang

[@tezzingtonsir28]

8Hype in the house!!

[@818jaguilar]

Bro... love your interviews, legend interviewing legends ... best podcast out ... much ❤️, and respect ✊🏼... Putting it down for the brown and black... black love - brown pride ... keeping it coming and showing people how it’s done

[@saiddustintoney1366]

Brothers and sisters, man it's inspiring to see some real O.G.'s like this. This brother's one of the good one's here.

[@elpapydeernie]

Dope show . Shoutout to MC Eiht . I listened to all his music in the 90’s in my teenage years. Talking all that Geahhh shit haha

[@damonrussell2016]

MC EIHT COMPTON'S MOST WANTED LEGENDARY MUSICIAN ARTIST WEST COAST WORLDWIDE PRODUCTION WAS ALWAYS MASTERFUL PURE LYRICIST MC EIHT GAVE ME THE VISUALS TO COMPTON CALIFORNIA WEST COAST

[@Brother-SP]

Respect to Eiht and Kweli! Incredible interview. Fresh Two Deaf

[@Torryhankton]

Lauren fishburne was in cornbread. He was the kid yelling they killed cornbread!

[@Hanceear]

Hearing MC Eight say R.I.P. Scott Larock mind blown😮

[@TheJDeuce]

Dope interview with the OG and always The People's Party holding it down. GEAH!!

[@uncvic1]

Great talk, gentlemen 🍻

[@Stan0619]

Damn, MC Eight turned from a gangsta to a scholar!

[@fravenous121]

Music to drive-by is a all time classic. My favorite C.M.W album

[@khoikidd]

Great interview once again, thank you very much!!!

[@MindTrickedX24]

There's so much I can say about this... but I'm just gonna thank Talib Kweli & Eiht Menace for getting together on this, and UPROXX for enabling it to happen. This was an amazing 74 minutes. As a (former) Compton resident, that was watching "One Time Gaffled 'Em Up" on The Box on a daily basis back in '90/'91, it's just real damn good to see and hear Eiht in this form. Streiht up knowledge.

[@crawnyxx]

GEAH... Eiht interview

[@kognacslim]

One of the best storytellers of rap!!!