Talib Kweli & Russell Peters On Roasting, Hip Hop, Dave Chappelle, Mike Tyson | People's Party Full

In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with stand-up comedian, actor, producer and DJ:
RUSSELL PETERS
Here's what we got into:
• Russell and Grandmaster Caz introducing Talib to Melle Mel.
• The legacy of Russell and Talib's mutual friend, Dave New York.
• Being born to parents of Anglo-Indian descent and raised Catholic.
• The racism Russell experienced growing up Indian in Toronto.
• Coming up with mostly black friends of Caribbean descent.
• His history of B-boying in his youth, being inspired by Crazy Legs.
• The hip hop Royalty that was in attendance at Russell's wedding.
• Russell's involvement in the 'Hip Hop Evolution' series for Netflix.
• Nile Rodgers' stories of Miles Davis, Keith Richards and Studio 54.
• Running into George Carlin and getting some valuable advice.
• Why bombing on stage is so vital to a comedian's growth.
• Patrice O'Neal and Keith Robinson inspiring Russell to up his game.
• Learning from his early appearance on 'Comedy Now!'.
• Hanging with Dave Chappelle and his dog on the set of 'Half Baked,'
• Celeb friends texting back and Don Cheadle being a class-act.
• Meeting Mike Tyson and later realizing how great his memory is.
• Breaking down his bit about the rednecks of the Arab world.
• Killing in the Black-Canadian clubs and bombing in the states.
• Reactions from Indians and Chinese over his impressions of accents.
• Where Russell's natural knack for roasting originated from.
• The Belly Room being one of the meanest roast-comedy venues ever.
• Talk about the greatness of Chino XL, Supernatural and Heavy D.
• The resurgence of flat-earthers thanks to social media and KZbin.
• Celebs being labeled as a**holes when defending against trolls.
• The criticism of his 'Deported' special and leaning into stereotypes.
• Roast Master General Jeff Ross and how he's hit his stride.
• How many years it takes for comedians to reach greatness.
• Stories told from musician Ray Parker Jr. about Leon Haywood.
• Russell's prophetic bit in 'Comedy Now' about a beige world.
• The excellence of the group Coast Contra.
• What we can expect next from Russell Peters.
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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: 3:32 -- Talib reminds Russell of how he and Grandmaster Caz were the ones that introduced him to Melle Mel, and they discuss the legacy of their mutual friend Dave New York, as well as Talib and Russell's first meeting in Toronto while judging an emcee battle. They dig into Russell's upbringing in Toronto, being born to parents of Anglo-Indian descent, and his being raised Catholic. They also explore the history of Anglo-Indians and Russell is asked to explain what he meant when he said that he didn't grow up as an immigrant, but he was treated like one. 13:28 -- Russell speaks on coming up in Toronto with mostly Black friends of Caribbean descent and his best friend Marlon whose name comes up during his routines. They go on to explore the similarities of immigrant communities in Toronto and New York, Russell's history of being a B-Boy back in the 80's, and his being inspired by Rocksteady Crew's Crazy Legs and his appearance in the film 'Flashdance.' They also get into Talib's FOMO after seeing the hip hop Royalty that was in attendance for Russell's recent wedding, Russell's involvement in the 'Hip Hop Evolution' series, as well as showcasing the history of Rawkus Records. 22:36 -- Producer Easy Mo Bee is brought up as they talk about his original group from the early 90's and Nile Rodgers telling Russell stories about Miles Davis and Keith Richards, as well as the wild times at Studio 54. Russell tells why his brother Clayton and friend Paul were the obvious choices for his management team and details the time he ran into George Carlin who gave him some valuable advice. They go on to discuss why bombing is vital to a comedian's growth, Russell's coming up with Patrice O'Neal and Keith Robinson, and how their sh*tting on his routine was exactly what he needed to step his game up. 34:27 -- Russell's early appearance on the 'Comedy Now!' special is brought up and he talks about how much he learned during that time. He also speaks on hanging out with Dave Chappelle and his dog Thelonious on the set of 'Half Baked,' Dave being the same guy after all these years, and how often celeb friends actually text back. They go on to discuss the evolution of Kanye West, Don Cheadle being a class-act, and Russell's story about meeting Mike Tyson for the first time and years later realizing how amazing Mike's memory was as well as his being a boxing historian to the highest degree. 46:17 -- Russell is asked to break down his bit in 'Red, White and Brown' where he talks about the rednecks of the Arab world. He goes on to explain how television and the media have so much bearing on people's perceptions of foreign cultures. Russell is asked if these comedy specials are really "special" when it seems every comic has one and what he thinks about comics that take opportunities they aren't ready for. Russell goes on to talk about building his following in the Black-Canadian circuit, why that same material ended up bombing in Black-American clubs, and why he doesn't get backlash from Indians and Chinese for his impressions of their accents. 58:25 -- Russell is asked about his being one of the hosts for Roast Battle Canada and they explore Russell's long-time love of the roast with his being a natural, growing up snapping on his friends. They discuss the legacy of the Belly Room being one of the meanest roast-comedy venues ever, Russell's comfortability with going in on his audience from the jump, and how that goes back to Russell's love for freestyle battles. They go on to explore Chino XL having some of the coldest bars in the game, Russell's admiration of Supernatural over the years, as well as love for Heavy D and how he could get a crowd moving. 1:11:01 -- Russell and Talib find commonality in their both prioritizing of facts over beliefs as they go on to exchange about the resurgence of flat-earthers thanks to social media, people of today taking their beliefs to the extreme, and the tribalism of the left and right. They also discuss today's cancel culture, celebs being labeled as a**holes when they defend themselves online and the downside of responding, never knowing if it's a real person you're interacting with. Russell is also asked for his take on the criticism of his 'Deported' special over his leaning into stereotypes and he talks about what we can expect from his latest 'Act Your Age' tour. 1:22:13 -- Roast Master General Jeff Ross is brought up and they discuss how much he's been hitting his stride lately, which leads into a discussion about how many years it takes for comics to reach greatness as well as the journey of Godfrey and Mike Epps. They go on to talk about musician Ray Parker Jr. who Russell became friends with R&B group New Edition, and Toronto jazz band BadBadNotGood. They also explore Russell's prophetic bit in 'Comedy Now' where he spoke about the whole world becoming beige and how it relates to replacement theory. Finally, they talk about the future of hip hop, the excellence of groups like Coast Contra carrying the torch for the culture as well as what we can expect next from Russell Peters.

[@GRINDETHIKSMIXTAPESHOW]

really melaninated ppl alway dominated the planet , Black is just a term created by the system to ID us , BlacK is not really a term to describe us , one of the reason why i dont id myself as black because that separates us from other darkskin ppl , the brother said one of his relatives is half black and phillopino , but ppl from that part of asisa carry a high amount of melanin at the end of the day we live in a melanin planet and we get too caught up in the difference of culture , of course u going to see a dark skin asian or a dark skin latino with a so called black american in some cases because ppl with melanin natually attract other ppl of melanin regardless of the culture

[@SF_Native]

I'm always impressed with Russell's hip hop knowledge. What's also crazy is his boxing knowledge! Dude knows his stuff.

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

He has always surrounded himself with certain personalities from those professions while growing up and NOW.

[@djrobinson6688]

I had no idea he had ties to the hip hop community.I have a knew appreciation for him.Great interview,also

[@xariqx_]

we forget how he opened the door for all the indian comics coming out now, like aziz ansari, hasan minhaj, vir das, akaash singh, etc. glad that the people's party gave this man his flowers

[@chineduezemenari285]

Very true, Nimesh Patel too

[@riseofazrael]

@@chineduezemenari285 Nimesh is super underrated.

[@asu5632]

Lol only Aziz and hasan are successes. Those other are trash

[@ChrisBasdeo]

@@asu5632 Hasan Minhaj is trash, I don't know why people find him funny

[@bharatvassee237]

Akash Singh is a comedian!!? LMAO 🤣😂🤣😂 no son

[@nlocnil3602]

I know Talib is incredibly dialed into the culture because he's been at the centre of hiphop forever but I didn't know Russ was so with it. This is what podcasts are about!

[@UPROXXVideo]

🙏

[@caturmuharjab5947]

russel roll with caz melle mel and kane like since the beginning

[@bkcalvine]

Russell's impression of Mike Tyson is gold.

[@papasocold6220]

Yes.

[@shatings5605]

This is one of my favorite episodes! Could watch and listen to Russell all day!

[@nene71286]

What Russell said at the end is true. You were the last and also conscious hip Hop. Props to you Talib. I know it was a lot of work.

[@tubbykins-422]

These 3 should have a show of their own. One of my favorite episodes

[@jasminleigh5479]

That Libra chemistry

[@tubbykins-422]

@@jasminleigh5479 hear this pot head out lol. The 3 of you run in the same circles. It seems like it at least. You got Talib with his hip hop knowledge, wisdom, and the stories he has (and more obviously). Russell Peters' hip hop knowledge along him being a comedic veteran, plus the boxing knowledge! You also do your research and since we're kinda in the same age range (I think?)so I'm hearing things I've never heard before and just learning as much as I can, plus you're asking questions I probably would've asked. It's also cool to hear your perspective on things as well, I've learned a lot from listening to you too. Anyways, I know doing something like that must be way easier said than done but it's nice to dream when you're stoned

[@sid6856]

I've met Russell back in the day a few times. I was a promoter with Deboniar Ent. Shaw Harper (big up) in Toronto and he made fun of my name 😂 on the sky bar roof @ the icon Guvernment complex. It was Caribana weekend. Russell if you read this, your Mike Tyson is spot on. 👌 🔥

[@lianwalkertaithul8537]

One of the best Russell Peter's podcasts love it especially the hip hop stories

[@lamontricks1074]

This is a dope interview love Russell Peters.

[@iamCoachEddie]

Russell is fucking hilarious. HIP HOP LOVE!

[@james.s.7710]

Salute to you Talib and Russell. I'm from Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 Russell is a true Canadian, comedian and hip-hop head. Amazing pod together✌️

[@jiggletown181]

Russell Peters always does great interviews.

[@pissupehelwan]

Man, this podcast was like a highly entertaining and informative school. The background knowledge that both Talib and Russell had on the topics being discussed was astounding. Deep stuff. Jasmine had a lot of on-point questions as well. Overall, very impressive. New subscriber here.

[@nene71286]

Hello Talib, Jasmine my Queen and Russell. Didnt know you were a hip Hop head, very cool, one of my top comedians

[@Hemant.s]

I saw Russell perform at Humber college in 2000. What he’s done since then (and even before) has been amazing! Kudos!

[@michaell9204]

Imma need Ms. Lee to fully embrace that rich Jamaican Heritage she isn't claiming please and thanks. Signed, A Yardie

[@jasminleigh5479]

I definitely embrace but I got you

[@michellesamuels8435]

Jasmine embrace your Jamaican Heritage! You were raised in a Jamaican household, your parents are Jamaican, you are Jamaican even if it's your background. Girl you need to try gungo peas with your rice & peas. That's the original way. Kidney peas are the cheap way of doing it.

[@jasminleigh5479]

Hear you loud and clear and also gonna do the gunga

[@michaelcasserly4505]

@@jasminleigh5479 it's gungu Jasmine...just like how it's plantin not plantain...big up yuhself Jasmine love yuh even more now.

[@whatyouknowaboutthat1582]

Amazing! Top 3 interview so far

[@reginaldoramsey8588]

THIS WAS GOLDEN ,,,NEVER KNEW HE WAS SO PLUGGED INTO THE HIP HOP CULTURE

[@CQSPest]

Holy Shhhhh. This is the greatest episode ever!!!! Much respect to all of you!!! Thank you

[@UPROXXVideo]

Appreciate that!

[@illwillbeats]

Russell is the GOAT. I'm talking about the sound of leaves....😁 . Thanks for Hip-hop evolution. It was very thorough

[@nachiketjoshi6594]

YES YES YES YES!! RUSSEL GETTING THE FLOWERS HE SHOULD

[@rodettegross1598]

Talib, I love you and your channel SO MUCH! thank you

[@wjones8149]

Yes, bring Russell back. Russell is always enlightening.

[@kzmOP]

Russell legend ❤ love from India

[@undadwella]

Such a dope episode. Respect to everyone involved, awesome topics covered and so much history.

[@uncvic1]

Great, great talk. Salute,Russell Peters...

[@vivwinsome2363]

Amazing 100% all the fabulous retorts, just sublime

[@uhhh_adam]

Prolly one of my favorite ones I've heard so far

[@optimaprime8970]

Mad respect cause nobody talks about us Michif and rooster town out here in Manitoba. Our history is rarely discussed or acknowledged so I can relate. Great interview. Let's keep knowledge alive and love, respect and prosperity to all colours. This is why I love music period. Stay blessed if you read this to you and yours

[@KC-zw7ly]

These interviews make me realize Russell Peters is the Indian TK Kirkland.

[@khrashingphantom9632]

YES!! Your comment is criminally underrated. Lol.

[@KC-zw7ly]

@@khrashingphantom9632 appreciate it fam

[@KC-zw7ly]

Call him Tikka Kirkland for short 🤣

[@ungoyone]

@@KC-zw7ly TM Kirkland

[@lawdawg5818]

Engaging, enlightening and exceptional People's Party! Thank you!

[@lawdawg5818]

HipHop and PunkRock ALWAYS walking Hand in Hand! ❤️

[@duanetalley9733]

Great interview!

[@B-Nice]

Another great conversation!! SHOUT OUT TO SUPERNAT!!!

[@auraholyultimababybaby9367]

She-a bubble a bredrens😆😆 Yo this cat funny AF and probably the most hiphop dude alive.

[@Slappysan]

Best one in a while...

[@mayoshongjanva1343]

Spat out all the truth right there... Respect for Russell Peters till the end.

[@lianwalkertaithul8537]

Came back enjoy it again 👌🏿

[@playalistic1]

One of the best episoodes

[@coolpoete]

Super dope interview!

[@vivwinsome2363]

15.37s " Legs open invitation" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 best ever 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@christopherbenning6085]

Let’s go🔥💨💨💨💨

[@rikkidgermano9640]

I remember in the early 2000s when sharing sites like Limewire were popular, videos of Russell Peters got me into Stand up. Great comic and great storyteller as well.

[@charlesbrown1851]

Those were the days...limewire..bear share

[@caspercapitolcyoung1551]

THAT WAS FIRE🔥

[@leehardin3897]

Great 👍👍👍👍!!!!,& Thank, You 😎✌.

[@TheCause]

Loving this so far can't wait for the Chino XL interview 1:01

[@LilacBoots]

I hope there's another season of Hip Hop Evolution!

[@nevillecreativitymentor]

This was the dopest interview of Russell ever ...

[@brothajames817]

"Legs... open invitation"...I was laughing even before Jasmine said "Pause" 🤣

[@kgarman9558]

Great interview

[@gemdropbeats2064]

Always dope.

[@greatamericanspotlight145]

Another great episode at the People's Party with Talib Kweli and Jasmine Leigh. Russel Peters seems like a real cool and interesting guy. I wasn't that familiar with him. But this guy has a great resume. Great interview. Very interesting listening to him break down his Indian heritage. And talking about crossing the street from White people. And white people spitting on him. Very interesting guy and interesting story. By the way, I saw the Black Star interview you and Mos did with Drink Champs. I saw the full 48 minute episode before it was taken down. I think I understand why it was taken down. It really wasn't a good look for Black Star. To me, it looks like Nore doesn't give Talib Kweli the respect he deserves. I mean even the last time Talib was on Drink Champs, Nore was acting weird. The episode with Talib Kweli and Diamond D. It almost seems like Nore enjoys taking shots at Talib Kweli. I saw the new Black Star 48 minute episode. Nore was still basically disrespecting Talib. There was very little promotion of the album during the episode. Everytime Talib started to talk Nore basically cut him off. Then when he did let him talk a little bit, he had to start rubbing his eyes. He couldn't look at Talib without rubbing his eyes and etc. It's obvious, there is something going on with Nore when it comes to Talib Kweli. He just likes to bring other guests on the show with Talib and then basically try to ignore and edit out Talib as much as possible. Yeah, it wasn't a good look. Needed to be taken down. Yes, I'm a Talib Kweli fan. I'm a Black Star fan. I went to luminary and bought the new album. I don't think Talib Kweli should ever go on Drink Champs again. There are a lot of other podcasts that Talib can go on and get the respect he deserves.

[@greatamericanspotlight145]

I just went back and watched that episode on Drink Champs with Talib and Diamond D. I take back what I said last time. There wasn't nothing wrong with that episode. I don't know I felt that way after watching it the first time. It's been a long while since I seen it. But that episode was cool. But I stand by everything I said, about the Drink Champs Black Star episode. It felt like Talib Kweli was being sidelined for Mos Def and Dave Chappelle. It wasn't good promotion for the Black Star album. It did feel like Talib was being cut off most times when he tried to speak. But the Diamond D episode was cool. Nothing wrong with that episode.

[@meequon1]

he should be saying indigenous people are actually considered lower than indian people in canada in the 70s, and still today, the 'feather indians', coming from a native woman from canada, ppl think canadians are so polite but the racism is deeply embedded just like the US

[@rodettegross1598]

So much love 💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@nachiketjoshi6594]

Second time watch people!!

[@angelenathomas-scruggs4308]

We the people claim Russel Peters in the black Delegation.

[@sholaebofin6090]

Russell peters is also a great hip hop DJ i saw him with jazzy Jeff in Shoreditch London

[@musclehead8649]

Russell's hip hop knowledge and connections is sick. And he's funny as hell

[@kurstone04]

1:04:04 salute to that shit Russ.. Real MC shit! Real Hip Hop! Next time im in America/NYC ima look out for you ;) every corner dairy. Peace and love from Aotearoa/New Zealand brother.

[@oB_Session]

My sister went to school with Talib, a very posh boarding school in CT.

[@bigbrothablu7810]

Grandmaster Caz THE Greatest mc a living hiphop legend

[@soundbombin23]

That’s my boy from HS Sam Osa 🤣

[@meyou5789]

Somebody's gonna get a hurting 😂

[@helsinki]

Damn...Russell is a proper hip hop OG.

[@MrTraveller.]

Great guy

[@abepresume8132]

This should've been 3 hours.

[@SpooksMcGhie]

Somebody gonna get a pod real bad

[@charlesbrown1851]

Really into this dude

[@3rdhalff]

“Mom bod” is now my new favorite dis. That is all.

[@mikethomas5992]

Russell is dope…..

[@DIP4K]

Great interview… and Jasmin has an infectious laugh … ❤️

[@jasminleigh5479]

thank you

[@araucariapasquale1]

​@@jasminleigh5479 cute top

[@FRNKNSTNmusic]

Damn that Mike Epps though!

[@JustKoolie]

The Jamaican community would like to trade shawty for RP !!!!

[@UnoriginalEscobar]

This interview was like an immigrant love letter to hip hop and the culture 🙏🏼

[@shrey1181]

We’re you referring to Russel’s shout out to Jus Reign (Almost Famous).

[@leonardjackson842]

Russell Peter is a beast! ✊🏽✊🏾

[@vancouverviking4652]

Sounds racist

[@auraholyultimababybaby9367]

@@vancouverviking4652 You're lost

[@leonardjackson842]

@@vancouverviking4652 That means he's a very good comedian. Not sure how race has anything to do with that but ok. 😒

[@girishgosyne4663]

1:06:53 I think Russell was calling out "JusReign" who is an Indian comic/youtuber who was sitting in the audience and then they showed him as the special ended.

[@scottishbanjo]

Loved that show and I know NOTHING about hip hop and I thought I knew something about boxing

[@curtdragon]

I feel like I’m getting robbed. Subscribed to the podcast but you got the whole videos for free on here. Did I mention videos!! 😂

[@SodaPopinksi]

Damn, he said Candid Camera. We old up in here.

[@brothajames817]

When you go back and listen to Good To You and can't not hear the Ether flow! 😳

[@paolobiondo7006]

Peace and love to you and your families UPROXX Familia we still out here, ss playboy

[@Thanos1908]

Lyrically , i'd like to be , Talib Kweli.

[@50blizzardstv]

russ is borderline bout to crease those Js i like the wide shot, it showcases talib and guest shoe game. is that on purpose? lol

[@richardtpgusa7236]

My man...

[@alkhemetic]

i got contact drunk watchin this interview 😂😭😵‍💫

[@jasminleigh5479]

Wait who was drinking 👀👀☺️

[@alkhemetic]

@@jasminleigh5479 🤷🏽‍♂😂 ... i've never seen you sip tho

[@mmmmm1113]

Okay!!! Based on the first 1 minute… 😅

[@vivwinsome2363]

52.39s Almost famous is on NZ netflix atm

[@aas-rx6bm]

Anglo Indian Definition. Sold out they own country and helped colonise they own people.

[@araucariapasquale1]

you ain't know sheee

[@sanfooras5799]

They used the same method in every country they colonized

[@araucariapasquale1]

@@sanfooras5799 you ain't know sheeee at

[@kaypee4704]

They're still the same today.....in the USA, and all ex-Commonwealth countries, they think they're Superior....‼⁉️🇺🇸

[@ebsuede]

Juice is from Chi-Town

[@UnoriginalEscobar]

Tdot represent!

[@meyou5789]

The major reason why many black people born in the70's and early 80's have Arabic names is because of Dr. Malachi Z York as *As Sayidd Al Imam Isa Al Haadi Al Mahdi* having an Arabic book of names being sold in several locations in every major city in the United States especially the East Coast and the Caribbeans specifically Trinidad and Barbados. Those books reached many conscious peoples households in the 70's and early 80's

[@ray1411]

No, Jazmine you're Jamaican. I thought you were Caribbean by way of a grandparent.

[@anthonyfigueroa5270]

Holy shit he sounds just like mike

[@ray1411]

You really missed an opportunity to investigate his Engelbert Humperdinck point. That couldve translated to some real shit

[@ZODAGAWD]

Amazing Tyson Impression!

[@itsnotkrishan-fq5jl]

1:06:06 real shit

[@Tibchy91]

Jasmine is truly pretty, her eyes, hmmm... ❤️ Hello there beautiful