Talib Kweli & Terrace Martin Talk Jazz, ATCQ, Snoop, NWA, Kendrick, Gang Life | People's Party Full

In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with musician, rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor :
TERRACE MARTIN
Here's what we discussed with a man that's held in the highest regard by gangsters and jazz musicians alike:
• Talib and Terrace linking up for 'Favela Love' and 'Give 'Em Hell'.
• Those that helped Terrace get his career off the ground.
• His perspective of the South Central gangbang culture he was raised in.
• John Singleton's importance to his community growing up.
• Meeting Eazy-E and how the NWA changed his world.
• A first hand take on crack's devastating effects to his neighborhood.
• How Terrace's saxophone saved him from beatdowns on the bus.
• Talib's song 'The Blast' getting steady rotation in LA.
• Ditching school to demo for Diddy's 'All About The Benjamins' performance.
• Snoop being one of his master teachers of the music biz and life lessons.
• Robert Glasper's efficiency of blending Jazz with R&B.
• A Tribe Called Quest being the pinnacle of the Hip Hop/Jazz movement.
• His experience being involved in producing 'To Pimp A Butterfly'.
• Important reasons why he always brings in live performers on his tracks.
• Being guilty until proven innocent on social media.
• How the Dinner Party jazz supergroup came together.
• Why he hasn't let covid slow him down and stifle his creative output.
• Working with Busta Rhymes and Hi-Tek on 'Master Fard Muhammad'.
• How Terrace landed a scholarship from Jay Leno.
• Witnessing the competitiveness of the New York jazz scene.
• A message to those thinking internet trolling is all fun and games.
• Celebs having to accept the bullshit that comes with the benefits of fame.
🔔 Subscribe to UPROXX Video and ring the bell to turn on notifications: uproxx.it/5rzazsh
🎙️ New Episodes of People’s Party with Talib Kweli every Monday 9AMet/6AMpt. Watch all the episodes here: uproxx.it/avxtjgf
🎧 Audio Podcast -- Listen, Subscribe and Review!
Apple: applepodcasts.com/peoplesparty
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/72bYFZB...
Soundcloud: / peoplesparty
The UPROXX Family
🎧 UPROXX Music / uproxxmusic
🎥 UPROXX Studio / uproxx
FOLLOW UPROXX
➕UPROXX.com: uproxx.com
➕Instagram: / uproxx
➕Twitter: / uproxx
➕Facebook: / uproxx
FOLLOW Terrace Martin
➕Instagram: / terracemartin
➕Twitter: / terracemartin
More Jasmin Leigh:
/ jasminleigh
/ realjasminleigh
Hip-Hop Heads Playlists:
90's Hip Hop ▶️ bit.ly/90sHipHopPlaylist
2000's Hip Hop ▶️ bit.ly/2000sHipHopPlaylist
90's R&B Hits ▶️ bit.ly/90sRBPlaylist
ABOUT UPROXX VIDEO:
UPROXX Video celebrates Hip-Hop, Style, and Creativity through a mix of original shows and music videos from the biggest artists, entertainers, and innovators from our culture.
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.

[@gemsound]

Such an underrated legend. This interview is a treat.

[@javic3249]

Word. Masterclass

[@williammilligan2675]

Love the show and guest. Jaz, please stop generalizing white people. You come off so ignorant and narrow minded when you do. It takes away from the intelligent content of this show. Kwa you the man, keep it coming my brother.

[@nickatnite1995]

"Broccoli?" that had me cracking up

[@32BitMikeTyson]

Talib conducts the best interviews with artist that are passionate about there craft and culture & also a very respectable interviewer, love & Terrace is a Legend already made/produced some of the best music I’ve probably every heard. Def my top 5 fav producers of all time

[@uproxx]

TIME STAMPS: 3:03 -- Talib and Terrace discuss last seeing each other at Quincy Jones' 75th birthday at the Montreux in Switzerland as well as Quincy's reaction to Talib rapping for him. We also hear about Snoop and others constantly mispronouncing Terrace's name, Talib linking up with Terrace on 'Favela Love', their first collab on 'Give 'Em Hell' and Talib not being aware of his musical abilities at the time. They go on to explore those that helped Terrace get his career off the ground around the same time Kendrick Lamar started making waves and radio host Devi Dev helping Terrace understand the heart of a woman. 13:04 -- Terrace discusses his South Central, LA roots as well as his perspective of the Crips he came up with in his neighborhood as protectors and respectable family men that would encourage the seeking of truth and knowledge. They talk about the misconceptions of black fathers' roles in their children's lives, Nipsey Hussle schooling on gangbanging's relation to African tribalism, Jasmin shares her experience living by Crenshaw and Terrace tells why at times the hood can be the safest place in LA. 21:22 -- Terrace speaks on John Singleton and how important he and his films were to his community growing up. He talks about John's known approachability at the local spots and how he gave kids in the hood a reason to dream. He also gets into meeting Eazy-E and getting up close with N.W.A. as a young kid during a MC Hammer concert. He goes into some of the history of the Roadium Swap Meet run by Steve Yano who has legendary hood status in LA, tells how Steve turned him onto N.W.A.'s 'Dopeman' single, his mother snapping the record in half when she heard the lyrics and how after hearing the world's most dangerous group he was on a path to make music that evoked emotion. 29:56 -- Terrace talks about his father Curly Martin who was the drummer for the R&B group The Emotions and struggled with a serious crack cocaine addiction. They discuss Terrace not knowing he had a problem since crack use was such a norm in the hood at the time he was growing up, always loving him unconditionally regardless, his father being a victim of a broken heart and tells the story of his mother confronting him about his cheating on her in the middle of one of his performances. He also gets into his mother's sacrifice of giving up her dreams as a singer to raise him at the height of the crack-era and his peers urging him to follow his gift. 42:22 -- Jasmin notes how much she learned about the crack-era from watching Snowfall, Terrace gives his first hand take on crack's devastating effects on the community. Noting how it was the drug that touched everyone -- either them being someone chasing it or someone chasing someone that was on it. Terrace is also asked about the Martin Family Trio, he tells why his mother told him it was so important to learn the keyboard, his dad teaching him "your horn is your gun, bring it everywhere you go". Terrace goes on to tell how his saxophone saved him from plenty of potential beat downs when riding the bus all over town. 49:47 -- Talib brings up Problem and Thundercat being related to Terrace, Terrace talks about how places like Compton are such incubators of talent, how much Black Star and Talib's singles 'The Blast' as well as 'Get By' impacted LA and how important the Fender electric bass is to hip hop. They go on to discuss Terrace leaving CalArts to join Diddy's gospel group God's Property. He tells the story of how their relationship began when he decided to ditch high school class because he heard they needed a saxophone player for their performance of 'All About The Benjamins'. He also recalls getting called in to do a studio session with Snoop Dogg around that same time. 1:01:51 -- Terrace gets into his long-time working relationship with Snoop Dogg. He tells how Snoop is a master teacher, how he was praying that he would be able to work with him since 'Deep Cover', Snoop schooling him on important life lessons as well as how he was the gateway to so many other important relationships that came after. Terrace also talks about Robert Glasper's efficiency of blending of Jazz with Hip Hop and R&B, he speaks of how A Tribe Called Quest was the pinnacle of the Hip Hop/Jazz movement, recalls the mind blowing experience of hearing Tribe's 'Check The Rime' on the radio for the first time and their track 'Sucka N*gga' being what got him into playing Jazz. 1:13:11 -- Terrace talks about the coming of age moments around age 24 when he was hanging out with Jazz mentors of his, getting into spirituality and experiencing mixed feelings about the potential influence that some of the gangster hits he produced may have had on the community. He also talks about his original heart's desire to be an emcee and how time spent with Herbie Hancock brought him to the realization that his failed attempt at becoming a rap star gave him the knowledge he needed to become such a successful producer. Terrace goes on to speak on working with singer/rapper Dreezy and how he reacted when she told him she didn't know who Prince was. 1:24:05 -- Terrace discusses what he learned from working so closely with Kendrick Lamar on his biggest songs, tells how the mission of 'To Pimp A Butterfly' was to provoke feelings, likens it to a black Disneyland and speaks on how making the record was a spiritual as well as emotionally draining experience that everyone involved with grew from. Terrace is later asked if Kendrick was intentionally being humorous when they did the spoken word track 'For Free', they talk about why Dilla might be a little disappointed by some of the tribute events held in his honor and the deep reasons of why Terrace is intent on all of his productions having live instrumentation. 1:37:36 -- Terrace speaks on latin/black relations of LA vs. New York and how his NY experiences gave him a different perspective. They talk about how in the internet world everyone is guilty until proven innocent, the disadvantages of not being able to see your enemies online and how silence isn't golden. Terrace goes on to tell a story about having dinner at Friday's and finding a surprise in his Salmon fillet. They then go to talk about The Dinner Party jazz supergroup that began as a conversation between Robert Glasper and Terrace Martin, before Martin’s close affiliates Kamasi Washington and 9th Wonder joined the fold, as well as discuss the few jazz/rap acts that have Terrace's respect. 1:51:41 -- Terrace talks about why he hasn't let covid stifle his creative output and prevent his family from living life to the fullest. The posse cut 'Pig Feet' is also mentioned, they discuss Terrace's work with Busta Rhymes and Hi-Tek on 'Master Fard Muhammad' with Talib having the beat before they did and Busta being one of the God emcees. They go on to speak about Terrace ditching school and catching a bus to the Jay Leno's Tonight Show studio to hang out and study the jazz musicians which eventually evolved into him landing a scholarship after Jay witnessed Terrace's deep passion for the horn. 2:06:11 -- Terrace talks about the competitiveness of the New York jazz scene, they discuss the success story of D. Prosper and how much of a connector he was as well as the heads in New York that helped Terrace build bridges during his career. Terrace also sends a message to those that think slandering over the internet is all fun and games and asks that everyone be more conscious of others feelings. They also go on to discuss rapper 6ix9ine's situation as an example of how dangerous things can get, celebrities accepting the bullshit that goes along with the benefits of fame, drawing a line when it comes to things said about family and Terrace having to distance himself from a white friend that asked him why he was upset about the Gorge Floyd situation.

[@anandbohm4274]

These some in depth time stamps what a good guy

[@oy3ah2025]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🛝 10/10 -OY3AH!

[@geoffmoorer5247]

This episode was officially ice cold! Y’all dropped an amazing amount of jewels. Keep up the strong work! Y’all are inspiring and teaching folks!

[@leonlightfoot3508]

Love this interview. Terrace has a serious discography and is a super talented musician, producer, and rapper. He benefits greatly from being a 70’s baby. And he is definitely a real one. 💯

[@HangingNeck]

I got friends 25 years old that look older than Terrace! How is this man 42! Legend, great interview

[@anisha.aaliyah]

Never heard anyone in hip hop mention Freddie Hubbard in an interview. Impressive, Talib and Terrace. South Central x NYC hip hop royalty

[@GHughesoak]

35:17 Look at how perplexed Jasmin is when Terrace mentions staying away from broccoli. HILARIOUS!

[@pollockac]

She has the same energy as Hannibal on the Eric Andre show somehow

[@Hometown989]

still need the follow up! lol like why

[@yogijaya2897]

@@Hometown989 broccoli is a hybrid and too acidic for the human body

[@devhueman]

Mr. Martin is seasoned... lots of depth with this brotha..

[@von8184]

Yo… His face when he is describing these stories is priceless… Tru Hip Hop Love 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@user-tk7rl6hw6c]

Jasmine gotta take that Rick James-esque wig off . She’s WYLIN

[@nhlamulomlambo7001]

I love this man's energy, such a wise soul weathered by difficult times but still great. 🖤✨

[@sbest06]

Thank you for this treat😁 Man...the story telling was reminisce of so many experiences I was able to relate to. Well done ✅👍

[@javic3249]

Wow this is the best episode by far! I've been a fan of Terrace since the Kendrick days but didn't know he was in the game since the early 2000s. He doesn't do so much interviews and that's why is such a joy listening to him talking with sooo much passion about music. I want to listen to this man more, masterclass. His discography is underrated, 6 EPs last year, go dig deep into his catalogue cuz its worth tbe time. One of the most talented musicians of our time

[@taye_RA]

The blast is definitely a hip hop classic.

[@mungwebongumenzi1070]

Soo much inspiration!!!!, God Bless the University of KZbin. Thank you Talib, Thank you Terrace. I'm going through some shit and this podcast is my People.

[@TelaPlano]

So many jewels! Thank you Terrace, Talib and Jasmine!

[@MrJustind886]

Another great interview Jasmine and Talib. I didn't know Terrace Martin was in God's Property that was news to me. He is very knowledgeable not just about music he utilizes his great talent and ear for music in his life. You can tell when he talks about Snoop you can see the genuine love and respect he has for him. He is the epitome of the all around dude from the hood: smart, takes no shit from no one lol, loves music and just utilized his talent and skill to be successful and get out of the hood. He's definitely got my respect. Thanks again for another 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 interview you keep us informed with all these people that fly under the radar who have influence the entertainment and political side of things. Kudos to you guys keep the dope interviews coming

[@kbrock74]

I love your music. I was listening to your playlist last wednesday all day. ❤

[@bonafidesagG88]

For those who never heard look up the song "Think of you" ft Rose Gold..mesmerizing song, Rose is a queen indeed!!

[@thecunninlynguist]

Terrace is ill with the instrumentals and beats. So smooth

[@leekyoverhere]

This dude one of the most interesting people I've seen on this podcast. Super charismatic. Very traveled. Very learned. Very confident

[@jefferyhawkins4969]

Great interview. I had to literally pause and reflect on the # 3 LINCOLN bus!!! Lol!!!!!!

[@bellringrrakascaleywalez3240]

This was the dopest interview of all time. Not even exaggerating.

[@expatmarc6611]

I've watched a lot of interviews and I'm an OG. This is a great one.

[@blessup1454]

I’ve been impressed with Terrace ever since I heard his saxophone solo on Kendrick’s Ab-Soul Outro in high school. But i never really watched to many interviews. But man… this interview was crazy. The amount of history, insight, his memory? Yo to remember events 20+ years prior so acutely to remember the specific day, what certain individuals are wearing, geography… i mean, I’m blown away. To tell one story, he gotta tell 3 other stories to complete the first story just to show the layers… that’s crazy.

[@MindTrickedX24]

Terrace's love of music, in all its forms, is SO contagious. The way he talks about it, and the memories associated with it, just pulled me in and put a smile on my face. Also, my man IS the West.

[@Badgerclism]

I really enjoyed this thank you

[@shookeez303]

Terrace is the coolest cat in the industry, he’s so talented I been listening to and enjoying his work since 2014 man I love Kweli too, both so talented n awesome, thank u for this interview n this podcast ❤️

[@RicardoAfrika]

So much gems on this episode 💯

[@pkgimf9767]

LOVE errythang about it. Terrace Martin in th People's Party!

[@Averenaa]

This was hands down the best people's party interview 💯

[@chestermijnals6914]

Such a loving brother. Great interview!

[@King_Grizzly]

Love the interview

[@sherwinkhojane1536]

🔥🔥🔥 interview as a music lover 🙏🏾

[@uncvic1]

Great energy, great talk, everybody... 🍻

[@Apexco.]

Wow I had no idea Terrace MOM came from Bakersfield, CA. That is where we reside and I've been fucking with what he's been doing for years now. Much love from Bako we love what you do bro! -Sonik2 I always learn something new with this podcast I love it.

[@1SUNGODELBASIR]

Great interview and Information.

[@DontRushRecords]

When Jaycen Joshua & Terrace Martin connect... it’s a gift

[@jaymatic23]

Another awesome interview

[@jaymatic23]

Seu Jorge from the movie “City Of God” one of the best films ever. Also a brilliant artist

[@vandellandrew]

Great interview!

[@j.powellnetwork]

one of my favorite interviews I've seen

[@FredrickLynch]

Great interview.

[@isaiahcompere3720]

Healing Beautiful Creation and Meditation

[@covix4209]

I love everything about this

[@mainstreamchampy9497]

the blast i still play it till this day

[@ray1411]

Great interview

[@michigangirl4150]

What a great storyteller.... great interview

[@epictnt]

Always been a Kweli fan, but brother Terrance makes that sax talk. So I'm here

[@jessicafinley9996]

It’s always amazing to watch a entertainer be a fan

[@RecoveringMusicAddict]

Rmember back in the G when here my dear droped. First time I listened to Kendrick! The Sex EP is gold also!

[@MuzyNtini]

I haven't listened to any music from him but by the Way he speaks his very deep.. He knows music

[@webmedia3748]

Agreed for the call made by Terrace: to be more kind and conscious in regards to online feedback by viewed. There is a life behind these internet accounts.

[@royalrandomness777]

Always dope to get introduced to someone like this through the people’s party. Still hoping on interviews with R.A. the Rugged Man, Vinnie Paz, Ghostface, Redman, Young Zee, Canibus, Rah Digga, Pacewon, Akinyele, LL Cool J, Billy Danze, Lil Fame, Eminem, KRS-One, Slick Rick, Snoop, Kanye, Lauryn Hill, Dr. Dre, Erick Sermon, Earl Sweatshirt, Kool G. Rap, Defari, Phil Da Agony, Tash, Tyler the Creator, Frank Ocean, Danny Brown, Treach, Dj Premier, Necro, Nas, Ill Bill, Q-Tip, Missy Elliot, Jeru, Schoolboy Q & Kendrick. Hope I didnt miss anyone of them if they already came by.

[@loveislove1398]

Jasmine Lee has to stop interrupting the conversation if she does not know about the topic

[@Fresh360Waves]

She has to feel like she ain't being left out. I feel ya on that.

[@steve_santiago]

Facts. I could do without her tbh

[@AG-1904]

She don't need to be @ any of the interviews

[@aggrock7808]

GREAT INTERVIEW as usual. PLEASE HAVE BATTLECAT ON. Brotha Martin is RIGHT!!!! THAT Dude is HILARIOUSssssssss with his impressions. AND!!! He can rap I ain’t even KNOW dat. ANOTHER REFLECTION ETERNAL?!!!!!!!! Ooooooouuuuuuuuuu 🔥

[@julesroussel5093]

My favorite producer. We need a movie on his life.

[@healthymindhealthygrind2035]

This interview is hard..

[@user-tk7rl6hw6c]

Legend for sure

[@markgillan3750]

Happy new year 🇮🇪🦚🌎

[@tremunique6149]

The Roots, BadBadNotGood r dope hip hop bands. Brand New Heavies has a cold hip hop lp also.

[@Channel-lj1zx]

This morally superior part of LA is interesting. In all my years, I was unaware of this holy land lmao The hood can't be active and progressive at the same time, stop 🧢🧢🧢

[@eleonorailieva6144]

Respect from Bulgaria

[@barakajay]

This cat is a Wonderful Storyteller!!! Never heard of him, but very interested in learning more

[@shreddric]

Best L.A. flashbacks...Thanks homie

[@ziabungle]

Great interview, didnt know Terrace but he's dropping jems.

[@kincamell2]

Much Gratitude. Ps Peace to Lala Hathaway and Rose Gold.

[@NostGold]

How is this guy 42 years old! He's definitely being asked for ID in certain places dude looks 19, legend.

[@phillimoo4013]

The track froM the busts album was on the sex ep with Devi dev

[@shookeez303]

Terrace Martin omg!!!

[@J.5.M.]

Wish he spoke more in depth about the process with Kendrick and making TPAB! Great interview though 💯

[@dannydelao375]

Start making vids again . 1st guest on return . IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE!!! Pleaseeee

[@markpacowhitinger7226]

Terrace is GENIUS!

[@Dante_tea_v]

I love this community! HIP HOP

[@rnm723]

1:16:57 @Jasmin Leigh: Big shout out to ya, you rarely say nigga in general. Smooth refreshing moment right there.

[@livefromplanetearth]

👑👑👑 the king of cali

[@tremunique6149]

I don’t think they were talking about the same Christmas rap record.

[@manifeststation5354]

In the place to be !

[@Steviefaith]

YALL HAVE TO INTERVIEW FOR EARL SWEATSHIRT

[@jamezb6316]

Genius musician

[@jaydelgado9652]

Classic

[@J57music]

Terrace is a national treasure.

[@randumbryan]

I love his Gangsta Grillz

[@JeffreyDownes]

Doing well 😂

[@neomoloto5259]

Legend.

[@mainstreamchampy9497]

ive been callin him terrance till today

[@harryperraultiii704]

Great Interview. Terrance Martin always been my favorite to me he's the Miles Davis of our generation and thank him for all the music he has done and produced he is a true musician.

[@matthewpolopolus9823]

Come to New Orleans!

[@thcrtn]

The only reason I know his name is some mixtape clip, it's either karupt or xzibit saying his name... And the karupt verse kendrick quoted that was clearly taken outta context. Guess "vague black" is how ppl took "frank white" lol

[@shakirlateef6839]

👑👽

[@AviatorMediaGroup13]

Why can’t I see podcast on apple? Only snippets

[@Askanison29]

I want to see him and Robert Glasper do an interview

[@keelowiththesteelo233]

Don’t Terrace kinda look like WowGr8 from earth gang

[@ziabungle]

Is this no longer on apple podcast?

[@voltear]

What are they saying at 1:25:10 is it"3 car full"?

[@aljujuan123456]

3 chord fold. It was a terrace martin album that came out around that time.

[@shookeez303]

1:10:51 😂😂😂😂😂

[@mylesmikieal]

"Broccoli"??? Lol

[@tremunique6149]

Damn, he knows his sh*t about jazz.