Talib Kweli & Cormega On 'The Realness II,' Nas, The Firm, Large Pro, Queens | People's Party Full

In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," Kweli sits down with rapper and writer:
CORMEGA
Here's what we got into:
• His early life, being born in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn and eventually moving to Queens.
• How the tragedy of his mother's murder when he was four impacted him.
• The strong women in his life and how they affected his growth as an artist.
• Mega's take on the deep cultural impact of Queensbridge on the world.
• The pride Mega holds in his long history as an independent artist.
• How he feels being viewed as one of the most slept on artists in the game.
• Intentionally being overlooked by the gatekeepers of the industry.
• Being locked up during the release of his childhood friend Nas' iconic 'Illmatic.'
• The deal he had for an album produced by Marley Marl before being arrested.
• How he felt when he found out he was going to be excluded from The Firm.
• The love Mega and Nas still had for each other throughout years of negativity.
• The impact and storied legacy of Violator Records Exec Chris Lighty.
• The chance to be affiliated with Def Jam being a dream come true.
• Queens rappers being a reflection of the greatness of their community.
• The immortal legacy of street legend Supreme Magnetic.
• Discussing notable cuts from Mega's 2014 album 'Mega Philosophy.'
• The strategic move of featuring members from The Firm on 'Mega Philosophy.'
• Expecting to be blacklisted from the industry with the song 'The Industry.'
• When he started challenging himself to be more responsible as an artist.
• Discussing tracks from Mega's latest album 'The Realness II.'
• Taking every opportunity to be a supporter of his peers and their endeavors.
• The deep underappreciated influence of the Five Percent Nation on hip hop.
• Releasing a physical copy of his 'Black Book' book of inspirational quotes.
• The debate over the origins of hip hop and tracing it back to the early 1900s.
• Why Mega considers Run DMC to be the greatest rap group ever.
• How hip hop became one of the most powerful unifiers in the world.
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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: 2:29 -- Mega speaks on his early life, being born in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, moving to Co-op City in the Bronx, and the culture shock he experienced when his family moved to the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens. They go on to discuss how his mother being murdered when he was four years old impacted him coming up, the importance of not neglecting one's mental health, and how PTSD is a real thing for so many impoverished communities like Queensbridge. 7:45 -- Mega talks about how the strong black women that have been present throughout the course of his life have affected his growth as an artist. They go on to discuss Mega's take on the deep cultural impact of the Queensbridge housing projects, How Marly Marl and the Juice Crew changed the game, and Mega's writing style being an extension of MC Shan. They also get into the pride Mega holds in his long history as an independent artist. 13:34 -- Talib brings up his view of Queensbridge artists and their knowledge of the street equaling their level of knowledge for the history of hip hop as he goes on to reference bars from Mega's 'Bring It Back.' Mega is asked about his being viewed as one of the most slept-on artists in the game, and he talks about being intentionally overlooked throughout his career by the gatekeepers of the industry, and how he has used that to fuel his fire. 16:53 -- Mega is asked about his experience of doing prison time during the release of his childhood friend Nas' iconic 'Illmatic' album which he would have been featured on. They discuss Cormega's name having buzz around NY before he was locked up, with features on Hot Day's 'Going Straight Up,' PHD's 'Set It Off,' and an opening for Eric B. and Rakim at the Apollo. They also get into the deal he had in the works for an album produced by Marley Marl before getting arrested. 21:25 -- Mega reflects on the time of his feature on Nas' 'Affirmative Action,' being fresh out of the penitentiary and the idea of his inclusion in the supergroup the Firm coming to fruition. They explore the politics that came into play during the group's formation as he outlines how he began to understand he wasn't going to be included in the lineup after he was excluded from the first photo shoot. They also discuss the love Mega and Nas still had for each other throughout the years of negativity. 25:44 -- Mega speaks on the impact and storied legacy of Violator Records Exec Chris Lighty and how they originally connected. They get into Chris' unique position in the industry as having a street mentality mixed with a strong business sense and how his understanding of Mega's needs coming out of prison was what got him on board. Mega also talks about how the chance to be affiliated with Def Jam was a dream come true at the time with their legacy of greatness. 30:41 -- Mega gets into the unique personality of Queensbridge and how the rappers that hail from the area are a reflection of the greatness and creativity of their community. They go on to talk about the immortal legacy of street legend Supreme Magnetic and also discuss notable cuts from Mega's 2014 album 'Mega Philosophy,' the strategic move of featuring members from The Firm, and the criminal underappreciation of Large Professor who fully produced the record. 35:28 -- Mega's song 'Rap Basquiat' is brought up and he is asked about the must-hear second verse of that track. They also get into Mega's growth as an artist that can be heard on his album 'Mega Philosophy,' and explore bars from the song 'Industry,' his expecting to be blacklisted with that record, and Mega challenging himself to be more responsible as an artist at the time of penning that album. 40:43 -- Mega's most recent album 'The Realness II' is discussed and the tracks 'Her Name' which revisits Mega's ode to hip hop 'American Beauty,' as well as 'White Roses' with it paying tribute to the icons of the culture. Mega also talks about taking every opportunity to be a supporter of his peers and their endeavors, and also gets into the deep influence the Five Percent Nation has had on the culture and how it's not discussed enough. 45:59 -- Mega talks about what he has coming down the line, including a physical copy of his 'Black Book' book of inspirational quotes, new music with Harry Fraud, and a project with Havoc. They go on to discuss the debate over where hip hop originated, the Jamaican influence, and examples of rapping being traced back to the early 1900s. Mega also gives his take on Run DMC being the greatest group ever, how they saved the genre, and they discuss how hip hop became one of the most powerful unifiers in the world.

[@NHBONTHEARM]

When the sheek interview dropping

[@AnnaPolin-f1j]

❤🎉❤🎉🎉❤🎉❤🎉 0:28

[@Bruno-ys8ds]

So glad Cormega FINALLY gets a real shine! Most underrated rapper EVER!

[@superbball]

Mega is in my top 10 easy and should be on every one's top 10 of all time.

[@robertwalker5222]

People say that about every rapper but without even knowing his music I have a feeling you’re right

[@shaftpunk84]

The craziest part of this whole interview is Talib saying Large Professor has hundreds of beats in the bank because people don’t wanna rhyme on them. One of the all time greats! People are INSANE.

[@DrBigFMC]

Agreed. I suspect its partly to do with the economics of clearing samples.

[@polioepidemic8746]

Only Built For Queens Link!!!!!

[@crownking9712]

You right fam... that is totally insane nobody don't want to rhyme on LP beats,but on the flip side LP gotta promote that he want to colab with people

[@disasteraka]

​@@DrBigFMC hell I just wouldn't sample. Just straight hooks and bars to them large professor beats I know they 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@johanskold8890]

Maybe they are just not good beats...

[@MarcinJuniorPawuniak]

Maaan. I love Cormega. He’s such an amazing human being with great wisdom and good heart. Had the pleasure to see him preform live in Poland, one of the best to do it. Peace from Poland, hope both Talib and Cormega gonna come and do a show one day. Love and respect to the truest!

[@Rio-uv1gs]

Cormega is true conversationalist. Its basically effortless for him to have something potent to say in relation to hiphop and his life. He could definitely have a podcast.

[@twizrock7081]

I just checked out The Realness 2 because of this interview and it’s AMAZING!!!!! . I love albums that you can just play without skipping a song! 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤 Her Name Crazy!!!! , the Nas feature Crazy!!! The Lloyd Banks Feature bananas!! This Album is a instant classic!! ….

[@sdaoud31]

One of the best albums I’ve heard in a while ….

[@benhardwick1970]

Mega just gets better and better, can’t think of any artist like that. He’s truly inspirational

[@blamps7327]

Anytime CORMEGA sits down for an interview, I click to watch. Dope as always to see this brother.

[@leonflamesofficial]

‘Bring it Back’ is one of my favourite all time Mega joints.

[@KD_SWAGGER]

Cormega's Mega Philosophy & The Realness II albums are great albums with timeless lyrics. Solid, professional and informative interview. Thank you Talib Kweli & Cormega.

[@zncuentertainment712]

I have so much respect for Cormega, great interview!

[@germaynegarcia]

His live performances are memorable🔥

[@sheltonalexander6785]

DMX 1st album came with that green bonus CD. We played Mega's The Testament track more than the album in May '98.

[@xuniversalx635]

Super dope interview and I appreciate kweli bringing attention to mega philosophy too ✨💎✨ it's a gem

[@anthonyarcanumsanctumregnu9551]

Yo Mega has matured so much as a Man, growing up in Queens Mega has been an Idol for us in Queens since Nas shouted Him out on illmatic, Queens bridge is full of amazing Emcees but Mega is Top Tier, I'd say, Nas, Early Prodigy, then Cormega as my top three favorite Emcees from Queens bridge.

[@mbtf4598]

Was never a big fan of Mega. Always saw Nas with AZ and Foxy as his best partners but his interviews lately have made me see what a vital part of the whole 90s and QB story he is. Comes across as cool more than just street as he could've just been seen.

[@miguelpatrick79]

He was up there with nas lyrically but you a fan of nas and not him How ironic you don't no music bro

[@sbakernyc5761]

How could u fuck with Nas but not Mega? I'm from Queens and Nas is the all time GOAT for me, but Mega is so Nasty. "Fuck Nas and Nature" a top 5 diss track for me

[@El_terrible1985]

Cormega had classic albums by himself. You’re robbing yourself not listening to him

[@mbtf4598]

There was so much music in the 90s and 2000s it was easy to miss out on some things. Mega hosmself in this interview says he likes to be underrated. Clearly, I also underrated him.

[@DonYoGi8331]

Mega actually lived his raps, unlike Nas.

[@uncvic1]

Great, great talk, I've had both you gentlemen on my playlist and to see y'all chop it up. Yeah, this is a great Monday 🤜🏾🤛🏾

[@erichill665]

Talib, you need to interview AZ. Thank you for Skyzoo.

[@DarlingtonUbek]

Great Interview Talib. Thank you for hosting Mega. One of the greatest and finest hip hop lyricists to grace the mic.

[@ZAaron-wq5jd]

Cormega is a wonderful artist. With his early music, I didn't get into it as much. But when he made the track "All I Need Is You" off Hi-Tek's "Hi-Teknology" album, I knew then he was a DIFFERENT MC. Mega Philosophy is a monumental album, I played it over and over when it dropped, and made sure I let others know that it was a must-listen. His album "Born & Raised" is probably my 2nd favorite of his.. just really creative and a really different sound. Keep doing your thing Mega!

[@KYSE3]

This interview should have wayy more views…

[@darklight7452]

As the only black therapist in a community mental health clinic I appreciate this from Mega, working through hood ptsd then going to the military and experienced more ptsd it was only right to work in the field. First thing I tell my clients is all that stuff in them books wasn't made with people of color in mind but we gonna make it work and I'm make it digestible so we can go for the win. That Glorious track with Nas on Realness II 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@carpediem9015]

This was an amazing one! I could listen to these two philosophers talk all day! ❤️‍🔥🙏🏾

[@snsmusicpage]

Respect to my bro!!! I’ve always been a fan of his work since day one!!! Thank u for the shout out on this interview!!!

[@uproxx]

No doubt

[@David-py4eb]

I have been a cormega fan since affirmative action ! So happy he’s getting his flowers …salute Mega 🫡

[@E_DUBBLE]

One of my favorite artists of all time! Every Mega+Mobb track is a classic to me.

[@uproxx]

those are pure fire

[@michaelglazier9932]

Yep a classic combo for sure

[@leonflamesofficial]

Mega is forever dropping knowledge. Salute 🫡

[@clarktownsend8991]

Bout time for this!!! You had to have this legend on!!!! One of the dopest Lyricists of all time.

[@brandonjohnson3189]

Geat episode fellas. I appreciate yall Hip Hop knowledge.

[@CityOfChampions617]

Cormega interviews are always 🔥

[@Andrew-Antioch-Kim]

I like Nature, but we all would've preferred Cornega on the original Firm album.

[@lloydjohnson4284]

Naaaa

[@zncuentertainment712]

100%

[@lloydjohnson4284]

@Dewayne Junior Type in LLOYD WITH THE FLOYD BIO

[@lloydjohnson4284]

@Dewayne Junior let me get ya opinion on dat since you into opinions.

[@lloydjohnson4284]

@Dewayne Junior its not negative, some people were cool with Nature.

[@Wugyz108]

One of your best interviews!

[@uproxx]

Love that! Thanks!

[@Kentelligent24]

Great interview! Salute to both men!

[@stevebramucci7392]

thanks!

[@weirdartsociety]

He is absolutely correct. The second verse or rap Basquiat is nuts.

[@yoitsgiook]

Respect to Cormega, and thank you for having him as a guest, Talib.

[@Hiddenjewel76.]

Such a dope interview. Two dope emcees. Mega is one of the greatest 💪🏾💪🏾💯

[@Skelly.B]

This interview was solid. Salute to Cormega, Talib and the whole People's Party Team ✊🏾

[@CG-sz9mr]

Cor, mega, raw, forever. Still born in Bed Stuy, never ran, never will.

[@alantoler8266]

Mega my main man....the GOD ....been f*** wit mega since forever....good one Kweli...shout out to black Star

[@verbone]

People don't like to rap on Large P beats?? Large Pro is easily a top 20 producer of all time!!

[@sh-nd4cs]

you can see the artists process of trying to reach a point unfold live. So the authenticity is there with guys like this. He's even discovering new knowledge of himself sometimes if you know what you're watching. Mega was always flaming mfs always...and his vocals were so unique.

[@jovan.mihailovic]

Soo dope episode!!! S/O to Cormega and Talib 🏆🏆🫡

[@DJMOESKIENO]

Salute to Mega he’s a legend 💯💯

[@brkjeff]

*Cor. Mega. Raw. Forever…*

[@tweeze2700]

The Bay area is the foundation of independent This is 100% fact 🌉👑🫡

[@Becauseimme]

Yo, last night I had a dream it had me open like a fiend And all I remember is me, you, the moon and ocean breeze My heartbeat increased like I seen approachin D's I relapsed cause of these words you spoke to me

[@PhaceizDaname]

Salute to one of my personal favorite Queensbridge emcees!! ... GREAT WORK TALIB!! SHOUTS TO MEGA MONTANA!

[@LuisFelipeBallénUriarte]

THE ONE AND ONLY CORMEGA HELL YEAH THAT´S WHAT´S UP MUCH LOVE RESPECT AND ADMIRATION TO YOU SIR TALIB YOU KILLING IT BRO KEEP UP THIS TYPE OF GREAT WORK

[@shifty4640]

Coremega my g.. Killaz theme is in my all time top 10...

[@crownking9712]

The Legend Cormega...one of the 🐐 GOATS FRFR... PEACE AND BLESSINGS 2 YOU 👑 KING!!!

[@supremedivine5123]

Chris lighty's name, Rings Bells Yo! Madd' Love, and Props to him and his family. R.I.P. Chris Lighty Yo!

[@internationalillwill3739]

I wish you could've had the GOD on longer great show

[@sleepleZZZV3]

This was great!!! Thanks to the "People's Party"

[@Rellbronjames9]

Mega Montana!

[@jKHAHN215PA]

I fukkz with Mega wild heavy and never heard his music ..him as a person is just dope! Reminds me of Power from Wu.. in his own way! #215salute

[@loyaltyrapheal1177]

Mega is truly the Realness 💪💪 I like the fact he never allows the complacent ruin his Realness True Legend. God bless OG

[@bamnjphoto]

I appreciate this, Mega is one of my QB favorites. He spit a lot of gems on classic joints

[@smoothfreshness]

" I don't expect a fake nigga to fill this/ Look in my eyes stare at the realness/ -Cormega

[@nickreffer3046]

Call mega is one of the best lyrically gifted artist in the game. He have a large vocabulary. A very complex style love the way mega spit.

[@AYATOLLAHBEATS]

Another Great Interview🎶🎼👌

[@AYATOLLAHBEATS]

Truly An Honor To Make Music With Both Cormega And Talib🎶🔊👈

[@jamesball5743]

Mega’s Bring it Back is an all time hip hop classic forever

[@LinearJaguar_7JR]

Mega one of the Greatest!!

[@damegrand2954]

I just listened to the Realness last week again. Big ups Mega! One in a million!

[@uproxx]

love this energy!

[@joestein72]

Thanks for this Cormega the realness

[@JA-vy1gp]

Great interview salute mega

[@supremedivine5123]

Ever since I heard Nas say his name on illmatic, I've been checking for cormega Yo!!!! And, whatta' Dope Name (Cormega).

[@GhostOfTazio]

Montana Diary, Angel Dust, Crime Connection, Dead Man Walking. Mega is a Legend

[@nickreffer3046]

What my man said Union Street we’ve been president and Nostrand Avenue. Wow that’s legendary. I never knew that.

[@explorerthedennis]

Ruste Juxx king of crown heights

[@jwd215]

"In queens where my drugs be, I wear guess jeans and rugby"

[@patrickmclean4302]

MEGA WHAT EVER! Great interview great guest. You make hip hop proud.

[@ScottThrill]

A-Plus def had that line about being signed but shout out to Hiero who helped trailblaze independent hip hop by creating Hiero Imperium. 💯

[@raphaelphiri1689]

I don't chase the bag, I chase my dreams- Mega

[@CEOBEEZII]

Salute 👑 to my thun cormega💯💯💯

[@mikesorochuk7073]

Mega lots of love .Much respect LEGEND

[@thecunninlynguist]

Mega, mega, mega

[@aaronrowe2700]

Large pro hip hop god preach mega amazing lyrical swordsmith I love new york hip hop best music all I listen to day in day out u feeling down all you need is hip hop word is bond

[@nickreffer3046]

Wow, I never knew mega was born in Brooklyn that’s crazy. Nas also was born in Brooklyn. Wow.

[@kevinrobinsonjr5440]

GREAT INTERVIEW FELLAS!! 👍🏾

[@CEOBEEZII]

Salute 👑💯💯💯

[@johje02]

Talib does the absolute best introductions.

[@juanway]

Two giants ❤ only wish it was hours lol

[@thejeneralj.u.-iceforever6706]

🗣️MEGA MONTANA IN THE BUILDING!!! 🗣️THUNNNNN!!!!

[@speakfreelypodcast]

I love Mega

[@kennethtucker90]

MEGA is dope asf. Supreme MC, LEGEND no doubt. Peace 👑

[@vincentwelch8577]

Mega said something that hit me hard when he said we see death and we normalize it and it's not normal and I was in therapy saying the same thing. I've buried 12 close friends all murdered and it becomes normal and we don't realize the toll it takes on us. So yes mental health is a real thing especially for us Brothers from tough areas

[@tweeze2700]

The greatness 👑🫡🪖

[@1david39]

💙

[@ericwilliams1023]

Its the HAT for me! Dope!

[@javierrosario2364]

Montana that dude top 5 dead or alive. Thanks for the gems keep winning.

[@briantorruella676]

Mega!! Respect!!

[@robertwalker5222]

After this interview I’m definitely checking out this man’s albums. I forgot about it until now but the last I heard from him was when I used to get the NY battle rap CDs on Melrose and Cormega destroyed Nas and some other rappers week after week.

[@SethBByrd]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@javierrosario2364]

I need a cormega & ransom track !

[@marcuswitty375]

PEACE CORMEGA

[@yahsharbanyhwh3077]

🖤

[@MrIncognito2020]

“Been doing this , since 96 with Cormega” T.O.N.Y

[@DonYoGi8331]

Tragedy knew Mega way before 96 lol. He said March 6th.

[@CHILL-BANG]

Crown Heights stand up💪🏿💯‼️

[@joestein72]

Love you Cormega!

[@nickreffer3046]

Wow, my man mega really matured and he changed a lot. He was always intelligent though.