Talib Kweli & Goapele On ‘Closer,’ Hieroglyphics, Zion I, Prince, E-40, Snoop | People’s Party Full

In this episode of “People’s Party With Talib Kweli,” Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with soul and R&B singer-songwriter:

GOAPELE

Here’s what we got into:

• The South African origin of her name as well the correct pronunciation.
• Her parent’s history of being activists against Apartheid.
• Collaborating with South African artists Cassper Nyovest and Hip Hop Pantsula.
• How the cultural gumbo of her upbringing in the Bay gave her a unique perspective.
• Meeting a freshly signed Kanye West at the Fillmore Concert Hall.
• Not realizing the power of her song ‘Closer’ at the time they recorded it.
• Her deep connection to the Hieroglyphic crew and their impact on hip hop.
• Talib’s story of getting locked up with Tajai for smoking a blunt.
• Dissecting the songs ‘Red, White & Blues’, ‘Romantic’ and ‘Things Don’t Exist’.
• Dave Chappelle’s spot-on impression of Nelson Mandella.
• The impact of Zion I Rapper Baba Zumbi on the Bay Area rap scene.
• Her experiences in the studio with E-40 and how cool a person he is.
• Having the huge privilege of being able to perform with Prince.
• Dissecting the songs ‘Play’, ‘Tears On My Pillow’ and her album ‘Break Of Dawn’.
• Goapele’s song ‘Hush’ about navigating the struggles of motherhood.
• Her 2014 album ‘Strong As Glass’ and Estele writing the title song.
• Working with Snoop Dogg on ‘Hey Boy’.
• Goapele’s song ‘Perfect’ about easing the pain of those in her community.
• Her reluctance to holding a snake in the music video for ‘ Dreamseeker’.
• The influence of Aaliyah on Goapele as an artist.
• Performing ‘For Love’ in Ava DuVernay’s 2013 short film ‘The Door’.
• Goapele’s work as an ambassador for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
• Her sixth album that she’s currently working on and it’s pairing with scented candles.