Talib Kweli & The D.O.C. On Death Row, N.W.A., Erykah Badu, 2Pac, Dre, Snoop | People’s Party Full

In this episode of “People’s Party With Talib Kweli,” Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with rapper and writer:

THE D.O.C.

Here’s what we got into:

• What it was like for The D.O.C. growing up in Dallas, Texas as an aspiring emcee.
• How ‘The Formula’ pays homage to Run from RUN DMC, KRS-One, Slick Rick and Rakim.
• His original group The Fila Fresh Crew that he came up with in Dallas.
• How he met Dr. Dre when he was still with the World Class Wrecking Crew.
• His experiences working with Eazy-E amid the early days of N.W.A..
• The immense impact of Ice Cube’s influence on the culture.
• D.O.C.’s feelings about hip hop being at a fork in the road.
• The car crash that damaged his voice following the release of his debut album.
• The cop that pulled him over and let him drive away while intoxicated.
• Snoop Dogg helping him out by getting him in voice therapy.
• The unique blend of influences that The D.O.C. brought to the table.
• A line from ‘ The Grand Finale’ that Talib won’t ever forget.
• D.O.C.’s importance to ‘The Chronic’ and why he rarely listens to the album.
• Snoop giving D.O.C. the gift of letting him live through his voice.
• Leaving Ruthless and choosing to stay out of the beef between Dre and Eazy.
• Why D.O.C. found jail time easier than studio time at Death Row.
• Snoop walking the line of a real one that doesn’t need to flex.
• Moving to Atlanta and feeling indebted to MC Breed for taking him in.
• Drawing comparisons between D.O.C.’s ‘Secret Plan’ and Talib’s ‘Give ‘Em Hell’.
• ‘Deuce’ originally intended to be released under the name of rapper 6Two.
• Knowing Erykah Badu since childhood, reconnecting and forming a relationship.
• Finding out he has some acting chops when he landed a role in ‘Gasoline Alley’.
• Looking to 2Pac for his inspiration as a rapper turned actor.
• Being jealous of LL Cool J back in the day and Rakim changing the game.