Music History · Khalabo Ink Society

DJ Drama’s Gangsta Grillz Podcast

by Khalabo Ink Society

Before rap music made its way onto the radio, mixtapes reigned as the primary means of distributing the genre. It was in 1996 that a young and talented DJ Drama made his debut in the mixtape scene with "Iladelph," a remarkable release that showcased Black Thought of the legendary Roots. Fast forward 25 years, and DJ Drama has transformed into a Grammy-winning hip-hop producer, record executive, and tastemaker earning himself the well-deserved moniker of "King of the Mixtape." Throughout his illustrious career, he has released a series of groundbreaking mixtapes that have not only disrupted the music industry but have also featured some of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. Enter the world of DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz Podcast, a captivating Audible Original presented by Kenya Barris' Khalabo Ink Society. Each episode of this highly anticipated podcast features DJ Drama and a legendary guest artist, including luminaries such as Lil Wayne, Tyler, The Creator, Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz, Pharrell, T.I., Jeezy, and Fabolous. Together, they delve into the intricacies of Drama's revered mixtape series, exploring its inception, production process, and enduring impact on the music landscape. Whether you're an avid fan of hip-hop or a lover of modern music, DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz Podcast is an absolute must-listen, offering invaluable insights and enthralling conversations with the trailblazers of the genre.

Latest episodes

Showing 10 · updated from the feed

Episode 9: PHARRELL.

DJ Drama sits down with Pharrell to discuss their mixtape collaboration, In My Mind the Prequel, as well as Pharrell’s rise from Virginia to international, Grammy winning

Jul 20 2023
32 min

Episode 8: 2 CHAINZ.

DJ Drama sits down with 2 Chainz to discuss their project, T.R.U. Realigion, Lil Wayne surprising 2 Chainz with the song, “Duffle Bag Boy,” and how hip-hop is like wrestl

Jul 20 2023
34 min

Episode 7: FABOLOUS.

Fabolous and DJ Drama talk about Fabolous’ rise on the New York City mixtape circuit through appearances on DJ Clue mixtapes. They also discuss releasing mixtapes on the

Jul 20 2023
32 min

Episode 6: LIL WAYNE.

DJ Drama sits down with the legendary Lil Wayne to discuss Wayne’s approach to mixtapes, Wayne’s classic mixtape series, Dedication, and who could stand a chance against

Jul 20 2023
37 min

Episode 5: T.I.

DJ Drama sits down with T.I. to discuss their fateful meeting, T.I.’s classic Gangsta Grillz mixtape, Down with the King, and how Tupac, Ice Cube, and Queen Latifah inspi

Jul 20 2023
32 min

Episode 4: JEEZY.

Jeezy and DJ drama talk about the role that classic mixtapes like Tha Streetz iz Watchin and Trap or Die played in Jeezy’s rise from selling music in the streets of Atlan

Jul 20 2023
34 min

Episode 3: WIZ KHALIFA.

DJ Drama sits down with Wiz Khalifa to discuss the role mixtapes played in Wiz’s rise from local Pittsburgh artist to having the second longest running rap single in Amer

Jul 20 2023
33 min

Episode 2: TYLER, THE CREATOR.

Tyler the Creator and DJ Drama talk about their Grammy winning Gangsta Grillz album, Call Me if You Get Lost. They also discuss Tyler’s influences - Q-Tip, Native Tongues

Jul 20 2023
44 min

Episode 1: KENYA BARRIS.

In this quick sit down, DJ Drama and Kenya Barris talk about the history of the Gangsta Grillz mixtape series, the legacy of mixtapes in hip-hop, and the similarities bet

Jul 20 2023
11 min

Trailer

Before rap music made its way onto the radio, mixtapes reigned as the primary means of distributing the genre. It was in 1996 that a young and talented DJ Drama made his

Jul 20 2023
1 min