Fresh Era

INTRODUCING 'SMOOTH ERA' - DROPPING APRIL 8, 2024

From the "Old Heads" who brought you Fresh Era, comes the new series about the legends of 90's R&B. Season One features audio documentaries from the likes of Montell Jord

Del The Funky Homosapien: From Latch-Key to Mushroom Tea

Teren "Del The Funky Homosapien" Jones was a latch-key kid of Oakland, CA in the 1970's, a lover of Hanna Barbera cartoons, and had advanced knowledge of computer technol

Butterfly (of Digable Planets): NBA Bound to An Interplanetary Sound

Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler was born in Seattle, WA, but had a portal into the east coast thanks to his father. From there, he learned the coolest in Jazz music, fashion,

INTRODUCING: GOLD RUSH: How The Sprite "Obey Your Thirst" Campaign Changed Advertising

If you're loving Fresh Era, please check out the newest Stupid Fly podcast "Gold Rush" where we dig deep into the understated moments of Hip-Hop history. In our premier e

Peter Gunz: From Packing Steel to Shaquille O'Neal

Peter "Gunz" Pankey didn't just come up with his MC moniker out of nowhere. As an aspiring artist in 1980's New York, Peter used gun-running as a means to survive. Come o

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL: Grand Puba (2021)

Grand Puba, born Maxwell Dixon, is an iconic figure in Hip-Hop who has lived a life filled with "balance". As a youth he "balanced" street life with an enriched education

Kool Kim (of The U.M.C.'s): Statue of Liberty to Universal M.C.

Kim "Kool Kim" Sharpton was born, not only with an amazing gift in poetry, but with an uplifting, positive attitude that made it easy for him to make friends in his neigh

Pete Rock: From Growing Up With Heavy D to Becoming King of The S.P.

Peter "Pete Rock" Phillips continues to be one of the most legendary Hip-Hop producers ever. He developed his own sound early on and never waivered from who he is and wha

2022 RAP-Up Episode With DJ EFN (Drink Champs): Tajai (Souls of Mischief)

Fresh Era had an amazing 2022. We got to speak with 90’s legends from coast to coast, help tell their stories, and build some new friendships along the way. One important

Speech (of Arrested Development): Milwaukee Peach to Atlanta Speech

Todd "Speech" Thomas was destined to be an entrepreneur. With two parents who showed him how to be successful on their own terms, Speech took the torch they gave him and

King Tee: Young Roger McBride to King Tee & St. Ides

Roger "King Tee" McBride had laser focus on becoming successful in music since he was a child. He forewent doing well in school, and in turn, got kicked out of multiple e

Kid (of Kid 'N Play): Bronx Made to The High Top Fade

Before Christopher "Kid" Reid became one of the most iconic faces in Hip-Hop history, along with his partner in rap, Christopher "Play" Martin, he had to endure a lot to

Sticky Fingaz (Onyx): Steady Hands on the Clippers to Sticky Fingaz on the Mic

Since his childhood in the 1970's, Kirk "Sticky Fingaz" Jones manifested his destiny with his determination and undeniable hustling skills. He went from an aspiring teena

PMD (of EPMD): The Family Business to Strictly Business

Parrish "PMD" Smith alongside his partner in rhyme, Erick Sermon, created EPMD - one of the most iconic Hip-Hop groups of all time. Setting trends with their music and fa

Masta Ace: From The Symphony to The I.N.C.

Duval "Masta Ace" Clear has built a legacy that will live on forever, but it didn't come easy. He has had to pivot and rebrand multiple times in his career, but with each

Mellow Man Ace: Cuban Lottery to Soul Assassins Camaraderie

Ulpiano Reyes, better known as Mellow Man Ace, was born with the Midas touch. As a toddler he won the Cuban Lottery which made it possible for him and his family to migra

Tajai (Souls of Mischief): Master of Dialect to Professional Architect

Tajai Massey was raised in Oakland, CA during the explosion of Hip-Hop in the early 80's. His father, who worked at Stanford University, instilled a work ethic in him fro

C.L. Smooth: The True Story of T.R.O.Y. and Corey

Corey "C.L. Smooth" Penn is one of the most recognizable voices of the Golden Era. Also known as The Mecca Don, CL breathed new life into 90's hip-hop by incorporating ho

Al Skratch: Subway Stops to The King of Pop

Although Al Skratch's success seemingly came towards the end of The Golden Era, he had actually been an architect, helping build the blueprint, for years before. Raised i

Arabian Prince: Electronics To Supersonic

Kim "Arabian Prince" Nazel is the overshadowed member of "The World's Dangerous Crew", NWA...but he prefers it that way. Growing up in Compton, CA in the late 60's, Arabi