Talib Kweli & John Forte Talk Fugees, DMX Cypher, Liquid Cocaine Arrest, Jail Time | People's Party
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- čas přidán 16. 02. 2020
- In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with rapper, singer, songwriter, producer and one of Talib's closest friends -- John Forte. John's life story is one of extreme highs, lows, and inspiring redemption. The show kicks off with talk of his early years growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn with an adventurous spirit, always being on the move. They explore his unique sense of style, things that drew him to the 5% Nation, and landing his first job in the industry, not as an emcee, but as head of A&R for Rawkus Records.
Later they dig into John's work with the Fugees. Him being there from the jump and seeing first hand the progression of each member's career, especially that of his close friend Lauryn Hill. He also tells the story of his arrest at the Newark airport for possession of $1.4 million worth of liquid cocaine, and being sentenced to a mandatory 14 year prison sentence. He describes what led up to that moment, time spent while incarcerated, and the aftermath of eventually getting out early via an order of executive clemency from President Bush.
As the convo continues John speaks on the re-release of his album "I, John," which he wrote and recorded after his arrest, with a pending 14 year prison term fresh in his mind. He also speaks on his close friendship with legendary singer/song writer Carly Simon, who fought for John's early release, and her son Ben Taylor, also son of the great James Taylor. He talks about learning to play guitar while locked up, as well as the legendary DMX birthday round-table cypher session he participated in along with Big Pun, Canibus, and Mos Def. And in closing John reflects on how he feels about the latest chapter in his life as a husband and father of a 2 year-old baby girl.
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Interview timing:
2:18 -- "I'm eating mangoes in Trinidad with attorneys" reciting one of his classic bars, John recounts growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn with big dreams of exploring the world at an early age, and utilizing New York's transportation system as far as it could take him.
8:00 -- Talib reminds John of admiring his creative sense of style when he first met him, and John explains the origins of his unique fashion choices stemming from not being able to afford designer brands.
10:45 -- John speaks on his introduction to the 5% Nation, and the specific elements of that community that he gravitated towards.
15:54 -- Talib explains his emcee superhero origin story, and how John ties into it, being his roommate at NYU and John becoming head of A&R during the earliest stages of Rawkus Records, which would become one of the most iconic independent hip hop labels in history.
21:23 -- John speaks on a moment that led to one of his biggest breaks, rapping for Jessica Rosenblum, who was a well known hip hop event promoter during that time.
25:28 -- John reflects on the microaggressions he experienced while attending Phillips Exeter Academy boarding school.
28:33 -- John speaks on producing for 'The Score,' the evolution of the Fugees, his first live show, time spent with Lauryn Hill and how their relationship developed. He also touches disillusionment with the business of the industry and how the same issues impacted the Fugees.
39:56 -- John tells the story of his arrest for liquid cocaine at Newark airport and describes the factors in his life and music career that led to that moment. He also talks sentencing, life in prison, and his educational pursuits while incarcerated.
52:43 -- John touches on "I, John" -- the album he recorded at a time when he was aware of his pending prison sentence. He also speaks to his relationship with singer/song writer Carly Simon, who fought hard, advocating for his early release. Her efforts eventually proving to be successful, with an executive order of clemency from President Bush.
1:10:12 -- Talib asks John about his lifetime desire of learning how to play the guitar, finally getting the chance with time locked up, and speaks to how important it's become to his growth as an artist.
1:15:48 -- John reflects on the famous DMX birthday round-table cypher with Big Pun, Canibus, and Mos Def. They discuss John's verse and how significant that period was for him even many years later, as well as how they industry has changed since then.
1:19:41 -- John reminisces on a panic attack that he had smoking with Talib during a party hosted at the Palladium in New York during the early 90's.
1:23:58 -- John speaks on life now as a husband and father of a 2 year old girl.
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#TalibKweli #JohnForte #PeoplesParty #UPROXXVideo #UPROXX #JasminLeigh - Hudba
Peace and Love, Party People. Give it up for John Forte! Also be sure to subscribe to and rate the People's Party podcast on Apple and Spotify.
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I know you all only released the video today (Feb. 17, 2020), but I do not understand how it doesn't already have like 50,000 views. (1,768 views currently) John Forté's story is one of hip-hop's most intricate and intriguing. Even as I'm typing this Kweli just said that his story is likely to be a movie one day. For sure. I can't wait to get into this interview!
I’m listening to this thinking “Damn! How? Relationships is an understatement of this brother’s...life”.
Additionally, however, this is what it is to see raw skill in communicating (as an master of ceremony or otherwise) manifested; how he speaks what he speaks isn’t necessarily performed glamorously, but damn if there isn’t something about what he’s saying that’s captivating.
@Melvin Mohammed Peace!
I love that bro what ever happened to him
Talib Greetings brethren, and congratulations. You have created a Library...I wish you continued success, may the Spirit Be your Guide.
Spike Lee, this is your next award-winning documentary.
Interview of the Decade. Lesson in our culture to younger listeners. I was 10 in 95. I experienced pieces of the 90s but I could recognize greatness. Now I understand the bars.
Peace God same here!!
I will always remember John Forte's verses on "Family Business" and "Cowboys". This dude has always had an ill pen and was nasty on the mic. I'm glad that he's getting that he's getting the roses and props he deserves. Shout out to Kweli and The People's Party
Very lyrical. He had a great voice too
He killed his verse and he killed that beat lol
Yeah he killed Family Business. That dude Omega in the beginning of the song was ill too.
@@jojodancer1743 Omega is the ending of predictability
@@jojodancer1743 Dirrty Jerz Finest right there.
"Trying to sell rap and crack John Forte.." Sean Price
I meet John forte and the Fugees in Spring Valley New York in the 90’s and he busted the illist freestyle ever. Shout out to John Forte for standing tall as a man.... Peace
Wooooooow. Spring Valley. I haven't been there since the 90s. Used to catch a bus from Montreal to Port Authority back in the day. Spring Valley was a Haitian Mecca. Half the bus would get off in Spring Valley
Ross Laverdure LoL I’m Haitian and I study 120 lessons of the Nation of Gods and Earths.... Peace
THE 911 GT3 LIFE Peace God.... I was taught we as human that sometimes u have to go through hell to make it right. Peace to u brother very well said
This conversation with John Forte is, by far, my favorite. He was so well spoken, so open about his life, so humble about the gifts he has been given and eternally hopeful. When he spoke on improving himself while incarcerated, I couldn't help but think of Nelson Mandela. Their circumstances were very different but the resolve to come out of a jail a better person than what you were when you went in is a feat of spiritual strength and being blessed. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." -Psalm 34:19.
Wyclef's song "Just tryin to stay alive" got me introduced to John Forte(97). He came out with the album "I John"(08). His voice is very unique! He has that magnetic flow! God bless him with continued success 💪👌!
@@balle733 . Ok. Didn't know that. I'm just talking about when I first heard him.
Same song that introduced me to him aswell 💯💪🏽
Best audio and mics in the podcast business
I’ve known Mr Forte’ was intelligent. But watching Talib in virtual Intellectual owe of someone is impressive. Because make no mistake about it. Kweli is no slouch at all with the vocab and the convo. Great interview and I still have an hour to go.
I respect that he never lost his spirit for life and music shout out to john forte.
This is legendary.
GiiibbZ Of Fizix indeed
One of the most powerful voices I've heard on a mic
Intelligent Black Men! NEEDS TO BE KNOWN THAT ITS A BEAUTIFUL THING!
I remember asking for this couple of months ago. I even said imagine John Forte and Yasiin Bey makin an album together. Thanks to People's Party. Shout out from South Africa. Thanks Kweli and Forte. Family Business is my favourite track of all time. Move On track with him and Pras was dope too. Forte is dope.
JOHN FORTE, GRAB THE MIC AS I SWAY THIS WAY!!!! DOPE INTERVIEW and im only 45seconds in! Gotta get Wyclef on the joint now!
Let's get this straight John Forte's first album was a BANGER but they just didn't want that slightly grittier sound from a Fugee affiliate back then.
John please don't speak ill of that project. It is a great album and your transformation has been incredible to watch.
Thank you, @sleepy.
@@TheJohnforte bro you had a positive impact on my life. When interviewed by Combat Jack (R.I.P.) you said to the youth to stop wasting their life in front of a screen. Thank you for that bro 🙏🏿
@@Travels_of_Chicho Thank you!
@@TheJohnforte You are an inspiration. The whole catalog thus far is classic and priceless. Gong Guru heals my chakras. God Speed.
@@Liamdbuckley Wellness + Gratitude
I watched John play a tune last week with Ben Taylor and the only thing I could think about at the time was who is this man and what intelligent and creative person he must be. After finally getting his name today I went on line to find out more about his experience in life. Holy shit! Nothing but respect and admiration. You’ve brought me to tears more than once in the last hour listen to your story’s. Your daughter, mother, wife are the luckiest women on the planet. I’m a guy by the way. You give me hope at a time when there’s so much despair and reaffirm just how lucky we all are to be here in this moment. Thank you Warren Hatch and Carly! And thank you John for your authentic self! With peace and love from MV!
Loved this interview with John Forte! Your choice to interview this intellectual, insightful, courageously forward thinking brother is a very important one!
His speaking voice is very different than his rhyme speak . Another great intimate intellectual introspective conversation .
Yo, been listening since the first Reflection Eternal 12 inch I bought in fat beats. Still spinning 2000 seasons. Proud of your come up in general, but this show is dope. Best podcasts/guests on a podcast I've heard/seen since the inception of podcasts. Peace
John Forte, grab the mic, let’s sway this way!
Classic!
Yo man this is one of my favorite interviews so far. Not being too familiar with John outside of his work with the Fugees and that epic NY cypher. Learned a lot on this episode. Loved hearing John talk, very well spoken conversation straight from the heart. Powerful story.
If it's possible I'd like to see Aesop Rock on this for sure. I could name a shit ton more but to start: Geologic, One Be Lo, Boots Riley, The Grouch, Brother Ali, Lord Finesse, Del the Funky Homosapien, Madlib, and the whole Digable Planets crew.
I've always been a big John Forte fan. Loved that "Poly Sci" album.
Poly sci is a banger!
Yo, Super Dope Interview. Learned so much about John Forte. And hearing this interview helped me brush up on my vocabulary. This dude proves the fact that reading expands your vocabulary. The word I choose to highlight used by John in this interview is Autodidact. Look it up for yourself. Dope. Keep Going Peoples 🎉 👍🏾💪🏾👊🏾. Now I’m going to clean up my kids playroom and listen to John Forte’s Poly-Si. Thanks to this interview I know it exists.
That was the word I looked up too!
Probably the best interview of the year so far. I hope the young people are watching, listening, and paying attention. Thank you errbody at the people’s part
I would love to see an interview with Jean Grae and also with the GZA. This was such a good interview as always
COWBOYS IS MY ISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Score straight CLASSIC
Its funny that John and Talib actually look like brothers lol. Love the both of you!
Love.
The Best PODCAST Out From A TOP TIER Top 10 To 25 Rapper/MC/Lyricist & VISIONARY!!! SUPREME PEACE TO GOD!! PEACE TO THE Whole STAFF/TEAM!! & PEACE TO MAN WOMAN & CHILD!!!!
Vere The Poet 📠!!!!!
John sounds so relived and clean. It's crazy. I'm glad he's in a good space.
That verse on cowboy was a classic bar none 🔥🔥🔥
Definitely well put for John Forte. Knowledge of self is more important than knowledge of others. I respect that & live by that, not being a 5% but understanding the philosophy & the Math. "The People's Party" really gave me clear understanding of my well being. Respect to the Crew real Love. ♥️💛💚
I could listen to these brothers speak on the culture of hip hop & life all day! ✊🏾
Parts of the interview were very touching.... John Forte's story is definitely a story to be told in a movie
We appreciate you tuning in
Great minds.
Such a privilege to have viewed and listened to you both.
Peace!!
I love how John's voice and cadence of speech outta nowhere bramps up and then slows down. ✊🏾
This interview was so dope!!! Loved every minute and second of it
That was wonderful!!! It even made me download and prep for work to John Fortè’s music! Keep doing what you do!
I watch interviews daily and this was a great conversation. I had such a crush on John Forté as a young college student. I recall The Score album release. I still have that cd. I never knew John went to jail nor did I know Bush pardoned him. After this interview and the way President Bush treats Michelle Obama, I must say I have a newfound respect for him.
I really enjoyed this. I had a lot of questions about John Forte that got answered. Thanks brother!
Great interview, John should've had at least another half-hour to talk wanted to hear more from him
This interview brings back memories of impatiently waiting to go pick up the Poly Sci CD when it was released. Mr Forte, you made rhyming look easy and effortless. You rhythm and flow were like a trickling stream that formed into a cleansing tsunami of intellectual thought that wiped out the meaningless drivel that existed in my mind at those times, and replaced them with thoughts and ideas of the importance as a man to portray oneself as a positive intelligent force. Peace and blessing my brother, you are a legend to those with knowledge.
Thank you, Andre.
Great interview!! Bless you both🙏🏾
Professor Charles Ogletree is an important person in this conversation. He has been a mentor and shaped many lives. Including the Obama’s when they studied at Harvard.
Salute, Tree!
Poly Sci, from my first listen, has had a permanent place on my short list. It DAZZLED me. I probably listened to it damn near every day for at least a 2-3 years. I can't understand how it was such a commercial failure. My kids listen to Poly Sci, and now my GRANDKIDS are being blessed. If I'm still around for greats and beyond, so will they.
Thank you 🙏🏽
John Forté drops endless gems of knowledge and history. This is another classic from the *Brooklyn Embassy* administered by *Talib Kweli ~ Prime Minister of Brooklyn*
Great interview. So glad John got everything back on track. Fascinating stuff.
What an amazing interview!!!
These are the conversations and building moments that brothers have often, but let the world tell it...
I love this shit! 👊🏾
Thoroughly enjoy the show, and BIG RESPECT for bringing John Forte to the set. I subscribed to the podcast, too. EXCELLENT work!
man that Cypher is fucking classic. So glad it was caught on video
The way Kweli speaks about his younger days makes me wish I was running around with them dudes then.
i still wish i had the 'unique' draw string bag. u brothers brought me back with that. now after watching the whole video...just the last few minutes thank u for this...subbed
Yo them Palladium dayz!!! Sheesh!!! Smoking out wit APlus from Soul of Mischief and tweeking of that crazy weed ready to get up outta because it would go down in a hot second Them dayz will live in my heart for ever!
Amazing episode. Forte is obviously incredibly intelligent, and a compelling speaker. He was moving to listen to - the resolve and conviction to improve yourself through education in a system which degrades individuals, Black men in particular, was beautifully articulated by his story.
Please in the future get Ka on People's Party! Would be an incredible interview.
Wish there was a love button. This is the energy that would be present interviewing any of my brothers I go back 25 or more years with.
Great conversation. Thank you
This is a great episode Talib Kweli is getting better as a host with every episode, and I love how Jasmine is able to contribute to the sessions more effectively!! Great session big ups John Forte for having such a strong spirit through all the ups and downs!!
I was a C.O. at Fort Dix when he was locked down. Dude always had famous powerful people coming to visitation! Positive force!!!
OK! We really appreciate the comment and insight
Big ups to Talib! This is becoming my favorite channel. I hardly have the time (or attention span) to watch anything longer than 30 minutes, but I have been binge watching these videos all the way through. Much love Talib!
We do it for y’all
Allwayz a pleasure keep rockin!!🖖🏾🖖🏾
I never heard of John Forte prior to this interview. However, he is brilliant and an inspirational person. I am happy that Talib brought him on peoples party. Am I the only one, that feels that I need to improve my vocabulary after watching this interview. Talib Thank You, Thank You.
Great episode!
Such a cultural icon! It was good to see this interview. I didn’t know he was so connected in creating parts of hip hop. We look at hip hop in fragments when it’s all one.
Great talk,gentlemen 🍻
Instant classic episode brothers. Peace and blessings to you both and your families and staff.
This was beautiful.. the kind of content the world needs very desperately right now. Thank You
Such an incredible interview. Shouts to Talib Kweli and John Forte for this.
So many gems.
People’s party just keeps getting better every episode is 🔥🔥am from Nigeria 🇳🇬. People party has added more positive vibe to my hip hop culture life thanks OGs and Talib Kweli big love🙌🙌
Excellent Interview And Great Conversation!!!✊🏽👍🏽✊🏽👍🏽
This was a great conversation. Didnt want it to end 💚
Yo that remix of Killin me softly was fire
czcams.com/video/U4_KeVv-3MY/video.html
My favorite Podcast
I truly appreciate these interviews but this one stands out for me! Thanks Talib! You are doing an awesome job! Peace!
People's Party Best Hip Hop Podcast out there, Very dope to hear these stories and up-comings of some of the greatest in HipHop ,
Thus is a wonderful interview.
Wow just wow this interview was so refreshing .... especially coming from old Brooklyn New York
Much Gratitude.
This is just amazing ✌🏽
As always, very insightful episode!
GREAT interview!
Poly- Sci was a CLASSIC LP!
That’s a brilliant freaking question: How important was the public transportation system; access to reliable mobility when fulfilling the notion of exploration/adventure? My ongoing answer: It means everything! #MobilityAsFreedom
That sparked it for me. Hop on the train and end up in a whole different community. I loved it
Equisite conversation start to end!🔥🔥🔥
Great interview! Learned a lot & was entertained, 2 Legends. (Subscribing now)
Is it me or does them hugging at the end feel like the best part. Peace to John Forte.
So very thankful to have experienced this experience. John Forte so very thankful for your words of experience and your truth. You are so blessed to just be you. So thank you for being you throughout your steps in life! 🙌🏽✊🏽❤️
Immaculate interview, and conversation, by two esteemed Creators, Artists and Brothers. 💯
Always an ill brother, this is what being centered looks like!
Knowledge of self and growth is everything, it's spiritual, physical and mystical all rolled into one!
Great interview
Amazing. Thank you.
" diein' holdin' iron aint the right goal" ...Forte blazed that versus that Prince Be (RIP) joint, mad repeat play
Truly a dope interview from start to finish...salute to John Forte!!!! We need a interview with Hi-tek, or DJ Quik, Andre 3000 or the Mighty Mos Def AKA Yasiin Bey!!!!!
Bravo, great interview. Thank you Talib, top notch. Peace to John Forte.
Amazing interview
I was there through it all at the booga basements. My group NewDay were young children learning under John Forte and the Refugee Camp...
Wonderful Interview so many memories. Much more history and more to the story
Legends
I had the oppourtnity to meet and hang out with John...maybe 25 years ago in Connecticut when he was a student at Exeter. He was visiting with his roomate at the time. I remeber him being a cool, down to earth guy.