In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with rapper, writer, DJ, and producer:

LORD FINESSE

Here's what we got into with one of D.I.T.C.'s finest:

• Large Professor being one of Finesse's biggest mentors coming up.
• How his Bronx neighborhood of Forest Hills was similar to a village.
• Entering himself in the New Music Seminar to battle the best.
• 'Funky Technician' being the spark that formed the D.I.T.C. crew.
• His longtime friendship with fellow D.I.T.C. member Diamond D.
• DJ Mike Smooth who he looked up to like a big brother.
• Talib relating to Finesse's history of freestyling at school lunch tables.
• Finesse's signature compound rhyme scheme of using three syllables.
• What rappers inspired Finesse the most while growing up.
• Where Finesse's knack for clever and comedic punchlines stems from.
• 'Funky Technician' being Finesse finding his way and paying tribute to his heroes.
• Guru picking his demo tape while acting as A&R for Wild Pitch Records.
• Finesse's first encounter with Big L during an autograph signing.
• Being blown away by how polished Big L was at such a young age.
• Becoming a fully fledged producer, giving 5 tracks to Big L for his debut.
• The lead up to Finesse's producing for Biggie on 'Suicidal Thoughts.'
• Why Finesse's third effort 'The Awakening' was his most personal album.
• Getting the opportunity to work with jazz great Roy Ayers on 'Soul Plan.'
• Record companies pushing artists to portray false images.
• Working with a young CaponeNNoreaga and producing 'Channel 10.'
• Fat Boy Slim's sampling of Finesse for the smash hit 'The Rockafeller Skank.'
• Fellow D.I.T.C. member Fat Joe and his doing what it took to become a star.
• Finesse producing one of Dr. Dre's most introspective songs, 'The Message.'
• Finesse's philosophical side is explored about passion and purpose.
• What made the 90's so special and wanting to see hop hop evolve.

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PEOPLE'S PARTY WITH TALIB KWELI

People's Party is a weekly interview show hosted by Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh. Guests range from the biggest names in hiphop to global entertainers to the most progressive minds moving our culture forward. The audio podcast is available on Apple and Spotify.