Genesis Of The Rift Episode 376 Shegogg Cook Interview

Smooth links up with his longtime friend Shegogg Cook to talk about Cook's debut sci-fi fantasy novel, Genesis of the Rift, now available on Amazon. Cook breaks down how the book came together over six years starting from a late-night creative impulse and evolving from a concept about a soul traveling through time in the dream world into a full-fledged sci-fi anime-influenced story that blends philosophy, Black culture, and speculative fiction. Smooth and Cook discuss how the protagonist “Soul” is part original character, part reflection of Cook himself flawed, charismatic, and deeply human. A big theme of the episode is representation: Cook speaks to the intentional decision to center Black culture in a sci-fi space that doesn't always make room for it, from the dialogue and character dynamics to the way characters interact with AI and navigate conflict. A compelling conversation about storytelling, identity, and what it means to create something that truly belongs to you.