SZN 4, EP-7. J Rawls talks hip hop, mixing beats, leaving a legacy & digging in the crates.

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation with J Rawls, we talk about how hip hop found its way into the hallowed halls of academia. He opened up about his journey from college student to music producer, ultimately becoming a key figure in establishing a hip hop studies minor at Ohio State University. Discover how he balanced his passion for music with academic pursuits, connecting with legendary artists like High Tech, Talib Kweli, and many others along the way. J reminisces about his musical roots, from childhood beatboxing to remixing tracks for the iconic Beastie Boys. Learn about his creative collaborations and the joy he finds in teaching hip hop at OSU. Together, we explore the profound cultural impact of the genre, drawing on early influences like EPMD and Kool & the Gang.