BackStory with Colby Colb

On this special episode of The Backstory Podcast, Colby Colb takes listeners on a rare audio journey through Jay-Z’s evolution using his classic Philadelphia radio interviews, freestyles, listener moments, and behind-the-scenes stories recorded between 1995 and 2006. Long before the sold-out stadiums, billionaire status, Roc Nation, and global influence, Philadelphia was one of the first cities outside of New York to embrace Jay-Z and document his rise in real time. Through these conversations, listeners hear the transformation of Shawn Carter from a hungry independent artist promoting Roc-A-Fella before the release of Reasonable Doubt, into one of the most important figures in music and culture. The episode features Jay-Z discussing the making of Reasonable Doubt, building Roc-A-Fella Records, working with The Notorious B.I.G., The Blueprint era, Michael Jackson, the fallout surrounding the R. Kelly tour, becoming President of Def Jam, and launching his historic Kingdom Come seven-city tour in one day. Along the way, Colby shares personal stories and memories from Jay-Z’s many visits to Philadelphia, highlighting the city’s role in his journey and the deep connection he built with Philly audiences over the years. More than just a collection of interviews, this episode serves as a time capsule of Jay-Z’s growth, ambition, confidence, and evolution making his upcoming Roots Picnic performance feel like a true full-circle moment between Jay-Z and a city that believed in him early.   #JayZ #RootsPicnic #HipHopHistory #BackstoryPodcast #ColbyColb #RocAFella #ReasonableDoubt #TheBlueprint @getthebackstory (Instagram)@officialcolbycolb (Instagram/Threads)@colbycolb.Bsky.social@colbycolb XSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this poignant episode of The Backstory Podcast, host Colby Colb pays tribute to Voletta Wallace, the mother of The Notorious B.I.G., who recently passed away. Throughout the episode, Colby highlights various interview clips with Voletta, where she reflects on her life raising her son, Christopher Wallace (Biggie), in Brooklyn. She shares touching memories of Biggie’s childhood, his love of reading and writing, and her pride in watching his rise to fame. Voletta opens up about the challenges of being a mother while navigating the dangers of the streets and the music industry, and she offers powerful advice to other parents who have lost children to gun violence, sharing her emotional journey of grief and resilience. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to Voletta Wallace's legacy and the profound impact she had as a mother to one of the greatest rappers in history. It’s a testament to her strength and love, providing listeners with an intimate look into the life of Biggie and the woman who raised him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rest in peace, Irv Gotti. In this special re-release, originally published in 2022, Colby Colb shares an exclusive interview with the legendary music producer, label owner, and filmmaker. Irv Gotti recounts his journey from a Queens DJ to discovering Jay-Z and DMX, bringing them to Def Jam, and founding his own label, Murder Inc., which achieved staggering success. Irv Gotti, the legendary co-founder of the influential Hip-Hop label Murder Inc., passed away at 54. According to sources, Gotti was recently placed on a ventilator in the ICU after suffering another stroke earlier this week. The shocking news has sent waves through the music community, as Gotti’s contributions to the genre were immense.  Follow the show @backstorypcc (Twitter)@getthebackstory (Instagram)@BackstorywithColbyColb (Facebook)@colbycolb (Twitter)@officalcolbycolb (Instagram)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rest in peace to the legendary Quincy Jones. In this special re-release of this episode of The Backstory, originally published in 2018, Colby Colb shares a rare interview with the greatest producer of all time. Quincy Jones takes us through his journey from poverty to producing timeless music across genres and generations. What was it like working with Michael Jackson? How did he recover from a brain hemorrhage? What is his process as a producer? This is the Backstory of an icon whose impact on music will live on forever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International super star actor and rapper LL Cool J talks up his first album in 14 years “The FORCE” and the creative process around this project. They also discuss his legendary rap career and some of his most impactful moments including how he stole a role on one of Hip Hop’s first feature films Krush Groove. Twitter/X@backstorypcc @colbycolb Instagram@OfficialColbycolb @getthebackstory See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colby Colb returns with a special episode of The Backstory featuring the inspiring journey of Gamma CEO Larry Jackson, a seasoned radio, Tech and record executive who raised a billion dollars to launch Gamma, a game-changing media and technology company whose business model is changing the landscape of the music business. His roster of artists include Usher, Sexyy Redd, Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, October London and 4Batz. He also entered into creative partnerships with label executives like LA Reid and who is also featured on this episode discussing his unique partnership with Larry Jackson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NWA had one of the greatest debut albums in history, following Straight Outta Compton they released two solo artists The D.O.C. and Michelle then their follow up EP and then their second album Niggaz For Life then it all fell apart. In this episode Colby Colb digs into the reasons behind the break up of the worlds most dangerous group plus the unprecedented success of Ice Cube and Dr. Dre and the entry of Suge Knight and Death Row which would all come to a climax with the death of Eazy E of AIDS in 1995.  It sounds like a movie but it happened in real life. @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Colby Colb explores the story behind one of the greatest collection of music artists NWA and the legacy they built collectively. It starts with a lucky drug dealer in Compton who was tired of hustling and wanted to use his drug proceeds to get into the music business. He saw the success RunDmc was having and had an idea for a supergroup with Ice Cube, DJ Yella and MC Ren surrounding a DJ/Producer Dr. Dre. They conquered the music business on their own terms and was so controversial with their song “Fuck The Police” that the FBI came after them. This is their story, comradely around Hip Hop led to stunning success and an incredible musical and cultural legacy.  @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golden era Hip Hop producer, DJ and original member of Heavy D and The Boyz Eddie F gives the backstory of the early days of Heavy D plus his illustrious career as a producer and A&R for LaFace and Motown. @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer, songwriter, producer and actor NE-YO talks about his career, his humble beginnings in Arkansas and rise from writer/producer to artists. The hits he has written for several artists and the impact his songs have had. He tells a story about Michael Jackson calling him and signing his favorite NE-YO song. @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4Iewyk  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Golden era Hip Hop legend Big Daddy Kane gives the backstory of his career from his humble beginnings in Brooklyn as a DJ, meeting with Biz Markie, the recording of his first song, the pressure of the music business and how he put Jayz on. @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop in 2023 we will be releasing some additional classic interview footage from some of the legends of the game. This is Kid N Play from September 27th , 1991. They were coming off of the success of the House Party movie and were releasing their 3rd album “Face The Nation”. Thanks for listening to the Backstory Podcast @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4Iewyk  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hip Hop Icons Kid N Play share stories about how they came together, their early struggles and how their real life and the movie “House Party” came about. @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4Iewyk  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Edition lead singer Ralph Tresvant Singer shares his Backstory from the projects in Boston to leading the biggest black boy band since the Jackson 5.  @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4Iewyk  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer,  songwriter and Choir Director Kirk Franklin shares his Backstory from his rough up bringing as an adopted child to his discovery of music and how it changed his life.@getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer,  songwriter and humanitarian Alicia Keys shares her Backstory from early days growing up on the Lower East Side to her initial disdain for the music business. She shares many keys to her success. @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rapper and entrepreneur Jadakiss shares his Backstory from early days of the Lox, the Bad Boy run, their historic forced release from record contract and his new coffee venture. @getthebackstory @officialcolbycolb  Listen On Apple PodcastsListen On Spotify See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer, songwriter, minister Montell Jordan shares his Backstory from church singer to having one of the biggest songs in the country.@getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4Iewyk   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer,  songwriter, record producer BABYFACE gives the Backstory of his career from The Deele to chart topping song writing for numerous artists and his own stellar run as a solo artist.@getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rapper and music producer Jaz-O talks about his life in Marcy projects and signing a record deal, mentoring a young Jayz and his place in hip hop history. @getthebackstory @officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4Iewyk   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer songwriter, record producer, and former record executive the legend Smokey Robinson gives the Backstory of his legendary career from founding The Miracles and the beginnings of Motown with Berry Gordy.@getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4Iewyk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy award winning singer Ledisi talks about her musical career starting as a child in New Orleans and coming of age in San Francisco plus her role playing Gladys Knight in the recently released film Spinning Gold @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Blackstone the multi talented artist, songwriter, producer and famously a musical director who has put together multiple Super Bowls including Dr. Dre in which he won an Emmy. Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Shakira. Adam has also been the musical director for The Grammy’s and The Academy Awards and he has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment as he shares stories from his amazing musical journey.@getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykAdamSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting as a 15 year old teenager in High School Special Ed talks about his career and how he was able to navigate the Hip Hop industry at such a young age.@getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Legendary DJ Kid Capri shares insight in his career journey from selling mixtapes on the corner in Harlem to DJing parties around the world for the last 30 years. They touch on his influential moments including Def Comedy Jam and Martin TV show theme.@getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Its been 26 years since we tragically lost the Notorious B.I.G. In this Backstory episode Colby Colb tells the story of BIG from his early days in the streets of Brooklyn through his initial success, relationship with Tupac including a very detailed description of the beef between them and how it caused an East Coast/West Coast rivalry. Colby will also share exclusive interviews he had with Biggie’s mother Voletta Wallace and the man who discovered him DJ Mister C. There are also interviews that Colby had with Biggy including an interview with Craig Mack and Biggy around the release of their Flavor In Ya Ear remix. At the end of the podcast there are bonus clips of interviews with the late Craig Mack and an interview with Tupac the night “Juice” was released in January of 1992. @getthebackstory @officialcolbycolb   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923 https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnny Gill   New Edition member and legendary R&B artist Johnny Gill talks about his career including his early years as a solo artist. His introduction to New Edition and the many amazing producers he has worked with throughout his career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

R&B star Monica discusses her legendary career starting as a teen sensation and growing up in the music business. She touches on her many achievements in the music business and in life. @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923 https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Slick Rick’s introduction to Hip Hop started with The Show and La Di Do Di. He then signs a lucrative deal with Def Jam and releases one of the best debut albums in Hip Hop history then after an act of rage ended up in jail then eventually in a battle to fight deportation. Colby explores the career of the greatest story teller ever Slick Rick. Follow the show @backstorypcc (Twitter)@getthebackstory (Instagram)@BackstorywithColbyColb (Facebook)@colbycolb (Twitter)@officalcolbycolb (Instagram)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A teenager from London just getting into Hip Hop travels to America and enters the genre and drops a classic hit and becomes a star. This is the story of Monie Love and she sits down with Colby Colb to discuss her career, her challenges and other life lessons. Follow the show @backstorypcc (Twitter)@getthebackstory (Instagram)@BackstorywithColbyColb (Facebook)@colbycolb (Twitter)@officalcolbycolb (Instagram)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From child piano prodigy to R&B star Patrice Rushen speaks to Colby about her amazing career including her chart topping multi generational hit “Forget Me Not” and Prince first major hit song “I Wanna Be Your Lover” being inspired by her. Follow the show @backstorypcc (Twitter)@getthebackstory (Instagram)@BackstorywithColbyColb (Facebook)@colbycolb (Twitter)@officalcolbycolb (Instagram)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary Mix Tape DJ Drama on the Backstory Podcast talks about his early days in Philadelphia, his move to Atlanta and the beginning of his career as the leading Mix Tape DJ in the country. His shocking RICO charge by the Feds and his transition to A&R and Label owner developing artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Jack Harlow. Follow the show @backstorypcc (Twitter)@getthebackstory (Instagram)@BackstorywithColbyColb (Facebook)@colbycolb (Twitter)@officalcolbycolb (Instagram)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary Hip Hop producer. DJ and artist Pete Rock talks about his career from growing up in Mt. Vernon, New York with Heavy D and Puff Daddy to his early introduction to production and his success as one of the premier Hip Hop producers. Follow the show @backstorypcc (Twitter)@getthebackstory (Instagram)@BackstorywithColbyColb (Facebook)@colbycolb (Twitter)@officalcolbycolb (Instagram)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary R&B singer Ron Isley joins Colby to discuss his illustrious career from humble beginnings in Cincinnati to super star status with The Isley Brothers and eventual solo projects. They discuss their influence on the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Elton John in addition to details about several of their timeless hits including In Between The Sheets and Voyage To Atlantis. Follow the show @backstorypcc (Twitter)@getthebackstory (Instagram)@BackstorywithColbyColb (Facebook)@colbycolb (Twitter)@officalcolbycolb (Instagram)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary label owner and music industry titan Stephen Rifkind checks in on the Backstory podcast to discuss his successful career and the history of Loud records where he signed a historic deal with the Wutang Clan plus Mobb Deep, Dead Prez, Big Pun, Akon and more. Follow the show @backstorypcc (Twitter)@getthebackstory (Instagram)@BackstorywithColbyColb (Facebook)@colbycolb (Twitter)@officalcolbycolb (Instagram)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colby gives a complete history of the WuTang Clan from the brainchild of cousins The Rza, GZA and ODB. He shares exclusive interviews from the Clan early on and as solo artists. Follow the show @backstorypcc (Twitter)@getthebackstory (Instagram)@BackstorywithColbyColb (Facebook)@colbycolb (Twitter)@officalcolbycolb (Instagram)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary Hip Hop artist and producer Kwame talks about his career starting as a High School student scoring a major label deal and his journey through the music industry and his transition to producer working with LL Cool J, Will Smith and Eminem. Follow the show @backstorypcc (Twitter)@getthebackstory (Instagram)@BackstorywithColbyColb (Facebook)@colbycolb (Twitter)@officalcolbycolb (Instagram)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music producer, label owner and movie producer Irv Gotti checks in on the Backstory Podcast with Colby Colb as they talk about his rise from Queens DJ, to discovering Jayz and DMX and bringing them to Def Jam and his own label Murder Inc and the staggering success of the label. Follow the show @backstorypcc (Twitter)@getthebackstory (Instagram)@BackstorywithColbyColb (Facebook)@colbycolb (Twitter)@officalcolbycolb (Instagram)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artist, Producer , Humanitarian John Legend speaks with Colby Colb about his very successful musical career. His EGOT status, owner of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony plus how a chance meeting with Lauryn Hill led to his inclusion on her classic debut solo project The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.    Follow the show @backstorypcc (Twitter)@getthebackstory (Instagram)@BackstorywithColbyColb (Facebook)@colbycolb (Twitter)@officalcolbycolb (Instagram)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Colby Colb checks in with Grammy Award winning producer, label executive and creative entrepreneur Salaam Remi who has worked with Nas, The Fugees, Fergie and one of the creative forces behind the late Amy Whinhouse. Salaam was one of the first producers to fuse Hip Hop and Reggae creating a genre of major hits in the 90s and 2000s.   Follow the show@backstorypcc (Twitter)@getthebackstory (Instagram)@BackstorywithColbyColb (Facebook)@colbycolb (Twitter)@officalcolbycolb (Instagram)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colby sits down with artist, producer, actor and entrepreneur Akon. He talks about his career as a performer and producers selling over 35 Million albums Globally, his producing of Lady Gaga, T Pain, Wiz Kid and so many more. Also his Global initiatives to bring electricity to rural countries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And we're back with a brand new season as we speak to one of the most iconic executives in the game, LA Reid. Host Colby Colb takes us on a journey to the beginnings of LA Reid's career as an artist and how his success led him to starting a label that shaped the careers of some of our favorite artists.   Hear the Backstory of LA Reid working with Babyface, TLC,  Usher, Outkast, and more of the biggest names in HipHop / R&B.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Hip Hop's most iconic groups A Tribe Called Quest. Colby takes you on a ride through their career from humble beginnings to eventual break up and tragic death of Phife. You will hear exclusive interviews with the group and from their A&R.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colby sits down with the iconic music legends Chuck D from the historically significant group Public Enemy as they discuss all aspects of his career. In addition Colby shares classic interviews with Chuck D. Public Enemy is one of the most unique bands of all time. You will learn how they got started, survived and thrived.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the third of three Backstory Podcasts on Jay-Z. In this episode Colby explores Jay'Z after the Blueprint albums, his retirement and The Black Album, the R Kelly debacle, his Def Jam Presidency up to his triumphant return album Kingdome Come. Colby shares exclusive interviews during this time period. This is the Backstory of Jay-Z: 10 Years in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 albums plus and millions sold. Its the 27th anniversary in the career of Fat Joe. An MC from the birthplace of Hip Hop the Bronx. In this episode host Colby Colb shares numerous interviews he's had with Joe throughout his  career. An artist who broke the mold of success in the very competitive Hip Hop industry you will learn his Backstory. As a bonus Fat Joe is an exceptional storyteller. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Black Music Month in our legacy episodes of the Backstory Podcast its the greatest producing duo in music history. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis the iconic producing team discuss their career journey from members of Prince's group The Time to tremendous success as producers. 100 Gold and Platinum albums, 41 Top ten hits, 17 POP number one songs, 26 Urban number ones.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The greatest storyteller in the history of Hip Hop Slick Rick, an immigrant who came to the US as a child and relocated to the birthplace of Hip Hop The Bronx. He came onto the scene with two of the most iconic songs The Show and La Di Da Di.  Wanting to do his own thing he goes solo, drops a classic debut album that goes platinum. On top of the world with money, fame and tremendous success he lost it all after a family situation took a tragic turn sending him to jail. This one moment would haunt him for decades even after his release and new success... This is the Backstory of Slick Rick as Colby Colb shares clips from an exclusive interview where Rick talks about it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer, songwriter, producer and actor NEYO talks about his career, his humble beginnings in Arkansas and rise from writer/producer to artists. The hits he has written for several artists and the impact his songs have had. He tells a story about Michael Jackson calling him and signing his favorite NEYO song.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.