This is Unsung, our podcast with Sonos Radio where the world’s greatest artists reveal their heroes who never caught the spotlight.

To round off the series, we’re touching base with a true musical innovator. Dizzee Rascal is one of the most influential British artists of the 21st century. Born and raised in East London, his musical journey started aged 14, rapping over jungle and drum ‘n’ bass on London’s pirate stations. In 2003, Dizzee released his debut album, 'Boy In Da Corner'. Capturing the tension and isolation of inner-city life through lucid lyrical storytelling and a groundbreaking production style now known globally as grime.

Dizzee’s Unsung choice is Memphis rapper Project Pat. First making waves through collaborations with Three Mix Mafia, the hugely influential rap trio founded by his brother Juicy J, Pat’s distinctive flow, playfully irreverent lyrics and his taste for minimal, lo-fi beats gained him cult status and helped anoint the South and the new capital of US rap. It’s also a sound which, in the 90s, captured the attention of a young Dizzee Rascal, then a schoolboy in Tower Hamlets.

Dizzee talks to journalist and documentary maker Kieran Yates about discovering Pat, his affinity with Southern hip-hop which led to a 2007 collaboration with Pimp C and Bun B of UGK and what it means for music to be a product of its environment.

The series is produced by Eliza Lomas and mixed by Becky Street. The series leads are Duncan Harrison and Luke Sutton.

Project Pat: If You Ain't from My Hood (feat. DJ Paul & Juicy J)

Three 6 Mafia: Azz & Titties

Dizzee Rascal: Kryme

Dizzee Rascal: I Luv U

Project Pat: Y’all Ni**az Ain’t No Killaz, Y’all Ni**az Some Hoes

Three 6 Mafia: Sippin On Some Syrup

Dizzee Rascal: Where's Da G's

Skepta: It Ain't Safe

Project Pat: Aggravated Robbery

Project Pat: Don't Save Her

Project Pat: Chickenhead

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This is Unsung a Crack Magazine podcast with Sonos Radio where the world’s greatest artists reveal their heroes who never caught the spotlight. Today, we are in conversation with a bonafide pop music legend. Dr. Susan Rogers is one of the world’s greatest sound engineers and record producers – and one of the tiny number of women in the profession.

If you’ve ever had a dancefloor moment to 'When Doves Cry' or 'Raspberry Beret' by Prince, you can thank Susan. The technical force behind albums like Purple Rain, Sign o’ the Times and Around the World in a Day, she was with Prince through the sleepless nights and notorious 24-hour recording sessions of his commercial peak, from 1983 to 1987.

In 1988, she left to produce other artists, resulting in some of the biggest hits of the 90s. She then took her earnings and went back to school, finally graduating from high school aged 44 and then obtaining a PhD in music and psychology.

Susan’s Unsung choice is a band she produced, who she felt never reached the heights they deserved: Geggy Tah. A jazz, folk, alt and experimental indie duo comprised of Tommy Jordon and Greg Kurstin, together they released three albums over seven years on David Byrne’s label Luaka Bop – the first two produced by Susan.

Head to CrackMagazine.net for more.

"Whoever You Are" by Geggy Tah

"Ovary Z's" by Geggy Tah

"Don't Close The Door" by Geggy Tah

"L.A. Lujah" by Geggy Tah

"Last Word (The One For Her)" by Geggy Tah

"Dumb Submarine" by Geggy Tah

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Today, we’re sitting down with singer-songwriter Omar Apollo. Omar grew up on a musical diet of his parents’ favourite musicians like Pedro Infante, Los Panchos and The Beatles. The 23-year-old began playing guitar himself aged 12, whilst singing in his local church choir and dancing ballet folkorico. Once his lustful, multi-octave pop songs left his bedroom for the internet, he started racking up millions of streams. His first album, Apolonio, came out in 2020. Omar’s Unsung choice is American R&B, neo-soul musician Cody Chesnutt.

Cody’s 2002 album, The Headphone Masterpiece, was recorded on a 4-track cassette recorder in his bedroom recording studio. The record was met with critical acclaim for its compelling, imaginative take on alternative R&B. Despite a brush with stardom, Cody has never found mainstream success and has always maintained the status of an elusive, underground artist. Fitting then, that Pixar tapped him to write and perform as a show-stealing subway busker in their blockbuster 2020 movie Soul.

Omar speaks with Tara Joshi. Unsung is produced by Eliza Lomas and mixed by Becky Street with theme music from Facta. The series leads are Luke Sutton and Duncan Harrison.

"She's Still Here" by Cody Chestnutt

"5 On A Joyride" by Cody Chestnutt

"She's Still Here" by Cody Chestnutt

"Ugotme" by Omar Apollo

"Trouble" Omar Apollo

"Magic In A Mortal Minute" by Cody Chestnutt

"The Seed" by Cody Chestnutt

"Beauty Boy" by Omar Apollo

"Look Good In Leather" by Cody Chestnutt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.