Shows
Gems Podcast with ShomPhonte: Deep Cuts & The Art of Reinvention | Ep 24This episode of Gems with Shom features Phonte Coleman — Grammy-nominated rapper, singer, songwriter, filmmaker, actor, and one of the most talented, diverse, and prolific voices of his generation. From Little Brother to The Foreign Exchange, from elite MC craftsmanship to deeply soulful compositions, to film and voice acting, Phonte’s career is a masterclass in evolution and risk-taking.But this conversation is different.Instead of a traditional interview, Phonte and Shom riff, reflect, and break down the music and life lessons that shaped his journey — creativity, growth, and why reinvention isn’t an act… it’s an intention...
2025-11-251h 36Gems Podcast with ShomDoc Delay: Psych Rock Deep Dive, Middle Eastern Heat & Heavy Digging StoriesThis episode of Gems with Shom features Doc Delay — DJ, producer, record dealer, and underground legend whose REM Sleep psych-rock mixtape series opened entire universes for a generation of beat heads.From psych-rock symptoms to Middle Eastern rarities, Doc takes us inside the hidden corners of record culture — the sounds, stories, and chaotic adventures behind some of the wildest records on Earth.This one is for the heads — the beat diggers, psych-rock obsessives, sample hunters, and curious newcomers.• Psych Rock 101 — the symptoms, sounds, backwards guitars, fuzz pedals, tape tricks & stereo experiments that shaped the genre...
2025-11-181h 31Gems Podcast with ShomAndrea Galtieri: Italian Library & Soundtrack Madness - Sonor Music Editions | Ep 22This episode of Gems with Shom features Andrea Galtieri — extraordinary beat-digger, Italian library and soundtrack specialist, and co-founder of Sonor Music Editions, bringing the golden era of Italy’s library and soundtrack music to a new wave of listeners.This music is a beat digging treasure box — heavily sampled and rediscovered by legendary producers like The Alchemist, Madlib, and Oh No, who have turned Italian library records into a new vein of modern hip-hop.From Goblin’s horror-funk soundtracks to Piero Umiliani’s jazz-psych masterpieces, Andrea breaks down the DNA of Italian library and soundtrack culture —...
2025-11-112h 09Gems Podcast with ShomNashiem Myrick: Stories Behind the Classics - From “Who Shot Ya” to “T.O.N.Y.” | Ep 21This episode of Gems with Shom features Nashiem Myrick - legendary producer, record collector, and key member of the Hitmen super-producer collective. Also known as your favorite producer’s favorite producer.From crafting timeless records like The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Who Shot Ya,” Capone-N-Noreaga’s “T.O.N.Y.,” Lil’ Kim’s “Queen B,” and Scarface’s “My Block,” Nashiem helped shape the sound of ’90s hip-hop and R&B.Born in Jamaica, Queens, raised on a deep record collection, and forged in New York’s studios, Nashiem represents the perfect balance of ear, emotion, and engineering...
2025-11-041h 23Gems Podcast with ShomDJ Amir: A King of Diggin - On Track to Infinity - Ep 20This episode of Gems with Shom features DJ Amir — DJ, producer, record collector, lecturer, and label owner at 180 Proof Records. As one-half of the iconic Kon & Amir, he redefined the art of beat digging through the On Track mixtape series, inspiring generations of collectors.From growing up in Boston to working at Fat Beats and Wax Poetics, DJ Amir’s journey runs through the heart of beat-digging culture. Amir has become a cultural historian and global ambassador of vinyl — reissuing rare, incredible jazz through Strata Records under his label 180 Proof Records, collaborating with Jazzanova, and lecturing worldwide.
2025-10-281h 39Gems Podcast with ShomDan Charnas: Dilla Time and Beyond - Ep 19This episode of Gems with Shom features Dan Charnas — bestselling author of Dilla Time, award-winning music and business journalist, record producer, television creator, and Associate Arts Professor at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute.From his early days working in the mailroom at Profile Records, to shaping hip-hop journalism at The Source and authoring the definitive hip-hop history The Big Payback, Dan’s fingerprints are all over music culture.We discuss his life’s work and the creative ethos behind Dilla Time — his landmark biography of J Dilla, which explores how Dilla reshaped rhythm, time, and feel in mu...
2025-10-211h 22Gems Podcast with ShomSkeme Richards: The Nostalgia King - Ep 18This episode of Gems with Shom features Skeme Richards — DJ, Funk specialist, collector of artifacts, cinephile, and creator of NostalgiaKing.com. A true connector of culture, Skeme blends hip-hop precision with the soul of funk, jazz, and international grooves — all through an analog lens.We explore Philly roots, Rock Steady Crew culture, Blaxploitation soundtracks, deep funk, Anthony Bourdain’s travel philosophy, and the stories that shaped his global journey from 90s hip-hop to modern vinyl preservation.Through NostalgiaKing.com, Skeme continues to spotlight and review music that honors the analog aesthetic — from funk, soul, and jazz to...
2025-10-141h 44Gems Podcast with ShomStimulator Jones: Music Comes First – Ep 18This episode of Gems with Shom features Stimulator Jones (aka Samuel Jones Lunsford), a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, DJ & maker of records, an artist devoted to originality and staying true to himself.Crafting a sound that moves effortlessly between beat-heavy instrumentals and soulful R&B grooves, his catalog spans acclaimed projects across several independent labels, from his breakout track “Soon Never Comes” and the album Exotic Worlds and Masterful Treasures on Stones Throw Records, to the instrumental Beat Anthology and La Mano, each revealing new layers of artistic evolution.Before signing to Stones Throw in 2016, he h...
2025-10-071h 57Gems Podcast with ShomOliver Wang: Obsession, Crate Digging & Liner Notes of a Writer – Ep 17This episode of Gems with Shom features Oliver Wang — writer, scholar, DJ, collector, museum curator, and author.We explore his lifelong obsession with records — from De La Soul to Cruising J-Town, his book and museum exhibition celebrating Asian American identity through cars, sound, and community.Oliver reflects on crate digging, writing, and how the stories behind records help us understand who we are.Hashtags:#OliverWang #GemsWithShom #CrateDigging #BeatDigging #Storytelling #VinylCommunity #WaxPoetics #RecordCollectors #HipHopCommunity #DeLaSoul #LilKim #CruisingJTown #AsianAmericanCulture
2025-09-301h 46Gems Podcast with ShomAndre Torres: Wax Poetics, Art & Infinite Possibilities – Ep 16This episode of Gems with Shom features Andre Torres — Founder, Publisher, and Editor-In-Chief of Wax Poetics and Editor-In-Chief of Scratch Magazine, two landmark publications that elevated record collecting and hip-hop journalism.We trace Andre’s journey from discovering beat digging to shaping the culture through a fearless approach. The conversation explores his creative choices, fearless entrepreneurship, community, endless stories of meeting music legends, and how technology and AI are opening infinite possibilities for today’s artists and storytellers.#InfinitePossibilities #WaxPoetics #ScratchMagazine #MusicCulture #GemsWithShom #HipHopCommunity #AndreTorres #NotoriousBIG #DrDre #JDilla #Prince#VinylCollectors #CrateDigging #RareRecords #Beatdigging
2025-09-231h 45Gems Podcast with ShomArcee: CrateryCon, Community & the Future of Record Collecting - Ep 15This episode of Gems with Shom features Arcee — writer, artist, and creative director and one of the creators of CrateryCon, the record-collecting convention that’s become a gathering place for beat diggers and music lovers worldwide.We trace Arcee’s journey from pause-tapes at the public library and late-night radio to building lasting connections with producers. The conversation explores:The lineage from Live Convention to CrateryConWhy in-person culture and community still matterCreative direction as an extension of crate-digging tasteThriving amid “infinite options” by treating creativity as a daily di...
2025-09-161h 48Gems Podcast with ShomDiallo Riddle: Music, Comedy & Storytelling - Ep 14This episode of Gems with Shom features Diallo Riddle, actor, producer, director, and sometimes DJ, whose creative path spans comedy writing, television, music, and podcasting.This hilarious and insightful conversation goes deep into the crates as we explore Diallo’s early days DJing in college, his background in history, and the collaborative spirit fueling his creativity. He reflects on iconic moments from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, including the legendary “Slow Jam the News” with President Obama, and takes us behind the scenes of The One Song Podcast, where he unpacks the stories and magic...
2025-09-101h 04Gems Podcast with ShomHouse Shoes: The Art of Breaking Records - Ep 13This episode of Gems with Shom features House Shoes - DJ, producer, collector and owner of Street Corner Music, a key figure in Detroit’s golden era of hip hop. Known for breaking records and his uncompromising standards, House Shoes shares his journey from Detroit to Los Angeles, becoming one of the most trusted voices in music.We dive into his early memories of DJing at St. Andrew’s Hall, sharing J Dilla’s iconic beat tapes, early Slum Village demos, and the tightly knit Detroit scene that shaped his career. House Shoes also talks crate digging, runnin...
2025-09-021h 06Gems Podcast with ShomDJ KINETIK aka Secret Sauce Records: Inside the Life of a Record Dealer - Ep 12Other Side of the Game: Inside the Life of a Record DealerThis episode of Gems with Shom features DJ KINETIK aka Secret Sauce Records, a record dealer known for his elusive presence and deep knowledge of global music, who has carved out a unique space in the digging world.In this conversation, KINETIK shares his journey into record dealing, from early influences through to building a business around rare finds. We explore the differences between digging as a dealer versus as a collector, and the delicate balance between passion for music and the realities...
2025-08-271h 07Gems Podcast with ShomMike Wallace – Library Records, Italian Soundtracks & CreativityThis episode of Gems with Shom features Mike Wallace, producer, DJ, and Library Record expert. Best known for his Theme and Beat series, Mike has also been working to repopularize the genius of Italian soundtrack legend Piero Umiliani.Starting in 2019, he began recording an LP series that reflects his passion for library and film music, while studying instruments like piano, guitar, bass, and percussion. Over the years, Mike has created music that spans moods from drama and tension to new age, hip hop, and electronics—honoring the past while maintaining a fresh, original approach.In th...
2025-08-1955 minGems Podcast with ShomThe Life and Legacy of MF DOOM with Author SKIZ – One of the Greatest Comebacks in History – Ep 10MF DOOM’s story is unlike any other in music history. In this episode of Gems with Shom, SKIZ—writer, music producer, and author of The Chronicles of DOOM: Unraveling Rap's Masked Iconoclast [Astra Publishing House] takes us deep into the life of the masked supervillain. From his early days with KMD and the tragedies that nearly ended his career, to his reinvention, the Madvillainy masterpiece, and his underground-to-global cultural impact, we explore how DOOM became one of the most original and influential artists of all time.We also dive into SKIZ’s own life as a m...
2025-08-1253 minGems Podcast with ShomThe Lost Groove of James Mason’s Rhythm of Life (1977) – Ep 9In this artist profile episode of Gems with Shom, we explore the lost groove of Rhythm of Life (1977), the rare groove classic by James Mason—former guitarist and keyboardist for Roy Ayers’ Ubiquity band.We trace the cult classic’s deep influence on the acid jazz movement, its synth-heavy, soul-infused sound, and its journey from overlooked release to crate-digger essential. Along the way, we uncover lesser-known stories behind the record—from the mysterious vocalist Clarice Taylor (was she also on The Cosby Show?) to the game-changing ARP synths and the UK club scene that helped revive it.Par...
2025-08-0621 minGems Podcast with ShomInterview with Phill Most Chill, aka Soulman - Ep 8This week on Gems with Shom, we’re joined by Phill Most Chill, aka Soulman or as I call him the “record dealer to the stars” of the golden era. A true Hip Hop Renaissance Man, Phill is a rapper, record collector, mixtape DJ, magazine writer, producer, and all around artist.We dig into his unmatched ear for records that make iconic samples, stories from the infamous Roosevelt record conventions, and his journey through hip hop, vinyl culture, and creative hustle. Phill shares how he came up and the new phase of freedom he’s embracin...
2025-07-2941 minGems Podcast with ShomInterview with Leon of Leonscuration - Ep 7This week on Gems with Shom, we travel to the Netherlands to dig deep with Leon. The mind behind Leonscuration and a true connoisseur of deep cuts.We explore his unique perspective on music discovery in the Netherlands, how he built his deep musical knowledge, and his experiences at the legendary Utrecht Record Fair. Leon shares his approach to collecting, reflections on cultural blind spots in music, and a few prized grails from his shelves. From deep crates to deep thinking, this episode takes us on a journey through the many ways digging shapes taste, memory, and...
2025-07-2242 minGems Podcast with ShomInterview with DJ Pari - Ep 6This week on Gems with Shom, we're joined by DJ Pari — global crate-digger, DJ, producer, filmmaker, and radio host.We dive into his early exposure to acid jazz in Germany, the rise of his Soulpower brand, and incredible stories from working with legends like James Brown and Leroy Hutson. From booking global tours for overlooked artists to producing documentary films that spotlight soul’s heroes, Pari’s deep musical knowledge, jazz expertise, and passion for vinyl make this a fascinating listen.As always, we’re celebrating hidden gems and giving them their shine.
2025-07-1548 minGems Podcast with ShomInterview with B-Man - Ep 5This week on Gems with Shom, we’re joined by B-Man - DJ, producer, editor, remixer, hip-hop enthusiast, and all-around music junkie.We dig into his journey through his viral sample edits, the evolution of his taste, and the people who inspire his work.As always, we're celebrating hidden gems and giving them their shine.
2025-07-0835 min
Gems Podcast with ShomThe Legend of Ryo Fukui - Ep 4Celebrating Scenery, Ryo Fukui’s timeless jazz piano masterpiece that continues to inspire generations of Japanese jazz enthusiasts and crate diggers around the world.
2025-07-0117 min
Gems Podcast with ShomThe Timeless Legacy of Barış Manço - Ep 3Exploring Barış Manço’s legendary, futuristic Turkish psych-rock sound.
2025-06-2420 minGems Podcast with ShomThe Legend of Stark Reality - Ep 2Gems with Shom celebrates hidden gems—lesser-known music, rare records, and the worlds of jazz, funk, soul, and international heat.We continue our artist features with Stark Reality—a mind-bending blend of jazz, funk, and psychedelia.
2025-06-1729 minGems Podcast with ShomThe Legend of Cortex - Ep 1Gems with Shom celebrates hidden gems—lesser-known music, rare records, and the worlds of jazz, funk, soul, and global grooves.We kick off with Cortex—the French jazz-funk group whose lush grooves became gold for hip-hop producers. Discover how their sound traveled from rare vinyl to iconic samples.
2025-06-1025 min
Gems Podcast with ShomComing soon - Gems Podcast with ShomCelebrating hidden gems and giving them their shine. Dive into lesser-known music, rare records, vinyl culture, and the worlds of jazz, funk, soul, rare grooves, and international heat.
2025-06-0600 min