Nicolay: Foreign Exchange, J Dilla, and Prince

Aki - Cosmos Records: The Beat Digger’s Record Store

Aki of Cosmos Records joins GEMS. In the world of beat digging, Cosmos Records is considered one of the greatest record stores in the world. Based in Toronto, Cosmos Records has become a destination for DJs, producers, beat diggers, record collectors, and music lovers looking for rare grooves, breaks, soul, jazz, Brazilian records, Cuban records, Latin records, 45s, and the records behind the records. Aki discusses growing up between Tokyo and Toronto, learning the record trade through Japanese dealers and buying trips, working at Play De Record, opening Cosmos Records, building taste over decades, and why knowledge, humility, quality, and time matter in record collecting. We also discuss how hip-hop taught a generation about samples, breaks, rare grooves, and music history. From Madlib and MF DOOM digging through Brazilian records, to Prince visiting the shop, Jude Law searching for Sabu Martinez, Pete Rock digging in the warehouse, and J Dilla stories from the floor, Aki shares the history behind one of the most respected record stores in the world. In the Drop a Gem on ’Em segment, we discuss Madlib, MF DOOM, Pete Rock, Large Professor, J Dilla, Prince, Jude Law, Sun Ra, S.O.U.L., Cymande, WEE, Brazilian records, Cuban records, sample records, DJ records, record store culture, and more. GEMS is a show about beat digging, records, production, and other things. Full episode available now.

MANEESH ON THE BEAT: UNTOLD STORY OF DRAKE'S "SHABANG" PRODUCER

On this episode of GEMS, I sit down with producer, DJ, and songwriter Maneesh on the Beat. You may know Maneesh from his work with Drake, J. Cole, Giveon, Rihanna, Travis Scott, Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris, and many more. We explore his journey from Toronto turntablist to producer, the stories behind Drake's "Shebang" and "Make Them Cry," working with OVO, developing his sound, and what it took to keep going through years of rejection before finding success. In the Drop a Gem on Em segment we discuss J Dilla, Diamond D, Gang Starr, Hieroglyphics, Luther Vandross, the Isley Brothers, record collecting, DJ culture, and the records that shaped his creative perspective. A conversation about persistence, creativity, music, and trusting your own ear. #Drake #Shabang #MakeThemCry #ManeeshOnTheBeat #Giveon #BeatDigging #RecordCollecting #ProducerLife #Podcast #GEMSPodcast #GEMSwithShom

Waxvillain: Rare Soul, Record Collecting, and Forgotten Classics

This episode of Gems with Shom features Waxvillain, a Seattle-based record collector, interviewer, content creator, and A&R for Fraternity Music Group Records. Waxvillain and Shom get into his journey from hip-hop fan and beatmaker to one of the most passionate voices in the rare soul community. The conversation explores sampling, record digging, Wax Poetics, Amsterdam record culture, Brazilian music, indie soul, lost soul, and the records that shaped his life. They also discuss how the pandemic changed his relationship with music, the rise of Waxvillain, building community through records, and why soul music continues to resonate with collectors and listeners around the world. 🎙 In this episode, we dive into: • Growing up on hip-hop, discovering samples, and learning through records • Dilla, MF DOOM, Madlib, beatmaking, and the path to record collecting • Rare soul, indie soul, lost records, and the art of digging • Wax Poetics, Fraternity Music Group, reissues, and music community We also talk about Gil Scott-Heron, Brian Jackson, Tim Maia, The Sacred Souls, Penrose Records, Action Bronson, Alchemist, Amsterdam digging culture, and the emotional connection that great records can create. For fans of rare soul, record collecting, beat digging, Dilla, MF DOOM, Madlib, soul music, vinyl culture, and deep music conversations, this is a real gem.

MIKEY D: A CREATIVE LIFE, MAIN SOURCE & BATTLING

This episode of Gems with Shom features Mikey D, the Queens MC, battle rapper, and member of Main Source and LA Posse. Mikey D and Shom get into his early years coming up in Laurelton, Queens, discovering rap, and building his reputation as one of Queens’ most respected battle MCs. The conversation explores LA Posse, working with the legendary Paul C, joining Main Source, the New Music Seminar Battle for World Supremacy, and stories about LL Cool J, MC Shan, Kool G Rap, and Melle Mel. 🎙 In this episode, we dive into: • Growing up in Laurelton, Queens • Battle rap and the New Music Seminar • LA Posse and Paul C • Joining Main Source • LL Cool J, MC Shan, Kool G Rap, and Queens legends • Creativity, authenticity, and leading a life focused on music over the years For fans of battle rap, Main Source, LA Posse, Paul C, Queens hip-hop, golden era rap, and deep hip-hop culture, this is a real gem.

DJ FLIPOUT: RECORD DIGGING, RADIO LIFE, AND THE ART OF THE 45

This episode of Gems with Shom features DJ Flipout, a legendary DJ, producer, radio host, beat digger, and one of Canada’s most respected 45 collectors. Flipout and Shom get into his incredible journey through music, from growing up around Portuguese records, AM radio, and early hip-hop videos to becoming a teenager on the radio, a rapper, dancer, producer, and eventually one of the defining DJs of Vancouver’s hip-hop scene. The conversation explores his deep roots in Canadian radio, including The 5 O’Clock Traffic Jam, his early work on college and commercial radio, and how he built a decades-long career through curiosity, taste, and a lifelong commitment to DJing. They also dive into record digging, sample culture, 45s, De La Soul, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Nardwuar, The Alchemist, Mad Child, and Vancouver hip-hop history. 🎙 In this episode, we dive into: • Vancouver hip-hop, Canadian radio, and Flipout’s early DJ roots • Record digging, 45s, samples, and musical memory • Rapping, dancing, producing, and coming up through the local scene • The 5 O’Clock Traffic Jam and a life built through radio • Stories about De La Soul, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Nardwuar, The Alchemist, Mad Child, and more