Cult. Media Podcast

The Ichiban Don (formerly Willie B) tells the untold story behind Kendrick Lamar’s early rise and the making of “Ignorance Is Bliss.”

In this episode of Cult Media’s Creative Series, legendary producer and artist The Ichiban Don (formerly known as Willie B) shares the untold story behind some of the most important records in the early rise of Top Dawg Entertainment. Growing up in Lynwood, California, The Ichiban Don talks about how a childhood surrounded by music, art, and the Black and Brown culture of Los Angeles shaped his creative identity. Influenced early on by artists like N.W.A and Ice Cube, he first began rapping before eventually discovering his passion for production.The conversation dives deep into the making of Ignorance Is Bliss, the breakout track that helped put Kendrick Lamar on the radar of the industry and eventually caught the attention of Dr. Dre. The Ichiban Don explains how the beat sat for years before reaching Kendrick and how the moment he heard it performed live confirmed the record’s impact. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories about producing for ScHoolboy Q and Ab-Soul, including the emotional creation of “Soul Cry,” the story behind Q’s track “Kamikaze,” and his role in shaping the early sound of the Black Hippy era.Beyond TDE, The Ichiban Don discusses his evolution as both a producer and artist, the formation of the creative collective Room Full of Mirrors, and the inspiration behind his latest project Shogun. The album blends Japanese cultural influences with classic boom-bap production and West Coast swing, paying homage to the music that shaped him growing up.Throughout the interview, The Ichiban Don reflects on collaboration, creativity, and the importance of staying authentic in hip-hop. From producing classics for TDE to rediscovering his voice as an artist, this conversation gives fans a rare look into the mind of a producer who helped shape the sound of a generation.

Baby Keem "CA$INO" Album Review, 🇲🇽 El Mencho Get Caught, Shia LaBeouf || Cult. Media TV Ep. 45

Baby Keem "CA$INO" Album Review, 🇲🇽 El Mencho Get Caught, Shia LaBeouf || Cult. Media TV Ep. 45

Working w/ Hopsin, Bigg Jah & Laugh Series || Cult. Media TV Interview

Working w/ Hopsin, Bigg Jah & Laugh Series || Cult. Media TV Interview

South Central is Dirty || Cult. Media TV Ep.44

LA Russell Backlash, New Baby Keem, South Central is DIRTY, DJ Vlad & Jay Z || Cult. Media TV Ep.44We talk South Central boundaries, pop-up market decline, Baby Keem’s upcoming album, DJ Vlad’s wild Jay-Z tweet, Lar Russell vs Lil Wayne, NBA All-Star Weekend being empty, Gavin Newsom debate, and we sit down with South Central Cleanup to talk about illegal dumping and restoring pride in LA neighborhoods.

Super Bowl 2026,|| Cult. Media TV Ep. 43

Super Bowl 2026, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, & The Fall Off by J Cole Album Review || Cult. Media TV Ep. 43 We break down Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, Lady Gaga’s surprise appearance, political symbolism, Chris Brown Super Bowl debate, K-Pop rumors, and a full J. Cole album review.Tap in.