Search

    Select Website Language
    This week on The Almanac of Rap, Donwill sits down with Queens lyricist Grafh to talk about battle rap, mixtape culture, lyricism, and surviving the music industry on his own terms. Grafh reflects on discovering rap through Nas’ Illmatic, studying rhyme patterns with a dictionary, and developing the intricate writing style that would later make him a respected “rapper’s rapper.” The conversation explores the difference between writing a great verse versus crafting a great song, ghostwriting for major artists, and learning song structure from collaborators like Kanye West and 88-Keys. Grafh also shares stories about battling rappers in studios before the modern battle rap era, getting co-signed by the late DJ Kay Slay, working with Busta Rhymes, signing to Roc-A-Fella Records during the label’s final years, and eventually finding financial freedom through today’s underground rap ecosystem. Grafh breaks down: The art of lyrical wordplay The real business behind mixtape-era rap Busta Rhymes, Kay Slay & Roc-A-Fella Why underground rap is thriving independently 0:00 - Intro 2:25 - Kick the Ballistics / Rappers & Graffiti Association 5:45 - Check out the Okayshop 5:57 - Welcome, Grafh 6:28 - Wordplay/Lyrical influence 8:45 - Difference between a good song and a good verse 12:12 - Ghostwriting for rap and R&B artists 15:10 - Working with Teddy Riley 18:11 - Battle rap 21:29 - 88 Keys 23:12 - Fighting Busta Rhymes 25:28 - Grafh’s top rappers 26:15 - DJ Kay Slay 29:11 - Scarface 30:50 - Chaz Williams 34:21 - Trials and errors in the music business 37:10 - Rocafella 40:10 - Air Force One kicks 41:11 - Favorite era of music 43:58 - Favorite mixtapes 46:39 - Underground Hip hop today 48:55 - Learning the independent game 51:55 - Music therapy program 57:26 - Love & Hip Hop 59:07 - Album covers as art pieces 01:00:07 - The Big Playback 01:01:34 - Eminem 01:02:52 - Linking up with Royce da 5’9” 01:04:35 - Outro/Credits 01:05:37 - Bonus Content/ DJ Kay Slay 🤳🏾 Got a question, comment or compliment? Leave a message today at 1-877-DONWILL (366-9455) It might just end up in an episode!🎙️ Check out OkayPlayer: https://www.okayplayer.com/ Subscribe to OkayPlayer’s newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6edcad5c7832/49lqclple3 Follow Donwill: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donwill Website: https://www.Donwill.me | https://www.donwill.substack.com Follow Grafh: https://www.instagram.com/grafh http://artbygrafh.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okayplayer Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/okayplayer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/okayplayer TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@okayplayer_ Credits: The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill, Isha Sesay & Travis Harris for Okayplayer Media. Created, written and hosted by Donwill; Directed by Travis Harris; Producer/Editor: Kobina Baffour; Art Direction: Kaushik Kalidindi; Production coordination: Bianca B. Ortiz; Technical Director & Audio Engineer: Compton Timberwolf; Audience Development: Hassan Spruill & Ashon McCollin; Audio Marketing Strategy: Faybeo’n Mickens; Camera Operators: Travis Harris, Kobina Baffour, Trigger Bowden & Compton Timberwolf; Graphic Design: Jefferson Harris; Associate Producers: Brianna Harris, Tyara Jackson & Javon Stephenson; Writing Assistant: Peter Berry; Social Media Producers: Taylor McGee & Michael Mais Jr.; Theme Music by: Von Pea. OkayFuture Labs: https://okayfuturelabs.com OkayAfrica: https://okayafrica.com
    Previous Article
    Road Trippin' Breaks Down Why Wemby Has ALREADY Broken OKC
    Next Article
    #FrankOcean's entire #Blonde tracklist is perfect for a #Rumgold's party vibes 🎶 🪩 #diggin

    Related Music Updates:

    Are you sure? You want to delete this comment..! Remove Cancel

    Comments (0)

      Leave a comment