On this episode of Drink Champs, Black Star and Dave Chappelle share stories of legendary collaborations, reflections on art versus industry, the importance of retaining ownership, comedic camaraderie, and plenty of hip-hop history.
Black Star’s Return & New Album:
Exclusive Release: Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli discuss dropping their new Black Star album, No Fear of Time, exclusively on Luminary. They explain it’s a principled choice about ownership and creative freedom.
Art Over Industry: Both MCs emphasize that they are less interested in chasing trends or conforming to mainstream platforms, focusing instead on maintaining control of their art.
Dave Chappelle’s “Sha” Hangout Spot in Ohio:
Venue Overview: The show is filmed at Dave Chappelle’s personal spot—an old converted garage in Yellow Springs, Ohio—referred to as “the Sha.” He describes it as a safe space and clubhouse for culture, comedy, and music.
Memorable Visits: Dave recalls DMX once cooking crab in the middle of the night at the Sha, underscoring the place’s casual, welcoming vibe.
N.O.R.E. & DJ EFN’s Drink Champs Setting:
Casual, Candid Atmosphere: The typical Drink Champs format is on full display: shots of liquor, jokes, storytelling, and impromptu moments.
Sharing “Flowers”: N.O.R.E. reiterates that Drink Champs is about giving legends their due respect—praising their art and influence while they’re still around.
Kanye West & “Backpack Rap” Talk:
Talib Kweli’s Reaction: Kweli discusses the aftermath of Kanye’s remarks about him (and his signature baseball hats) on a previous Drink Champs episode.
Early Encounters: They recall first impressions of Kanye as a producer and MC—particularly his “college kid” style that challenged hip-hop’s “gangster” mold.
The “Backpack” Label: Yasiin and Kweli highlight how the term “backpack rap” came to be and point out that many artists wearing backpacks were just authentically representing New York City life (commuting on trains, etc.).
Storytime with Yasiin & Dave:
Meeting Prince: Yasiin shares a detailed anecdote of being invited to Prince’s private late-night jam session in Minneapolis, complete with 3:00 AM cookies and a full-band performance in an empty venue.
Working with Michael Jackson: Yasiin briefly mentions appearing in Michael Jackson’s “Ghosts” short film and watching MJ’s choreography firsthand at around age 19.
Eddie Murphy & Robert De Niro: Yasiin recalls filming Showtime with them—describing Eddie as “super cool” and recounting feeling starstruck.
Hip-Hop Roots & Inspirations:
Brooklyn Pride: Yasiin and Talib reaffirm the cultural richness of Brooklyn, from its density to its historic impact on music and MCs.
Ownership Lessons: The panel touches on the complexities of contract deals and ownership—N.O.R.E. references Dave’s own battle to regain rights for Chappelle’s Show and the difficulty for artists in retrieving control of their work.
Respect for Lyricism & Responsibility:
Push-up T and ‘Crack Narratives’: Yasiin references the prevalence of drug-oriented themes in rap, questioning whether such creative talents could focus on broader messages. He’s careful not to judge artists personally but notes the power of lyrical influence.
Casual Banter & Comedic Moments:
Random Jokes: N.O.R.E. jokes about uncertain weed quality in Atlanta when first meeting Dave; Dave teases about “stabbing someone” while listening to “Superthug” (all said lightheartedly).
Donell Rawlings Cameo: Donell briefly appears, joking about “disrespect” in the room and referencing his Chappelle’s Show days as “beautiful times.”
Overall Energy & Takeaways:
Celebration of Friendship: The group repeatedly expresses gratitude for their longstanding bonds—through music, comedy, and culture.
A Space for Culture: Dave underscores that his spot in Ohio has hosted major moments in hip-hop—from Common freestyles to DMX gatherings—and stands as a hub for genuine artistic connection.
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