The Almanac of Rap

Donwill/Okayplayer
  • 4.8 (27)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

The Almanac of Rap is a two-time Webby Award-winning show that examines trends in hip hop and their impact over time...and it's way more fun than that description makes it sound. Each week, our host Donwill asks a question, presents a theory and finds a guest to come to some sort of consensus about it. Simply put, it’s a show about rap, by a rapper who loves rap music. Follow Donwill's Substack: https://workingcreatively.substack.com/

  1. 3h ago

    Dave Giles II on Hip House, Beyonce’s "Cozy", Chicago & the Roots of Drill

    On this throwback episode of The Almanac of Rap, Donwill sits down with Grammy Award-winning songwriter and Chicago native Dave Giles II for a deep dive into Hip House, Chicago house music and the city's evolving relationship with hip-hop. Dave, co-writer and producer of Beyonce’s hit song “Cozy” from her #1 album Renaissance, remembers growing up in a Chicago where house music wasn't a separate scene; it was simply part of everyday Black life, from radio and skating rinks to block parties and neighborhood venues. He and Donwill revisit pioneers like Mike Dunn, Chicago's Black club culture, and the unique style of rapping that developed alongside house music. Dave breaks down: The connection between the geography of Chicago's house era to the neighborhoods that later became central to drill music Examines how housing displacement, demolished public housing communities and neighborhood upheaval reshaped the city's culture Common's memories of Chicago nightlife Hip House's connection to hip-hop's Jamaican party-rocking roots Dave's Grammy win and work on Beyoncé's Renaissance 🤳🏾 Got a question, comment or compliment? Leave a message today at 1-877-DONWILL (366-9455) It might just end up in an episode!🎙️ Follow Donwill for fun hip-hop history, cultural commentary, and more. Substack: New Music Tuesdays Instagram/Threads: @donwill Mixcloud: Donwill Website: Donwill.me Follow: Dave Giles II Instagram:  davegilesii    Web: www.davegilesii.com  Created and hosted by two time Webby Award-winning host Donwill, The Almanac of Rap is produced by Okayplayer, a division of AREYA MEDIA Inc. Originally launched in 1999, Okayplayer is the original progressive music site and maintains its position as the premier digital destination for music and culture connoisseurs worldwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 6d ago

    The Jungle Brothers Tell the Origin Story of Native Tongues

    On this episode of The Almanac of Rap, Donwill sits down with hip-hop pioneers The Jungle Brothers to revisit the friendships, records and unlikely moments that helped shape one of rap's most influential eras. The Jungle Brothers take Don back to their teenage years, from high school talent shows and homemade cassette recordings to basement studios, legendary New York clubs and their earliest encounters with DJ Red Alert, Q-Tip, De La Soul and the artists who would become the Native Tongues collective. They also unpack the story behind “I’ll House You,” their groundbreaking collision of hip-hop and house music, and explain why genre boundaries simply didn't matter to their generation.  The Jungle Brothers breakdown: Meeting as teenagers, touring Europe and the communal studio culture of early hip-hop Why Red Alert deserves greater recognition in hip-hop history De La Soul, Buddy and Calliope Studios How “I'll House You” emerged before rap and house became rigid categories. 🤳🏾 Got a question, comment or compliment? Leave a message today at 1-877-DONWILL (366-9455) It might just end up in an episode!🎙️ Follow Donwill for fun hip-hop history, cultural commentary, and more. Substack: New Music Tuesdays Instagram/Threads: @donwill Mixcloud: Donwill Website: Donwill.me Follow The Jungle Brothers Instagram:  @junglebrothers4life Spotify: Jungle Brothers   Apple Music: Jungle Brothers Link.tree:  @junglebrothers Created and hosted by two time Webby Award-winning host Donwill, The Almanac of Rap is produced by Okayplayer, a division of AREYA MEDIA Inc. Originally launched in 1999, Okayplayer is the original progressive music site and maintains its position as the premier digital destination for music and culture connoisseurs worldwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Jungle Brothers Tell the Origin Story of Native Tongues

  3. Aug 6

    Chika Day feat CHIKA

    On this episode of The Almanac of Rap, Donwill sits down with GRAMMY-nominated rapper, singer, and actor CHIKA for one of the funniest and most wide-ranging conversations of the season. From going viral on Instagram and signing with Warner Records to launching her career during the COVID-19 pandemic, CHIKA reflects on the unexpected highs and difficult realities of becoming one of hip-hop's most celebrated new voices.  Along the way, Don and CHIKA spend several minutes passionately debating fountain pens, celebrate Montgomery's official CHIKA Day, and revisit the legendary Montgomery Riverfront Brawl.  CHIKA breaks down: CHIKA's viral rise from Instagram freestylesNavigating online controversy, mental health and social mediaThe Montgomery Riverboat Brawl ("Fade in the Water") aka CHIKA DaySurviving the isolation of pandemic success Why artists should never let social media define themThe making of Sampson 🤳🏾 Got a question, comment or compliment? Leave a message today at 1-877-DONWILL (366-9455) It might just end up in an episode!🎙️ Follow Donwill for fun hip-hop history, cultural commentary, and more. Substack: New Music Tuesdays Instagram/Threads: @donwill Mixcloud: Donwill Website: Donwill.me Follow CHIKA Instagram:  chikalogy    Spotify:  CHIKA Created and hosted by two time Webby Award-winning host Donwill, The Almanac of Rap is produced by Okayplayer, a division of AREYA MEDIA Inc. Originally launched in 1999, Okayplayer is the original progressive music site and maintains its position as the premier digital destination for music and culture connoisseurs worldwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Chika Day feat CHIKA

  4. Jul 30

    Durand Bernarr

    On this episode of The Almanac of Rap, Donwill sits down with Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and internet icon Durand Bernarr for a conversation that blends music history, creative identity, and plenty of laughs. From growing up in a household filled with instruments, vocal coaching, and Earth, Wind & Fire tour buses to becoming one of R&B's most distinctive voices, Durand reflects on the experiences that shaped both the artist and the personality fans know today. The pair discuss Durand's latest album Bernarr, how winning his first Grammy accelerated his career, and why social media has become an extension of his artistry rather than just a promotional tool. They also dive into his deep love for YouTube-era music discovery, the lasting influence of artists like J*DaVeY, Crash Cut, Vula, and Rochelle Jordan, and why authenticity will always outlast chasing trends. Durand breaks down: Queer visibility in music Working alongside Earth, Wind & Fire His love of DJing and production  His unforgettable Grammy acceptance speech, and the importance of embracing every version of yourself.  🤳🏾 Got a question, comment or compliment? Leave a message today at 1-877-DONWILL (366-9455) It might just end up in an episode!🎙️ Follow Donwill for fun hip-hop history, cultural commentary, and more. Substack: New Music Tuesdays Instagram/Threads: @donwill Mixcloud: Donwill Website: Donwill.me Follow Durand Bernarr: Instagram:  @durandbernarr   Web: www.durandbernarr.com/ Album: BERNARR. Created and hosted by two time Webby Award-winning host Donwill, The Almanac of Rap is produced by Okayplayer, a division of AREYA MEDIA Inc. Originally launched in 1999, Okayplayer is the original progressive music site and maintains its position as the premier digital destination for music and culture connoisseurs worldwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Durand Bernarr

  5. Jul 23

    AOR Throwback: DJ R-Tisitc

    On this throwback episode of The Almanac of Rap, Donwill revisits his conversation with DJ R-Tisitc, one of Los Angeles' most respected DJs and music curators. From his early days producing for The Game's Black Wall Street to becoming a sought-after DJ for artists including Stevie Wonder and Issa Rae, DJ R-Tisitc reflects on his unconventional path into DJing and how studying regional music scenes helped shape his career. DJ R-Tisitc breaks down: The unique musical identity of Los Angeles; from G-Funk and electro to jerkin' to crumping and the influences of hyphy music. Why drill music has never truly found a home in Southern California.  How producers like DJ Mustard, Terrace Martin, Channel Tres, and Blxst represent different chapters in the evolution of the city's sound. Follow Donwill for fun hip-hop history, cultural commentary, and more. Substack: New Music Tuesdays Instagram/Threads: @donwill Mixcloud: Donwill Website: Donwill.me Follow DJ R-Tisitc: Instagram:  @djrtistic Web: https://www.djr-tistic.com/  Twitch: rtistic310  Created and hosted by two time Webby Award-winning host Donwill, The Almanac of Rap is produced by Okayplayer, a division of AREYA MEDIA Inc. Originally launched in 1999, Okayplayer is the original progressive music site and maintains its position as the premier digital destination for music and culture connoisseurs worldwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    AOR Throwback: DJ R-Tisitc

  6. Jul 16

    The BET Awards 2026 feat Rapsody, Slim Jxmmi, Miles Minnick, Salt and more.

    On this special episode of The Almanac of Rap, Donwill heads to Los Angeles for the BET Media House Experience, gathering an all-star lineup of artists, creators, executives, and media personalities to ask ONE question: What does winning an award actually mean? From rising stars visualizing their first BET Award to veterans reflecting on careers filled with accolades, this special episode captures honest conversations about ambition, validation, legacy, and the relationship between recognition and impact. Guests including Rapsody, Slim Jxmmi, Salt, Kenny Burns, Miles Minnick, Hurricane Wisdom, Big Cat, Deontay Kyle, The War and Treaty, and more share what they'd say if they stepped onto the BET stage and whether awards are the goal or simply the byproduct of meaningful work. Along the way, Don explores the idea that while trophies may celebrate achievement, an artist's greatest accomplishment is often the community they've built and the culture they've influenced. It's a candid snapshot of Black creativity during one of music's biggest weekends and a reminder that success means something different to everyone. 🤳🏾 Got a question, comment or compliment? Leave a message today at 1-877-DONWILL (366-9455) It might just end up in an episode!🎙️ Follow Donwill for fun hip-hop history, cultural commentary, and more. Substack: New Music Tuesdays Instagram/Threads: @donwill Mixcloud: Donwill Website: Donwill.me Follow our Guest from the BET Media House Experience:   Rapsody, Slim Jxmmi, Salt, Kenny Burns, Miles Minnick, Hurricane Wisdom, The War and Treaty, Deontay Kyle, Big Cat, Nico Brim, Beno Rideaux, Shane, Beverly Face, Von Wyc, Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee Created and hosted by two time Webby Award-winning host Donwill, The Almanac of Rap is produced by Okayplayer, a division of AREYA MEDIA Inc. Originally launched in 1999, Okayplayer is the original progressive music site and maintains its position as the premier digital destination for music and culture connoisseurs worldwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The BET Awards 2026 feat Rapsody, Slim Jxmmi, Miles Minnick, Salt and more.

  7. Jul 9

    Bonus Cuts: The Cutting Room Floor feat Masta Ace, Michael Holman and Jake One

    On this special episode of The Almanac of Rap, Donwill opens the vault and shares some of the best conversations that didn't make the final edits of the first half of Season 4. From forgotten stories and extended interviews to behind-the-scenes insights, these bonus moments offer a deeper look at the people and ideas that continue to shape hip-hop culture. Hear Masta Ace reflect on New York City's legendary car culture, the art of "jeep beats," and writing songs during Will Smith's Millennium sessions. Michael Holman revisits the legacy of Graffiti Rock, the evolution of breaking from the streets to the Olympics, and why Fab Five Freddy remains one of hip-hop's most influential ambassadors. Finally, producer Jake One unpacks the rise of lo-fi beats, the importance of making timeless songs over viral content, and the unexpected origins of his modern funk project, Tuxedo.  Bits & Pieces Vol 1 breaks down: Masta Ace on New York's '90s car culture and the science behind classic "jeep beats" Michael Holman on Graffiti Rock and why breaking belongs in the Olympics Fab Five Freddy's impact on hip-hop culture Jake One on lo-fi beats and beat culture 🤳🏾 Got a question, comment or compliment? Leave a message today at 1-877-DONWILL (366-9455) It might just end up in an episode!🎙️ Follow Donwill for fun hip-hop history, cultural commentary, and more. Substack: New Music Tuesdays Instagram/Threads: @donwill Mixcloud: Donwill Website: Donwill.me Follow Michael Holman: Instagram:  @michaelholman101 Follow Jake One: Instagram: jakeuno Web: snarejordan.com Bandcamp: Jake One Follow Masta Ace: Instagram: mastaacepics Facebook:  Masta Ace Web: www.mastaace.com Created and hosted by two time Webby Award-winning host Donwill, The Almanac of Rap is produced by Okayplayer, a division of AREYA MEDIA Inc. Originally launched in 1999, Okayplayer is the original progressive music site and maintains its position as the premier digital destination for music and culture connoisseurs worldwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Bonus Cuts: The Cutting Room Floor feat Masta Ace, Michael Holman and Jake One

  8. Jul 7 ·  Bonus

    AOR Mini: The Most "American" Moment in Hip Hop

    This week on a special minisode of The Almanac of Rap, Donwill is joined by Okayplayer's Audio Marketing Strategist and longtime collaborator Faybeo’n “LiKWUiD” Mickens for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the making of the recent Shaggy episode. Together, they unpack Shaggy's stories about military cadence, reggae's influence on hip-hop, and the origins of his unmistakable vocal style before taking a detour into Eddie Murphy's surprisingly massive influence on rap culture. From Eddie Murphy Raw to Coming to America, the conversation explores how comedy, music, and hip-hop have always been more connected than they seem. Don and Fay close out with a fun debate inspired by the “semiquincentennial” weekend events during the Fourth of July: What is the most American moment in hip-hop history?  Call 1-877-DONWILL (366-9455) and tell Don your pick. It could be a song, an album, a performance, a headline, or a completely ridiculous moment…the more whimsical, the better.  Follow Donwill for fun hip-hop history, cultural commentary, and more. Substack: New Music Tuesdays Instagram/Threads: @donwill Mixcloud: Donwill Website: Donwill.me Follow Faybeo’n Mickens Instagram:  @likwuid Web: FaybeonMickens.com    Created and hosted by two time Webby Award-winning host Donwill, The Almanac of Rap is produced by Okayplayer, a division of AREYA MEDIA Inc. Originally launched in 1999, Okayplayer is the original progressive music site and maintains its position as the premier digital destination for music and culture connoisseurs worldwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    AOR Mini: The Most "American" Moment in Hip Hop
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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

The Almanac of Rap is a two-time Webby Award-winning show that examines trends in hip hop and their impact over time...and it's way more fun than that description makes it sound. Each week, our host Donwill asks a question, presents a theory and finds a guest to come to some sort of consensus about it. Simply put, it’s a show about rap, by a rapper who loves rap music. Follow Donwill's Substack: https://workingcreatively.substack.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Donwill/Okayplayer
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Donwill
  • Show Website
    The Almanac of Rap

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