Beats, Beds & Browns

Joseph Skibbie

"A Hip-Hop Head who likes to garden and enjoy sippers of brown liquor. Recreating the magic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk while learning the finer points of raised bed gardening. Interviews include emerging hip-hop artists, gardening topics from homestead gardens to commercial ag interests, and distillers of fine brown spirits."

  1. 4d ago

    Beats, Beds & Browns Live With Defcee

    This week we’re sitting down with acclaimed Chicago emcee, poet, educator, and community builder Defcee — one of the most respected lyricists in the independent rap scene today. Known for razor-sharp writing, layered storytelling, intricate rhyme patterns, and a deep love for hip hop culture, Defcee has spent years building a reputation as an artist’s artist while simultaneously helping shape the next generation through education and mentorship.Originally from River Forest, Illinois, Defcee has been recording and performing since his teenage years and has evolved into one of the Midwest’s most thoughtful and technically gifted underground MCs. Over the years he’s collaborated with respected producers and artists across the independent rap landscape while releasing critically praised projects through labels like Backwoodz Studioz.Beyond music, Defcee is also a writer, educator, and teaching artist deeply connected to Chicago’s creative community. He co-founded the long-running Emcee Wreckshop alongside Add-2 — helping mentor young artists and create space for lyricism, creativity, and authentic expression within Chicago hip hop culture.At Beats, Beds & Browns, we believe growth happens through cultivation — whether through music, gardening, education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, or community building. This episode is about the process of sharpening your craft, staying authentic, building community, and continuing to evolve creatively through every season of life.During this LIVE conversation we’ll discuss:🎤 Defcee’s journey through Chicago hip hop🧠 The art of lyricism and technical rap writing🎶 Independent hip hop culture and underground rap🏫 Teaching, mentorship & youth engagement through music🔥 Chicago’s evolving rap scene and creative ecosystem🎛️ Storytelling, songwriting & creative process📚 Poetry, literature & hip hop education🌱 Growth, discipline & artistic longevity🎵 Collaborations with Backwoodz Studioz and underground rap innovators🏡 Building authentic creative communities🚀 What’s next for Defcee and independent hip hop cultureOver the years, Defcee has shared stages with artists ranging from Chance the Rapper and Wale to Saul Williams and Amiri Baraka while earning recognition from major hip hop publications and underground rap communities alike. His work blends introspection, social awareness, humor, technical precision, and emotional honesty in ways that continue to resonate deeply with listeners who appreciate thoughtful hip hop.Projects like Trapdoor, his collaboration with producer Messiah Musik, helped elevate Defcee’s profile nationally and showcased his ability to merge complex lyricism with cinematic, forward-thinking production. His collaborations and releases continue pushing the boundaries of modern underground rap while remaining rooted in the foundational elements of hip hop culture.Whether you’re a fan of underground hip hop, backpack rap, conscious lyricism, boom bap, experimental rap, independent artistry, or simply somebody passionate about authentic creativity and community — this conversation is for you.Pull up LIVE and join the conversation:📅 Wednesday, June 10th, 2026🕖 7:00PM CST📍 LIVE on Beats, Beds & BrownsMake sure you:✅ LIKE the stream✅ SUBSCRIBE to the channel✅ TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS✅ COMMENT where you’re watching from✅ SHARE with somebody who appreciates real hip hop and meaningful conversationAnd if you’re beginning your own growing journey — whether through music, gardening, entrepreneurship, creativity, education, or community building — don’t forget you can grab your FREE seed kit from Beats, Beds & Browns.🌱 FREE Seed Kit:Beats, Beds & Browns Seed Kit🎥 Follow Beats, Beds & Browns:Instagram: @beatsbedsbrownsYouTube: @beatsbedsbrowns🎵 Follow Defcee:Defcee on InstagramDefcee on SpotifyBackwoodz Studioz – Defcee

    52 min
  2. 4d ago

    Beats, Beds & Browns Live with Whiskey Acres

    Located in DeKalb, Illinois, Whiskey Acres has become nationally recognized for producing award-winning bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka using grains grown directly on their fifth-generation family farm. As Illinois’ first estate distillery and one of only a handful of true farm distilleries in the United States, Whiskey Acres represents the intersection of innovation, agriculture, tradition, and Midwest entrepreneurship.In this conversation, we explore what it means to build something authentic from the ground up — from planting and harvesting grain to distilling handcrafted spirits that reflect the land, the people, and the culture of the Midwest.At Beats, Beds & Browns, we believe growth starts with roots. Whether it’s music, farming, gardening, entrepreneurship, wellness, or craft production, every meaningful journey begins with cultivation, patience, and purpose. Whiskey Acres embodies that spirit through its commitment to quality, sustainability, family heritage, and community connection.Founded by the Walter family on more than 2,000 acres of fertile Illinois farmland, Whiskey Acres transformed generations of farming knowledge into a nationally respected craft distilling operation. Their “seed to spirit” philosophy means every step of production happens on-site — from growing the grain to barreling and bottling the finished whiskey.During this LIVE conversation we’ll discuss:🥃 The story behind Whiskey Acres Distilling Co.🌽 Farm-to-bottle whiskey production in Illinois🚜 Agriculture, innovation & family legacy🔥 The rise of craft whiskey culture in the Midwest🏡 Building a destination business rooted in community🎛️ The science and artistry behind distilling🌱 Sustainability, farming & entrepreneurship🥃 Bourbon, rye whiskey & unique heirloom grain experiments🎶 The connection between craft culture, creativity & storytelling🚀 What’s next for Whiskey Acres and independent distillingWe’ll also talk about how Whiskey Acres has helped redefine Illinois whiskey by focusing on transparency, locally sourced ingredients, and handcrafted quality. Their spirits have gained attention for their rich flavor profiles and creative grain experimentation — including unique expressions made with heirloom and specialty corn varieties.Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast, entrepreneur, creative, farmer, craft beverage supporter, or somebody inspired by authentic Midwest stories, this episode offers insight into what it takes to build a meaningful brand while staying true to your roots.Pull up LIVE and join the conversation:📅 05/27/26🕖 7:00PM CST📍 LIVE on Beats, Beds & BrownsMake sure you:✅ LIKE the stream✅ SUBSCRIBE to the channel✅ TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS✅ COMMENT where you’re watching from✅ SHARE with somebody who appreciates craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and authentic culture🌱 And if you’re starting your own growing journey — through gardening, creativity, entrepreneurship, wellness, farming, or community building — don’t forget to grab your FREE seed kit from Beats, Beds & Browns.🎥 Follow Beats, Beds & Browns:Instagram: @beatsbedsbrownsYouTube: @beatsbedsbrowns🥃 Learn More About Whiskey Acres:Whiskey Acres Official WebsiteVisit Whiskey Acres DistilleryInstagram: @whiskeyacresFacebook: Whiskey Acres Distilling Co.Special salute to all the farmers, distillers, entrepreneurs, growers, makers, artists, educators, and builders continuing to create meaningful experiences rooted in authenticity and community.Good drinks. Good energy. Good people. Real growth.

    49 min
  3. 4d ago

    Beats, Beds & Browns Live with RecoeChi

    Recorded LIVE Wednesday, May 20th at 7PM CST — Season VII of Beats, Beds & Browns continues with another powerful conversation centered around music, culture, healing, creativity, faith, and community impact.This week we’re sitting down with Chicago artist, community organizer, creative visionary, and independent hip hop voice RecoeChi — one of the most authentic and evolving artists emerging from the Southeast Side of Chicago. Known for deeply personal storytelling, spiritual growth, sharp social commentary, and emotionally grounded lyricism, RecoeChi represents a new era of independent hip hop rooted in purpose, resilience, and transformation.Hailing from Chicago’s East Side, RecoeChi has built a reputation not only through his music, but through his work inside the community. From mentoring youth and supporting programs through Healthy Hood and Hip-Hop DetoxX, to speaking life into young people navigating violence, poverty, and uncertainty, RecoeChi embodies what it means to turn lived experience into meaningful impact.As an artist, RecoeChi continues to carve out a lane uniquely his own — blending conscious hip hop, soulful production, Midwest grit, spiritual reflection, and revolutionary creativity into records that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. His debut project FLAVAZ showcases a wide spectrum of sounds and emotions while exploring themes of survival, faith, ambition, grief, healing, love, self-discovery, and Black identity in America.With production connected to Chicago creatives and collaborators associated with artists like Chance The Rapper, Saba, Mick Jenkins, Noname, femdot., and Vic Mensa, RecoeChi’s music continues to push forward the legacy of thoughtful, independent Chicago hip hop while remaining grounded in authenticity and truth.At Beats, Beds & Browns, we believe growth takes many forms. Sometimes growth looks like planting seeds in the soil. Sometimes it looks like healing through music, building community, mentoring youth, overcoming adversity, or finding your purpose through creativity. This episode explores what it means to grow intentionally while staying rooted in culture, spirituality, and service.During this LIVE conversation we’ll discuss:🎤 RecoeChi’s journey through Chicago hip hop🌱 Growth, healing & spiritual transformation🔥 Independent artistry and creative ownership🏡 Community organizing and youth mentorship🧠 Mental resilience, recovery & purpose🎶 The making of FLAVAZ🎛️ Music production, storytelling & authenticity🌍 Experiences traveling to Ghana and reconnecting spiritually💡 Building culture through art and action🚀 What’s next for RecoeChi and the future of independent musicWhether you’re a fan of underground hip hop, conscious rap, Midwest culture, independent artistry, community leadership, or simply someone trying to grow through life’s challenges — this conversation is for you.Pull up LIVE and join the conversation:📅 Wednesday, May 20th, 2026🕖 7PM CST📍 LIVE on Beats, Beds & BrownsMake sure you:✅ LIKE the stream✅ SUBSCRIBE to the channel✅ TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS✅ COMMENT where you’re watching from✅ SHARE with somebody who values authentic hip hop and real conversationAnd if you’re starting your own growing journey — whether through music, gardening, entrepreneurship, healing, or community building — don’t forget you can grab your FREE seed kit from Beats, Beds & Browns.🌱 Get Your FREE Seed Kit:Beats Beds & Browns Seed Kit🎥 Follow Beats, Beds & Browns:Instagram: @beatsbedsbrownsYouTube: @beatsbedsbrowns🎵 Follow RecoeChi:Instagram: @recoechiSpotify: Recoechi on SpotifyBandcamp: Recoechi BandcampX/Twitter: Recoechi on XSpecial salute to all the independent artists, organizers, educators, growers, healers, creators, visionaries, and community leaders continuing to plant seeds and cultivate something greater for the next generation.Good music. Good energy. Good people. Real growth.

    47 min
  4. 4d ago

    Beats, Beds & Browns Live with Jae Haze

    Recorded LIVE Wednesday, May 13th at 7PM CST — Beats, Beds & Browns returns with another powerful conversation at the intersection of music, culture, creativity, and community.This week we’re sitting down with Chicagoland hip hop artist, lyricist, and creative force Jae Haze of the legendary regional rap group Lil’ People. Known for authentic storytelling, sharp lyricism, and a deep connection to independent hip hop culture, Jae Haze has helped shape the sound and spirit of underground Midwest rap while continuing to evolve as a solo artist and creative voice.From classic Lil’ People records to solo projects and community impact, this livestream conversation dives into artistry, perseverance, creativity, and what it means to continue growing through every season of life.At Beats, Beds & Browns, we believe growth shows up everywhere — in the garden, in music, in business, in healing, and in the communities we build around us. This episode is all about cultivation through creativity.During this livestream we’ll talk about:🎤 The legacy and impact of Lil’ People🎶 Jae Haze’s solo music journey🌱 Creativity, growth & reinvention🔥 Independent hip hop culture in the Midwest🧠 Mental resilience & artistic evolution🎛️ Music production, lyricism & storytelling🏡 Building culture and community through art🚀 What’s next for Jae HazeWhether you’re a longtime supporter of Midwest hip hop, a fan of independent artistry, or somebody navigating your own creative journey, this conversation is for you.Pull up LIVE and join the conversation:📅 Wednesday, May 13th🕖 7PM CST📍 LIVE on Beats, Beds & BrownsMake sure you:✅ LIKE the stream✅ SUBSCRIBE to the channel✅ TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS✅ COMMENT where you’re watching from✅ SHARE with somebody who appreciates real hip hop and authentic conversationAnd if you’re beginning your own growing journey — whether in music, gardening, entrepreneurship, or life — don’t forget you can grab a FREE seed kit from Beats, Beds & Browns:https://beatsbedsbrowns.com/get-your-...🎥 Follow Beats, Beds & Browns:Instagram: @beatsbedsbrownsYouTube: @beatsbedsbrownsSpecial salute to all the independent artists, growers, educators, creators, and community builders continuing to plant seeds and grow through every season.Good music. Good energy. Good people. Real growth.#BeatsBedsAndBrowns #JaeHaze #LilPeople #MidwestHipHop #UndergroundHipHop #IndependentArtist #HipHopCulture #SeasonVII #LiveInterview #MusicAndCulture #CreativeGrowth #NorthwestIndiana #HipHopLives #CommunityCulture #ArtistSpotlight

    49 min
  5. 4d ago

    Season VII Launch Party at Karma featuring Region 5 Whiskey

    Welcome to the OFFICIAL launch of Season VII of Beats, Beds & Browns — where culture, cultivation, community, and conversation all meet at the table. Tonight we’re bringing the energy live from Karma Cigar Bar, one of Northwest Indiana’s premier destinations for premium cigars, elevated vibes, and grown-folks conversations. Huge appreciation to Karma for hosting an unforgettable evening as we celebrate another season of storytelling, entrepreneurship, agriculture, food culture, music, and community-building.This special launch episode features our guests from Region 5 Whiskey — an award-winning Northwest Indiana bourbon brand founded by five friends united through their passion for whiskey, barrel selection, and Region culture. Their commitment to craftsmanship, patience, and authentic community mirrors everything Beats, Beds & Browns stands for.Season VII continues our mission of highlighting creators, growers, makers, educators, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders who are planting seeds in their communities and building something meaningful from the ground up.At Beats, Beds & Browns, we believe gardening is bigger than plants. It’s food sovereignty. It’s legacy. It’s healing. It’s ownership. It’s slowing down long enough to appreciate process — whether that’s tending a raised bed, aging a barrel of bourbon, rolling a cigar, preserving family recipes, or building culture through music and conversation.Tonight’s conversation dives into:🥃 Bourbon craftsmanship & barrel selection🌱 The parallels between agriculture and whiskey-making🎶 Music, culture & storytelling🔥 Building community-centered brands in Northwest Indiana🍂 Patience, process & intentional living💨 Cigars, pairings & lounge culture🚀 Entrepreneurship and regional prideWhether you’re here for the bourbon talk, the garden gems, the music references, or simply the vibes — welcome to the family.Make sure you:✅ LIKE the video✅ SUBSCRIBE to the channel✅ COMMENT your favorite bourbon, cigar pairing, or gardening project✅ SHARE this episode with somebody building something in their communityAnd if you’re looking to start your own growing journey, don’t forget you can grab a FREE seed kit from Beats, Beds & Browns here:https://beatsbedsbrowns.com/get-your-...🎥 Follow Beats, Beds & Browns:Instagram: @beatsbedsbrownsYouTube: @beatsbedsbrownsSpecial thanks to:🌟 Karma Cigar Bar🥃 Region 5 Whiskey🌱 The Beats, Beds & Browns communityRemember:Good gardens. Good drinks. Good people. Good energy.#BeatsBedsAndBrowns #Region5Whiskey #KarmaCigarBar #SeasonVII #BourbonCulture #UrbanAgriculture #Gardening #Whiskey #NorthwestIndiana #CigarLounge #FoodCulture #Community #HipHopAndGardening #SmallBatchBourbon #BlackGrowers #CraftCulture

    40 min

About

"A Hip-Hop Head who likes to garden and enjoy sippers of brown liquor. Recreating the magic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk while learning the finer points of raised bed gardening. Interviews include emerging hip-hop artists, gardening topics from homestead gardens to commercial ag interests, and distillers of fine brown spirits."