What is a podcast?
What is a podcast? One of the most annoying and debilitating questions to ask someone trying to recount a good story. Before the term podcast became arguably ubiquitous within the “culture,” I was still trying to explain and advocate to friends and family this phenomenon. I would listen to Juan Epstein and the Combat Jack Show, two very different ends of the same “online radio show” spectrum. I was listening for the unfiltered conversations at first, the barbershop or nerd talk amongst acquaintances trying to get to know one another. Juan Epstein had radio personalities Peter Rosenberg and Cipha Sounds from the famed Hot 97. The podcast stemmed from an attempt to develop a report with each other in order to aid their on-air chemistry. As the two developed a rhythm, extended uncut versions of interviews with the station’s subjects and guest would make their way to Juan Ep. These feature episodes sometimes resulted in highlight reel or blooper reel material but occasionally resulting in great moments with notable names such as Jay-Z, Kanye West and Chris Rock.
Masterminded by executive producer Aking, The Combat Jack Show contained a two man dynamic as well, but from a professionally unprofessional perspective. Reggie Osse’ the former entertainment attorney reborn as blogger Combat Jack, had endless industry accounts to compliment the griot of NYC known to the internets as Dallas Penn. As their conversations strengthened in that Brooklyn PNC studio, so did their crew. The show would develop into a clubhouse with a “Cheers” like vibe of just talk amongst members of a community. Along with Combat and Dallas, I would hear the sarcasm of Matt Raz, the Rikers Tales of Premium Pete and the dope music breaks from DJ BenHameen and even eventually the secret weapon, legendary producer Just Blaze. Aside from the jokes and juvenile banter like the “Pause Game,” there was a certain conversation that was taking place at the Combat Jack Show that wasn’t happening anywhere else. This exchange was an opportunity for guests to sit and discuss their journey, their thoughts and even their feelings, not just their exploits of fame and hot take opinions. The show gave entertainment and education on a myriad of topics but most importantly, it mutually gave the listener and subject, unrestricted and unedited context. This is probably why guests such as J. Cole whose appearance was noted in his Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming Documentary, made the call to come on the show instead of a typical radio/tv press run.
These days there’s no longer the crew, the vocal Voltron has disassembled. Some members have gone on to other platforms and podcasts, while others have remained on board in a different capacity to build something new. The aforementioned Combat still is the anchor in his podcast, but he has grown into another role as the co-captain of a blossoming venture. Loud Speakers Network has birthed new broadcasting careers of several online personalities turned podcasters. As much as I wanted things to remain the same or at least be privileged to a semblance of that clubhouse experience, growth was mandated for survival. The story of Loud Speakers Network like many good things came from necessity.
Located at the Brooklyn Historical Society and moderated by Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival Founder and Executive Director Wes Jackson, the duo of Chris Murrow and Combat Jack unpacked their journey of the Loud Speakers Network. The Told it First Hand Series guests describing the points that have punctuated their evolution thus far was an experience within itself, but the highlight was the insight into the emerging podcast industry. The arguable Def Jam of the Podcasting game, LSN now stands at an enviable energy filled position. As the figurative home of the broadcasting behemoth Breakfast Club’s 3 individual podcasts, the network has full validation from radio professionals as well as viral viability with standouts KidFury, Crissles and Taxstone. But with great power comes great responsibility and greater foresight. What trends and innovations will the network break to remain relevant in the over-saturation of podcasts? How will the little independent engine compare against the ESPNs, and CBS’ who want to join the party? How will the network continue to brand new shows distinctly and uniquely? Are there new shows that will address the lack of people of color in formats other than talk radio? All these questions and more were asked as the two attempted to answer what they could while disclosing they are still understandably figuring things out. The radio vet and the radio alternative star have managed to amass a plethora of platforms that not only shatter records (Taxstone’s latest Meek Mill episode did 600K listens in 2 days alone) but more importantly shatter the monolith myths concerning the “urban space’s” demographic and experience.
As a person of color, the questions have evolved just like the show turned several show network. I no longer am satisfied by players and representation in the spaces I support as I once was. I would hope that as the industry continues to develop, people of color will have not only have representation but equity and market share that they will have deservingly earned, as well. Only time will tell, but I hope Loud Speakers Network will be a part of those that tell that story.
Related posts
Comments RSS Feed