The Expert (Episode 107, S9)

This week, we’re joined by street culture authority Estevan Oriol to celebrate 30 years of JOKER, one of the most authentic and globally respected streetwear labels ever committed to fashion. Founded in 1995, JOKER BRAND resonates far beyond clothing—proving the power of storytelling, urban fashion, and street culture, rooted in the Chicano energy that shaped it. We discuss Estevan’s one-of-a-kind journey, from road-managing House of Pain and witnessing the seismic rise of Cypress Hill, to co-founding brands Scandalous and Not Guilty, and becoming a globally recognised photographer and filmmaker whose work continues to forge a deep and intimate connection to his subjects. All of this–and more! Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media Art direction: Mango Shark About: Hosted by Luke Bailey, The Fly Fidelity Podcast is a weekly podcast featuring thoughtful, layered, nuanced and authentic conversations with fascinating guests from hip hop and beyond. Patreon: Support The Fly Fidelity Podcast by subscribing to our Patreon and unlock exclusive bonus content. Learn more at Patreon.com/FlyFidelity Contact: [email protected]

This week, we descend into the shadow-lit cosmos of Chester Watson to explore the making of "Psychic Warfare Department", his first producer compilation album. In this intimate conversation, Chester unpacks the spectral forces that animate the project—from sampling the unmistakable voice of Vincent Price to how duality shapes his collaborations. We also discuss the albums sequencing, the mysticism and mythological that anchor his lyricism, how studying colour theory aids his videos , as well as his forthcoming projects, and so much more! Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media Art direction: Mango Shark About: Hosted by Luke Bailey, The Fly Fidelity Podcast is a weekly podcast featuring thoughtful, layered, nuanced and authentic conversations with fascinating guests from hip hop and beyond. Patreon: Support The Fly Fidelity Podcast by subscribing to our Patreon and unlock exclusive bonus content. Learn more at Patreon.com/FlyFidelity Contact: [email protected]

Rucksack Records’ very own The Expert returns to pull back the curtain and get candid about the making of his first-ever producer album, "Vivid Visions". In this insightful conversation, he breaks down his creative process alongside some of today’s leading indie rappers, whose verses and perspectives bring each track to life—transforming the album into a series of vivid sonic worlds. We also discuss his relationship to space and composition, the influence of DJ Muggs and the Monkees’ feature film "Head", as well as a forthcoming remixed and recontextualised release of "Vivid Visions". Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media Art direction: Mango Shark About: Hosted by Luke Bailey, The Fly Fidelity Podcast is a weekly podcast featuring thoughtful, layered, nuanced and authentic conversations with fascinating guests from hip hop and beyond. Patreon: Support The Fly Fidelity Podcast by subscribing to our Patreon and unlock exclusive bonus content. Learn more at Patreon.com/FlyFidelity Contact: [email protected]

This week, we’re dissecting "Human Error Club at Kenny’s House" — Human Error Club's first release on Backwoodz Studioz — featuring a long-form interview with drummer Mekala Session and veteran producer Kenny Segal. From improv sessions and preserving the band’s essence to refining expression and lifelong lessons, we dive into the album’s creative journey in an insightful, wide-ranging conversation. Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media Art direction: Mango Shark About: Hosted by Luke Bailey, The Fly Fidelity Podcast is a weekly podcast featuring thoughtful, layered, nuanced and authentic conversations with fascinating guests from hip hop and beyond. Patreon: Support The Fly Fidelity Podcast by subscribing to our Patreon and unlock exclusive bonus content. Learn more at Patreon.com/FlyFidelity Contact: [email protected]

This week on The Fly Fidelity Podcast, we're joined by Steve “Lucky” Luciano, a pivotal figure in the evolution of streetwear culture in Los Angeles. In part one of our intimate two-part conversation, Lucky unpacks the organic rise and recent revival of SUPERMAX HARDWARE—a brand forged in the raw energy of California’s street and prison subcultures, later adopted by hip-hop artists, skaters, and style purists worldwide. We also trace the ascent and global influence of JOKER BRAND, a cornerstone of West Coast streetwear that recently celebrated its 30th anniversary— a testament to its authenticity, resilience, and unbreakable ties to West Coast culture. What emerges is a conversation not just about fashion, but about identity, legacy, and the enduring influence of Soul Assassins! Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media Art direction: Mango Shark About: Hosted by Luke Bailey, The Fly Fidelity Podcast is a weekly podcast featuring thoughtful, layered, nuanced and authentic conversations with fascinating guests from hip hop and beyond. Patreon: Support The Fly Fidelity Podcast by subscribing to our Patreon and unlock exclusive bonus content. Learn more at Patreon.com/FlyFidelity Contact: [email protected]

This week, we’re joined by two of the most compelling and inventive artists making music in modern hip-hop: Wino Willy and FOHDH Matthew. Fresh off releasing an incredible new album in association with Backwoodz Studioz and Grilchy Party, their collaborative debut 'Matthew Gets Sick Off Cheap Wine and Prefers Gruaud-Larose 1945' showcases what they respectively do best, concocting a gritty flyness whilst sounding raw and luxurious all at once. In this episode we discuss the process of working with each other for what became two albums, how using colours helped to anchor and deepen their goals, the impact that Philadelphia has had on shaping the way that they see the world and approach creating within it, and being photographed by Alexander Richter! Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media Art direction: Mango Shark About: Hosted by Luke Bailey, The Fly Fidelity Podcast is a weekly podcast featuring thoughtful, layered, nuanced and authentic conversations with fascinating guests from hip hop and beyond. Patreon: Support The Fly Fidelity Podcast by subscribing to our Patreon and unlock exclusive bonus content. Learn more at Patreon.com/FlyFidelity Contact: [email protected]

Discover the legendary story of Peter Bici, one of the most accomplished and influential skateboarders in modern street-skating history. From mastering skate spots such as the Brooklyn Banks, to becoming an OG Supreme and Zoo York rider, Peter embodies the essence of Skateboarding. In this episode, Peter shares fascinating insights from his storied life skating with names such as Ryan Hickey, Mike Hernandez, Justin Pierce and more. He also reflects on the importance of Supreme as a foundational skate shop and hub that built a community, being on tour with Think Skateboards, appearing in Larry Clarke's cult classic "Kids"- and more - including ESPN's latest 30 for 30 documentary, "Empire Skate". Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media Art direction: Mango Shark About: Hosted by Luke Bailey, The Fly Fidelity Podcast is a weekly podcast featuring thoughtful, layered, nuanced and authentic conversations with fascinating guests from hip hop and beyond. Patreon: Support The Fly Fidelity Podcast by subscribing to our Patreon and unlock exclusive bonus content. Learn more at Patreon.com/FlyFidelity Contact: [email protected]

Discover the legendary story of Peter Bici, one of the most accomplished and influential skateboarders in modern street-skating history. From mastering skate spots such as the Brooklyn Banks, to becoming an OG Supreme and Zoo York rider, Peter embodies the essence of Skateboarding. In this episode, Peter shares fascinating insights from his storied life skating with names such as Ryan Hickey, Mike Hernandez, Justin Pierce and more. He also reflects on the importance of Supreme as a foundational skate shop and hub that built a community, being on tour with Think Skateboards, appearing in Larry Clarke's cult classic "Kids"- and more - including ESPN's latest 30 for 30 documentary, "Empire Skate". Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media Art direction: Mango Shark About: Hosted by Luke Bailey, The Fly Fidelity Podcast is a weekly podcast featuring thoughtful, layered, nuanced and authentic conversations with fascinating guests from hip hop and beyond. Patreon: Support The Fly Fidelity Podcast by subscribing to our Patreon and unlock exclusive bonus content. Learn more at Patreon.com/FlyFidelity Contact: [email protected]

After 20 years, Philadelphia's two-man crew The High and Mighty are locked back in, joining us to break down the making of their latest album, "Sound of Market". They also discuss their memories of Alchemist producing "Mighty Mi For Your Stereo System", the enduring legacy and lessons of Eastern Conferance Records, Fatbeats recent 30 year anniversary jam, and more! Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media Art direction: Mango Shark About: Hosted by Luke Bailey, The Fly Fidelity Podcast is a weekly podcast featuring thoughtful, layered, nuanced and authentic conversations with fascinating guests from hip hop and beyond. Patreon: Support The Fly Fidelity Podcast by subscribing to our Patreon and unlock exclusive bonus content. Learn more at Patreon.com/FlyFidelity Contact: [email protected]

Fresh off two back-to-back Backwoodz Studioz album covers, Queens based photographer and director Alexander Richter joins us for our 9th season premier. Known for his legendary portraits and iconic abum covers, Alexander sits down to reflect on his eminent career and reveals some of the stories behind some of his favourite shoots, including a who's who of hip hop, from The Clipse to billy woods and beyond. We also talk about shooting for publications such as Hip-Hop Connection, XXL and The Source, capturing candid cultural moments, collaborating with Backwoodz, and more. Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity Media Art direction: Mango Shark Photo: Katrina Richter About: Hosted by Luke Bailey, The Fly Fidelity Podcast is a weekly podcast featuring thoughtful, layered, nuanced and authentic conversations with fascinating guests from hip hop and beyond. Patreon: Support The Fly Fidelity Podcast by subscribing to our Patreon and unlock exclusive bonus content. Learn more at Patreon.com/FlyFidelity Contact: [email protected]