Ep 99: TL Cross

Welcome to episode 100 of Make Noise. To mark this special occasion we decided to flip this one. Not too long ago I was interviewed by the legendary Sugar Hill Gang on their podcast, The Sugarhill Gang Podcast. They are responsible for the song Rapper's Delight which was the first rap record to have a commercial release and opened the doors for all hip hop artists that followed. It was an honour to be a guest on their show so I thought it only right to share it with you. Thank you for all your support in 2020 and getting this show to 100 episodes! Enjoy

Songwriter, producer, singer, and Hip Hop historian TL Cross is my guest on Make Noise. TL has worked with some of the greatest such as 50 Cent, Jazmine Sullivan, Musiq Soulchild, Usher, Yolanda Adams, Mary J Blige and Montell Jordan. He has also been producing a show which documents the history of Hip Hop over the years. 

Singer Brian McKnight Jr. joins me on Make Noise. Brian is the son of the legendary singer Brian McKnight and is a talented artist in his own right. He took to the stage right out of school from the age of 16 and has become a star. Not only is he a great musical artist he has now turned his hand to acting by starring in his first feature film, Freshman Friday.

Comedian, actor and presenter Bill Bellamy is my guest on this episode of Make Noise. Bill got his start on Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam and since then has risen to be not just one of funniest comedians on the circuit but also a TV presenter and actor in movies such as How to be Player, Love Jones and Any Given Sunday. 

Former wide receiver Plaxico Burress is my guest on this episode Make Noise. Plaxico had a successful 12 year career starting in college football at Michigan State. He then was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants and the New York Jets. I've been waiting to have Plaxico on the show and this conversation was worth the wait.

Rapper Jim Jones is my guest on this episode of Make Noise. Along with being a rapper and part of Dipset, Jim is also a producer, record label exec and music video producer. Jim is a Harlem brother who lived right across the street from me so it was great vibes on this episode with an old friend. 

Darin "Dee" Dean is my guest on Make Noise. Dee is the co-founder of the legendary Ruff Ryders and is responsible for launching DMX, The Lox, Eve, Jin and of course Swizz Beatz. Dee and his family ran a label that rose to huge success and whose legacy continues to this day. 

Rapper YelloPain is my guest on this episode of Make Noise. Amongst a number of hits, YelloPain has recently become a viral sensation with his record 'My Vote will Count'. This song was crucial during what is probably the most important election in US history. It brought to light the importance of your vote and how it can make a real difference to your future and the future of the communities you live in.

Journalist Jemele Hill joins me as my guest on Make Noise. Jemele is a highly respected sports journalist as the former chief correspondent and senior columnist for ESPN's, The Undefeated and prior to that, Jemele co-anchored SportsCenter with Michael Smith. Jemele's work has explored the intersections of sports, race and culture with a lot of success, so it was a real pleasure to have her on the show.

Brian 'Glaze' Gibbs is my guest on this episode of Make Noise. In the 1980's Brian was considered one of the most feared men in New York as a gangster, narcotics dealer and hitman. This man has so many stories to tell and this episode is packed with tales of his past. This one is a special episode.