Talib Kweli & Cormega On 'The Realness II,' Nas, The Firm, Large Pro, Queens | People's Party Full 

TIME STAMPS: 2:29 -- Mega speaks on his early life, being born in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, moving to Co-op City in the Bronx, and the culture shock he experienced when his family moved to the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens. They go on to discuss how his mother being murdered when he was four years old impacted him coming up, the importance of not neglecting one's mental health, and how PTSD is a real thing for so many impoverished communities like Queensbridge. 7:45 -- Mega talks about how the strong black women that have been present throughout the course of his life have affected his growth as an artist. They go on to discuss Mega's take on the deep cultural impact of the Queensbridge housing projects, How Marly Marl and the Juice Crew changed the game, and Mega's writing style being an extension of MC Shan. They also get into the pride Mega holds in his long history as an independent artist. 13:34 -- Talib brings up his view of Queensbridge artists and their knowledge of the street equaling their level of knowledge for the history of hip hop as he goes on to reference bars from Mega's 'Bring It Back.' Mega is asked about his being viewed as one of the most slept-on artists in the game, and he talks about being intentionally overlooked throughout his career by the gatekeepers of the industry, and how he has used that to fuel his fire. 16:53 -- Mega is asked about his experience of doing prison time during the release of his childhood friend Nas' iconic 'Illmatic' album which he would have been featured on. They discuss Cormega's name having buzz around NY before he was locked up, with features on Hot Day's 'Going Straight Up,' PHD's 'Set It Off,' and an opening for Eric B. and Rakim at the Apollo. They also get into the deal he had in the works for an album produced by Marley Marl before getting arrested. 21:25 -- Mega reflects on the time of his feature on Nas' 'Affirmative Action,' being fresh out of the penitentiary and the idea of his inclusion in the supergroup the Firm coming to fruition. They explore the politics that came into play during the group's formation as he outlines how he began to understand he wasn't going to be included in the lineup after he was excluded from the first photo shoot. They also discuss the love Mega and Nas still had for each other throughout the years of negativity. 25:44 -- Mega speaks on the impact and storied legacy of Violator Records Exec Chris Lighty and how they originally connected. They get into Chris' unique position in the industry as having a street mentality mixed with a strong business sense and how his understanding of Mega's needs coming out of prison was what got him on board. Mega also talks about how the chance to be affiliated with Def Jam was a dream come true at the time with their legacy of greatness. 30:41 -- Mega gets into the unique personality of Queensbridge and how the rappers that hail from the area are a reflection of the greatness and creativity of their community. They go on to talk about the immortal legacy of street legend Supreme Magnetic and also discuss notable cuts from Mega's 2014 album 'Mega Philosophy,' the strategic move of featuring members from The Firm, and the criminal underappreciation of Large Professor who fully produced the record. 35:28 -- Mega's song 'Rap Basquiat' is brought up and he is asked about the must-hear second verse of that track. They also get into Mega's growth as an artist that can be heard on his album 'Mega Philosophy,' and explore bars from the song 'Industry,' his expecting to be blacklisted with that record, and Mega challenging himself to be more responsible as an artist at the time of penning that album. 40:43 -- Mega's most recent album 'The Realness II' is discussed and the tracks 'Her Name' which revisits Mega's ode to hip hop 'American Beauty,' as well as 'White Roses' with it paying tribute to the icons of the culture. Mega also talks about taking every opportunity to be a supporter of his peers and their endeavors, and also gets into the deep influence the Five Percent Nation has had on the culture and how it's not discussed enough. 45:59 -- Mega talks about what he has coming down the line, including a physical copy of his 'Black Book' book of inspirational quotes, new music with Harry Fraud, and a project with Havoc. They go on to discuss the debate over where hip hop originated, the Jamaican influence, and examples of rapping being traced back to the early 1900s. Mega also gives his take on Run DMC being the greatest group ever, how they saved the genre, and they discuss how hip hop became one of the most powerful unifiers in the world.

So glad Cormega FINALLY gets a real shine! Most underrated rapper EVER!

The craziest part of this whole interview is Talib saying Large Professor has hundreds of beats in the bank because people don’t wanna rhyme on them. One of the all time greats! People are INSANE.

Cormega is true conversationalist. Its basically effortless for him to have something potent to say in relation to hiphop and his life. He could definitely have a podcast.

Maaan. I love Cormega. He’s such an amazing human being with great wisdom and good heart. Had the pleasure to see him preform live in Poland, one of the best to do it. Peace from Poland, hope both Talib and Cormega gonna come and do a show one day. Love and respect to the truest!

Respect to Cormega, and thank you for having him as a guest, Talib.

I just checked out The Realness 2 because of this interview and it’s AMAZING!!!!! . I love albums that you can just play without skipping a song! 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤 Her Name Crazy!!!! , the Nas feature Crazy!!! The Lloyd Banks Feature bananas!! This Album is a instant classic!! ….

Mega just gets better and better, can’t think of any artist like that. He’s truly inspirational

‘Bring it Back’ is one of my favourite all time Mega joints.

Anytime CORMEGA sits down for an interview, I click to watch. Dope as always to see this brother.

Yo Mega has matured so much as a Man, growing up in Queens Mega has been an Idol for us in Queens since Nas shouted Him out on illmatic, Queens bridge is full of amazing Emcees but Mega is Top Tier, I'd say, Nas, Early Prodigy, then Cormega as my top three favorite Emcees from Queens bridge.

Cormega's Mega Philosophy & The Realness II albums are great albums with timeless lyrics. Solid, professional and informative interview. Thank you Talib Kweli & Cormega.

His live performances are memorable🔥

I have so much respect for Cormega, great interview!

Was never a big fan of Mega. Always saw Nas with AZ and Foxy as his best partners but his interviews lately have made me see what a vital part of the whole 90s and QB story he is. Comes across as cool more than just street as he could've just been seen.

Talib, you need to interview AZ. Thank you for Skyzoo.

As the only black therapist in a community mental health clinic I appreciate this from Mega, working through hood ptsd then going to the military and experienced more ptsd it was only right to work in the field. First thing I tell my clients is all that stuff in them books wasn't made with people of color in mind but we gonna make it work and I'm make it digestible so we can go for the win. That Glorious track with Nas on Realness II 🔥 🔥 🔥

Super dope interview and I appreciate kweli bringing attention to mega philosophy too ✨💎✨ it's a gem

DMX 1st album came with that green bonus CD. We played Mega's The Testament track more than the album in May '98.

Cormega is a wonderful artist. With his early music, I didn't get into it as much. But when he made the track "All I Need Is You" off Hi-Tek's "Hi-Teknology" album, I knew then he was a DIFFERENT MC. Mega Philosophy is a monumental album, I played it over and over when it dropped, and made sure I let others know that it was a must-listen. His album "Born & Raised" is probably my 2nd favorite of his.. just really creative and a really different sound. Keep doing your thing Mega!

Great Interview Talib. Thank you for hosting Mega. One of the greatest and finest hip hop lyricists to grace the mic.

I have been a cormega fan since affirmative action ! So happy he’s getting his flowers …salute Mega 🫡

This is the one I was waiting on , Mega is the man big up To Kweli

Great, great talk, I've had both you gentlemen on my playlist and to see y'all chop it up. Yeah, this is a great Monday 🤜🏾🤛🏾

Talib is an amazing interviewer. Cormega is one of the most underrated rappers of all time.

Respect to my bro!!! I’ve always been a fan of his work since day one!!! Thank u for the shout out on this interview!!!

One of my favorite artists of all time! Every Mega+Mobb track is a classic to me.

He is absolutely correct. The second verse or rap Basquiat is nuts.

This interview should have wayy more views…

People don't like to rap on Large P beats?? Large Pro is easily a top 20 producer of all time!!

This was an amazing one! I could listen to these two philosophers talk all day! ❤️‍🔥🙏🏾

Cormega interviews are always 🔥

Bout time for this!!! You had to have this legend on!!!! One of the dopest Lyricists of all time.

Mega is forever dropping knowledge. Salute 🫡

Mega should be a College Professor dude is deep and philosophical as hell

The Bay area is the foundation of independent This is 100% fact 🌉👑🫡

This is another banger of an interview man its something in the air at the Blue Note. Love when the real Hip Hop technicians speak. Peace to the People's Party and team ❤❤

Geat episode fellas. I appreciate yall Hip Hop knowledge.

Great interview! Salute to both men!

This was great!!! Thanks to the "People's Party"

This interview was solid. Salute to Cormega, Talib and the whole People's Party Team ✊🏾

The underdog with mad growth. This interview was amazing.

Mega my main man....the GOD ....been f*** wit mega since forever....good one Kweli...shout out to black Star

Cor, mega, raw, forever. Still born in Bed Stuy, never ran, never will.

Chris lighty's name, Rings Bells Yo! Madd' Love, and Props to him and his family. R.I.P. Chris Lighty Yo!

Soo dope episode!!! S/O to Cormega and Talib 🏆🏆🫡

Such a dope interview. Two dope emcees. Mega is one of the greatest 💪🏾💪🏾💯

Great Interview!!

Coremega my g.. Killaz theme is in my all time top 10...

Yo seems like cormega came out super humble in first 10 minutes then boom he start sounding like the old him lol All love brotha!

One of your best interviews!

Salute to Mega he’s a legend 💯💯

Thanks for this Cormega the realness

I appreciate this, Mega is one of my QB favorites. He spit a lot of gems on classic joints

you can see the artists process of trying to reach a point unfold live. So the authenticity is there with guys like this. He's even discovering new knowledge of himself sometimes if you know what you're watching. Mega was always flaming mfs always...and his vocals were so unique.

THE ONE AND ONLY CORMEGA HELL YEAH THAT´S WHAT´S UP MUCH LOVE RESPECT AND ADMIRATION TO YOU SIR TALIB YOU KILLING IT BRO KEEP UP THIS TYPE OF GREAT WORK

Love to Mega, a real dude 🎉

Great interview.

Great interview salute mega

Salute to one of my personal favorite Queensbridge emcees!! ... GREAT WORK TALIB!! SHOUTS TO MEGA MONTANA!

MEGA WHAT EVER! Great interview great guest. You make hip hop proud.

Another Great Interview🎶🎼👌

The Legend Cormega...one of the 🐐 GOATS FRFR... PEACE AND BLESSINGS 2 YOU 👑 KING!!!

GREAT INTERVIEW FELLAS!! 👍🏾

I wish you could've had the GOD on longer great show

Yo, last night I had a dream it had me open like a fiend And all I remember is me, you, the moon and ocean breeze My heartbeat increased like I seen approachin D's I relapsed cause of these words you spoke to me

Call mega is one of the best lyrically gifted artist in the game. He have a large vocabulary. A very complex style love the way mega spit.

💪 my dog....glad you interviewed him.

Mega is truly the Realness 💪💪 I like the fact he never allows the complacent ruin his Realness True Legend. God bless OG

A-Plus def had that line about being signed but shout out to Hiero who helped trailblaze independent hip hop by creating Hiero Imperium. 💯

I just listened to the Realness last week again. Big ups Mega! One in a million!

Ever since I heard Nas say his name on illmatic, I've been checking for cormega Yo!!!! And, whatta' Dope Name (Cormega).

*Cor. Mega. Raw. Forever…*

" I don't expect a fake nigga to fill this/ Look in my eyes stare at the realness/ -Cormega

Mega’s Bring it Back is an all time hip hop classic forever

Montana Diary, Angel Dust, Crime Connection, Dead Man Walking. Mega is a Legend

Mega Montana!

What my man said Union Street we’ve been president and Nostrand Avenue. Wow that’s legendary. I never knew that.

Mega lots of love .Much respect LEGEND

Its the HAT for me! Dope!

Large pro hip hop god preach mega amazing lyrical swordsmith I love new york hip hop best music all I listen to day in day out u feeling down all you need is hip hop word is bond

Mega, mega, mega

I don't chase the bag, I chase my dreams- Mega

The greatness 👑🫡🪖

Salute 👑💯💯💯

Awesome

Salute 👑 to my thun cormega💯💯💯

Let’s go 💨💨💨💨

Two giants ❤ only wish it was hours lol

Mega is one of the best to ever touch a mic.

Salute That Hip Hop Jewel Kweli And Mega!

I fukkz with Mega wild heavy and never heard his music ..him as a person is just dope! Reminds me of Power from Wu.. in his own way! #215salute

Dope.

Wow, I never knew mega was born in Brooklyn that’s crazy. Nas also was born in Brooklyn. Wow.

Dope

When They Come Here Be Down With Us Is The Too Much To Ask For.

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

"Its not arrogance, its im not having it"- cormega, always used that when i was trying to justify not being arrogant.

Mega said something that hit me hard when he said we see death and we normalize it and it's not normal and I was in therapy saying the same thing. I've buried 12 close friends all murdered and it becomes normal and we don't realize the toll it takes on us. So yes mental health is a real thing especially for us Brothers from tough areas

Love you Cormega!