Talib Kweli & Inspectah Deck Talk Wu-Tang, Best Verses, Czarface, & Method Man | People's Party Full 

TIME STAMPS: 2:26 -- Deck speaks to people's decreased attention span regarding the lyrical side of hip hop and some of the departures from originality, innovation, and it's competitive edge that have taken place with the move to exploitation and commercialization of the culture. He also lists off some of the greats that impacted him the most coming up, tells why lyrics mattered more in his day, and Deck reflects on being influenced by all the neighboring cities he frequently traveled while growing up in the Park Hill projects of Staten Island, NY. He also speaks to how he had to roll through other areas with large groups because people would call them out on their Staten Island residency. They go on to discuss the instant notoriety their city gained when Wu-Tang Clan hit the scene, and how each member represented their neighborhoods individually. 14:44 -- Deck is asked about the 5 Percenter aspect of the Wu-Tang Clan, and what that philosophy means to him in these current-day conditions. Deck goes into Poppa Wu's influence on him, and how he was like a father figure he missed while growing up. Deck talks about taking the things that meant sense to him, and applying those to his own life. Jasmin goes on to ask Deck about losing his father at age 6, what he learned from his mother, as well as to expand on some of the struggles he witnessed her go through while growing up. Talib goes on to ask Deck for his views on the conversations being held today over defunding the police, and abolishing modern day prisons, as someone that has spent time in the system himself. 25:52 -- Deck talks about what it meant to him to be the first batter up on Wu-Tang's break-out single 'Protect Ya Neck', and having the honor of making that first impression of a group that changed the landscape of the culture. He tells how he would be the one to always have a fresh set of bars to go when he dropped into the studio, and Deck also responds to Method Man's quote stating "Inspectah Deck, he's like that dude that'll sit back and watch you play yourself and all that right? And see you sit there and know you lying; and he'll take you to court after that, cause he the Inspectah." 30:58 -- Jasmin asks Deck how close all the members of the Wu really were, and if there were clicks within the collective, which prompts Deck into expanding on some of the members he grew up in close proximity to. He then shares some valuable lessons learned from RZA about forward thinking, some jewels he received from GZA about writing that dramatically improved his pen game, and he notes U-God's unflinching honesty, teaching Deck how "not to f*ck up your money". He also reflects on Masta Killah and his choice words for the group, as the one elected to have his head chopped off in the Protect Ya Neck music video. 39:53 -- Talib thanks Deck for the verse that he dropped on one Wu's classic track 'C.R.E.A.M' and notes it's impact on him at that particular time in his life. Deck goes on to touch on the influence of that song on the culture and his headspace while writing his historic bars on that song, as well as Raekwon's specific role with his verse. He also explains how what could have been a straight-forward hustler's anthem actually turned into a conscious rap song. Jasmin asks Deck how he felt after C.R.E.A.M. put Wu-Tang onto global rockstar status. Deck responds with "that's when they started saying Wu-Tang fell off". They also discuss the longevity of Wu-Tang's hold on pop culture throughout the years. 52:09 -- Deck frames his thought process when he penned his classic verse on Wu-Tang's 'Triumph'. He outlines the day RZA was conducting the beat sometime around 4 in the morning, Deck sitting nearby with a pen and paper, and him reflecting on a verse he dropped earlier on a Tony Touch mixtape. Deck illustrates his and the other's reactions when they heard the finished product on full blast. They also discuss Deck and Lady Of Rage's verses for 2Pac's 'Got My Mind Made Up' not making the official release, why he heard they got taken off, and tells about time spent with the Death Row family around the recording session. 1:02:13 -- Deck speaks on his debut album 'Uncontrolled Substance', that was originally slated for release in 1995, but was indefinitely postponed after a flood destroyed over 100 beats in RZA's basement, including his original productions for the album. He talks about learning some hard lessons about the industry through that incident. Deck also gets into some of the work that he's done with producer/rapper Terminology, shared how they linked up, and talks about the Czarface collective of himself and 7L & Esoteric, consistently dropping material since 2013. They also discuss Deck's affinity for Spiderman and how they worked superhero themes into Czarface. 1:13:56 -- Talib asks Deck if he's ever experienced push-back from white fans for being publicly pro-black, and what he feels is the responsibility of white fans or white participants within hip hop culture. Deck goes on to illustrate his interpretation of what it means to be pro-black, as well as his laid back approach to navitaging negative energy on twitter feeds, and persistent trollers. Jasmin goes on to ask Deck how he felt about rapper Joey Bada$$ playing his part in 'Wu-Tang: An American Saga', and if he's had the chance to visit the set. Deck also gets into his friendship with Method Man, and how the two almost formed a group together before Wu-Tang came together. 1:23:33 -- The conversation circles back to Deck's debut release 'Uncontrolled Substance', and how he took a stab at doing much of the album's production himself due to RZA being tied up in other projects at the time. He talks about the struggles with all the things needed to learn about production, the legalities of releasing the record, as well as avoiding all the pitfalls of the industry. He also speaks to how important it is for anyone to learn how to utilize google searches, being by in large the best tool he found on his path to learning everything he needed to know. Deck also touches on wise money management and now being at point where he is completely content with his level of success. 1:36:35 -- Deck tells about his relationship with Ol' Dirty Bastard and taking on the role of the angel on Dirt's shoulder, constantly reminding him of the tremendous opportunity that he's given himself and to not blow it all. Talib brings up Deck's upcoming book 'From Pawn To King', being a manifesto of Deck's navigating the dirty waters of the record business, blindly "pushing across the board" as a pawn to eventually reaching kingship, finding peace within himself along the way. He also speaks on cancelling 'cancel culture' and taking up 'embracement culture', the type of energy he wants to put out into the world, and enjoying the anonymity of being widely respected but not often recognizable.

It’s no coincidence that the most insightful interviews on the people’s party have come from Meth, RZA and Deck. The Wu Tang Clan’s knowledge of self is overwhelming. Raekwon’s interview’s are also gems. Deck is one of the GOATs.

Deck talking about how important it is to be able to properly write a sentence is something I can easily relate to. My English teacher was the same way. Being able to communicate is one of the most important skills anyone can have.

"Poisonous paragraphs, smash ya phonograph in half, it be the Inspectah Deck on the warpath !!" 🔥🔥✌

One of the greatest lyricists and wordsmiths of all time 🙌 super underrated.

Tupac kicked Inspectah Deck off one of his tracks after hearing him body everyone else. What a GOAT.

Rebel INS whole contribution to the "Wu Tang Forever" album was immaculate every verse was completely flawless!

Deck the only rapper to have his bars recited on Family Guy and not have a joke made about it.

Gza & deck should make a album together. Everytime they throw darts together it be mad ill. ( sparring minds)

Rebel INS was so underrated. One of NYC illest ever. “Tactical narcotic, task force, back off fast Cause the crime boss is passin off cash Extortions, for portions of streets, causes beef Havin followers of Indians trying to play Chief” - Cold World

Bursting with pride right about now. The only thing missing is some new wu tang music.🙌

Deck is on my goat list. And the beat he made for gza beneath the surface- so much talent contained in one man . Respect

there's only certain hip-hop groups that were designed for this hip-hop art and Wu is definetly one of'em!

The lost of Inspectah's album in that flood is a Hip-Hop tragedy. Being said so, I appreciate his debut album in its own. I don't compare chambers, I go through them trying to absorb what every Wu member tried to do with his work. Mad respect to Deck! Word up!

I love Inspectah Deck's humility, like he could body anyone on any track but he is really humble.Much RESPECT

I freaking love him!! Deck is so talented intelligent and gifted. I love his vibe alone!! One of the most underrated lyricist in the game.. peace love and respect king!!

I love this,,I seen wu in Manhattan with bootcamp and mobb deep,,after the show I'm walking out,,and I see the GZA walking by himself mad humble,about 50 ft in front of me,,I yelled out,yo!the genius!!liquid swords!!he turned around,walked back to me,gave me a pound and said peace brotha,,

So refreshing for interviewers to allow the interviewee to speak at length without interrupting their flow. Great interview thanks guys.

I crystallize my rhymes so you could sniff it

I always loved his verse on Gza's " Cold World" song off classic platinum album #LiquidSwords which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month of November. #November7th1995

Glad Deck had his space to talk here. Great talk, everybody 🍻

Deck makes me love HipHop more and more every time I listen to him rhyme.

Inspectah Deck was always one of the underrated members of the Wu-Tang glad to see hes still doing music and staying in his lane all these years later. Dope interview Wu-tang forever!!!

Who down votes one of the most underrated MCs ever? If WU is not your thing cool...but at least have an open mind enough to know your history.

Yo Deck u the best ! U chilled wit me and my homie in Tucson last year and had a drink wit us ! Thx INS

'Leave it up to me while i be livin proof to kick the truth to the young black youth.' You know someone is reaaaally good, if just typing his rhyme gave me goosebumps and made 300 memories battle for attention in my brain

Deck is one wise and educated brother...classy brother. Respect 🙌

Deck is one of the best lyricists in hip hop. In the 90s, he bodied every feature on Wu and non Wu songs.

Deck's verses that lesser known but are absolutely monumental: -Spazzola/Meth's T2: Judgment Day -R.E.C. Room/Uncontrolled Substance -Everything/Meth's 4:20 -Musketeers Of Pig Alley/Raekwon's Lex Diamond Story -The Settlement -Sparring Minds/Gza Legend Of The Liquid Sword -Get Ya Weight Up/The Resident Patient -The Abduction/Tony Touch Peacemaker -Silverbacks/Masta Killa's No Said Date -Heaterz/Wu-Tang Forever -A Better Tomorrow/Wu-Tang Forever -Assassination Day/Ironman -Iron Flag/Wu-Tang's Iron Flag -Who Got It/The Movement

Decks coldest verses , protect ya neck, cream, triumph , assassination day, play 4 keeps, heatez, the purple tape, lovin’ you , longevity, guillotine, silver backs, duel of the iron mic, cross my heart, it’s yours , jump off , da mystery of chess boxing , people say, etc etc etcccccc!!!!!! Those are a few favorites!!!!!

I have a money green Wu-Tang license plate on the front of my work truck. So I’m living that life.

Can't explain how different Wu Tang was when you 1st heard them back then

Salute to Talib for interviewing Deck. He's overlooked as being one of the best lyricists in hip hop. Not to mention He's a part of 2 legendary groups. Not too many mc's is seeing Deck 100%.

The FIRST verse I ever heard in '92 from the WU .... "I smoke on the mic like smokin Joe Frazier -- the hell raiser -- raisin HELL wit the FLAVA .... " RESPEKT DA DECK!!! And respect what he SAID .... "U learn how to swim by being tossed in that pool" .... WORD

Wu is a super group. Best hip hop group of all time.

Here for the the rza basement flood story.

"Ha ha ha ha, yo What you know about this, specialist armed dangerous Hit you close range with this madness Unique design shine like a deep dish"

Such a ridiculously dope interview. Deck's always been one of the illest and continues to be.

I move through the third world, my third eyes the guiding light... True WU heads finish the rhyme

An interview worth waiting for!! He's the detective/scientist of HIP HOP! My 3 favorite albums if his are "Uncontrolled substance(99)", "The movement (03)", and "Manifesto (2010)"!

That wutang American saga joint is so hard son from Alaska

Finally! The unsung hero of the Wu Tang Clan! My favorite member of the group. He was alongside Method Man as the great crossover MC in the group that made everyone listen to his story telling and analogies/similes. He always stood out in their group projects and should have been on the popularity level of Method Man. I personally think his 1995 solo album that was destroyed in the flood of RZA's basement would have been better than Cuban Links and Liquid Swords based on his performances leading up to that great hip hop tragedy. I'm thankful that Talib finally gave a long/well-deserved interview to one of the great overlooked MCs of Hip Hop! GOD Bless and WU TANG Forever!!

Much thanks to all 3 of you for this smart and wonderful interview. You really brought the love and the knowledge to us; a great gift. Deck I'm excited about your book and will read it cover to cover when it drops!

An absolute master, RESPECT to the REBEL INS!

So true what Deck says about the support Wu-Tang received from fellow rappers, there was a strong sense of community in Hip Hop then. Even thinking back to all the albums of the 90’s, rappers would always dedicate a page of the album sleeve to shouting out rappers and groups who they were inspired or supported by.

There will never be an era in Hip Hop like the 90s, the excitement of waiting for new artists to drop, no Internet leaks or Twitter whispers, just purely you get it when you get it. I'm from London so you could imagine the pain waiting for that audio food to hit the city. But it was a great feeling still, good interview Talib, well enjoyed it.

Great interview!

Yes, been waiting for this. Wu Tang Forever!

Learned so much from this interview alone. Thanks to all parties involved on this.

Great interview, very genuine grounded guy who clearly still finds time to appreciate n count his blessings. #RESPECK DA DECK

2 of my favorite emcees right here. Too many classic verses to name. But an underrated gem was his verse on "Tru Master" from Pete Rock's "Soul Survivor" album. Give the Rebel his roses now. A true legend in this game. Wu-Tang for life 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

Wow great interview - informative, insightful, impactful, a great influencer 2021 beyond 👍🏼Thank you xo

The effort u put into detailing the podcast timeline of topics.... true commitment to ur podcast. Salute!. Wu tang raised me

The Rebel INS Ya Highness!!! This is a great one. Thanks Uproxx and Kweli (best interviewer) for this one.

UPROXX Video Thank you for this interview! It was great hearing legendary lyricists/emcees talk and converse. Talib Kweli and Inspectah Deck in the same room! Bring back the real hip hop! cleanse the air waves of the garbage that impurify hip hop.

Give this man his FLOWERS!

Decks a fuckin legend in the game. I've loved Wu Tang since 93. But over the last 5/6 years I've appreciated Deck so much more. Czarface is awesome. I've heard Deck in interviews over the years. But this almost 2 hour long interview has doubled my appreciation for him. True MC and seems a cool dude too!

“Wild like a child in a walker. . . “Inspector Deck on the set.Salute to the God!!!🙏🏿🙏🏿🔥🔥☀️🌱🖤🦾👐🏿

thank you for the great content. always enjoy the knowledge and perspectives

Awesome interview! Inspectah Deck is one of the most underrated rappers of all-time. So humble & lyrical! WU-TANG CLAN FOREVER!

1st of all I appreciate this Podcast because one of the dopest Emcees hosts it Secondly I appreciate it because they acknowledge so many rappers and mainly emcees who some people forget or dont show enough love too 💯 The give them their flowers while they're here 💪🏽🙏🏽

waoooooooo. Thank you this was amazing ..So glad to hear revel INS dropping gems .. I agree with everything 100%

Great Interview, Gotta Love Rebel INS!✊🏾🔥❤️

👏👏👏Intro was splendid and factual.

My favorite Wu soldier... Deck's verse on 'Triumph' was the shit ! But I was in awe with his verse on 'For Heavens Sake'... damn !

Thanks for this @Uproxx! What a legend!

Wonderful interview. Much respect to the brother Deck.

Honored to be blessed by the Rebel INS insight and history, the entire Wu... Thee ENTIRE Wu is a force when matched against most groups and Deck is one of the sharpest of that pack . Salute

THIS INTERVIEW IS LONG OVER DUE THANK U BROTHER

Oh man Rebel INS what an icon he is a true man of this Earth. One of my favorite artist since I was 9. Teachers of america should learn from him to teach our children. What a great interview. Talib thank you for your podcast and being an inspiration. The awesome co-host I apologise I forgot your name thank you too.

My favorite Wu emcee and I’m a huge Wu fan. Just one of the all time greats overall. The lyrics, the voice, the delivery, everything

Great interview. Deck doesn't get enough shine.

I started rapping studying your verses, Ins. Love & respect.

Deck’s verse was perfect 👍🏾 on CREAM and is actually my favorite verse on the song 🎧 because it was the most relatable. I was a stressed out teenager… depression was at an all time high. That’s what made me love ❤️ the song.

Big up the show, big up Rebel Ins & the Queen.. yall keep up the good works peace.

You’re amazing Deck!!!! ❤️

Yessss! Been waiting for this!!! Love INS the rebel!

One of the greatest lyricist of all time. Not to mention the knowledge he dropped throughout the interview. So much respect and gratitude for these two.

Thanks Kweli and crew you keep having the cream of hip hop on your show. Long may it continue.

This interview had me (in check)! 😊

I have so much respect for this guy! Real humble man with a great outlook on everything. He is right some people watch them charts daily and try to make their own way instead of living within the system.

Maybe one of the smartest and most humble dude I've heard in a while. Aaaaand he's a literal legendary MC on top of that!? He's smart with life, with his money, he stays on the humble...I can't speak highly enough of Deck. Much love bruh.

Great podcast, salute to The Rebel INS

Czarface is too slept on. Best collab album I've ever heard was Czarface Meets Metal Face with MF DOOM 🔥🔥🔥

YO REBEL!!! WE NEED THAT NEW CZARFACE AND STUFF!!! I'M TRYING TO SUPPORT!!! Big up to your latest album Deck. Nice work. Who Run It is classic.

This was such a great conversation. I really appreciated this. Y’all should interview wise Intelligent from poor righteous teachers next

Such a great interview. Rebel INS!

Wow. This interview was my favourite yet. I had a chance to hang out with Deck and U-God at The Hifi Club, where I use to manage in Calgary. I was freaking out inside the whole time, but kept it cool. (Sort of. I think. Haha) Just down to earth dudes... one of the greatest times in my life to meet my musical heros. Wu-Tang Forever!

Alright. Respect to INS, but another Pharoahe Monch reference. Can we please see him finally? Waiting for that to be in person would be epic.

"You pay for what you don't know, and the more you don't know the more you're gonna pay for it." Right on point! Great interview, guys! Loved this!

I've waited years for an interview with this guy lol finally

Uncontrolled Substance. Low key classic. Most underrated of the Wu debuts.

He was born atomically💥👐🏾

The most underrated talent from the clan cuz! I hope you jump on the hype that’s going on right now, I think you’ll be surprised how many people will are down with ya.

And Decks a smart investor. This guy is a legend

Great Interview !!!!

You know when you hear Deck start off any track it’s going to be 🔥 🔥

Dope interview!!

Respect for this one, Kweli and Leigh. Deck is major!!

Salute Deck My 1st Favorite Wu Member.Word To INS BLESS ME THROW ME LIKE 3 BAGS OF SESS