Show Notes
In this new episode we invite the splendid Tonya Pendleton to join us online from her adopted Philadelphia – in her own words "the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection".
The former Vibe scribe turned Philly radio host tells us about growing up in New York City and listening to WBLS legend Frankie Crocker and, later, DJ Red Alert. She also remembers the internship that led to her becoming music director at WILD in Boston, where she befriended New Edition and New Kids On The Block!
After recalling her stints at Def Jam and Arista Records in New York, Tonya talks about her move from New York to Philly, where she fell in with the scene around the Roots and Jill Scott.
We ask our guest about the early pieces she wrote for YSB (Young Sisters and Brothers) magazine, including her 1994 interview with the infamous and now-incarcerated R. Kelly. We then move on to her fascinating XXL cover story about the late great D'Angelo, who died a year ago this week, plus Tonya revisits her 1998 trip to Paisley Park for an audience with the Prince then known as The Artist.
After discussing X-rated female hip hop pioneer Lil' Kim, we mark the 20th anniversary of the classic Back to Black album by listening to clips from Amy Linden's exclusive 2007 audio interview with the amazing Amy Winehouse.
Finally, William quotes from pieces about former Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock (1983) and Geese (2026), after which Jasper talks us out with his thoughts on pieces about Boyz II Men et al. (1992) and early rap icon Coke La Rock (2012).
Many thanks to special guest Tonya Pendleton. Follow her on Instagram @iamtonyapendleton.
Pieces discussed:
Voodoo Chile: D’Angelo brings something wicked this way
A Portrait of The Artist: His Purple Reign Continues
When And Where I Enter: The Lil’ Kim Story
Amy Winehouse (2007)
Neil Kinnock: It’s My Party
Geese: Barrowlands, Glasgow
Voicing alarm
Coke La Rock: The Bronx’s unsung hero has the distinction of being hip-hop’s first rapper
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