Illmatic Podcast: Surviving Beats, Overcoming Breaks

In this compelling episode, we continue a conversation with Reginald "DJ Fr8 Train" Smaller and Donta' Ruger, whose stories highlight the profound imperfections of the criminal justice system. Emerging from a two-month coma, Reginald faced the absurdity of an arrest warrant for failing to report to probation—a period during which he was unconscious and hospitalized. This surreal

In this episode, host Louis L. Reed meets with the person he irresponsibly shot - Tyron Rivera - who was 5 years-old at the time. Listen to this riveting story of redemption, reconciliation, and restoration.Support the Show.We appreciate you listening!Tap in with us https://www.instagram.com/heinspires4real or https://www.twitter.com/louislreed to keep the conversation going!

In this episode, we sit down with Carter's Vision, film director for Meek Mill and rising superstar, discussing growing up in Baltimore, his father's mental health condition, and Meek Mill providing an opportunity for Carter to be Meek's exclusive content creator.Support the Show.We appreciate you listening!Tap in with us https://www.instagram.com/heinspires4real or https://www.twi

In this episode, we sit down with Topeka K. Sam, founder of LOHM, and Glenn E. Martin, founder of JLUSA and CEO of GEM Real Estate. Both Topeka and Glenn have firsthand experience with the criminal justice system, and their work has had a profound impact on reform efforts in the United States.Topeka, who has personally experienced incarceration, founded LOHM (Ladies of Hope Ministr

In this episode, we sit down with Philly Freeway to discuss some of the most challenging moments of his life. Freeway opens up about his battle with kidney failure, the influence of his father as his hero, and the role of his faith in navigating life’s toughest times. He shares candidly about the profound impact of losing both his son and daughter, and how he has managed to keep

In this deeply personal installment of the Illmatic Podcast, host Louis L. Reed is joined by his son, Kaison "Big Gucci K", a CT hip-hop artist, and co-host Lillie Ennis, to explore the significant impact of his 14-year incarceration. Louis and Kaison get into the emotional and psychological effects of this extended separation, examining the complexities of their relationship, the

In this compelling episode, we talk with Reginald "DJ Fr8 Train" Smaller and Donta' Ruger, whose stories highlight the profound imperfections of the criminal justice system. Emerging from a two-month coma, Reginald faced the absurdity of an arrest warrant for failing to report to probation—a period during which he was unconscious and hospitalized. This surreal situation underscor

In a recent episode of our podcast, we delved into the inspiring journey of Philadelphia's rising star, Diamond Street Keem, who has recently signed with Meek Mill's Dream Chasers label. Alongside co-host Carl "PC" Day, we explored Keem's life, his music career, and the healing power of his art.Keem began by recounting a traumatic childhood experience, witnessing a homicide at just