Russell Simmons

Hear Wyatt Cenac perform standup and discuss his new comedy album at BAM. Russell Simmons looks back on 30 years at Def Jam Records. Little May plays in the Soundcheck studio.

In this episode: Russell Simmons is the entrepreneur and entertainment mogul who co-founded Def Jam Records among a plethora of other highly successful business ventures. It’s his first visit to our studio, but not to our address: 160 Varick Street was Def Jam’s home in the mid-1990s. Simmons shares some memories from those days and reflects on 30 years of Def Jam.

Then: Take a look and listen back 20 years, to the summer of 1994, with a short quiz recorded live at Soundcheck's event at the BAM Harvey Theater as part of RadioLoveFest in June.

And: Hear the exuberant chamber pop band San Fermin perform a high energy set at BAM from RadioLoveFest.

In this episode: Yes, the Pitbull-Jennifer Lopez-Claudia Leitte song "We Are One" is the official anthem of this year's World Cup. But that hasn't stopped plenty of other musicians from putting forth their own songs inspired by the tournament. Soundcheck host John Schaefer and Mark Wheat of Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current take a listen to some of the more... interesting... results. 

And: Once in a while, Soundcheck inquires into the origins of an unlikely chart success with the series That Was A Hit?!? Today, the format gets turned on its head as pop chart columnist Chris Molanphy explains why the classic song “Shout” by the Isley Brothers never cracked the Top 40. 

And: Curtis Harding got his start singing backup for CeeLo Green. Now, the Atlanta-based singer has a debut album that's made up of what he calls "slop'n'soul." Whatever it is, it sounds good. He plays some of it live for us in the Soundcheck studio. 

Congress continues to debate the “DREAM Act,” a proposal in Congress that would grant citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants if they complete college or join the military. We’ll hear one high school student's story. Plus hip-hop mogul turned self-help guru Russell Simmons on his twelve-step program for success ...

The immigration debate continues with the "Dream Act," a proposal in Congress that would grant citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants if they complete college or join the military. We’ll discuss the implications. Plus hip-hop mogul turned self-help guru Russell Simmons on his twelve-step program for success.