Today, a look at the re-emergence of rappers from the hip-hop heyday of the late '80s and early '90s. Did the industry leave them behind? Or have they been shaking up the underground all these years? Joining us is the rapper C.L. Smooth, whose new album "American Me" arrives in September, and Mark Anthony Neal, author and Associate Professor of Black Popular Culture at Duke University. Also on the show: jazz bassist Charlie Haden. He is currently playing a week at the Blue Note with his hard-swinging Quartet West. He joins us to talk about the group's first 20 years together. And finally, Ratatat, an electronic duo from Brooklyn who make clever, synth-driven post rock, joins us to share cuts from their second album, "Classics."
Kicking it Old-School
Rapper C.L. Smooth and author Mark Anthony Neal talk about the resurgence of old-school hip hop from the late 80s and early 90s.
Charlie Haden
Jazz bassist Charlie Haden talks about 20 years of his groundbreaking group, Quartet West.
» Charlie Haden on Verve
» Charlie Haden on Verve
Ratatat
Ratatat, a New York electronic music duo consisting of guitarist Mike Stroud and synthesizer player and producer Evan Mast, joins us to share music from their latest album.
» Ratatat's Web site
» Ratatat's Web site