N.O.R.E. & DJ EFN are the Drink Champs. In this classic flashback episode we chop it up with the legendary , Black Star & Dave Chappelle, Black Star (Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli) and comedy icon, Dave Chappelle!
This extended version of our episode includes more stories, more laughs and more shots from everyone!
The Reunion We Needed
The episode kicks off with pure joy as Black Star celebrates their reunion. These two haven’t dropped a joint project since their 1998 classic Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, so you know the streets have been hungry for this moment. But this reunion isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about growth, artistry, and standing firm in their values. Yasiin and Talib explain how they decided to release their new album No Fear of Time exclusively on Luminary. Why? Because they’re not here for the industry’s exploitative practices.
Talib breaks it down: “We’re about ownership. If you’re not owning your art, then what’s the point? This is our way of showing you can do it your way and still win.” That’s a bar for any artist out there trying to navigate this digital age. The message is clear: control your narrative, control your art.
Chappelle Drops Gems (and Jokes)
Dave Chappelle, man. What can’t he do? The comedy legend slid into the conversation with his usual mix of wit and wisdom. He shares hilarious tour stories, like when an unexpected moment turned into a comedy goldmine, but he also gets deep, praising Black Star’s dedication to their craft.
“These dudes are like monks with microphones,” Chappelle says, laughing but serious. “They’re disciplined in a way that’s rare in this business.” He’s not wrong. Black Star’s commitment to artistry is almost spiritual, and it’s a reminder of why they’ve stayed relevant for decades.
Recording in Miami and the Creative Process
One of the dopest parts of the convo is when Black Star talks about recording their new album. Forget sterile studios; they took it to Miami and other unique spots to capture the vibe.
“We needed to be somewhere that felt alive, somewhere that matched the energy of what we were creating,” Yasiin says. That’s how you know they’re tapped into their artistry. It’s not just about laying down verses; it’s about crafting a moment, a feeling, a movement.
Talib adds, “You can’t rush greatness. We’re not here to chase trends. We’re here to make art that lasts.” And that’s exactly what they’ve done with No Fear of Time. It’s not for everybody, and that’s the point. It’s for the real ones.
Cultural Commentary with Substance
You know it’s not a real Drink Champs episode without some heavy cultural commentary. Black Star and Chappelle didn’t hold back, especially when it came to discussing the evolution of hip-hop and the industry’s impact on artists. They touch on Kanye West — his brilliance, his controversies, and how the public’s perception doesn’t always capture the full picture.
“Kanye’s a genius, but genius comes with complexities,” Talib says. “We gotta be able to separate the art from the headlines.” Yasiin nods in agreement, adding, “Hip-hop is about pushing boundaries. Sometimes it gets messy, but that’s where the beauty is.”
And they’re right. Hip-hop isn’t meant to fit neatly into a box. It’s disruptive, raw, and unapologetically real. That’s why Black Star’s music continues to resonate — they’ve never compromised their truth.
Legends Recognizing Legends
One of the most heartwarming segments is when Chappelle reminisces about meeting icons like Prince and Eddie Murphy. He shares how these encounters shaped his perspective on life and artistry.
“Prince told me, ‘You gotta do it for yourself first. The people will follow if it’s real.’ And that stuck with me,” Chappelle says. It’s advice that’s clearly influenced not just his comedy but also his collaborations with artists like Black Star. These moments remind us that greatness recognizes greatness, and the best always strive to uplift each other.
The Legacy of No Fear of Time
By the end of the episode, it’s clear that Black Star’s No Fear of Time is more than just an album. It’s a statement. It’s a reminder that hip-hop can still be revolutionary. They’ve managed to stay true to their roots while evolving with the times, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice authenticity for relevance.
Yasiin sums it up perfectly: “This album is for the people who’ve been with us since day one and for the new listeners who are ready to dive deeper. We’re here to inspire, to challenge, and to uplift.”
And that’s what makes Black Star so special. They’re not chasing clout or streaming numbers. They’re creating art with a purpose, and that’s what hip-hop needs more of.
Make some noise!!!
This Drink Champs episode was a masterclass in authenticity, independence, and the power of staying true to your craft. Black Star and Dave Chappelle reminded us why they’re legends, not just in hip-hop or comedy but in culture as a whole. They’ve shown that you can stand firm in your values and still create something timeless.
So if you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and stream No Fear of Time. And while you’re at it, soak in the gems from this episode of Drink Champs. Because whether you’re an artist, a fan, or just someone trying to navigate life, there’s something in there for you.
Hip-hop is alive and well, y’all. And Black Star is here to remind us why we fell in love with it in the first place. Salute to the legends!
Make some noise for Black Star and Dave Chappelle!!!
*This episode was originally released on September 9th, 2022 *