Coolio Fell Asleep During Our Interview (and I Wasn’t Mad)

coolio tommy boy

In 1995, I visited the offices of Tommy Boy Records in New York City to interview Coolio. The Los Angeles-based rapper/actor (real name: Artis Leon Ivey, Jr.) was riding high on the global success of “Gangsta’s Paradise” feat. L.V. The chart-topping song was featured in Dangerous Minds, a 1995 drama based on the autobiographical 1992 book My Posse Don’t Do Homework by U.S. Marine-turned-teacher LouAnne Johnson (who was played by Michelle Pfeiffer).

The label’s publicist, who I had worked with on several occasions, greeted me in the reception area. He escorted me to the label’s well-appointed conference room where the interview would take place. I’m sure there was an offer made of water or coffee. But I do remember being left to my own devices for some time in the room, which is normal since interviewees aren’t always prompt.

As I killed time by scanning my list of questions, the door opened and in walked the publicist with Coolio, who looked like hell.

I stood up. An introduction was made, and we shook hands. Coolio proceeded to collapse into a chair at the head of the long table. He immediately put his head down, like when you didn’t feel well in school. The publicist acted like nothing was amiss. As he slowly closed the door, he told me he’d be back to check on us (that’s PR code for the next time you see me means the interview is over). Continue Reading

I Knew Dom Phillips. He Was a Very Good Man

dom-phillips

Dom Phillips was. Every time I’ve typed these three words since his murder last month, I freeze up.

I pause and collect myself. I will never accept how Dom’s life was unfairly taken. I imagine his final terror-filled moments facing down the barrel of a thug’s gun in the thick of the Amazon, and I sob. I think of his wife and family. I think of Bruno Pereira and his family, too. He lost his life alongside Dom. The pain and heartache their families have to live with are beyond words.

I am going to do my best to honor Dom. A colleague. A man of integrity. Someone who influenced me greatly. A man I am proud to have called a friend. Continue Reading

Pinky Perzelle July 2022 Chart

Pinky Perzelle Chart

1. Gallifré feat. Mondee Oliver – Don’t Walk Out On Love (Frankie’s Club Remix) (Groovin Recordings, 2022 repress)
2. Anunaku & DJ Plead – Wheele (Untitled Edit) (AD 93(
3. Pinky Perzelle – No Games (feat. Eda Eren) (Velvet Season & The Hearts Of Gold Remix) (Perzelle Recordings)
4. Jonny Rock – 4Patapataback2front (Dispute Records)
5. Flaurese – In My Arms (Extended Version) (Gaze Records)
6. Jasper James – 0141 (ESP Institute)
7. The Maghreban – Waiting (feat. Omar) (Zoot Records)
8. Dea – Zaria Sto Chaos (Gudu Records)
9. Muzzy D Piot – Shay’mpempe – Amapiano mix ft. DJ Mavuthela, Ribby De DJ & Rhino – *Plum Sauce 2022 Edit* (Matjita Ent./Amana ka! Music)
10. Pais Tropical – Melodya (Manaus Mix) (Thank You, 2022 Official Reissue)

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Soul Central July 2022 Chart

Soul Central DJ Chart

1. Crystal Waters & Soul Central – Love One Another – Quantize Records
2. Next Episode Manoo ft. Alex Finkin – Next Episode – Memories
3. Moodena & Soul Central – A Glass Of Kool Aid – Tropical Disco Records
4. Hotmood – Freak Around (Original Mix) – Funky Revival
5. Jo Paciello & Raffaele Ciavolino – The Big Sun (Original Mix) – Shocking Sounds Records
6. Art Of Tones – Crazay (Extended) – PALP
7. Q – The Voice of Q The Reflex Revision – Discolidays/EMG
8. Jamie Jones – My Paradise (Extended Mix) – Defected Records
9. Peggy Gou – I Go (Soulwax Remix) – Gudu Records
10. Moon Rocket – End Of The Weapons Noise (Moon Mix) – Moon Rocket Music

No paywalls, free to all. Help us remain 100% independent and unbiased. Please give to Big Shot by making a secure one-time donation to help us continue covering DJ culture and electronic music like we’ve done since 2003.