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David Ma

@davidmadavidma.bsky.social
632 followers 161 following 99 posts

Music journalist/editor: NPR, Wax Poetics, Dust & Grooves, Complex, Rolling Stone, The Guardian, The Paris Review, Billboard, SF Weekly, Pitchfork, Passion of the Weiss, The Ringer, etc. Needle To The Groove Records + Dad Bod Rap Pod + SJSU

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Reposted by David Ma
Michael Warburton @michaelwarburton.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Love this clip of Brian Wilson and George Martin discussing ‘God Only Knows’ and Brian’s enthusiasm when he thinks George is making the song better — “I can’t believe this is happening!”
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Jeff Weiss @passionweiss.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In the wake of Outkast's ridiculous lawsuit against Ovrkast., @paulxt.bsky.social wrote a history of rap names: the legal threats, the peaceful co-existence, the joyous moment that Aesop Rock and A$AP Rocky finally met backstage for the first time. www.powmag.net/p/outkast-ov...
powmag.net
Outkast, Ovrkast., and the History of Other People’s Names
Big Boi and Andre 3000 are suing an up-and-coming rapper over a practice that predates all parties involved.
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The Tonearm @thetonearm.com · 21/09/2026
“Popular music from the 1960s blended the Khmer heritage of courtly performing arts with French cabaret songs, brass music, and bossa nova introduced by way of the Philippines.” How Cambodian Pop Music Survived the Khmer Rouge:
daily.jstor.org
How Cambodian Pop Music Survived the Khmer Rouge - JSTOR Daily
After genocide decimated the country’s musicians, old recordings helped a new generation reconnect with Cambodia’s musical past.
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Nitish Pahwa @nitishpahwa.com · 15/09/2026
another piece from me today, one I'm quite proud of and happy (as always) to publish with the almighty POW Mag
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The Tonearm @thetonearm.com · 13/09/2026
On today's new episode of The Tonearm Podcast, we welcome author and reggae historian David Katz, whose new book 'Dub Revolution' draws on forty years of research and first-hand testimony to trace dub from Kingston's sound systems outward. The history runs further back than expected …
podcast.thetonearm.com
Dub Revolution: David Katz on King Tubby and Dub's Origins
David Katz on Dub Revolution: how King Tubby, Lee Perry, and Scientist built dub, and why its origins run earlier than the usual story allows.
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Mosi Reeves @humthrush.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Rest in peace to Tone Capone. www.kqed.org/arts/1399385...
kqed.org
Tone Capone, Producer of ‘I Got 5 On It,’ Dies at 59 | KQED
In addition to the Luniz’ global smash, Capone produced hits for Scarface, Mac Dre, E-40 and many others.
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Jeff Weiss @passionweiss.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Greg Tate's "Flyboy in the Buttermilk" is back in print with a new intro from Hanif Abdurraqib. Matthew Ritchie spoke to Hanif about the work and impact of the legendary late cultural critic, the purpose of criticism, the importance of lineage, and more. www.powmag.net/p/hanif-abdu...
powmag.net
Showing Out, Showing Love: An Interview with Hanif Abdurraqib on Greg Tate
Matthew Ritchie speaks to the writer about the late, legendary Tate on the occasion of Flyboy in the Buttermilk’s re-issue.
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David Ma @davidmadavidma.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Profiled the gawd Ice-T for this week’s cover of the Metro ahead of his show in San Jose next week. I’ll be in line at 6 N the Morning.
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David Ma @davidmadavidma.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Profiled the gawd Ice-T for this week’s cover of the Metro ahead of his show in San Jose next week. I’ll be in line at 6 N the Morning.
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Nitish Pahwa @nitishpahwa.com · 10/09/2026
the song whose video Dilated Peoples filmed in front of the Twin Towers just days before the fall …
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House of Reggae @houseofreggae.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
www.jamaicaobserver.com/2026/09/09/h... #reggae #reggaesky
jamaicaobserver.com
Historic Channel One Studio demolished without approval - Jamaica Observer
Historic Channel One Studio demolished without approval
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Jeff Weiss @passionweiss.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Spent the last hour trying not to make a "Chemistry Class" pun, but I have valiantly lost the war
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David Ma @davidmadavidma.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Had the distinct honor of chatting with Alchemist about his career impact thus far + had him break down some classics from Dilated Peoples’ “Worst Comes To Worst” to his recent work with Armand Hammer, Erykah Badu and much more for @passionweiss.bsky.social 🧪🥼🔬 www.powmag.net/p/alchemist-...
powmag.net
Alchemist Breaks Down His Classic Records
The legendary producer details the stories behind songs by Kendrick Lamar, Mobb Deep, Erykah Badu, and Earl Sweatshirt, among others.
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Jeff Weiss @passionweiss.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Alchemist tells the stories behind the classic records that he produced for Kendrick and Dilated, Erykah Badu and Action Bronson, Roc Marci and Armand Hammer, Earl and Westside Gunn and more. By @davidmadavidma.bsky.social www.powmag.net/p/alchemist-...
powmag.net
Alchemist Breaks Down His Classic Records
The legendary producers details the stories behind songs by Kendrick Lamar, Mobb Deep, Erykah Badu, and Earl Sweatshirt, among others.
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Chris Frantz @chrisfrantz.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Good Morning From The Drummer. My Friends.
youtube.com
The Tide Is High - Original
YouTube video by The Paragons - Topic
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Jeff Weiss @passionweiss.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
The 2Pac trial is as much about who shot him as it is about how the Bad Boy/Death Row feud spiraled until the murder seemed almost inevitable. I wrote about what led to Vegas — and Puffy and Suge, the ghosts haunting the courtroom from two prison systems away. www.powmag.net/p/2pac-trial...
powmag.net
2Pac Trial: The Ghosts of Puffy and Suge
Reporting from Las Vegas, Jeff Weiss finds two giants looming in between the lines of every transcript.
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Nitish Pahwa @nitishpahwa.com · 25/08/2026
I think the universal grieving comes in no small part from the fact she represented the best of what America could be, and that she never stopped chasing that ideal, artistically and socially
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Chris Frantz @chrisfrantz.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Good Night From The Drummer, My Friends. Sleep Tight.
youtube.com
Serge Gainsbourg ft. Jane Birkin - Je t'aime...Moi non plus (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Serge Gainsbourg
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David Ma @davidmadavidma.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
RIP. Just heard Chicago soul legend Ruby Andrews passed. Huge fan of her 45s, especially “You Made A Believer” which was used by Q-Tip for “Won’t Trade.” Just uploaded an interview with her I did for Wax Poetics years back. Rest easy Ms. Andrews. davidma1.medium.com/gem-among-gi...
davidma1.medium.com
Gem Among Giants — How Ruby Andrews Made Us Believers
The second time she walked by Stevie Wonder, he remembered her perfume from earlier. One night, her and the Funk Brothers had to hide while…
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Nitish Pahwa @nitishpahwa.com · 11/08/2026
been sayin this slate.com/culture/2025...
slate.com
One of TV’s Most Beloved Republican Characters Is Back. It’s About Time.
King of the Hill has still got it.
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Jeff Weiss @passionweiss.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Ahead of the release of Songs In The Key Of Life, Stevie Wonder dressed up as a cowboy and held a listening party for music journalists & special guests at a farm in Massachusetts. Before playing the album for the guests he reportedly remarked: "Let's pop whats poppin'"
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HipHopGods @hiphopgods.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Lord Finesse - Return Of The Funky Man #classic #lordfinesse #hiphopgods
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Dash Lewis // Gardener @gardenerjams.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
back in june i called up harlem rapper errol holden to learn what makes him tick up today at @passionweiss.bsky.social / POW mag
powmag.net
I Never Want This Song to End: An Interview with Errol Holden
The Harlem rapper opens up about leaving the streets and finding his voice.
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open mike eagle @mike-eagle.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
she swear im colorblind produced by kenny segal feat billy woods out now via @backwoodzstudioz.bsky.social ditto.fm/doomed_ome
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Jeff Weiss @passionweiss.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
A fantastic and rare interview with the legendary, Bahamadia, about being raised on gospel and country, her roots on the drums and DJing, getting a deal via Guru, 30 yrs of "Kollage," classic D&D stories and the unreleased album planned with J Dilla. By DJ Short www.powmag.net/p/bahamadia-...
powmag.net
Everything Is Spiritual: An Interview with Bahamadia
The legendary Philadelphia MC opens up to POW in a rare interview.
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altNOAA 🇺🇸 @altnoaa.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Saw a video of an old dude tearing the shit out of a guitar and commenter says he likes when "old people tell you who they used to be." That's so degrading. This guy didn't used to be a shredder, he is a shredder and clearly always has been. James Hetfield is a senior citizen. He's never changed.
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Aquarium Drunkard @aquariumdrunkard.com · 22/07/2026
No Endtroducing: DJ Shadow’s Debut at 30 aquariumdrunkard.com/2026/07/22/n... Endtroducing..... rummages through hip hop's deepest memory just as the culture entered its first wave of slick commercial dominance. Thirty years later, we're still catching up to DJ Shadow's impossible debut.
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Sko @skoneezy.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Time for America’s favorite game, ‘Alchemist Or Hunter S. Thompson?’
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Jeff Weiss @passionweiss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
It's been 5 years since the world lost Biz Markie On the anniversary of his passing, we're publishing an previously unpublished interview w/ the Biz about his all-time favorite rappers & producers, the Bridge Wars, the Juice Crew & more By @davidmadavidma.bsky.social www.powmag.net/p/biz-markie...
powmag.net
My Favorite Rappers Weren’t on Records: An Interview with Biz Markie
David Ma unearths a conversation with the departed legend.
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Jeff Weiss @passionweiss.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
You need to read this phenemonal @paulxt.bsky.social essay on Jay-Z's "The Blueprint." Don't just skim through it. www.powmag.net/p/the-2001-p...
powmag.net
The 2001 Project: Jay-Z's The Blueprint
For the third installment in our series reexamining hip-hop in the year 2001, Paul Thompson revisits the album that cemented Jay-Z's legacy.
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open mike eagle @mike-eagle.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
new single from DOOMED! watching a movie called freedom by myself out now. #OMExKennySegalDOOMED ditto.fm/doomed_ome
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Jeff Weiss @passionweiss.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
This is one the best things I've ever read about "Reasonable Doubt. @sonraw.bsky.social goes deep on Jay-Z's gift for myth-making, his career pivots, and how his classic debut turned the once-overlooked BK rapper into the one of the defining artists of his generation www.powmag.net/p/jay-z-reas...
powmag.net
Coming of Age: How Reasonable Doubt Launched Jay-Z's Legacy
The debut album was not an instant classic upon its release in 1996. What changed?
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Nitish Pahwa @nitishpahwa.com · 06/07/2026
as ever, psyched and honored to have contributed to this magisterial effort alongside some heavy hitters (@ocksportello.bsky.social, @svetz.bsky.social, @thobbsjourno.bsky.social, and many, many others)
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Gabe Meline @gmeline.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Haight & Divisadero, SF
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Michael A. Gonzales @magonzales.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Afrodisiac: A Textual Meditation on Greg Tate: In 1982, my introduction to the music writing of future mentor and friend Greg Tate was a black magic moment that caused me to celebrate as his words literally changed my young life. lithub.com/afrodisiac-a... @hammerandhope.bsky.social
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Nitish Pahwa @nitishpahwa.com · 28/06/2026
thinkin about how French Montana joined that rapper delegation to the Obama White House nearly 10 years before he shared a stage with Andrew Tate
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Marc McDonald @marcmcd.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Mel Brooks is older than sliced bread (first invented in 1928). I guess that makes sliced bread the best invention since Mel Brooks!
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open mike eagle @mike-eagle.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Doomed! from me and Kenny Segal was just called one of the most anticipated albums of the summer by @pitchfork.com it's a breakup album so it's not for the beach but it pairs well with poor decision making on a warm night  out 8/14 via Backwoodz Studioz openmikeeagle.bandcamp.com/album/doomed
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john.in.chicago @john-in-chicago.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Ladies and gentlemen, Willie Nelson! 🎤
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Nitish Pahwa @nitishpahwa.com · 22/06/2026
obligatory www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4FK...
youtube.com
22 Two's
YouTube video by JAY-Z - Topic
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Bronx Cheerleader @bronxcheerleader.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Yeah, I'm putting this on again. This expanded Pressure Sounds 2-LP reissue with all the dubs is absolutely essential shit. Best thing I got last year. 10/10 record. Buy on sight.
Yabby You - Conquering Lion (expanded double LP 2021 reissue on Pressure Sounds)
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Michael A. Gonzales @magonzales.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
On this day I suggest that editors send out rejections only in the afternoon so that their refusal of admitting to a writer's brilliance isn't the first thing they read in the morning.
static.klipy.com
Remy: I'm A Gret Writer Typing
ALT: Remy: I'm A Gret Writer Typing
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Craig Jenkins @craigsj.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
I think what would really pull the union back together is another song where Andre 3000 goes “alright alright alright alright alright alright alright.” It’s been too long, you see. What if that’s what was holding the country together?
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Jeff Weiss @passionweiss.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
"There are the drums; there is the sense you’re in one of those Pokemon towns where you try to catch ghosts. Put another way: there’s no mistaking it for anything, or anyone else" A beautiful requiem for Tay Keith and the sound that he created By @paulxt.bsky.social www.powmag.net/p/tay-keith-...
powmag.net
Remembering Tay Keith, an Unmistakable Producer
The Memphis native passed away yesterday at his home in Nashville.
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Michael A. Gonzales @magonzales.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Fab 5 Freddy - Down By Law
youtube.com
Fab 5 Freddy - Down By Law
YouTube video by Mr Bongo
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Jeff Weiss @passionweiss.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
The story of EMF's "Unbelievable." David Ma breaks down the secret history of a how a slight by comedian Andrew Dice Clay and a fleeting Rick Rubin meetup led to one of the quintessential early 90s jock jams. www.powmag.net/p/emf-interv...
powmag.net
Exploding Eggs and Andrew Dice Clay: The Making of EMF’s “Unbelievable”
David Ma speaks to the British band about a whirlwind trip to L.A. and last-minute sample clearances.
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Nitish Pahwa @nitishpahwa.com · 16/06/2026
yooooooo @davidmadavidma.bsky.social this gets an instant click from me: www.powmag.net/p/emf-interv...
powmag.net
Exploding Eggs and Andrew Dice Clay: The Making of EMF’s “Unbelievable”
David Ma speaks to the British band about a whirlwind trip to L.A. and last-minute sample clearances.
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Jeff Weiss @passionweiss.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
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open mike eagle @mike-eagle.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
if you squint at the word trillion it looks like guillotine
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Jeff Weiss @passionweiss.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Q-Tip & The Beastie Boys performing "Get It Together" at the 1996 Tibetan Freedom Concert
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