BackStory with Colby Colb

Épisodes

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  Road to the Roots Picnic: Jay-Z & Philadelphia 22.05.2026 1h 6min

  On this special episode of The Backstory Podcast, Colby Colb takes listeners on a rare audio journey through Jay-Z’s evolution using his classic Philadelphia radio interviews, freestyles, listener moments, and behind-the-scenes stories recorded between 1995 and 2006. Long before the sold-out stadiums, billionaire status, Roc Nation, and global influence, Philadelphia was one of the first cities outside of New York to embrace Jay-Z and document his rise in real time. Through these conversations, listeners hear the transformation of Shawn Carter from a hungry independent artist promoting Roc-A-Fella before the release of Reasonable Doubt, into one of the most important figures in music and culture. The episode features Jay-Z discussing the making of Reasonable Doubt, building Roc-A-Fella Records, working with The Notorious B.I.G., The Blueprint era, Michael Jackson, the fallout surrounding the R. Kelly tour, becoming President of Def Jam, and launching his historic Kingdom Come seven-city tour in one day. Along the way, Colby shares personal stories and memories from Jay-Z’s many visits to Philadelphia, highlighting the city’s role in his journey and the deep connection he built with Philly audiences over the years. More than just a collection of interviews, this episode serves as a time capsule of Jay-Z’s growth, ambition, confidence, and evolution making his upcoming Roots Picnic performance feel like a true full-circle moment between Jay-Z and a city that believed in him early.   #JayZ #RootsPicnic #HipHopHistory #BackstoryPodcast #ColbyColb #RocAFella #ReasonableDoubt #TheBlueprint @getthebackstory (Instagram)@officialcolbycolb (Instagram/Threads)@colbycolb.Bsky.social@colbycolb XSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  RIP Voletta Wallace the mother of The Notorious B.I.G. 21.02.2025 21min

  In this poignant episode of The Backstory Podcast, host Colby Colb pays tribute to Voletta Wallace, the mother of The Notorious B.I.G., who recently passed away. Throughout the episode, Colby highlights various interview clips with Voletta, where she reflects on her life raising her son, Christopher Wallace (Biggie), in Brooklyn. She shares touching memories of Biggie’s childhood, his love of reading and writing, and her pride in watching his rise to fame. Voletta opens up about the challenges of being a mother while navigating the dangers of the streets and the music industry, and she offers powerful advice to other parents who have lost children to gun violence, sharing her emotional journey of grief and resilience. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to Voletta Wallace's legacy and the profound impact she had as a mother to one of the greatest rappers in history. It’s a testament to her strength and love, providing listeners with an intimate look into the life of Biggie and the woman who raised him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Irv Gotti, Rest In Peace (Re-Broadcast) 06.02.2025 27min

  Rest in peace, Irv Gotti. In this special re-release, originally published in 2022, Colby Colb shares an exclusive interview with the legendary music producer, label owner, and filmmaker. Irv Gotti recounts his journey from a Queens DJ to discovering Jay-Z and DMX, bringing them to Def Jam, and founding his own label, Murder Inc., which achieved staggering success. Irv Gotti, the legendary co-founder of the influential Hip-Hop label Murder Inc., passed away at 54. According to sources, Gotti was recently placed on a ventilator in the ICU after suffering another stroke earlier this week. The shocking news has sent waves through the music community, as Gotti’s contributions to the genre were immense.  Follow the show @backstorypcc (Twitter)@getthebackstory (Instagram)@BackstorywithColbyColb (Facebook)@colbycolb (Twitter)@officalcolbycolb (Instagram)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Quincy Jones, Rest In Peace (Re-Broadcast) 04.11.2024 46min

  The greatest producer of all time Quincy Jones from poverty to producing music in several eras and genres. Colby shares a rare interview with this living icon. What was it like working with Michael Jackson? How did he recover from a brain hemorrhage?...
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  LL COOL J 07.10.2024 42min

  International super star actor and rapper LL Cool J talks up his first album in 14 years “The FORCE” and the creative process around this project. They also discuss his legendary rap career and some of his most impactful moments including how he stole a role on one of Hip Hop’s first feature films Krush Groove. Twitter/X@backstorypcc @colbycolb Instagram@OfficialColbycolb @getthebackstory See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Gamma CEO Larry Jackson Billion Dollar Bet To Change The Music Industry 17.09.2024 53min

  Colby Colb returns with a special episode of The Backstory featuring the inspiring journey of Gamma CEO Larry Jackson, a seasoned radio, Tech and record executive who raised a billion dollars to launch Gamma, a game-changing media and technology company whose business model is changing the landscape of the music business. His roster of artists include Usher, Sexyy Redd, Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, October London and 4Batz. He also entered into creative partnerships with label executives like LA Reid and who is also featured on this episode discussing his unique partnership with Larry Jackson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The story of Eazy E and NWA: Part 2 “How Things Fell Apart” 21.07.2023 54min

  NWA had one of the greatest debut albums in history, following Straight Outta Compton they released two solo artists The D.O.C. and Michelle then their follow up EP and then their second album Niggaz For Life then it all fell apart. In this episode Colby Colb digs into the reasons behind the break up of the worlds most dangerous group plus the unprecedented success of Ice Cube and Dr. Dre and the entry of Suge Knight and Death Row which would all come to a climax with the death of Eazy E of AIDS in 1995.  It sounds like a movie but it happened in real life. @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The story of Eazy E and NWA: Part 1 “The Foundation of The Legacy” 14.07.2023 55min

  In this episode Colby Colb explores the story behind one of the greatest collection of music artists NWA and the legacy they built collectively. It starts with a lucky drug dealer in Compton who was tired of hustling and wanted to use his drug proceeds to get into the music business. He saw the success RunDmc was having and had an idea for a supergroup with Ice Cube, DJ Yella and MC Ren surrounding a DJ/Producer Dr. Dre. They conquered the music business on their own terms and was so controversial with their song “Fuck The Police” that the FBI came after them. This is their story, comradely around Hip Hop led to stunning success and an incredible musical and cultural legacy.  @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Eddie F 07.07.2023 1h 8min

  Golden era Hip Hop producer, DJ and original member of Heavy D and The Boyz Eddie F gives the backstory of the early days of Heavy D plus his illustrious career as a producer and A&R for LaFace and Motown. @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Ne-Yo 30.06.2023 36min

  Singer, songwriter, producer and actor NE-YO talks about his career, his humble beginnings in Arkansas and rise from writer/producer to artists. The hits he has written for several artists and the impact his songs have had. He tells a story about Michael Jackson calling him and signing his favorite NE-YO song. @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4Iewyk  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Janelle Monae 23.06.2023 25min

  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Big Daddy Kane 16.06.2023 35min

  Golden era Hip Hop legend Big Daddy Kane gives the backstory of his career from his humble beginnings in Brooklyn as a DJ, meeting with Biz Markie, the recording of his first song, the pressure of the music business and how he put Jayz on. @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Backstory Bonus HIP HOP 50 Kid N Play 12.06.2023 3min

  As we celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop in 2023 we will be releasing some additional classic interview footage from some of the legends of the game. This is Kid N Play from September 27th , 1991. They were coming off of the success of the House Party movie and were releasing their 3rd album “Face The Nation”. Thanks for listening to the Backstory Podcast @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4Iewyk  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Kid & Play 09.06.2023 50min

  Hip Hop Icons Kid N Play share stories about how they came together, their early struggles and how their real life and the movie “House Party” came about. @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4Iewyk  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Ralph Tresvant 02.06.2023 42min

  New Edition lead singer Ralph Tresvant Singer shares his Backstory from the projects in Boston to leading the biggest black boy band since the Jackson 5.  @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4Iewyk  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Kirk Franklin 26.05.2023 25min

  Singer,  songwriter and Choir Director Kirk Franklin shares his Backstory from his rough up bringing as an adopted child to his discovery of music and how it changed his life.@getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Alicia Keys 19.05.2023 40min

  Singer,  songwriter and humanitarian Alicia Keys shares her Backstory from early days growing up on the Lower East Side to her initial disdain for the music business. She shares many keys to her success. @getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Jadakiss 12.05.2023 33min

  Rapper and entrepreneur Jadakiss shares his Backstory from early days of the Lox, the Bad Boy run, their historic forced release from record contract and his new coffee venture. @getthebackstory @officialcolbycolb  Listen On Apple PodcastsListen On Spotify See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Montell Jordan 05.05.2023 46min

  Singer, songwriter, minister Montell Jordan shares his Backstory from church singer to having one of the biggest songs in the country.@getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4Iewyk   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  BABYFACE 28.04.2023 32min

  Singer,  songwriter, record producer BABYFACE gives the Backstory of his career from The Deele to chart topping song writing for numerous artists and his own stellar run as a solo artist.@getthebackstory@officialcolbycolb  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstory-with-colby-colb/id1339943923https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZRCkyd1wgg4Sawr4IewykSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.