Testing Fab 5 Freddy's Music Knowledge | The Track Star Podcast

This week on the Track Star Podcast, we’re joined by hip-hop ambassador, Fab 5 Freddy. Freddy reflects on the relationships and experiences that shaped his creative journey—starting with his early love of graffiti and expanding into music, dance, film, and beyond.

He shares stories about the artists who left a lasting mark on him, including Blondie, N.W.A., Nas, Talking Heads and Q-Tip, while also exploring the influence of genres like punk and jazz on his upbringing. From listening to his own godfather Max Roach, to hosting one of the largest shows on MTV, Freddy guides us through his unparalleled life, and the people that made it happen.

In asking Freddy about the creation of his film Wild Style (1983), the discussion also surrounds the energy of New York City in the 1970s and ’80s, unpacking how the roots of hip-hop’s identity culminated in the Bronx and eventually spread across the country, especially to the West Coast.

Freddy is truly one of the most culture defining guests we’ve had on the podcast so far, and the stories he tells are packed with unmatched first-hand perspective. We can’t wait for you to hear it!

00:00 - Intro
00:26 - ‘Round Midnight - Thelonious Monk
8:34 - The Magnificent Seven - The Clash
11:01 - Rapture - Blondie
21:26 - Take Me to the Mardi Gras - Bob James
40:36 - That’s the Joint - Funky 4 + 1
51:25 - Express Yourself - N.W.A.
59:57 - One Love (ft. Q-Tip) - Nas

New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every Wednesday. Let us know what artist, theme, or unexpected guest you want us to explore next.

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Track Star Team: Jack Coyne, Kieran Coyne, Henry Kornaros, Haley Sobel, Alex Fabry, Sarah Mann, Ellie Aslanian, Ryan Dirgins, Simone Woronoff