During the first year of the pandemic (back in 2020 if you can remember that far back) Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji were introduced to Naughty By Nature’s Vin Rock. In this special episode Gregg and Karim covered a range of topics with Vin, including recent music events, the impact of COVID-19 on minority communities, and the success of Naughty by Nature’s hit song “OPP.” 

Vin Rock is a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning American hip hop trio Naughty By Nature, which hails from East Orange, New Jersey. Born on September 17, 1970, he is known for his work with the group, which has produced iconic tracks like “O.P.P.” and “Hip Hop Hooray”.

This conversation took place in the fall of 2020.

Prior to Vin Rock joining the show’s hosts, Gregg and Karim delved into a detailed conversation about Post Malone’s then recent collaboration with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, expressing varying opinions on his musical direction. They analyzed his potential shift from pop to rock music, speculating on his motivations and the impact on his fan base. The discussion also touched on the financial aspects of his choices and the surprise and curiosity surrounding his performance, with Grergg and Karim both  expressing skepticism and while also praising the unexpected move.

When Vin Rock  joined the episode the conversation started with a conversation about the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on African American and Latino communities, citing underlying health conditions and limited access to healthcare as contributing factors. They also highlighted efforts to support local communities and businesses during the pandemic, including the distribution of PPE and support for local restaurants. The conversation underscored the need for adaptation and support for vulnerable communities in the face of the pandemic’s challenges.

The hosts then delved into a discussion about Vin’s  entrepreneurial endeavors, including the creation of an interactive e-book, the launch of a Google TV app, and the establishment of a new digitally driven record label. Vin underscored the importance of being independent and self-sufficient in the current market landscape, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the entertainment and music industry. Additionally, Vin touched on the potential opportunities arising from the changing business environment, such as direct-to-consumer engagement and the evolving financial transactions landscape.