Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
Podcast Focus
Publishing Consistency
Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Total monthly reach
Estimated from 3 chart positions in 3 markets.
By chart position
- 🇨🇦CA · Music Commentary#9930K to 100K
- 🇬🇧GB · Music Commentary#1565K to 30K
- 🇧🇪BE · Music Commentary#973K to 10K
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
11K to 42K🎙 Daily cadence·46 episodes·Last published 2d ago - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
38K to 140K🇨🇦71%🇬🇧21%🇧🇪7% - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
15K to 56K
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
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Total Reviews
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* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
Recent episodes
Nicolay: Foreign Exchange, J Dilla, and Prince
May 14, 2026
Unknown duration
Cherrystones: Library Records, Horror Soundtracks, and UK Digging Culture
May 7, 2026
Unknown duration
DJ Agile: BrassMunk, Nas Placement, and International DJ Life
May 1, 2026
Unknown duration
Pat Van Dyke: Breaking Down the Sound of Hip Hop Classics
Apr 23, 2026
Unknown duration
7L of Czarface: Cult Following
Apr 15, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/14/26 | Nicolay: Foreign Exchange, J Dilla, and Prince | This episode of Gems with Shom features Nicolay, Grammy-nominated producer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and one half of The Foreign Exchange alongside Phonte.From growing up in Utrecht and discovering Prince, to playing in funk bands, studying musicology, making beats after work, and connecting with Phonte on the Okayplayer message boards, Nicolay’s story is one of timing, originality, and deep musical curiosity.But this conversation isn’t a typical interview.Nicolay and Shom go deep on The Foreign Exchange, J Dilla, Prince, D’Angelo, Slum Village, keyboard beats, musical space, and the creative risks that helped shape albums like Connected and Leave It All Behind.They also explore authenticity in the age of AI, the future of music technology, and why human feeling still matters most in soulful music.#Nicolay #TheForeignExchange #ForeignExchange #Phonte #JDilla #Prince #Okayplayer #Connected #LeaveItAllBehind #DAngelo #Voodoo #SlumVillage #Soulquarians #NeoSoul #HipHopHistory #SoulMusic #BeatMaking #MusicProduction #ProducerLife #GemsWithShom | — | ||||||
| 5/7/26 | Cherrystones: Library Records, Horror Soundtracks, and UK Digging Culture | This episode of Gems with Shom features Cherrystones, a musician, international DJ, soundtrack composer, compiler, private record dealer, and long-running NTS Radio host with one of the deepest ears in underground music.Cherrystones and Shom get into UK digging culture, Jazzman Records, Camden Market, library music, Italian horror soundtracks, Goblin, Fantastic Planet, Japanese film music, Den Bosch record fair, and the emotional stories attached to rare records.The conversation also explores his unconventional upbringing between London and Wales, discovering punk, hip-hop, jazz, psych, and rare groove, and how music became a grounding force throughout his life.🎙 In this episode, we dive into:• UK digging culture, Jazzman Records, and the world of private record dealing• Library records, rare European finds, and the search for unusual samples• Italian horror soundtracks, Goblin, film cues, and darker musical moods• NTS Radio, record fairs, collecting originals, and music as a healing force | — | ||||||
| 5/1/26 | DJ Agile: BrassMunk, Nas Placement, and International DJ Life | DJ Agile joins Gems with Shom for a conversation on BrassMunk, producing “Heaven” for Nas, film and television work, and how DJing opened up a whole new chapter in his career. They also get into sync, Dilla, Kardinal Offishall, nightlife, and Agile’s new single, “Between The Sheets” ft. Ray Robinson. | — | ||||||
| 4/23/26 | Pat Van Dyke: Breaking Down the Sound of Hip Hop Classics | This episode of Gems with Shom features Pat Van Dyke, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and bandleader whose music bridges jazz, soul, and hip hop. Known for his live recreations of classic rap records and his deep understanding of musicianship, Pat joins Shom for a conversation about the records, rhythms, and ideas that shaped his sound.Pat and Shom get into growing up in New Jersey, discovering records at a young age, studying jazz, making beats, and how Pat learned to merge live instrumentation with the DNA of sample-based hip hop. They also talk about his recent live replay videos, the producers and records that inspired him, and what he has learned from breaking down hip hop classics by ear.🎙 In this episode, we dive into:• Growing up with records, tapes, and early musical influences• Studying jazz, making beats, and shaping his sound as a producer• The gear, records, and producers that influenced his ear• Recreating hip hop classics with live instruments• What classic hip hop reveals about feel, phrasing, and musicianship📌 About Pat Van DykePat Van Dyke is an artist, producer, composer, and session musician based in New Jersey. His work blends jazz harmony, vintage textures, live instrumentation, and hip hop rhythm into a sound that feels both modern and deeply rooted in classic music traditions. Through solo releases, collaborations, and his live replay series, Pat has built a unique lane that connects musicianship with beat culture. | — | ||||||
| 4/15/26 | 7L of Czarface: Cult Following | This episode of Gems with Shom features 7L, one-third of Czarface. 7L is the DJ and producer behind Czarface, the cult-favorite hip-hop supergroup formed by 7L & Esoteric and Wu-Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck. Known for sample-based production, comic-book world-building, and a fiercely independent creative path, 7L has helped build one of the most original and enduring underground rap universes in hip-hop.In this conversation, 7L and Shom go deep on records, radio, early DJing, obscure samples, underground touring, collaboration, and the long road from Massachusetts mixtapes to Red Rocks and beyond.We discuss:• Growing up in Massachusetts and discovering hip-hop through MTV, tapes, and roller rink DJs• Learning to DJ, making mixtapes, and building an early production process from scratch• The early 7L & Esoteric years, college radio, indie vinyl, and underground rap in the 90s• Digging culture, rare records, trial and error, and the records that shaped his ear• How Czarface came together with Inspectah Deck• Building a cult following through music, comics, collectibles, and world-building• Collaborating with MF DOOM, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Kool Keith, and more• Why staying weird helped sustain a long career• Why authenticity, curiosity, and consistency still matter in underground music7L is a Massachusetts-raised DJ and producer whose career stretches from the independent underground rap scene of the 1990s to major collaborative projects in the modern era. Before Czarface, he built his name through 7L & Esoteric, DIY vinyl releases, college radio, and relentless digging and touring. As one-third of Czarface, he helped shape a group that became far more than a rap act. It became a full creative universe rooted in hip-hop, comics, artifacts, and cult loyalty. The group’s major collaborative releases include Czarface Meets Metal Face with MF DOOM in 2018, Czarface Meets Ghostface with Ghostface Killah in 2019, and Super What? with MF DOOM in 2021. | — | ||||||
| 4/9/26 | John Morrison: From Philly Battle Rap to NPR — Politics, Digging, and the Art of Listening | In this episode of Gems with Shom, I sit down with John Morrison — author, journalist, DJ, and sample-flipper from Philadelphia — for a conversation on hip-hop culture, record digging, and the evolution of music and ideas.John’s journey starts in Philadelphia, coming up in a deeply competitive freestyle and battle rap scene. Those early experiences shaped his approach to music, performance, and creativity.He later transitioned into writing, building a career as a journalist across platforms like NPR and beyond. We talk about how writing about music changed the way he listens, and how understanding samples, production, and context provides a deeper perspective on the culture.A key theme in this conversation is the role of politics in art. John reflects on a time when hip-hop carried clear perspectives — when artists engaged with the world and pushed listeners to think. Today, that layer often feels less present. This isn’t about agreement or disagreement, but about the importance of having a point of view.We also discuss Philly’s influence, beat making as a lifelong practice, the connection between hip-hop and jazz, and why digging and context still matter.A conversation about music, culture, and really listening. | — | ||||||
| 4/1/26 | Diallo Riddle: Music, Comedy & Storytelling | Best Of Episode | Diallo Riddle: Music, Comedy & Storytelling | Best Of EpisodeOne of the most requested episodes of Gems with Shom is back.In this conversation, I sit down with Diallo Riddle — actor, writer, director, DJ, and host of The One Song Podcast — for a wide-ranging discussion on music, comedy, and storytelling.From DJing in college to working on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon — including the iconic “Slow Jam the News” with President Obama — Diallo shares stories from across his career and how those experiences shaped his creative perspective.We also go deep into music.From sampling and beat digging to the influence of ’90s hip hop, Diallo breaks down how great songs work — where they come from, why they last, and how they connect across genres and eras.This is a conversation about more than music — it’s about understanding it.In this episode:• DJing in college and early influences• Working on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon• The origins of The One Song Podcast• Sampling, beat digging, and ’90s hip hop• Why great music is meant to be studied, not just heardIf you’re into music, culture, and creative storytelling — this is a good one. | — | ||||||
| 3/25/26 | STLNDRMS: Elite Drums, Consistency, and Community | Why do STLNDRMS’ drums hit different? This is the story behind the sound.STLNDRMS — DJ, producer, curator, and Founder/Creative Director — joins Gems with Shom for a conversation on beat culture, creative independence, and building a life through music.From Detroit roots to a global upbringing across Europe and Japan, STLNDRMS shares how early exposure to records, hip-hop, and Black music shaped his sound and set him on a path of lifelong creation.We explore his journey from early production and recording to touring, building community, and ultimately transitioning into full-time music — creating multiple revenue streams through drum kits, events, photo and video production, streaming, and creative direction.At the center of it all is consistency and community — from early live streams that connected him with key figures in beat culture, to collaborating with artists and mentors around the world.We also dive into:• Crafting elite drum sounds and signature drum kits• Analog recording techniques and studio philosophy• The balance between art and business in a creative career• Beat culture, live performance, and global community• Lessons from DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Playlist Retreat• Building consistency and creating your own laneThis is a conversation about discipline, creativity, and longevity — and a real look at what it takes to turn passion into something sustainable.Listen, rate, and subscribe.#BeatCulture #DrumKits #MusicProduction #DJCulture #CrateDigging #GemsWithShomSTLNDRMS: Elite Drums, Consistency, and Community | — | ||||||
| 3/19/26 | Shotgun Shima: Digging in Japan, the Collector’s Mindset, and Putting Up Stats | A DJ and record collector with an incredible archive of rare vinyl, Shima brings a deep knowledge of music, culture, and the art of digging. The conversation covers digging in Japan, the collector’s mindset, and the transition from being a bedroom DJ to playing for crowds.From growing up as a fourth-generation Japanese American in California surrounded by music to discovering hip-hop, Shima reflects on the early influences that shaped his ear and set him on a lifelong path of collecting.We explore his journey through underground hip-hop, mixtape culture, and college radio, as well as his experiences digging in Japan, from searching for rare records to feeling at home in record stores across Tokyo and beyond.We explore:• Growing up in Sacramento and discovering hip-hop• Underground hip-hop, mixtape culture, and early influences• Digging in Japan and global record culture• The collector’s mindset and what separates DJs from collectors• Record rarity, first pressings, and long-term value• “Putting up stats” and documenting rare finds• And moreListen, rate, and subscribe. | — | ||||||
| 3/11/26 | Jay Stewart: From Rawkus Records to Sotheby’s | In this episode of Gems with Shom, I sit down with Jay Stewart — music executive, DJ, exhibit curator, and founder of one of the most fascinating hip-hop artifact collections in the world: The Jay Stewart Collection.Jay’s story begins in Queens, New York, growing up during the golden era of hip-hop and the early foundations of the culture. From there, he built a remarkable career across the music industry.Jay worked as a promotional rep at Rawkus Records, helping break artists like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Big L, before moving into major label marketing roles at MCA, Geffen, Interscope, and Universal. Along the way, he helped promote albums from artists like Common, The Roots, Mary J. Blige, and Blink-182.Over the years, he quietly built an incredible archive of rare hip-hop promotional posters, memorabilia, and artifacts — items that once lived in record stores, radio stations, and label offices during the golden era of physical music culture.Today, that archive has become The Jay Stewart Collection, a traveling exhibit celebrating hip-hop’s visual and promotional history. Pieces from his collection have even appeared in the Sotheby’s Hip Hop Auction, placing these artifacts alongside fine art and cultural history.In this conversation, we explore Jay’s journey through the music industry, the lost art of physical music promotion, and why preserving hip-hop’s visual history still matters today.🎧 Drop a Gem On ’Em segment includes:Kenny Burke • M.O.P. • Big L • Mos Def • MF DOOM • J Dilla • Tribe Called Quest • Prodigy & Alchemist • Kid Cudi • Nonchalant | — | ||||||
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| 3/4/26 | Wyldeflower on Radio, Records, and Travel | Wyldeflower, radio host, DJ, and experiential producer, joins the show for a conversation on records, radio, travel, and the rituals that shape her life.From growing up in Los Angeles surrounded by mariachi to discovering Wu-Tang Clan and the deeper worlds of jazz, soul, and Brazilian music, Wyldeflower reflects on the experiences that shaped her ear.She also shares stories about her friendship with legendary Brazilian composer Arthur Verocai, and how his music, and the broader world of Brazilian sound, continues to inspire beat diggers, collectors, and musicians.We explore her journey through the LA creative scene, working alongside communities like Mochilla, Art Don’t Sleep, and Dublab, and how those experiences led her to the airwaves at KCRW, where she continues to champion new and classic sounds from around the world.We explore:• Growing up in Los Angeles and discovering hip-hop, punk, and global music• Finding her voice through DJing, radio, and experiential production• Record digging trips across Brazil and the thrill of finding rare vinyl• Traveling the world through music, from Rio and São Paulo to Japan• The ritual and philosophy behind collecting and playing recordsIn our “Drop a Gem on ’Em” segment, we touch on:• Gal Costa• Alice Coltrane• Sun Ra• Funkadelic• Roy Ayers• D’Angelo• Sly & The Family Stone• And many moreListen, rate, and subscribe. | — | ||||||
| 2/24/26 | K-Cut: Main Source and Beyond | We sit down with K-Cut of Main Source — producer, DJ, and record collector — for a conversation on the origins of Main Source, the making of the classic album Breaking Atoms, his evolution as a producer, digging culture, and what comes next.From growing up between Queens and forming Main Source alongside Large Professor and Sir Scratch, K-Cut takes us back to the origins — late-night studio sessions working with Paul C, and building what would become one of the most important albums of the Golden Era: Breaking Atoms.We explore:• The early Wild Pitch era and hearing Main Source on the radio• Mentorship under Paul C• The group’s evolution and the second album Fuck What You Think with Mikey D• Reinvention and finding a new wave of successK-Cut opens up about stepping away from the spotlight and how producer Rashad Smith helped bring him back into the fold, leading to work with LL Cool J, MC Lyte, Big Pun, and more.We close with the next chapter: new Main Source music arriving around the 35th anniversary of Breaking Atoms.In our “Drop a Gem on ’Em” segment, we touch on:• Gang Starr• Bob Power• Jadakiss & Sheek LouchListen, rate, and subscribe.📀 New episodes weekly🌍 Dig deeper | — | ||||||
| 2/17/26 | Jaeki Cho: Hip Hop Journalism, World Travel & Global Perspective | In this episode of Gems with Shom, a show about beat digging, records, and other things, we sit down with Jaeki Cho, ex rap journalist turned world traveler and founder of Righteous Eats and Creators Lunch, for a wide ranging conversation on rap media, world travel, and cultural identity. Jaeki reflects on growing up in Queens in the late 90s, discovering hip hop before the algorithm era, and entering rap journalism at XXL Magazine during the final years of print media. We discuss storytelling, revision, media literacy, and why journalistic rigor still matters in today’s fast moving media landscape.As always, the conversation connects back to beat digging and record culture. From Mobb Deep and Wu Tang Clan to jazz samples and global sound exploration, we explore how hip hop sampling opened the door to deeper musical discovery and how digging through records becomes a gateway to understanding history, migration, and identity.The conversation expands into world travel, from Mongolia to Morocco, Singapore to Istanbul, and how movement across borders reshapes identity. Jaeki breaks down his concept of “third culture,” the remixing of global identities, and why community matters more than ever in a fragmented digital age.We also dive into:Mobb Deep, The Alchemist, and Wu-Tang ClanSampling as cultural exchangeRecord collecting as connectionRunning marathons as disciplineRacism abroad and perspective at homeWhy storytelling is more important than everThis is a conversation about hip hop and beat digging, but it is also about global travel, media, philosophy, and building something meaningful.Listen, rate, and subscribe.📀 New episodes weekly🌍 Dig deeper | — | ||||||
| 2/11/26 | Double Peas: Record Energy | Ep 35 | Double Peas joins Gems with Shom for a wide ranging conversation on vinyl collecting, deep soul culture, private press records, and what she calls “record energy.”Born in Santiago, Chile and raised in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, Double Peas traces her journey from a music-filled immigrant household to the underground LA scene of the early ’90s—where house music, acid jazz, hip-hop, jungle, and Detroit techno shaped her ear long before she stepped behind the turntables.Starting as a bedroom DJ, she evolved into a respected vinyl DJ and serious record collector. We explore her move to Las Vegas, building grassroots Funk & Soul parties, and becoming a working vinyl DJ on the Vegas Strip.A major theme of this episode is record energy—the vibe a vinyl record carries based on ownership, history, and lineage. From deep soul “daggers” and rare 45s to regional records and sampling culture, this conversation dives into preservation, community, and staying original in a digital era.In the Drop a Gem on ’Em segment, Double Peas shares personal classics—from jazz and modern soul to rare private press cuts—and reflects on why continuity matters more than clout.🎙 In This Episode:Vinyl collecting & beat digging cultureDeep soul, sweet soul & private press recordsFrom bedroom DJ to vinyl on the Vegas StripRecord trading as currency & communityPortable turntables & analog preservationIntroversion, confidence & growth through musicWhy people matter more than recordsIf you’re into vinyl records, DJ culture, crate digging, rare soul, sampling history, and deep listening, this episode is for you.👉 Subscribe for weekly conversations on beat digging, records, and other things. | — | ||||||
| 2/3/26 | Rich Medina: Listening Deep at Dante’s HiFi | Rich Medina joins Gems with Shom for a wide-ranging conversation on deep listening, longevity, and building a life rooted in sound, culture, and purpose.From his early years in New Jersey to becoming one of the most respected DJs and cultural voices of his generation, Rich reflects on a career shaped by curiosity, discipline, and intention. The conversation spans legendary residencies, global travel, poetry, education, mentorship, and the mindset required to remain a lifelong student of music.A central thread of the episode focuses on Dante’s HiFi, Miami’s Japanese-inspired listening room, where Rich serves as Music Director and partner. We explore listening-bar culture, album-focused listening, and why slowing down to truly hear music feels more necessary than ever.In the Drop a Gem on ’Em segment, Rich shares insight on records, listening, and moving with purpose across decades.🎙 Topics include DJing as storytelling, jazz kissa culture, longevity, creative survival, academia, and the power of deep listening.This episode is for DJs, diggers, music lovers, and anyone seeking a more intentional relationship with sound. | — | ||||||
| 1/28/26 | DJ YNOT: Lucky Records Miami | Ep 33 | In this episode of Gems with Shom, we sit down with DJ YNOT—DJ, lifelong beat digger, and owner of Lucky Records Miami—for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, introspective, and packed with deep beat-digging knowledge.Tony walks through his journey from late-’90s DJing and underground hip-hop shows to club residencies, opening for legends, and ultimately stepping away from nightlife to build one of Miami’s most respected and popular record stores. Along the way, the stories are wild, honest, and genuinely funny—misadventures in DJ life, near-miss moments, and the kind of behind-the-scenes experiences you only get from someone who’s really lived it.He breaks down what it actually takes to find records in 2026, why digging is harder (and more competitive) than ever, and how he’s not a customer—he’s a record dealer and store owner. From Miami soul history to legendary samples, from dollar-bin gems to grail-level records, this is knowledge you won’t find anywhere else.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on beat digging, records, and other things.#GemsWithShom#DJYNOT#LuckyRecordsMiami#VinylCulture#RecordDigging#BeatDigging#HipHopCulture#DJLife#RecordStoreLife#MiamiMusic#CrateDigging#VinylCommunity#MusicPodcast#HipHopPodcast#VinylPodcast | — | ||||||
| 1/20/26 | Mr. Thing: Deep Concentration & UK Library Gems | Ep 32 | In this episode of Gems with Shom, Shomit sits down with Mr. Thing—legendary UK DJ and producer—for a conversation on digging culture, focus, and staying inspired.Mr. Thing traces his journey from growing up outside London and discovering hip-hop, to winning DMC battles and building the legacy of Scratch Perverts. He shares the reality behind the wins—long practice days, creative sacrifice, and the importance of consistency when momentum disappears and later returns.A major part of the conversation dives into UK library records—KPM, De Wolfe, Bruton, Conroy, and more—how he first discovered them, why they’re so sample-ready, and what separates surface-level digging from true replay-value records.We also explore his work with BBE, including the pivotal Kings of Hip Hop release alongside DJ Premier, and how BBE helped shape a defining chapter of his career. Mr. Thing also discusses more recent projects, including the widely loved Surprise Chef mixtape.Topics include:• UK library records• Turntablism, DMCs & Scratch Perverts• Rare groove, digging philosophy & replay value• Inspiration, discipline & longevity in music🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on beat digging, records, and other things.#MrThing#UKLibraryRecords#CrateDigging#BeatDigging#Turntablism#ScratchPerverts#RareGroove#LibraryMusic#DJCulture#HipHopHistory#VinylDigging#BBERecords#DMCBattles#GemsWithShom | — | ||||||
| 1/14/26 | Supreme La Rock: Beat Digging Giant | Ep 31 | In this episode of Gems with Shom, I’m joined by Supreme La Rock — DJ, producer, label founder, and one of the originators of beat digging culture.From early hip-hop’s formative years to shaping how generations understand break beats, records, and listening itself, Supreme’s story is tied to the DNA of digging. Long before the term “beat digging” existed, he was building his collection through instinct, risk, and an unmatched ear — pulling grails from obscurity and turning overlooked records into foundational beat digging classics.We dive deep into his Seattle roots, early encounters with hip-hop culture, and the philosophy that guided decades of digging: curiosity over trends, feeling over formulas, and trust in the ear. We unpack Conception Records, its role in creating a sound that would later become globally revered, and Supreme’s behind-the-scenes influence on artists and producers — including early connections with J Dilla, before the world fully understood what it was witnessing.This conversation moves through mixtapes, break culture, global travel, vinyl DJing, technology, and the realities of longevity — how staying true to taste, rather than chasing trends, creates work that lasts. Supreme reflects on discovering records that later became grails by listening deeply when others weren’t.This is a masterclass in taste, patience, and the growth of beat digging culture — from someone who helped build the foundation🎙 In this episode, we get into:Growing up with records before “beat digging” had a nameEarly hip-hop, break culture, and learning through movementBuilding Conception Records and documenting an underground soundFinding grails through instinct, not trendsEarly perspectives on J Dilla and recognizing generational talentMixtapes, break science, and educating without gatekeepingVinyl DJing, technology, and adapting without losing identityLongevity, humility, and staying a student of the musicThis episode is for diggers, DJs, producers, and anyone who understands that culture is built quietly, over time, by people who listen harder than everyone else.#GemsWithShom #SupremeLaRock #BeatDigging #CrateDigging #ConceptionRecords | — | ||||||
| 1/9/26 | Eddie Mac: Anderson .Paak’s Vinyl Curator (DJ Pee .Wee) | Passion to Business | Ep 30 | This episode of Gems with Shom features Eddie Mac — DJ, founder of The MAC Agency, and the vinyl curator behind DJ Pee .Wee (Anderson .Paak).Eddie’s story is a rare one. It starts with growing up in New Jersey surrounded by Motown, soul, and disco records… and leads to decades of DJing, digging, nightlife, and eventually turning a lifelong obsession with vinyl into a global business.We break down how Eddie went from college parties and New York club residencies to curating vinyl sets for Anderson .Paak, helping bring all-vinyl DJ culture to the world’s biggest stages.Eddie Mac's life is about longevity, reinvention, mental health, and building infrastructure around what you love.🎙 In this episode, we dive into:• Early DJ years — New Jersey roots, college parties & learning to read a room• Discovering vinyl — crate digging, record pools & the physical relationship with music• NYC nightlife in the late ’90s — residencies, record stores & legendary mentors• Moving to Las Vegas — DJ burnout, anxiety & the moment everything had to change• Founding The MAC Agency — turning relationships into a real business• The MAC Vinyl Collective — building a roster around vinyl culture• Becoming Anderson .Paak’s vinyl curator (DJ Pee .Wee) — how it actually happened• Touring the world — vinyl DJing at the highest level• Passion vs survival — knowing when to pivot without leaving the culture• Why vinyl still matters — ritual, taste, and the thrill of the digThis episode is for DJs, diggers, music lovers, and anyone trying to turn passion into something sustainable — without losing themselves along the way.📸 Follow:instagram.com/gems.podcast🎧 Watch / Listen:YouTube → @GemsPodcastSpotify • Apple Podcasts • everywhere🔖 Hashtags#GemsWithShom #EddieMac #AndersonPaak #DJPeeWee #CrateDigging #BeatDigging #DJLife #MusicBusiness #RecordCollectors #MACAgency #VinylOnly #HipHopCulture #SoulMusic #DJCulture #PassionToBusiness | — | ||||||
| 1/2/26 | DJ Rashida: The Story Behind Prince’s DJ | Ep 29 | DJ Rashida joins Gems with Shom for an unforgettable conversation about music, magnetization, and staying true to your taste.From growing up in deeply musical households to being shaped by Atlanta’s 90s underground scene, Rashida shares how DJing became the vehicle that led her to becoming Prince’s longtime DJ — and to a life beyond anything she could’ve planned.We talk Mama’s Crates, record digging, anti-gatekeeping, vinyl vs digital, and why authenticity is the real cheat code in music and life.🎙 This episode explores:• Becoming Prince’s DJ• Musical mentorship & magnetizing opportunity• Crate digging, mixtapes & record-store education• Mama’s Crates and building community through knowledge• Taste, ritual, and why deep listening still matters• Redefining success through purpose & motherhoodFor anyone who believes music opens doors — and that the right records can change your life. | — | ||||||
| 12/23/25 | Fleetgotheat: Drum Breaks and Knowledge | Ep 28 | In this episode of Gems with Shom, I’m joined by Fleetgotheat — artist, producer, and one of the biggest voices breaking down classic drum breaks and production techniques on the internet right now.Fleetgotheat built a massive following by sharing drum breaks and beat science without gatekeeping. From breaking down where iconic drums come from, to talking through chopping and sequencing, what started as research and curiosity turned into a global conversation — introducing new generations to the foundations of hip-hop, funk, soul, and beat digging.We talk about growing up in Chicago, learning music through family record collections, discovering sampling through Nas, Kanye, and soul records, and why drum breaks — and understanding how to use them — still matter today, even in an era where “everything is searchable.”This is a conversation about ear over equipment, curiosity over gatekeeping, and why sharing information doesn’t dilute culture — it amplifies it.🎙 In this episode, we get into:• The rise of Fleetgotheat’s classic drum break series• Chicago roots and early musical exposure• Poetry, writing, and the path into beat-making• Learning production through Ableton + early SoundCloud days• Anti-gatekeeping and knowledge sharing in hip-hop• Why information alone doesn’t replace taste• Drum breaks as history, education, and community📸 Follow: instagram.com/gems.podcast🎧 Watch / Listen: YouTube @GemsPodcast + Spotify / Apple / everywhere#GemsWithShom #Fleetgotheat #DrumBreaks #BeatDigging #HipHopKnowledge #AntiGatekeeping #ProducerCulture #SampleCulture #DrumHistory #VinylCulture | — | ||||||
| 12/16/25 | J Scienide: From Pause Tapes to Records | This episode of Gems with Shom features J Scienide — Charlotte-raised, Washington, DC transplant, MC / producer, and a true student of music.J Scienide takes us from his earliest days learning through pause tapes and digging through his father’s records… to pressing his first records… to becoming one of the most prolific independent artists in today’s underground.It’s a story about music obsession and building a real career from passion — even when the path isn’t straight.🎙 In this episode, we get into:Charlotte roots and early studio daysFirst exposure to beat digging (drum breaks, grandma’s records, dad’s jazz/funk)Pause tapes, early beats, and the moment that made him start creatingThe first vinyl milestone - pooling money to press wax and getting an MF DOOM cosignThe road to finding his laneAtlanta and DC chapters, rebuilding, and linking with Kev Brown + the Low Budget familyThe pandemic shift — setting up a home studio, locking in, and flooding the world with projectsMajor cosigns + momentum (Hot 97 / Flex, Rosenberg, global DJ support)Static King Records + Fat Beats distribution — turning the vision into infrastructureFlashes in the Dark — his latest project with UK producer Giallo PointWhy the ear matters more than the equipment — and how limitations created his best workThis one’s for anyone who loves digging culture and the real story of how artists build something lasting from the ground up.📸 Follow: https://www.instagram.com/gems.podcast/🎧 Watch / Listen: YouTube @GemsPodcast + Spotify / Apple / everywhere#GemsWithShom #JScienide #UndergroundHipHop #CrateDigging #PauseTapes #Beatdigging #FatBeats #StaticKingRecords #ProducerLife | — | ||||||
| 12/9/25 | Eilon Paz: Dust & Grooves — From Idea to Success | Ep 26 | This episode of Gems with Shom features Eilon Paz — photographer, world traveler, storyteller, and creator of Dust & Grooves, the iconic book that became a global celebration of record culture.From a small desert town in Israel…to hustling as a photographer in NYC during the 2008 recession…to documenting over 300 of the world’s most passionate record collectors…Eilon shares how a personal photo project transformed into a best-selling book and cultural time capsule. This is a conversation about creativity, community, risk-taking, and building something meaningful from scratch.🎙 Episode Highlights:• Origins of Dust & Grooves — how one idea sparked a global movement• The 6-year journey — 300 collectors, 1,000+ pages, endless stories• Travel adventures — Suriname, Guyana, Cameroon, Japan, France, Israel• The turning point — Random House calls (after passing), Questlove reaches out• Photographing private collections — trust, access & storytelling• Survival mode → creativity — why risk shaped Eilon’s best work• His next big project — a global deep dive with top collectors• Passion, purpose & staying true to the craftA must-listen for fans of vinyl culture, photography, creativity, and long-form storytelling.📸 Follow the show: instagram.com/gems.podcast#DustAndGrooves #GemsWithShom #EilonPaz #VinylCommunity #RecordCollectors #PhotographyLife | — | ||||||
| 12/2/25 | Rob “Late Bloomer” Geddis: Confessions of a Record Buyer - Utrecht Record Fair & Late-Night Sessions | Ep 25 | In this episode of Gems with Shom, we sit down with Rob “Late Bloomer” Geddis - professional record buyer at the legendary Princeton Record Exchange, lifelong beat digger, and the man behind those late-night posts that make collectors everywhere say, “What is that record?!”From buying thousands of records a week to navigating basement collections across the Northeast, Rob shares what it really means to be a full-time record buyer. We get into the chaos and magic of the Utrecht Record Fair in the Netherlands, the global digging community, and why taste, patience, and curiosity matter more than ever.This episode goes beyond the crates — into identity, loss, discovery, and the lifelong practice of staying inspired.In this episode:Life as a professional record buyer at Princeton Record ExchangeUtrecht Record Fair stories: characters, chaos & long-lost grailsLate-night Instagram digging posts and the art of sharing musicEarly years: skateboarding, MTV raps, sample hunting, college radioEvolving taste — jazz-rock, psych, folk, library, global vibesKnowledge vs. gatekeeping in digging cultureWhy “peace” is the thing he values most todayIf you love vinyl culture, beat digging, hip hop, rare grooves, or just hearing two music obsessives talk with passion — this one is for you.Follow the show: instagram.com/gems.podcastWatch on YouTube: youtube.com/@Gems.Podcast | — | ||||||
| 11/25/25 | Phonte: Deep Cuts & The Art of Reinvention | Ep 24 | This episode of Gems with Shom features Phonte Coleman — Grammy-nominated rapper, singer, songwriter, filmmaker, actor, and one of the most talented, diverse, and prolific voices of his generation. From Little Brother to The Foreign Exchange, from elite MC craftsmanship to deeply soulful compositions, to film and voice acting, Phonte’s career is a masterclass in evolution and risk-taking.But this conversation is different.Instead of a traditional interview, Phonte and Shom riff, reflect, and break down the music and life lessons that shaped his journey — creativity, growth, and why reinvention isn’t an act… it’s an intentional practice.What emerges is rare: an honest, funny, deeply human look at an artist who refuses to stop evolving.🎙 We dive into:• Little Brother to Foreign Exchange — how collaboration shaped his sound & worldview• The Art of Reinvention — why your best chapter can still be ahead• Evolution in Real Time — music, acting, creativity & risk-taking• The power of being a lifelong student — entering new fields with humility and courage• His deep crates & love for old records — and his passion for DJing• DIY for life — how Phonte navigates the entertainment business on his own terms• The joy of rediscovery — why he still loves learning, listening, and being surprised | — | ||||||
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Chart Positions
3 placements across 3 markets.
Chart Positions
3 placements across 3 markets.