Podcast like a Mixtape 💽🎧💯
“You Already”
The #trueOGseries is a Hip Hop podcast created by Bishop Tha DJ and Son Brave in Baltimore, Maryland. TrueOG began life as a Bishop mixtape released in 2014. The tape’s great reception on the local scene helped it to evolve into a mixtapes series. Recording at Street Legal Studios, the brothers eventually converted the “TrueOG” series into the weekly podcast #trueOGseries in 2017.
Conceptually dubbed “The Podcast like a Mixtape”, each episode is aimed at providing listeners the best music and blends from above and underground by Bishop Tha DJ with discourse in Hip Hop sealed by Son Brave’s signature “You Already” tag. The operation expanded into live events in 2023 with an organic “live mixtape” at Pennsylvania and North Avenue in Baltimore. Inspired by Rakim & J.Period’s live mixtape from 2021, the event drew a cypher from the crowd that included several MC battles - all in good fun. This led the series to being covered by local media in Baltimore for providing a safe platform for artists to connect with their fans and make a positive impact on their community.
As they continue to expand around the world, you can find #trueOGseries on all streaming platforms for podcasts. Their primary social media accounts are YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe to the podcast here.
Photo by Ryan Lyons
Bishop Tha DJ
For years, Bishop ThaDJ has paid dues and earned respect. A hidden gem from the golden age of Hip Hop in the late 80’s – early 90’s, Bishop spent time learning the craft from Baltimore legend DJ Class after school and listening to Frank Ski on WEEB AM. When Bishop lived in Brooklyn, New York during the 90’s, he took this knowledge and began to explore the thriving Hip Hop scene.
Being in the streets of NY gave Bishop a true hands-on experience, carrying crates for legendary DJ’s, buying rare vinyl for his crew in Baltimore and even wraps from the infamous vending machines of the legendary D&D studios (RIP). The allure of other financial opportunities eventually led Bishop away from the Hip Hop scene; however, his ears always stayed glued to the Beats with his mixtapes.
#trueOGseries is Bishop’s birth child - blending the finest combination of street-wise, hard knock music with intelligent and thought-provoking dialogue by his brother, Son Brave, and cousin, Legendary Jay, in between. No matter what age you are, respect is earned and never given from a True O.G.
Listen to Bishop’s mixes and blends here.
Son Brave
Son Brave is a multidisciplinary artist who is driven by his passion to explore the ethics, liberty and identity of humanity through his music. He was inspired by his family's love of music, which ranged from '60s soul to '90s R&B/Hip Hop.
A childhood accident which left a scar on Son’s forehead led him to develop a reserved nature and he felt like a black sheep growing up. However, he found refuge in music and began to express himself through rap cyphers, message boards and blogs in the 2000s & 2010s under the names “The Black Sunn” and “Sun Zulu”. This exposure led to touring, collaborations and live performances around the country.
While in Chicago, Son Brave visited the Harold Washington Library and learned about YOUmedia, a program that provides musical resources to young students with good grades for free. He was inspired by this program and determined to bring similar change to Baltimore. He began to work with nonprofit organizations, (such as the AFSC, By Peaceful Means and more), to empower city youth through artistic expression.
After receiving a Bachelor's of Science degree in Multiplatform Production from Morgan State University, Son continues to create art that explores the ethics, identity, and liberty of humanity. His understanding of growing up as a black sheep aids in his goal of creating “time capsules” with each project to invite future generations to find refuge in his art.
Visit www.sonbrave.com for more info.