Episode 59 · Feb 25, 2026
Conversations
Mgr/DJ Of A Tribe Called Quest’s Phife Dawg, Professor & Producer of Future Stars
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Join host Daniel Rosenberg for a heartfelt, behind-the-scenes conversation with DJ/producer Dion Liverpool (DJ Rasta Root), a true legend who traveled the world before becoming Phife Dawg’s trusted DJ, co-manager, and close friend during A Tribe Called Quest’s solo and reunion eras. From childhood mixtapes in remote countries to studio sessions with Tribe legends, Dion shares the authentic path of building real relationships in hip-hop, the shift from vinyl crates to instant digital drops, why soul and storytelling still matter in today’s fast-paced scene, and how he now teaches the next generation at Emory University while guiding emerging Atlanta artists. This episode is for anyone who believes music should connect cultures, endure generations, and come from genuine passion, not shortcuts.
In This Episode
- Teaser
- Welcome DJ Rasta Root
- From Canada to the world
- The fairy-tale moment
- Remembering Phife
- Touring legends
- Guiding the next wave
- How has social media and short attention spans changed music creation forever?
- Is storytelling disappearing from rap, and why does soul still matter?
- Protecting your art
- From classrooms to stages
- Entertaining troops abroad
- Hip-hop without borders
- Outsiders finding home
- Building timeless music
- Staying innocent
- Honest feedback
- Passion beyond music
- Final wisdom
