THE PLUG W/ JUSTIN JAY

Justin Jay

The Plug w/ Justin Jay is a bi-monthly arts and culture podcast offering unfiltered, long-form conversations with the artists, entertainers, and innovators shaping today’s world. Tired of sound bites and PR-driven content? Each episode dives deep into the career challenges, inspirations, and current projects of these cultural trailblazers from music to politics. The Plug is your antidote to short-attention-span culture. New episodes drop every other Thursday. read less

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Cey Adams is a New York City-based painter, designer, and the founding Creative Director of Def Jam Recordings. Emerging from the downtown graffiti scene alongside iconic artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, Adams began his career tagging subway cars and creating graffiti murals. Immersed in the vibrant art and music culture of the era, he connected with The Beastie Boys, collaborating with them to design their first logo, t-shirts, and singles. Around the same time, he began working with music producer Russell Simmons at RUSH Artist Management, where he created logos and merchandise for their roster of artists. This led to his tenure with Simmons and Rick Rubin at Def Jam, where Adams designed some of the most iconic album covers of hip-hop's golden era, including works for Public Enemy, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Slick Rick, and many others. As a highly respected designer and painter, Adams has collaborated with global brands such as Levi’s, Mattel, The Recording Academy, Apple, Bacardi, IDEO, Foot Locker, Converse, YouTube, and Google. In 2019, Pabst Brewing Company commissioned Adams to reimagine their iconic Pabst Blue Ribbon logo, resulting in a design featured on 150 million cans distributed nationwide. In this episode, we delve into the dynamics of collaborating with marketing departments, artists, and photographers during his time at Def Jam. Adams shares his perspective on why he considers The Beastie Boys one of the most influential, creative, and self-driven groups of their era. We also explore the power of branding, the significance of logos, and the tension between art and commerce when a downtown DIY ethos collides with corporate culture. Tune in for a conversation with this trailblazing artist who helped shape the visual identity of hip-hop. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii’s North Shore by Justin Jay: https://www.hi1k.com/ The Plug Logo and Branding by Italic Studio: https://italic-studio.com/studio/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episodes

Cey Adams is a New York City-based painter, designer, and the founding Creative Director of Def Jam Recordings. Emerging from the downtown graffiti scene alongside iconic artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, Adams began his career tagging subway cars and creating graffiti murals. Immersed in the vibrant art and music culture of the era, he connected with The Beastie Boys, collaborating with them to design their first logo, t-shirts, and singles. Around the same time, he began working with music producer Russell Simmons at RUSH Artist Management, where he created logos and merchandise for their roster of artists. This led to his tenure with Simmons and Rick Rubin at Def Jam, where Adams designed some of the most iconic album covers of hip-hop's golden era, including works for Public Enemy, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Slick Rick, and many others. As a highly respected designer and painter, Adams has collaborated with global brands such as Levi’s, Mattel, The Recording Academy, Apple, Bacardi, IDEO, Foot Locker, Converse, YouTube, and Google. In 2019, Pabst Brewing Company commissioned Adams to reimagine their iconic Pabst Blue Ribbon logo, resulting in a design featured on 150 million cans distributed nationwide. In this episode, we delve into the dynamics of collaborating with marketing departments, artists, and photographers during his time at Def Jam. Adams shares his perspective on why he considers The Beastie Boys one of the most influential, creative, and self-driven groups of their era. We also explore the power of branding, the significance of logos, and the tension between art and commerce when a downtown DIY ethos collides with corporate culture. Tune in for a conversation with this trailblazing artist who helped shape the visual identity of hip-hop. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii’s North Shore by Justin Jay: https://www.hi1k.com/ The Plug Logo and Branding by Italic Studio: https://italic-studio.com/studio/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arto Saari is a Finnish professional skateboarder and photographer. He is one of only two Europeans to ever win Thrasher Magazine’s prestigious Skater of the Year award, and he's one of the most respected and influential skaters of his generation. Arto built his legacy through groundbreaking video parts and endured numerous brutal injuries along the way. Eventually, he transitioned from professional skating to pursue his passion for photography. His recently released book, Bike Path, intimately captures the vibrant culture and community of Hawaii’s North Shore. In this episode, we dive into the contrasts between skateboarding and surfing culture, we dig into the complex interplay of pain, injury, substance abuse, and addictive personalities in skateboarding, and we discuss the challenging path many pro skaters face as they navigate life beyond their skating careers Bike Path by Arto Saari: https://www.artosaari.com/bikepath-book HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii’s North Shore by Justin Jay: https://www.hi1k.com/ Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ROY WOOD JR. - ENCORE EPISODE

ROY WOOD JR. - ENCORE EPISODE

Election Week Special Encore Episode - In a media landscape often clouded by misinformation, spin, and opinion posing as news, celebrating those with a large platform who are committed to speaking truth to power is more important than ever. Roy Wood Jr. is a stand-up comedian and the host of CNN’s Have I Got News for You. He regularly appears on The Daily Show, has hosted the prestigious White House Correspondents' Dinner, and has earned critical acclaim for his numerous stand-up specials. Throughout his career, he’s boldly addressed sensitive issues around race and social class. His Comedy Central special Imperfect Messenger is a masterclass in using comedy not just to entertain but to unify and spark meaningful conversation. In this episode, we discuss the challenges of critiquing the Black community, his commitment to pulling no punches when performing in front of powerful politicians, and why he sees Jack Bauer from 24 as the perfect metaphor for navigating the entertainment industry. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Luxxury is a music producer and the co-host of the richly informative One Song podcast. Each week they take a deep dive into a single classic song, and explore the inspirations and specific production techniques that make the track unique. By playing rare, isolated vocal and instrumental stems, they give listeners the chance to rediscover familiar songs, revealing details and textures often hidden in the full mix. So what is the difference between sampling, interpolation, and outright plagiarism? Why is the Jamaican concept of copyright, creatively and the ownership of music almost completely opposite of the way we think of it in the US? Why is it now legally risky to use the overall vibe and arrangements of a Marvin Gaye track as inspiration for your own song? We’ll find out as we sit down for a chat with someone who blends technology with his passion for music history to shed new light on your favorite songs. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com. https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NIKOLAI FRAITURE

NIKOLAI FRAITURE

Nikolai Fraiture is the bassist for the New York based rock band The Strokes. In 2001, the band went from playing small clubs on the Lower East Side to becoming one of the most hyped and talked about bands in the industry. After 6 albums and over 20 years together, this massively influential band continues to create innovative and unique music. In 2021 their album The New Abnormal won Best Rock Album and earned the band their first Grammy. In this episode we discuss how Nikolai managed to stay humble and keep a healthy perspective after The Strokes experienced a sudden rise to fame almost overnight. We also hear some behind the scene stories about recording albums in Malibu and Costa Rica with acclaimed producer Rick Rubin. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MOON UNIT ZAPPA

MOON UNIT ZAPPA

Moon Unit Zappa is the daughter of legendary musician Frank Zappa and the author of a new autobiography. In her book, Earth to Moon, she reflects on her unconventional upbringing, and she shares a candid account of what it was like growing up in Los Angeles with a rock star father. At just 14 years old, she approached her father with the idea to collaborate on a song—not in pursuit of fame or a music career, but as a way to spend more time with him. That song, Valley Girl, became an unexpected smash hit, and her life changed almost overnight. In this episode, we dive into Moon’s profound respect and pride for her father’s musical legacy, while also addressing the lingering resentment she feels over a childhood marked by manipulation, deceit, and disappointment. We’ll also uncover some captivating celebrity stories from her book and explore how sudden fame can affect a teenager. Tune in for a conversation with this multi-talented author, actress, entrepreneur, and the artist who left a lasting mark on pop culture with her iconic slang from the song Valley Girl. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MGMT are the musical duo of Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser, known for creating irresistibly catchy, genre-blurring music. Since their time as art students in the early 2000s, they’ve released five studio albums, garnered critical acclaim, and cultivated a devoted fan base. Their newest album Loss of Life is available now. In this episode, we dive into how they continually push the boundaries of pop and indie music while still maintaining their unmistakable sound. We also discuss the politics of performing at Madison Square Garden, their unexpected rise to TikTok fame, and how their views on drugs have evolved since their debut album. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation with the artists behind the hits 'Kids' and 'Little Dark Age Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

T.J. Miller is a standup comedian and actor who has appeared on Silicon Valley, Deadpool, Transformers, and numerous comedy specials. Although he’s had a taste of Hollywood success, lately he’s chosen a different path. Rather than chasing acting roles on the west coast, he’s made the conscious choice to live in New York City and continue to tirelessly refine his skills as a Manhattan standup comic. This week we sit down to discuss why being a respected comic is more important to him than being recognized as a great actor. We'll also find out what being a philosophy major taught him about comedy and what happens when you spill a drink on someone at a party wearing a gold-sequined tuxedo. Don't miss this special episode recorded live at Newsstand Studios in Rockefeller Center. *This episode was recorded prior to the WGA and SAG strikes. The Plug w/ Justin Jay wholeheartedly supports the efforts of actors and writers and stands in solidarity with its union members. To learn more please see the links below.. https://www.sagaftrastrike.org/ https://www.wgacontract2023.org/strike-hub Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Sachs is an esteemed New York artist that makes handcrafted mixed media sculptures that are provocative and whimsical. His Chanel chainsaw, oversized painting of Krusty The Clown, and elaborate recreations of NASA spacecraft are mesmerizing. You can find his work in the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim and in venerable galleries across the globe. This week, we sit down to discuss the bizarre politics of the art world, his philosophy on dedication and successes, and ponder why it’s so difficult to get quality ding repair for a surfboard. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Andersen is a Surfing Hall of Fame inductee and a 4 time consecutive world champion. As a teenager, she left behind a troubled home life in Florida to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional surfer. By 25, she was ranked the best female surfer on the planet. With her aggressive yet elegant style, she helped transform the entire perception of female competitive surfing. This episode we sit down to discuss the emotional challenges of being the subject of a documentary film about your life, we hear some hilarious behind the scenes stories from her years on tour, and we learn how opening the door for an entire generation of female surfers didn't necessary translate to massive economic success. Tune in for a compelling story of perseverance and determination from this true icon of the sport. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Hawk is the most recognizable skateboarder on the planet. This episode, we discuss his experiences with Jackass, the joys and challenges of fatherhood, and how dominating contests as a teenage skateboarder left him feeling like an outsider amongst his peers. We also chat about Tony's documentary film "Until The Wheels Fall Off” which chronicles his amazing evolution from a lanky adolescent skater to a global action sports sensation. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Ament plays bass in Pearl Jam and is a founding member of the band. He’s also been an avid skateboarding since he was a teenager. He's self-financed the construction of over 27 skate parks across his home state of Montana. It’s a source of immense gratification for him, and he often visits these parks in person to sweep the concrete, skate with the kids, and witness firsthand the impact that he’s made. This week we sit down to chat about his new band Deaf Charlie, his experience traveling with Pearl Jam vs a side project, and why he's going on a 1200 mile skateboarding mission with kids that he met at one of his skateparks. Plus, find out who Jeff gives his Plug of The Week to. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JONATHAN MANNION

JONATHAN MANNION

Jonathan Mannion is a music and portrait photographer who has shot an astounding 300 album covers. He’s worked with virtually every prominent name in hip-hop from Jay Z to DMX, Eminem to Nas. His portrait of DMX dripping in crimson blood stands as one of the most iconic images ever taken of the late rapper. In this episode we discuss how to keep the momentum of a successful photography career going when magazines are approaching extinction, and the demand for album packaging has basically been reduced to a thumbnail on a music streaming app. We also discuss his time assisting for Richard Avedon, and hear some on-set stories from his shoots with Gucci Mane, Nipsey Hussle, Mos Def, and many more. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dante Ross is a music producer and pioneering hip-hop A&R executive. During his time at Tommy Boy and Elektra Records he played a pivotal role in the success of acts such as De La Soul, Brand Nubian, Busta Rhymes, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, MF Doom, Everlast, and Old Dirty Bastard. In his new autobiography titled "Son of The City," he recounts with vivid detail his formative years growing up on Manhattan's Lower East Side and his involvement with the vibrant subcultures of skateboarding, punk rock, and hip-hop. Tune in for a captivating conversation with one of the most enduring and influential figures from the golden age of hip-hop. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dick Cavett is a trailblazing tv host who played a defining role in shaping the talk format during the late 1960s. His show eventually became the favored place for legends like Ali, Lennon, Brando and Hendrix to a sit down for a compelling long-form conversation rarely seen on television today. This week we sit down to find out how a humble small town boy from Nebraska went from a comedy writer to Groucho Marx and Jerry Lewis to become an icon of television and one of the most revered talk show hosts of all time. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DEVENDRA BANHART

DEVENDRA BANHART

Devendra Banhart is a prolific artist and musician who has earned a reputation for his genre-defying sound. Drawing from an incredibly diverse range of influences, he’s released 10 studio albums and cultivated a loyal fanbase spanning from Santiago to Silverlake. In this episode we sit down for a chat with this Texas-born, Venezuela-raised, and San Francisco educated singer about psilocybin mushroom trips, sneaking backstage at a Guns and Roses show in South America as a teenager, and how skateboarding videos from the 80’s influenced his musical tastes. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DAVID PEREZ-SHADI

DAVID PEREZ-SHADI

David Perez-Shadi directed the iconic music videos for House of Pain's "Jump Around”, The Beastie Boys' "Gratitude”, and he’s collaborated with streetwear brands like Supreme, Stussy, and Billionaire Boys Club. For over three decades, David has been a prominent figure in downtown New York, documenting hip-hop, skateboarding, and graffiti for over three decades. In this episode, we'll dive into David's journey from a shy bike messenger from the Bronx to becoming the go-to photographer for some of the coolest brands and artists in the game. We’ll also hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes tales from his most chaotic shoots and learn what happened when the RZA went missing during a big budget video. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TINKER HATFIELD

TINKER HATFIELD

Tinker Hatfield is widely considered to be one of the most influential sneaker designers of all time. During his time at Nike, he's collaborated with legendary athletes like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant to create some of the most iconic and beloved sneakers of all time, from the Air Jordan to the Air Max. He is quite literally the Michael Jordan of Jordans. In this episode, we chat with Tinker about how design, performance, cutting-edge materials and marketing have helped create an entire subculture where sneakers are commodities sold for thousands of dollars. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NATHAN FLORENCE

NATHAN FLORENCE

Nathan Florence is a big-wave charger from the North Shore and brother to 2X world champion surfer John John Florence. In the past few years, Nathan has made a name for himself by tackling some of the biggest and most consequential waves on the planet. But it's not just his surfing that's earned him a following. He’s also known for his compelling social media content, providing fans with an inside look at his life as a pro surfer and adventure-seeker. Join us as we chat with Nathan about what lessons he’s learned from his brother, some skills he's acquired to survive a wipeout at Pipeline, and why we might have reached a tipping point of chaos in the lineups on the North Shore. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roy Wood Jr. is a multi-talented comedian who’s not afraid to tackle sensitive issues relating to race or social class. He’s appeared on The Daily Show, hosted the prestigious White House Correspondents dinner, and has garnered critical acclaim for his numerous standup specials. His Comedy Central special Imperfect Messenger is masterclass on how how comedy can be a tool not just to entertain but to unify and inspire conversation. In this episode we discuss the perils of critiquing the black community, why he refused to pull punches while doing comedy in front of President Biden, and how Jack Bauer from the tv show 24 relates to being in the entertainment business. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices