<p>⚠️ This is a <strong>rerelease</strong> of a previously aired episode (original air date: June 17, 2023), but it’s too rich not to revisit. Sage Francis—the indie hip-hop icon and founder of Strange Famous Records—joined Tai for a vulnerable, hilarious, and inspiring conversation right before his big return to the stage at Rhymefest LA and the Strange Famous Fest in Denver.</p><p>🎙️ What you’ll hear:<br>– Sage details the <em>anxiety-fueled odyssey</em> to get to Rhymefest after a multi-year hiatus<br>– Raw stories of fatherhood, therapy, and what it means to cry during your own verses<br>– Hilarious festival chaos, artist neglect, and sneaking into your own show<br>– Sage’s reflections on classic tracks like “Make Them Purr” and “Best of Times”<br>– Deep dives into his essential albums and his ongoing legacy in indie music<br>– A peek at his collab with Chuck D &amp; Buck 65</p><p>🎧 <strong>Music Recommendations from the Episode:</strong></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1svIEmWwWWLeaZ9C4LxoZf" target="_new" rel="noopener">“Truth” – Alexander</a><br>From the <em>Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant</em> soundtrack, this slow-burn track evokes resilience through loss.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/7CBZxMiCh7W1OMQFhCUsXG" target="_new" rel="noopener">“Sky High” – Ceschi &amp; Factor Chandelier</a><br>From the album <em>Moving Like A Planet</em>, a surreal anthem of unrelenting momentum.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1eZLVPkaYZoTefUncZlFy7" target="_new" rel="noopener">“Silver Spoons” – Cas One &amp; Alexander Brown</a><br>Heavy, poetic, and introspective—Cas One at his lyrical peak.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/0hUumL6wZTzRmNgH4bXAXp" target="_new" rel="noopener">“Inherited Scars” – Sage Francis</a><br>A haunting reflection on trauma and personal legacy.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5ik9fSLOPVvXGqWw1RDN5E" target="_new" rel="noopener">“Gaims” – KAMAUU</a><br>A quirky bounce track with experimental vocals and clever playfulness.</p></li></ul><p>🎬 <strong>Movie Mentioned:</strong><br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02PPMPArNEQ" target="_new" rel="noopener"><em>Guy Ritchie&#39;s The Covenant</em></a><br>Tough and unexpectedly restrained, the film follows an Afghan interpreter and a U.S. soldier through loyalty, war, and survival.</p><p>📌 <strong>Did You Know?</strong><br>Sage Francis’s 2014 album <em>Copper Gone</em> was written in a secluded Rhode Island home and reflects his withdrawal from public life. The emotional weight behind tracks like “Make Them Purr” and “Vonnegut Busy” stem from his experiences with grief, artistic fatigue, and rebuilding from solitude.</p><p>🔗 Support the artists &amp; partners:<br><a href="https://www.instagram.com/artbytai" target="_new" rel="noopener">ArtByTai</a><br><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dod45w" target="_new" rel="noopener">DOD45</a><br><a href="https://strangefamousrecords.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Strange Famous Records</a><br><a href="https://mrdibbs.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Mr. Dibbs</a><br><a