BROADCASTS.com

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we\u2019re opening up\xa0The Opus\xa0podcast archives to re-release seasons focused on some of history's most legendary rap albums. First up, we revisit Fugees\u2019 classic\xa0The Score, which comes in at number 15 on\xa0Consequence\u2019s list of the\xa050 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time. You can see the full list on Consequence, and there will be loads of artist interviews, essays, and more coming throughout the month, so make sure to check it all out at\xa0Consequence.net.

You can also snag some of our exclusive Hip-Hop 50 merch at the\xa0Consequence Shop.

Here on\xa0The Opus, we\u2019ll also be re-releasing our season about Cypress Hill\u2019s self-titled record, so make sure to check back every Wednesday and Friday for fresh episodes from the archives.

Instead of returning to the studio with outside producers, the Fugees took their $150k advance from Ruffhouse Records and ventured off to \u2026 the basement. Specifically, the Booga Basement in East Orange, NJ, where Wyclef Jean\u2019s uncle and his cousin Jerry \u201cWonda\u201d Duplessis lived.

Booga, along with The Dungeon in Atlanta (where OutKast cut their debut), were two of the most successful underground studios in the game circa the mid-90s. These locales came with a productive, family vibe and endless head bobs to judge the quality of work.

In this episode, host Jill Hopkins speaks to producer Jerry Wonda about building a studio and a sound that would continue the tradition of great New Jersey hip-hop. They also discuss why this kind of DIY ethos is so important to groups in the process of defining their sounds.

Also heading into the basement are special guests Chris Schwartz and Joe Nicolo of Ruffhouse Records, in addition to MTV\u2019s Dometi Pongo and Genius executive editor Insanul Ahmed.

Original music by\xa0Tony Piazza.

Don't forget to\xa0enter our giveaway to win a Fugees prize pack, which includes vinyl, a turntable, and headphones. (Note: If you\u2019re having trouble seeing the widget, enter\xa0here.)