Released: April 26, 2015

Featuring: Saul Williams SameOldShawn Julia Hannafin

Songwriter: Saul Williams

Producer: Genius

Saul Williams is man who can wear many hats: actor, rapper, poet. For Williams, the line was never cut between fields; instead, he was always trying to blend, to collaborate, to draw from one medium to influence another. In third grade, Williams was rapping in Shakespearean English and French — simply because that’s what he was learning in school. By the time he was 16, he was writing one of the first hip hop operas — or “hip hopera”. Williams most recent role sees him taking on the legacy of 2Pac Shakur in the Broadway musical, ‘Holler If Ya Hear Me’, based on the songs of the legendary MC. The musical doesn’t shy away from tough topics, tackling issues such as gun violence and racism head on — through the lens of a community that fights against outside pressure together, that feels its pains together

We talked to Williams about the influence Pac had on him, his role in ‘Holler’, rhymes, racism, home grown terrorism, when comes the time to stop “turning the other cheek”, and much more

If you enjoy our interview, you can check out annotated show excerpts

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Outside the Lines With Rap Genius

The space for annotated excerpts from our critically acclaimed podcast. Visit this page for background information, song clips, and more!

The show is now known as The Cipher, and it brings you the same great interviews you’ll find here, but with a revamped and improved style and format. Hear full episodes of the podcast (and subscribe!) on iTunes or visit us at theciphershow.com.