Written Gems

On this episode of Written Gems, Ketch P and Nametag cover a little bit of everything. We kick things off with a conversation about Black men's health and the importance of mobility before shifting into one of our favorite topics, R&B storytelling. From Bobby Womack's "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much" to a few classic examples from Joe, we're breaking down the fine...

In this episode of Written Gems, we dig deep into what’s considered to be one of the most important singles in rap history, “Self Destruction" by The Stop The Violence Movement (1989). This song is a who's-who of East Coast royalty: Heavy D, Chuck D, Flavor Flav, MC Lyte, Kool Moe Dee, Doug E. Fresh, Stetsasonic, and more. This was bigger than just a song. It was a statement. We're breaking down t...

On this episode of Written Gems, hosts Ketch P and Nametag Alexander dig deep into one of the most iconic charity singles ever recorded, "We Are The World" by USA for Africa. Released on March 7, 1985, the platinum-selling, history-making anthem was co-written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, and brought together nearly 50 of the biggest names in music,...

On this episode of Written Gems, Nametag Alexander and Ketch P pull up the info on one of the most deceptively smooth records of the '90s TLC's "Creep." Released on Halloween night of 1994, the Dallas Austin-penned classic didn't just top the Billboard Hot 100, it rewired how the world thought about women cheating. Built on a looped Slick Rick sample and a trumpet so lonely it aches, "Creep" was a...

On this episode of Written Gems, Nametag Alexander and Ketch P break down the highly talked-about Michael movie based on the life of the legendary Michael Jackson. From the box office success and Jaafar Jackson’s performance, to the deleted scenes, controversy, and rumors of a possible Part 2. We unpack the movie, the legacy, and the conversation surrounding one of music’s most iconic figures. Ins...

For Merch  https://nametag.bandcamp.com/merch In this episode of  Written Gems , we break down  Mo’ Better Blues (1990) — the iconic jazz drama directed by Spike Leeand starring Denzel Washington — and explore how music drives the entire narrative. We analyze the character of Bleek Gilliam , the tension between artistry and ego, the complicated dynamics of love and loyalty, and how the jazz soundt...

Music & Merch 👇🏾 https://nametag.bandcamp.com/merch On this episode of  Written Gems , we break down “Ain’t My Type Of Hype” by Full Force—a song forever cemented in hip-hop history through the  House Party  soundtrack and its iconic dance battle scene. Me and Ketch P dig into the writing, attitude, and cultural timing that made this record hit harder than just a movie moment. This isn’t nos...

In the inaugural episode of Written Gems, Nametag and Ketch P unpack Stevie Wonder’s heartfelt classic “These Three Words.” This isn’t just a song — it’s a lesson in vulnerability, in saying what matters before it’s too late. Stevie’s lyrics are simple, but the truth behind them is anything but. Join two songwriters as they explore love, regret, craft, and what makes a lyric timeless. If you’ve ev...