Written Gems
A series where songwriters Nametag Alexander and Ketch P dive into the songs they wish they wrote, the lyrical skillset , the storytelling, and the moments that inspire reflection. From the classics, the current, to music-based films, every episode explores the craft behind the songs and stories that became legendary. Join two creative minds as they celebrate, deconstruct, and pay homage to the writers behind the gems.
Junii On Independence, Detroit, And Owning Her Identity | #12
Detroit artist Junii joins “Written
Gems” for an open conversation about building a career on her own terms. She talks about the freedom and the pressure of handling so much of her music herself, and how she deals with early cosigns without letting them define her. She also looks back on how her sound has changed from her early days to her newest work, and how she approaches songwriting and perspective.
Junii also covers her placements and how new listeners are finding her, how Detroit shapes her sound and ambition, what success looks like now, and who's on her dream collaborator list. She closes with the hardest part of her journey that listeners never see,
Audio version for pod 👇🏾
https://pods.link/jsvkt4n0pxvvf
Instagram:@writtengemspodcast @nametagalexander x @ketchp313 @dearjunii
Facebook Group: Written Gems
Youtube: @writtengemspod
26 Aug 2026
What Are Your Personal Top 7 Hip Hop Remixes | #11
On Episode 11 of Written Gems, Nametag Alexander and Ketch P take a trip through their personal Hip Hop memories and each reveal their 7 favorite remixes of all time.
No official rankings. No “greatest remixes ever” list. Just 14 personal favorites and a conversation about what made these remixes special, and why the culture of the remix doesn't feel quite the same anymore.
From posse cuts and alternate versions to remixes that completely changed the energy of the original song, we're celebrating one of Hip Hop's most creative traditions.
What are YOUR favorite Hip Hop remixes?
00:00 — Welcome To Written Gems
02:05 — Top Seven Remix Challenge
03:25 — Number Seven: Horse Remix
06:10 — Why Remixes Disappeared
09:15 — Number Six: Don’t Like Remix
12:05 — Number Five: Street Dreams Remix
15:00 — Number Four: 4321 Remix
18:10 — Number Three: Ain’t I Remix
21:20 — Number Two: Quiet Storm Remix
24:30 — Number One: One More Chance
28:15 — Remixes That Almost Made It
31:10 — Building More Written Gems Content
34:00 — The Importance Of Short-Form Content
36:20 — Go To Bed, Man
39:00 — What Should We Cover Next?
41:00 — Future R&B Remix Countdown
42:30 — Final Thoughts & Where To Find Us
Audio version for pod 👇🏾https://pods.link/jsvkt4n0pxvvf
Tap in on “Grouptube”https://group.tube/group/03c6a26f-5c34-47e8-9f12-0f726bd06411
LABL (Discord)
https://discord.gg/PwTtZvM3
29 Jul 2026
#10 “Why This Classic By The S.O.S Band Defined ‘80s R&B” w/ Jynn Cole
On Episode 10 of Written Gems, the show welcomes its first-ever guest, singer-songwriter Jynn Cole, for a conversation celebrating one of R&B's most timeless slow jams, "Tell Me If You Still Care" by The S.O.S. Band. Together, they explore the brilliance behind the Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis classic, discuss why the song continues to resonate decades later, and Jynn shares the creative journey behind her new album, Burnt Sugar. It's a conversation about songwriting, soul, and the stories that make great music unforgettable.
Audio version for pod 👇🏾
https://pods.link/jsvkt4n0pxvvf
Instagram:@writtengemspodcast @nametagalexander x @ketchp313 @jynncole
Facebook Group: Written Gems, Jynn Cole Music
Youtube: @writtengemspod @jynncolemusic454
Jynn Cole “Burnt Sugar”
https://orcd.co/pbvvvb9 (https://orcd.co/pbvvvb9?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio)
12 Jul 2026
#9 “We’re All In The Same Gang”
Episode 9 of Written Gems takes us back to 1990 as we revisit one of the most important posse cuts in hip-hop history, "We're All In The Same Gang" by the West Coast Rap All-Stars. Ketch P and Nametag break down how the record came together, the message behind it, the legendary lineup, and why this anti-violence anthem still deserves a listen today. From Dr. Dre's production to the unforgettable music video, we're celebrating another true Written Gem.
Instagram:@writtengemspodcast @nametagalexander x @ketchp313
Facebook Group: Written Gems
Youtube: @writtengemspod
6 Jul 2026
#7 “Dirtbaggin’ In R&B”
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 line between "dirt baggin'" and "dirty mackin'" in R&B, and why those songs still spark conversation today. Pull up and join us for another fun, honest discussion celebrating the stories behind the music.
Instagram:@writtengemspodcast @nametagalexander x @ketchp313
Facebook Group: Written Gems
Youtube: @writtengemspod
17 Jun 2026
#7 “Stop The Violence Movement | Self Destruction”
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 the history of this classic: why the release date was no accident, how an 18-year-old D-Nice slept under the mixing board for seven straight days, the label beef that kept LL Cool J off the record (and what he did about it), and why West Coast rappers showed up to the video shoot uninvited.
This is the story of a track born out of urgency, and delivered to the world on what would have been Martin Luther King Jr.'s 60th birthday.
Instagram:@writtengemspodcast @nametagalexander x @ketchp313
Facebook Group: Written Gems
Youtube: @writtengemspod
7 Jun 2026
#6 “We Are The World”
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, from Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder to Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, and Cyndi Lauper, all under one roof, all in one night. Ketch P and Nametag Alexander break down the obscure behind-the-scenes facts you never heard in the history books: why Bob Dylan had a near-meltdown before his solo, how Stevie Wonder's Swahili idea sent Waylon Jennings walking out the door, and the real reason Prince, at arguably the peak of his career fresh off Purple Rain, refused to step into that recording studio. The duo also explores the 2023 Netflix documentary The Greatest Night in Pop, which rips back the curtain on everything from Diana Ross fangirling over Daryl Hall to Cyndi Lauper's jewelry crashing the session. If you love deep-dive music history, untold celebrity stories, and gems the mainstream music world overlooked, this is the episode you've been waiting for.
Instagram:@writtengemspodcast @nametagalexander x @ketchp313
Facebook Group: Written Gems
Youtube: @writtengemspod
29 May 2026
#5 TLC’s “Creep”
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 song the group almost didn't make, by a producer who almost didn't release it, with a member who literally taped her mouth shut in protest.
Nametag and Ketch P bring their songwriter's eye to the hook, the narrative arc, the production choices, and the quiet confidence of T-Boz's delivery that made every word land like a threat wrapped in silk pajamas.
Whether you grew up with this record on repeat or you're hearing the story for the first time by the end of this episode, hopefully this convo sparks some good ol’ nostalgia .
Instagram: @writtengemspodcast @nametagalexander x @ketchp313
YouTube: @writtengemspod
20 May 2026
#4 A “Michael” Movie Discussion
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.
Instagram: @nametagalexander x @ketchp313
16 Feb 2026
#3 “Mo’ Better Blues”
For Merch
https://nametag.bandcamp.com/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 soundtrack shapes every emotional beat of the film. From its cinematography and cultural commentary to its impact on Black cinema and music storytelling, we unpack why Mo’ Better Blues remains a defining film about creative ambition and personal sacrifice.
As always on Written Gems, we connect the cultural dots — scene by scene, note by note — and revisit the legacy this film left on jazz, film soundtracks, and the portrayal of Black artists in American cinema.
Instagram: @nametagalexander x @ketchp313
9 Feb 2026
#2 “Ain’t My Type Of Hype”
Music & Merch 👇🏾
https://nametag.bandcamp.com/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 nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake—it’s about recognizing the pen and presence behind a legendary vibe.
Instagram: @nametagalexander x @ketchp313
1 Feb 2026
#1 “These Three Words”
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 ever wished you wrote a song that hits this deep, this one’s for you.
Instagram & Threads: @ketchp313 x @nametagalexander x @leadandbelegendary
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