John Legend needs no introduction, but we’re going to give him one anyway. The Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and Oscar (aka EGOT) winner arrives at KCRW HQ fresh from attending the 2024 Olympic opening ceremony in Paris. He’s back stateside for two evenings at one of LA’s coziest amphitheaters — The Greek. Beginning on Friday Aug. 2 with an encore on Saturday, Aug. 3, the show promises to be an intimate affair featuring just John, his piano, and a whole host of stories from his illustrious career. His many decades as a performer will be well represented, but don’t be surprised to hear an extra cut or two from 2004 debut Get Lifted which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in December of this year. And speaking of throwing it back, check out this piece written in 1994 by a 15-year-old Legend (neé Stephens), more or less predicting his entire career arc as the winner of the “McDonald’s Black History Makers of Tomorrow’’ essay competition.
More: Throwback Session: John Legend live on MBE in 2014
But right now, Legend’s just here for a solid hang. He’s reflecting on his admiration for James Baldwin ahead of what would have been the literary icon’s 100th birthday, teasing a fun new album announcement coming soon, and of course — sharing some sweet, sweet tunes. Scroll on for his selects and click that player button on this page for the full experience.
Killer Mike – “SHED TEARS (Feat. Lena Byrd Miles & Mozzy)”
“I love the church in [this one]. My roots are in gospel music and the hook of the song features a great gospel singer [Lena Byrd Miles] and she's just wailing … it's the energy of the track, it's just really good.”
More: Killer Mike: KCRW Live From Apogee Studio
Mos Def – “Ms. Fat Booty”
“I still listen to the song like it's new. This reminds me of those sweaty nights in, like, house parties and little hip hop clubs in New York. And this song is the quintessential song for that moment. It's the jam: great storytelling, great beat, it samples Aretha Franklin… It's just a perfect hip hop record.”
Tay Da Prince – “Photo”
“[Tay Da Prince] is my nephew, so I’m a little biased, but he has this new song and video out called ‘Photo’ so we're gonna jam with that.”
JAY‐Z – “Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)”
“[This song] literally makes you feel like you can go out there and conquer the world. I play it before a lot of my shows.”