How a Retired DJ is Preserving Hip-Hop History with AI Podcasts
“Rap lyrics were new. We didn’t know this was going to change music forever.”
— Alex Hill, DJ & Hip-Hop Storyteller
Alex Hill didn’t just listen to the birth of hip-hop—he lived it. From spinning records at Bay Area parties in the early ‘80s to touring with Run DMC and the Beastie Boys, Alex has seen every beat of rap’s evolution up close.
Now, in retirement, he’s using AI podcast tools to make sure these stories (and the culture behind them) aren’t lost to history.
From Vinyl to Voice: Bringing Hip-Hop’s Roots to Life
After decades behind the turntables, Alex realized the stories of early hip-hop needed to be told by the people who were actually there. But traditional blogging and video production were daunting.
So he found a new approach: turning his memories into an interactive, AI-powered podcast.
“I wanted to make something I would listen to—something true to the real experience.”
With Jellypod, Alex creates each episode by scripting key moments, picking pivotal songs, and guiding AI hosts through the cultural context behind the music.
Why AI Made the Difference
Unlike traditional tools, Jellypod lets Alex:
- Clone voices for authenticity
- Script and structure every episode with nuance
- Layer in historical context and personal stories
The result? A show that feels like sitting down with a hip-hop insider—no studio, no expensive gear, just stories that sound as real as they are.
“I’m excited I can make these podcasts with just a laptop. It’s like having my own little radio station.”
Podcasting for the Culture—Not the Algorithm
For Alex, success isn’t about chasing a million listeners. It’s about reaching the right people—those who care about hip-hop’s roots and evolution.
He’s using his podcast to spotlight:
- The shift from party anthems to socially conscious rap
- The Bay Area’s influence on the national scene
- Why remembering history matters for today’s music fans
“If 200 people love it, that’s enough. You don’t have to water it down.”
Real Talk: AI Is the Assistant, Not the Artist
Alex is clear—AI is a tool, not the storyteller. It makes it possible to bring his experience to life in a way that’s flexible, accessible, and authentic.
“People are scared of AI, but to me, it’s just an assistant. The human element is still everything.”
Listen to Alex’s Hip-Hop History Podcast
Ready to hear the stories for yourself? Listen to Alex Hill’s podcast and experience hip-hop history from someone who was there when it all started.
🎧 Check out Alex’s AI podcast here.
Want to turn your own memories or expertise into a podcast—without the studio headaches? See how Jellypod is making it easy for creators everywhere.