Within this third episode of "The Vlad Couch," DJ Vlad catches up with one third of Tha Dogg Pound, Kurupt, and although the world celebrates the Golden Era MC as a West Coast icon, he reveals his East Coast roots and talks about a myriad of other subjects. 

The in-depth discussion commences with the "Callin' Out Names" lyricist confirming that he was born and raised in Philly and moved out West when he was sixteen. From initially residing with his father in Hawthorne, the respected rapper then talks about moving to his current neighborhood that's off Crenshaw and Slauson. Embraced as the "neighborhood MC," Kurupt reveals how his transition from the timid Hawthorne streets had to prepare him for Crenshaw and Slauson.

When the discussion moves to exploring Cali's intricate culture, the issue of gangs is brought to the forefront. From an early age, Kurupt was exposed to the gang culture when he visited his father's side of the family which resided on the Left Coast. From speaking on a cousin who was actively entrenched in gang life, Kurupt then shares a story from his youth in which a little boy of about 13 years old threatened to rob and shoot a then 17-year-old Kurupt.

The "Steetz Iz A Mutha" MC then speaks on working with Dr. Dre on "Deep Cover." The Golden Era lyricist says, "When that video dropped, Dr. Dre and 'em accepted me. I was in, and we all showed up at the video and I just felt like a star," adding, "it showed me what stardom was about." 

Classic memories come flooding back when Kurupt talks about working on the good doctor's critically acclaimed album, 'The Chronic.' Speaking about Dr. Dre, Kurupt quips, "He's a perfectionist, and his perfection changes lives." From the his initial appearance on Dre's "Stranded on Death Row," Kurupt also discussed appearing on 'Doggystyle,' 'Dogg Food,' and 'Murder Was the Case.'

Soon the dialogue delves into the controversy that surrounded Tha Dogg Pound's "New York, New York" video. While in Times Square Tha Dogg Pound was shot at, and that situation served to change the video's direction. At first Kurupt wanted to pay homage to New York, revealing, "All we gave a f*ck about was winning over New York, and them guys saying, 'You guys are good," says the veteran wordsmith. "And they shot at us, cuz; that's why we kicked everything the f*ck over." 

He continues to give insight, "We wanted Nas there, we wanted Biggie, everybody who was rocking at the time, Big L, I think was still alive, we wanted them all," says Kurupt. Saddened that the grimy New York streets shot at them, Kurupt showed his frustration through his video for "New York, New York." 

Other topics included in this podcast are the infamous 1995 Source Awards, Suge Knight, Dr. Dre leaving Death Row, 2Pac coming to Death Row, Kurupt leaving Death Row, TLCs' Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez, his thoughts on Kendrick Lamar quoting him on his "Control" verse and more.

You can check out episodes 1 and 2 on iTunes below:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vlad-couch/id995014799?mt=2 

https://soundcloud.com/vladtv/kurupt-episode-3