Riz Rollins, also known as DJ Riz, recently celebrated 35 years at KEXP. He hosts Drive Time every Monday from 4-7pm Pacific Time and is one of the rotating hosts on Expansions, the Sunday night mix show originally inspired by trip-hop and acid jazz. His sets incorporate jazz, rock, hip-hop, funk, and everything in between, always with soul.

To celebrate Riz's 35-year milestone, we get two extra song recommendations in this episode! Isabel joins Riz at his house to discuss 4 new songs and 2 old favorites (remixed, because Riz loves a good remix). They also talk about his origins and inspirations as a DJ, imposter syndrome, and the influence faith and gospel have had on his life and trajectory. As expected, Riz shares much wisdom along the way. (Note: the first song recommendation starts around 10:23).

To finish the episode, Associate Music Director (and fellow Expansions DJ) Alex Ruder shares a song that's perfect for a chill out room or after party, and also serves as a nod to his mentor Riz.

1. Samora Pinderhughes - “Better”  
2. Meshell Ndegeocello - “Trouble”
3. The Folk Implosion - “Moonlit Kind”
4. Tristan de Liège - “New Symmetry (feat. Bryony Jarman-Pinto)"
5. Erykah Badu - “Soldier (Supa Ape Remix)”
6. Pharoah Sanders - “You Got To Have Freedom (Opolopo Tweak)”
7. HNNY - “I Let Go”

Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube.

Listen to DJ Riz on Drive Time every Monday from 4-7pm PT, monthly on Expansions, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App.

Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili
Mixed by: Emily Fox
Mastered by: William Myers
Editorial Director: Larry Mizell Jr.

Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear

Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones
Contact us at headphones@kexp.org.