Punchline Academy Takes a Ride with Reggae’s Barrington Levy Through Music and Destiny
In this exclusive interview on The Punchline Academy, hosted by Da Inphamus Amadeuz, reggae legend Barrington Levy joins the conversation for a lively discussion that blends music industry insights with personal anecdotes. The show clip below kicks off with Da Inphamus Amadeuz sharing his humorous experience of driving in Jamaica, where adjusting to left-side driving proved challenging. The moment sets the tone for a conversation about navigating unfamiliar territory—both on the road and in life.
From the Streets to the Studio
Beyond driving mishaps, the discussion shifts to making iconic tracks, including collaborations tied to Bad Boy Records and artist Shyne’s 2000 hit single, “Bad Boyz.” Levy recalls the surprises of the recording process and chops it about the distinction between sampling and original recordings—a crucial topic for artists navigating royalties and creative rights. Notably, he recorded his parts of the song live in the studio for both sessions. Tune in below to get the full story, as Levy told it.
As part of the conversation, Shyne’s documentary “The Honorable Shyne,” in which Levey’s music is a part, is discussed as an example of the power of storytelling in Hip Hop. Levy comments on the global reach of music, highlighting how certain songs resonate worldwide and bring unexpected opportunities, citing the success of the “Bad Boyz” song in particular. This was educational, and Levy shares some empathy with Diddy and this part of his journey as a Black man.
Music, Fate, and the Journey Forward
(l to r) Barrington Levy and Da Inphamus Amadeuz – Punchline Academy – Shade 45 | SiriusXM – Episodic Press Photo
A recurring theme throughout the episode is destiny—the idea that every twist and turn, whether in life or music, plays a role in shaping an artist’s path. The clip ends on an exciting note with music from Levy’s new project, a triple-disc set saluting the 40th anniversary of “Prison Oval Rock.” Man! Talk about benchmarks and eternal music.
As always, Punchline Academy delivers a mix of humor, industry insight, and personal stories, making this episode a compelling listen for fans of music, culture, and the unpredictable ride of success. You can see this full episode and more from Punchline Academy on @dainphamusamadeuz YouTube. Check out the featured clip below!
IN CASE YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY, MEET THE PUNCHLINE ACADEMY
Welcome to The League of The Elite MCs and Hip Hop’s hottest radio show, The Punchline Academy! Da Inphamus Amadeuz hosts the show every Wednesday at 9 PM EST | 6 PM PT on Shade 45 (SiriusXM). It blends the iconic voices of Hip Hop’s past with the rising stars of tomorrow. You get dope freestyles and “The Left Lane Mix,” a fusion of Hip Hop classics and the hottest records in the streets. Tune in and experience the essence of Hip Hop like never before!
THE PERSONALITY: DA INPHAMUS AMADEUZ
Artist, producer, videographer, and entrepreneur Da Inphamus Amadeuz is a force in Hip Hop…on many levels. His undeniable presence extends from hosting The Punchline Academy on Shade 45 | SiriusXM to DJing for the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. He is also known for his signature Nutcracker drinks, which even landed him a feature under his “INPH” tag on National Geographic’s “Underworld INC: Moonshine Mayhem.” National Geographic profiled the alcoholic beverage “Moonshine” and its urban cousin “Nutcrackers,” which further enhanced his position in front of and behind the scenes, shaping the culture with his relentless drive and creativity…more to this story…
The Drink in Question: Nutcrackers Drink at Flor De Mayo, the Chino-Latino Restaurant in NYC
