"Gentrify your own hood, before these people do it." This is the beginning JAY-Z's "Nipsey Hussle Freestyle" during his B-Sides 2 concert in the newly renovated Webster Hall in New York City. It sparked a conversation about the sociopolitical impact of gentrification on longtime residents in the target community... and JAY-Z's potential involvement…

While this episode was recorded well before the announcement of JAY-Z's billionaire status, the question is still whispered between these two married moguls/musicians. Did Hov need Bey's global audience? Did Bey need Hov's business acumen? What stories do the business and music tell? Guest: Melton, IG: instagram.com/notmarinkd DJ Rob Champion, TW: …

With the "official" celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Wu-Tang Clan, and the premiere of Showtime's "Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men," we discuss our favorite albums from the Wu-Tang Clan and its original members. Also, a great discussion about Ghostface Killah! Let us know how you feel about our topic of discussion! TW: twitter.com/hklpodcas…

With the "official" celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Wu-Tang Clan, and the premiere of Showtime's "Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men," we guess each other's favorite Wu member. The guesses are as surprising and interesting as the answers. Let us know how you feel about our topic of discussion! TW: twitter.com/hklpodcast, IG: instagram.com/hkl…

Lil Nas X's "Old Town" was initially released independently in December 2018, and gained popularity on social video sharing app TikTok. The song achieved a rare feat in Billboard history when it simultaneously charted on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts in March 2019. However, Billboard quietly removed "Old …

Hip-Hop celebrated the 25th anniversary of Nas's classic album, "Illmatic." His debut is regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time. Can we say the same about his career? Has Nas been able to match the success or acclaim of "Illmatic" in the last 25 years? Guest: DJ Rob Champion, TW: twitter.com/djrobchampion, IG: instagram.com/djrobcha…

The term GOAT (Greatest of All Time) is overused in both music and sports, but when could it apply? And how? We explore the label and put our case studies to the task. William Carroll Smith II. AKA The Fresh Prince. AKA Will Smith. From West Philadelphia, born and raised. Grammy and Academy nominated. Grammy winner. Rapper. Actor. Mogul. Global sup…

Part 2 covering Hip-Hop's relationship with professional sports, check out 022 for Part 1. This time, how does the music unite the rapper and the professional athlete? How do professional sports league look at and use the music? And which league has the most athletes in rap? Also, a funny story about Snoop Dogg's youth football league. Guest: Melto…

Hip-Hop lost an artist and advocate, but mainstream media was convinced that rap is still violent and Black on Black crime is still unavoidable. We explore the origins of these racist tropes and celebrate the life and legacy of Nipsey Hu$$le. Guest: Melton, IG: instagram.com/notmarinkd Hosted & moderated by lion saul goodman TW: twitter.com/rawrand…

Hip-Hop's history with professional sports is as old as Hip-Hop itself. Pro athletes have wanted to be rappers. Rappers have wanted to be pro athletes. In this episode, the gang explores how the two industries make money together. Next week, the music. Also, a tribute to Nipsey Hu$$le. Guest: Melton, IG: instagram.com/notmarinkd Let us know how you…

Introducing the "Best Of" series, where companies, artists and music compete with each other (in our opinions). What do YOU think? Let us know! What is the best rap label of all time? The rules: None of the big 3: Universal, Warner, Sony. The smaller labels on the big 3's rosters count... because they own them all. And no label that doesn't have a …

Curious Cases are extensive & critical looks into people, crews & companies that are surrounded by lore & mystique. These are the best effort to unpack conjecture and form the most complete view of the case possible. Or die tryin'. Dame Dash was one of the founders of Roc-A-Fella Records, and credited with discovering and managing the talent of one…

Rebranding is a common marketing strategy in which an established brand creates a new, differentiated identity in the minds of consumers, investors, and competitors. This strategy is not uncommon within the rap industry, though less recognized, acknowledged or analyzed. Some rappers have found a new sound, audience, and career through rebranding. O…

Soulja Boy recently embarked on a press tour to assert his position as founder of "Internet Rap." Is there any validity in his claim? Are there any other possible claimants to the title? And what is Internet Rap? Has it been good for Hip-Hop? Let us know how you feel about our topic of discussion! TW: twitter.com/hklpodcast, IG: instagram.com/hklpo…

Editor, writer, and storyteller Kevito Clark joins in a bold and insightful conversation about clout chasers and cultures and their impact on Hip-Hop culture and business. Lyor Cohen, DJ Vlad, DJ Akademiks and Adam22 of No Jumper are the most notorious targets of these labels, but how accurate are the charges? Guests: Kevito Clark, TW: twitter.com/…

Following the past episode's focus on Hip-Hop's relationship with award shows, predictions are offered for the upcoming 2019 GRAMMY Awards. Considering the rules established in 015, this episode focuses specifically on the Rap and General categories, as well as Non-Classical production. The order of discussion is: Best Rap Performance, Best Rap/Sun…

Hip-Hop has a long, tumultuous relationship with award shows. Hip-Hop and the GRAMMYS is most storied (and also, most tragic). We explore that history, dissecting early and recent snubs, and discuss reasons for Hip-Hop’s exclusion from the general awards. Should Hip-Hop receive more recognition in award shows? Has the GRAMMYs done enough for rapper…

For the first End of Year Episode for 2018, we discuss what kind of lessons Hip-Hop taught us. We cover the whole spectrum of the year, from social issues to business practices. What are some lessons that you have learned? Guests: Melton, IG: instagram.com/notmarinkd Darwin's Toy, IG: instagram.com/darwinstoy Let us know how you feel about our topi…

The comic book industry is older than Hip-Hop, and it should come to no surprise that its stories have inspired and influenced Hip-Hop artists everywhere. We explore the relationship between the two art forms and get a little geeky. This episode is dedicated to Stan Lee, 1922-2018. Let us know how you feel about our topic of discussion! TW: twitter…

What is a freestyle, and what is it worth now? Is a freestyle a necessity in a Hip-Hop artist's portfolio... or a novelty? We explore all the definitions and scenarios from the 80's to today, from New York to California, from Funkmaster Flex and Sway to Twitter. Guests: Michael Pratt, TW: twitter.com/ProjectPratt11, IG: instagram.com/michaelpratt__…

Hip-Hop does not look kindly at retirement. It is generally forced on a rapper: because the industry decides it, or fans declare it or the artists themselves accept it (and then reject it immediately afterward). Retirement means a lot of things to a lot of people in Hip-Hop, but does it actually matter? Guests: UFO Fev, TW: twitter.com/ufofev, IG: …

Hip-Hop does not look kindly at retirement. It is generally forced on a rapper: because the industry decides it, or fans declare it or the artists themselves accept it (and then reject it immediately afterward). Retirement means a lot of things to a lot of people in Hip-Hop, but does it actually matter? Guests: UFO Fev, TW: twitter.com/ufofev, IG: …

Kanye West's image and reputation has long outgrown the music and fashion industries he is known for, and into a sociopolitical world that influences Black people in the U.S. and abroad. Now, as he strengthens his connection to President Donald Trump, Kanye may have a tangible impact on the Black community. Are these the machinations of a political…

Streaming has forever reshaped the music industry... but for better or worse? Who wins and loses within this new landscape: the streaming platform, the music label, or the artist? And what kind of artist benefits the most: The major or the independent? Guest: Michael Pratt, TW: twitter.com/ProjectPratt11, IG: instagram.com/michaelpratt__ Let us kno…

Hip-Hop started in New York but is it still the most influential within the culture? Or the hottest city right now? Are they even the same thing? If not, what city could be? Let us know how you feel about our topic of discussion! TW: twitter.com/hklpodcast, IG: instagram.com/hklpodcast Hosted & moderated by lion saul goodman TW: twitter.com/rawrand…

Is addiction an issue in Hip-Hop, or an issue in the larger music industry, or a n American issue? This episode is dedicated to Mac Miller, aka Malcolm James McCormick, 1992-2018. Let us know how you feel about our topic of discussion! TW: twitter.com/hklpodcast, IG: instagram.com/hklpodcast Hosted & moderated by lion saul goodman TW: twitter.com/r…

Artist. Songwriter. Producer. Engineer. These are just some of the roles that are needed to make and break a record. What do they do? Why are they important? And, even though we appreciate them all, is one role more important than another? Guest: Michael Pratt, TW: twitter.com/ProjectPratt11, IG: instagram.com/michaelpratt__ Let us know how you fee…

The Internet has started a democratization of the music industry, including rap. The boost in access has led to a boost in styles and sounds. With all this apparent diversity, the traditional position of a rapper seems outdated. Or is it? Let us know how you feel about our topic of discussion! TW: twitter.com/hklpodcast, IG: instagram.com/hklpodcas…

Hip-Hop has been nurtured within the Black community for decades. The experiences, the artistry, and the message are fueled by successes and failures of Black people and other members of diverse urban communities. Do rappers and other Hip-Hop artists owe the communities that inspire, and sometimes supply, their art? Should they? Are they already? L…

As the birthplace of Hip-Hop, the "King of New York" title has been a widely coveted and hotly contested for decades. In the past, the title has been held decidedly: The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, JAY Z, 50 Cent. In 2018 however, after New York's preeminence has faded, the title holder is less clear. We attempt to crown the newest King of New York... a…

50 Cent and Drake are arguably the biggest Hip-Hop stars of their respective decades, the 2000’s and 2010’s. They have become cultural icons and standalone economies, influencing pop culture and starting (and ending) careers. But whose impact was greater between the two? Let us know how you feel about our topic of discussion! TW: twitter.com/hklpod…