Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how Staten Island became a cornerstone of hip-hop culture? Legendary producer Phantom of the Beats joins us to reveal the untold story of this often-overlooked borough. From its family-friendly vibes to its close-knit community, learn how Staten Island provided a safer, more spacious haven for creativity compared to Brooklyn and Manhattan. Phantom takes us through the collaborative spirit that fueled the island’s unique hip-hop identity and shares his pers...

Send us a Text Message.What happens when you mix heartfelt reflections with critical music analysis and lively hip-hop debates? This episode of Hip Hop Talks brings you just that. Coop opens up with a touching Father's Day story about playing tennis with his daughter, a poignant reminder of the irreplaceable value of time with loved ones. Ag follows suit, sharing his own reflections on fatherhood and the fleeting nature of childhood. From there, the conversation seamlessly transitions to the ...

Send us a Text Message.What’s it like to navigate the often gritty rap scene of Lansing, Michigan? Join us as Iced Out from the Hyena Squad takes us behind the scenes of their formation, their struggles, and their triumphs. From the initial sparks of their connection through mutual friends to collaborating with big names like 2 Chainz, Iced Out shares their journey and the challenges of making it in a region overshadowed by the likes of Detroit and Chicago. We also explore the pack mentality ...

Send us a Text Message.Can the Boston Celtics outmaneuver the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals? Join us for an engaging episode where we uncover the strategies Boston needs to shut down Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, leveraging defensive prowess and key player performances. As a die-hard Duke fan, I share my admiration for Kyrie and Jason Tatum, discussing their potential legacies and the critical role team play will have in this high-stakes series. From nostalgic sunburn stories in the Domi...

Send us a Text Message.Can Nas' "Illmatic" ever be surpassed, or does Jay-Z's "Blueprint" hold the crown? Join us as we commemorate our 10th episode with a spirited discussion on hip-hop's greatest rappers and albums. We kick things off with some laughs over Memorial Day stories, including a hilarious "glizzy contest," before diving into the excitement of being back live. Shoutouts to AG and Coop for holding it down while we were away, and don’t miss Lowkey’s surprise drop-in from his favorit...

Send us a Text Message.We take a nostalgic journey through NBA history, celebrating legendary teams and players. From Magic Johnson's unparalleled career to Steph Curry's game-changing victories, we debate what defines true greatness on the court. We don't just stop at the highlights; we dissect pivotal moments, the impact of injuries, and the defensive genius of players like Dennis Rodman and teams like the 1996 Chicago Bulls. This is a must-listen for any basketball aficionado.Switching gea...

Send us a Text Message.Ever grappled with the shadowy line where inspiration becomes imitation? Our latest episode takes on this challenge, dissecting the delicate balance of plagiarism and creativity across the literary and hip-hop spheres. We start with our own tales from the trenches of writing and the arts, where authenticity isn't just a buzzword—it's the pulse of our work. From the personal sting of seeing one's ideas replicated without credit to the complexities of originality in a wor...

Send us a Text Message.Step into our arena as we tackle the complexities of privilege and its effects on sports, especially when it comes to the media's portrayal of athletes like Caitlin Clark compared to her predecessors. It's a conversation that's as honest as it is necessary, peeling back the layers to reveal how we might leverage privilege for the betterment of all. But it's not all serious – join us for a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the BMF season three finale screening, where the glit...

Send us a Text Message.Who's the king of the rap game? That's the burning question at the heart of our latest Hip Hop Talks episode as we throw down on the ongoing lyrical warfare between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Your hosts Coop, AG, along with the stylishly late Shawn, dissect the mastery behind diss tracks like "The Heart Part 6," and debate the heavy-hitters of the hip-hop battleground. Amidst the fiery discourse, we celebrate milestones and shout out our loyal listener base for their unw...

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered who would emerge as the victor in a lyrical clash between Drake and Kendrick Lamar? This week's episode serves up a thorough analysis of the high-stakes hip-hop battle that's setting the scene ablaze. My brunch pals and I dissect the tracks bar by bar, examining the cultural tremors caused by Kendrick's return and Drake's strategic counters. We venture beyond the beats to explore the broader implications of their feud, from fan biases to the haunting legac...

Send us a Text Message.Embark on a lyrical journey with us as Shawn, Coop and AG dissect the high-stakes wordplay in Kendrick Lamar's latest diss track—a masterclass in hip-hop warfare. It's more than just beats and bars; it's a chess game of cultural significance, and we're here to navigate you through each strategic move. Join myself, Sean, along with Coop and AG, as we unpack everything from the crafty lyrics to the track's reverberations across the rap landscape.Prepare to immerse yoursel...

Send us a Text Message.Strap in, hip-hop heads, as Shawn , Coop and AG light up the mic with their take on the new Kendrick diss and other trending topics in rap. Our unscripted banter zooms in on Kendrick's diss track game – is it a knockout or a mere love tap? With a healthy dose of skepticism, we dissect whether hip-hop's heavy hitters are still swinging hard or resting on their laurels. And if you're craving insider scoops, we've got those too – like how Drake's shadow looms over th...

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to Atlanta, as we celebrate OutKast's game-changing "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik." This isn't just a nostalgia trip; it's a masterclass in how the album not only put Atlanta on the map but also raised the bar for rap artistry across the board speaks to the South's hunger to be heard. We're talking real influence here, the kind that has us ranking the dynamic duo's discography and sizing up Atlanta's hip-hop scene against the best out there. Coop leads ...

Send us a Text Message. Queens, New York, has always been a pulsating node in the expansive body of hip-hop, and the homies Shawn, Coop and Adriel got a vault of memories tied to its streets and sounds to prove it. The latest episode of our podcast takes a journey through the borough's legacy, contrasting its influence with the likes of Staten Island and Brooklyn, all while gearing up for a celebration of a classic album that's edging towards its 30th strut around the sun. Adding flavor to...

Send us a Text Message. EMERGENCY!!!  Strap in as Shawn, Coop and Adriel unbox the wrath and wit of rap battles, dissecting a leaked Drake diss track that's ignited the hip-hop arena. Feel the pulse of the community as we traverse the lyrical labyrinth, drawing parallels with historic feuds and contemplating the blend of personal and professional in these high-octane exchanges. Between the lines of Drake's verbal volleys, we examine the strategic play, the weight of revelations, and the...

Send us a Text Message. Hip Hop Talks is lighting the fuse on the dynamite discourse of rap gamesmanship and authenticity. Shawn, joined by Coop, AG, and special guest LowKey from Apple Music, throws down in an explosive exploration of the genre's latest beats and most contentious beefs. From dissecting Future and Metro Boomin's new release to the emotional tremors felt across North Carolina from J. Cole's unexpected mea culpa, our crew navigates the tightrope of personal relationships,...