Hip Hop Roundtable

If you didn't see Big Krit's performance at the BET Awards, don't fret. We have the whole thing for you at the start of the podcast. We then discuss the performance, the trend of artists making bold political statements on TV, and cyphers that stood out from the awards. Press play, enjoy, and then, rate, subscribe, and comment! We always want to hear your thoughts.

We're officially at 50 episodes! Took a while to publish, but it's finally out. We brought back 3 guests from the past to evaluate hip hop's original elements and discuss whether more should be added, how some have gotten lost over time, and of course just get lost in a bunch of other random hip hop thought. I hope it's just a fun for you to listen as it was for us to record. So click play and don't forget to rate, comment, subscribe, and holla at us on the Facebook page!

In this episode, we discuss how hip hop should go about preserving the legacies of those that have given so much to this culture. We discuss whether or not every single person should have their legacy preserved, how we determine who those people are, and how we go about doing that. Comment and let us know what you think about it all!

Based on the request of one of our most loyal listeners (what's up, Rob Lopez!), we take some time to look back at the legacies of the Bad Boy and Death Row camps. This is one of those fun podcasts where you get to reflect on all the great music and artists that came out and have random debates. Be sure to comment (along with rating and subscribing) and let us know what your thoughts are! Enjoy!

After calling for hip hop to take action (whether in song or in deed) on the last podcast, we had to acknowledge all of those who did just that. We take some time to shout out those that spoke up, and took action, after the executions of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. We also take some time to discuss Lauryn Hill not being recognized on VH1's "Hip Hop Honors: All Hail The Queens." Since they didn't, we made sure we took plenty of time to do so ourselves. Let us know how you feel about Lauryn's music and legacy by commenting. Also, don't forget to rate, subscribe, and engage with us over on our Facebook page! Enjoy the show!

For all we talk about rappers stepping up and doing their part to address all of the issues of our community, we obviously had to discuss the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. We were all a little heavy recording this, but it was good to be able to process and talk through these emotions, what role we feel we can play to help make a change, and the role we expect hip hop to play. Hopefully it helps you process some of this stuff, as well. Let us know what you think by commenting wherever you might be listening to this podcast or on our Facebook page.

You had to figure we had something to say about Drake dropping his "diss" record "4am In Calabasas" (which I think we refer to the title incorrectly). Given what interpret as an entire diss track full of subliminals, we discuss exactly what the state of diss records currently are. We also examine why most diss records come about and what typically makes one great. This is for those that appreciate the competitive spirit of hip hop. Don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe! We want to make sure we hear what YOU think about all of this. Let your voice be heard!

After Common's freestyle on Sway In The Morning made some noise, we examine whether or not there is actually a market/place for that type of consciousness in hip hop anymore. What may seem like a pretty basic conversation was actually quite compelling. The only thing missing is YOUR opinion. Head over to our Facebook page and let us know your thoughts after listening. We also happened to be recording when the news of Muhammad Ali's death broke, so we share some of our thoughts about The Greatest at the end of the episode. May he rest in peace.

After the news broke of the Troy Ave shooting, we decided to discuss the event and the violence that we tend to see in hip hop. We talk about whether or not we believe we have seen an increase or decrease in the number of violent acts in hip hop over the years, why artists may continue to find themselves in these situations even after fame and fortune, and how these types of events can be limited in the future. You already know we need you to rate, comment, and subscribe. But most importantly, we hope you enjoy! Hit our Facebook page (Hip Hop Roundtable Podcast) and let us know your thoughts!

As promised, we dedicated more time to the allegations brought against Afrika Bambaataa and examine it from several different perspectives, specifically as it pertains to hip-hop and how we tend to view view our heroes as the flawed individuals they are. We also discuss Kanye's rants (the most recent one happening on Ellen) and how he not just straddles, but habitually jumps back and forth over the line of genius and crazy. Two great conversations in one podcast. Enjoy!

We're back! Dev is officially married and getting settled in and now we're back to recording! Also, happy birthday to Milan's son, aka Young Milan, aka Young Drizzy, aka Young Drizzle, aka Jay who joined us for this episode as he began his birthday celebrations early. We catch up on everything that we've missed over the past few weeks: the passing of Phife, Prince, and Afeni Shakur, the allegations against Afrika Bambaataa (although we'll do a complete episode on that), and we respond to a couple of topics as requested by the podcast family via FB and email (shoutout to Rob and Arkady!). We pack a lot in to a little over an hour, so sit back, press play, and then comment like crazy! 

In an age where mixtapes are released at record rates, we debate how much influence a mixtape determines an artist's place in history. Why are mixtapes not viewed with the same level of respect as albums (or are they)? Should they be? Are their different types of mixtapes (album quality vs. promotional)? Do those differ in terms of the weight they carry towards someone's legacy? We explore all of this and more. Don't worry Rob and Arkady, we haven't recorded since responding to your comments. We'll get to all your comments on the next one we record. As always, be sure to visit our Facebook page and leave all your thoughts/comments there! 

As mentioned on the Facebook page, we haven't been able to record a tribute to Phife since Dev was busy preparing to get married. Congrats again to our co-host and officially newest member to the family! In celebration of his wedding, here is the episode we recorded a while back (as you'll be able to tell based upon what we reference) where we discuss marriage's place in hip-hop and how it is typically viewed amongst people in hip-hop culture. Phife verses open and close the show instead of our typical intro beat to pay homage to one of hip-hop's greatest heroes. This is definitely one where we would love to hear people's opinions on the topic, so comment (and rate, and subscribe) on the podbean website, iTunes, or Facebook!

Kendrick Lamar's Grammy performance last week was memorable to say the very least. So, we obviously had to talk about it. We talk about our reaction to the performance, respond to those that say Kendrick Lamar is "safe" in the eyes of white America (even after that performance), the reaction of the white people in the audience, and much more. Be sure to head over to the Facebook page to let us know what you think about any of the topics addressed!

In part 1 of this episode, we discuss J. Cole's HBO series and what that means for his legacy. We later discuss where we think he ranks among the general population in part 2. Let us know your thoughts on the documentary and then head on over and listen to part 2!

In part 2, we talk about if the casual hip-hop fan would rank J. Cole in the top 5 of this generation. However, the conversations goes in a few different directions, making it only right that we let this stand as an episode all its own. Help us settle the discussion: let us know if J. Cole is in your top 5 of this generation, and while you're at it, poll some people yourself. Help us settle this!

Well into 2016--and February at that smh--we finally get our reflection of hip hop in 2015 posted (I really am going to get better at editing these episodes and getting them up quicker). Recorded in early January, we discuss all the things we loved, hated, and everything in-between from the past year. We even recap some of our favorite episodes, what we're looking forward to this year, and even an extremely random shout-out from Milan at the end. Listen, comment, enjoy!

The discussion around sub-genres seems to be gaining some steam, so we at HHRT decided to tackle the subject ourselves. From whether or not sub-genres would be good for hip-hop, to discussing the unofficial sub-genres that already exists, we all give our take on how we believe sub-genres have/will impact hip-hop culture. Now, it's your turn to listen and comment. As always, we want to hear from YOU! Let us know what you think.

It's been a busy season for the HHRT crew, so we recorded this episode a while ago, but just now getting it up. Anyway, what better way to come back than with a "top [insert description here]" discussion! On this one, we go through Kool Moe Dee's top 50 MCs of all time list based upon his book There's a God on the Mic. As you can tell by the way I (Landon) begin the podcast, we all had a lot of strong feelings about the list as constructed. But you may feel totally different than us, so press play and then head over to the Facebook page and let us know what you think!

Ever noticed that there are NO women recognized as star producers in hip-hop? Us too. The title pretty much says it all, so give the podcast a listen and then head over to the Facebook page to let us know your thoughts on the topic. We'd love to hear more dope beats from women, so send them over to hhrtpodcast@gmail.com if you have them!