Videos by According2HipHop
N.O.R.E. recently stirred the pot on The Joe Budden Podcast, boldly claiming that only a select few hip-hop podcasts truly hold weight. While his “three” might be up for debate, his comments certainly highlight the ever-evolving landscape of commentary in hip-hop. The truth is, the culture is thriving with diverse voices, sharp insights, and unparalleled access, creating a vibrant ecosystem of podcasts that genuinely matter to the fans.
Here at According 2 Hip Hop, we’re expanding the conversation. While N.O.R.E.’s picks are insightful, they only really scratch the surface of the shows consistently pushing the culture forward. From deep dives into lyrical prowess to candid industry conversations and even surprising crossover hits, here are our picks for the Top 10 Hip Hop Podcasts that truly make a difference:
10 Hip Hop Podcasts That Matter:
1. The Joe Budden Podcast
Hosted by the outspoken Joe Budden alongside his current co-hosts Ice, Ish, Melyssa Ford and Parks, this podcast is a cornerstone of hip-hop commentary. Known for its unfiltered opinions, intricate industry analysis, and often controversial takes on music, current events, and celebrity drama, the JBP frequently sets the agenda for the week’s hip-hop discussions.
2. Drink Champs
With legendary Queens rapper N.O.R.E. and Miami hip-hop pioneer DJ EFN at the helm, Drink Champs is famed for its boozy, no-holds-barred interviews with hip-hop’s biggest names. Guests often share never-before-heard stories and intimate details from their careers, making for wildly entertaining and often viral episodes.
3. Million Dollaz Worth of Game
Hosted by Gillie Da Kid and Wallo267, this podcast offers a unique blend of street wisdom, motivational advice, and raw humor. Their authentic conversations with a wide array of guests, from artists to entrepreneurs, provide listeners with valuable “game” – insights into life, business, and navigating the industry.
4. Rory & Mal (formerly “New Rory & MAL”)
After their departure from the Joe Budden Network, Rory and Mal carved out their own space, delivering their signature witty banter, pop culture commentary, and takes on the latest in hip-hop. Their laid-back chemistry and relatable discussions often touch on relationships, current events, and, of course, their informed opinions on new music and industry happenings. They have recently launched a new sports focused podcast.
5. Rap Radar Podcast
Hosted by veteran hip-hop journalists Elliott Wilson and Brian “B.Dot” Miller, Rap Radar provides a more in-depth, journalistic approach to interviews. Their extensive knowledge of hip-hop history and sharp, well-researched questions lead to insightful and often definitive conversations with artists, producers, and industry figures.
6. Rap Life Review (Apple Music)
An extension of Apple Music’s influential “Rap Life” playlist, this weekly roundtable features Ebro Darden, Nadeska Alexis, and Lowkey. They deep dive into the stories, trends, and moments that are driving hip-hop culture, offering critical analysis of new music and industry developments from a trusted platform.
7. Club Shay Shay
While not strictly a hip-hop podcast, NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay has become an undeniable force in the hip-hop conversation. Sharpe’s engaging and respectful interview style has led to incredibly candid and often viral conversations with major hip-hop artists, producers, and executives, proving that influence can come from unexpected places.
8. NFR Podcast
NFR Podcast offers in-depth album breakdowns, uncensored debates, and insightful music analyses for hip-hop fans. They provide consistent content to keep listeners updated with the culture, often focusing on new releases, artist discographies, and the evolution of sounds within the genre.
9. Dead End Hip Hop
Dead End Hip Hop is a collective of reviewers and commentators who provide extensive coverage and conversations surrounding hip-hop culture. With distinct personalities and diverse perspectives, they offer raw and uncut discussions on new albums, industry trends, and the socio-cultural impact of the music, building a strong community of hip-hop thinkers.
10. FRSHOUT Hip Hop
Billed as “the world’s most dangerous music podcast show,” FRSHOUT Hip Hop features hosts Bebop, J. Camp, and Iceberg Slim. They tap into live streams for weekly discussions on the biggest music news, album reviews, and trending social topics, offering expert industry insight and often bold, unfiltered opinions.
N.O.R.E.’s comments sparked a necessary dialogue, but the truth is, the hip-hop podcast landscape is richer and more diverse than ever. Each of these shows contributes uniquely to the culture, proving that when it comes to hip-hop, the conversations that matter are happening in more places than just three.
What are your top hip-hop podcasts? Let us know in the comments below!
