Ladies First

From Queen Latifah’s unity to Cardi B’s WAP, women emcees continue to rule their Queendoms in Hip Hop History. We explore the evolution of the women of Hip Hop throughout a variety of topics from the founding mothers to the evolution of women in rap. Lastly, through all the successes, failures, tri…

Hip Hop’s Expansion x Fashion Influence

New York is no longer known as the leader of hip hop. As other parts of the country began to usher in sounds from all over including new sounds from the West Coast, Southwest and Southeast with many artists rising from Atlanta! We’ll also look at the global influence of hip hop culture and how it d…

The Video Box

It wasn’t until MTV network’s first show dedicated entirely to rap music, was created several years after the first hip-hop music video. This episode reminisces over the journey of Yo! MTV raps, a show that launched as an experiment, only to become a hit. But before Yo! Brooklyn native Ralph McDani…

This is Def Jam Records

The most cutting-edge rap label Def jam Recordings has grown into global brand. Founded in 1984 by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin, Def Jam Records roster of artists include LL Cool J, Run DMC, Slick Rick, The Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West and many more. For more than three decades Def Ja…

The Golden Era

Illustrated by its cultural influence and originality the 1980s to the early 90’s is known as the "Golden Era" of hip-hop that ushered many new sounds! Episode guests include Fat Joe. DJ Envy. Ed Lover. Charlamagne Tha God. Ice T. Kwame. Masta Ace. LL Cool J. Dan Charnas. Sir Mix-A-Lot. Hakim Green…

The Master of Ceremonies

The emcee has always been noted for their ability on stage and musical substance. In the late 1970s the MC became an alternative title for rappers, and role within hip-hop music and culture. This episode firsts defines the term “emcee”, followed by dissecting the skill needed to have been ordained …

All the Hits and No Rap, Part 2

In this episode of 50 Years of Hip Hop Podcast series, we go back to a time when rap was not played on radio and New York City radio stations like WBLS and WHBI would play rap on the air during the weekends. This episode will dive into the uprise of rap hitting the airways, causing a shift in radio…

All the Hits and No Rap, Part 1

In this episode of 50 Years of Hip Hop Podcast series, we go back in time when rap was not played on radio and New York City radio stations like WBLS and WHBI would play rap on the air during the weekends. This episode will dive into the uprise of rap hitting the airways, causing a shift in radio. …

The Message

Hip Hop has officially arrived with songs like ‘The Message’, from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, ‘Rapper’s Delight’ by the Sugar Hill Gang, and artists like Kurtis Blow. This episode explores how Hip Hop made its way to be heard outside of the Bronx and New York City. Episode guests inclu…

The Elements That Make Up Hip Hop

This episode dives into the four key elements that we identify as the pillars that Hip Hop stands on and investigate who really coined the term ‘Hip Hop’. But first, we look at the DJ’s role and influence in setting the tone for Hip Hop before the Emcee. Episode guests include Kurtis Blow. DJ Envy.…