This exclusive podcast from Rolling Stone tells the stories behind the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time." Hosts Brittany Spanos and Rob Sheffield dissect Rolling Stone's iconic list and explore the magic and mythology behind the songs on this in

Ladies First

Aug 24th, 2023 33m 30s

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 i

Hip Hop’s Expansion x Fashion Influence

Aug 10th, 2023 41m 31s

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

The Video Box

Jul 27th, 2023 39m 27s

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 be

This is Def Jam Records

Jul 13th, 2023 36m 12s

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

The Golden Era

Jun 15th, 2023 43m 24s

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

The Master of Ceremonies

Jun 1st, 2023 38m 1s

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”, followe

All the Hits and No Rap, Part 2

May 11th, 2023 27m 47s

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 upri

All the Hits and No Rap, Part 1

Apr 27th, 2023 35m 57s

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

The Message

Apr 13th, 2023 30m 14s

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 outsi

The Elements That Make Up Hip Hop

Mar 30th, 2023 27m 53s

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

If It Wasn’t for The Bronx

Mar 16th, 2023 27m 4s

Clive Campbell emigrated from Jamaica, at the age of 12 years old, to the Bronx New York. The New York City Boro would later become known as the birthplace of Hip hop. This episode takes a journey back in time to the musical stylings of DJ Kool

The Founding Fathers

Mar 2nd, 2023 33m 15s

Fab 5 Freddy leads us on a journey back to where it all started for the founding fathers of hip hop music. Beginning with the popular rhythmical stylings of the 1960’s and 70’s soul, funk and disco, we’ll learn how the impact of that music and