Can commercial success ever truly reflect artistic quality? We tackle this burning question as The Culture's Jeff, along with Lindsey from ReeVolt Records, analyze Apple Music's Top 100 Best Albums of All Time. We passionately scrutinize the ranking of "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" at number one, comparing it to legendary albums like Michael Jackson's "T ... Show More
Sep 2024
Life Changes, Hip-Hop Legends, and New Beginnings: We're Back!
Can you imagine discovering a serious health condition out of the blue? Join us as we catch up after a three-month break, sharing personal stories and life updates that have kept us on our toes. From Jeff's move from Jersey to Pennsylvania to Ant's alarming hospital visit that un ... Show More
45m 8s
Apr 2024
O.J. Simpson: The Trial, The Controversy, and The Legacy
We're back! After a breather, the Culture Crew is here to not only revitalize your playlist but to provoke your thoughts with a candid examination of the joys of reading and listening. Wrestling enthusiasts, we've got a special treat for you as we discuss the electrifying world o ... Show More
34m 46s
Oct 2024
LL COOL J “Murdergram Deux (feat. Eminem)”
In this episode, Joe and Toby are joined by special guest Brandon Terry to explore the lasting legacy of LL Cool J, discussing his recent album drop and his impact on hip hop. They dive into the evolution of LL's music, his role in coining the term "GOAT," and the cultural signif ... Show More
1h 1m
Aug 2025
Decoding Empires: Akala on Hip Hop & South-South Solidarity
<p>Rapper, writer, and thought leader Akala joins us on Quartertones live at Sole DXB to talk about his early career steps in London, the city's unique blends due to its history, and his drive to connect with diverse audiences. He shares insights into the impact of colonialism an ... Show More
32m 15s
Aug 2019
The Evidence Interview
LA rapper Evidence, from Dilated People, shared about being in a group vs being a solo artist, working and being friends with Alchemist, working with Kanye, his upcoming project, his passion for baseball and making beats; plus, the criteria of the Top Rappers lists frenzy. 1:58 K ... Show More
1h 6m
Sep 2024
Steve Stoute Music & Advertising mogul talks Super Bowl Halftime act Kendrck Lamar vs Lil Wayne, Jay Z's impact, Reveals Drake news, rise of UnitedMasters, the fall of P Diddy & business philosophy
"The fact that these artists are getting their flowers, getting a chance to perform on this stage, these black artists..If it wasn't for Jay-Z, this wouldn't be happening. So how can you come down and criticize this man like that? it's beyond me." Steve Stoute sounds off on the r ... Show More
1h 22m
Dec 2024
Best Bars of 2024. Plus: Drake vs. Kendrick Retrospective
Dissect's Cole Cuchna is joined by Touré, King Green, and James Francis to reflect on the historic year in hip hop. They begin by revisiting the Drake and Kendrick battle, nominating their favorite song, lyrics, and quotable that came from the beef. Then they award and dissect th ... Show More
1h 51m
Dec 2020
Laurent Fintoni, "Bedroom Beats & B-Sides: Instrumental Hip-Hop & Electronic Music at the Turn of the Century" (Velocity Press, 2020)
In Bedroom Beats & B-Sides: Instrumental Hip-Hop & Electronic Music at the Turn of the Century (Velocity Press, 2020), Laurent Fintoni explores the rise of a new generation of bedroom producers at the turn of the century through the stories of various instrumental hip-hop and ele ... Show More
53m 50s
Apr 2023
Blu Fiefer | Independent Hip Hop from Lebanon to the World
<p>Blu Fiefer plays three of her songs: Sharaf, Nazele Big Champagne, and Sint El Ew. She talks about her contribution to hip-hop in Lebanon and how she uses storytelling in her music.</p><p>Blu Fiefer is a Lebanese-Mexican artist, music producer and director, approaching her art ... Show More
1h 2m
Jun 2023
Hip Hop, the Lahme Song & Making Beats From Old Syrian Vinyls | Thanks Joey
<p>In this episode of Quartertones, Thanks Joey takes us on a journey through hip hop, Brooklyn music, and his Syrian grandfather’s old records. We talk about working with Omar Offendum and Narcy, his music making process, and what inspired his Lahme song.</p><p>He gives us a sne ... Show More
1h 17m
Dec 2024
The Bridge: Slate Music Club 2024
The Slate Music Club is back, in a special edition of Hit Parade – “The Bridge”! Our year-end panel of critics—NPR Music’s Ann Powers, Hearing Things’ Julianne Escobedo Shepherd, Slate’s own Carl Wilson and Hit Parade host Chris Molanphy—discuss their favorite albums and singles ... Show More
35m 12s