When New Orleans rap phenom Mac Phipps signed with Master P's No Limit Records, he knew his dream of hip-hop stardom was within reach. But in February 2000, Mac was accused of murder and the dream became a nightmare. Over the next three episodes, we investigate this story of race, corruption and rap lyrics on trial.
Oct 2020
The Day The Mixtape Died: DJ Drama
In the early 2000s, mixtapes transformed Tyree Simmons into DJ Drama and molded T.I., Lil Wayne and Jeezy into rap superstars. But in 2007, those same mixtapes landed Drama in jail with a bank account balance of $0.00. In this episode, we break down the raid that turned the mixta ... Show More
1h 5m
May 2024
Episode 571: Criminal Dean Thornton releases rap song about Drogheda feud
A Drogheda feud member, convicted of a brutal abduction and torture, has launched his rap career with a highly produced music video about crime and carnage on the streets of his home town.
Criminal Dean Thornton is hoping to find fame with his song about feuding, guns and gangste ... Show More
17m 53s
Mar 2021
BONUS: Rapper Mac Phipps, After 20 Years In Prison, Is One Step Closer To Freedom
In this episode from NPR's Louder Than A Riot, New Orleans rapper Mac Phipps speaks exclusively to NPR about the power dynamics at play throughout his clemency hearing, and hosts Sidney Madden and Rodney Carmichael examine how his hip-hop career continues to affect his image in t ... Show More
47m 56s
Oct 2023
50 Cent Accuses Diddy Of Orchestrating 2Pac's Murder
Rapper 50 Cent, a figure known for courting controversy, has delivered perhaps his most explosive revelation yet. In a recent social media post, the influential G-Unit founder pointed an accusatory finger at Sean "Diddy" Combs, insinuating the mogul's role in the assassination of ... Show More
12m 51s
Jun 2023
Episode 300 - Tupac & Biggie: ‘2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted’ - Part 1
Stories of death, drugs, and gang violence were inextricably linked, in the 90s media, to the nation’s biggest rap stars.
Tupac Shakur was one of the decade’s biggest and most admired music icons – until his life was cut tragically short in 1996. By the time he died, he’d been i ... Show More
1h 3m