Hip Hop Roundtable

Censoring isn't new to hip hop. However, in the wake of people trying to "censor" and "cancel" Dave Chappelle and DaBaby, we revisit the idea in the context of modern day hip hop. We discuss if it's possible for hip hop to be censored, who actually does the censoring (has it changed over the years?), and what it looks like if it can be. So you know the drill, #PullUpAChair, press play, and let us know your thoughts. 

The tragic murder of PnB Rock forces us to once again have to examine what's going on with, what seems to be, increased violence and attacks on hip hop artist. We react to the unfortunate circumstances surrounding PnB Rock in particular, but also examine what is creating the circumstances that make it feel as if simply being a rapper is one of the most dangerous professions you can choose. While this may not actually be the case, we discuss reasons hip hop continues to find itself in this situation and what can be done to help us get out of this vicious cycle. #PullUpAChair, press play, and please let us know your thoughts in the comment section wherever you may be listening. Stay safe.

An image of Kool Moe Dee's report card to rate MCs was resurfaced online  and got everybody talking. Of course, we had to discuss this at the roundtable. As you can imagine, there was plenty to discuss and disagree with. #PullUpAChair, press play, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Recorded just after the tragic incident at Travis Scott's Astroworld concert, we discuss what hip hop's response should be and lessons learned for the culture. We always want to make sure that hip hop is growing and getting better, even in the midst of tragedy. So #PullUpAChair, press play, and give us your thoughts on what lessons hip hop can take away from this unfortunate situation. 

Although Funk Flex and Conway have since made peace, what came out of their back-and-forth was a need to discuss the responsibility of radio and DJs to promote artists--or establish if that even is their responsibility. Has Funk Flex turned his back on "real" hip hop? Was Conway wrong for being upset with Flex? We start there, but go beyond to explore what all this means for the culture, as a whole. #PullUpAChair, press play, and leave a comment with your thoughts. 

Kanye's public bout with bipolar disorder is not necessarily a new discussion. However, at the time that he released the album Donda (in honor of his mom), we bring the conversation about mental health and who is looking out for our the faces of our culture to the roundtable. Of course, this conversation is much greater than Kanye himself is one we need to continue to have in our culture. #PullUpAChair, press play, and make sure you let us know your thoughts on all that we cover in the discussion.

Recorded during the same time we discussed our reactions to Bel-Air (way before all the recent antics), we turned our attention to Netflix's Kanye documentary Jeen-Yuhs. It's no secret that Kanye has been polarizing the last several years, but did this documentary provide any new insights? Help us understand him more? Provide answers to things we may have questioned? That's what we're here to discuss. #PullUpAChair, press play, and leave your thoughts on the doc.

Recorded when the show was first airing, we give our thoughts and reactions to the return of a classic in drama form. We all know and love Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, so of course we had to discuss the reimagined series and how we felt about it after watching the first couple of episodes. Fresh Prince is a significant part of hip hop culture, so we were all interested to see how this dramatized version did and if it did the original any justice. #PullUpAChair, press play, and give us your thoughts after listening to ours.

If you watch Issa Rae's latest show Rap Sh!t, you're familiar with the main characters Shawna and Mia. You probably also know about the struggles you they had with finding their sound, with Shawna trying to rap "woke" lyrics over trap beats. That led to our conversation about the marriage between the content of raps and the beats they're laid over. Is it that certain lyrics that are deemed to be "negative" actually sound better over certain beats? Is it possible to be "conscious" and still be appealing when rapping over trap beats? We discuss all this and more. So, #PullUpAChair, press play, and leave a comment with your thoughts. 

If you have listened to our podcast in the past, you know that subjectivity is a common theme. Some people--*cough* Milan *cough*--seem to struggle with what is a fact versus opinion when it comes to music. When it comes to hip hop debates, separating what we like from what is objectively bad can sometimes be challenging. In this episode, we make subjectivity the main focus to solve this disagreement once and for all. At least that was the hope. We failed miserably, but there was plenty of debate and maybe, just maybe, some points were made here that help you distinguish what is your personal preference from what is just, by pure definition, good or bad music. #PullUpAChair, press play, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

We're finally back! And like, fa real this time. In this "episode," you'll learn just a little about what we do here at Hip Hop Roundtable (although the best way to learn is to just listen to all the episodes). If you've been with us for a while, this is just to guarantee more consistency for the rest of the year. We already have 10 episodes that are lined up and ready to go. These episodes were recorded anywhere from September 2021 to September 2022, but it's all still great dialogue and debate about the current state of hip hop. But in short, there's an episode a week for the next 10 weeks starting tomorrow! To hear Landon break it down further, #PullUpAChair and press play. Otherwise, be on the lookout for a new episode tomorrow morning!

After being able to sit with the album for a week, we come back to give MMTBS a more formal review. As usual, major debate ensues. Listen to what each of us had to say about the album after giving it a few listens and if anything changed from our initial reactions. Let us know your thoughts in the comments. #PullUpAChair

It's been toooo long sine we posted an episode. But if anybody was to bring us out of hiding, it's the man who does it best. Recorded the day Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers released, we talk about how we feel after the very first listen. Although we have a more formal review that we'll also drop, this is--as Dev reminded us plenty of times--only our initial reaction to Kendrick's latest offering. Even though we're a few weeks removed #PullUpAChair and let us know how you felt about this the first time you listened.

Recorded soon after the news of Biz Markie passing, we share our thoughts on his last legacy in hip hop. And, as one of our greatest beat boxers in hip hop history, we also show love to the art of beat boxing and how important it is to the culture. As always, #PullUpAChair, press play, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Right after our last episode where we discussed whether or not rappers could release too much music, Benny was interviewed and seemed to side with Milan's point of view. We revisit our convo with these new comments in mind. #PullUpAChair, press play, and see if Benny changed any of our minds!

Consider artists such as Benny the Butcher or Ransom who release music at a crazy rate. Are they over-saturating themselves? Is it even possible for over-saturate if the music you're putting out is quality? Is there something to be said about fans being able to keep up with all the new releases? Does it benefit artists to not release music and just live for a while? We discuss all this and more in this episode. #PullUpAChair

Note: You may hear a little more colorful language in this episode than you usually do (in case you squirm at that type of thing). Despite the heavy loss of DMX, we were truly able to celebrate his life and legacy on this episode. Joined by the homie Will Jackson, we discuss what X meant to hip hop and how his vulnerability was one of his greatest assets as an artist, give him his just due as one of the greatest featured artists of all time, and discuss our favorite songs/versus from the dog. We keep it light, but still very much paying respects to the legend that is DMX. So, #PullUpAChair and join us for this tribute.

At this point, everybody has had a take on Swizz and Timb selling Verzuz to Triller. Some have been disappointed that it is no longer a solely Black owned company, even to the point that some have claimed they "sold out." We sit down to discuss this take, Jay Z selling Tidal, and, as always, what these moves suggests about hip hop culture as a whole. So #PullUpAChair, press play, and make sure you let us know your thoughts!

Legends like Jay-Z and Nas have managed to get older in hip hop in a mature, but cool and relevant way. Is Drake on the trajectory to do the same thing or has he pigeonholed himself into a sound and style that can only last so long? We respond to that question, discuss why some artists are able to maintain longevity with age while others aren't, and talk about the effective of the celebrity "hives" that ensure certain artists never flop. Another great convo, so #pullupachair and join us at the Hip Hop Roundtable!

No, this is not us just rehashing all of the same stuff people have been talking about regarding the Snoop/Em "beef" (although it looks like it's all squashed now). We actually discuss much more by exploring what Eminem's legacy, how his perception among fans has changed over time, and what this all says about hip hop culture. A LOT of debates and arguments in this one. So go ahead and #PullUpAChair.

We discuss what was one of the most exciting Verzuz for us after watching E-40 and Too Short fully put on for the Bay. We also try to show love for some of our favorite albums this year that provided some good to what was one of the most challenging years for all of us. What we don't do is try to rehash all the depressing stuff that's taken during 2020. No need to relive all of that. Here's to a much better year ahead. Happy new year HHRT fam! #PullUpAChair

By now, you’ve probably seen nearly nothing but praise for Benny the Butcher’s “Burden of Proof.” Nothing different here, except we do all end up agreeing that Benny may be the closest thing to Nipsey we currently have on display in hip hop. Milan also revisit’s his stance toward Hit Boy after since he really liked Benny and Conway’s projects with Hit Boy, but not the latest Nas album. All love for Griselda on this episode. #PullUpAChair and press play.

Recorded weeks ago, just as it was announced that Breonna Taylor’s killers would not be charged with murder, we explore what expectations we [should] have from artists. We also discuss the concept of being seen without being a distraction, the need for balance between acknowledgement of current trends and maintaining joy, and  how this twilight zone that is 2020 has influenced how we’re experiencing the world. We also do a whole break down on if an artist like Drake is better off not addressing the current social climate if he doesn’t feel equipped too or is it his duty to do so? #PullUpAChair and join the convo.

I’m getting mad all over again listening to this episode! When legends like Nas drop, we should just be able to appreciate the music. But of course, what started out as our takes on “King’s Disease” (03:35) quickly led to some passionate discussions about whether or not this was a “forced” collaboration (27:40), the difference between reinvention and experimentation (50:40), a brief convo about the nuance of subjectivity (56:00), a quest to establish when Milan became the only person on earth whose opinions are universal facts (1:05:16), and more. One of the most frustrating conversations we’ve had in a while, but it’s exactly the type of hip hop debate we love to have. Recorded prior to Chadwick Boseman’s passing, we of course honor him and send love to all of us—but especially his family—who will miss his presence. That said, come #PullUpAChair, press play, and let us know what you think in the comments.

We went longer between recording than we usually do, so a lot had transpired between episodes. Because of that, it took us way too long to determine what we would even talk about, but we were already saying a lot, so we just hit record and went from there. Most of the episode is focused on me somehow missing Jack Harlow's song of the century (2:00) and what hip hop's response to the Meg the Stallion situation says about the culture (22:25), but this ended up just being one of those episodes that we let carry us. So, press play, #PullUpAChair, and let us know your thoughts on anything we covered!

You can tell from the intro, Milan came up with the topic. This episode, we kick things off by discussing whether or not sheltering-in-place is negatively impacting hip hop’s relevance (08:40). We also discuss whether or no there is a legitimate difference between the critiques of hip hop today and it’s critiques during its rise (23:56), Milan has the nerve to try to argue semantics with me (41:40), a conversation about whether or not people would be comfortable in a world without hip hop (48:48), and more. The entire episode is an argument. #PullUpAChair and see what side of the table you sit on.  

If you keep up with hip hop at all, you know that J. Cole and Noname were the center of attention last week. So, of course HHRT had to give you our own thoughts about the whole situation. This episode includes, our initial thoughts when we first heard the song (6:40), how hip hop being mainstream effects the important conversation we need to have as a culture (42:40), how we each feel about the critiques of J. Cole releasing his song (1:07:55), and a rant about allowing people to address things when and how they feel comfortable doing so (1:43:26), and more. As always, let us know your thoughts by eleavinga. comment wherever you may be listening and let us know your thoughts. #PullUpAChair

I'll be honest, I didn't even want to have this talk. I was talked out and I was tired of having to fixate on the violent deaths of our people. That said, it actually ended up being really good for all of us. We had the homie Anthony Walker join us to process everything we've been feeling and dealing over the last few weeks since the murder of George Floyd was posted for the world to see. If you're like us and just needed a space to listen and/or share, this episode is for you. We also talk about what we expect from hip hop in response to everything we're currently experiencing. So, please #PullUpAChair, share your own thoughts, and let's continue to come together to make the change we need to see.

If you’ve been rocking with us for a while, you’ve probably heard us talk about how much we all respect Lauryn Hill’s “Unplugged” album. Well, we finally give it space on a full episode. We discuss the reasons we appreciate it (5:18), the difficulties of labeling it solely as a hip hop album (48:40), the reasons we believe it’s not usually mentioned with the rest of her catalogue (1:04:30) and much more! We also pay respects to all those we lost since the last time we recorded: Little Richard, Andre Harrell, and Ahmaud Arbery. On a lighter note, Dev finally hooked us with a new instrumental for the intro! You'll also notice we're waaaay more chill this episode than we've been in a while. Good vibes only..or almost only. Press play, enjoy, and then give us your thoughts! #PullUpAChair

Before you completely flip out over the title, just listen to the episode. At this point, you should already know that the conversation is way more deep than the title. A discussion about the recently released Beastie Boys documentary is what leads to the initial question (11:13), followed by a question about why the label "culture vulture" never seems to be applied to white producers (58:07), attempting to separate the systemic issues from the individuals (1:12:38), thoughts on how the success of any white rapper contributes to the larger issue of cultural appropriation (1:27:48), finally a consensus—kinda (1:38:30), and so much more in-between. We then somehow got into a completely different conversation thanks to Milan that we may or not turn into an episode by itself, but it nearly became one here (2:09:36). As always, #PullUpAChair, press play, and rate, subscribe, and comment to give us your thoughts on the matter.

Swizz Beatz & Timbaland have given us by far the best thing to look forward to during quarantine. Recorded before all the craziness and epic ness of the Babyface/Teddy Riley battle, we discuss our general thoughts about what VERZUZ says about, and means for, the culture (10:53), hoping that VERZUZ won't fall victim to the same commercialization that other aspects of hip hop have (28:28), if it's possible for hip hop to grow and maintain authenticity without chasing the bag (1:03:45), Milan continues his streak of disrespect toward hip hop legends (1:24:29), match-ups we'd like to see (1:29:47), and more. #PullUpAChair, press play, and let us know your thoughts on the VERZUZ battles.

I don't know why Milan won't just admit he doesn't like certain music! During our review of Royce's "The Allegory," Milan claimed that Royce shouldn't have experimented with producing the whole album himself and just stuck to his "normal" format. In this episode, he tries to explain how to determine what certain artists are known for (13:40), give an example of an artist properly experimenting (21:45), explain why experimenting for some is different from experimenting for others (37:20), break down the difference between experimenting and leveling up (1:00:00), and refuses to acknowledge that the example of himself backfired (1:14:35)! Me and Dev respond throughout. Press play and be sure to comment with your thoughts. #PullUpAChair

Well, Jay Electronica finally released his debut album--if that's what you want to call it. Hear our thoughts on more than decade long album in the making (9:27), how new fans who don't full appreciate "Exhibit C" high have receive this album (1:21:40), and the great boxing analogy to sum up the album (1:25:55). Press play and then let us know your thoughts in the comment section. #PullUpAChair

We got to sit down with one of Jamla Records' own, Reuben Vincent! He shares about his music journey, a little of what to expect from his upcoming music, and Milan's role in getting him signed to 9th Wonder. This right here is how you celebrate 100 episodes! #PullUpAChair   How to connect with Reuben: Instagram: @reubenvincent Twitter: @ReubenVincent_ Website: jamlarecords.com  

Somehow, a review of Royce's new offering turned into several debates about artists being allowed to experiment with their sound. Regardless, we do share our thoughts about the album as a whole and how Royce's continued maturation as an artist. Join us at the roundtable and we discuss "The Allegory." #PullUpAChair

We'll be back to given y'all some fresh content soon, but we had to give y'all one more from the vault as we count down to 100 episodes. This one is from September 2017. Between the horror stories of artists signing with major labels, the introduction of 360 deals, and the internet/social media creating more opportunities than ever before, it may seem like it's best for artists to just stop signing with the major labels altogether. We discuss the various things to consider for artists and if it's really that simple. #PullUpAChair and comment to give us your thoughts.

This is a two for one! As we gear up to celebrate our 100th episode soon, we're getting around to releasing some of the episodes that we never put out for one reason or another. This is one of those. Recorded back in February 2018, and based on an article from Very Smart Brothas, we decided to share how each of us listen to hip hop and what draws us in. Some people listen for the beat first. Some people, the lyrics. Some of us just need a vibe. How do you listen? Then we transition to what will likely become the death of the CD. The "news" of Best Buy discontinuing the sale of CDs had just broke, so we talk about that and how we feel about the future of music consumption. They not gone yet, but how do you feel like we're gonna have to say farewell to CDs anytime soon? How does that impact how you purchase/listen to music? Leave all your thoughts and opinions below in the comments as you enjoy this new, but old, episode! #PullUpAChair

Not the episode we wanted or planned to do, but we had to honor the legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant, and all those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash in Southern California. We discuss how we've been dealing with the news of the loss, Kobe's legacy, and why he was so embraced by hip hop culture in ways other hoop legends are not. It's tough to have to do this time, but please #PullUpAChair and join us as we pay our respects. On a positive note, we have finally launched our website! Visit http://hiphoproundtable.com to check it out. We will be adding much more to the site, but know that you can still go there for all of the recent episodes and sign-up to get added to our email list so we can inform you of all the things that will be coming up in the future. Please visit, subscribe, and let's keep pushing the culture forward!  

Shout out to Brian Bailey, who actually posed this question on our Facebook page a couple years ago. We recorded the episode soon after the question was posted (back in 2018!), but it ended up getting stuck in the vault with a number of other episodes. But, as we continue to work to get take the podcast to the next level this year, we decided to release one of the episodes from the past that were never released. Based on a video posted by Vox that analyzed the "deconstructed the best rhymes of all time" in a very formulaic way, Brian asks if it is dangerous for hip hop to be broken down and analyzed so academically. We decided to respond to the question. Press play, enjoy the episode, and let us know your thoughts on the matter. #PullUpAChair

Here we are again. The beginning of 2020. So, we share our thoughts on all hip hop had to offer and experienced the past 12 months. Our thoughts on the albums, freestyles, artists, and major moments of 2019. And of course, are typical arguments and basketball analogies to close our the year. So, #PullUpAChair and join us for what was our final convo of 2019!

So, we lied in the beginning. This isn't the last episode we recorded of the year. But it was a really good one. A lot of questions came out of this. Can you actually call yourself a fan of hip hop without certain qualifications? If there are qualifications, what are they? And if you don't meet them, what are you actually considered? Press play and find out if you're really a hip hop fan. #PullUpAChair

Milan and Dev bring the worst out of me. I'm starting to think Milan brought this topic up just to make me mad. I promise I didn't mean to get as hype as I did, but somebody gotta balance the ridiculous claims of these two. But for all I know, y'all listening will agree. So, press play and then be sure to comment and let us know your thoughts. #PullUpAChair   *Disclaimer: Any defending of Jay has nothing to do with the craziness of the Kapernick/NFL situation and Jay's involvement. I'm not defending anything pertaining to how that went down.

We blow the dust off the mics to record the first episode in a while! As the Jay Z/Roc Nation/NFL drama continues to unfold, we discuss rappers are typically viewed as leaders in the Black community and if that is part of the reason people have been so disappointed with Jay. Press play, listen, and then give us your thoughts in the comments. #PullUpAChair

We double up on the topics this podcast. First, we address the Kodak Black and ScHoolboy Q social media controversies (I use that term lightly in Q's situation) and what it represents for hip hop as a whole. Then we discuss breakdancing potentially becoming part of the Olympics and whether or not that's a good look for hip hop. Press play, leave a comment, rate, and subscribe. #PullUpAChair 

We hadn't come to the roundtable in a while, but we had to for Nipsey. We discuss our reactions to the news, Nipsey's legacy, and what we plan to do to honor his marathon and ensure it continues. This episode is just about getting the feelings and emotions out after such a big hit to our community. Nipsey's song both intro and take us out of the podcast. Intro: "Road to Riches" - The Marathon Continues Outro: "Blessings" - Crenshaw Nothing but prayers, love, and peace to Nipsey and his entire family and loved ones. Glad we got to see him take his victory lap already and it's up to all of us to make sure the marathon continues.

I'm well aware that we're now more than a week into 2019, but we still had to make sure we gave y'all are 2018 rap up...so here it is! Our takes on album of the year, artist of the year, what was most memorable about 2018 and what we're looking forward to most in 2019. Happy new(ish) year!

We back! It's been waaaay to long since we recorded, but it felt good to finally sit down at the mic again. Life kinda hit all of us, but we were are itching to record again. We give updates on what we've been up to the last few months, do brief recaps of the things we missed since we've been on hiatus, and then discuss this Tory Lanez/Joyner Lucas situation. It's good to finally be back at the roundtable. #PullUpAChair

We give "Daytona" a proper review and then discuss this Kanye fad of 7 track albums. AFter you listen, be sure to let us know your thoughts. #PullUpAChair

Y’all know we couldn’t let this go. Special guests Langston Hill (my brother) and Jay (Milan’s son and Dev/my brother-in-law) join us to discuss. No further explanation needed. #PullUpAChair and press play.

Better late than never right? We recorded this a while ago, but I'm just late getting this posted. But this is our take on J. Cole's latest release. Nothing to do but press play, enjoy, and comment! #PullUpAChair

I'm sure by now, y'all have seen people goin' at Killer Mike over his NRA interview. Well, we figured we discuss that and how we think the hip hop community in general feels about gun control, the #MarchForOurLive movements, and community violence. This is one of those episodes where we hold hip hop accountable for taking up the real issues. We try to do our part by starting the convo here. So with that said, #PullUpAChair.