The Vinyl Collective

It's here… the 2022 TVC Awards featuring a whole bunch of hosts and your favourite music critics Jon and Tope

This week Jon and Tope break down the joint LP from Drake and 21 Savage (Canadian-British project).

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (35:48) BINA intro; expression & music as a necessity (50:15) “Humble Abode” EP, “This is Not A Film” EP, learning the guitar (01:01:28) Honesty in music, Boundaries (01:12:08) Blackjack, sense of identity (01:22:45) Looking ahead

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (04:03) Big Steppers Concert review (09:32) New releases and Latest News (22:27) Smino intro, Album Art (30:25) First impressions of “Luv 4 Rent” (37:14) Features (44:03) No L's , cyclical nature of album (4rm Da Source & Curtains); favourite and least favourite tracks (01:04:41) Closing thoughts

This week we chat in the studio with Twyce, winner of Cord Social's ‘Up Next' competition

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #103 (05:33) New releases and Latest News (27:21) Kamzo Intro, “Sent Back Podcast” the public perception of Lil Baby (37:55) Looking back on Lil Baby and Gunna, the lead single “Heyy” and the Budweiser advert (50:18) General thoughts on “It's Only Me” (01:11:58) Best tracks (01:27:37) From Now On (ft. Future), comparing Lil Baby to Future; Lil Baby's career moving forward (01:32:55) Closing thoughts

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #102 (05:51) New releases and Latest News (28:11) Ope intro, the hip-hop landscape in 2012 (40:56) Favourite tracks on GKMC - what makes GKMC special? (51:43) The Art of Peer Pressure - GKMC's qualities compared to TPAB (01:01:12) Deluxe tracks - TPAB's succeeding qualities (01:10:37) Album of the decade? What happened to that film? (01:18:38) Looking at later Kendrick works

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #101 (04:19) New releases and Latest News (19:41) Hamza intro (29:26) Freddie Gibbs' run between his last solo project and now (37:47) Initial thoughts on $oul $old $eparately (46:23) Album skits; album singles (Dark Hearted, Too Much); Gold Rings (56:35) Feel No Pain (ft. Anderson .Paak & Raekwon), Lobster's Omelette; Album themes (01:06:38) Rabbit Songs (Space Rabbit, Rabbit Vision), Grandma' Stove, PYS (01:15:13) Pain & Strife, Zipper Bagz, CIA, Benny The Butcher beef (01:23:26) Decoded, how $$$ contributes to Freddie's legacy

This week we interview Jon and Tope, co-hosts and creators of “The Vinyl Collective”, a weekly music journal on the hip-hop and R&B landscape, to discuss the pair reaching their milestone of 2 years and 100 episodes. Timestamps : (00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #100 (10:08) New tracks and Latest News (29:48) Interview with The Vinyl Collective: Part 1 (01:08:42) Interview with The Vinyl Collective: Part 2

Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #99  (05:14) New Music & Latest News  (27:38) Main topic intro - Context for what change means and putting artists in categories  (41:28) Artists changing and producing a split fan base  (51:27) Do artists need to be multi-faceted?  (01:10:47) Can classics come out of one-dimensional artists?  (01:19:17) Closing, Now and Then playlist

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #98 : RIMON (04:55) New music and Latest News (20:50) Ari Lennox intro; R&B in 2022; looking back on “Shea Butter Baby” (30:56) General thoughts on “a/s/l” (37:16) Feature tracks (Leak It, Queen Space, Boy Bye) (44:19) POF, album singles (Hoodie, Pressure) (48:36) Waste My Time, interlude, Mean Mug, Stop By (58:49) Contrasts between a/s/l and Shea Butter Baby (01:05:59) Closing, Now and Then playlist

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #97: Elujay (05:10) New releases and news over the last few weeks (34:22) JID intro, his features during his hiatus (43:17) General thoughts on “The Forever Story”

This week we celebrate our Summer Pirate Residency by bringing you a laid-back chat about anything and everything music. Tune in!

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (05:41) New releases (17:40) DJ Khaled (24:14) The Forever Story tracklist (27:13) Politics as Usual intro; Reaction videos (45:42) Ethical music consumption (56:07) Editing released music (01:09:44) Rapping about “that life” after becoming successful (01:20:11) Closing, Now and Then playlist

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (04:54) New releases (29:22) Viewer questions (01:11:39) Closing, Now and Then playlist

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #94: ayrtn (09:15) General talk, new music and other news (26:35) Creatives not being paid on time Main discussion starts here: (31:20) BREAK MY SOUL as the lead single and thoughts on the 3-act arc (41:23) General thoughts on RENAISSANCE (53:21) I'M THAT GIRL; VIRGO'S GROOVE; Our favourite tracks (01:03:34) Least favourite tracks (01:09:40) THIQUE; CHURCH GIRL; PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA; CUFF IT; COZY (01:21:11) SUMMER RENAISSANCE; HEATED; Closing thoughts; Now and Then playlist

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (07:00) News this week (28:04) Sillah Intro (35:41) The Block Report, Cold Drinks Pod (45:04) Introduction into Joey Bada$$; looking back on “ALL AMERICAN BADA$$” and expectations for 2000 (58:40) General thoughts (01:10:53) Make Me Feel, One of Us, Welcome Back, Head High (01:19:55) Written in the Stars, The Baddest, Show Me, Wanna Be Loved, Kendrick Lamar tangent (01:31:51) Album direction, closing thoughts (01:36:34) Closing, Now and Then playlist

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #92: Yung Pooda (07:18) New releases (Central Cee, Megan Thee Stallion, Maxo Kream, Rico Nasty, Mozzy, The Koreatown Oddity) (32:33) “What if…?” Intro (34:53) What if Beyoncé and Jay-Z never got married? (44:29) What if Kendrick signed to Dreamville instead of Aftermath? (52:20) What if Andre 3000 had a solo career? (01:00:37) What if Drake won the rap beef against Pusha T? (01:09:02) What if J Hus never went to prison/ got stabbed? (01:16:13) What if Tupac and Biggie never died? (01:26:50) Closing, Now and Then playlist

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #91: Anaiis (05:38) New releases, other news, our artist personas (24:00) TDE Intro (30:07) Top 10 TDE albums (01:21:52) Closing, Now and Then playlist

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #90: Rasharn Powell (04:47) New releases (12:53) Kirk Franklin talks R Kelly (15:42) Frank Ocean pre-Channel Orange & first impressions of Channel Orange (26:36) Album themes, songwriting, interludes and features on CO (37:52) Thinkin Bout You, Frank coming out (44:21) Sierra Leone, Frank's influences and the influence Frank Ocean has had (51:59) Pyramids, Crack Rock, Super Rich Kids, Sweet Life & themes of classism (01:03:51) Versatility on CO, Frank's abstract nature and his evolution on “Blonde” (01:10:47) Summary (01:13:24) Closing, Now and Then playlist  

(00:00) Intro (02:29) New releases (09:57) Cordae talking about FABEV, favourite albums in the mid-year (15:24) Drake Intro; thoughts on the surprise album drop (19:30) General thoughts on the album (30:26) Falling Back; Currents/ 40's involvement (39:40) Intro; Texts Go Green; A Keeper (43:22) Album listenability and track lengths / Tie That Binds (47:09) Favourite tracks (56:41) Flights Booked; Massive; Sticky/ The effort Drake puts into albums (01:03:59) “Honestly, Nevermind” in the context of Drake's Discography; Closing thoughts (01:06:50) Closing, Now and Then playlist

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #88: BINA. (03:09) New releases (22:25) BET Awards /Glastonbury Festival performances (29:32) Logic Intro; reasons for retirement (37:23) General thoughts on “Vinyl Days” (43:34) Album skits & hosting by Funk Flex (51:59) Favourite tracks (56:56) BLACKWHITEBOY (59:25) Quasi; Therapy Music; LaDonda (01:09:23) Kickstyle; In my lifetime/ Logic's self-proclamation and substance (01:16:02) TenYears; Orville; Introducing Nezi/ Feature chemistry (01:21:55) Porta one; Bresth Control; I guess I love it / Album Production (01:26:00) Summary, ranking in 2022 albums (01:27:46) Closing, Now and Then playlist

This week Tope and Jon discuss the best and worst feature artists in hip-hop and r&b. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (05:27) Joey Bada$$'s album delayed (09:05) Chance The Rapper: The Highs and The Lows (ft. Joey Bada$$) (11:34) Lupe Fiasco: DRILL MUSIC IN ZION (15:09) FKA Twigs: killer (17:50) Chlöe: Surprise (19:02) Steve Lacy: Mercury (20:36) Beyoncé: BREAK MY SOUL Main discussion starts here: (29:11) Why do artists perform better/worse on features? (37:38) Best feature artists (01:03:56) Worst feature artists (01:17:33) Impact of features on an artist's legacy; some more bad feature artists (01:25:00) Closing, Now and Then

Timestamps: (00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #86: Bawo  (04:02) Promise Rings  New releases:  (12:02) Pharrell: Cash In Cash Out (ft. 21 Savage & Tyler The Creator)  (15:42) Logic: Breath Control (ft. Wiz Khalifa)  (18:15) Ego Ella May: The Morning Side of Love  (19:36) Lupe Fiasco: AUTOBOTO  (22:56) Unknown T: Who said drill is dead?  (25:15) Rolling Stone's Top 200 Hip-Hop albums of all time  Main discussion starts here:  (35:37) JSTRNGS intro; musical beginnings  (48:58) Thoughts on the current U.K. R&B scene; artists being “boxed in” by playlists  (58:13) Working with Ojerime  (01:06:00) Working with Kwoli Black  (01:17:09) Learning how to mix and why it can wrong wrong in big-budget releases  (01:27:12) Future projects  (01:29:20) Closing, Now and Then playlist 

This week we discuss how artists can get a free pass on bad albums if they've had a history of strong releases. How long does this last for though? Does it matter if you're a legacy artist and should we reassess after two bad albums? Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (04:00) YSL Update New releases & Other News: (05:24) Tracklist for Logic's “Vinyl Days” (07:59) Spotlight Series #85: Powers Pleasant; PRO ERA discussion (13:14) BLK ODYSSY: BENNY'S GOT A GUN (ft. Benny The Butcher & George Clinton) (15:34) Gucci Mane: Mrs. Davis (16:53) Logic: Bleed It (18:42) Benny The Butcher: Welcome to the States Main discussion starts here: (22:07) Discussion intro; to what extent does the Discography Tax exist? (32:45) How many albums does it take for artists to start getting passes? (37:38) Artists who have spent their Tax (46:19) Do fans give artists a Tax too quickly? (51:22) Which artists we predict will run out of their Tax (01:04:03) Closing, Now and Then playlist

Timestamps (00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #84: Quelle Chris (05:40) More Jack Harlow discourse New releases (11:20) Kanye & XXXTENTACION: True Love (15:18) Chance The Rapper: A Bar About A Bar (19:33) Jason Derulo: Sliding (ft. Kodak Black) (21:56) Logic: Orville (ft. Like, Blu & Exile) Main discussion starts here: (27:06) Ravyn Lenae background (33:07) General thoughts on HYPNOS (41:55) Xtasy & Album Production (45:40) Satellites, HYPNOS theme (50:10) Skin Tight (ft. Steve Lacy) (53:09) Wish (57:09) Where I'm From (ft. Mereba) (01:01:27) Light Me Up & Like You Do (01:03:42) 3D (ft. Smino) (01:06:32) Mercury (ft. Fousheé) (01:09:31) Lullaby (01:13:04) Cameo & Venom (01:17:15) M. I. A. & Inside Out (01:26:10) Higher (01:28:34) Vocal performance; looking ahead (01:35:46) Closing; Now and Then playlist

(00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #83: Ty Leone New releases/ Latest News: (05:56) Brandy's diss song to Jack Harlow (09:52) Aitch: 1998 (12:38) Labels pressuring artists to make TikToks (16:15) John Legend: Dope (ft. JID) (17:42) Logic: Vinyl Days (ft.DJ Premier) (20:27) N-Dubz: Charmer (24:30) Headie One: 22 Carats (ft. Gazo) (26:49) New albums, Mahalia's new EP Main discussion starts here: (30:34) The Heart Part 5, Album Art; & first listens (36:36) Album concept (43:47) General thoughts on the album (49:16) Die Hard, Album production (55:02) United In Grief, N95, Worldwide Steppers (01:04:26) Cancel Culture, Kodak Black presence (01:11:19) Rich Interlude; Silent Hill (ft. Kodak Black) (01:13:51) Auntie Diaries (01:19:56) Father Time (ft. Sampha) & Generational Trauma (01:27:57) Mother I Sober (ft. Beth Gibbons) (01:35:08) Mr. Morale (ft. Tanna Leone), Album pacing (Crown, Purple Hearts) (01:41:04) Savior Interlude/Savior (ft. Baby Keem & Sam Dew) (01:48:19) We Cry Together (01:53:30) Mirror (01:57:08) Count Me Out, Rich Spirit (01:59:46) Favourite tracks & feature, ranking in discography (02:03:30) Closing, Now and Then playlist

This week we address the ‘Is R&B dead' question and why it continues to be a point of contention. We then look at the wealth of U.K. R&B talent, from the S tier to the Spotlight Series artists we've been plugging since Episode 1. (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #82: vb New releases: (06:51) Brief discussion on “Mr Morale & The Big Steppers” (11:31) Bellah: Prototype (14:43) Post Malone: Cooped Up (ft. Roddy Ricch) (16:43) IDK: Simple (18:12) DaBaby: WIG (ft. Moneybagg Yo) (19:48) Ne-Yo: Don't Love Me (21:59) Rapsody: Dust to Diamonds (24:02) Ben Beale: Caroline (ft. Mick Jenkins & REASON) (26:35) Obongjayar: Some Night I Dream of Doors (27:52) YSL gone, dawg (33:34) 5 years of J Hus' “Common Sense” Main discussion starts here: (41:52) Intro; is UK R&B dead? (50:18) Quality of UK R&B; R&B groups (55:51) Talent within the UK : top tier (01:04:41) Talent within the UK: mid-tier; (01:08:14) Rachel Chinouriri & the boundaries of R&B (01:15:54) Up-and-coming talent/ Rookies (01:24:25) Is UK R&B alternative? (01:28:45) Closing, Now and Then playlis

This week we review Pusha T's latest LP ‘It's Almost Dry'. Co-produced by Pharrell and Kanye and with a handful of big features we couldn't miss out on giving our thoughts on this one! Timestamps: (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #81: Rochelle Jordan New releases: (10:42) Jack Harlow: Come Home The Kids Miss You (18:22) Knucks: Alpha Place (22:58) Ella Mai: How (ft. Roddy Ricch) (25:08) Headie One (26:37) A$AP Rocky: D.M.B. (27:39) AJ Tracey: Reasonable (28:01) Logic: Therapy Music (ft. Russ) (30:32) Kendrick Lamar: The Heart Part 5 Main discussion starts here: (47:43) Pusha T intro; Pusha T's replay value; initial thoughts on “It's Almost Dry” (56:53) Production on “It's Almost Dry” (01:06:52) Let The Smokers Shine The Coupes (01:08:53) Brambleton (01:12:43) Dreamin' Of The Past (01:18:15) Just So You Remember (01:22:32) Rock N Roll (ft. Kid Cudi & Kanye West) (01:27:02) Scrape It Off (ft. Lil Uzi Vert & Don Toliver) (01:29:22) I Pray For You (ft. Labrinth & No Malice) (01:34:16) Quickfire questions (01:43:05) Closing, Now and Then playlist

This week we're joined by Chris the Capo, co-host of the rap battle podcast ‘Battle on the Roof' and host of ‘No Cappin' on Rinse FM. Timestamps: (06:40) Jack Harlow's album release (07:56) Aitch: Just Coz (ft. Giggs) (11:48) Mahalia: In The Club (14:11) IDK x Kaytranada: Dog Food (ft. Denzel Curry) (17:06) Ibeyi: Rise Above (ft. Berwyn) (18:52) Giveon: Lie Again (20:40) New albums (25:42) Chris Intro: Motivations behind podcasts (‘No Cappin' ' and ‘Battle on the Roof') (37:02) Public perception  and misconceptions of Battle Rap (41:24) Ethical boundaries in battle rap and hip-hop (47:00) Influence of battle rap on hip-hop; the skill difference between rappers and battle rappers (01:06:49) Jon's game; are rap battles still needed? (01:17:37) The authenticity of battle rappers;  female representation in battle rap (01:24:55) Rap Battles for beginners to watch (01:28:19) Closing, Now and Then playlist

(00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #79: WifiGawd New releases: (08:36) Ed Sheeran: 2Step (ft. Lil Baby) (11:40) Logic: Tetris & Decades (15:39) Ab-Soul: Hollandaise (21:11) 070 Shake: Skin & Bones (22:07) PinkPantheress: Where you are (ft. WILLOW) (23:53) Megan Thee Stallion: Plan B (27:08) Potter Payper: Gangsteritus Pt. 2 (ft. Nines & Tiggs The Author) (31:07) Daniel Caesar: Please Do Not Lean (ft. BADBADNOTGOOD) Other News: (32:37) Chloe Bailey and Little Simz talking about the financial hardships of music Main discussion starts here: (39:07) Vince Staples; thoughts on eponymous album; expectations for RPBMH (47:55) RPBMH; General thoughts (53:06) THE BEACH/ THE BLUES (56:58) AYE! (FREE THE HOMIES) (59:23) Is there a concept to this album? (01:03:41) WHERE SPARKS FLY (01:08:16) EAST POINT PRAYER (ft. Lil Baby); BANG THAT (01:12:30) SLIDE (01:15:11) PAPERCUTS (01:17:45) PLAYER WAYS; ROSE STREET (01:24:20) Interludes on RPBMH (01:29:58) LEMONADE (ft. Ty Dolla $ign) (01:31:29) Summary (01:35:39) Closing, Now & Then playlist

This week we take a look at artists who've fucked their own careers by choices they did or did not make.  (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #78: Hamzaa (04:12) SAULT - Air (06:24) Reading our your favourite Kendrick songs; thoughts on the new album Main discussion starts here: (16:49) Main convo intro (19:24) Ja Rule (24:46) Meek Mill (29:30) Iggy Azaelia (32:26) Wale (37:31) Robin Thicke (43:22) Roddy Ricch (49:30) B.o.B. (54:57) Hardy Caprio (59:52) Nines (01:03:35) Taio Cruz (01:08:53) Blu (01:11:39) Kid Cudi; Logic (01:13:17) CyHi The Prince (01:15:46) Closing, Now & Then playlist

This week we're joined by Natalie Narh, co-founder of pan-African social platform "New Comma", to break down one of the first major R&B releases of 2022 in "Candydrip". We also discuss the songwriting career of Lucky Daye and the trajectory of R&B in the modern age. (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #77: Mike (06:17): Jack Harlow: First Class New releases: (08:46) Chlöe: Treat Me (14:26) Lil Baby: Right On (15:32) Pusha T: Neck and Wrist (19:19) BUA: London ft. J. Cole (23:09) Alicia Keys: City of Gods (23:40) Schoolboy Q: Soccer Dad (27:32) IDK: Taco Main: (28:20) Natalie Intro; New Comma; Her Mum being on TV (42:41) Lucky Daye Intro (47:43) Cover Art; General thoughts (54:04) Intro, the interludes (57:06) Deserve (59:54) Guess (01:02:27) Title Track & interlude (01:05:59) Features (01:12:14) Touch Somebody (interlude) (01:14:10) Intermission (01:15:31) Over; artists being able to perform live (01:18:11) NWA (01:20:04) Fuckin Sound; traditional R&B being a lost sound and the trajectory of R&B (01:30:16) Songwriting on Candydrip (01:32:03) Closing, Now and Then playlist

Jon returns this week to recap on the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards results. We also touch on U.K. Hip-Hop albums that should have been considered for a GRAMMY. (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #76: Amindi (05:35) UK Albums that deserve the Grammy nomination New releases: (14:17) Kehlani: Up at Night (ft. Justin Bieber) (17:50) Joyner Lucas: Ye Not Crazy (22:10) Vince Staples: ROSE STREET (25:39) Freddie Gibbs: Ice Cream (ft. Rick Ross) (27:44) Ella Mai: leave You Alone (29:46) City Girls: Top Notch (ft. Fivio Foreign) (30:36) Lupe Fiasco: 100 Chicagos (31:51) Dreamville: D-Day - The Mixtape Main discussion starts here: (36:36) GRAMMY's intro (39:02) Record of the Year (44:13) Album of the Year (47:54) Best New Artist (51:53) Best Rap Album (56:20) Best Rap Performance (58:10) Best Rap Song (01:02:48) Best Melodic Rap Performance (01:05:05) Best R&B Performance (01:16:01) Best Traditional R&B Performance (01:19:52) Best R&B Song (01:21:47) Best Progressive R&B Album (01:26:17) Best R&B Album (01:30:49) Summary (01:32:55) Closing, Now and Then playlist

Down a man this week, Tope is joined by Rhymeshe Podcast host Cee Valentina to break down Kojey Radical's commercial debut “Reason to Smile”. They unpack the album's dense feature list and narrative. He also touches on the hottest features of the last week, including Chance and Sabrina Claudio (00:00) Intro New releases: (03:07) Chance The Rapper: Child of God (05:19) Sabrina Claudio: Better Version (06:31) Denzel Curry: Melt My Eyez See Your Future; Nigo: I know NIGO!; Koffee: Gifted Main discussion starts here: (08:57) Cee Valentina intro: (09:51) Getting into Rhymeshe (13:30) Working at Complex UK (17:54) Kojey intro (21:41) General album thoughts (30:27) Beautiful (ft. Shakka & Wretch32); Payback (ft. Knucks); Title track (ft. Tiana Major9) (32:42) Silk (ft. Masego); Born (ft. Cashh); War Outside (ft. Lex Amor) (37:14) Gangsta; Pressure (ft. Shae Universe); Anywhere (ft. Ego Ella May) (43:47) Talkin' (ft. Kelis & Tiana Major9) (44:50) Closing, Now and Then playlist

This week we take to the weird and wonderful world of Reddit once again to discuss some of the hottest R&B/Hip-Hop takes. (00:00) Intro New releases: (06:04) Syd: CYBAH (ft. Lucky Daye) (08:15) Mahalia: Whatever Simon Says (10:31) Princess Nokia: No Effort (12:13) Joyce Wrice x KAYTRANADA: Iced Tea (12:55) ROSALIA: MOTOMAMI (15:29) Tiana Major9 EP (18:38) Youngs Teflon: All Eyes On Me Against The World (EP) Other news: (21:56) Pusha T McDonald's diss Main discussion starts here: (27:08) TVC vs. Reddit Intro (28:56) Jack Harlow wanting to be the face of his generation (32:45) Noname announcing Factory Baby isn't dropping (45:58) Brockhampton announcing indefinite hiatus (53:45) Fantano telling artists to stop luring fans into buying NFT's (01:03:06) Rappers which have made the worst choices that ruined their careers (01:10:26) Snoop buying Death Row (01:15:22) Doja wanting to make a double disc & dedicating one side to Rap (01:19:30) Logic's 1-800-273-8255 being linked to a fall in suicide cases (01:27:50) Eminem asking to kneel during the SuperBowl halftime show (01:33:27) Closing, Now and Then playlist

This week we unpack the Shady debut "God Don't Make Mistakes" from Griselda wordsmith Conway The Machine. We discuss the album's surprisingly vulnerable nature and the range of styles explored by Conway on this record. (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #73: (06:31) Central Cee going #1 on a mixtape (09:49) Megan x Dua Lipa: Sweetest Pie (14:26) Aitch (17:22) Mariah The Scientist: EP (21:08) Rachel Chinouriri Main discussion starts here: (23:27) GDMM Intro (38:51) Lock Load (ft. Beanie Sigel) (41:23) Tear Gas (ft. Lil Wayne & Rick Ross) (44:19) Wild Chapters (ft. TI and Novel) (48:02) Guilty (50:46) Stressed (55:46) Drumwork (ft. 7xvethegenius & Jae Skeese) (57:25) Alchemist produced tracks (Piano Love & God Don't Make Mistakes) (01.03:23) Chanel Pearls (ft. Jill Scott) (01:07:57) So Much More (01:18:27) Closing, Now and Then

This week we share our thoughts on the 3-part Netflix documentary “Jeen-Yuhs” which covers the beginnings and meteoric rise of Kanye West's career, as well as the trials and tribulations along the way. (00:00) Intro (06:27) Dave: Starlight and sampling in the U.K. (15:36) Denzel Curry: Zatoichi (ft. slowthai) (17:20) Joey Bada$$: Head High (20:31) Kojey Radical (21:32) Knucks: Leon The Professional (23:14) Pusha T: Hear Me Clearly (26:57) 5 years of “The Never Story” Main discussion starts here: (34:39) Jeen-yuhs intro; general thoughts (42:31) Act I & Coodie (58:22) Act II & Donda (01:16:01) Act III & Mental Health

This week we get into the important distinctions between mixtapes, EP's and albums (LP's). We talk about the benefits/drawbacks of each format and how some artists use mixtapes/EP's to avoid the pressure of an album release. (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #71: Kam-Bu (06:51)Discussion intro (11:57) Mixtapes (23:17) EP's (39:27) Albums/LP's (56:03) Where is all of this going? (01:03:12) Closing, Now and Then playlist

(00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #70: Mndsgn (04:54) Curren$y & The Alchemist: Continuance (09:28) Big KRIT: Digital Roses Don't Die (12:18) Deante Hitchcock: Everyday the 14th (14:55) Jamal Edwards Main discussion starts here (22:17) Supergroups intro (32:50) Tope's 1st supergroup:  (35:21) Jon's 1st supergroup: (38:31) Tope's 2nd supergroup:  (42:26) Jon's 2nd supergroup: (49:04) Jon's 3rd: (53:34) Tope's 4th:  (57:40) Jon's 4th: (01:01:22) Tope's 5th:  (01:06:42) Jon's 5th: (01:12:53) Tope's 6th: (01:18:27) Jon's 6th: (01:24:06) Tope's 7th  (01:26:35) Bench players (01:28:40) Closing, Now and Then playlist

This week we cover the long-awaited third album by Chicago rapper, singer, producer Saba. We get into his time after his sophomore hit “CARE FOR ME” and the shift in themes displayed on his latest record. (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #69: Haviah Mighty (04:04) Super-Bowl halftime performance (12:27) John Legend: Tomorrow (14:19) Vince Staples: MAGIC (ft. DJ Mustard) (16:16) Headie One x M Huncho (17:45) Tha God Fahim x Young Ol Droog; Nicholas Craven (19:27) Heaux Tales, Mo' Tales: The Deluxe (24:58) Blu x Fatlip x GBA Few Good Things Review starts here: (25:45) Saba intro; his career up to this point was (35:22) General thoughts on the album: album theme (45:08) One Way or Every N***a with a Budget (46:18) Few Good Things (ft. Black Thought & Eryn Allen Kane) (53:01) Survivor's Guilt (ft. G Herbo) (57:39) Come My Way (ft Krayzie Bone) (01:00:53) From an interlude called Circus (01:02:56) If I Had a Dollar / Stop That (01:08:03) a Simpler Time (ft. Mereba) / Still (ft. 6LACK & Smino) (01:11:43) Fearmonger (ft. Daoud) (01:19:12) Solider (ft. Pivot Gang) (01:22:02) 2012 (ft. Day Wave) (01:27:35) Make Believe (ft. Foushee) (01:30:04) Ranking in discography (01:35:33) Closing, Now and Then playlist

This week we look at how our feelings on some albums have changed over the years - positively and negatively! (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #68: Liv.e (07:09) Curren$y (08:16) Pusha T: Diet Coke (14:54) Conway: John Woo Flick (16:24) Knucks: Alpha House/Hide & Seek (21:20) YG: Scared Money (ft. J. Cole & Moneybagg Yo) Episode discussion starts here: (22:39) Discussion intro (28:01) Frank Ocean (32:35) Playboi Carti (37:36) Rapsody (41:50) Kanye (47:42) Daniel Caesar (50:53) Earl Sweatshirt (58:24) Brockhampton (01:05:42) Cleo Sol (01:11:17) Jay-Z (01:15:35) Vince Staples (01:21:49) Lupe Fiasco (01:28:42) Closing, Now and Then playlist

This week we review the new studio album ‘Food For Thought' from Buffalo rapper ‘Che Noir'. We discuss the themes of family, religion, hustle and trauma. ALSO new music from Amber Mark, Raven Lenae, and Ella Mai. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro; listener responses (04:10) Spotlight Series #67: Ransom New releases: (09:28) Saba (14:05) Ella Mai (15:23) Amber Mark (17:02) Ravyn Lenae (19:41) Benny The Butcher (ft. J. Cole) Food For Thought Discussion: (25:05) Che Noir intro (31:14) General thoughts, production and album concept (40:37) Split the Bread (41:59) Bless the Food (43:55) Ladies Brunch (48:24) Communion (52:37) Table for 3 (55:27) Gold Cutlery and Brains for Dinner (58:17) Bless the Food again; (01:00:48) Praises (01:03:24) Eat or Starve (01:05:50) Benny the Butcher resemblance (01:11:03) Summary (01:17:50) Closing, Now and Then playlist

Intro: (00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #66: BXKS (07:26) Denzel Curry: Walkin' (10:29) Isaac Zale: Somebody Dies (ft. Blu & Mick Jenkins) / Blu x Fatlip x Madlib: Gangsta Rap (13:43) Lil Pump x Soulja Boy: Mona Lisa (15:21) Pusha T season CORD/FABEV Discussion: (20:07) Daniel Intro: CORD's come-up, the current state of UK Hip-hop/ R&B (31:32) The build up to “From a Bird's Eye View” (43:00) General thoughts on FABEV (49:53) Shiloh's Intro, Jean Michel (55:27) C Carter (01:00:54) Today (ft. Gunna) (01:02:45) Chronicles (ft. HER & Lil' Durk) (01:05:34) Momma's Hood (01:07:45) Album length (01:12:14) Champagne Glasses (ft. Freddie Gibbs & Stevie Wonder) (01:14:19) Want From Me (01:17:53) Pandemic impact (01:18:43) Parables Remix (ft. Eminem) (01:20:27) Avoiding the “sophomore slump” (01:26:17) Closing, Now and Then playlist

This week we review the fifth studio album from Abel: DAWN FM. We get into the radio show concept and the discuss the star-studded guest features.  Timestamps: (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #65: Erika de Casier New releases: (06:49) Joey Bada$$: THE R3VENGE (10:47) JID: Surround Sound (ft. 21 Savage and Baby Tate) (13:41) The Game: EAZY (ft. Kanye West) (19:15) FKA Twigs: CAPRISONGS (24:54) Earl Sweatshirt: SICK! (30:22) Kojey Radical: Payback (ft. Knucks) Dawn FM: (32:32) 103.5 TVC FM intro (39:06) Dawn FM similarities to other albums; soundscape (41:32) Album concept; general thoughts (47:13) Gasoline (50:03) How Do I Make You Love Me/ Take My Breath (51:29)Sacrifices/A Tale By Quincy; Michael Jackson resemblance (59:47) Out of Time (01:06:44) Here We Go Again (ft. Tyler The Creator)/Best Friend (01:10:58) Starry Eyes/ Every Angel Is Terrifying (01:14:28) I Heard You're Married (ft. Lil Wayne) (01:22:19) Less Than Zero/ Phantom Regret (01:26:07) Interludes; Summary (01:31:24) Closing, Now and Then playlist

This week we're joined by Kamzo (host of ‘A Brief Seat with Kamzo' and co-host of ‘Off the Record') to discuss the latest and final instalment of Gunna's “Drip Season” series. We get into his career up until this point, our general thoughts on the album and his career going forward. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #64: Fana Hues (06:35) TVC's Top 30 Albums of the Year: Top 10 (13:52) Nas - Magic (19:33) Cordae - The Heart Pt. 4 cover (20:56) Alica Keys - KEYS (22:52) Joey Bada$$ - R3VENGE (25:29) FKA Twigs - CAPRISONGS (29:28) Earl Sweatshirt - SICK! (32:06) Kamzo Intro - the “Lil Baby” comment on CORD (38:51)  “Female sex rap” (from an episode of ‘A Brief Seat w/Kamzo') (43:42) Gunna's career up until DS4EVER (50:30) DS4EVER expectations and general thoughts (01:18:09) Strongest tracks (01:21:58) Weakest tracks; Gunna's appeal (01:31:25) Nostalgia, Gunna moving forward (01:37:55) Closing, Now and Then playlist

IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!  Welcome to the inaugural 'TVC Awards' brought to you by your favourite co-hosts! This year we're joined by a bunch of guests to announce the WINNERS of each category, voted by us and YOU at home. The categories are as follows: 1. Best Spotlight Artist  2. ‘The Big Day' Award  3. Best Feature Artist  4. Most Improved Player 5. Best Rookie 6. EP Of The Year  7. Best Underground Rap album  8. Producer of the Year  9. R&B Album of the Year 10. Hip-hop Album of the Year 11. Artist of the Year  Sit back, grab a drink, and enjoy the show!!

As we wind down for the final episode of the year, we decided to have a more loose and lighthearted(?) episode and provide our commentary over the recent interview Travis Scott had with CTG regarding the AstrowordFest tragedy.  Timestamps: (00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #62: Camille Munn (06:39) Little Simz concert (09:12) RIP Drakeo The Ruler (11:29) New releases: Roddy Ricch, 6LACK, FKA Twigs (24:09) Listening Party intro (26:50) Interview begins (01:26:25) Closing thoughts on interview (01:37:50) Closing, Now and Then playlist

In light of its upcoming 20 year anniversary, we're joined by Manny to look back at Nas' fifth studio album "Stillmatic", a classic which makes up one half of the legendary beef between New York rappers himself and Jay-Z. We talk about the necessity of this album in terms of his career trajectory, the various themes explored and how his current form compares. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro; Spotlight Series #61: Femdot (06:25) Noname potentially quitting music (10:28) New releases: JUICE WRLD (14:56) A Boogie With Da Hoodie EP; Alicia Keys (19:26) Billboard's Top 50 (23:41) Jesy Nelson.. Again… (26:27) Manny Intro (31:06) First introduction to Stillmatic (38:33) Nas' career trajectory at the time, Jay-Z beef (50:55) One Mic (56:16) 2nd Childhood (01:01:14) Rewind (01:07:12) You're The Man (01:17:12) Smokin' (01:22:04) What Goes Around (01:23:54) Stillmatic vs. Blueprint (01:31:37) Ranking in discography (01:33:50) Will Nas return to form? (01:39:12) Closing, Now and Then playlist

On this volume of “Politics As Usual”, we get into the recent politics within the hip-hop/rnb landscape including Jesy Nelson's single, Jay-Z working with NFL and working with “cancelled” artists. (00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #60: Jim Legxacy (08:01) Mach-Hommy (11:51) Cordae (15:46) SZA “I Hate U” (20:17) Destin Conrad, Nicholas Craven, EARTHGANG. Joyner Lucas (22:19) MERCEDES (26:09) Intro to Politics as Usual II; Jesy Nelson (48:58) Reviewing artists from a different cultural background (01:01:27) Kanye, DaBaby & Marylin Manson (01:17:15) Youngboy NBA (01:25:05) Jay Z working with the NFL (01:37:32) Closing, Now and Then

This week we sit down with the founder & Editor-In-Chief of "The Floor Magazine", Ope, to discuss the blockbuster release from duo Silk Sonic (consisting of Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars). We get into how well they performed as a duo and the critiques regarding the album's nostalgic themes. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro, Spotlight Series #59: Amaria (05:17) Ranking albums in 2021 & Spotify Wrapped (14:28) New releases (23:39) Ope intro (29:33) The formation of Silk Sonic, initial thoughts after the release Leave The Door Open (40:41) Album preconceptions (49:24) 777, the “karaoke” critique (58:15) After Last Night, the “parody”  comparison to “DITB” (01:04:03) Fly As Me, the “formuliac” critique (01:16:56) Smokin' Out The Window, the “too clean” critique (01:27:27) Skate, Blast Off (01:35:48) Album of the year discussion (01:43:24) Closing, Now and Then playlist