Rap Radar Podcast

Inspired by the upcoming Presidential election and the killings of African-American men by police, Ty Dolla $ign is preparing to release his new project, Campaign. Fresh off Future's Purple Reign tour, The Taylor Gang hookmaster hasn't slowed down since the release of his Free TC album. During a quick stop in the city, Ty speaks on his cancelled show with Nas, his incarcerated brother, songwriting, past friction between friends YG and DJ Mustard and hilarious encounters with Babyface and Stevie Wonder.

The unsung is back on top. This summer, So So Def Records founder Jermaine Dupri has takin' over our television screens with his two reality series', "The Rap Game" and "Music Moguls". But don't get twisted, JD isn't forgetting his roots. Later this year, he plans to release a collaborative mixtape with Da Brat. While making his rounds, the multi-platinum producer spoke on his new programs, Usher, Kanye West, Notorious B.I.G., Jay Z and more.

Two years after his successful breakthrough, ScHoolboy Q has a renewed focus with his short film and album, Blank Face LP. But things weren't always this clear for the TDE signee. In the midst of raising his 7-year-old daughter and kicking his drug addiction, he contemplated about quitting rap. Following a recent NY performance, Q talks his new project, estranged family, Top Dawg, finances, Kanye West, Stat Quo, Anderson Paak and more.

The King of the Ghetto is out of his element. Surrounded by New York City skyscrapers, Z-Ro has made the journey from his native Houston to support his 19th album, Drankin' & Drivin'. Making the most of his stay, he reunited with longtime producer Mike Dean on the police brutality ode, "No Justice No Peace". But before heading back to the Lone Star state, Ro talks to us about regional success, family, DJ Screw, Drake, baby mama drama, Mo City Don freestyle and more! Awwready!

From hip-hop to pop, Wyclef Jean has been blending genres his entire career. After a controversial political run in his homeland of Haiti, the preacher's son has returned to music with his upcoming album, The Carnival 3. But in the meantime, The Fugees frontman is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his groups's landmark, The Score. Plus Clef talks to us about production, Ras Baraka, Beyonce, The Rock, Whitney Houston, Shakira, Canibus and much more.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, photographer Jonathan Mannion has a lot to say. For over two decades, the Ohio native has shot some of the most iconic images in hip-hop and pop culture. In addition to celebrating the 20th anniversary of Jay Z's Reasonable Doubt, he was recently commissioned to shoot the artwork for DJ Khaled and Gucci Mane's upcoming albums. Hours before his gallery showcase, Mannion talks about his storied career, finances, magazine shoots, Eminem, Afeni Shakur, 50 Cent, licensing, and more!

Don't call it a comeback—or, maybe you should. With the success of his breakthrough single "CoCo", O.T. Genasis was written off as a one hit wonder. Proving naysayers wrong, the Long Beach native bounced back with a new anthem called "Cut It." Before performing at the Palms Hotel's Ditch Fridays pool party, O.T. chops it up about his recent success, making big records, Busta Rhymes, G-Unit, Beyonce, fatherhood, critics, and more.

Despite being the most vocal member of The Diplomats, Jim Jones has been quietly at work. Fresh off hiatus, the Harlem heavyweight has reemerged with his new album, The Kitchen. But from beyond the stove, Capo has been recently takin' heat from Dipset frontman, Cam'Ron. Mobbing through the city, Jomo speaks on his new music, childhood, Nas, Jay Z, Dame Dash, Max B, and much more.

With so much drama in NYC, Shyne knows what it's like to be in the center of it all. 15 years to the day of his 10 year prison sentence, the former Bad Boy star is finally at peace with his infamous Club NY shooting and ex-label boss Diddy. In fact, he even made a recent appearance at the Bad Boy Anniversary concert. Phoning in from Belize, Po speaks on reconciling with Puff, signing to Bad Boy, music, incarceration, deportation, Jay Z, Wolf Jones, Kanye West, and the Troy Ave incident.

It's been a long time coming, but after reconciling with Diddy, The Lox are hitting the road as part of the Bad Boy reunion tour. But the trio aren't just celebrating the past. Later this year, they're set to release their long awaited junior album, We Are The Streets 2. But Before their New York performance at the Barclays Center, Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch reminisce on their formative years, Diddy, fights, work ethic, Roc-A-Fella battle and more.

Good things come to those that wait. And after a four year hiatus, Alicia Keys is back with an irresistible single, "In Common" and upcoming album. But before hitting the Saturday Night Live stage, the 15 time Grammy Award winner spoke to us about her new music, musical direction, writing process, Prince memories, judging on The Voice, motivation, hits, family, lost Beyonce video, and more!

Freddie Gibbs in an independent powerhouse. In fact, the Gary Indiana native is currently on a national sold out tour in support of last year's release, Shadow of a Doubt. But things weren't always this smooth. Two years ago, he survived an assassination attempt in New York City. Back in the Big Apple for the first time since, Gangsta Gibbs talks about his latest project, touring, fame, fatherhood, social media, family, and tons more.

Without question, Just Blaze is one of hip-hop's greatest producers. And recently he furthered his legacy with "Freedom" off Beyonce's LEMONADE. But when Just isn't on on the boards, he's DJing at music festivals and clubs around the globe. Fresh off a flight, Mr. Smith discusses his latest placement, click bait, business ventures, longevity, stashed songs, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Jay Electronica, lawsuits, finances and more!

When it comes to multimedia, Complex has the game on smash. And recently, the house that Marc Ecko built has been acquired by Verizon and Hearst publishing as part of a multimillion dollar deal. At the forefront of everything are editors, Noah Callahan-Bever and Joe La Puma. Days after their acquisition, the tandem speak on their new partners, media evolution, journalism, backlash and more.

Atlanta production trio Organized Noize have shaped the careers of some the biggest names in music. But now Rico Wade, Sleepy Brown, and Ray Murray get to tell their story with their stellar documentary, Art of Organized Noize. Jet setting to their native Atlanta, the triumvirate discuss their doc, production, Outkast, Goodie Mob, Future, national acceptance, finances, and more.

Hip hop has a new dynamic duo. After years of collaborating, Big Sean and Jhene Aiko bottle their magic on their acclaimed debut, Twenty88. Released exclusively on TIDAL, the project explores the highs and lows of relationships and requited love. Journeying to Los Angeles, the tandem speak on the album, K-Ci & JoJo, Diane Warren, Bryson Tiller, Lionel Richie, solo work, and lots more!

For years, Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder Kareem "Biggs" Burke has remained behind the scenes. But now, the Harlem native is finally breaking his silence and returning to the fashion world with his clothing line, Fourth of November. In a rare sit-down, Hoffa talks about his latest venture, building the Roc, Reasonable Doubt, incarceration, Kanye West, Jay Z, Dame Dash, Emory Jones, OG Juan, Pusha T and more.

The Flatbush Zombies are rising from the underground. On the heels of their national tour, the Brooklyn trio are putting the industry on notice with their chart-topping debut, 3001: A Laced Odyssey. Before hitting the road, Meech, Juice, and Erick talk about the success of the album, misconceptions, independence, production, Spike Lee, Usher, and more.

With nearly two decades in the game, N.O.R.E.'s still on the run eating. But these days his plate his bigger than ever. In addition to bringing his Drinking Champs podcast to play.it, the Queens native is also releasing his new mixtape, Drunk Uncle. Fresh off flight , N.O. talks about his new endeavors, Jay Z, hating independece, Michael Jordan, Nas, Lyor Cohen, beefs, and so much more!

For over 20 years, Angie Martinez has been the Voice of New York. But now the veteran jock is stepping into the literary world with her memoir, My Voice. With the forward written by J.Cole, Angie discusses her journey in radio, motherhood, conflicts and everything in between. Following the taping of her show, Angie talks about the process of writing a book, Pres. Obama, Jay Z, engagement, Wendy Williams, Funkmaster Flex, and tons more.