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This special episode of That's Hip Hop takes listeners on a deep dive into the heart and soul of freestyling. Hosts Isaiah, Andre, Mark, and Ali take turns throwing down bars in this high-energy compilation, showcasing the raw talent and dedication that powers the show's unique vibe. With shoutouts to recent followers and subscribers, they thank their expanding audience for helping them reach 900 subscribers, fueling their passion for hip-hop. It’s not just talk, though—this episode is packed with original freestyle sessions that touch on everything from pop culture references to personal reflections, blending impressive rhymes with infectious enthusiasm.

Listeners are treated to an exciting mix of creative wordplay and clever punchlines as each host brings their own style and personality to the mic. Whether they’re rapping about iconic figures like Steph Curry, breaking down the hip-hop lifestyle, or layering lyrical complexity inspired by classic superheroes, it’s clear these guys live and breathe the art form. This episode also serves as a call for creative collaborations—seeking designers, beats, and sponsors—to grow the show even more. Engaging, relatable, and packed with shoutouts to both artists and fans, this freestyle compilation captures the authentic spirit of That's Hip Hop.

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This episode dives into the rich legacy of Heavy D and the Boyz’s album Peaceful Journey, dissecting its iconic tracks, poignant messages, and Heavy D’s massive impact on hip-hop and beyond. Hosts Mark, Ali, and Isaiah honor the late Dwight Arrington Meyers—better known as Heavy D—by examining his journey from a hip-hop pioneer with unmatchable charisma to a cultural bridge-builder connecting artists, genres, and movements. Known for his versatility, Heavy D managed to make hip-hop accessible to the mainstream without compromising the genre’s core, and the hosts highlight how tracks like “Don’t Curse” pushed boundaries by promoting skillful, curse-free lyricism. Heavy D's collaborations with big names like Big Daddy Kane and Q-Tip showcase his role as a unifying figure, and the hosts marvel at how he merged genres and talents to create timeless music.

The conversation becomes personal as the hosts reflect on Heavy D’s significance beyond music. Heavy D, a crossover star who was as comfortable rapping as he was dancing, broke stereotypes and inspired artists across genres. The album Peaceful Journey—created in the wake of group member Trouble T-Roy’s passing—becomes a focal point for discussing how artists channel grief into art, much like Bone Thugs-n-Harmony did after their own loss. From Heavy D's mentorship of industry icons like Puff Daddy to his legendary collaborations with Michael and Janet Jackson, the hosts paint a picture of Heavy D as a multifaceted, deeply influential figure whose impact is still felt today.

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In this episode of That's Hip Hop, Mark, Ali and Isaiah go beyond just discussing Black Sheep's iconic debut album, A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing. They dive deep into the essence of the early '90s Native Tongues movement, where Black Sheep emerged alongside hip-hop giants like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. With sharp lyricism, bold humor, and a blend of jazz-infused beats, Black Sheep brought a fresh, rebellious energy that cut through the noise of mainstream rap. The hosts break down how tracks like "The Choice Is Yours" became cultural phenomena, embedding themselves in everything from hip-hop lore to TV commercials, and how the group’s refusal to conform made them stand out in a crowded landscape.

In this episode, Mark, Ali and Isaiah embark on a playful thought experiment, imagining a world where Black Sheep continued to release albums and faced off against the likes of OutKast. The hosts dive into the charisma and chemistry between Dres and Mista Lawnge, exploring how Black Sheep’s laid-back, yet sharp-edged style offered a more playful alternative to the hardcore sound of gangster rap that was dominating the era. Through their witty banter and insightful commentary, the hosts paint a vivid picture of why Black Sheep’s contribution to hip-hop still resonates over 30 years later, leaving listeners with a renewed appreciation for this forgotten gem of the Native Tongues era.

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In this episode, we dive deep into the legacy of Dilated Peoples and their groundbreaking debut album, The Platform. From the underground hip-hop scene of late 90s Southern California, Dilated Peoples emerged with a unique sound that stood out amidst the dominant G-funk wave. With intricate wordplay, socially conscious lyrics, and raw boom-bap beats, the group shaped the underground movement and heavily influenced the next generation of MCs. We explore their lasting impact, from the early contributions of legendary producer The Alchemist to the chemistry between members Evidence, Rakaa, and DJ Babu.

Join us as we unpack the album's influence on hip-hop culture, highlighting its distinct move away from gangster rap towards more introspective storytelling. From their connections to other California groups like the Liquid Crew, to the way they balanced authenticity with mainstream success, this conversation will take you through the milestones that defined Dilated Peoples as legends in the underground scene. If you’re a fan of gritty, conscious rap with a West Coast flavor, this is one episode you don’t want to miss!

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Check out Trizz’ latest album Cavi in Cursive OUT NOW:
https://bsr.ffm.to/caviencursive?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYUMdgANMzO5v9Fi7XRbBiBcFH_3YC16orBF1fOf4ja1j5oSVnTjGhBbaE_aem_ART3fmV_Rzx-6SxLJn-CGA

Official store: https://www.belowsystem.com/product/trizz-mike-summers-cavi-en-cursive-digital/?ffm=FFM_f8be65eee8ca7d0a5ba3a5dc09f4f3d3

Bandcamp: https://belowsystem.bandcamp.com/album/cavi-en-cursive

In episode #80 of That's Hip-Hop!, we dive deep into the journey of Inland Empire hip-hop artist, Trizz. From his early beginnings in the gritty rap scene to his collaborations with legends like Brotha Lynch Hung and Chuuwee, Trizz lays out a raw, unfiltered narrative. He speaks on how music was not just a creative outlet but also a way to process his own mental health struggles. His intense, dark lyrical style may have earned him the “Horrorcore” label, but Trizz makes it clear that his sound is authentic—born from real experiences and a passion for keeping things real in the industry.

But it’s not all about the darkness. Trizz shares hilarious and inspiring stories about hustling his way into opportunities, like jumping on a Greyhound with $20 in his pocket to perform at a show, and the grind of touring across the U.S. and Europe. His reflections on working with artists like Bizarre and Chewy, dropping albums at the height of the blog era, and navigating the underground scene are both insightful and motivating. This is a conversation packed with passion, humor, and hustle, all set to the rhythm of the West Coast sound that Trizz has helped shape.

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In episode #79 of the hip-hop podcast, Mark, Ali and Isaiah dive deep into Westside Gunn's gritty, masterpiece Supreme Blientele. The episode kicks off with energetic banter about Griselda, a powerhouse trio from Buffalo, NY, known for their raw, unpolished style that evokes the golden era of '90s boom bap. The hosts reflect on how Westside Gunn, alongside his brother Conway and cousin Benny the Butcher, elevated themselves into hip-hop royalty. They explore the dark, violent realism embedded in Griselda's lyricism, highlighting how their real-life experiences, including street life and Conway's traumatic shooting, provide an authenticity that sets them apart.

As they dissect Supreme Blientele, the hosts rave about Westside Gunn’s iconic voice, his unique style of mixing art and fashion with hip-hop, and the album's impeccable production. They analyze the various tracks, including "Gods Don’t Bleed," praising the gritty beats, vivid storytelling, and even the wrestling references sprinkled throughout the album. Their passion for Westside Gunn’s originality shines through as they celebrate his ability to merge the 90s' rugged sound with modern-day trap influences. With humor, insight, and reverence, Mark, Ali and Isaiah ensure that this review not only honors the album but also gives listeners an authentic and entertaining deep dive into the world of Griselda.

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In this episode of That's Hip-Hop, Mark, Ali and Isaiah dive into some of the hottest topics in the rap world, kicking off with the ongoing tension between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The conversation quickly heats up as they dissect Kendrick’s recent Super Bowl halftime announcement, exploring the symbolic significance of the imagery in Kendrick's teaser video, including a massive American flag backdrop and subtle jabs at Drake's cultural relevance. They draw connections between Kendrick's actions and a larger narrative in hip-hop, hinting that this could mark a turning point in his rivalry with Drake. The hosts also speculate on Kendrick’s strategic timing, releasing key content just before major events like the football season, September 11th, and the Grammys.

As the discussion unfolds, they touch on Lil Wayne’s exclusion from the Super Bowl lineup and how fan complaints may have ruined the chance for an epic Wayne-Kendrick collaboration. The episode takes unexpected turns, with rumors of a brewing "Civil War" in hip-hop, Nicki Minaj's involvement, and Jay-Z’s influence over Super Bowl performances. The hosts analyze the complexities of industry beef, the Super Bowl's cultural impact, and Kendrick's potential power plays, leaving listeners on edge about what’s coming next in hip-hop’s ever-evolving landscape.