In this episode of the Record Report, Ahmad and Vance discuss the return of their podcast, the anticipation surrounding J. Cole's new album, and the dynamics between J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. They explore the impact of social media on music, the role of legacy artists in today's industry, and the importance of community and collective action. The conversation also touches on the future of music in relation to technology and personal experiences, concluding with music recommendations and reflections on the current state of the music scene.

Ahmad and Vance sit down to break down 2025's most significant hip hop moments in part one of The Record Report's year wrap up. They tackle the Billboard landscape, Black music's dominance across the charts, and where artists like Drake and Wale stand as the year winds down.

The conversation moves through Kendrick Lamar's influence, the Grammy nominations that shaped the narrative, and the resurgence of women changing rap's trajectory. They dig into the industry's relationship with AI, celebrate legendary contributions to hip hop culture, and discuss the album rollouts that defined how we discover music in 2025. Plus: they're crowning "Lame of the Year" and want your vote.

Help us finish this episode: What was your biggest black culture moment in 2025? Which artist deserves recognition? What song or album changed your year? Comment below—your voice matters to The Record Report.

Welcome back to this episode of the Record Report.

This week, Ahmad and Vance break down D’Angelo’s timeless debut, Brown Sugar, picking their top three tracks and unpacking how the album became a pioneer for soul, funk, and alternative music.

From its hypnotic grooves to visceral storytelling, this episode dives into why “Brown Sugar” still hits different almost 30 years later.

Rest In Peace, D'Angelo.

🎧 Listen now:

Spotify: ⁠https://shorturl.at/HIQZ9⁠

Apple: ⁠https://apple.co/3joE6Db⁠

All platforms: ⁠https://linktr.ee/RecordReportPodcast

"Who tf is JJ Fad?"

The internet broke when Pitchfork dropped their Top 100 Hip-Hop Albums list - and we have THOUGHTS.

This week on The Record Report, we dissect one of the most controversial music ranking lists in recent memory. From Snoop Dogg's "Doggystyle" placement sparking outrage to the glaring Southern hip-hop representation issues, we break down what these lists get right, what they get catastrophically wrong, and why publications keep rage-baiting music fans.

The Pitchfork Problem: Why do music publications create lists designed to provoke rather than celebrate? We analyze the methodology behind controversial rankings and whether commercial success should matter in evaluating greatness.

Southern Hip-Hop Erasure: The chronic underrepresentation of Southern artists in "definitive" hip-hop lists and why this regional bias persists in music criticism.

Kanye's "Yeezus" Legacy: How this polarizing album became the blueprint for modern rage rap, influencing everyone from Travis Scott to Playboi Carti and reshaping hip-hop's sonic landscape.

Jay-Z's Placement Debate: Is Hov properly represented in hip-hop history? We examine his catalog's impact and whether critics undervalue his contributions.

The Glaring Omissions: From Mobb Deep's "The Infamous" to other timeless classics, we highlight the essential albums these lists consistently overlook.

Young Thug's Return: Breaking down Thugger's recent comeback, the cultural conversations around his legal battles, and what his story reveals about the current state of hip-hop.

Modern Hip-Hop Evolution:

• How streaming transformed music consumption and artist development
• The death and resurrection of regional sounds
• Why physical music sales might make a comeback
• The future of authenticity in hip-hop culture

Rap Feuds & Technology: From ghostwriting controversies to AI's influence on music creation, we examine how technology is transforming hip-hop's creative process and competitive landscape.

Gender Dynamics: The complex conversations around masculinity, representation, and power structures in contemporary hip-hop.

This episode delves into the albums, artists, and cultural forces that have shaped hip-hop's past, present, and future. Whether you agree with Pitchfork's list or think they got it completely wrong, this conversation will make you reconsider what "greatest" really means.

Keywords: Pitchfork hip-hop list, top 100 rap albums, Doggystyle Snoop Dogg, Kanye West Yeezus, Southern hip-hop, Mobb Deep The Infamous, Young Thug, hip-hop debate, music rankings, rap podcast, music criticism, hip-hop culture

Episode Highlights

Dive into the world of Patrice Rushen as we choose our top three tracks from her legendary album, Straight From the Heart.

In this episode, we delve into the art of sampling older tracks, uncover hidden Easter eggs within the project, and discuss the experience of listening to music in the modern era.

Join us for a captivating conversation that blends nostalgia with fresh insights, ideal for music lovers and creators eager to explore the depths of musical innovation.

Listen on your favorite platform:

• ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Website

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#TheRecordReport #PatriceRushen #StraightFromTheHeart #ForgetMeNots #RnB #FunkMusic #80sMusic #JazzFusion #HipHopSampling #MusicLegends #WomenInMusic #BlackExcellence #MusicPodcast #MusicInterview #ClassicAlbums #VinylCommunity #MusicProducers #SoulMusic #MusicHistory #PodcastInterview #LegendaryArtists #MusicEducation #MusicInnovation #SamplingCulture #MusicInfluen

Welcome back for another B Sides episode of The Record Report, we’re diving into the standout albums of 2025 so far — from the ones that lived up to the hype to the underrated releases that surprised us. We talk about sounds, themes, and the artists shaping the year in music.

We also take time to unpack the ongoing drama surrounding Nicki Minaj online, and what it means for her long-term legacy in hip-hop and pop culture. How do public perception and internet beefs intersect with an iconic career?

Tune in for honest takes, bold picks, and a conversation that goes beyond the charts.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Tags: #BestAlbums2025 #MusicPodcast #HipHopPodcast #NickiMinaj #NewMusic2025 #BSidesPodcast #Clipse #PlayboiCarti #KeyGlock #FrankOcean

This week on The Record Report, we went down the rabbit hole with one of the most confounding and iconic albums of the ’70s: There's a Riot Goin' On by Sly and the Family Stone.

It’s messy, it’s brilliant, it’s frustrating, but it might just be a masterpiece.

We each picked our top 3 tracks that stood out to us and discussed what makes this album so polarizing, influential, and still relevant today.

From its murky production to its raw emotion, this record sparked some of our most passionate conversations yet.

Whether you love it, hate it, or still don’t know what to make of it, this episode is for anyone curious about the genius (and chaos) of Sly Stone.

Listen on your favorite platform:

• ⁠Spotify⁠
• ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠
• ⁠Website

#SlyAndTheFamilyStone #TheresARiotGoinOn #SlyStone #70sMusic #ClassicAlbums #FunkMusic #SoulMusic #MusicPodcast #TheRecordReport #AlbumDeepDive #MusicHistory #IconicAlbums #BlackMusicHistory #ExperimentalMusic #AlbumDiscussion #VinylCommunity #TopTracks #MusicCritique #MessyMasterpieces #ClassicAlbumReview

hmad and Vance take you deep into one of hip-hop's most criminally overlooked albums: Clipse's "Hell Hath No Fury." This isn't just another album review – it's an exploration of how raw talent, label frustrations, and the Neptunes' otherworldly production created a masterpiece that still influences rap today.

The Art of Contrast: How Pusha T and No Malice masterfully balance braggadocio with personal reflection, creating tracks that hit on multiple emotional levels. We break down the clever wordplay and contrasting perspectives that make each song a lyrical chess match.

Production Genius: The cultural significance of the Neptunes' innovative soundscapes and how they perfectly complemented the Clipse's street narratives.

"Nightmares" Deep Dive: An in-depth analysis of one of the album's standout tracks, exploring themes of paranoia, success, and the psychological toll of street life.

Hip-Hop Connections: From the Drake vs. Pusha T beef that reminded everyone of Pusha's pen game to Lil Wayne's lasting impact on the genre – we connect the dots across hip-hop history.

The Evolution of Vulnerability: How Clipse helped pave the way for more emotional depth in rap, and what that means for the genre's future.

Album Rankings: We rank the entire Clipse discography and share our excitement for their upcoming return.

This episode celebrates the joy of music discovery and how great albums resonate with personal experiences across generations. Whether you're a longtime fan or hearing about Clipse for the first time, you'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for their artistry and cultural impact.

Episode Link: https://www.therecordreport.com/hell-hath-no-fury-the-clipses-underrated-masterpiece/

Listen on your favorite platform:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Website