Spate Radio: The Hip Hop Podcast - News, Drama & Music

Drake's defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) concerning Kendrick Lamar's track "Not Like Us" has intensified, with recent legal exchanges highlighting the ongoing dispute. In a letter dated February 24, 2025, addressed to Judge Antonio Vargas, Drake's attorney, Michael J. Gottlieb, countered UMG's assertion that Drake intended to withdraw significant allegations from his lawsuit....

In a commanding display, Shakur Stevenson successfully defended his WBC lightweight title by defeating British contender Josh Padley in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Stevenson, now 23-0 with 11 knockouts, overwhelmed Padley, leading to a stoppage at the conclusion of the ninth round. The bout saw Padley, who accepted the fight on just four days' notice following Floyd Schofield's withdrawal due to illness...

Keyshawn Davis made a resounding statement on Friday night, claiming the WBO lightweight championship with a knockout victory over Denys Berinchyk at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. Davis delivered a commanding performance, flooring Berinchyk twice before sealing the win with a brutal left hook to the body in the fourth round. The shot sent Berinchyk to one knee, grimacing in pai...

Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR have teamed up to release a collaborative album titled $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, which became available on February 14, 2025. This 21-track project blends their signature R&B and hip-hop styles, offering fans a collection of sultry tracks perfect for Valentine's Day. The album has garnered attention not only for its musical content but also for its lyrical references. Drake...

Kendrick Lamar Declares "Game Over" for Drake with Super Bowl 59 Performance Kendrick Lamar made a bold statement on one of the biggest stages in the world—Super Bowl 59. While hip-hop fans speculated that he might take shots at Drake, few expected him to go this hard. Yet, there he was, performing "Not Like Us" and "euphoria" in front of millions, making it crystal clear where he stands. Everyone...

At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards held on February 2, 2025, Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" emerged as a significant highlight, securing five awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. This track, produced by Mustard, is notable for its direct critique of fellow rapper Drake, contributing to its widespread attention and acclaim. The song's success at the Grammys underscores its impac...

Central Cee Returns with ‘CAN’T RUSH GREATNESS’ & Announces Global TourCentral Cee is officially back and making waves with the release of his highly anticipated debut album, CAN’T RUSH GREATNESS. The project, which dropped last Friday, boasts 17 tracks and runs just under 49 minutes. Featuring an all-star lineup—including Skepta, Lil Durk, Dave, Lil Baby, and 21 Savage—the album is already re...

Leaders from the iconic clothing brand For Us By Us (FUBU) have chosen Memphis as the host city for the inaugural Hip Hop Awards & Festival Weekend. The highly anticipated event will take place from August 14th to 17th and will celebrate hip hop, culture, art, and style. "We are excited to bring a signature experience to Memphis that embodies the spirit of innovation, creativity, and community...

Ownership in Hip Hop: Why Masters and Publishing Rights Matter In the music industry, ownership is everything. For hip hop artists, where hustle and independence are ingrained in the culture, owning masters and publishing rights isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a statement of power and control over one’s legacy. Welcome to Spate Radio, ranked by Google as one of the top podcasts in the world!...

Celebrating LL Cool J: A Hip Hop Icon's Legacy on His BirthdayJanuary 14th marks the birthday of a true pioneer in hip hop and entertainment: James Todd Smith, better known to the world as LL Cool J. Born on this day in 1968, LL Cool J has become synonymous with versatility, longevity, and the power of reinvention. As we celebrate his 57th birthday in 2025, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect...

Rolling Stone’s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums of the 21st Century: A Debate for the CultureAs is often the case with major publications’ rankings, Rolling Stone’s list of the best hip-hop albums of the 21st century has stirred up plenty of conversation within the hip-hop community. Such lists are inherently subjective, and this one is no exception, with its top 10 picks sparking debate about who’s in, who...

LiAngelo Ball’s Explosive Rap Debut Lands Him on Rolling Loud California Lineup"LiAngelo Ball, once known for his basketball skills, is now making waves in the music industry. The former UCLA star has secured a coveted spot on the 2025 Rolling Loud California lineup, just days after his debut rap single, "Tweaker," went viral on social media. From Chino Hills to Center StageBall, who first rose to...

Ice Spice ended 2024 with the release of the deluxe version of her July album, Y2K!: I'm Just A Girl, but it seems the timing may have worked against her. Reports indicate the project sold just 4,800 units in its first week, a surprisingly low figure even in an industry now dominated by streaming. While some fans have mocked the numbers or speculated about a decline in her momentum, there are a fe...

Diddy Branded a "Monster" in Upcoming Documentary The Making of a Bad BoyThe highly anticipated documentary, The Making of a Bad Boy, is set to debut on Peacock on January 14, offering an in-depth exploration of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ rise to stardom and the controversial allegations surrounding his career. The film delves into the music mogul’s life, highlighting both his successes and the shocking...

From 50 Cent's Vegas Critique to Drake and Kendrick's Heated RivalryHip-hop, as always, finds itself at the intersection of artistry, performance, and the unfiltered energy of feuds and debates. This week’s roundup delves into the ongoing evolution of icons like 50 Cent and the fiery lyrical battles of Drake and Kendrick Lamar, with a glimpse at Nicki Minaj's recent missteps. Welcome to Spate Radi...

Joe Budden, the rapper-turned-podcaster, has been charged with lewdness following an alleged incident in New Jersey. According to a press release from the Edgewater Police Department, Budden was charged earlier this month in connection with an alleged event outside his neighbor’s property. Authorities claim that in the early hours of December 4, Budden stood completely naked outside his neighbor's...

Jay-Z's attorney is pushing to have a rape lawsuit against the rapper dismissed, citing legal and procedural issues. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Jay-Z's lawyer, Alex Spiro, plans to file a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the statute under which the plaintiff, referred to as "Jane Doe," filed the case wasn't in effect at the time of the alleged assault and therefore ca...

The Top 10 Streamers of 2024: The Livestreams That Defined the YearThe past twelve months were a whirlwind of groundbreaking content, and much of it came not from games, memes, or blockbuster entertainment but from livestreams. Streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Kick, and Rumble became home to some of the most talked-about moments in pop culture this year. These streams didn’t just entertai...

How to Make Your Music Go Viral in the TikTok EraIn today’s music landscape, TikTok has emerged as a powerhouse platform where tracks can explode overnight, propelling unknown artists into the spotlight. With its vast reach and algorithmic magic, TikTok offers an unprecedented opportunity for music creators to go viral. But achieving virality is not just about luck—it’s a mix of strategy, creativi...

Ice Spice Faces Body Shaming and Mixed Reactions Amidst Deluxe Album ReleaseIn preparation for the release of the deluxe edition of her debut album Y2K!: I'm Just A Girl, Ice Spice delivered a new freestyle for From The Block in her home borough, the Bronx. Performing the song "Hannah Montana," Ice was backed by the familiar streets that shaped her career. However, her appearance sparked significa...

Building a Business Brand in the Age of Social Media How to Stand Out in a Crowded Digital LandscapeIn today’s hyper-connected world, building a business brand without a strong social media presence is nearly impossible. With over 4.7 billion social media users globally, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn offer unparalleled opportunities to connect with your audience. But standing out...

Cybersecurity in a Digital-First World Protecting Businesses Against Emerging ThreatsCybersecurity is no longer a concern exclusive to large corporations. In today’s digital-first world, small businesses, freelancers, and startups are just as vulnerable to cyberattacks. With ransomware, phishing scams, and data breaches on the rise, securing your business has never been more critical. Welcome to S...

The Future of Work: AI and the Workplace How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Jobs and OpportunitiesThe workplace is undergoing a dramatic transformation, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). While many fear that automation could lead to widespread job displacement, the reality is more nuanced. AI is not only automating repetitive tasks but also creating new roles and opportunities for thos...

Dame Dash Reflects on the Rift with JAY-Z and Departure from Roc-A-Fella RecordsDame Dash recently revisited the events that fractured his once-thriving business partnership with JAY-Z. Speaking in an interview with The Art of Dialogue, the Harlem entrepreneur shared his perspective on why he walked away from Roc-A-Fella Records, citing JAY-Z’s collaboration with R. Kelly as a significant turning...

No Redemption for Tyson Fury as Oleksandr Usyk Triumphs AgainTyson Fury’s quest for revenge fell short as Oleksandr Usyk once again proved his dominance, defeating Fury by unanimous decision in their highly anticipated heavyweight rematch on Saturday. The loss comes seven months after Fury suffered a split-decision defeat in their first encounter. Usyk displayed his superior technical skills throu...