Breaking Atoms: The Hip Hop Podcast

Joining us for a campfire-style connect is Rob Markman from Genius! Rob has a storied history in the game and in this episode, he talks about his relationship with Sway and Datwon Thomas, hearing his name on records by Logic and Royce Da 5'9" and what irks him about Hip Hop Twitter. He even provides some exclusive insight into Genius' content strategy. Release the brainstorm - the knowledge in thi...

Originally recorded for The Hip Hop Chronicle in May 2010. Sumit sat down with Just Blaze and The Alchemist while they were on tour in the UK. Just Blaze reveals that "Girls, Girls, Girls" was originally for Ghostface, drops the names of who passed on some of his beats and highlights the differences between Jay-Z and Eminem in the studio. The Alchemist talks about meeting Mobb Deep, Eminem and Roy...

This week's special guest is none other than man like Apollo Brown! This guy here is responsible for some of the best Hip Hop released from 2010 to the present day. Discussion points include his tried and trusted production technique, sampling tastes, unreleased music in his vaults, his most recent work with Che Noir and more. He also doesn't like Nando's and we needed to know why. Hosted on Acast...

For the first episode of our "Lost Tapes" series, Sumit unearths an interview with Lupe Fiasco which took place shortly before the release of his "LASERS" album. Originally recorded for The Hip Hop Chronicle in February 2011. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 24th anniversary of the classic "Soul On Ice" album, we linked up with Ras Kass for a very revealing conversation. The Waterproof MC talks about working with DJ Premier, Dr Dre and his close relationship with Jay-Z. He also lives up to his fearless reputation and tells it how it is when it comes to the music business, corporate greed and what McDonald's does with its leftover food. This is...

Our classic interview run continues with New York legend, Mic Geronimo. In this candid conversation, the Masta I.C. talks about his early days being mentored by Large Professor, recording his debut album and the competitive nature of posse cuts. In a world exclusive, he shares a story about DMX which is both hilarious and shocking at the same time. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

This week we're joined by one of our favourite producers, Marco Polo. We talked about his journey from Toronto to Brooklyn, his producer influences, why J Dilla is the greatest, beat-making process, working with Masta Ace and Big Daddy Kane and a lot more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of our instant classic interview with O.C., we do what we do and solidify Hip Hop history. The Microphone Phenomenon talks about working with Jay-Z, KRS-ONE and Gabrielle, owning his masters and when he plans to hang up the mic. To close, we even put together the definitive O.C. playlist with the man himself. Our rap nerdery knows no boundaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

Step into the o-zone as we connect with the legendary O.C. to discuss anything and everything to do with his storied career. From the making of 'Word... Life', his role in D.I.T.C. and his relationships with Bumpy Knuckles and Pharoahe Monch et al, we went deep into the text. So deep, that we uncover some hidden gems that have remained buried for over 25 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...

Following his triumphant return to the best Hip Hop pod in the UK, Sumit links up with Chris and they waste no time in addressing a pressing issue - stan culture. Hip Hop stans have taken over the world and timeline. From outlandish takes to the never-ending search for attention, Sumit and Chris explore and laugh at this weird phenomenon. If you’re soft like a Twinkie filling, prepare to be offend...

Put your bravado to the side and let's be real fam. We've all had some moments where we felt shame like a darg. This week, Sumit and Chris discuss their most embarrassing Hip Hop moments from tanking interviews to acting like a fool in front of a Juice Crew member. Most importantly, they share what they learned from these mortifying encounters. Visit the Breaking Atoms website at: www.breakingatom...

Chris had a serious Stan moment this week when he got to interview Tracey Lee - the man who created one of his all-time favourite Hip Hop albums, 'Many Facez'. The conversation highlights Tray's upbringing in Philly, being one of the last people to work with The Notorious B.I.G., how he went from spitting bars to passing his bar exam and more. This episode is a case study in growth and perseveranc...

After DJ MK gave the BA crew Twitter props for their name, he jumped on Zoom to have a chat with Chris. MK talked about his childhood in North West London, getting into music, pirate radio, meeting Roots Manuva and becoming tour DJ for Dizzee Rascal. It was another classic link up with Jamaica and Ireland. --- Want to start your own podcast? Need simple but expert advice? Sign up for the Breaking...

This week Chris is joined by Friend Of The Show, Blackeys, to talk about their Hip Hop confessions. Both of them come clean like Jeru about the artists they secretly love and hate, the albums they haven’t heard and share other controversial takes that are hotter than concrete statues in Egypt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris hates Hip Hop Twitter and explains why in his usual loud, abrasive and semi-humourous manner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rap Dads stand up! This week, we are joined by Hip Hop elder statesman and Philadelphia representer, Kil. We discussed the 80s Hip Hop golden era, sharing music with your children and how Rap has impacted his role as a Father in a positive way. Whether you’re a new, aspiring or veteran Rap Dad, there are many jewels to catch in this one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is our very own version of 'shoot your shot'. Prompted by his wife, Chris reached out to one of his favourite producers; J Rawls, on Instagram and asked for an exclusive interview. He said 'yes' and here we are. The conversation touched on producing for Black Star, pulling down statues and how Hip Hop has a place in the classroom. Special thanks to Imperial for helping fix the audio....

Awon; the rapping half of Awon and Phoniks, hopped on a Skype call with Chris to have a very candid chat about music, culture and politics. Sometimes it gets a little hectic out there and right now is very crazy. The conversation covers everything from the lasting effects of European colonialism to seeing Hip Hop play out in the golden era first hand to the importance of social commentary in music...

We celebrate classic albums like they were actual factual real live people at Breaking Atoms. This week, Chris is joined by his man Rael Mason to toast and boast about the epic TSOL album by Canadian bad bwoy emcee, Shad. Rael loves Shad like Sumit loves all things Roc-A-Fella, so Chris knew what time it was. They talk about their first listening experiences, favourite tracks, how women are repres...

Recently, Chris jumped on the phone to politic ditto with the one and only Dart Adams. The conversation touched on Boston (of course!), his early music memories, new book and why most 'journalists' ain't really about that life. The research was done and the questions were prepared. In the words of the great Omar Credle, 'it's only right'.   Purchase 'The Book Of Dart' here . Hosted on Acast. See a...

This week's episode is a tribute to one of the greatest singers in the history of life. Luther Vandross - affectionately known as 'Loofa' - was the gyal dem sugar archetype. We discuss the voice, the samples and the relationship between Hip Hop, R & B and Loofa's music in particular. Rest in peace to Luther Vandross. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Consider this episode a two-piece to the jaw. Following last week's discussion about our favourite opening tracks on Hip Hop albums; this week, we get really creative and talk about our favourite closing tracks. The biggest shocker is that Sumit mentions Jay-Z. Again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inspired by the J-Live song of the same name, this week's discussion is about opening tracks on Hip Hop albums. Sumit and Chris deep dive about how important it is for track one to make a great first impression and share some of their favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Due to the wonders of technology, Sumit and Chris connect on God's internet for their first-ever remote episode. They discuss how their respective quarantines are going and most importantly, what they've learned about the self during self-isolation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first-ever ‘Husband and Wife’ edition of Breaking Atoms, Chris and his Queen; Roxi, make use of their quarantine and share thoughts on their favourite live shows and performers. Even though nobody is going out for the rest of 2020, they even create their own dream festival lineup. No holograms allowed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.