The Rap Soul Podcast

What four songs would you put on your 1980s slow jams tape? On this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast, 12Kyle shares classic R&B selections submitted by five friends—and the memories those songs bring back. From Prince’s “Adore” and Janet Jackson’s “Funny How Time Flies” to Whitney Houston, Guy, New Edition, Luther Vandross, and the Force MDs, the picks spark personal stories, unexpected revelat...

Was 1992 the year the West Coast took hip-hop’s crown? 12Kyle continues The Rap Soul Podcast’s countdown of the greatest years in hip-hop, placing 1992 at number nine. From Dr. Dre’s The Chronic and Snoop Dogg’s emergence to prime Ice Cube and Redman’s debut, this episode explores a year when hip-hop’s sound—and its balance of power—was changing. Revisit albums including The Predator, Don’t Sweat...

What song introduced you to your favorite artist? On “The First Time I Heard…,” 12Kyle revisits his earliest memories of discovering music. From Nas’s verse on Main Source’s “Live at the Barbeque” to the Rakim/Eric B. mix-up and the Southern pride inspired by OutKast, these personal stories explore how a first listen can become a lifelong connection. Plus: the surprise of discovering Melle Mel’s v...

Who has the catalog to challenge New Edition in a 20-round Verzuz battle? On The Rap Soul Podcast, 12Kyle and eclectik debate matchups involving SWV, Guy, The Gap Band, New Kids on the Block, and Wu-Tang Clan. They weigh the hits, the stage presence, and whether the right crowd could change the outcome. Listen in, then tell us: Who would you put against New Edition—and what song should open the ba...

Andre 3000 didn’t switch up. He grew. 🎤🔥 On this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast, we go back to OutKast’s Aquemini and one of Andre 3000’s most revealing performances — “Return of the ‘G.’” By 1998, people were questioning everything about Andre — the clothes, the lifestyle changes, the direction of OutKast and whether he was still the same MC. Andre had an answer. “Return of the ‘G’.” We break...

The 90s gave us some of the greatest R&B albums ever made. 🔥 But which ones are YOUR favorites? On this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast, Britt and I each picked 10 of our favorite R&B albums from the 90s—and the memories, stories, disagreements, and surprises started immediately. 😂 These aren't necessarily the “greatest” albums. These are the albums that WE loved, played repeatedly, and...

Before streaming made every song instantly available, listening to music was an experience. We visited record stores, studied album covers, read liner notes, played cassette tapes from Side A to Side B, shared music with friends, requested radio dedications, and waited for music videos to premiere. In this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast, 12Kyle revisits the unforgettable rituals surrounding music...

🔥 RUN DMC vs NWA — WHO HAD THE BIGGER INFLUENCE ON HIP-HOP? 🎤 This debate is tougher than you think. RUN DMC helped take hip-hop mainstream. MTV. Adidas. Fashion. Branding. They helped show the world that hip-hop wasn't a fad. Then NWA came along and changed the sound, attitude and subject matter of rap—and their influence can still be heard in hip-hop today. So how do you measure influence? 🌎...

DMX was one of the biggest stars hip-hop had ever seen. But “Slippin’” wasn't really about the superstar. It was about Earl Simmons. The child who experienced pain. The man who battled addiction. The person who kept falling but kept trying to get back up. That's what makes “Slippin’” such a powerful record. DMX wasn't just rapping about pain. He made you feel it. On this episode of The Rap Soul Po...

Nipsey Hussle was bigger than the music. 💙🏁 He was an artist. An entrepreneur. A businessman. A community builder. And most importantly, a man who understood the power of ownership and legacy. On this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast , I review The Marathon Don't Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle by Rob Kenner and talk about what the book taught me about the man behind the music. From his...

Which rapper had the strongest TWO ALBUM run in hip hop history? I put 16 popular hip hop artists into a randomized tournament bracket and debated every matchup until only ONE was left standing. Nas? Outkast? Biggie? Jay-Z? Kendrick? Tribe? Some of these matchups were impossible. Listen to the full debate and tell me where I got it wrong. 🎧 The Rap Soul Podcast

🎤 Live music hits different. Some concerts become unforgettable memories, while others become the ones you wish you'd never missed. In this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast , I share the 10 artists who gave me unforgettable live concert experiences—and the two legendary artists I still regret never seeing. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

🎙️ NEW EPISODE: Verse of the Week – "Adore" by Prince 💜 Some songs are timeless. Others become part of your life. "Adore" is one of those songs. In this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast , I break down why I believe Prince's Adore is one of the greatest love songs ever recorded. We talk about Prince's incredible songwriting, unforgettable vocals, the emotion behind the lyrics, and why this song sti...

What exactly IS Neo Soul? Is it really a genre... Or was it simply a marketing term created by the music industry? Inspired by comments from D'Angelo and Raphael Saadiq, this episode explores where the term "Neo Soul" came from, why so many artists rejected it, and why soul music may never need a label at all. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. https://therapsoulpodcast.riverside.com

What is the greatest New York hip-hop album of all time? It sounds like a simple question... until you actually have to answer it. Inspired by 9th Wonder's bold claim that Mobb Deep's The Infamous is the greatest New York hip-hop album ever, 12Kyle is joined by Eclectic for an unforgettable debate that dives deep into some of the most legendary albums in hip-hop history. Instead of relying on pers...

Artificial intelligence has entered the hip-hop debate. In this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast , 12Kyle asks ChatGPT one of the most debated questions in music: Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Instead of simply accepting the answer, he breaks down ChatGPT's reasoning, challenges several of its rankings, and explores whether any computer can truly settle a debate that has lasted for decade...

This episode explores whether older hip-hop fans have become the very people they once criticized—the adults who dismissed rap music as "noise." Inspired by a social media post from Isaac Hayes III, you examine the ongoing tension between hip-hop's older generation and younger fans and artists. https://therapsoulpodcast.riverside.com

What was the greatest hip-hop album released the year you graduated from high school? For me, the answer is easy: Death Certificate by Ice Cube. In this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast, I take a deep dive into one of the most important and controversial albums in hip-hop history. Released in 1991, Death Certificate wasn't just an album—it was a powerful statement about race, politics, police bruta...

Is Illmatic really NaS' greatest album? Or has It Was Written been underrated all these years? 12Kyle and eclectik break down both albums track-by-track, category-by-category, and settle one of hip-hop's biggest debates. Coherence Impact Replayability Lyrics Production Which album are YOU taking?

1989 was one of the greatest years in hip hop. De La Soul. Big Daddy Kane. Public Enemy. The DOC. Queen Latifah. EPMD. Slick Rick. Rap music was evolving in REAL TIME. New episode of The Rap Soul Podcast available now. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube https://therapsoulpodcast.riverside.com

Los Angeles gave hip hop some of the greatest albums ever recorded — but which ones belong at the top? On this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast, 12Kyle is joined by Baylor from the BTG For President Podcast to break down and debate the 25 greatest LA hip hop albums of all time. From N.W.A., Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, DJ Quik, and Snoop Dogg to Kendrick Lamar, Nipsey Hussle, The Game, and more — the fellas...

In this episode of THE RAP SOUL PODCAST, 12Kyle shares his nostalgic experience with the BMG music service in the 90s, exploring how it offered free CDs for a penny and its impact on music consumption and piracy.  12Kyle discusses the business model, personal anecdotes, and the shift to digital file sharing that changed the music industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Rap Soul Podcast 02:47...

In this episode of THE RAP SOUL PODCAST, host 12Kyle explores the controversial topic of banning cell phones at concerts, examining the impact on the live experience, safety, and the culture of recording moments.  12Kyle shares personal insights and examples from music and comedy events, advocating for being present over recording. Chapters 00:00 The Cell Phone Debate at Concerts 19:02 Conclusion:...

In this episode of THE RAP SOUL PODCAST, host 12Kyle discusses the year 1987, highlighting its significance in hip hop history. He explores breakout artists, apex figures, essential albums, and classic releases that defined 1987. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Greatest Year in Hip Hop 04:22 Breakout Stars of 1987 11:37 Apex Rappers of 1987 17:54 Essential Albums of 1987 26:26 Certified Classic...

In this episode of THE RAP SOUL PODCAST, host 12Kyle discusses his personal list of the 12 greatest Southern rappers, emphasizing the criteria of lyricism, flow, and delivery.  He reflects on the historical context of Southern rap, its evolution, and the artists who have shaped the genre. The conversation includes a countdown of his top picks, providing insights into each rapper's contributions an...