Breaking Atoms: The Hip Hop Podcast

While Chris was at home trying to dodge the coronavirus, he turned his microphone on and recorded a podcast about the albums he would make if he were an A & R. Simples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following on from last week's episode about knowing yourself, Chris breaks kayfabe with Sumit and reveals the results of his recent DNA test. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first words to be uttered on the classic 'Mecca and The Soul Brother' album were: 'to know the truth is to know the self'. This week, Sumit and Chris connect to discuss whether or not you can truly be yourself and what costs and complications to consider. Once again, Chris' whiskey was in full effect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February came quicker than premature ejaculation. Like we always do at this time, we're celebrating the life and legacy of J Dilla! Sumit is away on his holidays, so Chris is joined by his bredrin Juke 84 to keep it ghetto with the plastic cups and talk about the music of one of the greatest musical minds to ever walk on this big ball of stress called the Earth. RIP to Saint James Yancey. Subscribe: https://link.chtbl.com/breakingatoms Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @breaktheatoms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Breaking Atoms, Sumit and Chris share memories of their favourite TV shows coming up. Chris also goes from David Banner to The Incredible Hulk and addresses his trauma from never seeing and Black kids on Fun House. Bun Pat Sharp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sumit and Chris have returned. The very first episode of 2020 is named after a recent Ras Kass track. Just so you know. The boys attempt to dissect the hype around New Year’s Resolutions and whether or not they’re a bag of gas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the boys break atoms and wax lyrical about some of the things they love and hate about working in the Marketing industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our landmark 50th episode, we wanted to show our respect to the architects and pay tribute to one of the illest crews in Hip Hop, D.I.T.C. From the deepest, dirtiest depths of the underground to the glossiest, shiniest circles of the mainstream, the influence of this BX-BK-Harlem collective runs deep. They’ve been representing since day one and they have truly earned their flowers. Listen to Chris' DITC playlist on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/d-i-t-c/pl.u-55D6Jr3s3kvjg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enough is enough. Sumit and Chris have had enough of the New Ethnics Association and their lack of reverence for the ancient art of hospitality. Put your nibbles away, cook some chicken and press play. Make sure you wash the chicken first and that. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before the ink on his newly minted marriage certificate was dry, Chris linked up with Sumit to share what he learned about family, friends and himself after surviving his wedding day. The PTSD is real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode, we wanted to celebrate some Hip Hop milestones. This past week marked the 25th anniversary of "Word... Life" by O.C. and the 20th anniversary of "Internal Affairs" by Pharoahe Monch. No hot takes today. Just in-depth music critique and a little barbershop level banter. Act accordingly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've got our own recording setup now. It's a little rough but whatever, we're back. It's been one week since "El Camino" hit Netflix and as usual, we break it down in our detailed style so you won't have to. Chris also drops seven gems highlighting the missing links between this movie and "Breaking Bad". Salute that man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sumit and Chris have a back and forth about their experiences growing up as Black and Brown boys in British culture. In a piss poor attempt at objectivity, they also clap back at the Aunties and Uncles in their respective communities. The sombre moment comes when both hosts look to the future and talk about how they plan to raise their own children. To add insult to injury, they offer the final word on Dreypa and the annoyance of the thoughts and prayers phenomenon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two weeks after the highly anticipated finale of "Game Of Thrones", Sumit and Chris sat down to share their thoughts about what went down in Westeros. Then, life happened. This "lost" episode remained unheard until now. As always, the man dem came with jokes. Dracarys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a whole year of banter and beef, Sumit and Chris finally address the elephant in the room and in their relationship - the ‘Kingdom Come’ album by Jay-Z. They retrospectively break down the beats, rhymes and life behind this divisive album. It got heated. Is their friendship over? Press only to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murder. Death. Kill. Just another day around the way... This week, Sumit and Chris talk about some of the most memorable character deaths from their favourite TV shows. Sumit and Chris will relive the gruesome details on your behalf, so hopefully you won't have to go through that. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s episode is all about neighbours. Chris shares stories about his recent woes and nearly coming to blows with his new neighbours. Sumit attempts to keep the peace and save lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sumit and Chris are joined by Public Speaking Expert, Julia Haythorn, who drops more gems than a clumsy thief about how to body a speech, presentation or State Of The Union address. Whether you're a MD or MC, peep game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boys are back after their self imposed mini hiatus. They shoot the proverbial shit about everything from to doing the jail pose in holiday photos to Michael Jackson's alleged antics at Neverland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living your best life? Whatever man © Redman Believe it or not, this episode is inspired by the Harvard Business Review and their deep dive into civility at work. Sumit and Chris began to share notes on how life in the workplace has changed. Things got very peak when they donned their analytical hats and examined all the work that some of us put into carefully constructing our public and private personas at work. We've all been guilty of faking the funk in the office, but we also realised that millennials are ready to spill all their tea by the water cooler and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Let's break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cue up the Stevie Wonder version of 'Happy Birthday' because The Breaking Atoms Podcast is officially 1 year old! Fire bun cake and festivities though. To commemorate their first 365 days, Sumit and Chris invited The Puffy of Podcasting™️, Cass Denton, (Senior Audio Producer) from Unedited to come and break bread with us about podcast production, creating content, diversity and why she doesn't like fried plantain. Let's break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The thought of flying alone strikes the fear of God into some people. For us black and brown folks, there’s a whole bag of stress that we have to deal with before we even set foot on a plane. This week, Sumit and Chris aka The Frequent Flyer Gang, discuss their experiences of dealing with anxiety when going to the airport including going through customs getting the side eye and having to dress like they come from respectable households to try beg an upgrade. Let’s break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Straight out the gate y'all, they drop hits. For their first episode of 2019, Sumit and Chris call out all the fake email gangsters who try to shoot up their inboxes with passive-aggressive bullet points. From the home to the office, our hosts are battle tested in the world of email warfare and have claimed many lives with swift and decisive CC’s and read receipts. But, they also play nice by offering - you, the listener - their world-weary tips on how to write a polite email that still hits harder than Mike Tyson in his prime. Let’s break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merry Christmas and that. Safe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From brick to slick is the theme of this week's episode. Sumit and Chris relive some of their fondest cellular memories and share stories of their days working in phone shops during the UK mobile phone boom of the early to mid 2000s. If you remember the days when calling a number on a different mobile network was not an option, then this episode is for you. Let's break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s no secret that Sumit and Chris have day jobs. Careers, actually. Over the years, our hosts have soaked up much game working in the corporate fields. Therefore, this week’s main focus is managers, leaders and the differences between both. Press play and allow us to save you from a lot of headaches and meetings in HR. Let’s break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don’t get it twisted. This isn’t about networking and brown nosing. There’s too much of that going on already. For Episode 30, Sumit and Chris explore some of the needs and requirements of mutually beneficial relationships. From the giving to the getting, what’s the strategy behind who you choose to kick it with or kick out of your circle? Let’s break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check this podcast's description. It clearly states that Sumit and Chris always come with “left field perspectives”. That's just a fancy way of saying that your hosts are career contrarians. It only makes sense that this week's episode is a review of D.L. Hughley's Netflix special 'Contrarian'. The boys have an in-depth talk about the show highlighting their favourite jokes, observations, stories, one-liners and all the other inappropriate banter that flies in the face of political correctness. Let's break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s episode is a catch up between Sumit and Chris who haven’t seen each other in over 6 weeks. They missed each other. That’s a whole UK Summer holiday after all. They discuss everything from what they’ve been up to from new music, holidays, Hip Hop historians, facial hair and much more foolishness. It’s not that serious, obviously. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris was feeling some kind of way and wrote a Facebook post about feeling unappreciated and underrated. Sumit caught wind of this and quickly transformed into a makeshift therapist of Optimistic Prime proportions. Chris gets a few things off his moob like chest and Sumit drops more jewels than a clumsy thief. Let's break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's discussion is a retrospective look at Roc-A-Fella Records. Sumit and Chris chop it up about their favourite albums and artists, classic and underrated albums, the label's history, impact, influence and so much more... Let's break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For episode 2, the man dem dug deep into their black book of connects and pulled a power move. While in the UK promoting End Of The Week, Sumit's good friend, Mazzi, came through to talk about his adventures in the birthplace of Hip Hop. He diddy bops all the way down memory lane and shares stories about working at Def Jam Records, six-hour cyphers with Canibus and how he's managed to thrive in the music industry in spite of rule number 4080. Let's break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back. The first episode of Season 2 is out now! This week's topic is all about change. Personal changes, professional changes and just going through life changes in general. Let's break it down... Facebook: @breaktheatoms Instagram: @breaktheatoms / @hiphopchronicle / @iamkinetik Soundcloud: @breaktheatoms Twitter: @breaktheatoms / @hiphopchronicle / @iamkinetik Recorded, mixed and mastered by Amy McKnight at The Qube London Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All good things must come to an end. Bad things 'should' end too but life isn't fair. For the final episode in season one of 'Breaking Atoms', Sumit and Chris let off the last bit of steam in their respective bodies and have yet another moan about the pressure of the social calendar. Think of this as a pseudo sequel to 'The 30+ Effect' episode but with a little extra pepper in the bants. Our hosts shoot from the hips around FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), clout chasing, being tagged in photos that you're not actually in and the general lack of respect people have for one's weekend. From guilt trips to literal trips abroad, Sumit and Chris further analyse the unnecessary science behind keeping up appearances. Why do people take invite declines so personally? Should the 'R' in 'RSVP' stand for relax instead of respond? Are you a trash person for wanting to stay indoors? These are the last questions... for now... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A few months ago, Sumit and Chris had the pleasure of sitting down with serial entrepreneur, Jazz Rose of J & C Education to talk about productivity, managing workloads, prioritising tasks and much more. Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, the sound quality of this episode isn't up to their usual standards. But Jazz dropped so many gems and the hosts felt like they'd cheating you out of some potentially life-changing content by keeping this episode in the vaults. Just like that, we are letting this one loose. So if you're phone stays pinging or you're busy doing nothing or just too busy to live a little; stop, sit down and listen to a true master. No need to check Jazz's credentials because they speak for themselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sumit and Chris are clapping back at all spiritual vampires. They are joined by special guest, Ben Clube, to talk about Jesus in the 21st century. Relax though. There's no offering bowl in sight. It's just some real talk about how Jesus and religion as a whole are seen in 2018. Your man Ben is a vicar in training so he turns the podcast into a pulpit with some insightful commentary about how the Bible influences literature, politics and popular culture as a whole. Leave your Sunday best in the laundry. This episode will knock you out quicker than Benny Hinn's white jacket. If Jesus had a Twitter account, what would he write? Who really is the modern-day messiah? Is Hollywood just biting Bible stories and calling them films? These are the questions... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Way back in episode 11, your hosts discussed the cost of living and how hard it was hitting their calendars and pockets. They vowed never to let the pressure of keeping up appearances get to them. Well, in a classic case of not keeping the same energy, the boys went out and splurged on two respective nights out. Sumit hit the town to see Jay Z and Beyonce and Chris was ringside at The Royal Albert Hall for WWE NXT. Both give their reviews and feedback on the events with their usual wit and cynicism. Are Sumit and Chris sick from buyer’s remorse or were the experiences worth every penny? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Family reunions can be fun. You have to deal with the annoying Aunt and the drunk Uncle but for the most part they’re cool. Oh yeah, there’s always a fight but we family baby. Kiss yo cousin. This week’s episode isn’t just another podcast, but it’s another kind of reunion. Sumit and Chris reconnected with the Dr. Claw of podcasts, Darnell Swallow, to catch up on what’s been going on since they last bumped heads way back in episode 10. Darnell also shares his story about ending up in America, getting deported back to the UK with armed guards, finding himself on the Big Brother TV show and ending up in a porn film. Netflix, holla at us for the exclusive and let’s turn this into a full blown show. You couldn’t make this story up. Who didn’t fill out the proper immigration paperwork when Darnell went to the States? Why was Darnell wearing basketball shorts when he got deported to the UK in December 2018? How did he flop on Big Brother and miss out on a £100,000 prize? These are the questions... Get your 30-day free trial with Audible: www.audible.co.uk/breaktheatoms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People are sick. World Cup fever has hit the masses and folks have been laid out. They've been fiending for their four-year fix. Then again, the World Cup is one of the few events that bring people together. For one month at least, we link up, drink up and act like decent human beings. This week, we welcome Bryan Sanchez aka Soccer Sanchez to the show. This man is a football tactician, statistician and more. He's a true footie know-it-all and he’s studied the beautiful game inside out. Sumit and Chris pick both sides of Sanchez’s brain and chat about World Cup history, best goals, legendary teams and his pick to lift the trophy when it's all said and done. Will Vladimir Putin be on his best behaviour? Who wants smoke with the Russian football hooligans? Can any of you point out where Kaliningrad is on a map? These are the questions... Get your 30-day free trial with Audible: www.audible.co.uk/breaktheatoms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In life, it's good to celebrate milestones. Episode 21 is a big one fam. Not only did Breaking Atoms recently hit 20,000 plays in 5 months, but this episode features the show's first ever guest. Sumit and Chris' chemistry is definitely on Havoc and Prodigy levels but every once in a while you need a Big Noyd. The boys are joined by Jamieson, who is not only the 'common thread' in Sumit and Chris' relationship but also a world-renowned recording artist and champion grafter. The discussion focuses on Jamieson's decision to make tracks like he was homeless and nearly become real-life homeless when he left London for New York to pursue his dream of becoming a whole entire MC. He also stunts a little when spilling the beans on how he got to link with Steve Rifkind and Gaby Acevedo at SRC Records and playing a key role in helping certain artists to bust the place. To hear someone talk so nonchalantly about working with Akon and French Montana is scary, but the balance is kept when Jamieson laments on the struggles of being alone in a new country with very few contacts but a lot of drive. How did Jamieson finesse Whoo Kid to host his first mixtape? Who really won the battle between Jamieson and Asher Roth? Where does one find Ribena and Baked Beans* in the Big Apple? These are the questions... *It's all about Heinz Get your 30-day free trial with Audible: www.audible.co.uk/breaktheatoms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some people like their beef slow cooked. They like it to simmer and broil until it’s tender. The beef between Drake and Pusha T is no different. Shots have been thrown over the years in a plethora of album cuts and mixtape freestyles but the gloves came off last week and it’s been bare-knuckle bangers ever since. Aubrey and Terrence are on it and the disrespect is on Biblical levels. It feels like 2003 all over again. Sumit and Chris love detail but they love conflict too. It’s been a busy couple of weeks in Hip Hop and it seems like people want smoke. If that’s the case, then they have the matches. In a classic tale of the tape encounter, Sumit and Chris spar with each other and analyse what makes this battle so intriguing. Of course, they dissect the bars but in true surgical style, they pick apart other important issues that have arisen in this conflict like fatherhood, blackface, marriage, sexism and women ending up as collateral damage in rap squabbles. You see, it’s not just about who had the better song. There’s levels to this and Sumit and Chris put the pieces together like Tetris. Does Drake really have a secret love child? How on Earth did Pusha T get all this information? Who wants it with J. Prince?* *Nobody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some mothers do have 'em. Have what exactly? Know-it-all children who grow up into know-it-all adults. We all spar with at least six and a half people who think they know everything. They talk but never listen. Yes, it’s irritating. One mustn’t front though, you’re probably a know-it-all yourself. Take it personal like Gang Starr. There’s a whole city full of walls you can post complaints at. In the 19th episode of Breaking Atoms, Sumit and Chris, try to dissect the inner workings of the minds of know-it-all people. From the folks who offer their opinion without having being asked for them to the so-called influencers who think the world is waiting with baited breath to hear their next hashtag induced hot take - the boys play no games and waste no time putting these people firmly in their respective boxes. But this is the life we chose. As always, we try to offer you, the listener, some added value by providing tips as to how to deal with know-it-all individuals. What makes someone’s opinion really credible? Are people born with the know-it-all gene or is it learned behaviour? Can you really know it all? These are the questions… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crush. Kill. Destroy. Stress. In this world of organised confusion, many of us are being buried under the weight of stress. The extinction agenda is in full motion. This week is Mental Health Awareness Week 2018 and the facts and figures aren't looking good. Stress really is the silent killer. Stress is out here moving like one of the Colombian cartels and seeking whom it may devour. If Mr Stress knocks on your door? Do not answer. In this 18th episode, Sumit and Chris reconvene to explore the complexities of stress and where it fits in the mental health spectrum. After breaking down the sauce with some key statistics, things get realer than real when Chris divulges his struggles with depression, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. Yep. Deep stuff. However; in typical fashion, the boys keep the balance tight and also offer up some suggestions as to how to look after your health and overall well-being. No questions this week. Let's focus on the solutions. For those of you struggling with mental health issues or if there is someone you know and love that you are concerned about, hit the links below for more help and support. Mental Health Foundation www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ Mind www.mind.org.uk/ NHS www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHS…ing%20services.aspx Recorded and mastered by Charlie Thomas. Insta: @charlietmusic Website: charlietmusic.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It seems like every other week, we’re addicted to something different. The great Alvin Nathaniel Joiner said back in 1996 that “too much of anything can make you an addict”. In this week’s episode, Sumit and Chris, get knee deep in digits and discuss how data is becoming the fastest growing religion in the world. It’s a numbers game but a lot of us are having a hard time adding it all up. In the last few years, we’ve developed a very unhealthy addiction to data. Big data. Medium data. Small data. We love it. From YouTube views to first-week album sales to how much money is in our bank accounts - we are under the threat of drowning in the flow of too much information. Don’t be a shook one though. Sumit and Chris are here to help you two-step to the algorithm of life. Is data negating the idiosyncrasies of human touch? How do we effectively engage in data warfare? What is all this data really being used for? These are the questions... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We like to work to a tight schedule and unleash the dragon on Friday mornings. But the past week has been a madness so we have to switch things up with an early drop. Kanye West is on one. We’re not sure what this particular ‘one’ actually is, but it’s crazy. In the last 24 hours, your man Mr. West said “slavery was a choice”. Fam. What part of the game is this? Harriet Tubman must be turning in her grave like remind my soul. We recorded this episode before the slavery comment but we can no longer sleep at night while this guy does the Devil’s work. Kanye must be stopped. Oh, and Nas... we’re very disappointed in you. No questions, we haven’t got any answers. Listen to Chris' Kanye West playlist on Apple Music here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/kanye-west/pl.u-XkD0J4Rtl85zR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You know the name! The Breaking Atoms Podcast ain’t a damn thing changed! This week, Sumit and Chris, wax lyrical about the power of names and how they contribute to one's personality, perspective and overall steez. From government names to family names to surnames to rap names - the boys analyse meaning, impact and history of a range of epithets Supposedly, this is called onomastics. Whatever though. Things get kinda political when the word ‘nigger’* is discussed. Not only is it still the most inflammatory word in the world lexicon, it can make even make two close friends like Sumit and Chris feel awks. While Chris talks about how he is trying to wean the offensive word out of his vernacular, Sumit just listens like he’s police. What does your name mean? Would you ever disrespect your old earth by changing your name? Is it cool to change your name when you get married? These are the questions… *If you ever call Chris a ‘nigger’, with the ‘er’ at the end of it, you will end up in ‘ER’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A couple of weeks ago, Sumit and Chris had a bit of an impromptu moan on the train. What was grinding their gears on this occasion was the influx of influencers online, off-line and in real life. First world problems but problems nonetheless. This week, the Breaking Atoms Boys stop, drop, shut 'em down and open up shop in a new studio to talk about influence in all its good and bad incarnations. They politic over the heroes and legends that influenced them, the rise of influencer marketing and try to work out exactly where these so-called influencers are leading us. It's messy out here and they just want a bit of clarity. Cool? Good. What is more important - followers or engagement? Who decides what amount of influence is enough to be an influencer? Where do influencers go when their influence runs out? These are the questions... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Supposedly, thirteen is an unlucky number. Well, we snack on danger and we dine on death. Episode 13 on Friday 13th is here! This week, Sumit and Chris compare notes on the dos and don’ts of office life. From gossiping to punctuality to effectively communicating with colleagues - the fellas explore the nuances of workplace politics in a bid to keep their listeners out of the unemployment line. Listen up youngsters, in the world of work, you can't be out here making moves any type of way. There's rules to this ish so we wrote you a manual. Why do our colleagues talk slick on emails? How do you secure that elusive bag known as the bonus? Is working in an office really the equivalent of selling your soul? These are the questions... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's talk about trust baby, let's talk about you and me... Inspired by 'Brain Games' on Netflix, this bite-sized episode 12 finds Sumit and Chris exploring the concept of trust in its many forms. They look at how familiarity and routine play a role in getting us to drop our guards and let people in. It wouldn't be 'Breaking Atoms' if they didn't flip the coin and talk about the other side of the equation including reasons that they themselves don't trust certain things and people. Why is it so hard to trust some people? How do we move on when our trust is broken? Who should we trust? These are the questions... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up from the 36 Chambers! Nah, not really... but Sumit and Chris are here with episode 11 of the best podcast on road. In this week's episode, the fellas have a natter about the cost of living. As two born and bred Londoners, they've seen their fair share of overdraft charges and they've just about had enough of how much it is costing them to breathe. They have a good moan about the cost of going to concerts, ringside wrestling tickets, technology, priorities and the going price for one's soul. No haggling though, please. Why are Jay-Z and Beyonce charging so much for a piece of Black excellence? How did we ever get bumped into paying stamp duty? When is payday? These are the questions... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.