Diggin' In The Digits

Another Bites session is in full effect ladies & gentlemen! Three topics on deck for this one. First: Mashups. Why they're so cool as a concept but also why they're not seen as events more. Second, TDE. As of recording, TDE is seemingly holding some of their artists back when their new albums are ready to go. Let's ponder why. And lastly. Past Kanye pissing on his Grammy, there's another reason for us to talk about Major Labels.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (2:41)Mashups - (22:57)TDE's (lack of) release schedule - (38:03)Kanye's epiphany - (53:56)Lighter Note - (1:21:24)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Capone-N-Noreaga is that duo that you've heard of but rare that you've listened to their work post-War Report. (Depends on your age, of course.)But the story behind the duo is one of loyalty, keeping each other in the loop no matter what and doing a decent job at evolving as artists whilst keeping their unique style & motifs. We get into their albums and ask a question that could've been a game-changer for them.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (3:08)Topic Intro/Ben's Research House - (15:14)The War Report - (28:04)The Reunion - (42:53)Channel 10 - (52:43)The War Report 2 - (55:58)Lessons - (1:03:39)Would've C-N-N been more successful if Tragedy was more prevalent post "War Report"? - (1:14:15)Lighter Note - (1:22:05)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Nas' new album "King's Disease" is an interesting piece of work from someone that has nothing really to prove. The themes, whilst widespread, are very surface level. Black excellence, money, cars, all wrapped up in his new package the 'King's Disease' and 'The Cure' to said disease. (And he still finds time to shit on black women whilst also calling them 'Queens'...)We break down the themes of the album and how he manages to keep his bars box-fresh after all these years.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:46)Topic Intro/Ben's Research House - (24:39)Nas' surface level depth & simplicity - (31:47)The "King's Disease" and how we can all get it - (37:19)The Cure to the disease - (53:25)Nas' ability to keep things fresh - (1:05:27)Nas & women - (1:10:47)Lighter Note - (1:26:46)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Def Jam WAS Hip-Hop for nearly 2 decades. Starting off with Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin, nobody could've predicted the heights Def Jam were going to reach. They were in lockstep with the growth of Hip-Hop itself.But once the new millennium came through, Def Jam started to lose grip of the rocket that was Hip-Hop, they started to miss out and eventually get left behind. Now Def Jam is just another sub-label with SUB-sub-labels under them. Where did it all go wrong? We try to find out.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:15)Topic Intro/Ben's Research House - (19:16)Def Jam is too big to fail - (23:39)What is their identity now? - (29:16)Their unique approach - (32:11)The Universal Buyout - (36:04)Was it their unique approach that kneecapped them? - (38:21)Was it their size that kneecapped them? - (44:06)Stats on charting Def Jam albums by President - (47:47)If you could pick one major issue, which one would you pick? - (58:44)Lighter Note - (1:11:11)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

The Nas/Jay-Z beef is one of the most notable beefs in Hip-Hop history. But for some reason, nobody talks about how *deep* the beef actually goes, and how, depending on who you are, it is technically still going! On one side at least. It's a popular beef but below the surface, its certainly an odd and at times, grim one.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (3:30)Topic Intro/Ben's Research House (He's upgraded!) - (19:04)Memphis Bleek enters the ring - (30:28)The R-O-C clique up - (41:39)Ether & Takeover - (45:17)Post-Ether response (& Jay's downfall) - (53:00)The Summer Jam effigy - (1:00:30)Why does Jay drop when Nas drops? - (1:05:08)Lighter Note (1:17:00)As per the Lighter Note: SUPPORT "theKEEPER: A Digital Archive of Womxn in Hip Hop".Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

It has been nine years since Jay-Z & Kanye West did the collab album we could only dream of in years prior. Whilst some consider it a classic and some don't, it's undeniable that this is an important album for both artists. A fork in the road for both artists. We dive into the album, track by track, with WORLD EXCLUSIVE statistics from Ben.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:40)Topic Intro/Ben's Research Corner - (21:44)No Church In The Wild - (35:36)Lift Off - (40:44)Paris - (42:55)Otis - (46:07)Gotta Have It -(48:24)New Day - (52:38)That's My Bitch - (55:41)Welcome To The Jungle - (1:00:54)Who Gon Stop Me - (1:08:07)Murder To Excellence - (1:11:46)Made In America - (1:17:49)Why I Love You - (1:20:42)Final Thoughts - (1:25:05)Lighter Note - (1:33:01)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Mount Vernon, NY was never a hotbed when it came to Hip-Hop talent. If you were about Hip-Hop, you were usually born & bred in the Five Boroughs. But Pete Rock & CL Smooth were an anomaly. Their work, while slim pickings next to other duos such as OutKast & GangStarr are some of the highest quality works you can ask for. Two albums & one EP of wonderful Hip-Hop that epitomises the Golden Age.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (2:25)Topic Intro/Ben's Research Corner - (18:12)Mecca & The Soul Brother - (27:46)The Main Ingredient - (42:34)Breakup & Final Thoughts - (59:37)Lighter Note - (1:12:47)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

For this DITD Bites, we conversate on some recent phenomena. This year, labels have been implementing Deluxe Editions weeks, sometimes days after the initial album release, why are they doing this and why is it working? Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has commented on wax his opinions on the lack of streaming pay for artists and his answer, whilst unsurprising, are really worrying coming from him.Lastly, how much weight do we put on a rapper being "quotable"?TIMESTAMPS: Weekly Music Roundup - (1:26)Deluxe Editions - (20:38)Ek Vs Artists - (39:51)Being "Quotable" - (1:04:16)Lighter Note - (1:18:25)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

The Streets, headed by Mike Skinner, is a British institution. Never has a musical concept gone so far as a poetically blunt force in commentary about regular life. Over the past nearly two decades, Mike Skinner has built a discography that covers all facets of life. From the colourful moments to the greyest monotony. From going clubbing and doing drugs to watching telly with the wife & kids. The Streets covers everything with wide-spanning production influences and endless Quotables through a no-nonsense voice that only Mike Skinner can do.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:25)Topic Intro - (19:28)Selling The Streets, to someone who hasn't spun The Streets - (22:15)Original Pirate Material - (45:05)A Grand Don't Come For Free - (53:00)The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living - (59:11)"Everything Is Borrowed" & "Computers & Blues" - (1:05:23)"None Of Us Are Getting Out Of This Alive" & Final Thoughts - (1:14:17)Lighter Note - (1:25:18)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Is 50 Cent a sociopath? A genius? An asshole? A troll? A trailblazer? Someone who changed the game as we know it? Let's just say that by the end of this episode, you'll say 'All of the above' and then some. Strap in, it's a wild one.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:26)Topic Intro - (11:21)Ben's Research Corner - (13:28)50's Beginnings in Music - (23:11)Get Rich Or Die Tryin' - (40:06)The Massacre - (49:13)Curtis - (59:09)Before I Self Destruct - (1:05:14)Animal Ambition - (1:11:11)Final Thoughts - (1:20:17)Lighter Note - (1:23:10)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Yasiin Bey/Mos Def is an enigma in every sense of the word. Who else chooses jail in a foreign country instead of just flying out? Who else pushes to talk about the current issue of the day instead of his career history? He's so principled, it's a surprise that he has four Studio Albums! Yasiin's career is a lightning rod for everything that's wrong with the music industry and through all the BS, has stuck with being a true artiste. For better or worse.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (2:28)Topic Intro/Ben's Research Corner - (18:23)Black On Both Sides - (28:25)The New Danger - (36:59)True Magic - (47:58)The Ecstatic - (52:39)Final Thoughts - (58:29)Lighter Note - (1:12:07)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

In our 2nd edition of "DITD Bites", we only get into two topics out of the four we had and you'll understand why we only got to two, considering how bulky the topics are. The Five Elements of Hip-Hop (& their prevalence in the current landscape) and the good ol' conversation about misogynoir in Hip-Hop, after Janelle Monae tweets about it in depth.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:03)The Five Elements - (17:43)Janelle vs the "Not ALL men" crowd - (47:54)Lighter Note - (1:20:38)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Please, just listen to this one and make our pain worthwhile...TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:23)Topic Intro - (14:32)BEP's beginnings, "Behind The Front" & "Bridging The Gap" - (18:54)"Elephunk" & "Monkey Business" - (32:22)"THE E.N.D", Charlie's meltdown & no acknowledgement of the other one - (48:06)The slap in the face that is "MASTERS OF THE SUN VOL. 1" - 1:01:04Lighter Note - (1:11:35)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Lamont "Big L" Coleman could have been one of the greatest MCs in Hip-Hop history, he had the potential to be. That's a word you're going to hear a lot from the DITD duo as they look at what could've been for the Harlem born & raised spitter. He didn't just have the potential to have one of the greatest careers we've seen, he showed signs early that he could've been a top tier Hip-Hop businessman, dedicated to putting his people on and not just being about the bars. Unfortunately, all we have is the bars and testimonials from the likes of Cam'Ron & Lord Finesse, but the least we can do is appreciate how COLD Big L was.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:32)Topic Intro - (24:49)Ben's Research Corner - (26:20)Big L's hand in the rise of "Horrorcore" - (37:25)Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous - (43:35)Big L, the feared Freestyler with sharp lyrical ability - (48:41)The Big Picture - (56:27)The importance of "Ebonics" - (1:03:39)Final Thoughts - (1:09:09)Lighter Note - (1:15:30)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Warren G. We all know him for that one song, that one, amazing song. But when you look deeper than "Regulate", you start to notice that Warren G is one of the most underappreciated pioneers in Hip-Hop history and his story is worthy of its own film.Despite being one of the biggest architects in the moulding of celebrated West Coast subgenre "G-Funk", his calm persona along with a preference in being behind the scenes made him look smaller compared to the Gods around him; most notably, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg.Add time to all of that and you got yourself a legacy that, whilst solidified in terms of credit, is very small culturally. Warren G is a legend of the game and we attempt to give him his flowers and etch his name in the Mount Rushmore of G-Funk pioneers.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (2:07)Topic Intro - (17:45)Warren's heartbreaking beginnings - (21:05)Regulate... G-Funk Era - (35:32)Take A Look Over Your Shoulder - (43:07)I Want It All - (50:38)The Return Of The Regulator (54:41)213 & Warren's shadowed legacy - (59:30)Lighter Note - (1:09:40)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Eric B & Rakim were the gold standards of Hip-Hop for a good chunk of Hip-Hop's early years. They struck the first $1M deal for any Hip-Hop act. They got the first "5 Mics" rating from The Source and that's without getting into the actual music itself. We get into their beginnings, their incredible four albums that broke ground in their own unique ways, their breakup & temporary reunion and the controversy that spans their entire career as it pertains to production credits. TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:58)Topic Intro - (12:40)Would Rakim be Rakim without Eric B? - (18:14)Paid In Full - (26:24)Follow The Leader - (35:39)Let The Rhythm Hit Em - (46:16)Don't Sweat The Technique - (51:15)Where are Eric B & Rakim on the Hip-Hop duo pantheon - (56:05)The breakup & Production credit controversy - (59:58)Lighter Note - (1:17:14)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

The murder of George Floyd is not the first of its kind and if we're being realistic, it won't be the last. The events that have transpired this past week have been, to some, shocking. But to some others, unsurprising. Hip-Hop artists and people in the music industry have responded in different ways. We give our thoughts on the events of the past, what we feel the duty of people of note in the music industry (and "celebrities" at large) should do in these times and primarily, thinking ahead at what needs to happen in order for us to progress.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:25)The conversation - (23:26)Lighter Note - (1:16:21)Read Tianna Bartoletta's "House Rules"Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

For this episode of DITD, we're doing something a little different. We think about a lot of ideas as you can imagine but some of those ideas we think about aren't really worth the full episode. But that shouldn't stop us from talking about them, right? That's why we're doing what we like to call "DITD Bites". A large topic, condensed into little chunks. Hope you enjoy and as always, if you have something to put forward to the conversation, hit us up like one listener did and we responded to in one of the topics for this episode.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (2:28)Topic 1 - "Backpack Rap" - (23:15)Topic 2 - Struggles of being Underground - (36:41)Topic 3 - Cult Followings - (47:51)Topic 4 - Misoginy in Hip-Hop (57:56)Lighter Note - (1:15:17)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

This is one of those episodes where we knew that we'd have plenty of things to talk about but once we both started listening to Cube's discography and just the solo discography, not even getting into Da Lench Mob or Westside Connection... Ice Cube should be talked about more. Four classics in four years and several more solid projects in the remainder. Ice Cube has consistently been top tier for over 30 years now. We try to do him justice as we gush over "The Classic Four" and due to time constraints, talk about a couple more of his albums.TIMESTAMPS: Weekly Music Roundup - (1:12)Topic Intro - (23:33)Amerikkka's Most Wanted - (31:34)Death Certificate - (38:11)Kill At Will - (47:22)The Predator & Lethal Injection - (48:08)Our least favourite & favourite Cube album Post-Classic Four - (56:09)Overall Thoughts - (1:05:40)Lighter Note - (1:12:55)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

The Notorious B.I.G. Is there a more ubiquitous name to come out of Hip-Hop? Whilst you can throw out a few names for the sake of it, we can all agree any self-respecting Hip-Hop fan knows Biggie and what he was all about. One of the most naturally gifted rappers we've ever seen with an unmatched charisma & presence on the mic. The DITD duo gets into Biggie, from his beginnings, his glorious three-year stretch and his work after his untimely death.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (2:48)Topic Intro - (24:26)Ready To Die - (37:54)Pac & Biggie - (44:30)Life After Death - (50:21)Posthumous work - (1:01:21)Overall Thoughts - (1:04:28)Lighter Note - (1:10:05)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

On Ep.57 of DITD: Big Pun is never talked about unless Fat Joe is in the room and that's a travesty because Big Pun deserves a conversation. In more ways than one...TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:31)Topic Intro - (17:36)Capital Punishment - (31:22)Yeeeah Baby - (41:23)Other albums involving Big Pun - (51:26)Pun & domestic violence - (54:00)Lighter Note - (1:04:45)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Andre 3000 is objectively one of the greatest lyricists of all-time. For some people, he's Top 5 forever. Whilst all that superficial stuff goes on in Hip-Hop circles every day, Andre seemingly goes through a mental quest. One where it's very easy to speculate. We do that in some fashion for this episode, because when you have a nearly 15-year stretch and only a few features sprinkled throughout, it's worth asking why. And that's what we do for this episode.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (2:08)Topic Intro - (24:00)Why the hiatus? - (27:02)Does Andre have a form of "The Yips"? - (35:34)Is there something here that we can't grasp? - (44:13)The Rick Rubin interview - (45:55)Lighter Note - (1:00:03)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

In Part 2 of our OutKast retrospective, we get into the solo career of Big Boi.If you're one of those people that don't see Big Boi as a top tier rapper, this isn't the episode for you. We're not going to waste time on this one making a case for Big Boi, his work speaks for itself. Instead, we take a look at his solo work. While they don't quite stack up to "Speakerboxxx", they're interesting works from an artist that has a really underappreciated flair for experimentation. TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup: (1:46)Topic Intro - (27:29)"Sir Lucious Left Foot" - (36:59)"Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors" - (42:02)"Big Grams" - (49:06)"BOOMIVERSE" - (53:32)Final Thoughts - (58:03)Lighter Note - (1:09:18)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

OutKast is one of the most revered duos in Hip-Hop. Their music is timeless, effortlessly dips into other genre elements and lyrically stands the test of time.In Part 1 of a 3-part miniseries, the DITD duo discusses every OutKast album and rank them from best to... Not the best. TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:40)Topic Intro - (17:59)A shoutout for Organized Noize -(20:40)"The South Got Somethin' To Say" - (27:19)Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik - (33:49)ATLiens - (38:33)Aquemini -(43:50)Stankonia - (49:04)Speakerboxxx/The Love Below - (55:27)Idlewild - (1:05:25)Our Rankings - (1:10:36) Lighter Note - (1:19:04)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Around this time last year, I DM'd Ben on a whim to pitch the idea of a Hip-Hop Podcast. He was up for it and gave it a year to see if it goes well. We planned to record a few Beta episodes to get our feet on solid ground, but the 2nd one we recorded was solid, so we thought "F*** it! Let's pull the trigger."And now we're here, 53 episodes later, no off week, always coming through on Tuesday with your weekly dose of me & Ben breaking down Hip-Hop in the way we do, with a sprinkle of our life experience thrown in.I speak on behalf of both of us when I say thank you for listening, whether this is the first episode you've spun or you have been listening since day one, you are all appreciated. In this episode, we keep it loose and respond to takes/answer questions from you guys and I pour one out in the beginning. If it's 5 O'Clock where you are, join me! Thanks again and here's to another year!Charlie.Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Ms Lauryn Hill has been an enigma once the turn of the century came around. A superstar talent discovered so early and lauded with praise and recognition in an even shorter amount of time. And then after 2002, she fell back. Since then we've seen her now and again with a feature or single & touring again but nothing suggests that she is going to fully get back into creating a full body of work. But as time goes by, her legacy grows. One of artistic freedom, vulnerability and walking your own path. The DITD duo touch on all of Lauryn's era from Fugees to now. TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:44)Topic Intro & Fugees - (20:49)Miseducation - (36:02)MTV Unplugged - (49:53)The Hiatus - (56:38)The credit disputes - (1:05:36) Final thoughts - (1:12:12)Lighter Note - (1:16:44)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Continuing our celebration of Women's History Month, the DITD duo turn their attention to another pioneer. Or should we say, pioneers?We take a look into the background, music and legacy of the legendary Salt-N-Pepa. The trio of Hip-Hop women that dominated the mid-late 80s with their music and culturally still hold relevance as the rare all-female Hip-Hop group that genuinely made waves.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (2:35)Topic Intro/background - (27:39)Chemistry is key, products of their time - (33:48)Herby "Luv Bug" Azor - (42:48)A Look into their music - (45:34)Their legacy - (50:47)Lighter Note - (1:00:26)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Our Women's History Month celebration continues with another certifiable legend of Hip-Hop. The one & only Queen Latifah.Queen Latifah came into Hip-Hop as one not to be messed with. Lyrically she was (and still is) top tier, her first three albums are all classics in their own unique ways and outside of Hip-Hop, has carved a career in entertainment the average person would kill for. She's simply a pro in every sense and does everything with complete confidence.TIMESTAMPS: Weekly Music Roundup - (1:41)Topic Intro - (22:22)Latifah at the rise of misogyny in Hip-Hop - (25:38)Latifah as a feminist icon - (30:11)The significance of "All Hail The Queen", "Nature of a Sista'" & "Black Reign" - (44:07)Her Film & TV career - (55:45)Lighter Note - (1:01:46)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Missy Elliott has rightly been celebrated in the past few years. It's been wonderful to see such a modern legend get her flowers.But after this episode, we hope you realise that we're still not celebrating her enough. Not from a standpoint of influence but one of reverence. The term "one of one" is rarely the perfect phrase to describe someone but for Missy, it fits like a glove. The DITD duo attempt to paint the picture as to how Missy Elliott epitomises a trailblazer and a complete original.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:26)Topic Intro - (23:08)Has any female not named Missy Elliott got an independent label? - (26:49)Missy, Timbaland & male co-signs - (39:38)Missy's music - (54:34)Lighter Note - (1:14:40)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Rejoice! We have finally come to the final part of our 2.4k Series! For the last instalment, we get into groups, (& duos...) Producers, Artists & Rappers.For some reason, recency bias is nearly thrown out of the window with these! (It still rears its head enough though...) We also spend a few minutes in the end with general reflections over the series and a sigh of relief as we can all move on and go back to our idyllic holes.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:58)Groups (& duos...) - (21:22)Producers - (38:52)Artists - (50:08)Rappers - (1:06:42)Final Thoughts - (1:19:07)Lighter Note - (1:25:23)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

The bloodbath goes on! Our 2.4k Series continues with four more categories: Overrated, Underrated, Most Consistent & Best Year.The overriding conversations for these? How we define these categories and the ABSURD level of recency bias. Some would say a criminal level of recency bias. The DITD duo gets into it all.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:14)Topic Intro - (20:08)Underrated - (22:39)Overrated - (33:33)Consistent - (48:40)Year - (58:45)Lighter Note - (1:12:52)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

For those that follow Hip-Hop Numbers, you know that Ben took advantage of the viral sensation that 2.4k of you participated in. Listing off your All-Time favourites in several categories.After weeks of collecting and organising the data, Ben has blessed us with an all statistics-based mini-series. We're calling it the "2.4k Series".For Part 1, we go through the Top 15 Mixtapes, Songs & Albums. Let the bloodbath begin...TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:52)Topic Intro - (18:24)Mixtapes - (22:18)Songs - (34:27)Albums - (55:03)Lighter Note - (1:17:28)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Some time has passed since Billie Eilish made her comments on Rap. Hip-Hop has constantly had to defend itself from comments like these decades before Eilish was even born. It's a dead conversation on the surface.But below the surface, there is a deeper conversation to be had. One of fighting for authenticity, why is it always Hip-Hop? One of confusion, why are artists like Eilish, Miley Cyrus & Post Malone getting chesty when previously it was washed Rockstars? The DITD duo looks into this and introduces a new angle to the overall dialogue.TIMESTAMPS: Weekly Music Roundup - (2:28)Topic Intro - (23:15)Breakdown of Eilish's comments - (25:23)The conversations behind Hip-Hop - (27:21)Broadening the scope: Storytelling & Realism - (34:39)Miley Cyrus & Post Malone: Why are contemporary artists getting chesty? - (42:46)Age & Race, the two roadblocks for new genres/sounds - (54:21)Lighter Note - (1:08:59)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

The Grammys have been & gone and it's yet another year of disappointment. But this year feels different. Not only can the Recording Academy not recognise Hip-Hop like it's successfully done for decades, but now it's not even recognising Hip-Hop artists that explicitly say their work isn't Hip-Hop. But hey, black= Hip-Hop/R&B/Jazz, right? And let's not even start with "URBAN"...So what is the problem? And more importantly, what are the solutions? Should Hip-Hop plead for better representation & categorisation? Or should they all band together, say "Fuck The Grammys" and not submit their work?TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:32)Topic Intro - (17:50)The statistical relationship between Hip-Hop & The Grammys - (21:01)Why does Hip-Hop still attach itself to The Grammys? - (27:41)Charlie rant - (36:11)Ben contextualises - (42:19)Potential solutions - (50:20)Ben's morality question - (1:05:31)Lighter Note - (1:11:30)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

A retrospective we didn't want to do at a crucial point in the subject's life & career. But due to his death and the recent posthumous release "Circles", this was the best time to dive into the music career of Mac Miller.For context: Ben has been a fan of Mac for years and parallels his life to Mac's. Charlie, however, only spun "The Divine Feminine" when it initially dropped and spent the week before recording taking a trip through Mac's career from "K.I.D.S" to "Circles".So it made for good discussion as we went through Mac's discography and getting the thoughts from one person with a deep connection to Mac and the other listening to the majority of Mac's discography for the first time. This was a tough episode to record for reasons you'll find out by listening, but it's a great episode because of it. RIP Mac.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:58)Topic Intro - (17:30)Mac's early tapes (Pre-BSP) (28:39)Blue Slide Park - (34:16)Macadelic - (40:14)WMWTSO, Delusional Thomas & Faces - (45:20)GO:OD AM & The Divine Feminine - (57:34)Swimming & Circles - (1:05:35)Lighter Note - (1:15:35)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

The third verse. What used to be something that made Hip-Hop special is now on life support. In recent years, entire albums have been dropping that have no third verse to be seen. One could say that this is a concerted effort to make music shorter for the short attention masses. So what is going on? Why are artists omitting third verses? And what are the implications for mainstream Hip-Hop catering to the masses and not to the true essence?TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:55)Topic Intro - (11:38)Statistics on the 3rd Verse - (17:42)Is it just "evolution" or is there more to it? - (20:22)Is Pop & Hip-Hop blending together? - (29:47)What are the long-term ramifications? (40:05)Does K-Pop show a glimpse of mainstream blending? - (53:39)Lighter Note - (55:38)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

DMX. Everybody knows DMX off the name alone. Even if you haven't heard a DMX album, you know what DMX sounds like. You may even know his motifs. "Rrrrr" "AR, AR" "WHAT!" "UH HUUUUUH!" "WHERE MY DOGS!". I guarantee you read those and heard him in your head.He's an iconic artist for more reasons than one. The DITD duo explores DMX. From his music, to his lyrical content, to his influence.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:52)Topic Intro - (11:13)Is DMX' realness the key to his cultural longevity? - (17:56)DMX from a lyrical perspective - (23:14)DMX & Religion - (34:26)It's nearly impossible to break down DMX as a person - (46:54)Lighter Note - (57:34)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Think for a moment about where you get Hip-Hop news. Now think about where you get quotes from people of note. Unlike the regular News Journalism we all know of, Music Journalism isn't so easy to define. Because a majority of the news we get is either bare-bones information such as 1st Week sales or release dates. Or they simply come from the source and leads outlets to just regurgitate the information (e.g. An artist saying something incendiary on IG Live.)So what is Music Journalism? How has the way we get news changed everything and who are the Music Journalists of note? TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (3:00)Topic Intro - (11:09)The divide between "Personalities" & writers - (16:20)Our definitions of Music Journalism - (22:43)Let's talk DJVlad - (30:43)Negativity (& lack of morality) sells - (33:21)The concept of "Critical Mass" - (39:50)The Overton Window of Hip-Hop Journalism - (47:40)Is Hip-Hop Numbers Journalism? - (56:08)Lighter Note - (1:01:47)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Depending on who you are, 2019 was either a good year for Hip-Hop or a bad one. Factually, 2019 was a commercial dud. But look past the numbers and you will find plenty of artists taking centre stage with their work.The DITD duo recaps some of the year and looks forward to potential 2020 releases.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (3:36)Topic Intro & General Thoughts - (16:12)How we treat Music drops compared to other arts - (22:23)IGOR's success: Blip or trend? - (34:21)ROTD3 & "Sincerely, Detroit" proving that collaboration is hard - (40:33)What drops are we looking forward to in 2020? - (48:05)Artist, Producer & Rapper of the Year - (1:01:27)Lighter Note - (1:08:40)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

The 2010s... It's been an interesting one for sure. The music landscape has shifted dramatically in the past 9-10 years. Hip-Hop is now a dominant force in the music world, it's become easier to get into music and to get big, but even harder to stay on top.The world has sped up so fast, but we attempt to slow it all down for an hour and look forward to the new decade as well as take a look back.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:32)Topic Intro - (15:23)2010 - 14, the years of change - (16:46)Has Rihanna created the ideal blueprint for the future? - (26:25)Will Trap's reign continue into the new decade? - (35:18)What will be the dominant wave for 2020? - (45:05)Final Thoughts on the decade - (1:06:39)Lighter Note - (1:09:30)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

The posthumous album is something that we want and don't want in equal measure. When somebody says "Do you want never-heard-before music from an artist you like?", of course, you're going to say yes! But when that artist isn't alive to have a say, some take pause and ask themselves do they want it?There are many places to look at posthumous albums, there are many examples, good and bad. The DITD duo discusses as many angles as possible.TIMESTAMPS: Weekly Music Roundup - (1:52)Topic Intro - (18:47)Ben's general thoughts - (20:11)Charlie's general thoughts - (25:25)The dichotomy of the fan & posthumous albums - (32:04)We don't add these posthumous albums to their legacy, so what's the harm?- (40:00)J Dilla, the GOAT vault? - (41:54)Features are a dead giveaway to whether the album is "true" or not - (46:34)Final Thoughts - (52:50)Lighter Note - (56:33)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Certifications are confusing. Simple as that. A lot of us claim to know a lot about it but in reality, past platinum plaques, we know nothing.Charlie has been long done with the certifications ever since Nicki Minaj broke a record held by Aretha Franklin. Ben, as the numbers guy, stands on the other side of the fence but the two come together in acknowledging that these numbers, especially in the mainstream, are fugazi. We simply accept it as a mode of conversation and that's it.As you can imagine, this is one of those "Charlie hates, Ben explains" episodes. but there's the customary shade & knowledge drops aplenty.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:39)Topic Intro - (18:22)The catalyst for this topic - (20:57)Ben drops knowledge - (28:11)Can this all be simplified? - (36:48)It's all content fodder - (45:11)Lighter Note - (55:25)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Well. Here we are. The number 1 Album of the Decade. Throughout the past few weeks, Ben & Charlie have been going through their individual Top 10 AOTD's. From albums about blackness, concepts, mental health, self-reflection and looks into worlds we haven't experienced before. Both lists are interesting in different ways.But at the end of the day, it all came down to, not just the Hip-Hop Album of the Decade, but one of the greatest albums ever made, regardless of genre.No.1 on both lists, "Diggin' In The Digits" official Album of the 2010s, Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp A Butterfly".TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (2:17)Opening thoughts on TPAB - (16:34)What was Kendrick's main role in the making? - (27:04)What sets the album (& Kendrick) apart from the rest - (24:04)Describing the first time we heard the 2Pac "interview" - (43:45)Extra thoughts on the album & the TPAB era - (52:48)Top 5 Albums of All-Time (All genre) - (1:04:13)Lighter Note - (1:06:25)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

It's time for Part 3 of our four-part series covering our personal Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums of the Decade. On this episode, we cover our list from 4 to 2.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (2:27)Topic Intro/Charlie's No.4 - (23:53)Ben's No.4 - (36:05)Charlie's No.3 - (48:23)Ben's No.3 - (1:00:59)Charlie's No.2 - (1:10:49)Ben's No.2 - (1:22:49)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Our Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums of the Decade continues! On this episode, we cover albums that are ranked 7 to 5 on our lists. This episode went so long that we had to, for the first time ever, cut our runtime. So our Lighter Note had to be snipped a little. But don't fear, if you want to catch the omitted section, tune into Episode 52 of "What's Good?" W/Charlie Taylor. You can find the show in the same places you listen to DITD or just hit up The 5th Element Podcast Network.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:47)Topic Intro - (14:14)Ben's No.7 - (20:20)Charlie's No.7 - (31:21)Ben's No.6 - (44:40)Charlie's No.6 - (55:20)Ben's No.5 - (1:01:09)Charlie's No.5 - (1:11:59)Lighter Note - (1:26:29)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

As 2019 and the 2010s winds down, the DITD duo begins a four-part series, counting down their Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums of the decade.This episode covers numbers 10 to 8. These lists are 100% Subjective, this isn't about what album hits the hardest or the albums that sold the most or what was the most critically acclaimed. These are the albums that the duo loves the most, the albums that stuck to them in a way no other albums did. It's all subjective.This is the longest episode of DITD yet but it's all worth it in our humble & completely unbiased opinion. We hope you enjoy!TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (2:22)Topic Intro - (22:11)Charlie's No.10 - (27:46)Ben's No.10 - (35:18)Charlie's No.9 - (46:05)Ben's No.9 -(53:17)Charlie's No.8 - (1:02:06)Ben's No.8 - (1:14:51)Lighter Note - (1:30:05)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

The concept of a duo is an interesting one. You have one-time duos that catch a vibe and decide to make a project together. (The Throne, Drake & Future) You have homegrown duos that grow together (Eric B & Rakim, Mobb Deep, OutKast) and you have anomalies like Run The Jewels that just find the rare camaraderie that is as if they were homegrown.You also have the duos that rely on expertise. That's where the 1 MC, 1 Producer collabs come in. The DITD duo explores duos from all angles and also give their Top 5 Duos. TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (3:32)Topic Intro - (19:30)The rare commercial success of Duos - (23:30)Creative outlooks are always a factor - (31:38)Why 1 Rapper/1 Producer collabs work more often than not (38:16)Why 1 Rapper/1 Producer collabs get us excited - (49:06)Top 5 Duos - (53:35)Lighter Note - (59:05)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Mixtapes, in the classic definition, is a thing of the past. But since the turn of the Millenium, Mixtapes have evolved to become more and more about the artist and nothing to do with the DJ/Producer anymore. So how did this happen? Did the DJ's fumble the bag? Has a fun essence of Hip-Hop gone away with the commercialisation of Mixtapes? Why does Charlie get so irked about Mixtapes sounding just like albums!? All will be answered in Episode 30 of DITD.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:58)Topic Intro - (13:36)History of Mixtapes - (18:33)The low-key dodginess of Mixtape DJ's (27:55) The short-term evolution is just as depressing as the long-term - (35:30)Mixtape Marketing - (40:05)Have we lost a piece of Hip-Hop with these DJ-less Mixtapes? (44:35)Was it the Major Labels that created this "Mixtape/Album" evolution? (53:51)A (con of a) Lighter Note - (1:03:27)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Hip-Hop as a genre of music is always evolving, constantly changing, year by year. But what about those artists or those albums that kind of straddle the Hip-Hop sound but takes significant inspirations from other genres?The DITD duo talk about labels, (The things you stick on your chest, not the music ones...) genres and the foundations that Hip-Hop are built on. Is labelling something "Hip-Hop" too broad a term? Should services cater to sub-genres more? If so, how deep is too deep? And does this all matter when Hip-Hop is simply the perfect amalgamation of the Afro-American genres born before it?Ben tries to find an opinion, Charlie gives his informed opinion, let us know what you think. This is a very broad & subjective topic and is worth nailing down. TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup (5:00)Topic Intro (19:44)What is Hip-Hop? (26:14)The positives, negatives & essentiality of categorising (30:05)Is rapping essential to Hip-Hop? Even though it's one of the Five Elements? (41:14)Examples of Hip-Hop albums that could easily be categorised as something else (49:35)Lighter Note (59:55)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence

Beefs are some of the greatest things about Hip-Hop culture, watching two (or more) artists go at each other on wax. It's a win-win for every Hip-Hop fan. Even more so if the tracks are genuinely fire.So the DITD duo looks at a couple of tasty rivalries that have produced some of the most ruthless tracks in music. We take a look at Ice Cube vs NWA (& Eazy vs Dre) and the recent beef that we still love to talk about to this day. Pusha T vs Drake.TIMESTAMPS: Weekly Music Roundup - (2:33) Topic Intro/Cube-NWA Backstory - (16:33) "No Vaseline" aside, Cube made a great career move - (23:26) Eazy's shortsightedness - (26:18) The All-Rounder Diss track, "Dre Day" - (30:04) The grimey "Real Muthaphuckkin' G's" - (34:53) Pusha vs Drake - (42:24) The backstory way before "Infrared" - (44:53) Drake does not have a "Career Ender" for Pusha T - (59:00) Lighter Note - (1:03:35) Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence