We're 3 high school friends who share a common passion for Hip Hop. Each of us have created our own albums, performed or started our own channels, but this time...
Send us a textIn this episode of That's Hip Hop podcast, the crewâMark, Ali, and Isaiahâdive deep into the gritty, cinematic world of Griselda with a powerful review of their seminal album WWCD (What Would Chine Gun Do). Straight from the 909, the hosts explore how Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, and Benny the Butcher resurrect the essence of 90s East Coast hip-hop, blending grimy street tales with soul-sampled boom-bap production from Daringer and Beat Butcha. The conversation flows effortlessly through Griselda's meteoric rise, their relentless work ethic, and the cultural impact they've had, not just in music but across fashion, art, and even wrestling. With shout-outs from legends like Wu-Tang and The LOX, it's clearâGriselda is more than a group; it's a movement.The podcast breaks down the album's core tracks, like the raw and unrelenting "Dr. Birds," while appreciating the group's balance of lyrical aggression, street authenticity, and artistic flair. From the legendary featuresâincluding Eminem and 50 Centâto Westside Gunnâs penchant for avant-garde aesthetics (like featuring Buffalo icon Claire on the album cover), the hosts reveal how WWCD is both a tribute to their fallen comrade Chine Gun and a declaration of their creative dominance. The energy is high, the insights are sharp, and the appreciation is realâthis episode is a celebration of Griseldaâs unapologetic artistry and a reminder that real hip-hop thrives in the underground before it takes over the world.
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#111 LYTE AS A ROCK ALBUM REVIEW - MC LYTE
Send us a textIn this electrifying episode of That's Hip Hop, Mark, Ali, and Isaiah dive deep into the groundbreaking debut album Lyte as a Rock by the legendary MC Lyte. With vibrant banter and reverent energy, they explore Lyteâs unparalleled impact on hip-hop as one of the first solo female MCs to hold her own in a male-dominated game. The crew praises her for her fierce lyricism, unmistakable voice, and ability to blend braggadocious bars with conscious storytelling. From her trailblazing endorsement deals and transition into acting and voiceover work to her undeniable influence on icons like Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, and Nicki Minaj, MC Lyteâs legacy is illuminated as nothing short of iconic.Listeners are taken on a journey through the albumâs standout tracks, like â10% Dis,â where Lyte fearlessly claps back at rivals with razor-sharp bars, and âI Cram to Understand U,â a track she penned at just 12 years old. The hosts share their personal introductions to Lyteâs musicâranging from â90s bangers like âCold Rock a Partyâ to nostalgic movie soundtracksâand marvel at her raw delivery and lyrical dominance. The conversation blends cultural insights, lyrical breakdowns, and even a few unexpected wrestling analogies, making this not just an album review but a celebration of hip-hop history. MC Lyte, as they emphatically agree, didnât just step into the gameâshe rocked it.
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#110 DEAD ENZ KIDZ DOIN LIFETIME BIDZ ALBUM REVIEW - YBT
Send us a textIn this lively episode of the podcast, the crew dives deep into the unique and controversial story of Young Black Teenagersâa rap group from the early '90s whose name alone sparked debate. Despite the group's all-white lineup, YBT boldly entered the hip-hop scene under the production wing of The Bomb Squad (of Public Enemy fame), delivering socially conscious lyrics with chaotic, high-energy beats. The hostsâMark, Isaiah, and Aliâunpack the groupâs uphill battle for authenticity, the irony of their name, and how cultural identity clashed with their artistic intent. The episode is packed with reflections on how YBTâs genuine New York roots and undeniable skills were often overshadowed by the weight of their branding missteps.From the infamous battle over the name "Leaders of the New School" to breaking down classic tracks like Tap the Bottle and Plead the Fifth, the crew doesnât hold back. They analyze lyrics, flows, and even the cultural implications of nursery rhyme references and party tricks in YBTâs music. This review feels like both a history lesson and a cautionary tale, exploring how the group became a footnote in hip-hop historyânot due to lack of talent, but because of heavy cultural baggage and misjudged delivery. As always, the episode wraps with fresh freestyles, shout-outs to beatmakers, and the vibe of three hip-hop heads keeping the culture alive.
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#109 ROAD TO RICHES ALBUM REVIEW - KOOL G RAP BREAKDOWN
Send us a textIn this electrifying deep dive, the Thatâs Hip-Hop crewâMark, Ali, and Isaiahâunpack one of the most influential albums in rap history: Road to Riches by Kool G Rap & DJ Polo. They lay the groundwork by acknowledging Kool G Rapâs undeniable impact on hip-hop, cementing his place among lyrical giants like Rakim, KRS-One, and Big Daddy Kane. His rapid-fire delivery, intricate rhyme schemes, and gritty storytelling not only set the foundation for mafioso rap but also inspired legends like Nas, Jay-Z, and The Notorious B.I.G. The crew marvels at how G Rap seamlessly merged street narratives with unparalleled technical lyricism, a skill that few MCs have mastered while maintaining raw authenticity.From breaking down standout tracks like âMen at Workâ to discussing the albumâs legacy, they highlight how Road to Riches shaped both hardcore and gangsta rap. The conversation weaves through hip-hop history, touching on G Rapâs influence across generations, his ability to blend realism with lyrical complexity, and his lasting imprint on artists spanning from AZ to Jedi Mind Tricks. The crew even uncovers intriguing connectionsâlike Poison pre-dating Bell Biv DeVoeâs hitâand imagines how Marley Marl wouldâve thrived in the 2000s producer era. This episode is a must-listen for any hip-hop purist, a lyrical masterclass wrapped in history, insight, and undeniable passion for the culture.
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#108 TOTALLY KROSSED OUT ALBUM REVIEW - KRIS KROSS
Send us a textIn this episode of That's Hip Hop, the crew dives deep into the nostalgia-fueled phenomenon that was Kris Kross and their iconic debut album Totally Krossed Out. With infectious energy and undeniable charisma, the duoâChris "Mac Daddy" Kelly and Chris "Daddy Mac" Smithâturned the hip-hop world upside down, both literally and figuratively, with their signature backwards fashion and high-energy hits. The hosts break down how Jermaine Dupri discovered these young rap prodigies, shaping them into a cultural force that not only topped the charts but also influenced a wave of youth-driven hip-hop acts. From their monster hit Jump to the lasting impact of their unique style, the discussion highlights the duo's role in bridging hip-hop and mainstream pop audiences, making the genre more accessible to a younger crowd.As the conversation unfolds, the hosts reminisce about the early '90s, reflecting on Kris Krossâs role in shaping the sound and image of that golden era. They dive into the albumâs structure, from its playful diss tracks aimed at Another Bad Creation to the storytelling elements in songs like I Missed the Bus, which cleverly captured the everyday struggles of youth. The episode also explores the duo's unexpected connection to Michael Jackson, their crossover into film, and their impact on the evolving hip-hop landscape. Packed with personal memories, insightful analysis, and a touch of humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who grew up during the Totally Krossed Out era or wants to understand how two teenage rappers left an indelible mark on hip-hop history.
We're 3 high school friends who share a common passion for Hip Hop. Each of us have created our own albums, performed or started our own channels, but this time, we are collaborating together to share our common bond over our love for hip hop. We are taking a journey into the music. Going album by album to dissect and share our experiences with the tracks. We release a new episode every Monday. Check us out and let us know what albums we should review next!