We're back with a packed episode — and we're not holding back.

Ahmad kicks things off with a prank story involving his son that you did NOT see coming. From there, Vance and Ahmad dive deep into everything that had the culture talking: the Super Bowl Halftime Show, the Grammys, J. Cole's latest project, and the ongoing Kanye West situation.Bad Bunny didn't just perform — he brought an entire cultural moment to the biggest stage in American sports. We break down why his set was more than entertainment, what it means for hip-hop's global reach, and who we think should be next on that Halftime stage.Then we shift to the Grammys — are they finally getting it right? We discuss the tributes, the snubs, the recognition of legacy artists, and whether soul music is still getting the respect it deserves. Plus, Kendrick Lamar's stranglehold on hip-hop in 2025 and what that means for the culture going forward.And J. Cole dropped — so of course we had to get into it. Is the storytelling still elite? What does this album mean for his legacy? And is J. Cole approaching the end of an era?All that, plus current music recommendations and our thoughts on the rising British influence in hip-hop.📌 CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction & Ahmad's Prank Story04:58 – Super Bowl Recap & Reactions10:01 – Halftime Show Highlights14:47 – Cultural Impact of Bad Bunny's Performance19:52 – Future Super Bowl Performers & Predictions27:43 – The Future of Pop Stars in Hip-Hop Spaces30:12 – Evaluating the Best Super Bowl Performers Ever34:41 – Stadium Experience & Artist Selection39:56 – Grammy Awards: Still Relevant?52:08 – Emerging Artists & British Influence54:18 – Grammy Surprises & Recognition57:16 – The Evolving Significance of the Grammys01:01:47 – J. Cole's New Album: First Impressions01:09:36 – Conceptual Depth in J. Cole's Work01:12:43 – What's Next for J. Cole?01:16:50 – Legacy Artists & Their Role in Hip-Hop Today🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Record Report — the podcast where we take hip-hop seriously.💬 Drop your take in the comments: Was Bad Bunny's Halftime Show the best in recent memory? And where does J. Cole's new album first reaction?#TheRecordReport #HipHop #SuperBowl #BadBunny #HalfTimeShow #JCole #KendrickLamar #KanyeWest #Grammys #MusicPodcast #HipHopPodcast #MusicCulture

In this special episode of The Record Report recorded this December, Ahmad and Vance celebrate Bob Marley's birthday week by exploring the revolutionary impact of Bob Marley and The Wailers' iconic album 'Burning'. The hosts examine how this watershed album became a breakthrough moment for reggae music's global reach, analyzing its profound political messaging and its role in giving voice to Jamaica's marginalized communities during a turbulent era. Through deep cuts into tracks like the legendary 'I Shot the Sheriff', they unpack how Marley's music transcended entertainment to become a cultural force that challenged societal norms and fostered connection across communities. The conversation traces the evolution of Marley's artistic vision while drawing compelling parallels between the struggles documented in his music and contemporary social issues, demonstrating why his revolutionary sound continues to resonate decades later—making this birthday tribute both timely and timeless.

In this episode of the Record Report, Ahmad and Vance discuss the return of their podcast, the anticipation surrounding J. Cole's new album, and the dynamics between J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. They explore the impact of social media on music, the role of legacy artists in today's industry, and the importance of community and collective action. The conversation also touches on the future of music in relation to technology and personal experiences, concluding with music recommendations and reflections on the current state of the music scene.

Ahmad and Vance sit down to break down 2025's most significant hip hop moments in part one of The Record Report's year wrap up. They tackle the Billboard landscape, Black music's dominance across the charts, and where artists like Drake and Wale stand as the year winds down.

The conversation moves through Kendrick Lamar's influence, the Grammy nominations that shaped the narrative, and the resurgence of women changing rap's trajectory. They dig into the industry's relationship with AI, celebrate legendary contributions to hip hop culture, and discuss the album rollouts that defined how we discover music in 2025. Plus: they're crowning "Lame of the Year" and want your vote.

Help us finish this episode: What was your biggest black culture moment in 2025? Which artist deserves recognition? What song or album changed your year? Comment below—your voice matters to The Record Report.

Welcome back to this episode of the Record Report.

This week, Ahmad and Vance break down D’Angelo’s timeless debut, Brown Sugar, picking their top three tracks and unpacking how the album became a pioneer for soul, funk, and alternative music.

From its hypnotic grooves to visceral storytelling, this episode dives into why “Brown Sugar” still hits different almost 30 years later.

Rest In Peace, D'Angelo.

🎧 Listen now:

Spotify: ⁠https://shorturl.at/HIQZ9⁠

Apple: ⁠https://apple.co/3joE6Db⁠

All platforms: ⁠https://linktr.ee/RecordReportPodcast

"Who tf is JJ Fad?"

The internet broke when Pitchfork dropped their Top 100 Hip-Hop Albums list - and we have THOUGHTS.

This week on The Record Report, we dissect one of the most controversial music ranking lists in recent memory. From Snoop Dogg's "Doggystyle" placement sparking outrage to the glaring Southern hip-hop representation issues, we break down what these lists get right, what they get catastrophically wrong, and why publications keep rage-baiting music fans.

The Pitchfork Problem: Why do music publications create lists designed to provoke rather than celebrate? We analyze the methodology behind controversial rankings and whether commercial success should matter in evaluating greatness.

Southern Hip-Hop Erasure: The chronic underrepresentation of Southern artists in "definitive" hip-hop lists and why this regional bias persists in music criticism.

Kanye's "Yeezus" Legacy: How this polarizing album became the blueprint for modern rage rap, influencing everyone from Travis Scott to Playboi Carti and reshaping hip-hop's sonic landscape.

Jay-Z's Placement Debate: Is Hov properly represented in hip-hop history? We examine his catalog's impact and whether critics undervalue his contributions.

The Glaring Omissions: From Mobb Deep's "The Infamous" to other timeless classics, we highlight the essential albums these lists consistently overlook.

Young Thug's Return: Breaking down Thugger's recent comeback, the cultural conversations around his legal battles, and what his story reveals about the current state of hip-hop.

Modern Hip-Hop Evolution:

• How streaming transformed music consumption and artist development
• The death and resurrection of regional sounds
• Why physical music sales might make a comeback
• The future of authenticity in hip-hop culture

Rap Feuds & Technology: From ghostwriting controversies to AI's influence on music creation, we examine how technology is transforming hip-hop's creative process and competitive landscape.

Gender Dynamics: The complex conversations around masculinity, representation, and power structures in contemporary hip-hop.

This episode delves into the albums, artists, and cultural forces that have shaped hip-hop's past, present, and future. Whether you agree with Pitchfork's list or think they got it completely wrong, this conversation will make you reconsider what "greatest" really means.

Keywords: Pitchfork hip-hop list, top 100 rap albums, Doggystyle Snoop Dogg, Kanye West Yeezus, Southern hip-hop, Mobb Deep The Infamous, Young Thug, hip-hop debate, music rankings, rap podcast, music criticism, hip-hop culture

Episode Highlights

Dive into the world of Patrice Rushen as we choose our top three tracks from her legendary album, Straight From the Heart.

In this episode, we delve into the art of sampling older tracks, uncover hidden Easter eggs within the project, and discuss the experience of listening to music in the modern era.

Join us for a captivating conversation that blends nostalgia with fresh insights, ideal for music lovers and creators eager to explore the depths of musical innovation.

Listen on your favorite platform:

• ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Website

Follow the Record Report podcast on:

Instagram: https://bit.ly/345GLgz

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3qxZtH7

Twitter: https://bit.ly/3qxZUBf

#TheRecordReport #PatriceRushen #StraightFromTheHeart #ForgetMeNots #RnB #FunkMusic #80sMusic #JazzFusion #HipHopSampling #MusicLegends #WomenInMusic #BlackExcellence #MusicPodcast #MusicInterview #ClassicAlbums #VinylCommunity #MusicProducers #SoulMusic #MusicHistory #PodcastInterview #LegendaryArtists #MusicEducation #MusicInnovation #SamplingCulture #MusicInfluen

Welcome back for another B Sides episode of The Record Report, we’re diving into the standout albums of 2025 so far — from the ones that lived up to the hype to the underrated releases that surprised us. We talk about sounds, themes, and the artists shaping the year in music.

We also take time to unpack the ongoing drama surrounding Nicki Minaj online, and what it means for her long-term legacy in hip-hop and pop culture. How do public perception and internet beefs intersect with an iconic career?

Tune in for honest takes, bold picks, and a conversation that goes beyond the charts.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Tags: #BestAlbums2025 #MusicPodcast #HipHopPodcast #NickiMinaj #NewMusic2025 #BSidesPodcast #Clipse #PlayboiCarti #KeyGlock #FrankOcean