Hip-Hop Now Podcast
#1996 Ironman
It's a limited episode series celebrating the year 1996! It's the 30th anniversary of many classic albums from that year and we chose twelve to "re-review!" Coming off a stellar run of Wu-Tang Clan solo albums, Ghostface Killah's debut, Ironman felt like it was arriving late. And it felt like it was also flying under the hip-hop fan radar with all that was happening in 1996. Like his follow-up classic album, Supreme Clientele , THIS IS PEAK GHOSTFACE! Many fans consider this album his best work. Let's talk about it!
S/O to the guest for this episode: Nick
Sup...
What Nas Said!
On this new episode, Nas writes a letter to the music industry to get back to the roots of artistry. Vegas thinks he's also foreshadowing a new album. Let's talk about it!
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Slept On Albums from the 90s
On this new episode, Vegas admits the fire 1990s albums he slept on. Let's talk about it!
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Do We Care About These Jay-Z Interviews?
On this new episode, Jay-Z and Rick Rubin's interview series, "Jay-Z in 8" is six episodes deep on HBO Max and I haven't watched one. Do We Care? Let's talk about it!
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The Bomb Squad
The Bomb Squad The powerhouse production team, The Bomb Squad crafted the sound for some of rap’s greatest artists and groups. From Public Enemy and Slick Rick to L.L. Cool J and Run DMC, there sound energized a generation of hip-hop legends. Not a team to be limited to the the 80s and early 90s, they seldomly get mentioned when fans talk about production teams. On this episode, Vegas and Tony laydown the gauntlet on why they deserve more than "flowers."
Check out Tony's podcast: @TonyDaDome
That Time in Hip-Hop Recommendations Playlist!
#1996 Illadelph Halflife
It's a limited episode series celebrating the year 1996! It's the 30th anniversary of many classic albums from that year and we chose twelve to "re-review!" We're in Philly for this one! The Roots changed how hip hop heads viewed them with a brand new album that put Philly boombap on the map. That album was, Illadelph Halflife! A undeniable hip hop classic! Let's talk about it!
See more from my guest Kil here: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibeParkMedia
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Still The Blueprint?
On this new episode, Vegas talks about the 25th anniversary of Jay-Z's album, "The Blueprint" and what the experience was like on September 11, 2001 when it released. The Snoop Dogg biopic is in motion and now has casted it's Biggie Smalls. Is Kendrick Lamar considered a lazy artist because he drops new albums every two to three years? Let's talk about it!
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So We're Good with A.I. Now?
On this new episode, Jay-Z finesses fans into listening to old music at his "Listening Party." Dr. Dre takes a stance in the A.I. music argument. Vegas recaps the best releases/recommendations from August 2026. Let's talk about it!
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#1996 Atliens
It's a limited episode series celebrating the year 1996! It's the 30th anniversary of many classic albums from that year and we chose twelve to "re-review!" Similar to Nas in 1996, Outkast returned with a new path to greatest on their second album, Atliens. Primed by André 3000's comments on stage at the 1995 Source Awards, "The South got something to say," became the first signal that southern hip-hop was about to plant it's flag firmly in the hip-hop game. Outkast was back and their sophmore album spoke loudly! Let's talk about it!
S/O to the guest for this episode: Ne...
What Did Keffe D Say?!
On this new episode, Vegas recaps the first week of Duane "Keffe D" Davis's trial for the murder of 2Pac, along with reviewing Keffe D's book. Ebro says a well known female emcee told him that female fans of hers are not rap fans. Vegas also reviews The Game's new album, The Documentary III. Let's talk about it!
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Sleeping on the GOD
On this new episode, The best albums/mixtapes of July 2026. Busta Rhymes has tremendous momentum with this new J. Dilla collaboration. Vegas slept on Rakim's new single, "A Different Kind," and here's why. Let's talk about it!
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Fools Mate?
On this new episode, Snoop Dogg biopic on the way. 38 Spesh readys a response to all with, "Fools Mate." 5 albums still in Vegas's rotation. Let's talk about it!
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Radio Snitching
On this new episode, Funk Flex radio snitching on Dj Enuff is crazy! 38 Spesh is moving the goal post now that Jadakiss has responded? Vegas reviews Rick Ross's latest album, "Set in Stone." Let's talk about it!
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Best of 2026 So Far
On this new episode, Vegas presents his best albums and mixtapes of 2026...So Far. Let's talk about it!
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#1996 It Was Written
It's a limited episode series celebrating the year 1996! It's the 30th anniversary of many classic albums from that year and we chose twelve to "re-review!" Lead by the marketing campaing slogan, "Nas is Coming," It Was Written had to live up to tremendous expectations following his classic debut Illmatic. With unmatched hype, Nas packed out the "sophmore jinx with a album that rivals is debut in classic status. Tony of DaDome Podcast joins Vegas to breakdown this pivotal point in Nas's young career. Let's talk about it!
See more from my guest, Tony here: https://youtu.be/mF_a...
#1996 Reasonable Doubt
It's a limited episode series celebrating the year 1996! It's the 30th anniversary of many classic albums from that year and we chose twelve to "re-review!" Jay-Z's debut album, Reasonable Doubt is better than you remember. Peak lyrics, beats custom made for a hustler, and a determination to be mentioned amongst the greats. This was Jay-Z at his hungriest. Let's talk about it!
Special thanks to my guest: Jevon M. Johnson
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"First the Fat Boys Break Up"
On this new episode, the Griselda break up was real. Baby Keem says he's better than the current big 3 of Kendrick, Drake, and J. Cole. What was Drake's mindset during the battle with Kendrick Lamar? Let's talk about it!
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Battle Season Again?
On this new episode, 38 Spesh says Jadakiss is scared to jump on a track with him again?! 30 years of 2Pac's legendary diss track, "Hit-Em Up." Does Jay-Z need to drop an album after dissing several people at his Roots Picnic performance? Let's talk about it!
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Graffiti Isn't A Part of Hip Hop?!
On this new episode, Max B's wave is over. Jay-Z said what about Graffiti?! Daz is selling bootleg copies of Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" on social media. Let's talk about it!
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#1996 Hard Core
It's a limited episode series celebrating the year 1996! It's the 30th anniversary of many classic albums from that year and we chose twelve to "re-review!" Sexy lyrics existed in hip-hop music before 1996, but not like this. Hip-Hop was always a male dominated art and filled with misogyny. Lil Kim's, Hard Core flipped the tables. Not only did the ladies love this unfiltered brand of "femcee" but the guys dug it too. Kim put together a bold, sexy, and bar driven debut that set the stage for artist like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and more. Let's talk about it!
S...
ICEMAN Review
On this new episode, Vegas reviews Drake's highly anticipated album, "ICEMAN." Let's talk about it!
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Hip Hop Media Mafia
On this new episode, who resides at the top of Complex's hip-hop media list? Vegas reviews AZ's latest album, "Doe or Die 3." Is the boombap resurgence over? Let's talk about it!
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That Real Hip-Hop!
On this new episode, Drake announces his new album release date with a icy rollout. The best albums of March and April 2026. Vegas reviews the new commemorative book, "Run DMC and Raising Hell: 40 Years." Let's talk about it!
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Sleepers in the Catalog 2
On this week's bonus episode, slept on albums in your favorite artists catalog...part2! Let's talk about it!
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Is 2026 A Slow Year?
On this new episode, Wu-Tang Clan makes it into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Are we cancelling KRS One for his defense of the late Afrika Bambaataa? Is 2026 a slow year for hip hop albums? Let's talk about it!
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#1996 Beats Rhymes and Life
It's a limited episode series celebrating the year 1996! It's the 30th anniversary of many classic albums from that year and we chose twelve to "re-review!" Like De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest returned with a new album in 1996. Hot off the heels of a second classic album in Midnight Mauraders, 3 "long" years had passed. The landscape of hip-hop had changed dramatically from 1993 to 1996. A hardcore sound took over while a radio friendly record wave was on the horizon. Tribe released what was considered a very divisive album. Less Phife, a new edition in the emcee Consequence, and a new...
#1996 The Coming
It's a limited episode series celebrating the year 1996! It's the 30th anniversary of many classic albums from that year and we chose twelve to "re-review!" It had been 3 years since Busta Rhymes was kicked out of the rap group, Leaders of the New School. With the competitive environment that was 1996, Busta was charged with laying the path for his solo career. Would he sink or swim was the question but we know the answer. His solo debut, "The Coming" was prophetic. Let's talk about it on this Member Exclusive Bonus Episode!
S/O to the guest for this e...
Jay-Z is Back Outside!
On this new episode, Jay-Z announces two huge show dates. Mach Hommy and Black Thought have an joint album on the way. We also talk about Rappers using A.I. for their music videos. Some do it right while others get it wrong. Let's talk about it!
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#1996 Stakes is High
It's a limited episode series celebrating the year 1996! It's the 30th anniversary of many classic albums from that year and we chose twelve to "re-review!" De La Soul thrived at a time when most old school rappers would of fell off. Not only did they drop a new album in the highly competitive year of 1996, they dropped one of the best. The trio stood tall on perserving the culture at a time when money and fame began to dictate what "real" hip-hop music was. Stakes is High is a landmark album in the career of a legendary hip-hop group, and...
Will 50 Rap About It?
On this new episode, 50 Cent versus T.I. & Family. Vegas talks about his votes for the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Busta Rhymes announces a sequel to his collaborative mixtape with the late J. Dilla, "Dillagence 2." Let's talk about it!
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Wayne Rappin' Nonsense?
On this new episode, LaRussel says Lil Wayne lacks substance in his bars. Roc Nation starts nostalgic rollout for the 30th anniversary of Jay-Z's debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Vegas reviews Baby Keem's second album, Casino. Let's talk about it!
Celebrating Hip-Hop from 1996!
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#1996 The Score
It's a limited episode series celebrating the year 1996! It's the 30th anniversary of many classic albums from that year and we chose twelve to "re-review!" Fugees was a group that didn't benefit from a stellar debut like Columbia Records labelmate Nas. They could of easily faded away like other artist from the early 90s whose sound seemed stuck in a fun but brief era of East Coast hip-hop. Lucky for them, producer Salaam Remi's remix of the record "Vocab" was the sound/vibe that would clear the path for their incredible follow-up album, The Score. The competiton was thick in 1996...
The Fall Off Album Review
On this new episode, Vegas reviews J. Cole's "final" album, "The Fall-Off." Let's talk about it!
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#1996 All Eyez on Me/Makaveli
It's a limited episode series celebrating the year 1996! It's the 30th anniversary of many classic albums from that year and we chose twelve to "re-review!" This month's selection is special. 1996 was 2Pac's last year alive and he put together an unprecented run dropping two Platinum albums in the same year. The double album, All Eyez on Me and his "final" studio recording Makaveli The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory. Let's talk about it!
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Jadakiss vs Common?
On this new episode, Mass Appeal continues to drop clues about their next rollout, "Imagine That!" Vegas reviews the new Roc Marciano album, “656.” The Internet debates Jadakiss vs Common? Let's talk about it!
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J. Cole Returns!
On this new episode, John Forté passes away and the internet celebrates his work. Kurupt of Tha Dogg Pound was hospitalized with a serious health issue. J. Cole drops “The Fall Off” album art, release date, new song/and video (Disc 2 Track 2). Let's talk about it!
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2026 Preview Show
On this new episode, Vegas recaps 2025 and talks about his expectations for Hip-Hop in 2026. Let's talk about it!
Read the Substack article here: https://open.substack.com/pub/stevansmith/p/2026-preview?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer
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Best Albums of 2025!
On this new episode, Vegas names his best hip-hop albums of the year, including his Top 5! Let's talk about it!
Here's an Apple Music Playlist: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/hhnp-best-of-2025/pl.u-zRy5IZvde4p?ls
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Legend Has It Series Review
On this new episode, special guest Ahk joins Vegas for a review of the Mass Appeal album series, "Legend Has It" which included new albums from Slick Rick, De La Soul, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, Big L, and Nas/DJ Premier. Let's talk about it!
Here's an Apple Music Playlist: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/legend-has-it/pl.u-qLBat21l3JR
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Nas & Dj Premier "Light Years" Album Review
On this new episode, Vegas reviews Nas and DJ Premier's highly anticipated album, "Light-Years." Let's talk about it!
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Hip-Hop Classics from 2020 - 2025: https://open.substack.com/pub/stevansmith/p/dont-call-it-a-classic?r=3bx8bc&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
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