The 3rd Verse Podcast

Justin Hunte and Stat Quo break down Drake’s Iceman track-by-track, debate the fallout from the Kendrick Lamar battle, rank the Big 3’s latest albums, and tackle the biggest controversies surrounding Drake’s newest release.

Pure chaos this morning!!😂 The conversation today dives deep into the #Drake and #KendrickLamar #RapBeef, dissecting every angle of the #DrakeBeef. We also touch on the #jcole and Drake dynamics, exploring the intricate layers of the #MusicBusiness within this ongoing saga. Full discussion available NOW on YouTube🎬

Our first live episode!!!

Stat and Justin discuss how everyone loves Drake again as well as Isaiah Rashad's new album "It's Been Awful." Plus, in a new segment called Crime Rap, the fellas dig into the details of D4VD's disgusting murder case. Also, as expected, Stat and Justin have no love for Big Groove.

Can Drake outsell GNX? The stakes change completely when we discuss whether Drake can outdo GNX's impact. We also explore Trump's reaction to current events and the leaked details surrounding the Michael Jackson movie. Only on The 3rd Verse🎙️ Link in Bio🔗

Drake’s legal fight with UMG just took another wild turn, and we break down what this could mean for hip hop, artistic freedom, and the music business. From the “Not Like Us” lawsuit, defamation claims, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake’s legal strategy… to a deep sidebar on Tiger Woods, identity, generational shifts, discipline, and whether kids even do chores anymore — this episode goes everywhere. We debate whether Drake can actually win against UMG, why this case could set a dangerous precedent for rap lyrics, and whether the industry can afford to let Drake win. Also: Tiger Woods “Cablinasian,” The Masters, old-school parenting, and why Earl Woods might be the hidden star of this episode

The fellas bounce from Coachella madness and reckless NBA playoff predictions into a masterclass on Dr. Dre’s greatness, a spicy Dre-vs.-Ye Verzuz debate, and a layered conversation on D1, Big Bank, faith, culture, and what happens when belief gets weaponized.

This week was WILD. We break down everything from the Women’s Final Four controversy to Geno Auriemma vs Dawn Staley, plus why the championship game sparked so much debate around women’s college basketball. Then we get into the shocking federal case involving Pooh Shiesty and Gucci Mane—and why this situation makes zero sense from a legal standpoint. And finally… the biggest question in music right now: Is Kanye West actually uncancelable? After selling out stadiums and dropping new music, we talk about what “cancel culture” really means in 2026—and who it actually affects. This episode covers: Women’s NCAA Finals reaction & scheduling controversy Geno vs Dawn Staley incident breakdown Pooh Shiesty federal charges explained Kanye’s return, fans, and backlash The reality of cancel culture 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Was the women’s championship really that bad… or are people overreacting?

J. Cole is finally speaking on the Drake vs Kendrick Lamar situation, but did he really tell the full story? In this episode of the Third Verse Podcast, the crew breaks down Cole’s recent interviews, the apology, and whether he would’ve taken the diss back if it actually succeeded. From behind-the-scenes industry conversations to Drake’s strategy and Kendrick’s rise, this is a deep dive into what really happened during one of hip-hop’s biggest moments and why the fallout still matters.

In this episode of The 3rd Verse, we break down the backlash of Jack Harlows "Got Blacker" comment, what he meant, and whether this moment helps or hurts his career moving forward. We also cover Sinners dominating the Oscars, Michael B. Jordan’s big win, and the impact of the film’s success. Plus, we get into the controversial 83-point NBA performance, debates around today’s game, and a range of unfiltered conversations you won’t expect.

The 3rd Verse breaks down the biggest conversations in hip-hop culture. This episode covers the Drake classics debate, Kanye’s return, 50 Cent vs TI, and the viral topics shaping the culture right now. Real talk, real perspective.

In this episode, we react to Lil Yachty calling “Rapper’s Delight” wack on Bootleg Kev and break down Michael Eric Dyson’s take on Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” We also share a behind the scenes story about the planned New Money supergroup, while Stat Quo reflects on college, real-life essentials, and why he’s done with disingenuous apologies in the industry.

In this episode, we unpack the backlash from the BAFTAs after a shocking on-air moment during the SINNERS presentation with Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan, and the broader conversation around race, accountability, and live broadcast responsibility. We also break down the escalating 50 Cent vs T.I. beef and the diss tracks asking whether the back-and-forth is going too far. Plus, we review Baby Keem’s CA$INO album and revisit Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor 20 years later, reflecting on its lasting impact on hip-hop culture. Only on The 3rd Verse

In this episode of The 3rd Verse, we break down LaRussell’s viral take that he outgrew Lil Wayne’s music and whether the “no substance” claim holds up. We also review J. Cole’s The Fall-Off, analyze first-week sales, and discuss what it means for his Big 3 status. Plus, Baby Keem’s BOOMAN II mini doc and the rollout for CA$INO — what this era signals moving forward.

Baby Keem announces CA$INO with Kendrick Lamar attached, and we break down what Kendrick’s involvement really means for Keem’s career. Is this just collaboration or Kendrick stepping fully into his executive role and shaping the next phase of Keem’s trajectory? We also debate whether The Fall-Off cements J. Cole’s legacy. Is it a classic? Is it growth? Or is the title doing heavy lifting? And then there’s the controversy: Did French Montana take “Unforgettable” from Swae Lee — and why is the money conversation resurfacing now?

In this weeks episode we sit down with Steve Rifkind (@steverifkind), the legendary founder of Loud Records, for a wide ranging conversation on hip-hop history and resilience. He opens up about being bullied early in life, finding his footing in the music industry, and building one of the most influential labels of all time. Steve shares firsthand stories about his friendship with Tupac Shakur, signing Mobb Deep, the greatness of Kanye West, and discovering Three 6 Mafia. From industry risks to cultural impact, this episode captures Steve Rifkind’s wild journey through the backbone of hip-hop. Only on The 3rd Verse 🏆

In this episode of The 3rd Verse, we sit down with will.i.am for a deep, unfiltered conversation on hip-hop history, creativity, and legacy. Will shares untold stories about Eazy-E, the early days of the Black Eyed Peas, and pivotal moments alongside Jimmy Iovine. He reflects on his relationships with Eminem and Dr. Dre, and breaks down how inspiration from Fleetwood Mac played a key role in his decision to sign Fergie. Packed with rare insight, industry gems, and cultural context, this episode captures a side of Will.i.am and hip-hop history you don’t hear often.

The 3rd Verse breaks down the biggest moments in hip-hop! Album reviews, artist rollouts, producer debates, and real industry conversations. From A$AP Rocky’s Don’t Be Dumb to J. Cole’s The Fall Off, plus debates like Hit-Boy vs Mike Will Made-It and Top 5 producer of all time rankings.

Legendary producer Mark Batson discusses music, filmmaking, AI, and his journey working with Dr. Dre and other iconic artists. Industry stories, creative insight, and the future of art.

In this episode of 3rd Verse, the crew dives into a wide-ranging conversation covering culture, music, and personal stories. We break down our Top 5 favorite restaurants, debate the greatest sitcom theme songs of all time, and get into rare behind-the-scenes stories involving Eminem, 50 Cent, and Dr. Dre. Stat Quo shares an exclusive story from the “Godzilla” video with Juice WRLD, including working alongside Cole Bennett and Lyrical Lemonade, plus never-heard context from being inside the room with some of hip-hop’s biggest names. The conversation also expands into current events, touching on protests, social climate, and how culture and music intersect in real time. This episode blends humor, nostalgia, and real industry insight & the kind of conversations you don’t get anywhere else. Subscribe to 3rd Verse for weekly discussions on hip-hop, culture, media, and the stories behind the moments.

In this episode of 3rd Verse, the crew breaks down the industry plant conversation head-on, starting with Doechii’s new single with SZA 'girl, get up", which many view as a direct response to ongoing industry plant accusations. The discussion unpacks how artists are labeled, how fast success gets misread, and why having a business plan or early support doesn’t automatically make someone an industry plant. The conversation expands into the recent Doechii and Adin Ross controversy, examining how the beef started, how it played out publicly, and how the industry and media reacted to it. The episode also delivers real behind-the-scenes insight with DJ closing with a classic Kanye West “Through the Wire” story.

The 3rd Verse Podcast officially premieres fresh for the New Year! In this episode, Stat, DJ, and Justin talk the year that was, the year to come, and whether music executives are to blame for the state of Hip Hop.

TDE's MixedbyAli Details Classic Kendrick Recording Sessions, Dr. Dre's Mentorship & More