The RapCaviar Podcast

Being a manager is one of the most misunderstood jobs in the music industry, which might be why so many people think they can do it. To dispel some of the assumptions about what the job actually is and isn't, Jinx is joined by three of the most sought-after managers and execs in the game: Amber Grimes (LVRN), Steve "Steve-O" Carless (Warner Records), and James Rosemond Jr. (Ice Spice). They break down the day-to-day of the job, what it takes to be a good manager in today's music landscape, and why Ice Spice's rollout is a masterclass in branding. Tap in for free game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Curren$y and Jermaine Dupri have reached legendary status in their respective spaces in Hip-Hop. Now, the pair is collaborating on their highly-anticipated series "For Motivational Use Only." Spitta and JD joined Jinx to talk about linking up, merging the underground with mainstream appeal, and getting back to their roots on volume one of their project. Plus, they explain why elevating the South is so important to them, and how "Star Wars" played a major role in their working relationship. Tap in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billboard and Vibe recently teamed up to publish their “50 Greatest Rappers of All Time” list, and it's no surprise people have some thoughts, to say the least. Among those are The Capo himself Jim Jones, Bootleg Kev (Real 92.3) and Trent Clark (TMZ Hip-Hop), who all joined Jinx to break down how these lists are made. They also debate whether Kendrick should be No. 2 in the rankings, why Drake might be considered the GOAT, and then things get spicy when the topic of Pusha T enters the convo. Who’s your Top 5? Have a listen and let us know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The "RapCaviar Presents" docuseries just dropped, and it dives deep into the sometimes uncomfortable conversations necessary to understand the current state of Hip-Hop. The show explores topics ranging from mental health to the ascension of women rappers, Black male identity to the criminalization of Rap, and more, with some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop, like Tyler, The Creator, The City Girls and Polo G. Jinx is joined by the show's executive producer, our very own Carl Chery, as well as cultural commentators Jamilah Lemieux (Slate) and Andrew Barber (Fake Shore Drive), who are featured across episodes. The entire series is available now to stream on Hulu. Check it out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ATL Jacob, Cash Cobain and Rippa On The Beat have run radio and your favorite Rap playlists for the last few years—all while kicking off a renewed interest in the fine art of sampling. The three young producers joined Jinx to talk about how they started sampling in their respective scenes, why there might actually be too much sampling in Hip-Hop nowadays, and what they think makes producers the best rappers. They also revealed who their GOAT sample producer is and who lost out by not rapping on their biggest beats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Generation Now founders joined Jinx to talk about why Lil Uzi Vert and Jack Harlow represent two of tomorrow's Big 3, their early days in Atlanta building their business, and where they see Rap heading next. They also break down working with new artists, why lyricism still matters, and the legacy of "Gangsta Grillz." Although this cypher happened in our studio, the conversation on these topics don't have to stop on the podcast; hit @RapCaviar, and let us know how you feel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For many, the '90s were the pinnacle of R&B, with its advent of "dudes singing in the rain" and massive groups like SWV and TLC. For others, it was the era of '70s soul that was tops. Well, Ella Mai and Lucky Daye have something to say about that. The R&B hitmakers want to keep evolving the genre, even if it means blurring the lines of categories with other musical classifications—from Hip-Hop to Afrobeats. Ella and Lucky joined Jinx to discuss why they're excited about their genre and why making R&B is harder than making Rap. Plus, the pair answer once and for all the question: "Is R&B dead?" Spoiler: It's not. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Metro Boomin has come a long way from making beats in St. Louis at age 13. The 29-year-old is now one of the most sought-after producers in rap, helping define the sound of a generation that is only expanding. Metro joined Jinx to talk about his development as a producer, coming up under the likes of Future and Don Cannon in those early ATL days; hooking up with A$AP Yams; and cooking up hits with ILOVEMAKONNEN in a living room. He also breaks down finding "magic" in the studio with Young Thug, and lays out why the slow grind is the best grind. This one's a must-listen; Metro trusted us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following a year where their albums "The Forever Story" and "Luv 4 Rent" reached the top of many people's "Best Of" lists, J.I.D and Smino are continuing their run with their joint "Luv Is 4ever" Tour. They joined Jinx to talk about what it's like being back outside performing, why elevating at their own pace is crucial, and where they see their place among Rap's titans. They also discussed working with J. Cole, what it's like to record with Lil Uzi Vert, and why the three-verse song structure needs to come back to hip-hop. Plus, they reminisce about Rap perks of the past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rap has changed a lot over the last few years. From harnessing social media to chasing record deals, and even the skill of rapping itself, artists are having to find new ways to break through. Two acts who are successfully paving their own way in this new era are The Bay Area's Symba and MAVI, out of North Carolina. The pair join Jinx to talk about being newly minted touring artists, working with the likes of Dr. Dre and Earl Sweatshirt, finding inspiration in both the successes and struggles of their respective journeys, and their unlikely chance encounter back in the day before either one of them got on. You don't wanna miss these stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With a new year ahead of us, it's time to look at what's in store for hip-hop by way of RapCaviar's "Most Necessary" artists to watch list. To drill down on these 10 rising stars, Jinx is joined by the inaugural panel from The RapCaviar Podcast's debut episode, Carl Chery (Spotify), Justice Baiden (LVRN) and Hakeem Rowe (Our Generation Music). The trio debate what it actually takes to make it in rap these days, showcase what overseas acts are offering that the U.S. isn't, and lay out the secrets behind the "Clip Agenda." Who do you have your eyes on for 2023? Hit us up on @RapCaviar and weigh in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The internet has become integral to pushing hip-hop forward as a genre and opening it up to new audiences and players. From DatPiff to Soundcloud to TikTok, it’s undeniable that digital platforms and social media have revolutionized how an artist can reach rap stardom. But how does it work? And how does “going viral” change rap itself and the ways artists create music? To answer that, Jinx is joined by 24kGoldn, a member of the XXL Freshman Class of 2020 who forged his path from viral hits to major label; Dan Runcie, founder of Trapital; and Isabel Quinteros Annous, head of global music partnerships at TikTok, to talk about the business of virality, how artists can harness their moment, and why hip-hop has been slow to embrace TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since its beginnings, the rap music video has not only propelled hip hop into the mainstream, but it has evolved to become an art form and entire culture unto itself. Joining Jinx to talk about some of that evolution are three of the genre's most respected and innovative luminaries, Director X, Calmatic and Cole Bennett. Collectively, they've directed iconic videos for rap's top acts, from Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar and Eminem, to Drake, Lil Nas X and Lil Yachty. They discuss their most memorable videos, some of their stumbles towards success, and where they think music videos are going next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The RapCaviar Podcast will be back with new episodes starting on January 26. In the meantime, you can check out the trailer for another podcast hosted by Brandon "Jinx" Jenkins, "The Conviction of Max B." The full season of Conviction from Gimlet is out now, only on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second part of The RapCaviar Podcast's year-end recap, Jinx goes deep on the status of hip-hop's health, what to make of recent rapper deaths, and what comes next for the genre. Cultural critics Shamira Ibrahim, Bonsu Thompson and Charles Holmes (The Ringer) examine 2022 trends and dish on the year to come. Tap in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first part of The RapCaviar Podcast's two-week recap for 2022, Jinx is joined by journalists Jordan Rose (Complex), Nadirah Simmons (The Gumbo) and Ivie Ani to debate the year's best hip-hop albums, best rappers, best breakout act, and who had the best comeback. The temperature turned up during the Kendrick conversation, but by the time the talk turned to Lil Uzi Vert, Doechii and Pusha T, everything was cool. See if they had your picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three-fourths of Mount Westmore join Jinx to dish on how the monumental supergroup, which includes Snoop Dogg, came to be. The rap icons talk about coming up on the West Coast, what it's like to be produced by the legendary Dr. Dre and Lil Jon, and how lifelong friendships helped shape their careers. The OGs also highlight the importance of staying sharp in an ageist industry, what their keys to longevity have been, and why they make an effort to show love to the next generation of rappers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wiz Khalifa joins Jinx to reflect on his busy year musically (he released five projects in 12 months); the magic of The Blog Era; working with longtime collaborators like Curren$y, Big K.R.I.T., Smoke DZA and Juicy J; how his son Bash plays A&R for him; what it was like getting high with Michael Phelps and Conan O'Brien and why he wants to add Jay-Z to that list; and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The three Detroit natives talk with Jinx about what makes the city's scene unique, the "Left-Handed Flow," and working together and learning from each other. Plus, Boldy gives details on his upcoming J Dilla project, Tee breaks down his evolving lyrical approach, and Antt drops gems on crafting the city's sound. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The three rising stars turn the set into happy hour -- practicing and preaching the importance of having fun -- while they discuss their creative processes, relationships with the Internet and big-picture goals. And they got Jinx to take a few shots with them, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Freddie Gibbs's $oul $old $eparately is one of the year's standout releases, and the album's three main architects -- Gibbs, his longtime manager Ben "Lambo" Lambert, and Norva Denton, Senior VP of A&R at Warner Records -- join Jinx to pull back the curtain on the album's creation, share behind-the-scenes stories of many of the songs, and explain why it's Gibbs's best album.    Guests: Freddie Gibbs, Ben "Lambo" Lambert, Norva Denton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What are the keys to discovering and developing artists to help them unlock their sounds, stories and potential? This week, Jinx is joined by Dominique Maldonado (A&R, artist manager and concert promoter), Derrick Aroh (Senior Vice President of A&R at RCA Records), and Baroline (Vice President of A&R at Interscope and founder of Be Heard management), who share stories of their work with Latto, Childish Gambino, Earl Sweatshirt, DaBaby, Babyface Ray and many more.    Guests: Dominique Maldonado, Derrick Aroh, Baroline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're looking back at Kendrick's classic debut with some help from Cordae, Dahi (who produced "Money Trees"), and Cole Cuchna, host of the podcast "Dissect." What made the album what it is? What is its legacy? Which songs hold up, and which, if any, haven't aged as well? And how did it set Kendrick on the path he's taken for the next decade?   Guests: Cordae, Dahi, Cole Cuchna Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re in the midst of one of the most unpredictable time periods in hip-hop history: A new generation is ascending. Technology is continuing to disrupt music-making, consumption and distribution. Audiences are fragmented. Rap's ubiquity on the charts is less certain.  There's a shift that's happening. What's at play, and where is it going?   Guests: Zack Bia, Sickamore, Ericka Coulter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With countless hits on their resumes, No I.D., Hit-Boy and Bangladesh know a thing or two about production. The three Grammy winners join Jinx to tell some untold stories about some of their most beloved beats, break down how not to get caught in your own success, and reflect on the evolution of production and their own sounds.   Guests: No I.D., Hit-Boy, Bangladesh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For years, independent artists in hip-hop faced challenges and a ceiling. But over the last decade, as the music industry has changed, so have the paths and opportunities of independence. The tools available to the modern day artist can make independence a likelier path for the new generation. What are the pros and cons of the indie route? Where is this all headed? And what, exactly, is independence in rap?   Guests: Larry June, Mick Jenkins, Ghazi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The boundaries of genre are as fluid as ever in 2022. Many artists shift in and out of a variety of sounds, and fans seem open to going on those journeys with them. What is the value and importance of genre for both artists and fans? Do we need genre? What do these dissolving boundaries say about where we're headed?   Guests: Ty Dolla $ign, Carl Chery, Heran Mamo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Alchemist and Wayno have each had lengthy careers in rap, spanning decades and containing multiple chapters. The two join Jinx to break down their origins in the industry, the mistakes they've made and how they adapted, the lessons learned and their keys to longevity. Guests: The Alchemist, Wayno Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fresh off the finale of Season 1 of HBO Max's "Rap Sh!t," the show's stars -- Aida Osman (Shawna), KaMillion (Mia), and Jonica Booth (Chastity) -- join Jinx to break down the making of the show, share how they really feel about their characters, offer some wild predictions for Season 2, and more. Guests: Aida Osman, KaMillion, Jonica Booth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Los Angeles has spent decades as one of rap's epicenters, and has experienced numerous chapters and birthed many stars during that time. What's the state of L.A.'s hip-hop scene in 2022, and where is it going? Two of L.A.'s preeminent artists, Westside Boogie and Kalan.FrFr, join us to discuss the sounds, voices, and stories that have shaped the city's past and will carry it forward. Guests: Westside Boogie & Kalan.FrFr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since his emergence in 2009, Drake has been making hits, breaking records, and remained constantly at the forefront of hip-hop. His output is prolific. Nonstop. But now almost a decade-and-a-half into his lengthy tenure, we're wondering: What's next for Drake? Where does he go from here? Will we see the end of the Drake Era?    Guests: Rembert Browne, Kenan Draughorne, Jasmyne Lawson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2000s gave us a lot of rap titans. But who belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of the decade? RapCaviar recently posted that question on social media, and now we're sitting down to make the case for the contenders -- with a special focus on the fourth slot. Guests: Carl Chery, Bootleg Kev, Pierce Simpson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've now had a few months to sit with Kendrick Lamar's latest album, "Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers," so it's as good a time as ever to ask: How do we rank Kendrick's albums? What's his best? His worst? And why? Guests: Aaron Williams, Letty Peniche, Trent Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the last decade, rap has been dominated by The Big 3: Drake, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. And while they're still maintaining their spots within the rap landscape, with so much talent out there, we can't help but wonder: Who will be rap's next Big 3? Who will ascend to the top of the game in the coming years? Guests: Carl Chery, Justice Baiden, Hakeem Rowe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices