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The What?! Hip Hop, Questions, Legends and Lists

Each week The What?! poses an unanswered, yet nagging, question discussed in hip hop circles, barber shops and street corners; and each week our hosts, Mouse and Nyla help you find the answers.
New episodes dropping every Monday.

The Black Effect Podcast Network and iHeartPodcasts

Nyla and Mouse had a tough time with this one! This week in honor of hip hops 50th year we have a deep dive on what’s the most important hip hop song of all time. Featuring picks by Kazeeem Famuyide, Shaheem Reid, Jayson Rodriguez and Damien Lemon. Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow: @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s The Most IMPORTANT Hip Hop Song Of All Time?

This week Sidney Madden & Rodney Carmichael from Louder than a Riot join Nyla and Mouse to discuss misogyny and journalism in Hip Hop. Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow: @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @rodneyology @sid_maddenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The What?! Meets Louder Than A Riot

“Joanna” singer Afro B joins Nyla and Mouse to talk about the Afrobeat wave with artists like Burna Boy, Tems and Wizkid running hip hop radio. Afro B tells us his US and UK top 5 rappers. Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow: @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @afrob__See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Afrobeat Influence on Hip Hop feat.  Afro B

This week Nyla and Mouse unpack more questions on A.I. Rap, The current Queen and Princess of Hip Hop, the most anticipated albums and tours of 2023 and much more. Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow: @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jonesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is SZA a Hip Hop or R&B Artist?

This week Jeff and Eric from ItsTheReal join Nyla and Mouse to talk headlines, hip hop gate keeping and Blog Era rap. Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow: @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @ItsTheRealSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ItsTheReal and Blog Era Rap

Nyla, Mouse and producer D- Block list the top Storytelling rap songs of all time. Find out how many of Biggie’s classics cracked our list.  Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow: @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jonesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top Storytelling Rap Songs of All Time

Our host Mouse Jones bring us into other the other side of his world, as the Trap Karaoke. Trap Karaoke is currently on tour wowing fans at arenas and clubs across the country. Mouse and Nyla get into the party works and what happens behind the scenes. Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow: @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jonesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Does Trap Karaoke Work?

Mouse and Nyla predict which emerging artist are gong to own this year. Featuring West Coast representative, Gina Views. Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow: @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @ginaviewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The What’s Next: Who’s About To Blow In 2023?

This week on the The What? Star actor Marcus Callender (Wu-Tang: An American Saga) joins Mouse and Nyla to talk Wu-Tang and Power, The Oscars, Black TV and the future of black cinema.Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow: @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jonesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Future of Black Hollywood

On the first episode of Season 4, Nyla and Mouse discuss the Best Debut Album Rollouts in Hip Hop. One had a murder case, one had a car crash and one was shot 9 times, they all had huge records. You only get a chance to introduce yourself to the world once as Mouse and Nyla look back at the best debut album rollouts. Joining the discussion is Chris from Critics of Culture. Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @critics_of_cultureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best Debut Album Rollouts

Ahead of our Season 4 launch in March 2023, we decided to do our own Grammy Awards, with our PICKS. Welcome to the Brammys! Note: The Brammys aka the black Grammys is copywritten by Nyla Symone - stop biting our ideas. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jonesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Brammys Bonus Episode

Journalist/artist Rob Markman joins Nyla and Mouse to explore if ‘Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ is the only classic hip hop album by a female artist. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @robmarkmanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Are The Classic Female Hip Hop Albums? feat. Rob Markman

Mouse and Nyla discuss the RAP Act with NY Congressman Jamaal Bowman. The law, co-written by Rep. Bowman, is designed to stop rap lyrics from being used against rap artists on trial. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @jamaalbowmanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rap Lyrics on Trial feat. Congressman Jamaal Bowman

Jay-Z and J. Cole make Mouse and Nyla’s list for Verse of the Year, but who else is in the discussion? Feat. Chris from Critics of Culture  Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @critics_of_culture  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Verse of The Year

The esteemed comedian stopped by The What?! to chop it up about her journey in comedy, speaks on a few headlines, who's some of the worst rappers of all time, her Top 5+ comedians of all time and more. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @luenell  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Worst Rappers of All Time feat. Luenell

Nyla and Mouse talk about the unplugging of AI virtual rapper FN Meka and what’s next for the future of algorithm based rap featuring Jacques Morel. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @jmorel_jrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grand Opening, Grand Closing for Virtual Rappers?

Our own supreme team Nyla and Mouse break down the recent documentary about the Queens drug syndicate. Also they discuss their Mount Rushmore of documentaries. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jonesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Supreme Team

This week Nyla and Mouse breakdown Beyoncé’s newest album Renaissance and some of the recent controversy that has come with it. Also we ask the question how important is Beyoncé? Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jonesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Important Is Beyoncé ?

This week on The What?! author, activist Marc Lamont Hill talks to Nyla and Mouse about pressing politic issues and how to affect change on the local level. We also get into hip hop, politics and what music inspires him. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @marclamonthillSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let’s Connect Politic, Ditto feat. Marc Lamont Hill

This week on The What?! TV writer Charles McBee (Hell of a Week and Tha God’s Honest Truth) joins Nyla and Mouse to talk the top 5 TV shows of all time! Find out where Martin, Fresh Prince and The Wire and more make the lists. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @charlesmcbee  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top 5 TV Shows Of All Time!

On this week's episode This week Nyla and Mouse look back at the first half of the year in Hip Hop. What's the best and worst songs and albums so far. Also, the trends we like and don’t like. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jonesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Halftime

In part 2 of our conversation with Brooklyn DJ/Producer Clark Kent we discuss the greatness of Biggie, Jay Z, Nas, Kendrick, Eminem, J. Cole, why New York hasn't lost its crown and much more. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @djclarkkentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Hip Hop Perspective feat. DJ Clark Kent Part. 2

Who is the best producer in rap music? Dre Dre? Pharrell? Kanye? DJ Premier? Join Nyla, Mouse and legendary DJ/Producer Clark Kent for great convo on who's in the upper echelon of rap production. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @djclarkkentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top 5 Rap Producers of All Time feat. DJ Clark Kent

This week Mouse and Nyla talk to Maino about the Lobby Boyz album, the RICO arrests of Young Thug and Gunna, staying healthy in hip hop and more. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @mainohustlehardSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OG Talk feat. Maino

With Memorial Day weekend here, Nyla Symone and Mouse Jones prepare you for the summer with their favorite tours and movies to see; Plus our top 5 songs to hear at the summer cookout. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jonesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top 5 Summer Cookout Songs

This week we discuss Kendrick Lamar’s new album and discuss who had more impactful first 5 albums, Kendrick or Kanye. We also get into some of Kendrick’s controversial decisions, the song “Auntie Diaries” and featuring Kodak Black on the album. Joining the conversation is guest journalist Jacques Morel Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @jmorel_jrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kendrick vs Kanye (first 5 albums)

Ralph McDaniels joins Nyla and Mouse to discuss which borough represents hip hop the most from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island of Manhattan. Ralph also talks about his creation Video Music Box and Kendrick Lamar’s latest video. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @videomusicbox  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which NYC Borough Had The Most Impact? feat. Ralph McDaniels

This week Nyla and Mouse discuss the Chappelle attacker, new ASAP & RiRi video, whether or not the Rock & Roll HOF matters, and Jack Harlow’s new album “Come Home the Kids Miss You”. We also discuss if Harlow is the current top 10 or 20 of rappers. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jonesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Jack Harlow In The Current Top 10?

This week Nyla Symone and Mouse Jones with special guest DJ Steph Cakes talk about the recent Meg Thee Stallion interview and their experiences dealing with toxic masculinity in the hip hop biz. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @djstephcakesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Hip Hop A Safe Place For Women ?

Mouse and Nyla recap the biggest stories in hip hop and then bring on on guest Barry Hefner and ask if the album format is fading away. Over the years artists from Saweetie to SZA have dropped multiple hit singles with no album plan in sight, we explore why. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @barryhefner  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is The Album Format Dead?

This week on The What?! Nyla and Mouse discuss the upcoming 2022 XXL Freshman list, the prospects, their picks, and poses the question: "Does The XXL Freshman List Matter?" Also joining the discussion is the 2021 XXL Freshman nominee, Rubi Rose.Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share.Follow @thewhathiphoppod@nylasymoneee@mouse_jones@rubirose  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does The XXL Freshman List Matter (And Our Predictions)?

We all know Atlanta artists have been dominating the Hip Hop waters for a little while now but this week, Nyla and Mouse, with help from Atlanta group EarthGang, pinpoint the time ATL took the crown from NYC.Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share.Follow @thewhathiphoppod@nylasymoneee@mouse_jones@EarthGang  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Did The ATL Take The Rap Crown From NYC feat. EarthGang

Nyla Symone and Mouse Jones catch up with the legendary DJ Clue to discuss his come up and the status of mixtapes in the current hip hop climate. Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share. Follow  @thewhathiphoppod @nylasymoneee @mouse_jones @djclue       Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Happened To Mixtapes feat. DJ Clue

We’re back for Season 2 of The What?! Hip Hop Questions, Legends and Lists. This week Nyla Symone, Mouse Jones and special guest Charlamagne Tha God bring their top 5 rap groups of all time to The What?!. Who’s number 1? A Tribe Called Quest? Wu-Tang? Outkast? The Lox? The Fugees? NWA? Tap in to find out!Be sure to subscribe, rate, comment and share.Follow @thewhathiphoppod@nylasymoneee@mouse_jones  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Top 5 Best Rap Groups of All Time feat. Charlamagne Tha God

This week Nyla and Mouse look back at the Rap Blog Era from 2009 - 2013. A time when up and coming rappers like Drake, Kendrick and Cole were leveraging Rap Blogs to get music to fans. Featuring rapper Mickey Factz.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Made The Rap Blog Era So Special?

This week on The What?! Nyla and Mouse unbox hip hop endorsements deals. Sure, working with big corporate brands may make rappers rich, but does it also keep our favorite artists out of the studio? The commercials are cool, but where's the music? Featuring music executive and media personality, Wayno.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are Hip Hop Endorsement Deals Good For Fans of The Music?

On this weeks episode Nyla & Mouse discuss white rappers.  Which white rappers are invited to the cookout. What does the white rapper Mt. Rushmore look like? Our special guest, MC Serch formerly of 3rd Bass joins the show to help answer the question, do we still call white rappers, white rappers?   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do We Still Call White Rappers White Rappers?

Jay-Z and Kanye West teamed up to release Watch the Throne on August 8th 2011. 10 years after it's release, Mouse and Nyla talk about its impact, how Jay and Ye mixed swag and style with heavier topics like future fatherhood, a push for Black excellence and challenge American beauty standards. We ask, is Watch the Throne the best collaboration album of all time? Featuring journalist Jayson Rodriguez.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watch The Throne 10 Year Anniversary Episode

Hip Hop has a history of funny personalities on wax, but social media has opened the lens into the real lives of our favorite and funniest artists. Some rappers like 50 Cent and Cam’ron are R-Rated funny, while others like 2 Chainz, Kanye and Eminem are Lyrically funny; still others like Tyler the Creator are considered Left of Dial funny. Mouse and Nyla break it all down to answer Who’s Funniest in Hip Hop?Feat. Comedian Damien Lemon.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who’s the Funniest in Hip Hop?

The sound of Brooklyn Drill helped make Pop Smoke a superstar. But after Pop’s murder last year, how can this subgenre of rap, who’s lyrics and songs are filled with threats of gun violence, evolve and keep artists safe? We help you find the answer. Featuring Vok (Vokorondon) Barclay (Manager of 22Gz, Bizzy Banks, CoachDaGhost, Shawny BinLadden).  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooklyn Drill Origins, A Plea for Unity and What's Next For Rap's Grittiest Sound feat. Vokarondon

1998 was a watershed year for Hip Hop. Over a year after the death of two Hip Hop Icons, the genre forged tragedy into triumph with one of its most creative and successful years. Two rising stars created masterpieces (Jay-Z & Lauryn Hill) The south stepped up (Outkast, Juvenile, Master P), and a handful of newcomers brought grittiness and lyricism back to the game (DMX, Big Pun, NORE, Cam’ron, Canibus,)  This week on The What? Mouse and Nyla answer which artist, album and song had the biggest impact in 1998. Featuring Journalist Shaheem Reid.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1998:  A Transformative Year In Hip Hop

Each week on The What?! We answer an unanswered question in Hip Hop. On this episode, our hosts Mouse and Nyla ask who is Rap's NEXT Big 3? Kendrick, Drake and Cole, Biggie, Jay or Nas? Rap culture has historically crowned 3 King or 3-Headed monsters, save the Mt. Rushmore debate for historical discussions. So which big 3 are ready to run the next 5 years? Roddy Rich? DaBaby? Lil Baby? Cardi? Saweetee? Lil Uzi? Cordae? Meg? Find out,Featuring DJ Hed.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who's Rap's Next Big 3?

Each week on The What?! We answer an unanswered question in Hip Hop. On this episode, our hosts Mouse and Nyla ask is Tik Tok good or bad for Hip Hop? We know Hip Hop is the #1 genre on Tik Tok but what impact is the app having on artists?Featuring guest rapper/singer BIA, who’s song ‘Whole Lotta Money’ has done huge numbers on Tik Tok.  Also, new indie rapper Mia Kodak talks about her experience going viral on Tik Tok.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tik Tok You Don’t Stop?

Each week on The What?! We answer an unanswered question in Hip Hop. On this episode, our hosts Mouse Jones and Nyla answer who’s the current queen of rap? Is it NIcki , Cardi, Meg , City Girls, Rhapsody Or newcomers Doja Cat or Coi Leray?  Find out!  Featuring Rap Journalist and author Kim Osorio. Host IG:https://www.instagram.com/thewhathiphoppod/https://www.instagram.com/mouse_jones/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/nylasymoneee/?hl=enGuest IG: https://www.instagram.com/kimosorio1/?hl=en  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who's The Current Queen of Rap?

Each week The What?! poses an unanswered, yet nagging, question discussed in hip hop circles, barbershops, and street corners; and each week our hosts, Mouse and Nyla help you find the answers.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.