808's & Convo

This week on 808’s & Convo, Emo G & JUSTCALLMETEMP balances celebration with some of the culture’s heavier conversations.

We kick things off with a legendary moment as Jay-Z gears up to headline the Roots Picnic along with the legendary band on May 30th in honor of the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt. On top of that, Hov is set to take over Yankee Stadium for two nights July 10th & July 11th celebrating both the 30th anniversary of “Resonable Doubt” the first night & the 25th anniversary for “The Blueprint” on night 2.

Next, we address serious allegations involving Swizz Beatz and his ex Jahna Sebastian, who has filed a criminal case accusing him of rape and making claims involving Alicia Keys and their daughter. 

We also discuss Mystikal, who is now set to be sentenced after pleading guilty to third-degree rape charges stemming from his 2022 arrest. 

Album Review:

The duo dives into Ty Dolla $ign’s latest project “girl music vol. 1”. Does Ty deliver another smooth, hit-ready experience or is it more vibe than substance?

Tap in. Let’s talk about it.

Opening Set List:

It’s Over Now- 112

Na Na- Trey Songz

Undecided- Chris Brown

Tell Me- Bobby Valentino

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This week on 808’s & Convo, Emo G & Temp steps into the fire where street codes, public perception, and hip-hop politics collide.

We kick things off with the tension between Papoose and 50 Cent. Is this just rap banter, or something deeper rooted in hate?

Next, Boosie Badazz stirs the pot by calling out rappers who choose ‘protective custody’ while incarcerated, specifically taking aim at Kodak Black. This opens up a real conversation: do “street codes” still apply when a multimillionaire is on the line? And who really gets to enforce those rules in 2026?

We also discuss the long-awaited trial of Lil Durk, officially set to begin April 21st, 2026. With the spotlight on one of Chicago’s biggest rap figures, what does this moment mean for his career, his legacy, and the intersection of rap culture and the legal system?

Album Reviews:

Emo dives into Jack Harlow’s latest project Monica — is this growth, comfort or a creative plateau?

Plus, a breakdown of A Boogie wit da Hoodie’s Before Artistry — a reflective project that peels back layers of his journey before the fame. Does it hit the mark or miss the moment?

Tap in. Let’s talk about it.

Opening Set List:

24 Hours- TeeFLii feat. 2 Chainz

Show Me- Kid Ink feat. Chris Brown

Post To Be- Omarion feat. Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko

Up Down (Do This All Day)- T-Pain feat. B.o.B.

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On this episode of 808’s & Convo, Emo G dives into a mix of hip-hop legacy, New York politics, and the unpredictable world of celebrity culture.

First up, rumors are swirling that JAŸ-Z may have quietly locked down two full weeks at Barclays Center to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his legendary debut album Reasonable Doubt. With the arena calendar mysteriously blacked out during dates that are normally packed with events, fans are wondering if Hov is preparing a historic residency. But the bigger question is: in a New York that’s moving in a completely different musical direction, would a JAŸ-Z concert still hit the same way? Or has Hov ascended to such a different level of wealth and influence that he now feels more like a mogul than the street narrator who gave us Reasonable Doubt?

Next, the city is buzzing over a controversial political move from Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who recently appointed Harlem rapper Jim Jones as a New York City Marshal tied to NYCHA housing matters. The decision has many New Yorkers confused & joking considering Jim’s own history of reportedly dealing with studio evictions. Emo G breaks down the optics of rappers stepping into government roles and asks whether this is genuine community representation or political theater. The conversation also revisits the mayor’s previous move of bringing Bronx rapper Mysonne onto the transition team as a criminal justice adviser.

The episode also touches on a disturbing situation involving global superstar Rihanna, after a woman in her 30’s was taken into custody for allegedly firing multiple shots toward Rihanna’s Beverly Hills home from her vehicle. Authorities detained the suspect, and it remains unclear whether Rihanna or her family were even at the residence at the time. The story sparks a deeper conversation about celebrity safety and the darker side of fame.

And to close things out, Emo asks a quick question that can cause a spirited debate involving 2 First Lady’s in modern history; Michelle Obama & Melania Trump!

From hip-hop royalty to city hall decisions and celebrity headlines, Episode 20 is packed with perspective, humor, and real conversation. Tap

Opening Set List:

TO THE MOON- JNR CHOI & Sam Thompkins

Demons & Goblins- Fivio Foreign (feat. Meek Mill)

Apollo- Smoove’L

Foreigner- Pop Smoke (feat. A Boogie wit da Hoodie)

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On this episode of 808’s & Convo; Emo G and JUSTCALLMETEMP start the pod on a real note; talking family, growth and the importance of protecting your health while you’re busy chasing everything else. Mental, physical, emotional.

Then we get to the smoke…

T.I. decides he wants all the smoke with 50 Cent; dropping a diss track and turning up the temperature after failed attempts to pit 50 in a Verzuz match up. But, it doesn’t stop there, Tip’s sons Domani and King Harris jump in the fight too after Fifth involves mom Tiny Harris. Is this lyrical warfare or a marketing scheme for an upcoming T.I. project? We break down whether this is strategic rollout energy or just egos refusing to move quietly.

Next, 90’s R&B icon Aaron Hall is reportedly apprehended at a Georgia motel in connection to a civil lawsuit tied to Sean “Diddy” Combs. We unpack the seriousness of the allegations, the controversial Aaron Hall and what it means when legends get entangled in dark chapters of music history.

And finally…generational disconnect.

Lil Yachty stirred the pot by calling 90’s hip-hop “weak” in comparison to today’s hip-hop; except the example he gave sounded more like late 70’s hip-hop. So now we have to ask: Is this a genuine critique or a horrible fumble? We revisit what the 90’s actually gave us and whether today’s artists are critiquing eras they didn’t fully study.

Health. Smoke. Scandals. And hip-hop history lessons.

Episode 19 is layered…tap in. 🎙️

Opening Set List:

Back Down- 50 Cent

U Don’t Know Me- T.I.

Wanksta- 50 Cent

ASAP- T.I.

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This week on 808’s & Convo, Emo G taps into legacy, rollout strategy and whether nostalgia still pays in 2026.

First up, J. Cole hits the road in an old Camry for his “Trunk Sale” vlog series…pulling up to colleges across the Carolinas selling physical copies of his new & ‘last’ album “The Fall Off” out the trunk like it’s 2009. Is this the most genius, on-brand marketing move we’ve seen in years? Emo breaks down how this “mom & pop” approach fits perfectly into Cole’s brand and staying true to oneself pays off.

Next, we dive into Baby Keem and his upcoming sophomore album “Ca$ino”. With his 3-part “Booman” docuseries, Keem gives us rare family footage, interviews with relatives and Kendrick Lamar & a deeper look at navigating poverty between Chicago, Long Beach, and Las Vegas. We talk about the five-year gap since “The Melodic Blue”, the emotional weight of losing his grandmother, and how casinos became both escape & inspiration. Is this rollout signaling growth or pressure?

Finally, we quickly tap into millennial nostalgia as Bow Wow & B2K launch their “Boys 4 Life Tour” featuring Pretty Ricky, Waka Flocka Flame, Jeremih, Yung Joc, Amerie, Crime Mob&  Da Franchise Boyz. It’s giving Scream Tour energy…but do we grown millennials still show up the same? And will Gen Z even care?

Tap in. Stream. Share. Let’s convo.

Opening Set List:

Oceans- JAŸ-Z feat. Frank Ocean

Public Service Announcement- JAŸ-Z

Run This Town- JAŸ-Z feat. Rihanna & Kanye West

I Know- JAŸ-Z feat. Pharrell 

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On this episode of 808’s & Convo, we start with the spectacle that had the world watching: Bad Bunny’s NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show. From the visuals to the setlist to the cultural statements, we break down the highlights, the symbolism, and whether it lived up to the hype of one of the biggest stages in entertainment.

Next up, we dive deep into J. Cole’s alleged final album, “The Fall Off”. Did Cole close the curtain on his career the right way? We discuss standout records, lyrical moments, production choices, and whether this truly feels like a farewell…or just another chapter in a calculated rollout.

Then we get petty. Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda trolling Ja Rule on a first-class flight has the timeline debating: is this harmless hip-hop humor, or are we watching grown men relive early 2000s beef? At what point does legacy outweigh long-standing grudges?

We also touch on Cardi B, currently on tour and making it clear she doesn’t want ICE presence at any of her show stops. Is this artist activism, optics, or drawing a line between performance spaces and politics? We unpack the implications.

Album reviews to close it out:

• Don Toliver – Octane

• DaBaby – BE MORE GRATEFUL

Bars, production, replay value, and cultural positioning, we give honest takes across the board.

No safe takes. Just real conversation. Tap in. 🎙️

Opening Set List:

I Like It- Cardi B feat. Bad Bunny & J Balvin

MR. OCTOBER- Bad Bunny

El Apagón- Bad Bunny

NUEVAYoL- Bad Bunny

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On this episode of 808’s & Convo, we celebrate the architects behind the hits as two super-producers step into the ring. The Verzuz battle between Mike WiLL Made-It and Hit-Boy had timelines on fire…anthem after anthem, chart-toppers, deep cuts, and undeniable cultural impact. We break down the highlights, who controlled the room, and which catalog truly moved the culture.

Next, we talk about North West sharing the stage with her father Ye in Mexico City. Is this the beginning of a real artistic rollout for North, or another headline moment in the ever-evolving Ye saga? We unpack the performance, the optics, and what it means for legacy and influence.

We close with the biggest moments from the 2026 Grammys; spotlighting Black culture’s biggest wins, powerful speeches, standout performances, and the snubs that had everyone debating. Who deserved their flowers? Who got overlooked? And what did this year say about where the culture stands today?

Big stages. Big moments. Bigger conversations. Tap in. 🎙️🔥

Opening Set List:

Drunk In Love- Beyoncé feat. JAY Z

Pour It Up- Rihanna

Body Party- Ciara

Turn Off The Lights- Future

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Happy Black History Month!

On this episode of 808’s & Convo, the culture is loud and nobody’s biting their tongue. We kick things off with Fivio Foreign sounding off on 21 Savage’s “Fuck The Streets” movement during his appearance on DJ Akademiks’ Off The Record. Is Fivio pushing back on performative messaging, or is this another clash between street codes and industry optics?

Speaking of optics, 50 Cent reminds everyone why he’s still the undisputed King Troll, posting footage of Jim Jones locked out of his own content studio. Petty or poetic justice? We break down why 50 never misses a chance to press buttons—and why it keeps working.

Things get tense as DJ Akademiks finds himself in a discrepancy with Lil Baby after Akademiks alleges he was assaulted by a member of Baby’s entourage. We unpack what’s being said, what’s not, and how these situations spiral once egos collide.

Then we give overdue flowers to Philadelphia legend Eve, who finally received a Grammy for her contribution to The Roots’ “You Got Me”… 27 years after being left uncredited. A win for hip-hop history, but also a reminder of how often women’s contributions get minimized.

To close it out, we dive into album reviews:

• 42 Dugg – Part 3

• J. Cole – Birthday Blizzard ‘26

Real conversations. No industry favors. Just the culture as it is. 🎙️🔥

Opening Set List:

Alright- Kendrick Lamar

Optimistic- Sounds Of Blackness

What’s Going On?- Marvin Gaye

Keep Ya Head Up- 2Pac

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In this episode of 808’s & Convo, we kick things off by breaking down how rap beef in the 90’s was handled compared to today’s social-media era. Back then, disrespect had weight and consequences…no viral antics, no keyboard courage, just bars! We discuss what’s been lost in today’s online rap wars and whether the culture has softened or just changed.

Next, we turn our attention to J. Cole and the anticipation surrounding his upcoming, and potentially final album, The Fall Off. What should fans expect from a project that’s been years in the making? Is this Cole’s definitive statement, or a carefully planned exit?

The conversation takes a controversial turn as we unpack reports of influencers being barred from nightclubs and restaurants nationwide after publicly playing Ye’s banned song “Heil H*****.” Does this moment undo any of the work Ye has done to repair his image and relationships within the Jewish community, or is it another example of clout chasing crossing the line?

We close with a discussion and review of A$AP Rocky’s new album, ‘Don’t Be Dumb’…examining the sound, the growth, and whether Rocky is still pushing the culture forward or simply coasting on legacy.

Real conversations, uncomfortable truths, and no filtered opinions, tap in. 🎙️🔥

Opening Set List:

Stop Being Greedy- DMX

Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See- Busta Rhymes

Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang- Dr. Dre & Snoop Doggy Dogg

Notorious Thugs- The Notorious B.I.G. & Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

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In this episode of 808’s & Convo, we tap into the golden era of women’s music in the 90’s! We talk the highs, the heartbreaks, and the heated conversations shaping women in music…then and now. We unpack the messy fallouts of iconic all-female R&B and hip-hop groups and why sisterhood in the industry often comes with expiration dates.

From there, we give flowers to the female artists of the 90’s; the trendsetters, risk-takers, and blueprint builders whose sound, style, and confidence still echo through today’s charts. Then we step into one of music’s most haunting “what ifs”: the tragic death of Aaliyah and the never-ending debate—would her legacy have eclipsed even Beyoncé if she were still here?

To close it out, we jump into modern-day chaos as streamer Adin Ross finds himself at odds with rapper Doechii. Is it clout chasing, culture clash, or something deeper? We break down what’s really going on and why it matters.

Real conversations, uncomfortable truths, and zero sugarcoating—tap in. 🎧🔥

Opening Set List:

Say My Name- Destiny’s Child

Come Over- Aaliyah feat. Tank

Creep- TLC

Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)- Blu Cantrell

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