A few important announcements on today's episode, including the introduction of the Empty Crates PODTRACKS, a weekly playlist to accent the songs mentioned throughout that week's drop (35:16), and in the spirit of March Madness, we're launching an E.C. Tourney Series that starts...well, now! (13:20)

As for the topics for this week, it's a full crate this time with a quick dive into Dizzy Wright's latest project, "Trial and Error" (19:30) and the album that we summoned a month or so ago, ScHoolboy Q's "Blue Lips" (44:05). We also address James Blake's recent tweet stream about the music industry (104:30). There's much more here for content, such as why Spike Lee's so comfortable in our cover image, why playing chess on a futon is a bad idea, a muffled Cool Kids story, and why L.J.'s probably never watching a certain musical... /// Be sure to give us 5-Stars on the ratings! It helps a ton.

To check out today's PODTRACKS, listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4fjahc9OSJsoC8PT4b0jh7?si=caada85c84444e69

To download the first E.C. Bracket (Producer Edition): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_i8dttf4MYl-PxFPi0VDa_8oG9NBXmxv?usp=sharing

Here's a jam-packed episode for the 100 percenters to sink into. The main topics? The guys have a personal revelation thanks to the new Kid CuDi album, "Insano (Nitro Mega)" (15:32), they revisit the militant theme via Dead Prez' debut, "Let's Get Free" (42:00), and they discuss artists who's had undeniable 3-Album Runs (77:26).

For the 100 Percenters, however? This is arguably the most diverse, #NotThatPod episode we've ever had. From one of the best Bun B verses you've never heard, to opinions on people who prey on vulnerable demographics, to beef with Captain Planet, to Ludacris repurposing a song from his first album to secure a movie soundtrack placement, there's way too much to fit here in a description. That being said, it's about time for some Empty Crates, right?

Today’s episode had multiple titles, but we think you’ll agree with what we’ve come up with for today’s entry for Empty Crates. Here’s the main stuff; the guys look back at the Grammy-award winning album from Killer Mike (19:26), Rapper Big Pooh’s “To Dream In Color”, an album that genuinely caught us by surprise (65:03), and come to the defense of the homie Cutt Dogg’s thoughts about one of his latest Facebook posts that brought out the idiots (88:12).

For the 100 Percenters, the guys also address the negativity of social media and why going off the grid is close to becoming a reality for them, Usher’s resurfaced Jamaican performance with Nicki Minaj, Latto’s All-Lady XXL Cypher, ELJAY’s trepidation with IDK, Conway the Machince’s habit of dropping music every time we do a podcast, Freddie Gibbs’ busy week online, and much more. Enjoy the episode!

There’s some things to discuss before we run dry on today’s episode of Empty Crates, and it’s only right we bring in the homie Hashim aka Paul for a three-man weave to address Kanye and Ty$’s Vultures (25:03) and Usher’s latest album and newest attempt to cash out on his SuperBowl success, Coming Home (54:44). We also read your comments for the Jay-Z elimination chamber live (86:35) before a special guest pops up out of nowhere…

But that’s selling the episode short. From GloRilla and Latto praises, to tour memories attached to Donnie Trumpet / Nico Segal’s music, to an active campaign for T-Wayne to perform in the next SuperBowl, to uncovering a brand new mystery music label that no one knew about… this is a fun episode of Empty Crates, so sit back and enjoy. 

It’s time to check through more Empty Crates, as the guys return with what they thought would be a light week. The main stops today? The Grammys - and all that includes (34:18), the latest from Alchemist and Hit-Boy, Theodore and Andre (73:57), and a revisit to the first Boyz N Da Hood album to see how it’s aged (82:24).

As the 100% know, the fun is in the journey. This one has the guys addressing the Benzino vs. Eminem situation with a surprise call-in (27:23), what movie almost made Gut cry, Don Trip’s gaming skills, POD BEEF (not really) with RapRankings, the latest Club Shay Shay antics, and of course, Empty Crates taking credit for the return of ScHoolboy Q. There’s much more to enjoy, so dive into this week’s Empty Crates and LEAVE US A MESSAGE!

The Empty Crates are full of topics today, and it starts off with the guys reaction to the Megan The Stallion and Nicki Minaj back and forth, or rather, the lack thereof (11:36). After some quick topics and a KRIT-ical correction from Gut (30:51), the guys talk about Benny The Butcher's Def Jam debut, "Everybody Can't Go" (34:10) before transitioning to the biggest mixup of the year... a surprise retro review of Maroon 5's "Songs About Jane"... no, that's not a typo (66:22). Lastly, there's an entertaining elimination chamber that has Fabolous on the outside looking in (85:44). Respectfully, of course.

For the 100 percenters, there's much more to find, such as Rick Ross' place in hip-hop, the pettiness of Freddie Gibbs and Benny The Butcher ruining great music, M.O.P., and even a Noname mention. Enjoy the episode, and leave a five-star review if you're enjoying the content!

Another week, another entry for the Empty Crates! Today’s main topics include a visit to the past to talk about the highly regarded album “Criminal Minded” from Boogie Down Productions - aka KRS-One and Scott La Rock (25:18), the confusing lane of Lil’ Dicky and his new album/soundtrack “Penith” (52:50), and the general thoughts on Big KRIT’s latest “Regardless It’s Still Timeless” EP (71:15). To be fair, the last part slides into us ranking all of of ‘Subs’ from KRIT and reading your comments live, so there’s more to that segment than it seems. 

Of course, there’s even much more packed in here for the hundred percenters (a take on predatory “journalism”, J. Cole being named the best rapper for 2023, drug stories, and a more serious talk about what Dicky and KRIT can do to break out from their respective labels), so enjoy your ride with the guys at Empty Crates.

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As promised in the episode, here's a Spotify link to ALL SIX SUB ENTRIES from Big K.R.I.T, as curated by Gut: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2vPbivIP617Jmab4H0HBCm?si=246429a2323d4da5

This may be the longest episode of Empty Crates we've done, but it makes sense when you press play! Today's episode hits on several topics and artists, such as Canibus, Vince Staples, T.I., the progressiveness of the Powerpuff Girls, Briscoe's warpath on IG, and much more, but the main topics?

Kid Cudi's surprisingly fun 'INSANO' album (15:07), 21 Savage's proper development into an artist with his "american dream" LP (47:42), and another live-reaction list of 'Great Artists, Bad Albums' as covered by Beats, Rhymes & Lists (72:02). Enjoy your time with Empty Crates, and be sure to give the pod a 5-Star Rating wherever you listen!

It's a DOUBLE UPLOAD week, and here's the second one! Today's episode is chaotic, from a Lion King tangent that spirals into something else, to someone sympathizing with Common's chicken story on Big Sean's 'Detroit' project, to a story about someone's Dad finding their hidden music stash, this is one of those episodes you should play from start to finish.

The main topics today, however? Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, and The Alchemist's "Hall & Nash 2" (22:04), Don Trip's 12th (!) album of 2023, "Christopher Season 3" (36:32), and of course, the guys circle back to address some of the producer snubs from that Billboard article from episode 7 (55:43). There's much more, so lock in for another edition of Empty Crates!

Here's something that won't happen often - a DOUBLE UPLOAD week, in order to catch up on the week we missed. On this episode, the guys give their thoughts on the ever-shortening Conductor Machine project from Conway the Machine and Conductor Williams (11:51). Afterwards, they dive into their respective homework assignments, with ELJAY listening to Silkk The Shocker's 'Charge It 2 Da Game' and Gut giving Roy Jones' 'Body Head Bangerz' a try (23:19). Finally, the guys put on their podding shoes to address how ____ the Billboard's Top 25 All-Time Producer list is, live-reacting to it on air for the first time (71:01) in a section you do NOT want to miss. Enjoy The Empty Crates!