Rhythm and Rhymes

Episode 113 — This week, we react to the wild news that 50 Cent is executive producing the new Diddy trial documentary for Netflix. How did he get the footage? Why would Diddy’s team approve this? We break down the business, the beef, and the strategy behind it.

We also dive into Suno AI generating a full Spotify catalog every two weeks, what AI really means for music creators, and why Spotify is raising prices again in 2026.

Plus: Russ drops a new record, Young Jonn delivers another strong project, and we share our favorite new tracks of the week.

Episode 112 | Rhythm & Rhymes

This week we get into Tyler, The Creator being named Apple Music’s Artist of the Year — did he really earn it, or were there stronger contenders? We also break down the UK’s proposed ban on ticket resale markups, Chicago Juke making a comeback, and some of the best new drops of the week: Tems, Odeal, Aya Nakamura, DBN Gogo & more.

Chapters:
0:00 Thanksgiving Plates
2:00 Tyler, The Creator Artist of the Year
14:30 UK Ticket Resale Ban20:00 Chicago Juke Revival24:00 Tems EP Review27:00 Odeal Project31:00 Amapiano breakdown35:00 New Music Picks40:00 Outro

Episode 111 breaks down Summer Walker’s Finally Over It, Wale’s Everything Is A Lot, and whether Hip-Hop&B is officially back.

AJ & Antonio also talk A Boogie’s influence, the state of Black love, rising artists, and whether listeners can still tell the difference between AI-generated and human-made music.

🎧 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFItqWQx8ts6Fg_yErvXsrA

The Rhythm & Rhymes Podcast is back with another cultural deep dive — this time we’re breaking down why the “song of the summer” doesn’t exist anymore and how TikTok changed the entire music economy without boosting streams.

We also react to Live Nation’s CEO claiming concerts are “underpriced”, debate whether that’s cap or facts, and talk about the return of house parties as real culture moves offline again.

In Episode 104 of the Rhythm & Rhymes Podcast, AJ & Tone dive into major cultural stories:

– Def Jam’s new CEO Tunji Balogun and the label’s pivot toward Afrobeats & global sounds

– The Clipse making history as the first hip hop group to perform at the Vatican

– Jacksonville’s place in music history + the “Whoomp vs Whoot” controversy of the 90s

– Cardi B promoting her upcoming album back in Washington Heights

– New music from Knucks, Rapsody x Madlib, Kal Banks x Isaiah Rashad, Joey Bada$$, and more

Plus, fresh playlist picks and a debate on preserving vs. evolving Black music history.

Spotify monthly listeners only tell part of the story. On this Rhythm & Rhymes Episode 101 clip, we dive into why YouTube is a better gauge for true global popularity — and the surprising names leading the charts.

Artists mentioned: Doechii, Drake, J. Cole, Rema, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj.

Full episode streaming now.

🎧 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFItqWQx8ts6Fg_yErvXsrAIn Episode 103 of the Rhythm & Rhymes Podcast, AJ and Tone break down some of the biggest conversations in global Black music and culture:-Young Thug’s Interview — the trauma in his upbringing, the Gunna fallout, and how the YSL case is being framed in court.-Amapiano’s Identity — is it its own genre, or part of South African house? Why the classification debate matters for cultural ownership.-Drake’s Iceman Rollout — genius new marketing strategy or a confusing misstep?-New Music Picks — Vena’s debut Malik, Elmiene's Heat the Streets, plus fresh amapiano and Chicago rap cuts.Join the conversation as we explore the stories, sounds, and debates shaping global music culture.#YoungThug #Amapiano #Drake #RhythmAndRhymes

This week on Rhythm & Rhymes, AJ and Tone get into DJ culture — from learning how to DJ at home to the rise of TikTok DJs and what it means for live shows, mashups, and internet-driven music scenes.

We also dive into Apple Music’s latest playlist moves, Spotify testing DMs, and Joey Bada$$’s new project.

Highlights:

• Why TikTok DJs are blowing up

• The reality of learning how to DJ with limited gear

• Mashups, stems, and experimenting with blends

• Internet DJs vs. live crowd energy

• Streaming platforms shaking things up

• Joey Bada$$ and new music drops

Follow Rhythm & Rhymes for weekly conversations on music, culture, and the global Black diaspora.

In Episode 101 of the Rhythm & Rhymes Podcast, host AJ Hughes explores the global music landscape and asks the question: who really runs it — YouTube or Spotify?

AJ breaks down why Spotify may never reach one billion users, while YouTube already dominates across Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. He also highlights new music from Skepta & Fred Again.., Odumodublvck, Stormzy, Zlatan, and rising UK talent LeoStayTrill.

The conversation dives into surprising YouTube streaming stats — including Doechii’s placement above Drake and Rema — and what they reveal about how we measure true artist popularity. The episode closes with shout-outs to Gunna and Burna Boy and fresh track recommendations.

🎧 Subscribe and follow Rhythm Ryans for more global music insights and new sounds every week.