Episode 307: The Rap Factory takes us back to a legendary chapter in Chicago hip-hop history — 2135 W. Fullerton Avenue, the location remembered as The Rap Factory.

The Rap Factory was more than a spot on the map. It became a Chicago hip-hop destination, a place where a who's who of Chicago's music scene crossed paths and where artists traveling through the city could make a stop, connect, network and experience the culture.

In this episode, Rodes takes a look at the significance of The Rap Factory and the role places like it played in creating opportunities, relationships and memories during an important era of hip-hop.

From Chicago's own talent to artists coming through from around the country, The Rap Factory represents the type of cultural hub that helped keep hip-hop connected to the streets, the artists and the people.

🔥 Rodes Live "What's Poppin" Artist of the Day

RUN-DMC

One of the most influential groups in hip-hop history, Run-D.M.C. helped take rap from the underground into the mainstream and became pioneers of hip-hop's crossover into rock and popular culture.

📡 Rodes Live "On The Radar" Artist of the Week

Jasmine Guy

Best known for her iconic role as Whitley Gilbert on A Different World, Jasmine Guy also established herself as a recording artist, releasing her self-titled 1990 album and R&B hits including "Try Me," "Another Like My Lover" and "Just Want to Hold You."

🎙️ On This Episode

• The history and significance of The Rap Factory • 2135 W. Fullerton and its place in Chicago music history • Chicago's hip-hop culture and community • The importance of legendary music destinations • Artists traveling through Chicago and making connections • The Rodes Live "What's Poppin" Artist of the Day: Run-DMC • The Rodes Live "On The Radar" Artist of the Week: Jasmine Guy • Memories, music, culture and the people who helped shape the scene

This is more than a podcast episode — it's a trip back through Chicago hip-hop history.

🎧 Listen. Share. Subscribe. Tell somebody about Rodes Live!

🌐 Rodes Live: www.rodesonline.net 🔗 All Rodes Links: Linktr.ee/Rodes

💈 Need a cut while you're in Chicago? Rodes Barber Suite: RodesBarberSuite.Booksy.com/a

#RodesLive #RodesLivePodcast #Episode307 #TheRapFactory #RapFactory #ChicagoHipHop #ChicagoRap #ChicagoMusic #ChicagoHipHopHistory #ChicagoMusicHistory #HipHopHistory #OldSchoolHipHop #ClassicHipHop #HipHopCulture #ChicagoCulture #2135WFullerton #FullertonChicago #RunDMC #RunDMC #JasmineGuy #WhatsPoppin #OnTheRadar #RodesOnline #RodesTheBarber #RodesBarberSuite #ChicagoBarber #ChicagoBarberShop #ChicagoBarbers #BarberLife #HipHop #RapMusic #MusicHistory #UrbanCulture #SupportIndependentArtists #Podcast #PodcastLife #ChicagoPodcast #MusicPodcast

Episode 306 explores the barbershop as a staple of the community—a place where men gather, fellowship, share knowledge, build relationships, and discuss life. We compare the tradition of the barbershop to the role of the church as a gathering place for community, mentorship, and connection.

We also highlight the entrepreneurial legacy of Madam C.J. Walker, her hair-care empire, and the importance of ownership, entrepreneurship, and building generational wealth.

🎶 New Music: Lady T 📡 On the Radar Artist of the Week: Big Smash

Listen & Connect: 🌐 www.rodesonline.net 🔗 Linktr.ee/Rodes

#RodesLivePodcast #Episode306 #BarbershopCulture #ChurchAndCommunity #MensFellowship #MadamCJWalker #GenerationalWealth #BlackEntrepreneurship #Community #BarberCulture #NewMusic #LadyT #BigSmash #OnTheRadar #ChicagoPodcast

In this episode of Rodes Live, Lady T sits down with us for an exclusive conversation about her highly anticipated new album and what listeners can expect from her upcoming project.

Lady T also opens up about her journey from working in management to stepping into the spotlight and getting it out the mud as an artist. She shares insight into her creative process, her growth, and what motivated her to pursue music from the artist’s perspective.

Lady T is also featured as the Rodes Live “What’s Poppin” Artist of the Day. Plus, we introduce our brand-new segment, “On the Radar,” highlighting talent, stories, and movements you need to know about.

Tune in, share the episode, and stay connected with Rodes Live for more interviews, music, culture, and rising talent.

🔗 Visit: rodesonline.net 🔗 Follow and connect: linktr.ee

In This Episode

• Lady T’s upcoming album
• Her transition from management to becoming an artist
• Getting it out the mud and building her career
• Lady T as the Rodes Live “What’s Poppin” Artist of the Day
• The launch of our new “On the Radar” segment
• Music, motivation, growth, and what’s next

Hashtags

#RodesLive #RodesOnline #MurdaMurda #LadyT #WhatsPoppin #OnTheRadar #NewMusic #UpcomingAlbum #IndependentArtist #UnsignedArtist #ArtistJourney #GetItOutTheMud #MusicPodcast #PodcastInterview #HipHopPodcast #WomenInMusic #SupportIndependentArtists #RisingArtist #MusicCulture #LinktreeRodes

🎂 Happy Birthday, Rocki Fresh! Some dates become more than just a date on the calendar—they become part of your family story. In Episode 304 of Rodes Live Podcast, Rodes takes listeners back to a major turning point in his life: the day he left for college—and the day his little sister, Rocki Fresh, entered the world. While Rodes was heading off to school, stepping into a new chapter and trying to figure out life away from home, his sister was arriving into the world and beginning her own journey. Two lives. One day. Two completely different beginnings. This episode is the other side of the story from Episode 204, “My Crab Life.” What was happening on the other side of that story? Rodes was away at school, experiencing independence, growing up, making decisions, and trying to understand who he was becoming—while his newborn sister was just beginning to figure out her own place in the world. “On This Day” is a personal reflection on family, timing, growing up, separation, birthdays, memories, and the strange ways life connects us. 🧩 IN THIS EPISODE Leaving home and heading off to college The emotions of stepping into adulthood Being away from home while a new family member arrives The story behind Rocki Fresh being born on the day Rodes left for college Looking at life from two different perspectives The connection between Episode 204: “My Crab Life” and Episode 304 Family, memories, growth and the passage of time What it means to be “figuring life out” Reflecting on where life has taken both brother and sister A special birthday shout-out to Rocki Fresh 🎵 MUSIC LEAK This episode also features a leak from the Tremaine EP, produced by Rodes aka Sedor Beats. Another piece of the Rodes catalog gets pulled from the vault as the story continues. ❤️ HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROCKI FRESH! From the day you entered this world to everything you've become since then, your birthday will always carry a special place in our family history. Happy Birthday, Rocki! 🎂🎉 One brother was leaving for college. One sister was entering the world. And both were just beginning to figure it all out. This is “On This Day.” 🌐 CONNECT WITH RODES Official Website: www.rodesonline.net Everything Rodes: Linktr.ee/Rodes 🎙️ Rodes Live Podcast — Urban Culture • Hip-Hop • Independent Music • Entrepreneurs • Life & Real Stories Listen. Subscribe. Share. Leave a review and keep rocking with Rodes Live. #RodesLivePodcast #Episode304 #OnThisDay #RodesLive #RockiFresh #HappyBirthdayRocki #TremaineEP #SedorBeats #Rodes #HuntsideMusic #MyCrabLife #Episode204 #CollegeDays #FamilyStories #SiblingStories #ChicagoPodcast #HipHopPodcast #IndependentPodcast #LifeStories #PersonalStories #Family #Birthday #GrowingUp #FiguringItOut #HuntsideMusicInc #RodesOnline

This episode of Rodes Live Podcast is all about the pressure, the passion, and the music behind the movement. 🎙️ PRESS SOUL Rodes sits down with Crux to discuss the 4th installment of the Pressure Campaign. They tap into the inspiration behind the project, the creative process, the message, and what listeners can expect from this latest chapter. 🔥 WHAT'S POPPIN' ARTIST OF THE DAY — Ms. Ife Ms. Ife steps into the spotlight as this episode's Rodes Live “What's Poppin” Artist of the Day. Tap in and discover what makes this artist one to watch. 📡 NEW SEGMENT — ON THE RADAR We're introducing a brand-new Rodes Live segment: On the Radar. Our first spotlight goes to @WPMwithMagz, who has a new EP dropping. Get the details, learn what's coming next, and make sure you tap in before the release! 🎧 LISTEN • WATCH • CONNECT For more Rodes Live Podcast episodes, music, merchandise, updates, and everything Rodes: 🌐 www.rodesonline.net 🔗 Linktr.ee/Rodes If you're rocking with the show, subscribe, follow, share, and let somebody know that Rodes Live is on the air! Hashtags #RodesLivePodcast #PressSoul #Crux #WhatsPoppin #OnTheRadar See less

In this episode of Rodes Live Podcast, Rodes sits down with the inspiring LIZ Loving, also known as Ms. IFE, for an engaging conversation that covers education, community, culture, and music.

🎙️ Inside This Episode:

• Ms. IFE shares her journey as a Special Education Teacher and the importance of advocating for students with diverse learning needs.
• We discuss her impactful non-profit organization, its mission, and how it's creating positive change in the community.
• An honest conversation about the Black experience, personal growth, and the importance of empowering future generations.
• Ms. IFE talks about her musical journey, creative inspirations, and how she balances education, activism, and artistry.

🔥 New Segment: "On the Radar" Introducing our newest segment, where we spotlight emerging talent, important topics, and people making an impact. Stay tuned as we continue bringing fresh voices and exciting conversations to the show.

🎵 What's Poppin' Today's Rodes Live "What's Poppin'" Artist of the Day is Magz!

Magz stopped by to premiere a hard-hitting new record from her upcoming project, The WPM Immersion EP. If you're looking for your next favorite artist, this is one performance you won't want to miss.

Be sure to support independent artists and keep an eye out for The WPM Immersion EP when it drops!

🌐 Connect with Rodes

• www.rodesonline.net
• Linktr.ee/Rodes

🌐 Visit

• www.wpmpodcast.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Your support helps independent podcasts continue bringing authentic conversations and independent music to the forefront.

#RodesLivePodcast #Rodes #Podcast #MsIFE #LizLoving #SpecialEducation #SpecialEd #NonProfit #CommunityImpact #BlackExperience #IndependentMusic #OnTheRadar #WhatsPoppin #Magz #WPMImmersionEP #HipHop #IndieArtist #MusicPodcast #ChicagoPodcast #SupportIndependentArtists #Culture #Education #Conversation #WPMPodcast

Is Chicago Really One of the Greatest Cities in America?

In this episode of Rodes Live Podcast, Rodes steps into the conversation and passionately pleads the case for why Chicago deserves to be recognized as one of the greatest cities in the world.

Too often, the city is defined by headlines and stereotypes, but there's so much more to the Windy City than what makes the evening news. Rodes breaks down five reasons why Chicago continues to stand tall among America's greatest cities, highlighting its rich culture, resilient people, legendary food, iconic architecture, deep sports tradition, music, history, and unmatched influence on Hip-Hop and urban culture.

Whether you're a lifelong Chicagoan, a former resident, or someone who's never visited, this episode challenges listeners to look beyond the misconceptions and appreciate what truly makes Chicago special.

In This Episode:

• Why Chicago's culture is second to none
• Five reasons Chicago belongs among America's greatest cities
• Separating myths from reality
• The city's influence on music, sports, food, and entertainment
• Why hometown pride still matters

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation!

🌐 Website: https://www.rodesonline.net

🔗 Link Hub: https://Linktr.ee/Rodes

Follow Rodes:

• www.rodesonline.net
• Linktr.ee/Rodes

#RodesLivePodcast #CityWarz #Chicago #WindyCity #ChicagoCulture #ChiTown #UrbanCulture #HipHopCulture #PodcastLife #IndependentPodcast #ChicagoPride #CityLife #MusicCulture #History #FoodCulture #SportsCulture #Rodes #RodesLive #SupportIndependentCreators #ChicagoStrong

Celebrating 300 Episodes & 30 Years of Hip-Hop Classics!

300 episodes! What started as a vision has grown into hundreds of conversations covering hip-hop, music business, culture, entrepreneurship, motivation, and the stories that deserve to be told. Thank you to every listener, guest, supporter, and subscriber who has been part of this incredible journey!

In this milestone episode, we're celebrating 300 episodes of the Rodes Live Podcast while paying tribute to two of the greatest albums ever released in hip-hop history—Nas' It Was Written and Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt—both celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2026. We discuss the impact these timeless classics have had on the culture, lyricism, storytelling, and generations of artists that followed.

We also bring back another edition of our fan-favorite segment:

🔥 What's Poppin?

Today's "What's Poppin" Artists of the Day are:

• 🎤 Nas
• 👑 Jay-Z

We revisit their legendary catalogs, discuss their influence on hip-hop, and reflect on why their music continues to inspire fans and artists around the world three decades later.

Whether you've been rocking with Rodes Live since Episode 1 or you're joining us for the very first time, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

🌐 Official Website: www.rodesonline.net

🔗 All Music, Podcasts & Social Media: Linktr.ee/Rodes

Thank you for helping make 300 episodes possible. Here's to the next chapter of the Rodes Live Podcast!

#RodesLivePodcast #Episode300 #300Episodes #HipHop #Nas #JayZ #ItWasWritten #ReasonableDoubt #WhatsPoppin #HipHopCulture #ClassicHipHop #RapPodcast #PodcastLife #MusicBusiness #IndependentArtist #BoomBap #Lyricism #HipHopHistory #PodcastCommunity #Rodes #ChicagoHipHop #SupportIndependentMedia

In Episode 299 of the Rodes Live Podcast, I sit down with DJ, Producer, and Content Creator Kirk State for an engaging conversation that celebrates the culture of hip-hop from every angle.

From the roots of hip-hop to where the culture is headed, Kirk State shares his experiences, insights, and perspective on the music industry, content creation, entrepreneurship, and the importance of staying authentic in an ever-changing landscape.

We dive into:

• Hip-hop history and its lasting impact
• The evolution of DJing and music production
• Building a brand through content creation
• Independent music business strategies
• Staying motivated through challenges
• Creativity, consistency, and discipline
• Advice for aspiring artists, producers, and entrepreneurs
• Why preserving the culture still matters

Whether you're an artist, producer, music fan, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with gems that will inspire you to keep creating and keep pushing forward.

Follow Kirk State: 🌐 www.kirkstate.com

Stay Connected with Rodes: 🔗 Linktr.ee/Rodes 🌐 www.rodesonline.net

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves hip-hop culture and independent success stories.

#RodesLivePodcast #Episode299 #KirkState #HipHop #HipHopCulture #DJLife #MusicProducer #ContentCreator #IndependentArtist #MusicBusiness #Entrepreneur #SelfMotivation #IndependentMusic #Podcast #PodcastLife #ChicagoHipHop #MusicIndustry #CreativeJourney #Inspiration #Rodes

This Independence Day, Rodes takes listeners on a personal journey unlike any other.

"Born on the 4th of July: A Marine's Diary" is a firsthand account of what it takes to earn the title of United States Marine. From the moment the footprints hit the yellow footprints, this episode walks listeners through every phase of Marine Corps Boot Camp—from the physical challenges and mental pressure to the discipline, camaraderie, and transformation that define the experience.

Rodes shares stories, memories, and lessons learned during recruit training, giving civilians an inside look at one of the toughest military training programs in the world while allowing fellow veterans to relive moments they'll never forget.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• The decision to join the United States Marine Corps
• Arriving at Recruit Training and the first shocking moments
• The mental and physical demands of boot camp
• Drill Instructors and the discipline they instill
• Physical fitness, obstacle courses, and field training
• Marksmanship and rifle qualification
• Teamwork, leadership, and Marine Corps values
• The Crucible and earning the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor
• Graduation Day and what it truly means to become a Marine
• Life lessons that continue long after leaving boot camp

Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, future recruit, military family member, or simply curious about the Marine Corps, this episode offers an authentic look into one man's journey from civilian to Marine.

Semper Fidelis.

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and support: 🌐 www.rodesonline.net 🔗 Linktr.ee/Rodes

Hashtags

#RodesLivePodcast #BornOnTheFourthOfJuly #MarineCorps #UnitedStatesMarines #USMC #SemperFi #SemperFidelis #MarineVeteran #BootCamp #MarineBootCamp #Veterans #MilitaryLife #IndependenceDay #FourthOfJuly #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranVoices #Leadership #Discipline #NeverQuit #ChicagoPodcast #PodcastLife #Rodes