In this episode of Speakerbox Studios, we’re joined by local legend and rising artist Prolific to unpack one of the most important questions in modern music: What separates flash-in-the-pan artists from long-term icons? From Tyler, The Creator to MF DOOM, The Weeknd, and Travis Scott, we dissect what makes a music career sustainable—rollouts, characters, content strategy, performance balance, and brand identity.

We also debate:

• The value (and danger) of going viral
• Whether one-hit wonders should hang it up or double down
• The role of mystique and surprise features in today’s music economy
• Why strong visuals and storytelling still matter
• What you’d do if Usher handed your girl a cherry onstage.

"Rap is on trial. From A$AP Rocky’s verdict to Kendrick Lamar making history as the first rapper to sell 1M units this year, we’re diving into hip-hop’s most explosive debates:

Rico cases in rap (Lil Durk, Kay Flock, Yella Bezzy) – Is the culture perpetuating harm?

Underground vs. Mainstream: When does a rapper “sell out”? (Feat. Vince Staples, Denzel Curry + more)

Posthumous albums: Is Nipsey Hussle’s new project ethical?

20-Minute Deathbed Collab Challenge – Who would WE pick? (Kendrick? Tyler? SZA? Alchemist?)

Welcome to the first episode of Speakerboxx Studios, Season 2. Sean is back from Cuba, and we are back recording in our friend’s apartment. Today we talk about the art vs the artist, the way artists become consumed by their art, and if you can enjoy the art of horrible people (YE).

Welcome to the season finale of Speakerboxx Stuidos. Today we talk about why it may be necessary to gate keep hip hop, Forbes horrible top 50 rappers list, and the fools on twitter calling Doechii’s music, “Harriet Tubman music.”

SPEAKERBOXX STUDIOS HAS RETURNED. In this episode, we are joined by our homie Albert, and we discuss A LOT. Kendrick dropped a no skip album, then Grammy nominations disappointed us once again, and Drake is basically suing for peace

This episode was recorded around the time Andre 3000 released his debut solo album that is now Grammy nominated. We also discuss the discourse around rappers exploring other genres, and funny hip hop figures/moments.

On this episode of Speakerboxx, we decided to give y'all a vault episode since we did not record on Election Day. This was the second episode we ever recorded and the inexperience made for some funny moments.

Shiesty mask, opps at the beach, nature documentaries, we talk about basically everything this episode.

Recorded: 10/09/2023

On this episode of Speakerboxx Studios, we are joined by our 2nd ever guest, Chris!

Starting with some Tyler the Creator content for his recently released album, CHROMAKOPIA (a must listen), then we discuss artists we feel are overrated as well as underrated (or underappreciated), then we close off with our favorite songs and albums of 2024.

On this episode of Speakerboxx, we have our very first guest! James and the rest of us share our favorite album covers, and discuss how hip-hop artistry and rap aren't really the same thing.

For this episode of Speakerboxx Studios, we remake the half of Billboard's top 50 Hip-Hop artists of all time list. Some get moved up, some get moved down, and some get replaced. Who's on your top 25?