On Episode 122 we're going back to NYC circa 2000-2005, where mix show radio dominated the airwaves. Where clan's, posse's, crew's and clik's peaked with G-Unit, Dipset, D-Block, Terror Squad, Ruff Ryders, Murder Inc and The Roc. This was fresh-off the Nas and Jay-Z battle, when NYC was thriving again and when a kid named Justin Smith completely changed the game. Justin Smith aka Just Blaze went on to produce more hit records than any other hip-hop producer during this time. I can't stress this enough, but before there was Kanye West, there was Just Blaze.

There also was no bigger artist than 50 Cent. He wasn't just big in music, he was internally known with every major corporation for his undeniable charisma, street anthems and fashion. And speaking of fashion, remember the oversized white tees? How about Mitchell & Ness jerseys? You also had to have a fresh pair of Tims and white Air Force 1's. Who could forget those gaudy Canal Street watches we wanted to pass-off as Jacobs?

We may have lacked self-awareness in fashion but we definitely can acknowledge the incredible music to come out of this era. Whether you bumped Hot 97, Kiss or Power or downloaded joints off Napster, Limewire or Kazaa, you knew special this time was. We gotta thank to Nas, Jadakiss, Killa Cam, 50, Mobb Deep, Jay-Z, Ghostface, Fabulous, Black Rob, M.O.P., Ja, Styles P and Fat Joe for giving NYC back their sound.

This show is a homage NYC mix show and because we're always trying to find a balance like Atmosphere, our next episode we're giving you our college radio edition. Think of Non Phixion, D.I.T.C., Freddie Foxxx, Screwball, Wee Bee Foolish, El-P and J-Live. Think Fat Beats, A-1 and Turntable Lab. Think of the joints you copped off Sandboxautomatic and HipHopSite. Think of the message board era of Okayplayer, HipHopInfinity, UGHH and the best of all, the Philaflava forums. We are going to give you the ultimate yin and yang that NYC hip-hop had to offer during these great times.

Enjoy episode 122.  

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