From Brooklyn’s Coney Island to the Mic, Ruciano joins The Culture Decides.

On this episode, I sit down with Brooklyn rapper Ruciano for a real conversation about freestyling, pain, pride, culture, and consistency. This interview is a follow-up to Episode 17, where I reviewed his “Hard To Smile” freestyle on Blockwork TV, a raw, heartfelt performance that captured personal struggles, street realities, and emotional honesty.

We get into freestyling, growing up in Brooklyn, and navigating hip-hop without losing yourself. No gimmicks. No over-explaining. Just culture, bars, and perspective.

Follow Ruciano on Instagram: @ruciano_

Stream his music on your favorite platform! 

#TheCultureDecides #HipHopPodcast #MusicPodcast #ArtistInterview #RapInterview #IndieHipHop #NYCHipHop #BrooklynRap #underground #Ruciano

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Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only.

I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

Hip-hop has been a whirlwind! Cardi B’s continuous momentum has the culture buzzing, new releases are flooding in, and there’s plenty of news to break down. Catch up with me on this episode as I cover highlights and lowlights, underground artists you need to hear, and full project reviews of Elcamino’s MINO and Hit-Boy & The Alchemist’s Goldfish.

Underground Artist Featured

• E King & Ricio Ready
• Ruciano 
• Reuben Vincent 

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

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Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only.

I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

Safe to say this summer has been drama-filled! It didn’t stop the music from pouring out though. From highly anticipated albums to Young Thug’s leaked jail calls, the media and the culture has been in a frenzy! Join me while I tap into what’s been going on, new music from The Culture to vibe with, and a full project review for Joey Bada$$’ “Lonely at the Top”

Underground Artists Featured:

• Trxgger_T
• E King & Ricio Ready
• Captain Brick 
• Vinnie-Dangerous
• Thought Provokah
• SY
• Young Reese Dude

Timestamps:

• Reminders/Updates - 00:02:41
• News - 00:04:55
• On Repeat/On Radar - 00:08:41
• Underground Artists Reviews - 00:21:23
• Joey Bada$$ - Lonely At The Top - 00:53:22

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Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only.

I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

This summer has been filled with back to back drops and a mixup of competiton. It seems like everyone is either on tour and has something to address. Join me as I talk through some highlights for Tyler, The Creator, Drake’s continued ICEMAN rollout, new artists worth listening to, and compare Benny the Butcher’s Summertime Butch 2 vs Freddie Gibbs’s Alfredo 2. Who is really serving em up the best?

Intro/Updates - 00:00:15 

Agenda - 00:01:51

Reminders/Updates - 00:03:40

News - 00:06:01

On Repeat / On Radar - 00:12:28

Music Submission Reviews - 00:14:15

Summertime Butch 2 vs Alfredo 2 Reviews- 00:34:20

Who had the better project? - 01:24:54

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

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Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only.

I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

July is not only bringing the heat temperature wise, it’s been bringing the heat musically too! We’ve been getting new music left and right. Drake himself has been teasing “ICEMAN” and took the stage at UK’s annual fest, Wireless Festival. Join me as I unpack two highly anticipated drops: Clipse’s return after nearly 16 years with “Let God Sort Em Out” and Travis Scott with the crew on “JACKBOYS 2”!

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Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only.

I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

We’ve all had that parasocial moment—when an artist’s music feels personal, like they get you. But what happens when the idols start moving like incels? This week, on episode 13, I sit down with Kris Chesson, one half of the Bad Queers Podcast, to unpack the complicated rise and fall of some of hip-hop’s biggest names: Kanye West and Young Money's favorites, Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne. 

From Through the Wire to CLB, from the backpack era to MAGA flirtations and messy lawsuits, from Itty Bitty Piggy to Big Foot—this episode traces the cultural shift that turned these stars into ego-driven incels. Time to answer the question that’s been brewing for a decade: When did it all start to go left?

Also on deck:

• A review of Brooklyn the Kid’s unapologetic anthem “Dyke Lee” 
• Our personal timelines with Ye, Drizzy, Weezy, and Nicki

No stanning. Just honesty.
Because The Culture Decides.

Follow Kris and the Bad Queers Podcast (@kris.chess / @badqueerspod)

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

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Subscribe & like this episode on YouTube
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Stay tuned by following on Instagram & X/Twitter, or TikTok

Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only.

I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

May was full of surprises! Rap battles rocked the east and west coast meanwhile Diddy’s world continues to unravel with shocking reveals. Join me as I recap May and review projects for Blxst, Youngn MH, Kai Ca$h, 450, & Aminé!

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Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only.

I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

Had to pop out and show 'em this month! Check out episode 11 for a recap of my experience at Kendrick and SZA's Grand National Tour stop at MetLife Stadium, top looks at the Met Gala, and album reviews for Ding Dong, Coco Jones, and Lefty Gunplay!

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

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Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only.

I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

Y'all know I had to do it BIG for episode 10! This one is a SPECIAL bonus episode. Youngn MH, hottest artist out of Flatbush, Brooklyn, stopped by to discuss his career so far and what's in store for us. Young about to turn up for NYC real soon!

Check out his latest singles Impatient & Ice Spice! Follow Youngn MH & MONEY HUNGRY ENT on IG!

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

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Subscribe & like this episode on YouTube
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Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only.

I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

On episode 9ine, I’m serving up updates on the industry including the latest on Drake vs UMG, new music on the way, and conclude with project reviews for the following:

• Alex Isley - WHEN (EP)
• Westside Gunn - HEELS HAVE EYES (EP)
• Davido - 5ive (Album)

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

Music Submission Form

Subscribe & like this episode on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite podcast platform
Stay tuned by following on Instagram & X/Twitter, or TikTok

Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only.

I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.