The Culture Decides

Summer gave us plenty of mess, memorable moments and, most importantly, some GREAT music. 

On Episode 23 of The Culture Decides, I’m looking back at some of the moments that stood out across Hip-Hop, R&B and Reggae/Dancehall this summer.

We get into Drake’s continued summer antics (and a potential treat for the fans), The Game continuing to insert himself into the conversation, and Jay-Z's upcoming 8-part documentary Jay-Z in 8 with producer Rick Rubin. Then there’s The Game’s increasingly strange, seemingly one-sided energy toward Kendrick Lamar, while Kendrick has been making headlines for very different reasons.

Cardi B turned Am I the Drama? into an entire era, Kehlani continued an incredible run, and R&B as a whole has been way too exciting for anybody to keep telling me the genre is dead.

Over in Dancehall, Vybz Kartel’s post-prison run continued with one of the biggest full-circle moments of the summer: Kartel and Mavado sharing the stage again after the legendary Gaza vs. Gully era.

But beyond all the headlines, tune in for:

🎧 UNDERGROUND LIVE LISTENING

This episode’s listening session features Formerly “CAM,” Ice Jackson, SmooveSmith, BEDEYAH and Swagger Dagger as we keep looking for independent artists you should have on your radar.

🇯🇲 DESTIN CONRAD ROADRUNNER ALBUM REVIEW

I close the episode with one of my highest-rated projects yet: Destin Conrad’s exploration of reggae and Caribbean sounds. Beyond whether the music is good, his project opens up a bigger conversation: what does it mean for a queer artist to embrace reggae and Dancehall, and can projects like this play a role in pushing the culture toward greater acceptance?

From the mainstream conversations to the underground artists building what’s next, summer was good to music.

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

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

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Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Episode 22 is all about the underground.

This week, I'm shining a spotlight on independent artists who are building their own lanes and pushing music forward. From Harlem to Dallas, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Bay Area, these artists are creating work that deserves attention beyond the algorithms.

Featured Artists:

• 3rdbasebiggs & 3rdbasejojo (Harlem, NYC) – A hip-hop duo rooted in authenticity and street perspective.
• WRJC (Dallas, TX) – A genre-blending artist whose sound weaves together hip-hop, soul, alternative, jazz, R&B, and shoegaze. We discuss the introspection behind his track and the role self-reflection plays in creativity.
• Connie Roses (Pittsburgh, PA) – Bringing thoughtful lyricism and personal storytelling through hip-hop. We explore the inspiration behind "Guide" and the lessons learned through friendship and growth.
• Rey Morado (Atlanta, GA) – A rapper with a focused vision and powerful sound. If you're feeling the record featured in this episode, be sure to check out his project, SIEGE.
• Marck Angel (Washington, D.C.) – An LGBTQ+ artist pushing boundaries through music and visual storytelling. We also highlight his visual album and film project, Seraphim.
• Cassius Cam (Bay Area, CA) – California's Bay Area, Cassius Cam returns to the scene with his latest single, The Struggle. The track marks a powerful comeback, showcasing his hunger, resilience, and commitment to authentic hip-hop. 

Strictly for the underground. No industry gatekeepers. No manufactured hype. Just artists creating on their own terms.

Listen, discover, and support independent music.

Follow the artists and tap into their catalogs before everyone else catches on.

#Podcast #MusicPodcast #HipHopPodcast #IndependentArtists #UndergroundHipHop #IndieMusic #MusicDiscovery #ArtistSpotlight #NewMusic #SupportIndependentArtists #HipHopCulture #EmergingArtists #UnsignedArtist #BayAreaHipHop #WestCoastHipHop #CaliforniaHipHop  #HipHopHighSociety #UndergroundMusic #RapMusic #IndependentHipHop #NewMusicFriday #NowPlaying #MusicCommunity #ArtistInterview #MusicReview #DiscoverNewMusic #IndieHipHop #HipHopMedia #rap #Hiphop #NewYorkRap #lgbtq

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

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Drake dropped THREE projects and the internet is divided.

On Episode 21, I'm breaking down ICEMAN, MAID OF HONOUR, and HABIBTI track by track, separating the hits from the filler, and asking the biggest question of all:

Can Drake actually dominate the summer charts after the biggest battle of his career?

I also dive into the moment that had hip-hop talking all weekend: Jay-Z's surprise Roots Picnic freestyle.

HOV seemingly fired shots in every direction: Drake, Nicki Minaj, Dame Dash, Kanye West, Jaguar Wright, Tory Lanez and more! 

Tap in and let's talk hip-hop.

#Drake #ICEMAN #JayZ #HipHopPodcast #RootsPicnic #RapReview #OVO #KendrickLamar #HABIBTI #MAIDOFHONOUR #RANTOATLANTA #Rap #Hiphop #Musicdebate #music #freestyle

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

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

It has been BRICK, but the music? Heating up.

This episode of The Culture Decides, join me, Li, as I breakdown:

• 🔥 Gunna sold-out MSG: stage presence, breath control, influence & why the respect needs to be LOUD.
• 🏆 Grammys + Super Bowl symbolism: powerful political statements, cultural messaging, and why these stages matter.
• 👀 The lowlights: industry reactions, misplaced outrage, and when timing ruins the message.
• 🔁 On Repeat / On The Radar: Don Toliver & Loe Shimmy, Lil Uzi, Wale & Leon Thomas, Youngn MH, SpacemanUFO and more.
• 🎧 Underground Spotlight (LIVE REACTIONS): Mani Jurdan, Young Reese Dude, Valenti, Juice Lord, Ruciano & Killah H2O Da Don, and King Shampz’s Hustler’s Renaissance Vol. 1.
• 📀 Mainstream Reviews:
  • 21 Savage – What Happened to the Streets?
  • French Montana x Max B – Coke Wave 3.5
  • A$AP Rocky – Don’t Be Dumb

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

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

West Philly’s own King Shampz joins The Culture Decides to talk bars, independence, and building momentum outside the system.

We dive into his freestyle roots, the impact of his “Bars From The Block” series, and the mindset behind his latest EP, Hustler’s Renaissance Vol. 1., Shampz breaks down his creative process, working alongside his brother through Dead Wrong Records, and why artists can’t rely on the algorithm to define their movement.

This episode is about ownership, consistency, and sharpening your craft on and off the mic.

🎧 Listen now and tap in with King Shampz (@king_shampz)

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

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

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

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

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

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!

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

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

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

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

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!

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

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”!

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

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.