The Hit Cycle Podcast

MC Lyte is historic. The first female emcee to release a full solo album. She is one of the most technically gifted rappers of her time, and one of the most revered artists in hip-hop. Join us as we break down her contributions to rap and broader culture. 

One of the most uniquely infamous moments in modern rap history. Drake's Hot97 'freestyle' reading off his blackberry. Today we discuss what we remember about it and it's effects since

The Wu-Tang Clan revolutionized Hip-hop and broader culture as each member tore through tracks with their own unique and razor sharp wordplay, personality, and imagery. No lyrical blade was sharper than the user of the liquid sword: GZA aka The Genius. Today we look at the anointed 'head of Voltron' to the Wu-Tang Clan with our good friend Shau Booker to discuss his personal contributions to rap and his ongoing mastery of music and science. 

Kendrick Lamar had a hell of year... why not cap it off with one of the most hyped Super Bowl performances in recent memory? Close friend and frequent guest of HCP Jordan Bell steps in for Bill to chop it up with David about the creative choices made, what might have been missing from the show, and how yet another iconic performance on a global stage contributes to Kendrick's legacy as an artist.

Nelly was a mega star in the front half of the early 2000s. He checked just about every achievement an artist could want; accolades, hits, publicity, and even a Superbowl performance (more on that in this episode). It's only right that we take a look at one of St Louis's finest. Come ride with us as we roll down memory lane with Nelly. Enjoy

Foxy Brown left her mark on the culture with her visceral delivery, lyrical depth, and immense swagger. She went toe to toe with some of history's best and always shinned. We wanted to do right by the Ill Na Na by showing our love for her contribution to hip-hop & rap. Today we look at one of rap's most unsung greats.

Hip-hop and Rap are about 50 years old so it's always been thought of as a young man's game. But some of the forefathers of the culture are still paving the way and showing us how to age and still make incredible contributions to the culture, music, and business. On this pinch hit, we examine, gettin' a lil older.

Today we are looking at 1/2 of the legendary Outkast. Big Boi sometimes is the more unsung rapper in Hip-Hop's greatest duo but, is every bit as important to the group's success. His hall of fame career is a huge part of not just southern Hip-Hop, Hop-Hop overall. Today we look at one of the all-time greats; the man who is cooler than a polar bear's toenails. Enjoy 

On February 7th 1974 - Two of the greatest Hip-Hop producers were born on opposite sides of the planet. One in Detroit, one in Japan. Both masters and architects of what we would see transform into the Lo-Fi sound. On this Pinch Hit, we show love to J Dilla & Nujabes. May they both rest in peace. Enjoy

On this episode, the HCP takes its first trip to Detroit to look at Slum Village, one of the most unique hip-hop groups in the culture's history. They are masters of that signature lo-fi sound that producer/group member J-Dilla helped pioneer. They are also adaptors in the face of tragedy as deaths in the group caused change dynamics and personal. However, what is undeniable, is their contribution to hip-hop. Enjoy