With a new year ahead of us, it's time to look at what's in store for hip-hop by way of RapCaviar's "Most Necessary" artists to watch list. To drill down on these 10 rising stars, Jinx is joined by the inaugural panel from The RapCaviar Podcast's debut episode, Carl Chery (Spotify), Justice Baiden (LVRN) and Hakeem Rowe (Our Generation Music). The trio debate what it actually takes to make it in rap these days, showcase what overseas acts are offering that the U.S. isn't, and lay out the secrets behind the "Clip Agenda." Who do you have your eyes on for 2023? Hit us up on @RapCaviar and weigh in.

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The internet has become integral to pushing hip-hop forward as a genre and opening it up to new audiences and players. From DatPiff to Soundcloud to TikTok, it’s undeniable that digital platforms and social media have revolutionized how an artist can reach rap stardom. But how does it work? And how does “going viral” change rap itself and the ways artists create music? To answer that, Jinx is joined by 24kGoldn, a member of the XXL Freshman Class of 2020 who forged his path from viral hits to major label; Dan Runcie, founder of Trapital; and Isabel Quinteros Annous, head of global music partnerships at TikTok, to talk about the business of virality, how artists can harness their moment, and why hip-hop has been slow to embrace TikTok.

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Since its beginnings, the rap music video has not only propelled hip hop into the mainstream, but it has evolved to become an art form and entire culture unto itself. Joining Jinx to talk about some of that evolution are three of the genre's most respected and innovative luminaries, Director X, Calmatic and Cole Bennett. Collectively, they've directed iconic videos for rap's top acts, from Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar and Eminem, to Drake, Lil Nas X and Lil Yachty. They discuss their most memorable videos, some of their stumbles towards success, and where they think music videos are going next.

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The RapCaviar Podcast will be back with new episodes starting on January 26. In the meantime, you can check out the trailer for another podcast hosted by Brandon "Jinx" Jenkins, "The Conviction of Max B." The full season of Conviction from Gimlet is out now, only on Spotify.

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In the second part of The RapCaviar Podcast's year-end recap, Jinx goes deep on the status of hip-hop's health, what to make of recent rapper deaths, and what comes next for the genre. Cultural critics Shamira Ibrahim, Bonsu Thompson and Charles Holmes (The Ringer) examine 2022 trends and dish on the year to come. Tap in.

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In the first part of The RapCaviar Podcast's two-week recap for 2022, Jinx is joined by journalists Jordan Rose (Complex), Nadirah Simmons (The Gumbo) and Ivie Ani to debate the year's best hip-hop albums, best rappers, best breakout act, and who had the best comeback. The temperature turned up during the Kendrick conversation, but by the time the talk turned to Lil Uzi Vert, Doechii and Pusha T, everything was cool. See if they had your picks.

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Three-fourths of Mount Westmore join Jinx to dish on how the monumental supergroup, which includes Snoop Dogg, came to be. The rap icons talk about coming up on the West Coast, what it's like to be produced by the legendary Dr. Dre and Lil Jon, and how lifelong friendships helped shape their careers. The OGs also highlight the importance of staying sharp in an ageist industry, what their keys to longevity have been, and why they make an effort to show love to the next generation of rappers.

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Wiz Khalifa joins Jinx to reflect on his busy year musically (he released five projects in 12 months); the magic of The Blog Era; working with longtime collaborators like Curren$y, Big K.R.I.T., Smoke DZA and Juicy J; how his son Bash plays A&R for him; what it was like getting high with Michael Phelps and Conan O'Brien and why he wants to add Jay-Z to that list; and more.

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The three Detroit natives talk with Jinx about what makes the city's scene unique, the "Left-Handed Flow," and working together and learning from each other. Plus, Boldy gives details on his upcoming J Dilla project, Tee breaks down his evolving lyrical approach, and Antt drops gems on crafting the city's sound.

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The three rising stars turn the set into happy hour -- practicing and preaching the importance of having fun -- while they discuss their creative processes, relationships with the Internet and big-picture goals. And they got Jinx to take a few shots with them, too.

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