This week, we're joined by Marvyn Harrison, a businessman, author, broadcaster, podcaster and founder of the community platform Dope Black, which aims to improve the outcomes of Black people globally through education and therapy. He is also an avid music fan and has immersed himself in the culture for a number of years, working with the likes of Ghetts, Wretch 32, Drake, Cleo Sol and Ed Sheeran. We chop it up with him about his journey and Dope Black, after a sprawling conversation about everything from Kendrick Lamar's jabs at Drake and J. Cole and the state of hip-hop to masculinity and reflecting the times we live in through music. Follow Marvyn: https://www.marvynharrison.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/discoverwithmh/ https://twitter.com/Marvyn_Harrison Follow Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhymesdimespod/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rhymesdimespod Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhymesdimespod

In the early months of 2024, TikTok and the world's biggest music conglomerate, Universal Music Group (UMG), have been at odds after UMG pulled the plug on their global licensing deal with the social media platform. This means that all music by all UMG artists have been removed from TikTok. A simmering beef has followed, with TikTok officially stating that UMG have "put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters." We had some thoughts about the the power dynamics UMG and labels in general have been able to accrue, and what this means for artists. What did you think of the UMG-TikTok beef? Let us know in the comments. Follow Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhymesdimespod/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rhymesdimespod Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhymesdimespod

Little Brother, the trio of Phonte, Rapper Big Pooh and 9th Wonder, is one of the most celebrated underground rap groups of all time. Their story has been captured in a new documentary produced. by the group, which tells how they got together, their music, their battles with the music industry and the tension between the three members. We had some thoughts. Follow Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhymesdimespod/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rhymesdimespod Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhymesdimespod

In late 2023, Complex UK published it's list ranking the 50 Best British Rappers Of All Time and it's fair to say it caught a lot of controversy. We chopped up the list with special guest: writer and cultural commentator, Naz, who contributed to the list along with Yemi. The list (50-11): https://www.complex.com/music/a/joseph-jp-patterson/best-british-rappers The list: (10-1): https://youtu.be/s4TITRWTTbg?si=P1TgNrl45hkqF4KM Music: Dave & Central Cee - Sprinter (Instrumental) Follow Naz: Twitter: https://twitter.com/nazfromnewham Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nazfromnewham/ Follow Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhymesdimespod/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rhymesdimespod Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhymesdimespod

In our last episode of 2023, we do what we always do at the end of the year - a round-up! We assess the year that was, choosing our favourite albums, rappers and producers.  We also name the rappers who surprised us the most, our most disappointing albums of the year and our favourite non-rap albums. We have enough time to make our predictions for 2024 and hear from you on what you think the new year will bring the genre of rap. As always, we want to thank you for your continued support throughout 2023 - we’re truly grateful to every fan, listener and viewer. Follow Rhymes Like Dimes: linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod Please leave a five-star review of the pod wherever you're listening. It really helps us. Music: Larry June & The Alchemist - Porsches In Spanish (Instrumental)

This week we're joined by award winning rapper, podcast producer and one half of the Breaking Atoms Podcast, Chris Mitchell. We go back to 2018 to evaluate Nas' album Nasir, produced by Kanye West, and our thoughts on the project five years later. Back in our fantasy booking bag, we imagine what hip-hop would look like if Busta Rhymes was a member of A Tribe Called Quest, and what the futures of both Busta and Tribe would be. We wrap up by naming our favourite unreleased albums in hip-hop history. There's enough time for some Drake hate, wrestling references and more! Follow Chris: Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAmKinetik Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkinetik/ Follow Rhymes Like Dimes: ⁠linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod⁠ Music: Busta Rhymes - Still Shining Nas - Not For Radio Nas - Cops Shot The Kid Nas - Bonjour Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - Education (ft. Mos Def & Black Thought) Busta Rhymes - Everything Remains Raw A Tribe Called Quest - Stressed Out (ft. Faith Evans)

This week, we get into our fantasy booking bag once again and head to 2007, when Kanye West and 50 Cent were engaged in the sales battle of the century. We imagine hip-hop if 50 won that battle, his legacy, and the fate of Ye.  We assess the gift and the curse of being signed to another rapper, name our favourite hip-hop jewellery of all time, share what we’ve been listening to, and more! What we've been listening to: Peter Nas - Magic 3 Yussef Dayes - Black Classical Music Half A Mil Diddy - The Love Album: Off The Grid Moe Diggin’ In The Crates Crew Mobb Deep DJ Clue Yemi Mike, Wiki & The Alchemist - Faith Is A Rock Headie One & K-Trap - Strength To Strength Cleo Sol - Heaven A Tribe Called Quest - Beats, Rhymes & Life Music: 50 Cent - Many Men (Instrumental) Follow Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod

Your boys are back! This week we dissect the current state of rap following the news that a rap single/album has failed to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in 23 years, as well as recent comments from Ebro Darden that labels are now deprioritising signing rappers in favour of African and Latin artists. What is to blame for this shift? Does mainstream hip-hop need a reset? Later, we examine the growing trend of rappers and producers selling their masters, including the likes of RZA, Pusha T and Future, and what that means for the game. We then name some of our favourite artists' album that have aged the worst. We got into what we've been listening to this week, chop up hip-hop 50 and more! DISCLAIMER: this episode was recorded before the news broke out that Doja Cat's 'Paint The Town Red' landed at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 2023, becoming the first rap single to do so since August 2022. What we've been listening to: Peter Phabo - Don't Get Too Cozy Yussef Dayes - Black Classical Music Don Toliver - Life of a Don Moe Skepta URL Summer Madness RBE Yemi Jordan Ward - FORWARD Mick Jenkins - The Patience Blanco - Rebourne Digga D - Back To Square One Travis Scott - UTOPIA Music: LL Cool J - Doin It (Instrumental) Follow Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod

This week we're joined by Hamza Riaz, a UK-based journalist, writer and Editor In Chief of Mic Cheque, an online publication that bridges the gap between British and American hip hop. We spend a lot of time talking about one of UK rap's most anticipated albums of 2023, J Hus' 'Beautiful and Brutal Yard.' We review the album and where Hus stands after the release, before getting into Hamza's journey as a writer and journalist. Music: J Hus - Come Look Follow Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod Follow Hamza: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpegham Twitter: https://twitter.com/akahamz Follow Mic Cheque: https://miccheque.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miccheque Twitter: https://twitter.com/MicChequePosts

This week, we're joined by Chiedu Oraka, a rapper who has pioneered the rap and grime scene in his hometown of Hull in the North West of England with his music, his label Room 73 and his Lockdown collective. He talks about growing up as a minority in Hull, bringing a new kind of rap to the city, his place in the scene, his clashes with major labels, why non-London rappers are the best around, new music and more. Music: Chiedu Oraka - Helly Hansen 5 Follow Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod Follow Chiedu Oraka: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orakald/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/orakald TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chieduoraka

This week we're joined by Speech Debelle, a multi-talented rapper, artist, chef and activist who rose to fame in 2009 when she won the UK's most prestigious music award, the Mercury Prize, for her debut album 'Speech Therapy.' She talks through her journey, including rapping on buses in the 90s, going to Australia to record her debut, winning the Mercury Prize, the music industry, her new album 'Sunday Dinner on a Monday' and more. Music: Speech Debelle - Atlantis Follow and subscribe to Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod Follow Speech Debelle: https://twitter.com/SpeechDebelle https://www.instagram.com/speechdebelle/ https://www.tiktok.com/@speechdebelle1

After J Hus' lukewarm reception to his recent comeback single 'It's Crazy,' we discuss whether fans expect too much from artists and how it may affect their opinion of the music (5:01). Later, we chop up an interesting 'what if' in rap history: the plan for Suge Knight, Irv Gotti and J Prince to form a black-owned music distribution company and union. We chat about why it didn't happen and its potential impact on the music industry (35:50). We wrap up the episode by naming some of our favourite comeback singles in rap history (1:01:59). Follow and subscribe to Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod For more info on Suge, Irv and J Prince's plans, check out this video: https://youtu.be/ua0BRs_ZZmM

This week we're joined by Abiade for a deep dive into the differences between 'elite' rappers and 'GOAT' rappers, a conversation we've been having off the pod for a while now (02:17). We attempt to clarify which MCs fit in which pile. Later, we talk sub-genres in hip-hop and whether classification is still necessary in 2023 (49:23). We then wrap up why choosing our favourite storytelling rap songs (01:12:29). Follow and subscribe to Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod Follow Abiade: https://www.instagram.com/abiade/

This week we have another special guest: Cee Valentina! Cee is a writer, content creator and Social Media Manager of Complex UK and she shares the story of her journey through the creative industry, her favourite rappers and what makes a good social media post. Later, after recent comments by Trillary Banks, we assess the current state of UK female rap, its biggest names and if its in a healthy state. We then have some fun with our imaginations and make up some fantasy AI song situations we'd love to see. Follow and subscribe to Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhymesdimespod Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rhymesdimespod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhymesdimespod Follow Cee Valentina: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceevalentina Twitter: https://twitter.com/ceevalentina

This week we're joined by Cashh, a Jamaica-born, UK-based MC who burst onto the rap scene over a decade ago and has overcome personal obstacles to present a fluid and potent mix of rap and dancehall. He has collaborated with everyone from Ghetts and Krept & Konan to Kojey Radical and WSTRN and after being deported back to Jamaica and returning to the UK, he's hungry to pick up where he left off. We speak to him about discovering music, moving to London, meeting Wiley, being hood famous, his catalogue, vulnerability, his deportation and return, helping immigrant causes, new music and much more. Follow and subscribe to Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhymesdimespod/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rhymesdimespod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhymesdimespod Follow Cashh: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenameiscashh Twitter: https://twitter.com/cashtasticmusic

This week we're joined Manga Saint Hilaire, one of the most creative and consistent grime MCs of the last decade and one who made his name in one of the genre's most revered crews, Roll Deep, but has evolved to become a tour de force in his own merit. We get into his early days rapping in youth clubs, joining Roll Deep, the grime scene in its early days and what made it so special, his catalogue, his pet peeves, grime in 2023, his beef with Beyonce and much, much more! Possibly one of our funniest episodes yet 😂 Follow and subscribe to Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhymesdimespod/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rhymesdimespod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhymesdimespod Follow Manga Saint Hilaire: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mangasainthilare Twitter: https://twitter.com/MangaStHilare

This week we receive a topic from a fan, exploring whether nepotism is a problem in hip-hop, highlighting artists such as Coi Leray, Jaden Smith, King Combs, Oh No and Diggy Simmons and if they block paths for other artists to find success. We dissect consumerism in hip-hop and discuss whether the genre needs white consumption in order to thrive, particularly when it comes to live shows and concerts. We name a few rappers who felt immense pressure going into their debut albums, before touching on hip-hop pioneer Melle Mel and his recent comments that have divided the community. Follow and subscribe to Rhymes Like Dimes: linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod  Instagram: www.instagram.com/rhymesdimespod/  Twitter: www.twitter.com/rhymesdimespod  TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@rhymesdimespod  Billboard's 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time: https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rappers-all-time/

This week we celebrate the legacy and impact of one of hip-hop's finest female artists, Lil Kim. Joined by writer, podcaster and cultural commentator Eboni, we get into how we discovered the Queen Bee, how her content and presentation changed the landscape of rap, her underrated catalogue and the path she would create for the likes of Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, City Girls, GloRilla and more. Follow and subscribe to Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhymesdimespod/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rhymesdimespod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhymesdimespod Follow Eboni: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebzworldpeace/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ebzworldpeace

This week we assess the meaning of the word longevity in relation to rap, who are great examples of longevity and how it can both help and harm artists. We explore the development of music videos in the UK from the past to the present, from Channel U to GRM Daily.  Then we ponder what could have been for grime collective Nasty Crew, once home to the likes of Kano, Ghetts and D Double E. In-between, we share what's been on our rotation this week, show Ice Spice some love, and more! Follow and subscribe to Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhymesdimespod/  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rhymesdimespod  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhymesdimespod

In our first episode of 2023, we turn our attention to a UK legend, the genre-bending, indomitable artist known as Ms Dynamite! An artist who, in the beginning of the 2000s, arrived with such force that she rewrote the rules on how to be a musician from the UK, taking her blend of UK garage, R&B, ragga and rap to the world and back. We get into how we discovered her, how she transcended her UK garage origins, her catalogue - including her 2002 Mercury Prize winning album 'A Little Deeper' - her messages, impact, legacy and contemporary artists and producers we would love to see her collaborate with. Follow and subscribe to Rhymes Like Dimes: https://linktr.ee/rhymesdimespod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhymesdimespod/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rhymesdimespod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhymesdimespod