
Hosted by Gus Lloyd · EN
Soul of the Streets (SOTS): The Living Archive of Culture
Soul of the Streets (SOTS) is more than a podcast—it is a culture-driven living archive documenting the voices that shape R&B and Hip-Hop. Established in 2014, the platform has spent over a decade preserving the stories, artistry, and moments that define the culture while recognizing emerging voices before the spotlight arrives.
The platform’s legacy includes identifying cultural moments before the world catches on. In April 2014, months before the “Shmoney Dance” became a global phenomenon, Bobby Shmurda and Rowdy Rebel won the Soul of the Streets “Rock Yo Set” competition at the legendary Pyramid Club in New York City performing the record that would later become the NYC classic “Computers.” Moments like this reflect the platform’s commitment to documenting the culture while it is still unfolding.
Hosted by G Waterz—a veteran songwriter, vocalist, and artist manager behind BPE (Beyond Platinum Entertainment)—Soul of the Streets brings a perspective rooted in professional artistry and cultural stewardship. With professional credits including songwriting for Freddie Jackson and background vocals for Joe, G Waterz brings a creator’s understanding to every conversation.
With 500+ episodes and over a decade of consistent programming, Soul of the Streets bridges generations through in-depth interviews, cultural commentary, and curated music programming that documents the voices shaping music history.
Past guests include Valerie Simpson, Melba Moore, Karyn White, Ray Chew, Glenn Jones, Alyson Williams, 3× Grammy-winning producer Darius “Deezle” Harrison (Lil Wayne – Tha Carter III), and Grammy-nominated songwriter Dustin “Dab” Bowie (Beyoncé).
Weekly signature programming includes Hip-Hop Saturdays—featuring themed playlists and commentary reflecting the pulse of the culture—and R&B Sundays, celebrating legendary voices while spotlighting rising artists carrying the torch forward.
Distributed via RedCircle and available on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, TuneIn, and more, Soul of the Streets continues to serve as a living archive preserving the voices, stories, and music history shaping the culture today.
As the archive continues to grow, Soul of the Streets remains committed to discovering new voices and documenting the next chapter of R&B and Hip-Hop culture.
Soul of the Streets — We saw the future first.

This week on Soul of the Streets, Gus sits with Jay Luciano — a Bronx voice who’s built his name off consistency, hunger, and showing up even when the numbers don’t match the work.Jay speaks on the reality behind momentum: the hits, the misses, and the records that should’ve moved more — including “Liquor,” a joint he knows deserved extra eyes and ears. This conversation goes deeper than the music; it’s about staying locked in through the ups and downs.From navigating pressure in a city full of legends to understanding what real growth takes, Jay opens up about evolution, confidence, and pushing himself as an artist.If you value artists who move with intention — not gimmicks — tap in.🛰️ Follow @thehypenyc on IG & @thehyperadionyc on X🎧 Stream now — real artists, real stories, real culture.

This week’s episode is rooted in intention.“Heart & Soul” is for the moments when R&B strips everything down and gets honest again.These records don’t chase trends — they pull you in.Voices that feel lived in.Stories wrapped in harmony.Instrumentation that breathes.This is the side of R&B that brings you back to yourself — the part that reminds you why soul music lasts longer than the moment.Just pure soul — delivered with care and curated with purpose.📡 Follow @thehypenyc on IG and @thehyperadionyc on X for real curation and legacy-centered R&B.🎧 Tap in. This is R&B the way it’s supposed to feel.

This week’s episode is about presence —the kind you earn, not the kind you pretend to have.“Street Dominance” is for the artists whose voices cut through the noise because they’ve lived the weight behind every bar.These tracks move with intent —heavy bass, sharper flows, stories that don’t flinch.It’s the sound of standing tall in your truth,the sound of being grounded enough to make noise without losing your identity.This is for the ones shaping the culture from the concrete up.🛰️ Follow @thehypenyc on IG & @thehyperadionyc on X🎧 Tap in. Street Dominance — where the voice matches the work.

This week on Soul of the Streets, Gus sits down with Shinuh — an artist, a creative, and a woman owning every layer of who she is.This isn’t just about music. Shinuh opens up about balancing multiple hustles, navigating visibility with vitiligo, and staying grounded while expressing herself fully. She speaks on identity, confidence, and the moments that shaped her voice on and off the mic.From style to storytelling to the emotion behind her records, Shinuh brings honesty, humor, and heart — reminding us that real artistry is about embracing the parts of yourself the world doesn’t always understand.If you value truth in the journey and creatives who move with intention, this conversation is for you.🛰️ Follow @thehypenyc on IG & @thehyperadionyc on X🎧 Stream now — real stories, real women, real culture.

This week’s episode is rooted in intention.“Pure Soul” is for the moments when R&B strips everything down and gets honest again.These records don’t chase trends — they pull you in.Voices that feel lived in.Stories wrapped in harmony.Instrumentation that breathes.This is the side of R&B that brings you back to yourself — the part that reminds you why soul music lasts longer than the moment.No noise.No gimmicks.Just pure soul — delivered with care and curated with purpose.📡 Follow @thehypenyc on IG and @thehyperadionyc on X for real curation and legacy-centered R&B.🎧 Tap in. This is R&B the way it’s supposed to feel.

This week on Soul of the Streets, we’re tapping into something deeper — Culture Driven.This isn’t trend-chasing.This is foundation-building.These are records rooted in identity, intention, and the responsibility that comes with calling yourself an artist. The kind of Hip Hop shaped by environment, sharpened by experience, and carried by voices that understand the culture is bigger than the moment.From hungry spitters proving their weight to seasoned artists reinforcing their stance, every track stands on something. Not just beats — but belief.If you believe Hip Hop is more than algorithms…If you know culture isn’t borrowed — it’s lived…This episode is for you.🛰️ Follow @thehypenyc on IG & @thehyperadionyc on X🎧 Tap in. Culture Driven — where the music still means something.

This week on Soul of the Streets, Gus sits down with The Smart Guy — a voice reshaping how young Black men think about discipline, purpose, and legacy.He breaks down the cycles we inherit, the emotional control required to grow, and why nobody’s coming to save us — meaning we have to become the solution ourselves.From redefining strength in 2026 to the philosophy behind Beautiful Violence, he speaks with clarity, conviction, and responsibility. This is motivation with structure, leadership with intention, and truth that hits where it needs to.If you value guidance over gimmicks and legacy over noise — tap in.🛰️ Follow @thehypenyc on IG & @thehyperadionyc on X🎧 Stream now — real instruction in real time.

This week’s episode is about restoration.“Soul Better” isn’t just a vibe — it’s a reminder.That R&B still heals.Still centers.Still reaches places nothing else can touch.These records feel intentional.Voices that carry truth.Melodies that sit with you instead of rushing past you.Because sometimes you don’t need louder.You need deeper.📡 Follow @thehypenyc on IG and @thehyperadionyc on X for real curation and legacy-centered R&B.🎧 Tap in. Soul Better — where the music does the work quietly.

Supporting The Hottest Hip Hop Artists On Their Grind.Follow Us On Instagram (@TheHypeNYC) and Twitter (@TheHypeRadioNYC) For The Hottest Hip Hop/R&B Artists On Their Grind.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/soul-of-the-streets/donations