The Brilliant Idiots – "No Shoes McGee" (Ft. N.O.R.E.)
Date: September 13, 2025
Hosts: Charlamagne Tha God & Andrew Schulz
Guest: N.O.R.E. (of Drink Champs)
Episode Overview
This episode of The Brilliant Idiots spotlights hip hop legend, media entrepreneur, and master storyteller N.O.R.E. (aka Noreaga). The conversation ranges from family milestones and health journeys to behind-the-scenes moments in hip hop, touching on N.O.R.E.’s growth as an artist, podcaster, and person. With humor and raw honesty, N.O.R.E. offers reflections on personal transformation, the culture of running, iconic hip hop beefs, and the power of community. The episode is rich with original stories, memorable quotes, and open dialogue about legacy, change, and following one’s path.
Main Themes & Purpose
- Personal Evolution: N.O.R.E. discusses his journey from street life and rap stardom to media mogul, runner, and grandfather.
- Hip Hop Culture & Stories: Unique, firsthand stories from N.O.R.E.'s career and relationships in hip hop.
- Media Responsibility: The challenges and ethics of being an interviewer and media figure.
- Community and Legacy: Impact of uplifting one’s community, evolving beyond stereotypes, championing others, and positive transformation.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. N.O.R.E.’s Running Journey & Health Transformation
Timestamps: 03:09 – 11:15
- N.O.R.E. talks about leaning into health: jogging, running races worldwide, and connecting with the New York Road Runners.
- Challenges and importance of promoting health within his community: "How do I take this and promote health and wellness to my people, right? I'm one of the coolest people on the planet, right? Facts, right?" (04:07)
- Losing 45 lbs, ongoing fitness, and public perceptions: "Running is addictive. Once you see the results... but you ain’t gonna do that with running. Running is gonna take some time." (06:47)
- Candid banter about recovery shoes and the "secret society" of dedicated runners.
2. Family & Becoming a Grandfather
Timestamps: 09:13 – 11:41
- N.O.R.E. beams about new grandfatherhood and family legacy: "One of the best feelings in the world... this is even better… no responsibility." (09:36)
- Amusing tales about his grandson, Naziah, continuing family naming traditions, and watching the next generation grow up.
3. Inside Hip Hop – Key Stories, Beefs, and Industry Lessons
Timestamps: 12:06 – 26:23
- Discusses a recent Drink Champs moment with Pharrell and subsequent drama with Pusha T over Drake-related comments:
- "That's the first time I ever heard Pusha T raise his voice... And I said to Pharrell, 'Pusha T or Drake?' And he said, 'Both, man.' Push your T...I'm shutting the f*** up. I'm just gonna let you vent." (12:27)
- On Pharrell: "'For years he was like, Nori, don't do no crime in front of me. Because I'm gonna tell.'" (13:04)
- Explains the complex etiquette of music beef and interview revelations; draws parallels between the responsibility of hosting an interview and featuring a diss on a record.
4. Media, Accountability, and the Power of Conversation
Timestamps: 18:45 – 26:26
- Debate over who’s responsible for what’s said on interviews vs. records.
- N.O.R.E. highlights how interviews can shape professional opportunities and cultural narratives.
- "Don't blame me for what somebody else says... If I ask a question and they give an answer about you, take it to them." (18:45, Charlamagne)
- Explores past mistakes regarding diss tracks, standing by his growth, "If I had a chance to do it all over, I would not have used that verse." (20:06)
5. Legendary, Never-Before-Told Hip Hop Moments
Timestamps: 23:24 – 26:46
- Biggie almost signing Capone (of CNN): "If Biggie would have signed Capone, me and you probably never met… Cause I couldn't have stood in front of that." (23:58)
- Candid reflections on Cold War era hip hop, unscripted radio show encounters, and behind-the-scenes camaraderie and competition.
6. N.O.R.E.’s Lost Documentary
Timestamps: 28:20 – 35:50
- N.O.R.E. recounts an unreleased, candid, hip hop documentary shot with Ted Demme. Legendary backstage moments, including a prank by Johnny Depp and Ted Demme involving fake cocaine:
- "I look closer and it's… Johnny Depp. So they're sitting there, he was acting... I thought they was really sniffing coke!" (32:41)
- On dealing with grief after Ted Demme and Chris Lighty’s deaths and how those losses affected his drive and attitude.
7. Big Pun & Competition in Hip Hop
Timestamps: 35:47 – 39:39
- Details on meeting, befriending, and competing with Big Pun:
- "Pun used to rhyme sitting down, used to bring a whole couch in the booth… For him to hold his breath like that… it was amazing."
- "It's hard to see their greatness when you're competing with them... it's a secret competition." (38:10)
- On coping with loss and regret over not fully mourning loved ones.
8. Puerto Rican Identity, Community, and Reggaeton
Timestamps: 40:10 – 56:25
- N.O.R.E. and the crew discuss Puerto Rican pride, the unique dynamics of Puerto Rican New Yorkers vs. islanders, and "who gets to claim the culture."
- Stories from boxing crowds, Puerto Rican Day Parade, and why Bad Bunny’s residency is so momentous for Puerto Rico’s economy and international visibility:
- "That’s one of the coolest things ever done in history for the community." (51:08, on Bad Bunny’s residency)
- "Bad Bunny showed me love at Madison Square Garden… so I don’t even think he knew me… just let me be humble." (51:20)
- On the explosion of reggaeton and N.O.R.E.’s role in its visibility: "Doing Reggaeton was one of the most genius things I’ve ever done. I had to see the foresight." (50:13)
9. Reflections on Growth, Bitterness, and Aging in the Game
Timestamps: 72:54 – 90:22
- N.O.R.E. on rewiring his perspective in his new memoir: "I didn't realize how much of the game I didn't play at that time... I was too reactionary... sensitive…" (87:40)
- Learning the futility of online beef: "Angela Yee gave me the best advice. She was like, 'Walk across the street and then walk back and tell me how many people ask you about that?' ... No one brought up the subject that was happening on Twitter." (95:53)
10. The Power of Podcasting and Storytelling
Timestamps: 90:41 – 92:38
- Charlamagne and N.O.R.E. discuss the reach and power of Drink Champs, shaping not just individual careers but the history of hip hop:
- "Nori is a phenomenal storyteller… You have allowed people for the last decade… to be able to tell their stories." (90:41)
11. Artist Development & The "No Shoes McGee" Rant
Timestamps: 111:31 – 113:12
- N.O.R.E. laments lack of artist development, explaining why he hesitates to host new artists lacking media training or personality.
- "'No shoes McGee' comes up and he's the shit… but just know everyone else has been the shit, too. There's been the shit before you, and it's gonna be shit after you." (112:38)
12. Kindness, Growth, and Lessons Learned
Timestamps: 104:45 – 110:11
- On whether people are born or learn to be kind:
- "If you see a person that smiles and their smile is genuine, they've been through some shit… That's the person who – peace. I do not want to disturb." (105:11, N.O.R.E.)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- N.O.R.E., on change and resilience:
"I'm really a positive individual. I'm really like, who I was – you can't hold me to that standard... we have to accept people’s growth." (76:41) - Charlamagne, on media responsibility:
"Don't blame me for what somebody else says... If I ask a question and they give an answer about you, take it to them. Don't come to me and say, why'd you ask that question? Cause that's my job." (18:45) - N.O.R.E., on community after becoming a grandfather:
"Now I realize that there's a whole society of maniac people that's like me, and I have to hang with them now." (03:13) - On artists growth:
"I have to grow, I can't be the same person that you are. And I have to expand..." (88:42) - On podcast legacy:
"Nori, to me, everything happened – nothing happens without the War Report – but the podcast is probably the greatest thing to happen to Nori… You have allowed people… to be able to tell their stories." (90:41, Charlamagne)
Funniest & Most Memorable
- On giving bad gifts:
"He bought me these Haitian slippers... It was like I put on cement... he gave no thought to my gift." (102:19) - “No Shoes McGee” Speech (On interviewing new artists):
"...No shoes McGee comes on the show, and I'm like, hey, no shoes McGee... and he's on lean. This was worse than y'all bringing him here... get the fuck out of here, No shoes McGee. I don't need this interview. I'ma birdman you, all three of y'all, get out of here. You're finished and you're done." (113:03) - On flower pot rumors with Nas:
"That's the Mandela effect, then. Cause I swear I heard you say it, though." (77:46, Charlamagne)
Timestamps for Critical Segments
- Intro & Australia banter: 00:58–02:37
- Running/Health Journey: 03:09–11:15
- Grandfatherhood: 09:13–11:41
- Drink Champs & Pusha T/Pharrell Story: 12:06–16:41
- Music beefs & etiquette: 18:29–22:26
- Biggie/Capone Story: 23:24–26:46
- Lost Documentary/Johnny Depp: 28:20–35:50
- Big Pun & Hip Hop Competition: 35:49–39:39
- Puerto Rican Culture: 40:10–56:25
- Bad Bunny & Reggaeton: 50:13–51:38
- Leo Cohen & Industry Lessons: 52:24–55:58
- Media growth/Angela Yee advice: 95:53–99:14
- Podcast genesis/legacy: 99:13–104:11
- Kindness discussion: 104:45–110:11
- No Shoes McGee/New Artist rant: 111:31–113:12
- Kodak Black story: 114:02–116:17
Conclusion
"No Shoes McGee" is a vibrant and introspective episode that showcases the wit, wisdom, and growth of N.O.R.E. The dialog blends humor, honest storytelling, and cultural insight, making it essential listening for hip hop historians, industry insiders, and anyone interested in the transformation possible in life and art. N.O.R.E.'s stories, humility, and evolving outlook offer both entertainment and inspiration—a true masterclass in living, learning, and moving forward.
Listen for:
- Rare tales about Biggie, Nas, and Pun.
- Behind-the-scenes hip hop lore.
- Unfiltered advice on health, media, and kindness.
- Glimpses into N.O.R.E.'s personal evolution and legacy.
- The infamous "No Shoes McGee" diatribe on new rap artists.
(All timestamps refer to MM:SS in the provided transcript. Quotes are attributed as per the transcript, with minor edits for clarity.)