
Hosted by The Rap Soul Podcast · EN
The Rap Soul Podcast is where hip hop and R&B intersect. This podcast delivers album reviews, artist features, and discussions about hip hop and R&B from the 80s, 90s, and 00s. It is a compelling show that blends the worlds of rap and soul music, offering listeners a deep dive into the intersection of these genres. Hosted by 12Kyle, the podcast explores the rich history, influential artists, and evolving trends within rap and soul.
Each episode features discussions on classic tracks, artist spotlights, and thematic explorations that highlight the emotional and cultural impact of these genres. 12Kyle often shares personal insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert opinions, creating an engaging and informative experience for fans of both rap and soul.
The Rap Soul Podcast is a great listen for anyone interested in understanding the profound connection between these musical styles and their broader cultural significance.

What is the greatest New York hip-hop album of all time?It sounds like a simple question... until you actually have to answer it.Inspired by 9th Wonder's bold claim that Mobb Deep's The Infamous is the greatest New York hip-hop album ever, 12Kyle is joined by Eclectic for an unforgettable debate that dives deep into some of the most legendary albums in hip-hop history.Instead of relying on personal favorites, we judge each album using five criteria: Lyrics Production Replayability Impact CoherenceAlong the way, we discuss classics from Nas, Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, A Tribe Called Quest, LL Cool J, Boogie Down Productions, Run-D.M.C., Raekwon, Mobb Deep, and more.There are hot takes, plenty of laughs, and a few opinions that are guaranteed to spark debate.Now it's your turn...What is the greatest New York hip-hop album of all time? Drop your Top 5 in the comments!Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.https://therapsoulpodcast.riverside.com

Artificial intelligence has entered the hip-hop debate.In this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast, 12Kyle asks ChatGPT one of the most debated questions in music:Who is the greatest rapper of all time?Instead of simply accepting the answer, he breaks down ChatGPT's reasoning, challenges several of its rankings, and explores whether any computer can truly settle a debate that has lasted for decades.The episode becomes less about who is "right" and more about what criteria actually matter when judging greatness.https://therapsoulpodcast.riverside.com

This episode explores whether older hip-hop fans have become the very people they once criticized—the adults who dismissed rap music as "noise." Inspired by a social media post from Isaac Hayes III, you examine the ongoing tension between hip-hop's older generation and younger fans and artists.https://therapsoulpodcast.riverside.com

What was the greatest hip-hop album released the year you graduated from high school?For me, the answer is easy: Death Certificate by Ice Cube.In this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast, I take a deep dive into one of the most important and controversial albums in hip-hop history. Released in 1991, Death Certificate wasn't just an album—it was a powerful statement about race, politics, police brutality, economic inequality, gang culture, and Black empowerment.I break down:Why the album was ahead of its timeThe significance of the "Death Side" and "Life Side"The impact of Rodney King and the social climate of Los AngelesSongs like "A Bird in the Hand," "Color Blind," and "No Vaseline"Why this album remains essential listening 35 years laterWhat was the best hip-hop album released the year YOU graduated from high school?

Is Illmatic really NaS' greatest album?Or has It Was Written been underrated all these years?12Kyle and eclectik break down both albums track-by-track, category-by-category, and settle one of hip-hop's biggest debates.Coherence Impact Replayability Lyrics ProductionWhich album are YOU taking?

1989 was one of the greatest years in hip hop.De La Soul.Big Daddy Kane.Public Enemy.The DOC.Queen Latifah.EPMD.Slick Rick.Rap music was evolving in REAL TIME.New episode of The Rap Soul Podcast available now.Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTubehttps://therapsoulpodcast.riverside.com

Los Angeles gave hip hop some of the greatest albums ever recorded — but which ones belong at the top?On this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast, 12Kyle is joined by Baylor from the BTG For President Podcast to break down and debate the 25 greatest LA hip hop albums of all time.From N.W.A., Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, DJ Quik, and Snoop Dogg to Kendrick Lamar, Nipsey Hussle, The Game, and more — the fellas discuss classic albums, cultural impact, West Coast history, gang politics, CD era nostalgia, and why certain albums still hit decades later.Topics include:Why Doggystyle changed everythingIs The Chronic better than Doggystyle?Kendrick Lamar’s place in LA rap historyWhy Dogg Food deserves more respectThe impact of Eazy-E and N.W.A.The greatest rookie run in hip hop historyWhy LA hip hop is still dominating todayWest Coast hip hop fans — this one's for you.

In this episode of THE RAP SOUL PODCAST, 12Kyle shares his nostalgic experience with the BMG music service in the 90s, exploring how it offered free CDs for a penny and its impact on music consumption and piracy. 12Kyle discusses the business model, personal anecdotes, and the shift to digital file sharing that changed the music industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Rap Soul Podcast02:47 The BMG Experience: A Journey into Free Music16:39 The Impact of BMG on Music ConsumptionAUDIO https://therapsoulpodcast.riverside.comYOUTUBE https://youtu.be/-Yl633G2O-Y

In this episode of THE RAP SOUL PODCAST, host 12Kyle explores the controversial topic of banning cell phones at concerts, examining the impact on the live experience, safety, and the culture of recording moments. 12Kyle shares personal insights and examples from music and comedy events, advocating for being present over recording.Chapters00:00 The Cell Phone Debate at Concerts19:02 Conclusion: Embracing the Moment Without PhonesAUDIO https://therapsoulpodcast.riverside.comYOUTUBE https://youtu.be/PiAyqgyUkJU

In this episode of THE RAP SOUL PODCAST, host 12Kyle discusses the year 1987, highlighting its significance in hip hop history.He explores breakout artists, apex figures, essential albums, and classic releases that defined 1987.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Greatest Year in Hip Hop04:22 Breakout Stars of 198711:37 Apex Rappers of 198717:54 Essential Albums of 198726:26 Certified Classics of 1987AUDIO https://therapsoulpodcast.riverside.comYOUTUBE https://youtu.be/GA8Jj5hWFY0