
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.

🎤 Live music hits different.Some concerts become unforgettable memories, while others become the ones you wish you'd never missed.In this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast, I share the 10 artists who gave me unforgettable live concert experiences—and the two legendary artists I still regret never seeing.🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

🎙️ NEW EPISODE: Verse of the Week – "Adore" by Prince 💜Some songs are timeless. Others become part of your life. "Adore" is one of those songs.In this episode of The Rap Soul Podcast, I break down why I believe Prince's Adore is one of the greatest love songs ever recorded. We talk about Prince's incredible songwriting, unforgettable vocals, the emotion behind the lyrics, and why this song still resonates decades later.We also take a trip back to the days of talking on the phone until the sun came up, making slow-jam tapes, and discovering that the best music never gets old.If you're a Prince fan—or simply appreciate great music and great songwriting—this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

What exactly IS Neo Soul?Is it really a genre...Or was it simply a marketing term created by the music industry?Inspired by comments from D'Angelo and Raphael Saadiq, this episode explores where the term "Neo Soul" came from, why so many artists rejected it, and why soul music may never need a label at all.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.https://therapsoulpodcast.riverside.com

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.