encyclopedia Hip Hop
encyclopedia Hip Hop 200 episodes Nov 9, 2026
This podcast explores the Golden and Silver eras of hip hop, focusing on the emcees, groups, crews, and battles that shaped the culture. It highlights pioneers whose contributions are often overlooked or forgotten. Episodes include lists, debates, and shared memories of classic hip hop. The show aims to preserve respect and recognition for these architects of the genre.
Episodes
The Albums that never were
Hip Hop has always loved collaborations.Two rappers get on the same record.The chemistry is crazy.Everybody hears it and immediately says:“YO…THEY NEED TO MAKE A WHOLE ALBUM TOGETHER.”And then…They don’t.
Best Member: Hip Hop Groups w/12Kyle
A Quick game with 12Kyle finding out who he thinks is the best member of various Hip Hop Groups ... do you agree with him?
You Had To Be There: When NY Came Back
In the early ’90s, the West Coast had taken over Hip Hop, and New York was no longer running the show. But the city that helped create the culture wasn't going down quietly. From Wu-Tang Clan and Nas to Biggie and Mobb Deep, a new generation of MCs brought the spotlight back to the East Coast. We're revisiting the albums, artists, and moments that put New York back on top and reminded everyone whe
Halloween: Why was Freddy Rapping?
Instead of a corny Halloween special, figured I'd look back to 1988 and try and find out why the hell was Freddy Kruger so interested in Hip Hop?!
You Had To Be There: When The West Took Over
In the early ’90s, the West Coast changed the landscape of Hip Hop. From N.W.A and Ice Cube to The Chronic, Doggystyle, and the G-Funk explosion, the spotlight shifted from New York to California.But was everything as great as history remembers?Eclectik revisits the West Coast takeover, explains his issues with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, and why he’d take Warren G over The Chronic any day.The impact
You Had To Be There: MC Hammer
MC Hammer was more than You Can't touch this and baggy pants, it was different being around during his rise
Who's The Champion: 1985 Hip Hop Season
Run-DMC are the Defending Champs, can they take down the young newcomers? Let's find out!I'm doing a league, no more who is the best, who is the goat, etc. etc.We are treating Hip Hop like a sport, each year is a season, we are taking Albums, Songs, Videos, Features, Impact all into consideration FOR THAT YEAR ONLYNot what you eventually did, what happened when it happened, and the Calendar matter
Favorite/Least Favorite song: Classic Albums
This episode I ask 12Kyle what is his Favorite and Least favorite song on 5 Classic Hip Hop Albums ... lets see if You or I agree with him
Who's The Champion: 1984 Hip Hop Season
I'm doing a league, no more who is the best, who is the goat, etc. etc.We are treating Hip Hop like a sport, each year is a season, we are taking Albums, Songs, Videos, Features, Impact all into consideration FOR THAT YEAR ONLYNot what you eventually did, what happened when it happened, and the Calendar matters, if you dropped near the end of the year, welp ... see you next yearWe are doing 1984 t
Essential Song (1979 - 1985)
People forget that Hip Hop started well before Boogie Down Productions, Eric B and Rakim, and Public Enemy ... so with this episode I'm give you ONE song per every year 1979 to 1985 that I think it's essential for a Hip Hop music fan to have in their mental rolodex.
My Top 10 Whodini songs in order
Whodunit goes overlooked as one of the pioneers of Hip Hop music especially making it to mainstream, they weren't just Hip Hop they were the closest to R&B you could've gotten at the time.Today, my favorite Whodini songs in order
My Top 5 Hip Hop songs ever made
This is my list ... The Top 5 Greatest Hip Hop songs ever made, in orderLets see if you agree and what you think
My Favorite Diss Tracks aren't yours
Everyone has a list of the greatest diss tracks in Hip Hop, I decided instead of doing "The Best" I'd do my favorite ... so we don't see the same songs over and over.And of course, they are in order
Music Video Rewind: Night of The Living Baseheads
Going back looking at some of my favorite videos of the 80s and 90s to tell you or remind you how dope , wild, or just funny they were ... then you can go back and check them out again or for the first time.This time Public Enemy: Night Of The Living Baseheads
The thing about Jay-Z
A lot of people that listen to the show think I dislike Jay-Z or think he's bad (I mean now he is) but he used to be dope ... here's the thing ...
Chubb Rock - The First Album
What happened to the First Album Chubb Rock did?Why is it largely forgotten?Why did he rhyme completely different afterwards?I don't know, I just liked the album ... so I'm talking about it!
Self Destruction [The Stop The Violence Movement]
Looking back at the Self Destruction song and video with 12Kyle
Why early music has lasted
This is why I believe the songs we grew up listening to in the 80s and the 90s have lasted this long and will forever "age well"
Does Jay-Z have 10 Timeless songs?
In this new series we are asking does some of our favorite emcees truly have 10 timelesss songs, that regardless of generation the majority loves and will rock with an/or has stood the test of time since they were releasedIt's Kyle and I, so you know what's happening ... this time Jay-Z
Hip Hop Trivia
First edition of Hip Hop Trivia, this time with @12Kyle of the 12Kyle Podcast and the Rapsoul Podcast10 Questions ... I think they are easy, how will he do?How would you have done?
Hip Hop Music didn't start in '96
Just because every ALL TIME Great list in Hip Hop Music begins with BIG and ends with Kanye ... lets stop omitting the foundation
Favorite Hip Hop Videos of All Time
What are your favorite 5 Hip Hop music videos of all time?12Kyle and I give ours
The Joy of discovering new music
Back in the 70s, 80s and 90s finding new Hip Hop emcees and groups was 1/2 the fun
10 Timeless songs: LL Cool J
In this new series we are asking does some of our favorite emcees truly have 10 timelesss songs, that regardless of generation the majority loves and will rock with an/or has stood the test of time since they were releasedIt's Kyle and I, so you know what's happening ... first up LL!
When Being The Best was all there was
Remember when Emcees and Rap Groups just wanted to be seen as or known as the best?The best lyrics, Best Beats, Best DJ, Best Dancers?No one cared about a record sold or a chart.
Dope Emcee ... Worst Song
What are some of the worst songs made by Dope emcees?Do the best emcees haven bad songs?Kyle is back and we talk about it!
Music Video Rewind: Think About It (Special Ed)
Going back looking at some of my favorite videos of the 80s and 90s to tell you or remind you how dope , wild, or just funny they were ... then you can go back and check them out again or for the first time.This time Special Ed: Think About it!
Ranking EPMD Discography
My Favorite Hip Hop Group of all time, of course I'm going to rank their albums!
Ranking Redman Discography
The Funk Doc has one of the best discographies in all of Hip Hop IMOLet's put them in order!
It wasn't where you were from
It is now, in the 70s, 8-0s, and early 90s we didn't care where you were from, what coast, what section, what whatever, the only thing that mattered was if the music was dope.
Dana Dane is Cinema
This episode Dana Dane, his story rhymes and why I think he's the best to do it.
Kool G Rap Discography (Ranking)
Just like I ranked all of the Albums AZ had (at the time) I'm ranking the Discography of Kool G Rap ... lets see if my order matches your order.
UTFO
The Kangol Kid, Doctor Ice, The Educated Rapper, and Mix Master Ice collectively known as UTFO The Untouchable Force Organization.One of my favorite Hip Hop Groups of all time, so I wanted to do a long overdue episode ... let me know what you think!
What makes it dope
Coming off the unpopular opinion of who has dope music or classic albums, the question is, what makes something dope to me? Well ...
Ranking Mass Appeal Nas Verses
From the Albums released from: Clipse, Slick Rick, Ghostface, Raekwon, Big L, and De La Soul; Nas had at least one verse, on the project; Im ranking my favoritesHow did I do?
Unpopular Hip Hop Opinions
They're only opinions, and you will definitely not agree with them, but it's fun to discuss!If you enjoy, I will do more
Hip Hop Albums you never listened to [90s]
Just like the 80s episode ... taking some time to give you a few Hip Hop albums from the 90s that were dope, that you probably never listened to all the way (or heard of)
Hip Hop Albums you never listened to [80s]
Taking some time to give you a few Hip Hop albums from the 80s that were dope, that you probably never listened to all the way (or heard of)
Favorite 25 Female Emcees
Another list of me counting down my favorite solo female emcees in Hip Hop ... this list will not match your favorites, but listen anyway!
Write Your Own Rhymes
Why is it important that an emcees writes his or her ... or their own rhymes? Why is it different from emcees and singersHere is my opinion.
Hip Hop's Over 50 Club
Taking some time to spotlight how emcees over 50 years old are making some of the dopest and strongest albums in the past few years, it's great as a huge fan of the Golden age of Hip Hop to see some of the greatest to ever do it remain great!
Mixtape Exclusives
In the REAL Mixtape era of the early to mid 90s there were songs you only heard on Mixtapes, and without the Internet, most only heard from trading tapes/CDs or riding around with friends, wanted to point out some.
Favorite Sports References in Hip Hop
In the 80s and 90s there were always sports references in Hip Hop, the more obscure the better ... this is AFTER Basketball by Kurtis Blow.Anyway, wanted to highlight a few, let me know your favorites
The "My" Era of Hip Hop
In the 80s a lot of songs dropped and they were "My" this or "My" that, I wanted to take some time to talk about a few of my favorites back when Hip Hop was relatable Which were your favorites? What Did I not mention?
1990 Hip Hop Awards
Hip Hop STILL doesn't have a proper awards show, and it never has, the greatest of genre never got their just due and all of the classic emcees, songs, and DJs will never get their shine or love ... till now Im going back and giving the legends of 1990 their credit and just due ... roll with me.#90HipHopAwards #EHHPodcast #ApplePodcasts #HipHopAwards
The Myth That Rakim Changed Everything
There are a ton of people with the notion that before Rakim made a song everyone rhymed like Dr. Seuss books, while Rakim did it dope and did it better than most, it wasn't the case.Give me 10 minutes.
One Album Wonders
I wanted to do a quick show highlighting some Hip Hop artists that I enjoyed that only had one commercial release, and I wanted to hear more of them.
25 Favorite Hip Hop Groups
This was a lot easier than the emcees ... This is a list in order of my personal Top 25 Favorite Hip Hop Groups ... the order may change depending on the day, but this is pretty much it.Not saying they are BETTER than the next or other, but who I like to listen to the most, it's kinda shocking
25 Favorite Emcees
This wasn't easy ... This is a list in order of my personal Top 25 Favorite Emcees ... the order may change depending on the day, but this is pretty much it.Not saying they are BETTER than the next or other, but who I like to listen to the most, it's kinda shocking
Name 5 Emcees better than ...
12 Kyle is being made to name 5 emcees better than some of your favorites, lets see how he does!
Uncovering Gems
You ever buy an album on a whim and it ended up being dope? No promo, no word of mouth and it ended up a banger?
Freshman vs. Sophomore Albums
I grill 12 Kyle to pick which of an emcee's 1st or 2nd albums are better
Fresh Fest
The first full Hip Hop Tour, it was everything!
![Where in the Top 10? [80s Albums]](https://artwork.captivate.fm/f9b279ca-a9a8-4011-bcd8-23af735cad95/8A1Wxnui-LC9lsnykgEICCLI.jpg)
Where in the Top 10? [80s Albums]
In this episode 12 Kyle grills me to try and place random Hip Hop albums from the 80s in my top 10, 15, 20 ...
Truly Underrated Emcees
There's always talk about who is underrated, and most of the time the same emcees are always mentioned and/or on some peoples top 10Wanted to focus this one on, those who are dope and almost NEVER get mentioned ... kept by me!
#2 - Cinderfella (Dana Dane)
Still counting down the Top 50 Hip Hop story rhymes of the Golden Era We are at the TOP 10 and at number 2 we have Cinderfella by Dana Dane!Listen. Download. Comment. Share #EHHStory@TweetRhymesLifeIG: EncyclopediaHH#Hip Hop #Hip Hop StoryStory #80s #RapPodcast #HipHopPodcast
For The Ladies: Finesse & Synquis
I Wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the women in rhyme who put in work in the 80s and early 90s who do not get a lot of attention or mention in Hip Hop conversations ... maybe you'll go back in revisit some of their work or discover where some of the current flows come from.This episode is the super dope and underrated Hip Hop Group Finesse & Synquis! listen and let me know what you think
Name The Skip w/12Kyle
Having a little fun, I name the Hip Hop Album, Kyle named the Skip or Skips he feels is on that albumSimple and Easy ... come in a disagree let us know!
St. Ides and Hip Hop
On the heels of the Sprite "Obey Your Thirst" Hip Hop ads, St. Ides did something even better and bigger, Commercials, a Mixtape of the dopest artists and got an entire culture drinking one brand in unisonWhat a damn time!!!
#3 - 6 In The Morning (Ice-T)
Still counting down the Top 50 Hip Hop story rhymes of the Golden Era We are at the TOP 10 and at number 4 we have The Do Woo by LL Cool JListen. Download. Comment. Share #EHHStory@TweetRhymesLifeIG: EncyclopediaHH#Hip Hop #Hip Hop StoryStory #80s #RapPodcast #HipHopPodcast
For The Ladies: Vinia Mojica
I Wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the women in rhyme who put in work in the 80s and early 90s who do not get a lot of attention or mention in Hip Hop conversations ... maybe you'll go back in revisit some of their work or discover where some of the current flows come from.This episode is the singer/songwritter Vinia Mojica! listen and let me know what you think!@encyclopediaHH
DITC: Diggin in the crates
Lord Finesse, Diamond D, Big L, O.C., Fat Joe, Buckwild, Showbiz and A.G.The Collective is not talked about enough ... so I'm talking.
Battle Tracks vs. Diss Tracks
In the 80s and 90s there was a clear difference, back when emceeing was a vocal sport vs. research and bringing personal issues to the music.
Idol Makers: What could've been
Kid n Play, Salt n Pepa, Sweet Tee, Antionette, Dana Dane, Kwame ...WHAT was Hurby doing!? They were all together and did NOTHING!
Obey Your Thirst: Hip Hop Commercials done right
In the 90s Sprite launched a campaign with the slogan "Obey your thirst" directed to the Hip Hop Audience ... lets talk about it
#4 - The Do Wop (LL Cool J)
Still counting down the Top 50 Hip Hop story rhymes of the Golden Era We are at the TOP 10 and at number 4 we have The Do Woo by LL Cool JListen. Download. Comment. Share #EHHStory@TweetRhymesLifeIG: EncyclopediaHH#Hip Hop #Hip Hop StoryStory #80s #RapPodcast #HipHopPodcast
1989 Hip Hop Awards
Hip Hop STILL doesn't have a proper awards show, and it never has, the greatest of genre never got their just due and all of the classic emcees, songs, and DJs will never get their shine or love ... till now Im going back and giving the legends of 1989 their credit and just due ... roll with me.#89HipHopAwards #EHHPodcast #ApplePodcasts #HipHopAwards
The Roxanne Saga
The early 80's ... 1984 - 1985When UTFO and Roxanne Roxanne hit the air waves ... and then Roxanne Shante sparked a WAR, this episode was a long time in the making, if you were around, remember, if you weren't there will never be anything like this again
#5 - Black Steel in the hour of chaos (Public Enemy)
Still counting down the Top 50 Hip Hop story rhymes of the Golden Era We are at the TOP 10 and at number 5 we have Black Steel in the hour of chaos by Public Enemy!Listen. Download. Comment. Share #EHHStory@TweetRhymesLifeIG: EncyclopediaHH#Hip Hop #Hip Hop StoryStory #80s #RapPodcast #HipHopPodcast
When the DJ Rhymed
In the 80s and early 90s the DJ was the backbone of the crew/group ... rarely heard though, it was a legit surprise when the DJ actually rhymed ... figured I'd spotlight a few of my favorites
Top DeBarge Samples
The Debarge Family's songs have been sampled many times in Hip Hop, this episode I discuss a lot of my favoritesLet me know what you think! @encyclopediaHH
#6 - Delancey Street (Dana Dane)
Still counting down the Top 50 Hip Hop story rhymes of the Golden Era We are at the TOP 10 and at number 6 we have Delancey Street by The Rapper Entertainer Dana Dane with Fame!Listen. Download. Comment. Share #EHHStory@TweetRhymesLifeIG: EncyclopediaHH#Hip Hop #Hip Hop StoryStory #80s #RapPodcast #HipHopPodcast
#7 - Children's Story (Slick Rick The Ruler)
Still counting down the Top 50 Hip Hop story rhymes of the Golden Era We are at the TOP 10 and at number 7 we have Children's Story by Slick Rick The Ruler!Listen. Download. Comment. Share #EHHStory@TweetRhymesLifeIG: EncyclopediaHH#Hip Hop #Hip Hop StoryStory #80s #RapPodcast #HipHopPodcast
Songs Ranked: Licensed to ill
Ranking songs on classic albumsBased really on how much i've listen to the songs, then final rank is what I think is better.This episode is Licensed to ill!Lets have some fun, listen and then lets talk about it!
#8 - Mahogany (Eric B & Rakim)
Still counting down the Top 50 Hip Hop story rhymes of the Golden Era We are at the TOP 10 and at number 8 we have Mahogany by Eric B and RakimListen. Download. Comment. Share #EHHStory@TweetRhymesLifeIG: EncyclopediaHH#Hip Hop #Hip Hop StoryStory #80s #RapPodcast #HipHopPodcast
Songs Ranked: Illmatic
This is the first part of the series, instead of doing album reviews, Ive decided to rank the songs on the album worst to first ... The beginning rank is how much i've listen to the songs, then final rank is what I think is better.This episode is Illmatic!Lets have some fun, listen and then lets talk about it!
#9 - Today was a good day (Ice Cube)
Still counting down the Top 50 Hip Hop story rhymes of the Golden Era We are at the TOP 10 and at number 9 we have Today was a good day by Ice CubeListen. Download. Comment. Share #EHHStory@TweetRhymesLifeIG: EncyclopediaHH#Hip Hop #Hip Hop StoryStory #80s #RapPodcast #HipHopPodcast
Songs Ranked: Ready to Die
This is the first part of the series, instead of doing album reviews, Ive decided to rank the songs on the album worst to first ... The beginning rank is how much i've listen to the songs, then final rank is what I think is better.This episode is Ready to Die!Lets have some fun, listen and then lets talk about it!
The Best Rapper 1980 - 2000
Who was the best rapper each year from 1980 to 2000?What is the criteria? Best Songs? Albums? Coolest haircut?12Kyle and I are talking the talk
Fantasy Draft: Hip Hop Voices w/ @12KylePodcast
This episode of the Encyclopedia Hip hop Podcast Kyle from the @12kylepodcast and I go back to back 5 rounds and draft the best team of favorite/best Hip Hop Voices .. later on you can vote on IG and Twitter, and let us know who has the best team.Twitter and IG: encyclopediaHH#HipHopDraft
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