blankSLATE with SaVon
A reintroduction. blankSLATE is what comes next for SaVon, a clean canvas to reveal a voice he hasn't fully shown yet. A culture and music commentary podcast going past the headline and past the algorithm to find a different lens on media, music, and everything happening within the culture. A return to the kind of podcasting that built the format, before the clip economy reduced every show to a moment. Two shows. One name.
Episodes
Ep. 6 | "Watch the Throne... Fall" | Culture Accountability
Nobody's off limits anymore, and the first name that comes to mind when SaVon thinks of untouchable is Jay-Z. This episode walks the straight-line path that got hip hop here — Me Too, R. Kelly, Diddy, and finally Drake and Kendrick — and lands on why the culture is now openly questioning a man who spent 30 years controlling the narrative without ever having to say a word. SaVon and Yassy also get
"The Great Whites!" | Yassy's Radio Debut: Her Akademiks Origin, Trauma Bonding +MORE | blankSLATE Radio
Trauma bonding built this friendship, and now it's building a segment. Yassy makes her first crossover onto the Radio side, and before we even touch current events, we're going all the way back — how she actually linked with Akademiks (email, not a tweet, and yes, there's an Applebee's involved), what nobody knows about her radio dreams before blankSLATE, and why LA burned both of us out in almost
Episode 5 | "Lab Rats With Wi-Fi" | The Social Experiment
There used to be a line between watching entertainment and being used by it. This episode makes the case that the line is gone and that the audience became the experiment without ever agreeing to it. SaVon and Yassy use Love Island, the Verzuz stage, and the long-running Tyler Perry and 50 Cent debate as entry points into a larger conversation about engineered attention, reaction turned into pro
Episode 4 | "Famous At 5, Untouchable At 50" (with YassyTV) | The Monoculture Conversation
There used to be such a thing as monoculture — one moment everyone was tapped into at the same time. Michael Jackson was the last person to truly have it, and this episode makes the case for why the world will never make another. Everybody throws his name around — Kanye, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Usher, even Taylor Swift — but SaVon and Yassy, joined by Karl aka FilmGawd, break down the seven buckets
"The Internet Had A Lot To Say" + Reacting To The Elliott Wilson $20k | blankSLATE Radio
SaVon breaks down exactly when the contract was signed, when payment was due, and why the "life happened" excuse doesn't hold up. This is the full story, for the last time.
Episode 3 | "Eat What You Kill" | The Elliott Wilson Story
The other half of the story, and the part that lingers. SaVon traces what happened after the work was done and the money never came — the silence, an offer that wasn't really an offer, and the question of who answers when the people at the top go quiet. Less about the $20,000 than what the whole thing revealed about Elliott Wilson, Roc Nation, and the business behind them. Become a member of bla
Episode 2 | "The $20,000 Mistake" | The Elliott Wilson Story
Full Story available early on Patreon. Join here: https://www.patreon.com/blankslatehq SaVon breaks down the $20,000 he lost on a high-profile podcast season tied to Elliott Wilson and backed by Roc Nation. He left a stable job to bet on himself and carried the risk alone. He was warned before he ever signed — and went anyway. Part 1 is how it started, what made him say yes, and what it ended up
"Two Pimps, One Algorithm" — How Clip Culture Works | blankSLATE Radio
The internet found a way to make humiliation pay rent. Deen the Great and Adrien Broner. Adam22 and Lena the Plug. Two arrangements, one machine — and a clipping economy that pays the most for your lowest moment. We pull it apart: where the money actually goes, why you can't escape these people, and what the algorithm is quietly training all of us to become. — Become a member of blankSLATE on
Episode 1 | "Reality Is Optional" | with YassyTV
For the first official episode of blankSLATE, SaVon and Yassy use Jay-Z's Roots Picnic freestyle, Dame Dash's ongoing criticism of his former business partner, Akademiks' interview with Daphne Joy, and the rapid rise of AI as entry points into a larger conversation about celebrity culture, internet narratives, parasocial relationships, and the growing gap between perception and reality. The episod
"The Saddest Beef in Hip-Hop History" — JAY-Z vs Dame Dash | blankSLATE Radio
Two men built an empire together and haven't spoken business since 2004. Only one of them can't stop bringing it up. Dame Dash and Jay-Z built Roc-A-Fella together. They haven't done business since 2004. Now one of them won't stop talking about the other. After Jay-Z's Roots Picnic freestyle, Dame responded the way he always does — a camera, a meme, a round of jokes. Everybody ran the same clip
"Charlamagne Was the Target" — The Akademiks Smear Campaign | blankSLATE Radio
DJ Akademiks and Charlamagne Tha God have spent years orbiting each other as two of the most influential voices in hip-hop media. Now that relationship appears to be broken. After a private conversation between the two became public, Akademiks launched a sustained public campaign against Charlamagne across multiple streams, posts, and platforms. — Become a member of blankSLATE on Patreon — ad-f
"JAY-Z Said Rap Beef Was Dead… Then Shot at Drake"| blankSLATE Radio
He spent two months telling everyone beef was killing the culture. Then he took four minutes to answer all of it. Two months ago JAY-Z told GQ that rap beef was taking the culture backwards. On May 30 at Roots Picnic, he stood on stage and answered everybody in four minutes. Drake. Dame Dash. Jaguar Wright. Kanye. Nicki. He even pulled up the Un Rivera stabbing on himself. This one breaks down w
"West Coast Media Wants Control of the Narrative" — DJ Hed & Jeremy Hecht | blankSLATE Radio
DJ Hed is in the headlines after editing the West Coast disses out of Drake's "2 Hard 4 The Radio" — and aired the cleaned-up version on his own broadcast. Jeremy Hecht is going at DJ Akademiks, claiming Ak takes money from Truth Social. The receipts pointed to Rumble instead. Both former co-hosts of The Bigger Picture. Both made waves this week. I break down what actually happened on both fronts,
"The Hip-Hop Media Cold War" — Akademiks vs Charlamagne | blankSLATE Radio
There's a Cold War brewing in hip hop media, and nobody's calling it what it is. DJ Akademiks says nobody's off limits. But watch how he moves — the gloves are only really off for two people. Joe Budden, DJ Akademiks and Charlamagne Tha God are on a crash course, and they're not even fighting the same way. Joe Budden fights with his independence and fame. Charlamagne Tha God fights with the med
"First Look" +Drake & Hip Hop Media NEED Each Other | blankSLATE Radio (Ad-Free Version on Patreon)
SaVon returns with another installment of blankSLATE Radio — breaking down Drake's codependent relationship with hip hop media, the ecosystem connecting Joe Budden, Akademiks, Mal, and why everybody involved benefits from the cycle. He also dives into the growing war between YouTube and Netflix, paywalls changing podcast visibility, and what independent creator-led media looks like moving forward.
"Setting the Table" +Community Response | blankSLATE Radio
SaVon opens blankSLATE Radio — the reactive lane of blankSLATE, built for the conversation between the deep dives. In this episode: why Radio exists, how the two-lane system works, the three E's the whole thing runs on — entertain, educate, edify (and the fourth nobody says out loud: evergreen) and the proper close on the Need To Know chapter. Multiple drops a week! You're not the audience, you're
The Need to Know Closed. blankSLATE Begins.
A reintroduction. Past the Headline. Past the Algorithm. Past the Noise. blankSLATE is what comes next for SaVon, a culture and music commentary podcast going past the headline, past the algorithm, past the noise. A different lens on media, music, and everything happening within the culture. Made to outlast whatever's trending this week. Two shows. One name. The main pod drops weekly, long conv
Joe Budden | "THE GOLD STANDARD" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 232)
From the Need to Know Podcast era — the show has officially come to an end. This is part of the archive. Enjoy the guest conversations. A deep conversation with Joe Budden on media, relationships, and the realities behind running one of the most influential podcasts in culture. Joe reflects on the evolution of his platform, navigating public fallout, and the balance between business, friendship, a
Joe Budden | "ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 238)
From the Need to Know Podcast era — the show has officially come to an end. This is part of the archive. Enjoy the guest conversations. A wide-ranging conversation with Joe Budden on music, media, and the evolving creator landscape. The group reflects on industry narratives, platform dynamics, and what it takes to sustain relevance over time. Topics include: Media perception vs. reality Streami
THE NEED TO KNOW POD | EP. 344 (FINAL EPISODE)
This marks the end of The Need to Know Podcast. The show is complete, and everything below this episode is part of the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. SaVon and Alex reflect on the journey, 2025, and what comes next.
The Kid Mero | "HOOD HISTORIAN" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 313)
Originally released: July 7, 2025 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. SaVon and Alex sit down with Mero for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on media, ownership, and building in today's creator landscape. From BX stories to real industry insight, this one blends humor with perspective through
Elliott Wilson | "MOMENT OF CLARITY" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 292)
Originally released: January 2025 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A candid conversation with Elliott Wilson on hip-hop media, independence, and navigating relationships in the industry. From critiques of new media to the evolving landscape of the culture, Elliott shares perspective on legacy
Ish from the JBP| "WORDS MEAN THINGS" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 334)
Originally released: October 13, 2025 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A wide-ranging conversation with Ish and Yassy on relationships, media narratives, and the realities behind public perception. From transactional culture to industry power dynamics, the discussion also touches on business,
Ian Dunlap | "HOUSE OF CARDS" (ARCHIVE)
Originally released: March 6, 2025 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A wide-ranging conversation with Ian Dunlap on wealth, investing, and navigating the realities of building and maintaining financial leverage. From market outlooks to public perception, the discussion also touches on legacy,
Mandii B | "PAID IN PASTA" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 259)
Originally released: May 16, 2024 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A candid conversation with Mandii B on podcasting, public perception, and navigating transitions in media. From creative pressure to industry relationships, Mandii shares insight on building across platforms, handling controve
Lowkey | "THE CAMPFIRE" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 276)
Mecca | "MY QUALIFIED OPINION" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 332)
Originally released: October 6, 2025 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A deep conversation with Mecc Rashawn on artistry, legacy, and the role of mentorship in hip-hop. From his work behind the scenes to shaping influential platforms and moments in the culture, Mecc shares insight on integrity
Rainey | "GAME OF PODS" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 312)
This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A wide-ranging conversation with Rainey on creativity, identity, and building across multiple lanes in media. From music and sketch comedy to storytelling and collaboration, Rainey shares perspective on his process, influences, and navigating growth as a creat
Nyla Symone | "STANDING ON BUSINESS" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 311)
This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era.
Nyla Symone | "AND THE 'F' IS FOR...WHAT?" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 310)
Parks & Rem | "6'5 WHITE CHOCOLATE" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 87)
Filmed: January 23, 2020 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era.
Mandii B | "ROCKY MOUNTAIN OYSTERS" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 273)
Art | "LEAVE BUTTONS ALONE" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 326)
Mandii B | "FIND YOUR TRIBE" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 280)
Eddin | "EVERYBODY'S LYING" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 251)
Originally released: March 28, 2024 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A return appearance from Eddin for a wide-ranging conversation on music, culture, and the dynamics shaping hip-hop today. The discussion centers around WE DON'T TRUST YOU, unpacking the evolving relationships between Drake,
Eddin | "ÈN HIS BAG" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 234)
Originally released: November 16, 2023 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A conversation with Eddin on his journey through media, from DJing to working across some of the biggest podcasts in the space. The discussion also touches on the aftermath of the Rory & Mal split, navigating public narra
Nyla Symone | "WE NEED TO TALK" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 228)
Jaewon | "LOSERS & LAMES" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 227)
Elliott Wilson | "GOD FORGIVES, DRAKE DON'T" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 222)
Originally released: August 24, 2023 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A wide-ranging conversation with Elliott Wilson on hip-hop, media, and legacy. From his perspective on today's rap landscape to building Rap Radar, Elliott shares insight on industry relationships, cultural moments, and the
Ish | "GAME TAPE" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 221)
Originally released: August 10, 2023 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A candid conversation with Ish on life before podcasting, navigating success alongside one of the biggest shows in the space, and balancing business, fatherhood, and public perception. The discussion also touches on real es
Armon Sadler & Miss2Bees | "THE CONCEPT OF A PLAN" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 279)
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