Breaking Atoms

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Channel • 4 Shows

Music History

Music History

Updated 1 day ago
Music History

Music History

Updated 13/08/2025
Music History

Music History

Weekly series
Music Commentary

Music Commentary

Updated 30/05/2025

1 day ago

Politics As Usual

In our second episode, we look at the process of making the Reasonable Doubt album, the internal struggles, signing to Payday Records, Roc-A-Fella Records renting their first office space, and finding a recording home at D & D Studios. Featuring in order of appearance: Dart Adams, Ski, Rob Markman, Abdul Malik Abbott, David Lotwin, Joe Quinde, Jaz-O, SK Vibemaker, Pain In Da Ass, DJ Clark Kent, DJ Shortee Blitz and Sean Kantrowitz. Executive Producers: Sumit Sharma and Chris Mitchell for Breaking Atoms Mixing and Mastering: David John Walker for Homework Artwork: Jason Wheeler for Retro Inspired Nonsense Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 day ago

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35 min
1 day ago

Coming Of Age

In this first episode, we travel back in time to a pre-gentrified Brooklyn, New York and explore Jay-Z’s early musical roots. We’ll learn about how he came to a fork in the road and had to choose between the rap game and the crack game - even with all their similarities and pitfalls. We’ll also find out when and how Jay-Z met his future business partners, Damon “Dame” Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke, and eventually started Roc-A-Fella Records. Featuring in order of appearance: Jaz-O, DJ Clark Kent, Ski Beatz, Abdul Malik Abbott and Dart Adams. Executive Producers: Sumit Sharma and Chris Mitchell for Breaking Atoms Mixing and Mastering: David John Walker for Homework Artwork: Jason Wheeler for Retro Inspired Nonsense Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 day ago

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32 min
Trailer

Feelin' It (Side A)

Breaking Atoms proudly presents: Brooklyn's Finest: The Making of Reasonable Doubt. Originally released in 2021 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Jay-Z's landmark debut, the series returns for the album's 30th anniversary with newly remastered audio, giving listeners a fresh opportunity to experience the definitive audio documentary on one of Hip Hop's most influential records. Across five episodes, you'll hear from the people directly involved in bringing Reasonable Doubt to life. Jaz-O, Ski Beatz, Maria Davis, Pain In Da Ass, Abdul Malik Abbott, Nick Raphael, Christian Tattersfield and more share the stories behind the blood, sweat, tears and years that shaped this five-mic masterpiece. Expect a fully immersive audio experience that proves time travel is real. From the streets of Brooklyn in the late '80s to the album's enduring legacy today, this is the story of one of the greatest come-up stories in Hip Hop history - told by the people who lived it. Executive Producers: Sumit Sharma and Chris Mitchell for Breaking Atoms Mixing and Mastering: David John Walker for Homework Artwork: Jason Wheeler for Retro Inspired Nonsense Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trailer

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4 min
22/12/2021

2021 Year In Review: There's Only One Week Left

We made it to the end of the year. We started out together so we're ending it the same way. We had a quick chat about some of our favourite albums, artists and producers of 2021. We also reminisced on some of our favourite moments on the pod, brought a little smoke for the opps, shout out our connects and make a special announcement at the end. Thank you to everyone who listened and supported us this year. See you in 2022! Follow Sumit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiphopchronicle Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/hiphopchronicle Follow Chris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkinetik Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/iamkinetik Connect with Breaking Atoms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breaktheatoms Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breaktheatoms Twitter: https://twitter.com/breaktheatoms Website: https://www.breakingatoms.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22/12/2021

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51 min
29/05/2025

Elements: Searching For MF DOOM

In this special audio drama episode, Sumit Sharma and Chris Mitchell set off to the fictional world of Latveria to uncover the layers of MF DOOM’s iconic album “MM..FOOD”. From late-night food spots to record store conversations, their journey blends memory, mystery, and music in true DOOM fashion. Along the way, they’re joined by… and bump into… an all-star lineup of DOOM’s close friends and fans, including John Robinson, Sean Kantrowitz, MC Paul Barman, Dart Adams, Jason Jagel, Spanish Ran and Stahhr. Together, they break bread over beers, beats and the brilliance of the Supervillain. Tune in, mask up and hear stories about one of the greatest artists of our time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29/05/2025

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54 min
13/08/2024

Godfather Don

You know the name, or at least you should. Check the credits. Godfather Don has worked with most of your favourites, including Kool Keith, Cormega and Screwball. His solo catalogue is exemplary, and his work on Hydra Entertainment is damn near mythical at this point. Veteran New York Emcee and Producer Godfather Don pulls up to the pod for a rare and exclusive interview. Don doesn't talk much, so we listened for the most part because nerdy details and unearthed gems were released at will. Before heading out with his saxophone to meet his jazz band for a session, Don opens up about Flatbush Hip-Hop history, how his writing style has evolved, and why he describes his creative process as "meat and potatoes". We also deep dive into the making of his brand new album Thesis (dropping on 30 August 2024!) and share some exclusive snippets from some of the album cuts - because we're connected like that. Respect to the HHV team for connecting the dots and creating an intricate plot. Pre-order the new Thesis album by Godfather Don at www.hhv.de: godfather-don.lnk.to/thesis Available in limited quantities on 4LP (incl. all instrumentals), 2LP (vocal tracks only), double cassette (incl. all instrumentals), 2CD (incl. all instrumentals) and digitally on all major platforms. Connect with Breaking Atoms Instagram Facebook Twitter Follow Sumit Instagram Twitter Follow Chris Instagram Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13/08/2024

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31 min
22/06/2024 · Bonus

Weekly Rap Up: Kendrick Lamar's Pop Out Recap, New Clipse Album, Birdman Vs Books and Verzuz Returns!

In this week's rap-up, Sumit and Chris get into: Thoughts about Kendrick Lamar's Pop Out show in LAThe new Clipse albumBirdman not viewing reading as fundamental for New Orleans inmatesVerzuz returning to X There was no time to review new music because it was Chris' birthday, and he had a spa date. But check out the new album, 'Movie', by Your Old Droog, which dropped yesterday. Friend of the show and in real life, K-Nite 13 has produced three songs on the project. Connect with Breaking Atoms Instagram Facebook Twitter Follow Sumit Instagram Twitter Follow Chris Instagram Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22/06/2024 · Bonus

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30 min
24/08/2020

O.C. Part 1

Step into the o-zone as we connect with the legendary O.C. to discuss anything and everything to do with his storied career. From the making of 'Word... Life', his role in D.I.T.C. and his relationships with Bumpy Knuckles and Pharoahe Monch et al, we went deep into the text. So deep, that we uncover some hidden gems that have remained buried for over 25 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24/08/2020

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1hr 3min
22/06/2021

Episode 4: Can't Knock The Hustle | Brooklyn's Finest: The Making of Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z

In our fourth episode, we’ll be examining the initial and retrospective response to Reasonable Doubt, shining a light on the tight-knit vibes of the Roc-A-Fella Records staff and connecting with original members of the US street team. Featuring in order of appearance: Ryan Proctor, DJ Snips, Dart Adams, Charlie Braxton, Nick Raphael, Christian Tattersfield, DJ Shortee Blitz, Pain In Da Ass, Maria Davis, DJ Clark Kent, Robyn Mowatt, David Lotwin, Kathy Iandoli and Ski Beatz. Sumit on some key 1996 Hip Hop albums (1:40) Ryan Proctor underground and mainstream Hip Hop divide (2:05) DJ Snips on the cohesion in Reasonable Doubt's production and Jay-Z's mentors (3:20) Dart Adams on Reasonable Doubt being on the level of fine literature (4:17) Ryan Proctor on Reasonable Doubt not being regarded as an instant classic (4:34) Charlie Braxton on revising Reasonable Doubt for The Source magazine (5:52) Charlie Braxton on how The Source's mic rating system worked (6:55) Nick Raphael and Christian Tattersfield on signing Roc-A-Fella Records to a worldwide distribution deal (7:48) Nick Raphael and Christian Tattersfield on going to New York to meet with Roc-A-Fella and watching Jay-Z plan his radio promotion (9:58) Nick Raphael and Christian Tattersfield on getting Biggie's appearance on Brooklyn's Finest cleared with Clive Davis (12:06) Nick Raphael and Christian Tattersfield on signing the distribution deal on the same day Roc-A-Fella did their classic Billboard photoshoot (13:31) DJ Shortee Blitz on going to Roc-A-Fella's New York office and Dame Dash making tea for his wife (14:55) Nick Raphael and Christian Tattersfield on seeing the Roc-A-Fella branded Mercedes Benz with Jay-Z handing out promo material from the car (15:38) Pain In Da Ass on Lenny Santiago driving the Roc-A-Fella car around New York and taking photos and videos of that time (16:05) Pain In Da Ass on joining Roc-A-Fella Records as an intern (16:41) Pain In Da Ass on the key players of the Roc-A-Fella office and staff (17:54) Chezik Tsunoda on street team promotion for Reasonable Doubt in the Midwest and getting paid in cash (19:06) Maria Davis on Reasonable Doubt being a collaborative effort (20:14) DJ Clark Kent on how the entire Roc-A-Fella crew contributed ideas to the making of Reasonable Doubt (20:321) Robyn Mowatt on being introduced to Jay-Z and Reasonable Doubt by her Dad who played the album in their home (22:14) Pain In Da Ass on the talent in and around Roc-A-Fella Records and the importance of Kareem "Biggs" Burke (22:57) David Lotwin on his business relationship with Dame Dash (24:12) Kathy Iandoli compares Jay-Z and Dame Dash's personalities to the left and right sides of the brain (25:03) David Lotwin, Ryan Proctor, Ski Beatz and Maria Davis on Dame Dash's relentless vision (25:35) Pain In Da Ass on the custom made Roc-A-Fella jackets gifted to members of the crew (27:02) Pain In Da Ass on how Jay-Z's hunger coming from trauma and encouraging him to turn a negative into a positive (27:56) Produced by Sumit Sharma and Chris Mitchell Mixed and mastered by Dave Walker Updated artwork designed by Jason Wheeler Follow Sumit 💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiphopchronicle 💥 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/hiphopchronicle Follow Chris 💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkinetik 💥 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/iamkinetik Connect with Breaking Atoms 💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breaktheatoms 💥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breaktheatoms 💥 Twitter: https://twitter.com/breaktheatoms 💥 Website: https://www.breakingatoms.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22/06/2021

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30 min
09/09/2021

Ep. 1: Hola' Hovito | The Ruler's Back: The Making of The Blueprint by Jay-Z

From Breaking Atoms comes our new original podcast series celebrating the 20th anniversary of Jay-Z’s sixth album, The Blueprint. In this first episode, we double back to a post-Millenium New York where triumph and tragedy were both served in ample amounts. We’ll look at Jay-Z ascending to the top of the Rap kingdom, Roc-A-Fella Records becoming a dynasty, more people than ever listening to what the South had to say and Hip Hop evolving into a Unicron-like commercial juggernaut. Guest appearances by Andrew Barber, Shawn Setaro, Oliver Wang, Nuface, Carl Lamarre, J’na Jefferson, Thandie Sibanda, Jayson Buford, Bianca Gracie, Deborah Mannis-Gardner, Young Guru, Bink, Miki Hellerbach, Just Blaze, Lily Mercer and Dylan Green 0:39 - Introduction by Sumit and Chris 1:22 - Sumit and Chris on Jay-Z’s career in the 90s and the lead up to The Blueprint’s release 3:11 - Sumit and Chris on the changes in Hip Hop during the 2000s 4:28 - Andrew Barber on the success of Nelly and Eminem 5:33 - Shawn Setaro on the watching artists advance up mixtape tracklists 6:10 - Oliver Wang on the sample free production shift in mainstream Hip Hop 7:18 - Nuface on The Blueprint bringing something new to the table 7:56 - Carl Lamarre on the emergence of contemporary artists and New York finding its way 9:04 - J’na Jefferson on Eminem and Missy Elliott broadening the Hip Hop audience 9:45 - Thandie Sibanda on the change in Hip Hop music after the millennium 10:10 - Jayson Buford on the importance of Soul music in Hip Hop culture 10:51 - J’na Jefferson and Jesse Bernard on how Soul music connects Black history 11:34 - Bianca Gracie on the influence of what would later become known as chipmunk soul 12:30 - Deborah Mannis-Gardner on the legalities and politics around clearing samples 13:23 - Andrew Barber on Beanie Sigel’s The Reason album showcasing The Blueprint sound 14:34 - Young Guru on meeting Jay-Z for the first time and going to Baseline Studios 15:28 - Young Guru on the shift in Roc-A-Fella’s sound via Kanye West, Just Blaze and Bink 16:06 - Bink on how his relationship with Roc-A-Fella Records began 16:57 - Bink on the making of 1-900-Hustler and Freeway’s debut 18:08 - Bink on the artists rhyming on the wrong part of the 1-900 Hustler beat 18:28 - Nuface on Bink’s contributions to Jay-Z’s career 18:48 - Oliver Wang on Bink’s consistency over the last 25 years 19:20 - Miki Hellerbach on Bink’s production enabling Jay-Z to be more introspective 20:10 - Just Blaze on meeting with Dino Delvaille and being introduced to Gee Roberson 22:13 - Just Blaze on Gee Roberson’s production team and working on Amil’s album 23:14 - Just Blaze on Jay-Z recognising his production talent and recording Streets Is Talking 25:22 - Lily Mercer on Just Blaze’s style evolving and making well-known samples feel new 26:08 - Dylan Green on the energy in Just Blaze’s beats 26:39 - Carl Lamarre on Just Blaze and the other producers pushing Jay-Z’s writing ability 27:16 - Young Guru on Just Blaze’s ability to adapt and change his sound when needed 28:17 - Andrew Barber on Chicago radio embracing Kanye West 29:02 - Young Guru on Kanye West showing up when Jay-Z and Scarface needed to record 30:02 - Young Guru on Baseline Studios being essential to Roc-A-Fella’s productivity 30:58 - Just Blaze on Baseline Studios’ tight-knit environment and quality output 32:36 - Young Guru on OG Juan throwing away a recording by Miles Davis 33:47 - Nuface and Young Guru on Kanye West bringing a beat CD to the studio Follow Sumit 💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiphopchronicle 💥 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/hiphopchronicle Follow Chris 💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkinetik 💥 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/iamkinetik Connect with Breaking Atoms 💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breaktheatoms 💥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breaktheatoms 💥 Twitter: https://twitter.com/breaktheatoms 💥 Website: https://www.breakingatoms.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

09/09/2021

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35 min

Where art, culture and storytelling are broken down to the very last compound.