The Rise & Grind Podcast

Roderick Taylor & Jacari Gentry
  • 5.0 (31)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Hip-Hop talk extraordinaire’s Roderick Taylor & Cari Gentry keep you glued to your earbuds with the latest in Rap Music, & all things surrounding the Hip Hop Culture.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 400: "The Road Less Traveled"

    On this episode: Episode 400 of The Rise & Grind Podcast is a big one. Roderick & Cari kick things off with music, including Don Toliver earning his first #1 album with 162K first week (31K pure), plus Jill Scott announcing To Whom This May Concern dropping 2/13.   In news, the post-Super Bowl conversation around Bad Bunny keeps growing as Trump and others weigh in, with the debate expanding into Chris Brown, Ye, and more. The crew also discusses Britney Spears selling her catalog for $200M, the latest Kurt Cobain death conspiracy theories, the alarming report of Savannah Guthrie’s mother going missing, and Katt Williams’ new Netflix special. Episode 400 is packed — tap in   Intro: YG- BPT   Roderick | J. Cole- Quik Stop   Cari | Big K.R.I.T.- I-20   Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss: https://apple.co/3NgdXW

    2h 25m

  2. FEB 9

    Episode 399: "I'm Taking The Sandwich"

    On this episode: We kick things off with a full review of J. Cole’s The Fall Off and talk Brent Faiyaz teasing ICON ahead of its 2/13 release. In news, we react to the situation surrounding GloRilla’s sister, debate potential VERZUZ matchups (Plies vs. Trick Daddy, Lil Wayne vs. T.I., and 50 Cent vs. T.I.), and break down the Super Bowl results. Plus, the 2026 Winter Olympics officially get underway and Trump sparks backlash after reposting a controversial video involving the Obamas.   Intro: J. Cole- Two Six   Roderick | J. Cole- Lonely At The Top (Bonus)   Cari | Don Toliver- Sweet Home   Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss: https://apple.co/3NgdXW

    2h 47m

  3. FEB 5

    Episode 398: "Maybe I Am In Denial"

    On this episode: This week we tap into J. Cole’s The Fall Off and what it means for his legacy as the rollout heats up. We recap the biggest moments from the GRAMMYs, break down the new trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic, and talk Floyd Mayweather suing SHOWTIME for $320M. Plus, major layoffs hit The Washington Post, the NBA trade deadline and All-Star Weekend are on deck, and we look ahead to the Super Bowl and halftime show.   Intro: Chris Brown- Deuces (Remix) [feat. Drake & Kanye West]   Roderick | Michael Jackson- Butterflies   Cari | Kenny Mason- Gorgeous   Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss: https://apple.co/3NgdXW

    2h 31m

  4. FEB 2

    Episode 397: "I Think I'm Done With That"

    Episode 397 of The Rise & Grind Podcast dives into a heavy news cycle across music, culture, and politics. The crew discusses Ye’s public apology, his WSJ interview, and the rollout of BULLY, currently set for March 2026, along with reactions to the direction of his comeback. The episode also breaks down the latest Epstein file releases, with high-profile names like JAY-Z, Pusha T, Jamie Foxx, and Aretha Franklin being mentioned, plus Chad Hugo filing another lawsuit against Pharrell Williams. Rounding things out, the hosts react to Nicki Minaj and Trump appearing at a summit, and Vince Staples canceling upcoming shows.   Intro: Don Toliver- Body   Roderick | The Game, DJ Drama, Mike & Keys & JasonMartin- Something In The Water   Cari | Ari Lennox- Pretzel   Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss: https://apple.co/3NgdXW

    2h 33m

  5. JAN 29

    Episode 396: This Is Just Déjà Vu"

    On this episode: Episode 396 of The Rise & Grind Podcast breaks down a packed week in music, culture, and sports. The crew reacts to A$AP Rocky’s Don’t Be Dumb debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and J. Cole’s new freestyle tape, before diving into a Grammy Awards preview and expectations heading into music’s biggest night.   The episode also covers Hit-Boy vs. Mike Will Made-It being set for a 1/30 VERZUZ, updates on Drake’s defamation lawsuit appeal, and a discussion sparked by Jim Jones and Kid Cudi’s “Day N Nite” conversation. Rounding things out, the hosts talk NFL playoffs and Super Bowl predictions, the U.S. moving to take control of TikTok, and reactions to a recent ICE-related shooting.   Intro: Kid Cudi- Day ‘n’ Nite   Roderick | Future & Juice WRLD - Ain’t Livin Right (feat. Gunna)   Cari | J. Cole- 3001   Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss: https://apple.co/3NgdXW

    2h 29m

  6. JAN 19

    Episode 395: "Tracking A Path"

    On this episode: Roderick & Cari are back with episode 395 of The Rise & Grind Podcast, unpacking a packed week in music, touring news, and major headlines. The episode kicks off with new album releases from A$AP Rocky (Don’t Be Dumb), NBA YoungBoy (Slime Cry), and Wiz Khalifa (Khaotic), along with J. Cole officially announcing The Fall Off and what it signals for the next chapter of his career. The conversation shifts to industry moves and mentions, including Harry Styles reportedly working on new music, and Bruno Mars breaking Ticketmaster records, highlighting the continued dominance of legacy stars in today’s touring economy. In news, the hosts discuss updates surrounding Pooh Shiesty, react to Rolling Loud Orlando, and touch on Kid Mero joining Hot 97. The episode closes with a serious discussion surrounding Gervonta Davis being wanted in connection with battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping charges, and what it could mean moving forward. Another wide-ranging episode blending hip hop releases, industry shifts, live music culture, and breaking news — tap in.   Intro: Mario- Just a Friend 2002   Roderick | Kehlani- Out The Window   Cari | Gunna- on one tonight   Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss: https://apple.co/3NgdXW

    2h 18m

  7. JAN 12

    Episode 394: "Who Green Lighted That?"

    On this episode: Roderick & Cari return with episode 394 of The Rise & Grind Podcast, breaking down a busy week across music, culture, and headlines. The conversation opens with new releases, including A$AP Rocky’s “Punk Rocky” as his album rollout heats up, and Bruno Mars’ “I Just Might,” alongside the announcement of his first solo album and tour since 2016.   The duo reviews new projects from Max B & French Montana (Coke Wave 3.5) and Bleu (THERAPY), then debates whether DaBaby is positioning himself for a real comeback with recent singles and album rollout moves. In news, the episode covers Fetty Wap’s release from prison following his RICO sentence, developments involving Donnie McClurkin, and Trump’s refusal to consider a pardon for Diddy. The episode closes with international news, reacting to reports of the Venezuelan president being seized, captured, and extradited to the United States. Another wide-ranging episode blending hip hop, industry moves, politics, and global headlines — tap in.

    2h 19m

  8. 12/22/2025

    Episode 393: "A Christmas Special"

    On this episode: Roderick & Cari are back with episode 393 of The Rise & Grind Podcast, diving into another packed week of culture-shifting headlines. The duo reacts to 21 Savage introducing the controversial “f**k the streets” rhetoric into rap and Young Thug’s thoughts on the current state of hip hop. They also discuss Future’s partnership with Louis Vuitton, The Weeknd selling his music catalog, and Toosi’s surprising move into NCAA football at Syracuse.   In sports, the conversation turns to Bud Crawford officially retiring from boxing and the continued spectacle surrounding Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua. The episode closes with heavier news, including developments surrounding the Epstein files, the tragic murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, and reactions to Trump’s comments tied to the situation. Another wide-ranging episode blending music, sports, and real-world headlines — tap in.

    2h 25m
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5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Hip-Hop talk extraordinaire’s Roderick Taylor & Cari Gentry keep you glued to your earbuds with the latest in Rap Music, & all things surrounding the Hip Hop Culture.

Information

  • Creator
    Roderick Taylor & Jacari Gentry
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    399
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Rise & Grind Podcast