The Culture Decides

Li
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

For Us, By Us, Hosted By Li. Truly Made For The Culture. Tune In For Music Reviews & Commentary 🎙️

  1. Statement Season | Bad Bunny Super Bowl, Underground Music, Coke Wave 3.5 & Don't Be Dumb Reviews

    1D AGO

    Statement Season | Bad Bunny Super Bowl, Underground Music, Coke Wave 3.5 & Don't Be Dumb Reviews

    It has been BRICK, but the music? Heating up. This episode of The Culture Decides, join me, Li, as I breakdown: 🔥 Gunna sold-out MSG: stage presence, breath control, influence & why the respect needs to be LOUD.🏆 Grammys + Super Bowl symbolism: powerful political statements, cultural messaging, and why these stages matter.👀 The lowlights: industry reactions, misplaced outrage, and when timing ruins the message.🔁 On Repeat / On The Radar: Don Toliver & Loe Shimmy, Lil Uzi, Wale & Leon Thomas, Youngn MH, SpacemanUFO and more.🎧 Underground Spotlight (LIVE REACTIONS): Mani Jurdan, Young Reese Dude, Valenti, Juice Lord, Ruciano & Killah H2O Da Don, and King Shampz’s Hustler’s Renaissance Vol. 1.📀 Mainstream Reviews:21 Savage – What Happened to the Streets?French Montana x Max B – Coke Wave 3.5A$AP Rocky – Don’t Be DumbLet me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now! Music Submission Form Subscribe & like this episode on YouTube Follow & download on your favorite podcast platform Stay tuned by following on Instagram & X/Twitter, or TikTok Thank you for tuning in! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

    1h 47m
  2. Bars, Business & Independence | King Shampz and the Hustler’s Renaissance

    FEB 5

    Bars, Business & Independence | King Shampz and the Hustler’s Renaissance

    West Philly’s own King Shampz joins The Culture Decides to talk bars, independence, and building momentum outside the system. We dive into his freestyle roots, the impact of his “Bars From The Block” series, and the mindset behind his latest EP, Hustler’s Renaissance Vol. 1., Shampz breaks down his creative process, working alongside his brother through Dead Wrong Records, and why artists can’t rely on the algorithm to define their movement. This episode is about ownership, consistency, and sharpening your craft on and off the mic. 🎧 Listen now and tap in with King Shampz (@king_shampz) Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now! Music Submission Form Subscribe & like this episode on YouTube Follow & download on your favorite podcast platform Stay tuned by following on Instagram & X/Twitter, or TikTok Thank you for tuning in! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

    42 min
  3. Brooklyn Bars & Battle Scars | A Conversation with Ruciano

    12/24/2025

    Brooklyn Bars & Battle Scars | A Conversation with Ruciano

    From Brooklyn’s Coney Island to the Mic, Ruciano joins The Culture Decides. On this episode, I sit down with Brooklyn rapper Ruciano for a real conversation about freestyling, pain, pride, culture, and consistency. This interview is a follow-up to Episode 17, where I reviewed his “Hard To Smile” freestyle on Blockwork TV, a raw, heartfelt performance that captured personal struggles, street realities, and emotional honesty. We get into freestyling, growing up in Brooklyn, and navigating hip-hop without losing yourself. No gimmicks. No over-explaining. Just culture, bars, and perspective. Follow Ruciano on Instagram: @ruciano_ Stream his music on your favorite platform!  #TheCultureDecides #HipHopPodcast #MusicPodcast #ArtistInterview #RapInterview #IndieHipHop #NYCHipHop #BrooklynRap #underground #Ruciano Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now! Music Submission Form Subscribe & like this episode on YouTube Follow & download on your favorite podcast platform Stay tuned by following on Instagram & X/Twitter, or TikTok Thank you for tuning in! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

    35 min
  4. Rap Duos & Duels | Westside Gunn vs WWE, Underground Rap is Up, Elcamino, Hit-Boy & Alchemist Snap + MORE

    11/15/2025

    Rap Duos & Duels | Westside Gunn vs WWE, Underground Rap is Up, Elcamino, Hit-Boy & Alchemist Snap + MORE

    Hip-hop has been a whirlwind! Cardi B’s continuous momentum has the culture buzzing, new releases are flooding in, and there’s plenty of news to break down. Catch up with me on this episode as I cover highlights and lowlights, underground artists you need to hear, and full project reviews of Elcamino’s MINO and Hit-Boy & The Alchemist’s Goldfish. Underground Artist Featured E King & Ricio ReadyRuciano Reuben Vincent  Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now! Music Submission Form Subscribe & like this episode on YouTube Follow & download on your favorite podcast platform Stay tuned by following on Instagram & X/Twitter, or TikTok Thank you for tuning in! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

    1h 24m
  5. "Summer Outro" | Cardi B & Young Thug vs the Drama, Underground Artists on the Radar, & Joey Bada$$ “Lonely at the Top” Review

    09/15/2025

    "Summer Outro" | Cardi B & Young Thug vs the Drama, Underground Artists on the Radar, & Joey Bada$$ “Lonely at the Top” Review

    Safe to say this summer has been drama-filled! It didn’t stop the music from pouring out though. From highly anticipated albums to Young Thug’s leaked jail calls, the media and the culture has been in a frenzy! Join me while I tap into what’s been going on, new music from The Culture to vibe with, and a full project review for Joey Bada$$’ “Lonely at the Top” Underground Artists Featured: Trxgger_TE King & Ricio ReadyCaptain Brick Vinnie-DangerousThought ProvokahSYYoung Reese DudeTimestamps: Reminders/Updates - 00:02:41News - 00:04:55On Repeat/On Radar - 00:08:41Underground Artists Reviews - 00:21:23Joey Bada$$ - Lonely At The Top - 00:53:22Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now! Music Submission Form Subscribe & like this episode on YouTube Follow & download on your favorite podcast platform Stay tuned by following on Instagram & X/Twitter, or TikTok Thank you for tuning in! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

    1h 21m
  6. Summer Slam of Music | New Artists to Tap in + “Summertime Butch 2” vs “Alfredo 2”

    08/03/2025

    Summer Slam of Music | New Artists to Tap in + “Summertime Butch 2” vs “Alfredo 2”

    This summer has been filled with back to back drops and a mixup of competiton. It seems like everyone is either on tour and has something to address. Join me as I talk through some highlights for Tyler, The Creator, Drake’s continued ICEMAN rollout, new artists worth listening to, and compare Benny the Butcher’s Summertime Butch 2 vs Freddie Gibbs’s Alfredo 2. Who is really serving em up the best? Intro/Updates - 00:00:15  Agenda - 00:01:51 Reminders/Updates - 00:03:40 News - 00:06:01 On Repeat / On Radar - 00:12:28 Music Submission Reviews - 00:14:15 Summertime Butch 2 vs Alfredo 2 Reviews- 00:34:20 Who had the better project? - 01:24:54 Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now! Music Submission Form Subscribe & like this episode on YouTube Follow & download on your favorite podcast platform Stay tuned by following on Instagram & X/Twitter, or TikTok Thank you for tuning in! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

    1h 28m
  7. "This is Culturally Inappropriate" | Wireless Fest, & Let God Sort Em Out vs JACKBOYS 2

    07/15/2025

    "This is Culturally Inappropriate" | Wireless Fest, & Let God Sort Em Out vs JACKBOYS 2

    July is not only bringing the heat temperature wise, it’s been bringing the heat musically too! We’ve been getting new music left and right. Drake himself has been teasing “ICEMAN” and took the stage at UK’s annual fest, Wireless Festival. Join me as I unpack two highly anticipated drops: Clipse’s return after nearly 16 years with “Let God Sort Em Out” and Travis Scott with the crew on “JACKBOYS 2”! Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now! Music Submission Form Subscribe & like this episode on YouTube Follow & download on your favorite podcast platform Stay tuned by following on Instagram & X/Twitter, or TikTok Thank you for tuning in! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

    1h 54m
  8. Idols Turned Incels | The Rise & Fall of Kanye, Drake, Nicki Minaj, & Lil Wayne

    06/23/2025

    Idols Turned Incels | The Rise & Fall of Kanye, Drake, Nicki Minaj, & Lil Wayne

    We’ve all had that parasocial moment—when an artist’s music feels personal, like they get you. But what happens when the idols start moving like incels? This week, on episode 13, I sit down with Kris Chesson, one half of the Bad Queers Podcast, to unpack the complicated rise and fall of some of hip-hop’s biggest names: Kanye West and Young Money's favorites, Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne.  From Through the Wire to CLB, from the backpack era to MAGA flirtations and messy lawsuits, from Itty Bitty Piggy to Big Foot—this episode traces the cultural shift that turned these stars into ego-driven incels. Time to answer the question that’s been brewing for a decade: When did it all start to go left? Also on deck: A review of Brooklyn the Kid’s unapologetic anthem “Dyke Lee” Our personal timelines with Ye, Drizzy, Weezy, and NickiNo stanning. Just honesty. Because The Culture Decides. Follow Kris and the Bad Queers Podcast (@kris.chess / @badqueerspod) Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now! Music Submission Form Subscribe & like this episode on YouTube Follow & download on your favorite podcast platform Stay tuned by following on Instagram & X/Twitter, or TikTok Thank you for tuning in! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, any artists, record labels, or affiliates. All music discussed is reviewed for the purpose of commentary and criticism, and I do not claim ownership of any images, songs, or recordings. Any references to copyrighted material fall under fair use, and this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. I encourage listeners to support the artists discussed by purchasing or streaming their music through official channels. The content of this podcast is intended for mature audiences, and listener discretion is advised.

    1h 42m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

For Us, By Us, Hosted By Li. Truly Made For The Culture. Tune In For Music Reviews & Commentary 🎙️

Information

  • Creator
    Li
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Culture Decides
  • Show Website
    The Culture Decides