Breaking Atoms

•

Channel • 5 Shows

Music History

Music History

Complete Series
Music History

Music History

Complete Series
Music History

Music History

Weekly Series
Music Commentary

Music Commentary

Updated 05/30/2025
Music History

Music History

Updated 08/13/2025

Episode 1

Hola' Hovito

In this first episode, we double back to a post-Millennium 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. Executive Producers: Sumit Sharma and Chris Mitchell for Breaking Atoms Mixing and Mastering: David John Walker for Homework Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 1

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.
Episode 3

Bring It On

In our third episode, we continue our deep dive into the album’s tracklist and key themes. We also analyse the people, places and things that made the album happen, including early live performances, leftover songs and promo campaigns. Featuring in order of appearance: Charlie Braxton, Ryan Proctor, Yoh Phillips, Pain In Da Ass, Maria Davis, Ski Beatz, Rob Markman, DJ Clark Kent, Jaz-O, DJ Snips 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.
Episode 2

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.
Episode 2

Takeover

We look at The Blueprint’s creation, the marketing strategy ahead of its release, Jay-Z declaring war with Nas and Prodigy on the big stage and revisit an urban legend regarding Michael Jackson that refuses to rest. Guest appearances by Andrew Barber, Just Blaze, Young Guru, Pain In Da Ass, Yemi Abiade, Akaash Sharma, Bianca Gracie, Nicolas Tyrell-Scott, Lily Mercer, Miki Hellerbach, Carl Lamarre, Lily Mercer, Shawn Setaro, Carl Lamarre, Bink, Shawn Setaro, Thandie Sibanda and J’na Jefferson. Executive Producers: Sumit Sharma and Chris Mitchell for Breaking Atoms Mixing and Mastering: David John Walker for Homework Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 4

Can't Knock The Hustle

In our fourth episode, we’ll examine the initial and retrospective responses to Reasonable Doubt, shine a light on the tight-knit vibes of the Roc-A-Fella Records staff, and connect 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, Chezik Tsunoda, Maria Davis, DJ Clark Kent, Robyn Mowatt, David Lotwin, Kathy Iandoli and Ski Beatz. 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.
Episode 5

Brooklyn's Finest

In our fifth and final episode, we examine the legacy of Reasonable Doubt 25 years on and why so many people consider it to be one of the most seminal albums in Hip Hop history. Featuring in order of appearance: Pain In Da Ass, Dart Adams, DJ Snips, Jaz-O, Ski Beatz, Rob Markman, Chezik Tsunoda, Sean Kantrowitz, Yoh Phillips, Robyn Mowatt, SK Vibemaker, Maria Davis, Nick Raphael, Christian Tattersfield, Abdul Malik Abbott, Kathy Iandoli, David Lotwin, Ryan Proctor, DJ Shortee Blitz and DJ Clark Kent. 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.
09/09/2021

Ep. 4: The Ruler's Back | The Ruler's Back: The Making of The Blueprint by Jay-Z

In this fourth and final episode, we’ll look at The Blueprint’s release date coinciding with the World Trade Centre attacks, the album’s critical success and commercial reception, its influence on the artists who came before and after and its enduring legacy 20 years on. Guest appearances by Andrew Barber, Young Guru, Just Blaze, Jayson Buford, Nuface, Oliver Wang, Jesse Bernard, Lily Mercer, Nicolas Tyrell-Scott, Dylan Green, Akaash Sharma, Miki Hellerbach, Shawn Setaro, Pain In Da Ass, Bink, Yemi Abiade, Thandie Sibanda, J’na Jefferson and Carl Lamarre 1:23 - Andrew Barber on Def Jam bringing the release date of The Blueprint forward 1:48 - Young Guru on recording in Miami and receiving physical copies of The Blueprint 2:56 - David Courtney on being the source of inspiration for The Blueprint cover 4:22 - Young Guru on Just Blaze and Freeway discovering their chemistry 4:56 - Just Blaze on seeing the crowd reaction to The Blueprint 5:40 - Young Guru on close Roc-A-Fella friends and family passing away 6:20 - Young Guru on waking up on 911 and learning about the World Trade Centre attacks 7:47 - Andrew Barber on being in college and being excited about a new Jay-Z album 8:44 - Jayson Buford on being in kindergarten on 911 and remembering people being scared 9:46 - Nuface on losing his job on 911 and using music to lift his spirits 10:55 - Oliver Wang on having reservations when first listening to The Blueprint 11:52 - Jesse Bernard on how The Blueprint appeals to various Hip Hop fans 12:42 - Lily Mercer on The Blueprint’s lack of features and commercial success 14:01 - Nicolas Tyrell-Scott on Jay-Z stepping up with another quality album 14:55 - Dylan Green on other artists creating songs inspired by The Blueprint 15:55 - Akaash Sharma on how The Blueprint has inspired a generation of artists and fans 16:31 - Miki Hellerbach on discovering new things on The Blueprint 17:10 - Shawn Setaro on how The Blueprint set up Jay-Z to become the top rapper 17:42 - Pain In Da Ass on The Blueprint being the perfect Jay-Z album 18:15 - Bink on how The Blueprint changed the way people made music 19:11 - Young Guru on the legacy of The Blueprint and his memories of Kamel Abdo 20:06 - Jayson Buford and Bianca Gracie on Jay-Z becoming untouchable 21:24 - Yemi Abiade on Jay-Z’s influence on UK Hip Hop and Grime acts 22:08 - Thandie Sibanda on The Blueprint being a positive representation of Black people 24:28 - Nuface on The Blueprint’s addition to the National Recording Registry 25:18 - J’na Jefferson on Jay-Z’s unapologetic confidence on The Blueprint 26:45 - Shawn Setaro on how The Blueprint links the past and future 27:32 - Carl Lamarre on The Blueprint helping to give New York Hip Hop a new boost 29:13 - Just Blaze on the game-changing legacy of The Blueprint 20 years later 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

Ep. 2: Takeover | The Ruler's Back: The Making of The Blueprint by Jay-Z

In this second episode, we look at The Blueprint’s creation, the marketing strategy ahead of its release, Jay-Z declaring war with Nas and Prodigy on the big stage and revisit an urban legend that refuses to rest. Guest appearances by Andrew Barber, Just Blaze, Young Guru, Pain In Da Ass, Yemi Abiade, Akaash Sharma, Bianca Gracie, Nicolas Tyrell-Scott, Lily Mercer, Miki Hellerbach, Carl Lamarre, Lily Mercer, Shawn Setaro, Carl Lamarre, Bink, Shawn Setaro, Thandie Sibanda and J’na Jefferson 1:00 - Andrew Barber on Eminem and Nelly’s success and the emergence of Ja Rule 1:53 - Just Blaze on Jay-Z recording The Blueprint in a quick fashion 3:06 - Young Guru on Kanye West setting off the recording process for The Blueprint 3:40 - Pain In Da Ass on the success of The Dynasty inspiring Jay-Z to create even more 4:34 - Andrew Barber on Kanye not knowing about Izzo premiering at the BET Awards 6:52 - Yemi Abiade on the significance of Jay-Z mentioning the Cold Crush Brothers on Izzo 7:23 - Akaash Sharma on Jay-Z speaking from experience on Izzo and the album overall 7:51 - Bianca Gracie on Kanye West’s production encouraging Jay-Z to be more creative 8:24 - Nicolas Tyrell-Scott on the power of the Jackson 5 sample 8:55 - Lily Mercer on Izzo being her introduction to Kanye West and his music 9:24 - Andrew Barber on the lead up to Summer Jam 2001 and The Blueprint rollout 9:38 - Sumit on Jay-Z Summer Jam performance and performing Takeover for the first time 11:27 - Young Guru on not knowing what Jay-Z had planned for Summer Jam 12:01 - Andrew Barber on Nas responding with his Stillmatic Freestyle 13:48 - Miki Hellerbach on Jay-Z relaxed delivery on Takeover 14:24 - Yemi Abiade on Takeover’s genius song structure 15:32 - Carl Lamarre on Jay-Z making his issues with Nas and Prodigy so public 16:51 - J’na Jefferson on Kanye West using a Rock sample on Takeover 17:32 - Lily Mercer on Jay-Z being so spiteful in his Takeover verses 18:51 - Young Guru on Jay-Z’s Super Ugly being the response to Ether by Nas 20:08 - Shawn Setaro on the months it took for the Jay-Z and Nas conflict to come to light 21:15 - Carl Lamarre on The Ruler’s Back being the perfect introduction for the album 22:09 - Yemi Abiade on The Ruler’s Back setting the tone for the listening experience 22:45 - Bink on stitching different parts of a record together to make The Ruler’s Back 23:46 - Shawn Setaro on The Ruler’s Back being a response to Nas’ Stillmatic Freestyle 25:03 - Just Blaze on making the beat for Girls, Girls, Girls, with Ghostface Killah in mind 26:33 - Just Blaze on Jay-Z filing the video for Girls, Girls, Girls on September 11th 2001 26:33 - Thandie Sibanda on Girls, Girls, Girls’ not being received well if it were released now 27:27 - Chris on the making of Jigga That N***a and the beat first being for MC Lyte 28:27 - Miki Hellerbach on U Don’t Know being his favourite Just Blaze beat ever 29:24 - Just Blaze on Jay-Z recording U Don’t Know in parts and building the song over time 30:19 - Yemi Abiade on U Don’t Know transporting him to a different place in time 31:31 - Nicolas Tyrell-Scott on how economic inequality inspired the lyrics on U Don’t Know 31:54 - J’na Jefferson on Jay-Z dedicating himself to consistent wins on U Don’t Know 33:01 - Shawn Setaro on Hola’ Hovito being his favourite song from The Blueprint 33:59 - Yemi Abiade on the rhyme scheme of the third verse of Hola’ Hovito 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.
Episode 3

Never Change

In this third episode, we’ll break down the second half of The Blueprint album, dive even deeper into the creative process and explore the relationships among some of the album’s key contributors. Guest appearances by Carl Lamarre, Jesse Bernard, Young Guru, Pain In Da Ass, Miki Hellerbach, Jayson Buford, Nuface, Shawn Setaro, Big Hass, Akaash Sharma, Just Blaze, Bink, Yemi Abiade, Nicolas Tyrell-Scott, Andrew Barber and Tony Dawsey. Executive Producers: Sumit Sharma and Chris Mitchell for Breaking Atoms Mixing and Mastering: David John Walker for Homework Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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