Hip Hop World Cup

Danny Phillips
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MUSIC

Hip Hop World Cup is the podcast that pits golden-age hip-hop tracks and albums against each other in a contest to find the ultimate champions! In each episode, classic joints from hip-hop’s golden age battle each other in head-to-head matches, where we debate them and vote for our favourite. Join life-long hip-hop fans Danny, Steve and James as they deep-dive into the most beloved rap music of the 1990s, celebrating the greatest beats, producers, rhymes and rappers.

  1. EXTRA TIME #1: The D.I.T.C. Tournament

    1D AGO ·  BONUS

    EXTRA TIME #1: The D.I.T.C. Tournament

    Welcome to Hip Hop World Cup EXTRA TIME, our post-match podcast where we head back onto the pitch for more hip-hop discussion related to our main episodes. After the final whistle blew on our Shootout between revered rapper/producers LORD FINESSE and DIAMOND D, we wanted to dig deeper into the D.I.T.C. crates. So we sucked some orange slices, laced up the Predators and kicked off an ambitious 16-album tournament (or ‘bracket’ for our American listeners) to find the best LP from this legendary hip-hop stable. For this new contest – which we've dubbed Mama Said Knock You Out – the 16 albums are split into two groups of eight and drawn against each other in one-on-one matches using FIFA’s fixture super computer. Danny and Steve take it in turns to choose the winner on gut instinct alone, with albums progressing through the rounds to the final. It was a tricky, energy-sapping battle, but one album emerged victorious – listen to discover which one lifts the trophy. THE ALBUMS Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth – Funky Technician (1990)Lord Finesse – Return of the Funky Man (1992)Showbiz & AG – Runaway Slave (1992)Diamond – Stunts, Blunts and Hip Hop (1992)Fat Joe Da Gangsta – Represent (1993)O.C. – Word… Life (1994)Show & AG – Goodfellas (1995)Big L – Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous (1995)Fat Joe – Jealous One’s Envy (1995)Lord Finesse – The Awakening (1996)O.C. – Jewelz (1997)Diamond D – Hatred, Passions and Infidelity (1997)Fat Joe – Don Cartagena (1998)Big L – The Big Picture (2000)D.I.T.C. – D.I.T.C. (2000)Buckwild & Celph Titled – Nineteen Ninety Now (2010)JOIN OUR PATREON! Sign up to our Champions Tier on Patreon and access exclusive bonus content: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/HipHopWorldCup⁠⁠ ALL PREVIOUS EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE: Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK⁠⁠ Please rate and review Hip-Hop World Cup on Apple or your podcast app of choice, which will help raise our visibility and give the podcast ‘mass appeal’. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow and holler at us on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general: Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky: @hiphopworldcup Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: ⁠⁠https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978

    1h 3m
  2. SHOOTOUT 8: Lord Finesse vs Diamond D

    MAR 25

    SHOOTOUT 8: Lord Finesse vs Diamond D

    In this episode we take golden-age hip-hop deep into the bowels of British government as we carry out a historic VERSUS SHOOTOUT in front of a packed House of Lords. The reason for this flimsy comedic conceit? Well, we needed a group of honest, principled pillars of society to help us legislate a sensational showdown between two noblemen of ‘90s hip-hop: LORD FINESSE and DIAMOND D. Emboldened by the lords’ deep knowledge of hip-hop politics, Danny, James and Steve scrutinise the work of these two rapper-producers from the Diggin’ In The Crates crew, tackling topics like their mastery of the SP1200 sampler, their punchline-laden lyrics and their impact on hip-hop as a whole. Five tracks from each artist are drawn against each other at random, and following a feisty debate our hosts use the three-man vote to elect a winner. It’s a best of five, first-past-the-post punch-up that sees one of these rap pioneers seize the seat of power. Who will it be? Listen to find out! All that and the usual array of nonsense, including a tetchy appearance on our VAR panel from former Spurs chairman Lord Sir Alan of Sugar. TRACKS Lord Finesse Lord Finesse – Hip 2 Da GameO.C. – Ga HeadBig L – MVPThe Notorious B.I.G. – Suicidal ThoughtsLord Finesse feat Crystal Johnson & Rell – The Message (Original Version)Diamond D Diamond – Feel The VibeTha Alkaholiks – Let It OutSadat X, Fat Joe & Diamond D – Stay Away From The Nasty HoesMos Def – Hip HopD.I.T.C – Day OneSHOOTOUT SPOTIFY PLAYLIST (Lord Finesse vs Diamond D): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5YgIP67RJ2deVZ25gjWmSc?si=HLRvn0nSQySYkrsLgTJhjw JOIN OUR PATREON! Sign up to our Champions Tier on Patreon and access exclusive bonus content: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/HipHopWorldCup⁠⁠ ALL PREVIOUS EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE: Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK⁠⁠ Please rate and review Hip-Hop World Cup on Apple or your podcast app of choice, which will help raise our visibility and give the podcast ‘mass appeal’. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow and holler at us on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk '90s hip-hop in general: Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky: @hiphopworldcup Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: ⁠⁠https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978

    1h 24m
  3. SHOOTOUT 7: DJ Premier

    FEB 24

    SHOOTOUT 7: DJ Premier

    It’s the big one! In this SOLO SHOOTOUT, we’re shining the spotlight on arguably hip-hop’s greatest-ever producer as ten DJ Premier tracks fight for sonic supremacy. From his early days with Gang Starr to era-defining work with Nas, Jeru, Biggie and a roll call of elite MCs, DJ Premier has stood at the forefront of hip-hop for more than three decades with his unmistakable boom-bap sound, becoming one of the most trusted producers of the 1990s golden era. His ear for sampling helped define the sound of New York rap at its grittiest and most refined. Built on chopped samples, hard-hitting drums and razor-sharp scratch hooks, his sound is both stripped-back and cinematic – minimal in palette yet immense in impact. In this episode, Danny, James and Steve choose ten of Preemo’s best bangers, draw them against each other and decide who wins each tie. At the end we tot up the TruSkore totals of the five winners and crown our overall Shootout champion. Simples! Along the way we serve up the usual smorgasbord of shite, including an over-elaborate quiz, ruminations on sample snitching, which ‘Crooklyn’ track is better and Group Home’s compellingly poor rap skills. Oh and Larry brings us news of an ‘unbelievable’ new sponsorship deal that will shake British podcasting to its very foundations. TRACKS Crooklyn Dodgers ’95 – Return Of The Crooklyn Dodgers KRS-One – Rappaz R. N. Dainja Jeru The Damaja – Invasion Jeru The Damaja – Mental Stamina PRhyme – PRhyme A$AP Ferg – Our Streets The Notorious B.I.G. – Unbelievable Nas – N.Y. State Of Mind Group Home – Livin’ Proof OC – My WorldSHOOTOUT SPOTIFY PLAYLIST (DJ Premier): ⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2iMolaUDOwOSPUYDB6wT34?si=ug4AExY-QO2sOQkq708MGA JOIN OUR PATREON! Become a member on Patreon and access exclusive bonus content: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/HipHopWorldCup⁠⁠ ALL PREVIOUS EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE: Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK⁠⁠ Please rate and review Hip-Hop World Cup on Apple or your podcast app of choice, which will help raise our visibility and give the podcast ‘mass appeal’. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow and holler at us on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general: Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky: @hiphopworldcup Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: ⁠⁠https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978

    1h 27m
  4. SHOOTOUT 6: KRS-One

    JAN 20

    SHOOTOUT 6: KRS-One

    Teacher. Philosopher. Activist. Hip-hop legend. But that’s enough about Steve, because in this episode we’re diving elbow-deep into KRS-One’s back catalogue for another stunning Shootout. KRS-One is hip-hop’s president elect, real rap royalty, and we wanted to celebrate his legacy with a dedicated Solo episode. We discuss his troubled early years, the formation of Boogie Down Productions with Scott La Rock (RIP), his mid-90s boom-bap resurgence and whether or not he really did know a crack dealer by the name of Peter. In this episode, ten killer KRS cuts have been excavated, dusted down and lovingly curated by Danny, James and Steve – then unceremoniously hurled into the bearpit to battle it out for hip-hop podcasting’s top trophy. We draw tracks at random to face each other, debate their pros and cons and vote on the winner. At the end, we tot up the TruSkore™ totals of the five winners to find out which track emerges victorious – all overseen by our celebrity VAR panel. You can also expect the usual array of nonsense, including our occasional feature ‘That’s the Real Quiz’ and pitchside reactions from the great and mediocre of British football. TRACKS BDP – PoetryBDP – South BronxBDP – 9mm Goes BangBDP – My PhilosophyBDP – Why Is That?BDP – BeefBDP – Love’s Gonna Getcha (Material Love)KRS-One – Outta HereKRS-One – MCs Act Like They Don’t KnowChannel Live – Mad Izm SHOOTOUT SPOTIFY PLAYLIST (KRS-One): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1WUBdwJKLH4sHmSSDLyA4C?si=zM1TlbDzRDCPRdOhm0o8vA JOIN OUR PATREON! Become a member on Patreon and access exclusive bonus content: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/HipHopWorldCup⁠ ALL PREVIOUS EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE: Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK⁠ Please rate and review Hip-Hop World Cup on Apple or your podcast app of choice, which will help raise our visibility and give the podcast ‘mass appeal’. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow and holler at us on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general: Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky: @hiphopworldcup Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: ⁠https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978

    1h 16m
  5. SHOOTOUT 5: Nas vs Jay-Z

    11/25/2025

    SHOOTOUT 5: Nas vs Jay-Z

    In this episode we get into a New York state of mind as two titans of the rap game go toe-to-toe: NAS and JAY-Z. In the world of hip-hop, artists don’t much get bigger or better. These MCs have been redefining rap music since the mid-90s, achieving global superstardom along the way. Their seminal debut LPs Illmatic and Reasonable Doubt earned them a place on rap’s Mount Rushmore, but a deluge of dope verses and iconic albums in later years further cemented their place in hip-hop history. In our latest SHOOTOUT, we reignite the pair’s legendary beef by drawing their tracks against each other in a brutal best-of-five penalty shootout. We discuss the songs and use the three-man vote to decide who buries it in the bottom corner and who puts it in row Z. All this, plus the usual guff including red-hot takes on Illmatic’s worst track, some Kanye West chat and silent analysis from the brightest brains in British football. Join us as we decide once and for all who’s the king of New York. TRACKS Nas Loco-MotiveWhite LabelCome Get MeOne On OneIt Ain’t Hard To Tell (Large Professor Remix)Jay-Z Never ChangeKingdom ComePolitics As UsualDead Presidents IIPublic Service Announcement (Grey Album)SHOOTOUT SPOTIFY PLAYLIST (Nas vs Jay-Z): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6wvi2XdGLDsVtaobzsAnSH?si=U-PJplr_Qweu3__fs4ccOw JOIN OUR PATREON! Sign up as a member on Patreon and access exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/cw/HipHopWorldCup ALL PREVIOUS EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK Please rate and review Hip-Hop World Cup on Apple or your podcast app of choice, which will help raise our visibility and give the podcast ‘mass appeal’. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow and holler at us on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general: Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky: @hiphopworldcup Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978

    1h 20m
  6. SHOOTOUT 4: Pete Rock

    09/22/2025

    SHOOTOUT 4: Pete Rock

    In this episode we’re delving into the extensive back catalogue of the Soul Brother #1, the Chocolate Boy Wonder, producer extraordinaire… the one and only PETE ROCK. From creating groundbreaking albums with CL Smooth to twiddling the knobs on era-defining productions for the likes of Nas, AZ, Redman and Run DMC, Pete Rock has staked his claim as one of the greatest producers (and remixers) in hip-hop history. In other words, he’s the perfect subject for our latest SOLO SHOOTOUT. Danny, Steve and James take ten of Pete’s iconic productions, draw them against each other in a series of one-on-one matches, then rank the five winners to find the ultimate champion. Along the way, the boys break down Pete’s beatmaking techniques and idiosyncratic rapping style, as well as discussing his link to a popular British hot chocolate drink – you do not want to miss it. All that, plus the usual array of bollocks, including our copyright-compliant ‘Time For Questions’ segment and a star-studded VAR panel that features some of the top names in British broadcasting. TRACKS AZ – Gimme Your'sINI – Think TwiceNas – The World Is YoursPete Rock – Mind Blowin’Pete Rock & Common – Dreamin’Redman – How To Roll A BluntPete Rock & CL Smooth – Go With The FlowINI – What You SayNaughty By Nature – Hip Hop Hooray (Pete Rock Remix)Heavy D & The Boyz – Got Me Waiting SHOOTOUT SPOTIFY PLAYLIST (Pete Rock): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1QDiX3y0OHs4xICDfd1QpG?si=ca84f4d73c60495a&pt=204668b206ad40017bb1f480b031a8ad ALL PREVIOUS EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK Please rate and review Hip-Hop World Cup on Apple or your podcast app of choice, which will help raise our visibility and give the podcast ‘mass appeal’. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow and holler at us on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general: Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky: @hiphopworldcup Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978

    1h 16m
  7. SHOOTOUT 3: Rakim vs Big Daddy Kane

    08/08/2025

    SHOOTOUT 3: Rakim vs Big Daddy Kane

    Shootout is the podcast where hip-hop’s mightiest MCs and producers step up to the penalty spot in a best-of-five battle to decide who’s the greatest.   In this episode, there ain’t no half steppin’ as two titans of the hip-hop game engage in Mortal Combat – RAKIM and BIG DADDY KANE. These legendary lyricists revolutionised the art of MCing with their intricate wordplay, complex constructions and memorable metaphors – inspiring a whole generation of rappers who came after them.  We’ve selected five tracks from each rapper’s incredible back catalogue. We draw those tracks at random to face each other; after discussing the songs we use the three-man vote to decide who scores and who misses. Best of five wins!  It’s been a long time since we set it off with a Shootout of this magnitude – it ain’t no joke and [insert song title pun here].  TRACKS:  Rakim   Eric B & Rakim – I Ain’t No JokeEric B & Rakim – Let The Rhythm Hit ‘EmEric B & Rakim – Don’t Sweat The TechniqueIt’s Been A Long TimeWhen I B On The Mic Big Daddy Kane  Ain’t No Half Steppin’Set It OffMortal CombatHow U Get A Record Deal?Prince Paul – Macula’s Theory SHOOTOUT SPOTIFY PLAYLIST (Rakim vs Big Daddy Kane): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/58KQMKS71FCeG9xT9VOxdB?si=b1fc303e4c8a4379  ALL PREVIOUS EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE:   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK   Please rate and review Hip-Hop World Cup on Apple or your podcast app of choice, which will help raise our visibility and give the podcast ‘mass appeal’.   Social media   Follow and holler at us on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:   Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky: @hiphopworldcup   Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978

    1h 17m
  8. SHOOTOUT 2: Common

    06/26/2025

    SHOOTOUT 2: Common

    In our SHOOTOUT series, there are two types of episodes: VERSUS – one rapper or producer against another – and SOLO, where we take ten songs from a single rapper or producer and work out which is best using a contrived penalty shootout-style contest. In this SOLO SHOOTOUT, we take a trip to Chi-Town and celebrate of one of the city’s most famous sons – COMMON. In a long and esteemed career that spans the worlds of music, movies and TV, Common – real name Lonnie Rashid Lynn – has established himself as one of the most original, gifted and intelligent MCs ever to grace our speakers. Not only has he released 14 solo studio albums, but he’s also blessed other artists with countless classic guest verses and even taken time out of his busy schedule to have a pop at Ice Cube in one of hip-hop’s best diss tracks. Join us for this SOLO SHOOTOUT as we deep dive into the Common catalogue and find out which tracks hit the back of the net and which ones stick it in row Z. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of the usual nonsense too – quizzes, Urgent News™ and top-class punditry from the finest minds in football, and Richard Keys. TRACKS Nuthin’ To DoThe Bitch In YooGoInvocationResurrectionThe 6th SenseBlack Star feat Common – RespirationJ-Dilla feat Common – E=mc2Common feat Sadat X – 1-9-9-9The Roots feat Common – Act Too (The Love Of My Life) SHOOTOUT SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/32vXoGWZZzz82V2xMk7B4x?si=s_9Cd7JDSeOhjuIy3FQwQQ ALL PREVIOUS EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK⁠  Please rate and review Hip-Hop World Cup on Apple or your podcast app of choice, which will help raise our visibility and give the podcast ‘mass appeal’.  Social media  Follow and holler at us on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:  Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky: @hiphopworldcup Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: ⁠https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978

    1h 43m
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About

Hip Hop World Cup is the podcast that pits golden-age hip-hop tracks and albums against each other in a contest to find the ultimate champions! In each episode, classic joints from hip-hop’s golden age battle each other in head-to-head matches, where we debate them and vote for our favourite. Join life-long hip-hop fans Danny, Steve and James as they deep-dive into the most beloved rap music of the 1990s, celebrating the greatest beats, producers, rhymes and rappers.

Information

  • Creator
    Danny Phillips
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Danny Phillips
  • Show Website
    Hip Hop World Cup