That's Hip-Hop

Isaiah
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Music Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

We're 3 high school friends who share a common passion for Hip Hop. Each of us have created our own albums, performed or started our own channels, but this time, we are collaborating together to share our common bond over our love for hip hop. We are taking a journey into the music. Going album by album to dissect and share our experiences with the tracks. We release a new episode every Monday. Check us out and let us know what albums we should review next! 

  1. Sep 9

    #200 ALL EYEZ ON ME DISC 1 ALBUM REVIEW #2PAC #tupac

    Send us Fan Mail What made Tupac Shakur’s All Eyez on Me more than just a legendary rap album—and would it have reached the same heights without Death Row Records? In celebration of their 200th episode, the That’s Hip Hop crew takes a deep dive into one of the most consequential albums in hip-hop history. They unpack Tupac’s explosive return from prison, his alliance with Death Row, the star-studded production and collaborations, the East Coast–West Coast rivalry, and the media frenzy that helped turn controversy into commercial momentum. But this conversation goes beyond sales and hit records—it asks what version of Tupac we were really hearing: the gangster, the revolutionary, the vulnerable poet, the lover, or all of them at once. With passionate debate, personal memories, and plenty of “what if?” questions, this episode explores whether All Eyez on Me is truly one of hip-hop’s greatest albums or simply Tupac’s most important. The hosts also examine the extraordinary circumstances surrounding its creation, the influence of Death Row’s roster, Tupac’s relentless creative output, and the complicated forces that shaped his final chapter. If you think you already know All Eyez on Me, this conversation may make you hear it differently—and if you’re a longtime Tupac fan, you won’t want to miss the arguments, insights, and stories packed into this milestone episode. Support the show

    #200 ALL EYEZ ON ME DISC 1 ALBUM REVIEW #2PAC #tupac

  2. Sep 6

    #199 HOME INVASION ALBUM REVIEW #ICE-T

    Send us Fan Mail . Support the show

    #199 HOME INVASION ALBUM REVIEW #ICE-T

  3. Sep 6

    #198 SEX PACKETS ALBUM REVIEW #Digitalunderground

    Send us Fan Mail This lively album review explores why Digital Underground’s Sex Packets remains one of hip-hop’s most inventive and misunderstood debuts. The hosts celebrate the group’s fusion of funk, comedy, theatrical personas, musicianship, and experimentation, arguing that beneath classics like “The Humpty Dance” and “Do What You Like” lies a deeper philosophy centered on individuality, inclusivity, and creative freedom. They examine Shock G’s remarkable versatility as a producer, pianist, rapper, and performer, while highlighting how his Humpty Hump alter ego helped establish a blueprint later echoed by artists with similarly distinct personas. The discussion also places Digital Underground within a broader hip-hop lineage, connecting their boundaryless approach to funk traditions, the Bay Area’s later Hyphy movement, and influential groups that followed. Particular attention is given to their relationship with Tupac Shakur, emphasizing that while the group helped introduce him to the world, Digital Underground deserves recognition as far more than a footnote in his story. Ultimately, the episode portrays Sex Packets as a “Trojan horse” album: playful and outrageous on the surface, yet filled with social commentary, musical sophistication, and a fearless commitment to doing things differently—a fitting example of the kind of cultural knowledge worth preserving and revisiting through collective curation. Support the show

    #198 SEX PACKETS ALBUM REVIEW #Digitalunderground

  4. Aug 22

    #196 WWF AGGRESSION ALBUM REVIEW #wwe

    Send us Fan Mail This episode dives into WWF Aggression, the 2000 soundtrack that captured an almost perfect collision of two cultural forces at their peak: hip-hop and the WWF Attitude Era. The discussion explores how the rebellious energy, larger-than-life personas, catchphrases, storytelling, and swagger of wrestling naturally mirrored hip-hop’s emphasis on identity and mythology. Rather than simply using rap as background music, the album handed iconic wrestling themes to artists such as Run-DMC, Method Man, Ice-T, ODB, Cool Keith, and C-Murder, allowing them to reinterpret the characters through their own styles. The result was a fascinating time capsule from an era when Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, DX, and the Monday Night Wars dominated pop culture—and when hip-hop itself was experiencing an extraordinary creative and commercial explosion. What makes the conversation especially compelling is that the hosts treat the album as more than a nostalgia trip. They examine why wrestling and hip-hop have always felt so naturally connected, from rappers referencing wrestling legends in their lyrics to performers appearing at major wrestling events, and they argue that both cultures thrive on larger-than-life characters, competition, performance, and storytelling. The track-by-track discussion highlights everything from Run-DMC’s infectious take on DX to Method Man’s remarkably detailed barrage of Rock references, while also asking whether WWF Aggression was ahead of its time or simply a product of a uniquely combustible moment. Their ultimate conclusion is that the album was “lightning in a bottle”: a snapshot of an unrepeatable period when wrestling and hip-hop were simultaneously reaching new heights, making the project feel less like a gimmick and more like a genuine meeting of two worlds. A related Glasp highlight about Steve Austin likewise emphasizes how deeply the Attitude Era turned wrestling into a mainstream cultural phenomenon, reinforcing the episode’s point about the era’s unusually broad reach. Support the show

    #196 WWF AGGRESSION ALBUM REVIEW #wwe

  5. Aug 22

    #197 HEAVY MENTAL ALBUM REVIEW

    Send us Fan Mail This episode of #197 HEAVY MENTAL ALBUM REVIEW takes a deep dive into Killer Priest’s 1998 debut Heavy Mental, treating the album less like a conventional rap record and more like an intellectual and spiritual expedition. The hosts explore how Priest pushes beyond Wu-Tang’s gritty street aesthetic into philosophy, religion, ancient history, mysticism, astronomy, and metaphysics, making his lyrics feel closer to those of a historian, preacher, or philosopher than a traditional MC. They discuss why RZA was drawn to Priest’s unusual talent, how his outsider status within the Wu-Tang universe helped cultivate a distinctive voice, and why the album demands an unusually attentive listener. The discussion repeatedly returns to the idea that Heavy Mental is music for people willing to “do the knowledge”—to research, question, and wrestle with ideas rather than simply absorb catchy rhymes. The review becomes especially vivid when the hosts unpack tracks such as “Heavy Mental” and “B.I.B.L.E.,” examining Priest’s dense wordplay, biblical references, historical imagery, and cosmic visions. They describe the album as a journey through everything from Harlem and ancient civilizations to Stargates, black holes, Mars, and the subconscious, while emphasizing that the technical quality of the rhymes never disappears beneath the concepts. In that sense, the episode presents Heavy Mental as an example of hip-hop functioning as a vehicle for intellectual exploration and creative risk-taking—a point that connects with broader observations about Wu-Tang’s ability to generate innovation through contrasting ideas and approaches. The central takeaway is that this is not an album designed for passive listening: it rewards curiosity, repeated listens, and a willingness to follow Killer Priest wherever his mind—and his pen—decides to travel. Support the show

    #197 HEAVY MENTAL ALBUM REVIEW

  6. Aug 8

    #194 TABLE SCRAPS ALBUM REVIEW - #mhz

    Send us Fan Mail What if one of the greatest underground hip-hop groups you've never heard of helped shape some of the most lyrical minds in rap? In this episode of That's Hip-Hop, we take a deep dive into MHz's 2001 compilation Table Scraps—a project packed with razor-sharp punchlines, mind-bending metaphors, and the early brilliance of Copyright, Camu Tao, Jakki tha Motormouth, Tage Future, and RJD2. We explore why this collection of demos and singles became a cult favorite, how it inspired a generation of underground MCs, and why its influence stretches far beyond what its modest release would suggest. From Camu Tao's electrifying delivery to Copyright's relentless wordplay, we break down the moments that make this album a hidden masterpiece. But this isn't just another album review. The conversation expands into what truly makes lyricism timeless, why some incredibly talented artists never receive the recognition they deserve, and whether technical rap still has a place in today's hip-hop landscape. Along the way, we share personal stories of how Table Scraps inspired our own creative journeys, debate the greatest punchline rappers of all time, examine RJD2's groundbreaking production, and unpack some of the album's most complex bars line by line. If you love discovering overlooked classics, decoding elite lyricism, or simply want to hear passionate hip-hop fans celebrate one of underground rap's most fascinating hidden gems, this is an episode you won't want to miss Support the show

    #194 TABLE SCRAPS ALBUM REVIEW - #mhz

  7. Aug 8

    #195 HERE COMES THE LORDS #LORDSOFTHEUNDERGROUND

    Send us Fan Mail This episode of That’s Hip Hop shines a spotlight on Lords of the Underground and their 1993 debut album Here Come the Lords, making the case that the New Jersey trio deserves far more recognition in discussions of golden-age East Coast hip-hop. The hosts explore how the group's identity stood apart from many of their contemporaries, arguing that while other high-energy acts were associated with a defining gimmick or stylistic trademark, Lords of the Underground simply represented pure hip-hop—combining commanding lyricism, booming Marley Marl and K-Def production, and electrifying stage presence. The conversation revisits the group's biggest records, including "Chief Rocka" and "Funky Child," while reflecting on how their music found new generations through video games like NBA Street Vol. 2 and continued influence through samples and references in later hip-hop. Beyond celebrating the album, the discussion dives into why Lords of the Underground never reached the same commercial heights as some of their peers despite releasing a respected classic during the fiercely competitive 1993 rap landscape. The hosts debate factors ranging from the group's New Jersey roots and underground ethos to the overwhelming success of "Chief Rocka," which may have overshadowed the rest of their catalog. They also praise Marley Marl's mentorship, analyze standout lyrics, and emphasize that the group's lasting legacy comes from authentic lyricism, energetic performances, and unwavering dedication to hip-hop culture rather than chart dominance. The episode ultimately presents Here Come the Lords as a timeless album whose passion, technical skill, and live-performance energy continue to resonate more than three decades after its release. Support the show

    #195 HERE COMES THE LORDS #LORDSOFTHEUNDERGROUND

  8. Jul 21

    #190 MERCUTIO X INTERVIEW: THE NAME, THE ORIGIN, THE RISE, DREAMERS OFTEN DIE, LETHAL SESSIONS

    Send us Fan Mail Beneath the aggressive bars, wild punchlines, and gunslinger imagery, Mercutio X reveals something unexpected: a self-described nerd obsessed with Shakespeare, psychology, mythology, and the power of storytelling. In this candid conversation, he unpacks the origins of his unique artistic identity, explaining how a shy kid from the Inland Empire transformed into one of underground hip-hop's most compelling voices. From the meaning behind his stage name to the loneliness, vulnerability, and ambition that fuel his music, Mercutio X offers a rare glimpse into the mind behind projects like Lethal Sessions and Dreamers Often Die. What makes this interview fascinating is how quickly it shifts between hilarious stories and profound reflections. One moment he's discussing rap battles, shocking lyrics, and studio antics; the next he's breaking down Shakespeare as one of history's first rappers, exploring the political power of hip-hop, and explaining why music became his outlet for channeling aggression, purpose, and human connection. Whether you're a fan of underground rap, creative process, or simply love hearing artists speak honestly about their craft, this conversation is packed with memorable insights, unexpected wisdom, and the kind of authenticity that makes you want to immediately dive into the music afterward. Support the show

See All (201)

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

We're 3 high school friends who share a common passion for Hip Hop. Each of us have created our own albums, performed or started our own channels, but this time, we are collaborating together to share our common bond over our love for hip hop. We are taking a journey into the music. Going album by album to dissect and share our experiences with the tracks. We release a new episode every Monday. Check us out and let us know what albums we should review next! 

Information

  • Creator
    Isaiah
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 That's Hip-Hop
  • Show Website
    That's Hip-Hop