Four guys sharing their taste in music, stories about life, and of course, occasional arguments.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/6/10/18/f0f365db-4f7e-48d4-8c36-43a2911ce207_sbs_s2e4_audio__fixed.mp3

In this episode of Speakerbox Studios, we’re joined by local legend and rising artist Prolific to unpack one of the most important questions in modern music: What separates flash-in-the-pan artists from long-term icons? From Tyler, The Creator to MF DOOM, The Weeknd, and Travis Scott, we dissect what makes a music career sustainable—rollouts, characters, content strategy, performance balance, and brand identity.We also debate:<ul><li>The value (and danger) of going viral</li><li>Whether one-hit wonders should hang it up or double down</li><li>The role of mystique and surprise features in today’s music economy</li><li>Why strong visuals and storytelling still matter</li><li>What you’d do if Usher handed your girl a cherry onstage.</li></ul>

How to Build an Artist Legacy in the Clout Era (ft. Prolific)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/ce7cffbd-33bf-4b58-b2b9-f303a4205cd2__2F2025-3-21_2F398732498-44100-2-37357bd6a3e68.m4a

&#34;Rap is on trial. From A$AP Rocky’s verdict to Kendrick Lamar making history as the first rapper to sell 1M units this year, we’re diving into hip-hop’s most explosive debates: Rico cases in rap (Lil Durk, Kay Flock, Yella Bezzy) – Is the culture perpetuating harm? Underground vs. Mainstream: When does a rapper “sell out”? (Feat. Vince Staples, Denzel Curry + more) Posthumous albums: Is Nipsey Hussle’s new project ethical? 20-Minute Deathbed Collab Challenge – Who would WE pick? (Kendrick? Tyler? SZA? Alchemist?)

Rap on Trial: Rico Cases, Kendrick’s 1M Sales & Underground vs. Mainstream | Speakerboxx Studios

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/53e66b2d-7e41-4e21-ad1f-df88224ad221__2F2025-3-13_2F398336058-44100-2-27c991560facb.m4a

Welcome to the first episode of Speakerboxx Studios, Season 2. Sean is back from Cuba, and we are back recording in our friend’s apartment. Today we talk about the art vs the artist, the way artists become consumed by their art, and if you can enjoy the art of horrible people (YE).

Can You Separate The Art From The Artist? - Speakerboxx Studios Season 2 Premiere

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/e4709d6d-4e2b-4df5-84d9-3c54fe25a982_2F2024-11-15_2F391603412-44100-2-f473616d35161.m4a

Welcome to the season finale of Speakerboxx Stuidos. Today we talk about why it may be necessary to gate keep hip hop, Forbes horrible top 50 rappers list, and the fools on twitter calling Doechii’s music, “Harriet Tubman music.”

Gatekeeping Hip Hop, Forbes Top Rapper List, Harriet Tubman Music

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/6ac4a7d3-4b08-41c5-a0a3-cf2920b47309__2F2024-11-9_2F391249323-44100-2-a171e2cf75a3f.m4a

SPEAKERBOXX STUDIOS HAS RETURNED. In this episode, we are joined by our homie Albert, and we discuss A LOT. Kendrick dropped a no skip album, then Grammy nominations disappointed us once again, and Drake is basically suing for peace

GNX Review, Grammy Bias, Drake Lawsuit

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/14f5d2a8-9cf4-4555-8f1e-cdfb83376363_2F2024-10-18_2F390000817-44100-2-e8eb04f3587fd.m4a

This episode was recorded around the time Andre 3000 released his debut solo album that is now Grammy nominated. We also discuss the discourse around rappers exploring other genres, and funny hip hop figures/moments.

Andre 3000 Album, Rappers Exploring Other Genres, Funniest People in Hip Hop

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/6fe0eb0d-4978-4567-b74a-a45f380fc1f1__2F2024-10-9_2F389534400-44100-2-023320e1e59c4.m4a

On this episode of Speakerboxx, we decided to give y&#39;all a vault episode since we did not record on Election Day. This was the second episode we ever recorded and the inexperience made for some funny moments. 
Shiesty mask, opps at the beach, nature documentaries, we talk about basically everything this episode.
Recorded: 10/09/2023

Shiesty Masks, Barbie vs Bratz, Movies We Miss

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/74e8e08d-7d86-4a23-bf50-9e4f9e1ec08d__2F2024-10-4_2F389204650-44100-2-725c85228e427.m4a

On this episode of Speakerboxx Studios, we are joined by our 2nd ever guest, Chris!
Starting with some Tyler the Creator content for his recently released album, CHROMAKOPIA (a must listen), then we discuss artists we feel are overrated as well as underrated (or underappreciated), then we close off with our favorite songs and albums of 2024.

CHROMAKOPIA, Hip-Hop Over and Under, Songs and Albums of the Year

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/3ed75eed-6e0a-4e7e-a974-990332104a14__2F2024-9-14_2F388110956-44100-2-1c4d1290c0c71.m4a

On this episode of Speakerboxx, we have our very first guest! James and the rest of us share our favorite album covers, and discuss how hip-hop artistry and rap aren&#39;t really the same thing.

Best Album Covers, Hip-Hop vs Rap, What's the Difference?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/c894e74d-e601-4655-9ee2-333308d7803e_g_2F2024-9-6_2F387642604-44100-2-62b6636c4cb8d.m4a

For this episode of Speakerboxx Studios, we remake the half of Billboard&#39;s top 50 Hip-Hop artists of all time list. Some get moved up, some get moved down, and some get replaced. Who&#39;s on your top 25?

Top 25 Hip-Hop Artists of All Time

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/77f47bcf-70ac-4a66-b957-7f0b0708c63c__2F2024-8-29_2F387246008-44100-2-ab45fae0108ef.m4a

In this episode, we did drafted Hip Hop artists into teams, then combined them together to get a Hip Hop starting 4 (+ 1 producer). Do you agree with our picks?

Hip Hop Starting 5 - Speakerboxx Episode 6

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/d848398a-b98c-4d77-a326-f215ce9c3e77__2F2024-8-20_2F386731894-44100-2-3854ce9b8e239.m4a

In this episode of Speakerboxx Studios, we&#39;re covering a little bit of everything— personal self-care routines to the latest in hip-hop. We talk about why taking care of yourself matters, Kendrick Lamar getting picked for the Super Bowl, the divisiveness around Lil Wayne, and a reflection of Kendrick&#39;s new track where he is fed up with EVERYONE. Obviously, we couldn’t ignore the CEO of Freak Offs, Diddy, and the serious criminal charges he’s facing. It&#39;s a mix of real talk and real issues—clock in, kick back, and join us to address everything happening in the culture right now

From Self-Care to Freak-Offs: Kendrick, Lil Wayne, and the Diddy Charges

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/1a731634-23e6-4115-93b5-91ccba7840b8__2F2024-8-20_2F386731278-44100-2-ffbcfd3c5348c.m4a

Join us to discuss the battle that will be remembered throughout hip hop history. Where Kendrick Lamar eviscerated the famous actor we once knew, Drake.
 
If you really think Drake won...

Kendrick vs Drake Recap - Speakerboxx Episode 4

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/15380b4f-4187-4127-a311-530a89e6fa9c_g_2F2024-8-6_2F385940088-44100-2-fd49decd1384a.m4a

Are you confused on who tf these dudes are after that first episode? GOOD. Listen to this one to learn our passions, interests, and why hip hop. (Recorded 11/06/2023)

Episode 1 - Who Are These Mfs?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/951d7b75-3d0f-47ad-afa6-7c9f4cfdeadb_g_2F2024-8-6_2F385940522-44100-2-44c1f5b85fbcc.m4a

LIFE UPDATE: A lot has happened since the last episode. Jio died for 15 minutes, Sean graduated, and none of us had time for this. But we’re back and better now mf. (Recorded 01/23/2024)

Episode 2 - The End of the Hiatus

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/d06353ff-9af7-47c6-8a9b-99c8a368bd78_g_2F2024-8-6_2F385940792-44100-2-3ca0faee46fd1.m4a

STREAM “BEING BAYANI IS DEAD” ON ALL PLATFORMS!!!! Finally a recently recorded episode. Audio quality is buns tho (sorry). Listen to us discuss the creative process. (Recorded 09/03/2024)

Episode 3 - Bayani and the Creative Process

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/21/16/b41f6602-54c0-4d6d-a18f-2aaa1f743d38_g_2F2024-8-6_2F385939163-44100-2-84b3486793975.m4a

Enter Speakerboxx Studios, a group of 4 dudes passionately yapping about hip hop and their other interests. Today’s topic? Sla… Top 5 hip hop albums of all time. See if you agree! (Recorded 09/25/2023)

Episode 0 - Top 5 Hip Hop Albums of All Time