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
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
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
Big Daddy Kane
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
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
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 and Twitter: @hiphopworldcup
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
We’re back with a brand-new series: Shootout!
It’s the podcast that puts hip-hop’s premier producers and MCs up against each other in a best-of-five battle to find out who’s the greatest.
We draw tracks from each side to face each other, and after discussing them we use the three-man vote to decide who wins.
In our inaugural episode, two of New York’s top production teams step up to the spot – The Beatnuts and Da Beatminerz. During the shootout, we discuss the beats, the bars and how their production techniques have evolved over the years.
Shootout: the podcast that takes hip-hop to penalties!
TRACKS:
The Beatnuts
Da Beatminerz
SHOOTOUT SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2sZ9XL9zTFWLpEDwMvNDIG
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 yourpodcast 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 yourthoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:
Instagram and Twitter: @hiphopworldcup
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
FIFA asked us to convene an emergency Play Off podcast to settle one of the biggest debates in hip-hop history – which is better, Kill at Will by Ice Cube or 100 Miles and Runnin’ by NWA?
Both released in 1990 after the acrimonious split of NWA – dubbed “the world’s most dangerous group” by Shakin’ Stevens – these EPs marked a pivotal moment in the history of rap music.
After watching Ice Cube drop his solo masterpiece Amerikkka’s Most Wanted, Dre, Ren, Eazy and Yella hit back with 100 Miles and Runnin’ – an electrifying EP that brims with vitriol towards Cube and portrays him as a traitor.
Meanwhile Cube quietly capitalised on his growing solo success with Kill at Will, an EP that largely avoided dissing his former bandmates, keeping it bottled up until the vicious No Vaseline on his 1991 album Death Certificate.
Thirty-five years after these EPs were released, Danny, James and Steve referee this brutal battle from a secret underground bunker under strict ‘papal election’ conditions, with VAR and TruSkore technology as a reassuring presence throughout.
After discussing each track, they use the three-man vote to decide which EP takes home the trophy – all overseen by the usual rogue’s gallery of British football legends. Don’t miss it!
HHWC SOCIAL MEDIA, YOUTUBE AND PODCAST LINKS:
https://linktr.ee/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
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hiphopworldcup
Please rate and review Hip Hop World Cup on Spotify, Apple or your podcast app of choice, which will help raise our visibility and give the podcast ‘mass appeal’.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow us on Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky (@hiphopworldcup) to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:
https://www.instagram.com/hiphopworldcup
https://x.com/hiphopworldcup
https://www.threads.net/@hiphopworldcup
https://bsky.app/profile/hiphopworldcup.bsky.social
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
In our final Dream Team episode of the series, we bring you a special show recorded in front of a live audience at St Paul’s Cathedral, London.
Admittedly, the audience was there to watch BBC’s Question Time being filmed and they seemed confused – occasionally angry – but we soon won them round with our lively debate over the top hip-hop tracks from 1995.
And what a year it was. On the east coast, the Wu-Tang boys spoiled us with classic albums from GZA, Raekwon and ODB, which cemented RZA as the dominant force in hip-hop – challenged only by DJ Premier, whose brand of quirky head-nodders made him the go-to guy for the best beats in the business.
Meanwhile Dr Dre kept our heads ringin’, Masta Ace gave us da answer and Show & AG took us to the next level. Throw in lesser-known bangers from the likes of Shabazz The Disciple, Mic Geronimo and Double XX Posse and it’s easy to see why some consider 1995 to be the low-key greatest year of hip-hop's golden era.
To celebrate the 30-year anniversary of these songs, Danny, James and Steve attempt to knock a squad of 22 down to 11 by drawing them against each other in a series of one-on-one matches and using the three-man vote to decide the winner each time.
The 11 winning tracks earn a place on our Spotify playlist, the losers get an early bath. We also decide on the team's name, manager and star player.
THE 1995 SQUAD:
DREAM TEAM 1995 SPOTIFY PLAYLIST:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ApwFBhKQFq2RNvRJyLBWj?si=R6Hq6a2BSIaWQUwutcDuEw
HHWC SOCIAL MEDIA, YOUTUBE AND PODCAST LINKS:
https://linktr.ee/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
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hiphopworldcup
Please rate and review Hip Hop World Cup on Spotify, Apple or your podcast app of choice, which will help raise our visibility and give the podcast ‘mass appeal’.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow us on Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky (@hiphopworldcup) to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:
https://www.instagram.com/hiphopworldcup
https://www.threads.net/@hiphopworldcup
https://bsky.app/profile/hiphopworldcup.bsky.social
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
In this episode we journey back to the early stages of hip-hop’s golden era and put together a playlist of our favourite tracks from 1991.
It was the year that hip-hop erupted with groundbreaking albums and cultural milestones. Public Enemy continued their legacy of politically charged anthems, while A Tribe Called Quest redefined jazz-infused rap. Ice Cube's solo sophomore effort ‘Death Certificate’ sparked controversy with its raw social commentary, contrasting with Naughty by Nature's patented brand of party bangers.
Meanwhile, the debut album by a young, hungry Tupac Shakur introduced his poetic lyricism and social activism, while Cypress Hill brought a gritty West Coast flavour to the forefront with their self-titled debut album. Yep, 1991 was a pivotal year, shaping hip-hop's diverse landscape for years to come.
In this epic Dream Team episode, Danny, James and Steve attempt to knock a squad of 22 songs down to 11 by drawing them against each other in a series of one-on-one matches and using the three-man vote to decide the winner each time.
The 11 winning tracks earn a place on our Spotify playlist, the losers get an early bath. We also decide on the team's name, manager and star player. All that, plus quiz questions, ‘Urgent News’ and the usual mix of nonsense. Don’t miss it!
THE 1991 SQUAD:
DREAM TEAM 1991 SPOTIFY PLAYLIST:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2zByTKTPp4LVvQHA6mpDs4?si=XJ9CXdLXRAm02nUzGq2IIQ
HHWC SOCIAL MEDIA, YOUTUBE AND PODCAST LINKS:
https://linktr.ee/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
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hiphopworldcup
Please rate and review Hip Hop World Cup on Spotify, Apple or your podcast app of choice, which will help raise our visibility and give the podcast ‘mass appeal’.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow us on Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky (@hiphopworldcup) to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:
https://www.instagram.com/hiphopworldcup https://x.com/hiphopworldcup https://www.threads.net/@hiphopworldcup https://bsky.app/profile/hiphopworldcup.bsky.social
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
1994 is regarded by many as the greatest and most important year in hip-hop history, spawning a slew of untouchable classic albums and seeing the artform reach its creative and cultural peak.
In this episode, Danny, Steve and James revisit this monumental year, selecting 22 of their favourite tracks and drawing them against each other in a series of one-on-one matches. After discussing the songs, they use the three-man vote to decide the winner.
The 11 winning tracks earn a place on our Spotify playlist, which you can bump in your boomin’ system using the link below. The boys also decide on the team's name, manager and star player.
THE 1994 SQUAD
DREAM TEAM 1994 SPOTIFY PLAYLIST:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4PNyEkMIprQISvIV5jTOB2?si=qQHk8VedSqa08BPVcN_a7Q
HHWC SOCIAL MEDIA, YOUTUBE AND PODCAST LINKS:
https://linktr.ee/hiphopworldcup
ALL PREVIOUS EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hiphopworldcup
Please rate and review Hip Hop World Cup on Spotify, Apple or your podcast app of choice, which will help raise our visibility and give the podcast ‘mass appeal’.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow us on Instagram, X and Threads (@hiphopworldcup) to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:
https://www.instagram.com/hiphopworldcup
https://www.threads.net/@hiphopworldcup
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
In this episode, Danny, Steve and James reminisce over ’92 as classic hip-hop tracks from that year battle it out for a place on our DREAM TEAM.
1992 was the year that saw Dr Dre go solo on that ass and introduce the world to a certain Snoop Doggy Dogg, while Redman, The Pharcyde, Das EFX, Pete Rock & CL Smooth and Diamond D dropped debut albums to die for.
We also banged heads with EPMD, jumped around with House of Pain and spent a lovely day with Ice Cube playing craps, getting lucky with the ladies and not getting shot.
So how does DREAM TEAM work? Simple. We draw 22 songs against each other in a series of one-on-one matches, then discuss them and use the three-man vote to decide the winner.
The 11 winning tracks earn a place on our Spotify playlist, which you can enjoy using the link below. We also decide on the team's name, manager and star player.
The 1992 Squad:
DREAM TEAM 1992 SPOTIFY PLAYLIST:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2r3aUx7SpgqPPtmUW70E2T?si=9d8596d3606c4b89
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 Spotify, 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 and Twitter: @hiphopworldcup
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
1993 was a special time in hip-hop. On the East Coast, it was the year of shouty choruses, bald heads, big coats and Tims – and that’s just Run DMC – while Wu-Tang and Black Moon launched their legendary debut bangers.
On the West Coast, Snoop’s first album took the hip-hop world from behind, the feud between Dre and Eazy got personal, and Ice Cube stayed up all night watching police helicopters.
In this episode, Danny, Steve and Larry take a trip back to this pivotal year and assemble a star team of 11 classic tracks from a squad of 22.
The songs are drawn against each other in a series of one-on-one matches, which we discuss and use the three-man vote to decide the winner.
After sorting the beats from the chaff, the 11 winning tracks earn a place on our Spotify playlist, which you can access using the link below. We also decide on the team's name, manager and star player.
THE 1993 SQUAD:
DREAM TEAM 1993 SPOTIFY PLAYLIST:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6CeyJBzmRWAPKVshxD7ykm?si=06754a35dab640b6
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 and Twitter: @hiphopworldcup
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
We’re back in effect with a brand-new format: DREAM TEAM!
The goal of this new series is to create an all-star playlist of songs for each year of hip-hop’s 1990s golden era.
In each episode, we take 22 of our favourite hip-hop joints from the selected year and draw them against each other in a series of one-on-one matches.
We use the three-man vote to decide on the winner until we’re left with 11 triumphant tracks, which we’ll share as a playlist on Spotify. We also decide on the team’s name, manager and star player.
In this episode we preside over a 22-way tussle between our favourite tracks from 1996:
DREAM TEAM 1996 SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ua73mXn3SxIcgDLzaCEW2?si=a34d5f35e77d4749
ALL 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 and X (Twitter): @hiphopworldcup
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
In the final episode of this series, we’re giving The Notorious B.I.G.’s 1997 double album Life After Death a Play-Off post-mortem to decide which of its two discs is the best.
Life After Death is Biggie’s second and final album, released a mere 16 days after his murder, and continues right where his revered debut Ready To Die left off. The beats are smoother, the hooks are catchier and the suits are shinier, but does Big Poppa’s brand of street-smart lyricism still blow us away?
Recorded live at a special event to celebrate Biggie’s life and work – attended by an all-star line-up of hip-hop greats, as well as P. Diddy – this episode sees us diving deep into B.I.G.’s bloated blockbuster and work out if it’s a misfire or masterpiece.
Also, stay tuned until the end as we attempt something that’s never been done before in the history of British podcasting. Don’t miss this one!
About HIP HOP WORLD CUP: THE PLAY OFFS
It's the podcast that pits golden-age rap albums against each other in a fight for sonic supremacy!
In each episode, die-hard hip-hop heads Danny, James and Steve rate and debate two albums from rap music’s golden era (’88-‘96) to decide which one is best.
Using the patented TruSkore™ system, tracks are assigned numerical values – ‘ratings’ if you will – which the trio will use as a guide.
After the hosts vote for their favourite album, the winning LP claims the coveted Hip Hop World Cup tie and blazer badge combination pack and a trophy made of solid plastic.
This podcast is brought to you by TruSkore™, the world’s number one music evaluation system.
ALL EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE:
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80YWZiOWIwMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK
Stitcher: https://stitcher.com/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/daniel-phillips45
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
Hit us up on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:
Instagram and Twitter: @hiphopworldcup
Individual handles
Danny:
X: @dannyphillips2 / Instagram: @dannyphillips16
James:
X: @wardner_
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
In this episode we take the time machine back to 1991 and check out two albums very close to Danny’s heart – 2nd II None’s self-titled debut effort and ‘Fruits of Nature’ by The UMCs.
Released a month apart and boasting many similarities, these albums sparked his love affair with hip-hop as a lad – but do co-hosts Steve and James share his passion?
2nd II None – produced entirely by West Coast legend DJ Quik – takes on The UMC’s self-produced debut record in this Play Off, in which we discuss and score every track and vote on the winner to decide who takes home the trophy.
And don’t forget, we’re still the only hip-hop podcast to be adjudicated by VAR technology, which means you can be sure our opinions are completely free from ‘clear and obvious errors’.
About HIP HOP WORLD CUP: THE PLAY OFFS
It's the podcast that pits golden-age rap albums against each other in a fight for sonic supremacy!
In each episode, die-hard hip-hop heads Danny, James and Steve rate and debate two albums from rap music’s golden era (’88-‘96) to decide which one is best.
Using the patented TruSkore™ system, tracks are assigned numerical values – ‘ratings’ if you will – which the trio will use as a guide.
After the hosts vote for their favourite album, the winning LP claims the coveted Hip Hop World Cup tie and blazer badge combination pack and a trophy made of solid plastic.
This podcast is brought to you by TruSkore™, the world’s number one music evaluation system.
ALL EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE:
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80YWZiOWIwMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK
Stitcher: https://stitcher.com/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/daniel-phillips45
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
Hit us up on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:
Instagram and Twitter: @hiphopworldcup
Individual handles
Danny:
X: @dannyphillips2 / Instagram: @dannyphillips16
James:
X: @wardner_
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
In our first episode of 2024, we take a trip back to the early noughties for a battle of the backpack rap classics!
We put ‘Question in the Form of an Answer’ by People Under The Stairs (2000) up against J-Live’s debut album ‘The Best Part’ (2001) to decide which takes home the HHWC trophy.
Widely regarded as two of the new millennium’s best hip-hop LPs, they helped usher in a new age of beat-making and rhyme-saying, bringing a fresh forward-thinking approach to the familiar tropes and traditions of hip-hop’s golden age.
It’s a departure from our usual early-to-mid-90s milieu but these two albums are heavily influenced by (and some even recorded during) hip-hop’s golden age so we figured they were perfect candidates for the Hip Hop World Cup arena.
But here’s The Best Part – we are now officially the only hip-hop podcast to be monitored by VAR technology, which should ensure that none of our opinions are ‘clear and obvious errors’ (in theory anyway).
So sit back and strap in – this is one that PUTS and J-Live fans won’t want to miss. About HIP HOP WORLD CUP: THE PLAY OFFS
It's the podcast that pits golden-age rap albums against each other in a fight for sonic supremacy!
In each episode, die-hard hip-hop heads Danny, James and Steve rate and debate two albums from rap music’s golden era (’88-‘96) to decide which one is best.
Using the patented TruSkore™ system, tracks are assigned numerical values – ‘ratings’ if you will – which the trio will use as a guide.
After the hosts vote for their favourite album, the winning LP claims the coveted Hip Hop World Cup tie and blazer badge combination pack and a trophy made of solid plastic.
This podcast is brought to you by TruSkore™, the world’s number one music evaluation system.
ALL EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE:
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80YWZiOWIwMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK
Stitcher: https://stitcher.com/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/daniel-phillips45
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
Hit us up on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:
Instagram and Twitter: @hiphopworldcup
Individual handles
Danny:
X: @dannyphillips2 / Instagram: @dannyphillips16
James:
X: @wardner_
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
In this epic episode (epicsode?), it’s all earz on 2Pac’s 1996 diamond-selling double album ALL EYEZ ON ME.
Fresh outta jail and bursting with ‘thug passion’, 2Pac banged out this 27-track opus in double-quick time, backed by the physical/financial might of Death Row head honcho Suge Knight and a luxury line-up of the West Coast’s finest producers – including a certain Dr Dre, who produced the smash hit ‘California Love’.
The hype was huge and when it was released in Feb ‘96 the double album made a massive splash in the hip-hop world, with many considering it to be the late lyricsmith’s finest album – the last to be released in his lifetime.
But is it all it’s cracked up to be? And which of the two albums is better? Well, in this episode we finally put those age-old questions to bed.
In an historic podcasting first (probably) we put Book 1 up against Book 2 in a Death Row death match to find out once and for all which one takes the crown. It’s the battle commentators are already calling ‘utterly specPACular’.
Danny, Steve and Larry rate and debate each track in detail – employing the globally trusted TruSkore™ technology to ensure 100% scientific accuracy – and vote for their winner.
The trio trade war stories, share some skandalouz hot takes and get their minds made up about this unique, remarkable and historic hip-hop record.
Joining the lads in their purpose-built bunker beneath FIFA headquarters in Zurich is the usual gang of greats of the football world, including a certain England winger who’s no stranger to having 'all eyez on him’. This is one you won’t want to miss!
About HIP HOP WORLD CUP: THE PLAY OFFS
It's the podcast that pits golden-age rap albums against each other in a fight for sonic supremacy!
In each episode, die-hard hip-hop heads Danny, James and Steve rate and debate two albums from rap music’s golden era (’88-‘96) to decide which one is best.
Using the patented TruSkore™ system, tracks are assigned numerical values – ‘ratings’ if you will – which the trio will use as a guide.
After the hosts vote for their favourite album, the winning LP claims the coveted Hip Hop World Cup tie and blazer badge combination pack and a trophy made of solid plastic.
This podcast is brought to you by TruSkore™, the world’s number one music evaluation system.
ALL EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE:
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80YWZiOWIwMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK
Stitcher: https://stitcher.com/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/daniel-phillips45
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
Hit us up on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:
Instagram and Twitter: @hiphopworldcup
Individual handles
Danny:
X: @dannyphillips2 / Instagram: @dannyphillips16
James:
X: @wardner_
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
PUBLIC ENEMY 'APOCALPYSE '91: THE ENEMY STRIKES BLACK' (1991) vs 'TERMINATOR X AND THE VALLEY OF THE JEEP BEETS' (1991)
This is the big one! After an unsuccessful tenure at TruSkore HQ in Qatar, Larry has been lured out of retirement by the only album that could do it - Public Enemy's fourth and sorely under-discussed LP 'Apocalypse '91: The Enemy Strikes Black'!
In this episode, we thrown PE's album into the lion's den against PE DJ Terminator X's 1991 debut solo album 'Terminator X and the Valley of the Jeep Beets'.
Larry reunites with Danny and Steve - the UK's answer to the S1Ws - to dissect both albums track by track, then vote to decide which one is the overall winner.
Along the way the trio debate the merits of Flavor Flav and Sister Souljah, and ponder what the rest of the Casino Brothers were up to during the making of this album.
Throw in an interview with a genuine England football legend it'll take a nation of millions to hold this episode back!
You won't find any other podcast talking about these classic albums! So if you have a love for 1990's golden-age hip-hop, this is the podcast for you. About HIP HOP WORLD CUP: THE PLAY OFFS
It's the podcast that pits golden-age rap albums against each other in a fight for sonic supremacy!
In each episode, die-hard hip-hop heads Danny, James and Steve rate and debate two albums from rap music’s golden era (’88-‘96) to decide which one is best.
Using the patented TruSkore™ system, tracks are assigned numerical values – ‘ratings’ if you will – which the trio will use as a guide.
After the hosts vote for their favourite album, the winning LP claims the coveted Hip Hop World Cup tie and blazer badge combination pack and a trophy made of solid plastic.
This podcast is brought to you by TruSkore™, the world’s number one music evaluation system.
ALL EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE:
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80YWZiOWIwMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK
Stitcher: https://stitcher.com/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/daniel-phillips45
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
Hit us up on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:
Instagram and Twitter: @hiphopworldcup
Individual handles
Danny:
X: @dannyphillips2 / Instagram: @dannyphillips16
James:
X: @wardner_
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
Time to don the helmets and prepare for what we're calling the 'HIT SQUAD HEADBANGER'! That's right - Danny and Steve take a trip back to 1992 as EPMD's 'Business Never Personal' knocks heads with K-Solo's 'Time's Up' in a two-way tussle.
In this episode, we discuss the delicious irony of EPMD's 'Crossover', throw shade (business) on Parrish Smith's rap capabilities and question whether K-Solo really did have a 'Household Maid' - before totting up the scores and deciding whch album is the best.
Plus we're joined on the line by an England football legend who is no stranger to banging heads. You don't want to miss this one!
About HIP HOP WORLD CUP: THE PLAY OFFS
It's the podcast that pits golden-age rap albums against each other in a fight for sonic supremacy!
In each episode, die-hard hip-hop heads Danny and Steve rate and debate two albums from rap music’s golden era (’88-‘96) to decide which one is best.
Using the patented TruSkore™ system, tracks are assigned numerical values – ‘ratings’ if you will – which the duo will use to decide on the winner.
The winning LP claims the coveted Hip Hop World Cup tie and blazer badge combination pack and a trophy made of solid plastic.
This podcast is brought to you by TruSkore™, the world’s number one music evaluation system.
ALL PREVIOUS EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE:
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80YWZiOWIwMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK
Stitcher: https://stitcher.com/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/daniel-phillips45
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
Hit us up on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:
Instagram and Twitter: @hiphopworldcup
Individual handles
Danny:
Twitter @dannyphillips2 / Instagram: @dannyphillips16
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
Episode 3: HELTAH SKELTAH 'NOCTURNAL' (1996) vs CELLA DWELLAS 'REALMS 'N' REALITY' (1996)
In this episode we compare and contrast two 1996 rap duo debut albums – ‘Nocturnal’ by Boot Camp Click members Heltah Skeltah and ‘Realms ‘N’ Reality’ by Cella Dwellas.
With loads of boom-bap bangers on both – from ‘Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka’ and ‘Undastand’ to ‘Perfect Match’ and ‘Good Dwellas’ – these are two golden-age albums that don’t get talked about enough. Time to put that right.
There are plenty of parallels between these two LPs in terms of themes, styles, beats and lyrical interplay, but which one did we prefer? We dissect both and fire up the patented TruSkore™ system to decide the winner.
It’s also an episode of firsts here at HHWC HQ. Not only is it the first one recorded IN PERSON but it’s also the first without Larry, who was headhunted by TruSkore™ top brass and is now heading up the complaints department at their Qatar campus.
About HIP HOP WORLD CUP: THE PLAY OFFS
It's the podcast that pits golden-age rap albums against each other in a fight for sonic supremacy!
In each episode, die-hard hip-hop heads Danny and Steve rate and debate two albums from rap music’s golden era (’88-‘96) to decide which one is best.
Using the patented TruSkore™ system, tracks are assigned numerical values – ‘ratings’ if you will – which the trio will use as a guide.
After the hosts vote for their favourite album, the winning LP claims the coveted Hip Hop World Cup tie and blazer badge combination pack and a trophy made of solid plastic.
This podcast is brought to you by TruSkore™, the world’s number one music evaluation system.
ALL EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE:
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80YWZiOWIwMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK
Stitcher: https://stitcher.com/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/daniel-phillips45
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
Hit us up on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:
Instagram and Twitter: @hiphopworldcup
Danny: Twitter @dannyphillips2 / Instagram: @dannyphillips16
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
Artwork by Brody Phillips: https://www.instagram.com/reoma_art/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe29...
With the Qatar World Cup 2022 in full swing, we thought it was high time to post this bonus beat tape episode featuring all the music from the Hip Hop World Cup podcast - as well as a world exclusive interview with two prominent figures from the world of football. Enjoy!
ALL PREVIOUS EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE:
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80YWZiOWIwMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK
Stitcher: https://stitcher.com/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/daniel-phillips45
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
Hit us up on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:
Instagram and Twitter: @hiphopworldcup
Individual handles
Danny:
Twitter @dannyphillips2 / Instagram: @dannyphillips16
Larry:
Twitter: @wardner_
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978
INTELLIGENT HOODLUM ‘TRAGEDY: SAGA OF A HOODLUM’ (1993) vs ORGANIZED KONFUSION ‘ORGANIZED KONFUSION’ (1991)
In this episode, two ‘90s hip-hop gems go toe-to-toe!
Your hosts Danny, James and Steve size up two superb albums by Organized Konfusion and Intelligent Hoodlum, breaking down the beats and rhymes, the bangers and the clangers – then vote for their winner, guided by the tried and trusted TruSkore™ system.
What will they think? Which album will be crowned champion? Will Steve’s preferred album finally win? More importantly, has TruSkore™ stopped accessing its users’ bank accounts? Listen to find out!
About HIP HOP WORLD CUP: THE PLAY OFFS
It's the podcast that pits golden-age rap albums against each other in a fight for sonic supremacy!
In each episode, die-hard hip-hop heads Danny, James and Steve rate and debate two albums from rap music’s golden era ('88 - '96) to decide which one is best.
Using the patented TruSkore™ system, tracks are assigned numerical values – ‘ratings’ if you will – which the trio will use as a guide.
After the hosts vote for their favourite album, the winning LP claims the coveted Hip Hop World Cup tie and blazer badge combination pack and a trophy made of solid plastic.
This podcast is brought to you by TruSkore™, the world’s number one music evaluation system.
ALL EPISODES AVAILABLE NOW ON YOUR PODCAST APP OF CHOICE:
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80YWZiOWIwMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup/id1589610632
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aBAonIjzVh1zr27q733yK
Stitcher: https://stitcher.com/podcast/hip-hop-world-cup
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/daniel-phillips45
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
Hit us up on social media to share your thoughts on the episode or talk 90s hip-hop in general:
Instagram and Twitter: @hiphopworldcup
Individual handles
Danny:
Twitter @dannyphillips2 / Instagram: @dannyphillips16
James:
Twitter: @wardner_
Beats and stings by Danny Phillips: https://soundcloud.com/dannyphillips1978