x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The Grey Area

Talking all things Rap & Hip-Hop, from the UK to across the pond. The facts are black and white, but our opinions are somewhere in the middle. New episodes are available on the 10th and 25th of each month!

music music commentary

All Episodes

01:23:58

Most Anticipated Albums 2025

The Grey Area ·

2025/01/10

We discuss our most anticipated music projects for 2025, reflecting on the impact of 2024's releases including J. Cole's 'The Fall Off', Yasin Bey, The Alchemist, Baby Keem, Jay Rock, and Joey Badass as well as UK artists like Skepta, Jeshi, Central Cee, Krept and Konan.We also talk about the potential shifts in music trends for 2025.

en

04:53

Yacht Rock 3 (Grey Area Posse Cut) Ft. Cloud 9, SJ,...

The Grey Area ·

2024/12/25

What kind of music reviewers would we be if we didn't make music ourselves?!Here's an end of year present from the grey area family, we have recorded our own track produced by Sam and recorded and written each member of the show. It's just a bit of fun and peak behind what we get up to outside of the podcastIn order of appearance - Cloud 9 (Neil), SJ (Sam), Alexander T (Theo), 0ero (Kiran) & Bravehart (Sean)If you like this let us know ... we might record a whole album

en

02:21:30

Grey Awards 2024

The Grey Area ·

2024/12/25

In this episode, we celebrate the 4th annual Grey Area Awards, sharing our picks for the year’s best tracks, albums, and artists. We highlight nominees like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, the Creator, while reflecting on emerging talent and shifting music trends. We talk about standout producers, including the Alchemist and JPEG Mafia, and explore the evolving influence of female hip-hop artists. We debate the year’s top rappers, from Lil Wayne to Little Simz, and reflect on the cultural impact

en

01:54:33

Kendrick Lamar - GNX Review (and November Release Recap)

The Grey Area ·

2024/12/10

What a month November was Kendrick Lamar's latest album GNX caught us by surprise and this episode we are diving into its themes, energy, and production while reflecting on his artistic evolution and the album’s impact on hip-hop.Nov Release Recap Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2koJ8BOTfbEFgr0N3SaNGJ?si=015dd17f36cf44a7Other releases:Freddie Gibbs - You Only Die 1nce (1 Nov)Ab-Soul - Soul Burger (8 Nov)Pa Salieu - Afrikan Alien (15 Nov)Cordae - The Crossroads (15 Nov)Boldy James &

en

34:39

MF DOOM - Mm..Food: A Timeless Classic

The Grey Area ·

2024/11/25

MF Doom's album ‘MM Food' is celebrating its 20th anniversary.The themes and concepts explored in the album include life lessons, commentary on the rap game, street lessons, and loyalty.MF DOOM's album 'Mm.. Food' is a classic that has stood the test of time and continues to influence the hip-hop genre. The album's concept, centred around food, is executed brilliantly with clever wordplay and metaphors. The skits and interludes add to the overall journey of the album. The lyricism on tracks like

en

02:09:06

Chromakopia Review (sorta) / October Release Recap

The Grey Area ·

2024/11/10

This episode, we share our initial thoughts on Tyler, the Creator's 8th studio album, Chromakopia, and recap the month of October.Check out our favourite tracks of the month here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1UZWtdCzmP4Czp2WY1SMJB?si=e5ecb567c9874509

en

01:29:55

Hip-Hop’s Influences and Fusions

The Grey Area ·

2024/10/24

We’re diving into the fascinating connections between hip hop and its diverse cultural influences.We explore how these genres have helped shape hip hop’s evolution, pointing out the back-and-forth nature of the genre and its ties to dancehall & West Indian music. There's also a focus on the powerful impact of jazz and funk on hip hop, with legends like James Brown playing a major role.Plus, we touch on the rising influence of Desi hip hop and the longstanding collaborations between rap and rock,

en

01:10:30

Release Recap (Sept 2024)

The Grey Area ·

2024/10/09

It’s release recap time and this month we are discussing Kendrick Lamar's new track and its cultural implications, the allegations against Diddy and the industry's complicity, the evolution of hip-hop album structures, LL Cool J's recent album, Alchemist's rapping skills, and Nines' retirement.Watching the Party Die:A few months on from the Drake v. Kendrick beef, and in light of the recent news regarding Diddy, are we witnessing a shift in the culture?Releases:LL Cool J - THE FORCEThe Alchemist -

en

01:15:38

Does Hip-Hop Age Well?

The Grey Area ·

2024/09/24

We break down how certain artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Tyler, The Creator, and Lupe Fiasco have stood the test of time, analysing their impact and evolution. We discuss timeless projects like Lupe’s The Cool and Big Sean’s Detroit, and dive into the UK rap scene with legends like Kano, Wretch 32, and J Hus. We also debate the “top five” rappers, Big Sean's longevity, and Nas’ resurgence with the King’s Disease & Magic Series. Join us as we discover which hip-hop tracks truly remain

en

01:17:00

Release Recap (August 2024)

The Grey Area ·

2024/09/09

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4nX7JGSrzQRi8nRpt1VOOW?si=df0c1a8cc2264c89JPEGMAFIA - I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU (1 Aug):Is Peggy the best Hip-Hop producer working today?Big Sean - Better Me Than You (30 Aug):Considering the sales and some of the responses from fans, why do we think Sean’s music isn’t quite connecting with the masses? Lack of volume/consistency, leaving GOOD Music…Honourable Mentions:Navy Blue - Memoirs in Armour (2 Aug)Killer Mike - Songs For Sinners & Saints (2 Aug)Mavi -

en

55:38

Best LA Leakers Freestyles GOAT talk #9

The Grey Area ·

2024/08/24

Another episode of GOAT Talks for your head top! This time, we are talking about the crazy freestyles from the LA Leakers series. Standout performances, legendary bars, and why these moments are a must-listen. If you’re all about hearing rap at it's highest level, raw talent and high energy, this episode is a must listen!Our LA LeakersPicksNeil:Cordae - https://youtu.be/kvNgwgyidpY?si=WQ2ZJLmooPhzeYydDaylyt - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvAArR14fnoKiran:J. Cole -

en

01:25:06

Release Recap (July 2024)

The Grey Area ·

2024/08/09

July has been a crazy month for the Hip Hop scene! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6kdIfmXPs0FLuZ0WjgnZo0?si=BRcYgsH1SN-feAbyq-FWYg&pi=e-h9Ae4bGhQ0OsThis episode, we discuss Eminem's and Childish Gambino's latest albums, offering mixed reviews on both. We dive into the tension between Drake and Childish Gambino, praise Wretch 32's most recent freestyle, and appreciate Bashy's authentic album that represents the UK scene so well. Excitement for upcoming releases from Big Sean and Tory Lanez

en

20:07

Posse Cuts #4

The Grey Area ·

2024/07/24

We are back for the fourth time with more of our favourite posse cuts! Some modern classics and some old school bangers too!The picksKiran Westside Gun's 'Red Death.' Theo - 'John Blaze' Sean - 'Blow Your Trumpet, Sam - Denzel Curry's 'Ain't No Way'

en

01:35:43

Mid-Years - Best Albums of 2024 so far… June 2024...

The Grey Area ·

2024/07/09

June 2024 Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3tvcPTZdmoBI7YX2GZaleo?si=455ed5a9c4e94c7bOrder of play:Discuss top, recurring picksHighlight some of our individual, non-recurring selectionsKendrick Lamar's performance ‘The Pop Out: Ken & Friends’ concert in Los AngelesMore Drake Vs. Kendrick Talk (sorry it's still going on)Touch upon this weekend’s/June’s releases - KAYTRANADA, Action Bronson, MAVi Album pending?, The return of Chip?, Central Cee is Versatile?Glastonbury 2024 (Right at the

en

56:55

Why Do We Buy? / Should We Boycott Streaming?

The Grey Area ·

2024/06/24

Despite the ease and affordability of streaming, why do we still purchase physicals, merchandise, attend live shows etc?We discuss James Blake’s comments, the ‘Living Wage for Musicians’ act, Vultures 2 release etc. as well as address the impact of TikTok, social media in general, and on-demand services on our attention span, and the impact this has on the quality and quantity of music.

en

01:15:30

Release Recap (May 2024)

The Grey Area ·

2024/06/09

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/78Cqzayx8dw1q8vp57tRIB?si=f17bb37a9e7748a4Featured Albums Discussed:Mach-Hommy - #RichAxxHaition (17 May)Rapsody - Please Don’t Cry (17 May)Vince Staples - Dark Times (24 May)Honourable Mentions (albums):Conway the Machine - SFKBugzy Malone - THE GREAT BRITISH DREAMChief Keef - Almighty So 2M Huncho & Potter Payper - 36 HoursGhostface Killah - Set the Tone (Guns & Roses)Childish Gambino - AtavistaBlack & Whites - Hit-Boy The Alchemist

en

01:15:30

Release Recap (May 2024)

The Grey Area ·

2024/06/09

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/78Cqzayx8dw1q8vp57tRIB?si=f17bb37a9e7748a4Featured Albums Discussed:Mach-Hommy - #RichAxxHaition (17 May)Rapsody - Please Don't Cry (17 May)Vince Staples - Dark Times (24 May)Honourable Mentions (albums):Conway the Machine - SFKBugzy Malone - THE GREAT BRITISH DREAMChief Keef - Almighty So 2M Huncho & Potter Payper - 36 HoursGhostface Killah - Set the Tone (Guns & Roses)Childish Gambino - AtavistaBlack & Whites - Hit-Boy The Alchemist

en

27:51

The Art of Adlibs

The Grey Area ·

2024/05/24

What's our earliest memories of recognising adlibs and appreciating them?When and how did adlibs become such a prevalent part of the craft?Are producer-tags also adlibs?What are some of our favourite adlibs?Origins:Touch on the likes of James Brown and Michael JacksonCall and response / MCs and their hype men or DUs

en

27:51

The Art of Adlibs

The Grey Area ·

2024/05/24

What’s our earliest memories of recognising adlibs and appreciating them?When and how did adlibs become such a prevalent part of the craft?Are producer-tags also adlibs?What are some of our favourite adlibs?Origins:Touch on the likes of James Brown and Michael JacksonCall and response / MCs and their hype men or DJs

en

01:21:14

EMERGENCY POD: Is Drake v. Kendrick Lamar Good for...

The Grey Area ·

2024/05/10

meet the grey areaRecap the events since 3 May:Kendrick Lamar – 6:16 in LADrake – Buried Alive Interlude, Pt. 2Drake – Family MattersKendrick Lamar – meet the grahamsKendrick Lamar – Not Like UsDrake – The Heart Part 6Has it gone too far, and has the beef changed the way we look at both artists?Is this feud good or bad for Hip-Hop?

en

121 results

Similar Podcasts

Pasquale Maassen Soundcloud

Pasquale Maassen

Marian Klose

Marian Klose

sevenism

sevenism

Dean Delray"s LET THERE BE TALK

Cactus Radio Network

Word In Your Ear

Mark Ellen, David Hepworth and Alex Gold