Catch Up
72 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 17 ratingsCatch Up is a weekly music and culture podcast that examines contemporary hip-hop—where it's been, where it is, where it's going, and what it all means. Hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone.
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Episodes
Mailbag Season Finale: Lupe Fiasco, The Greatest Unreleased Tracks, Forehead Diamonds, and much more.
February 17, 2021 18:58 - 53 minutes - 61.7 MBThis week, James and Jordan wind down the current season of Catch Up by taking your mailbag questions. Has Nicki Minaj become underrated? What happened to Lupe? What is the greatest leaked track ever? Answers to all these and much more! Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey Chaltas. Our music is by Kaleb. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us at catch...
Playboi Carti is Rockstar Made
January 22, 2021 14:49 - 1 hour - 94.9 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan talk about one of the most consistently exciting artists working in hip hop, Playboi Carti. The two look back on how Carti first came on their radar, the impact of his incredible eponymous debut mixtape, and his outstanding new studio album ‘Whole Lotta Red’. They also answer listener-submitted questions about Funkmaster Flex and Brockhampton. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this ep...
Rico Nasty’s Nightmare Vacation is a Trip Worth Taking
January 12, 2021 13:19 - 57 minutes - 65.9 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss one of the most exciting rappers currently working, Rico Nasty. The two talk about the artist’s early days in Maryland, her breakout series of mixtapes, and her superb debut studio album ‘Nightmare Vacation’, which came out in December. They also answer listener questions concerning Lauryn Hill and Jay-Z. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey ...
A Guide to Kid Cudi
January 05, 2021 12:45 - 1 hour - 83 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan go deep on the career of a beloved, but often polarizing artist, Kid Cudi. The two discuss Cudi’s origins, his influence on contemporary music, his work with Kanye West, his excellent 2009 album ‘Man On The Moon’, and the ups and downs of his career since that point, including the release of his latest LP ‘Man On The Moon III: The Chosen’. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this epi...
2020 Year in Review (Pt. 2): Lil Durk, Headie One, and more.
December 18, 2020 13:22 - 35 minutes - 40.8 MBThis week, on the second part of our 2020 wrap-up, James and Jordan discuss some more of their favourite music from this year including Rico Nasty (1:00), Tobe Nwigwe (6:20), Lil Durk (8:35), Russ (12:30), Headie One (16:00), Starlito (25:00), DijahSB (27:30), Dutchavelli (29:15), Brent Faiyaz (32:15) and more! Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey Chaltas. Our music is by Kaleb. Make sure ...
2020 Year in Review (Pt. 1): Lil Uzi Vert, Griselda Records, and more.
December 11, 2020 17:47 - 35 minutes - 28.2 MBThis week, on the first of a two-part 2020 wrap-up, James and Jordan discuss some of their favorite music of the year including work by Lil Uzi Vert (6:45), Zsela (16:20), Teezo Touchdown (19:00), and the Griselda Records Collective (23:15). Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey Chaltas. Our music is by Kaleb. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us...
Is J. Cole a Top 5 Contemporary Rapper? What’s the Greatest Diss Track of All-Time? Who’s the “Cutest” Rapper? + More Mailbag Questions!
December 04, 2020 16:40 - 1 hour - 78.8 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan answer an assortment of great questions submitted by listeners. The two cover oversaturation in the rap genre, Lil Baby’s historic 2020 run, where ‘The Story of Adidon’ ranks amongst the all-time great diss tracks, the enablement of problematic rappers, and much more. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey Chaltas. Our music is by Kaleb. Make sure to ...
The Gucci and Jeezy Verzuz Swerve + Megan Thee Stallion’s Lukewarm News
November 27, 2020 18:37 - 1 hour - 98.3 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan give a comprehensive breakdown of the epic Gucci Mane vs. Jeezy 'Verzuz' Battle. They then discuss Megan Thee Stallion's bittersweet 2020 and give their thoughts on her debut studio album ‘Good News.' Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey Chaltas. Our music is by Kaleb. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us a...
The Great White Rapper Debate, ft. Jack Harlow. + Flo Milli
November 20, 2020 13:52 - 37 minutes - 43 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan give their opinions on one of 2020s most divisive artists, Louisville rapper Jack Harlow. They also discuss the wildly talented Flo Milli and her impressive debut mixtape ‘Ho, Why Is You Here’? Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey Chaltas. Our music is by Kaleb. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us at catchu...
Why Do So Many Rappers Like Trump? + Remembering King Von and Mod Club.
November 10, 2020 14:07 - 35 minutes - 40.9 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan talk about the number of high profile rappers who supported Trump in the last election, from Lil Wayne to Lil Pump. They also discuss the untimely death of Chicago drill rapper King Von, and breakdown what Mod Club meant to Toronto’s music scene. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey Chaltas. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to g...
Ep. 59: Women in Hip Hop: A Conversation with Dijah SB and Exmiranda
June 19, 2020 15:29 - 37 minutes - 43.2 MBThis week, James and Jordan are back from a long break to sit down and chat with two pillars of the Toronto Hip Hop scene, Brittany “Exmiranda” Manu and Dijah SB. The episode is produced in partnership with Myseum of Toronto’s ‘Intersections Festival: Women in Hip Hop’, an upcoming panel discussion aimed at challenging the traditional role of Black women within the male-dominated space of hip hop while exploring the intersecting experiences of race, sexuality, ability and gender. The “Quar...
Ep. 58: Remembering Pop Smoke
February 26, 2020 23:00 - 35 minutes - 28.8 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss the short but remarkable career of Pop Smoke, the NYC rapper who tragically lost his life last week. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey Chaltas. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected].
Ep. 57: Looking Back on the 2010s
December 31, 2019 17:35 - 1 hour - 49.8 MBOn the final Catch Up of the decade, James and Jordan reflect on the artists, albums and songs, that made the 2010s perhaps the strongest decade in the history of Rap and R&B. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey Chaltas. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected]. This episode was made possible by our generous Patreon contrib...
Ep. 56: The Best Songs and Albums of 2019
December 18, 2019 18:23 - 51 minutes - 59.3 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan list their top five albums of the year (spoiler, they have the same #1) as well as their top five singles. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey Chaltas. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected].
Ep. 55: Swagger Rite Embodies the Confidence of the New Toronto
November 20, 2019 16:51 - 35 minutes - 41.2 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan sit down with one of Toronto’s most exciting young talents, Swagger Rite. The three talk about Swagger’s early days growing up at Jane and Weston, his breakthrough single ‘In Love with the K’ ft. BlocBoy JB, how getting signed to a label changed his trajectory, and his new project ‘The Swagged Out Pedestrian’, which is out this Friday. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode wa...
Catch Up Archives: Why T-Pain Matters
November 14, 2019 02:51 - 42 minutes - 48.3 MBThis week on we dig into our archives and revisit a discussion on one of the more influential, but also underappreciated artists of this century, T-Pain. James and Jordan talk about the origins of auto-tune, T-pain’s legacy as a pioneering user of the technology, his impressive track record as a featured artist, his overt influence on artists like Kanye West, Future, and Young Thug, and finally, his latest studio album ‘1UP’. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is ...
Ep. 54: Is Danny Brown Actually Old Now? + The Time Jordan Got Punched in the Face at a Concert.
November 06, 2019 02:03 - 1 hour - 69.4 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss the career of one of this decade's most talented rappers, Danny Brown. The two talk about Brown’s long road to success, his brilliant sophomore album ‘XXX’, and his somewhat disappointing new LP, ‘U Know What I'm Sayin?’. Oh, and Jordan tells the story of the time he got punched at a Danny Brown / Action Bronson Show. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provide...
Ep. 53: From Sunday Service to Jesus is King: A Look at Kanye’s 2019
October 30, 2019 00:10 - 59 minutes - 68.4 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan break down Kanye West’s bold new album ‘Jesus is King’. The two talk about Kanye abandoning ‘Yandhi’, the start of Sunday Service, his revealing interview with Zane Lowe, and finally give their thoughts on his polarizing new LP. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey Chaltas. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us...
Ep. 52: Live With DJ Akademiks
October 22, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 88.3 MBThis week, on a very special LIVE episode of Catch Up, James and Jordan sit down with hip-hop blogger, personality, provocateur, and some might say "troll," DJ Akademiks. The three discuss Akademiks's rise from campus DJ to YouTube star, the controversy surrounding ‘The War in Chiraq’, his path to Complex's 'Everyday Struggle,' his feud with Vic Mensa, the BET Awards incident with Migos, and his relationships with Tekashi 6ix9ine and Joe Budden. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and Jam...
Ep. 51: A Guide to Da Baby
October 09, 2019 17:22 - 1 hour - 54.3 MBThis week on Catch Up, Jordan and guest host Kyle Fulton discusses the meteoric rise of one of 2019’s biggest breakout stars, Da Baby. The two discuss Da Baby’s prolific mixtape career, his frequent run-ins with the law, his talent as a featured artist, and his latest album ‘Kirk’. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey Chaltas. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in...
Ep. 50: James and Jordan on a Lifetime of Hip Hop Fandom
September 24, 2019 18:36 - 44 minutes - 35.3 MBOn a very special 50th episode of Catch Up, James and Jordan decide it’s finally time that they interview each other about their respective relationships to hip hop. The two reminisce about their first CDs, life-changing concerts, most obsessed over LP’s, and their favorite songs to DJ. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected]. This ep...
Ep. 49: Examining the Up and Down Career of Nicki Minaj
September 17, 2019 19:16 - 56 minutes - 45.6 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan take a look at the career of a wildly talented yet maddeningly inconsistent rap star, Nicki Minaj. The two talk about Minaj’s early days as a member of the HoodStars, her breakthrough as a part of Young Money, her incredible track record as a featured artist, and her uneven collection of studio albums. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey Chaltas. Make...
Ep. 48: Why Young Thug’s new album is more than just So Much Fun
September 10, 2019 16:45 - 54 minutes - 43.8 MBThis on Catch Up, James and Jordan talk about one of the most influential and unique rappers of the decade, Young Thug. The two discuss Thugger’s great early releases like ‘I Came From Nothing 2’ and ‘1017 Thug’, his collaborations with Rich Homie Quan, Gucci Mane and, Kanye West, his classic mixtapes ‘Jeffery’ and ‘I’m Up’, and his expectation shattering studio debut ‘So Much Fun’. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this ep...
Ep. 47: Why is Chance the Rapper so Unlikable?
September 03, 2019 19:35 - 1 hour - 49.8 MBThis week on the Season 2 premiere of Catch Up, James and Jordan talk about the increasing critical backlash to one of rap’s biggest stars, Chance the Rapper. The two discuss Chance’s early masterpiece ‘Acid Rap’, his cultural ascendance following the release of ‘Coloring Book’, and the lukewarm reception to his debut album ‘The Big Day’. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Research for this episode was provided by Corey Chaltas. Make su...
Ep. 46: Breaking Down the 2019 XXL Freshman Class
June 25, 2019 01:40 - 1 hour - 69 MBIt’s that time of the year again! This week on Catch Up, James and Jordan do their annual analysis of the XXL Freshman Class, diving deep on artists like Tierra Whack, Roddy Ricch, Gunna, Rico Nasty and many others. They also discuss why this year’s list has the potential to be the best ever, and, of course, highlight a few notable omissions. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to ...
Ep. 45: Dreezy, SAFE, Young Nudy + more in our Midyear Roundup
June 18, 2019 02:37 - 45 minutes - 36.1 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan highlight a few 2019 artists, songs, and albums that may have initially been off their radar, but are very deserving of some recognition. The pair discuss Chicago rapper/singer Dreezy and her outstanding sophomore album ‘Big Dreeze’, Pop Smoke’s new single ‘Welcome to the Party’, Toronto artist SAFE’s debut album ‘Stay’, and Young Nudy and Pi'erre Bourne’s strong new mixtape ‘Sli'merre’. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is...
Ep. 44: New Albums From Denzel Curry and Skepta
June 11, 2019 02:01 - 45 minutes - 52.3 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss the careers of two rappers who have risen from underground rap communities to achieve mainstream success, Denzel Curry and Skepta. The pair first discuss Curry, starting with his early days as a part of the Florida supergroup Raider Klan, his underrated debut ‘Nostalgic 64’, and his excellent new studio album ‘Zuu’. The pair then turn their attention to Skepta, talking about his place in London’s grime scene, his collaborations with Drake, hi...
Ep. 43: A Guide to Tyler, The Creator
June 04, 2019 01:56 - 1 hour - 48.4 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan do a deep dive on one of hip hop’s most talented, yet divisive figures, Tyler, The Creator. The two discuss Tyler’s early days as the mastermind of Odd Future, his breakthrough album Goblin, his relationships with artists like Earl Sweatshirt and Frank Ocean, his legion of devoted fans, and his excellent new LP, ‘Igor’. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram,...
Ep. 42: Megan Thee Stallion is the Future of Houston Rap
May 28, 2019 01:32 - 46 minutes - 37.5 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss the rise of one of 2019’s biggest breakout stars, Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion. The two talk about Megan’s place within Houston’s larger hip hop tradition, her electrifying freestyle performances, her breakthrough EP ‘Tina Snow’, and her excellent debut album ‘Fever’. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us ...
Ep. 41: Our Favourite Rap Beefs of All Time Pt. 2 (All Cam’ron Edition)
May 21, 2019 02:51 - 41 minutes - 33.6 MBThis week on Catch Up, in the second of a two-part series on underrated rap beefs of the 2000s, James and Jordan focus in on perhaps one of the greatest beef artists of all time, Harlem rapper and Dipset Record founder, Cam’ron. The pair break down some of Killa Cam’s most legendary feuds: from Jay-Z, to 50 Cent, to yes, even Bill O'Reilly. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to ge...
Ep. 40: Our Favourite Rap Beefs of All Time Pt. 1
May 14, 2019 02:39 - 35 minutes - 28.1 MBThis week on Catch Up, in the first of two parts, James and Jordan highlight a few of their absolute favourite rap beefs from this century. The two spend the episode’s first half breaking down the epic beef between Atlanta rappers Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy, and then turn their attention to the short but noteworthy battle between T.I. and Lil Flip over the claim to the title “King of the South”. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make ...
Ep. 39: Has Eminem Become Underrated?
May 07, 2019 03:05 - 53 minutes - 42.9 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss the legacy of one of hip-hop’s most iconic and polarizing figures, Eminem. Following years of disappointing releases, it’s become easy to forget that in the early 2000’s Eminem was not only the most critically and commercially acclaimed rapper working, but was also considered by many to be one of the best rappers of all time. The two talk about Eminem’s journey from battle rapper to MTV icon, the critical reevaluation of his lyrical content, h...
Ep. 38: Celebrating Beyoncé’s ‘Homecoming’
April 30, 2019 02:22 - 59 minutes - 47.4 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan do a deep dive on Beyoncé’s already classic concert film and live album, ‘Homecoming’. The two discuss the story behind the historic performance, why Coachella was the right venue, the career-spanning setlist, the select guest performers, and why you don’t have to be part of the BeyHive to appreciate this incredible work of art. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make sure to follow Catch Up on I...
Ep. 37: A Guide to Lil Uzi Vert
April 23, 2019 01:49 - 1 hour - 53.5 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan do a deep dive on one this era’s most talented young artists, Lil Uzi Vert. The two discuss Uzi’s early career in Philadelphia, his breakthrough ‘Luv is Rage’, his outstanding mixtape ‘Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World’, his collaborations with artists like Migos, Playboi Carti, and Travis Scott, and what to expect from his long-delayed sophomore album ‘Eternal Atake’. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. ...
Ep. 36: Lil Nas X and the Yeehaw Agenda
April 16, 2019 02:14 - 35 minutes - 28.5 MBThis week on Catch Up, inspired by the wild success of Lil Nas X’s ‘Old Town Road’, James and Jordan investigate the “yeehaw agenda” and look back on the history of “country-rap”. The two discuss the ‘Old Town Road’ Billboard controversy, and then dive deep on country-rap canon, including notable songs from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Nelly, Bubba Sparxxx, Outkast, Young Thug, and more. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make sure to follow C...
Ep. 35: Remembering Nipsey Hussle
April 09, 2019 02:24 - 42 minutes - 33.7 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan pay tribute to the legendary rapper, entrepreneur and community activist Nipsey Hussle, who tragically passed away last week. The two discuss Nipsey’s innovative career, his work with artists like Rick Ross, YG and Kendrick Lamar, and the collective grief in the hip-hop community following his murder. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to g...
Ep. 34: Mailbag Part II ft. Jay Electronica, Latin Trap, Pressa, and more.
April 02, 2019 02:42 - 27 minutes - 21.7 MBThis week on Catch Up James and Jordan answer more of your questions including: Who’s the most exciting Toronto artist right now? What is Jay Electronica’s legacy? Who’s a big rapper you could never get into? and many more. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected].
Ep. 33: Mailbag ft. DaBaby, Lizzo, Russ, and more.
March 26, 2019 02:56 - 40 minutes - 32.6 MBThis week on Catch Up James and Jordan answer listener mailbag questions including: What’s the deal with Russ? Who’s had the best career rebrand? What’s the next big trend in rap? and many more. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected].
Ep. 32: Why T-Pain Matters
March 19, 2019 02:30 - 42 minutes - 48.3 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss one of the more influential, but also underappreciated artists of this century, T-Pain. The two talk about the origins of auto-tune, T-pain’s legacy as a pioneering user of the technology, his impressive track record as a featured artist, his overt influence on artists like Kanye West, Future, and Young Thug, and finally, his latest studio album ‘1UP’. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. M...
Ep. 31: Solange Returns
March 12, 2019 02:22 - 33 minutes - 26.9 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss one of this generation’s greatest musical talents, Solange Knowles. The two trace Solange’s career starting with her early days in the music business, her artistic breakthrough ‘True’, her masterpiece ‘A Seat at the Table’, and finally her excellent new album ‘When I Get Home’. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with...
Ep. 30: SoundCloud Rap is Dead, Long Live SoundCloud Rap!
March 05, 2019 03:44 - 39 minutes - 44.9 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan look at the abrupt rise and fall of one of the more polarizing musical genres in recent memory, SoundCloud Rap. The two examine the origins of SoundCloud rap, question why so many of the genre’s stars have met tragic ends, and finally spend some time discussing one of SoundCloud rap’s most controversial stars, Lil Pump, whose sophomore album ‘Harverd Dropout’ is out now. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle...
Ep. 29: Will Classic Mixtapes Survive in the Age of Streaming?
February 26, 2019 04:24 - 1 hour - 59 MBThis week on Catch Up, inspired by Drake’s recent decision to re-release his breakout mixtape ‘So Far Gone’ onto streaming services, James and Jordan point to other classic mixtapes that deserve similar treatment, rather than risk being forgotten in the age of Spotify and Apple Music. The pair advocate for landmark mixtapes like Lil Wayne’s ‘Da Drought 3’, Rick Ross’ ‘Rich Forever’, and Chance the Rapper’s ‘Acid Rap’, among others. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone,...
Ep. 28: A Guide to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE)
February 19, 2019 03:47 - 39 minutes - 31.9 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss the history and music of one of this decade’s most innovative and consistently excellent hip-hop labels, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). The pair talk about the label’s early days, how they’re founder Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith discovered and nurtured the label’s young artists during the Black Hippy era, and what makes TDE so special compared to other hip-hop labels. They also breakdown landmark albums from the label’s already legendary catalo...
Ep. 27: A Tale of Two Boogies
February 12, 2019 03:44 - 36 minutes - 29.3 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss two artists with similar names but very contrasting styles. First, the pair talk about the Bronx’s A Boogie wit da Hoodie, touching on his origins in the New York rap scene, his debt to the late southern rapper Speaker Knockerz, his feud with Lil B, his excellent 2016 EP ‘TBA’, and his extremely disappointing sophomore LP ‘Hoode SZN’. The pair then turn their attention to Compton, California rapper Boogie, tracing his career from his break...
Ep. 26 Reckoning with Kodak Black + The Evolution of 21 Savage
February 01, 2019 13:28 - 1 hour - 50.8 MBThis week on Catch Up, James and Jordan talk about two wildly popular contemporary rappers with very divergent paths; Kodak Black and 21 Savage. The two chat about Kodak Black’s influential early work, his latest record ‘Dying to Live’, and how they approach listening to Kodak’s music considering his history of abusive behavior. The two then discuss 21 Savage's evolution from a talented – but seemingly one-dimensional – rapper, to one of the more compelling artists working in hip ho...
Ep. 25: Drafting the 2019 Hip Hop Rookie Class
January 25, 2019 01:51 - 46 minutes - 37.2 MBThis week on Catch Up its the first annual 'Catch Up Rookie Draft', where James and Jordan highlight the hip hop artists they feel are most likely to breakout big in 2019. The two discuss their hopes and dreams for artists like City Girls, Blue Face, YBN Cordae, YNW Melly, and many more!
Ep. 24: The Best Songs and Albums of 2018
December 21, 2018 02:28 - 43 minutes - 35.1 MBOn the final Catch Up of the year, James and Jordan run through their top 10 albums of the year followed by their top 10 songs. To listen to our top 10 songs please subscribe to Catch Up's Spotify playlist.
Ep. 23: The 2018 'Catch Up Awards'
December 14, 2018 21:23 - 42 minutes - 34.2 MBThis week on Catch Up James and Jordan celebrate the people and things that made the year in hip hop so great with the inaugural 'Catch Up Awards. Superlatives are handed out for: 'Best Controversy', 'Best Comeback', 'Best New Artist', 'Best Beef', and many more.
Ep. 22: Catch Up Classics Vol. 2 - Rich Gang: Tha Tour Pt. 1
November 23, 2018 02:51 - 34 minutes - 27.3 MBThis week on Catch Up, we look back on the seminal Young Thug, Rich Home Quan and Birdman' collaborative album 'Rich Gang Tha Tour Pt. 1'. The episode is the second part of a retrospective series where James and Jordan assign "Classic Status" to 10 albums from the 2010's. The two discuss the early career of Rich Homie Quan, Birdman's artistic contributions to the album, and if we'll ever see a 'Tha Tour Pt. 2'. Also referenced: Rich Homie Quan's 'Type of Way', Cash Out's 'Cashing Out', R...
Ep. 21: Exploring the Legacy of Lil Peep
November 16, 2018 20:21 - 45 minutes - 36.4 MBThis week on Catch Up, Jordan and guest host Kyle Fulton discuss the enduring influence of the emo-rap legend Lil Peep, one year after his untimely death. The two discuss Peep's early mixtape days, his rich palette of musical influences, and his excellent posthumous album 'Come Over When You're Sober Part II" Also referenced on this episode: Lil Peep's 'Star Shopping', Lil Peep's 'White Wine', Trippie Redd's 'Love Scars', Lil Peep's 'Benz Truck', Lil Peep's 'Awful Things', Lil Peep'...