On this episode of ISOS: Tyler brings in a piece on the new "Slowed & Reverb" & how it potentially may be the next trend akin to "Lo-Fi" Hip-Hop. Host Ryan brings in a wide-ranging piece on the simple question "What Is An Industry Plant?". And Miki brings a retrospective on Sade's "Diamond Life" and the woman that holds the name. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Tyler's Pick - (10:15) " Lo-Fi Hip-Hop Has Become One Of The Internet’s Most Popular Subgenres; Is Slowed & Reverb Next? " By Eli...
Nov 27, 2020•1 hr 28 min
For the fourth instalment of our ISOS journalist interview series Miki, Ryan, & Brandon trade words with LEVEL Magazine’s Editor In Chief, Jermaine Hall. Hall is the definition of a veteran in the game of music and cultural journalism heralding jobs at publications and companies like Vibe, The Source, BET, KING, and now LEVEL under the umbrella of Medium. Hall is the definition of a “finesser” as he has consistently found a place in the industry where he can execute his specific vision. The ...
Nov 20, 2020•1 hr 44 min
Welcome to “Stirring the Sauce,” an ISOS spin-off by the Central Sauce squad. Hosts Jashima Wadehra and Miki Hellerbach connect with writers to discuss sensational or timely topics, the intention of their piece and their reader’s reactions. Covering critiques, commentary and the implications of “headline culture,” Jashima and Miki break down the ingredients of the topic, talk to the journalists about their take and then share a short reflection. On the first edition, the hosts spoke with Elijah ...
Nov 16, 2020•1 hr 10 min
On Ep.20 of ISOS: Host Brandon brings in a measured rant on "SEO Journalism" and how it waters the whole game down. Tyler brings an examination on artist/celebrities' roles in social movements, in this case, the continuing #EndSARS movement in Nigeria. Lastly, Miki brings a cover story on the rising star, Flo Milli. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Brandon's Pick - " SEO, ‘Billie Eilish, Tame Impala, Lizzo, and more,’ The Accelerating Decline of Music Journalism, and more " By Mike Lesuer Tyler's Pick...
Nov 13, 2020•1 hr 13 min
On this episode of ISOS: Jashima brings in a piece on SoundCloud and its bleak future as the hyped 'SoundCloud Rap' scene of the late 2010s starts to lose steam. Host Ryan brings in a piece on the price of an album and how some artists have taken it upon themselves to set their own market for their own music. And Miki brings in an interview with super-producer Mark Batson to ring in the release of his debut album. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Jashima's Pick: (4:38) " Can SoundCloud Survive as Rapp...
Oct 30, 2020•54 min
In the continuation of our bonus series, where we get the sauce directly from the source. Miki, Ryan and Brandon interview Southern Hip-Hop specialist and podcasting pro Christina Lee. They discuss Christina’s emphasis on Southern Hip-Hop and her experience moving to Atlanta and studying cultural icons like OutKast. Through a conversation that spans from Open Mike Eagle to Jeezy, Christina gave us behind the scenes takes from NPR’s Southern-focused podcast, "Bottom of the Map" and her more curre...
Oct 23, 2020•1 hr 38 min
On this episode of ISOS: Elliot brings in a (two) piece on how labels get radio stations to play their music. (Spoiler alert: Money) Jashima brings a piece on the late Pop Smoke and how he repped New York and shaped the NY Drill scene. And host Miki brings in a review of 21 Savage & Metro Boomin's "Savage Mode II" by a young writer with bags of ability. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Elliot's Piece(s) - (8:40) " Pay-for-Play Was Banned From Radio — But Texts Reveal It May Still Be Thriving " &am...
Oct 16, 2020•1 hr 16 min
On this episode of ISOS: "Debutant" Tyler brings a fascinating piece on Flying Lotus, Miki brings a piece on Women and what they deserve from Hip-Hop. And host Brandon gets his holy grail: A Rolling Stone piece all about Spillage Village. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Tyler's Pick: (9:53) "The Future According to Flying Lotus" By Jeff Weiss Miki's Pick: (28:17) "What Do Black Women Need From Hip-Hop in 2020?" By David Dennis, Jr. Brandon's Pick: (53:49) "How Spillage Village Hunkered Down in Atlant...
Oct 02, 2020•1 hr 26 min
On this episode of ISOS: Brandon brings in a profile on 03 Greedo and his rise in the ranks, even though he's in jail. Ryan brings a sobering meditation on posthumous albums. And debutant Jashima brings a quick but efficient dissection on the discourse surrounding "WAP". Brandon's Pick - (4:27) " 03 Greedo is running west coast rap from prison " By Thomas Hobbs Ryan's Pick - (27:03) " Posthumous Rap Albums and the Shattered Myth of Closure " By Andre Gee Jashima's Pick - (50:06) " Backlash Again...
Sep 18, 2020•1 hr 23 min
For our second ISOS journalist interview Miki, Ryan, and Brandon traded words with the goat, the legend, and Tidal’s current Chief Content Officer Elliott Wilson. The guys chopped it up first about the transition from the print magazine era (where Elliott was famously Editor in Chief at XXL) to the Internet or blog era (co-founder Rap Radar). Then Elliott brought an article to the podcast a la ISOS regular scheduled programming. The piece was ‘The Black Internet Gold Rush That Wiped Away $75 Mil...
Sep 11, 2020•1 hr 12 min
On this bonus episode of ISOS: Ryan Gaur conducts an interactive interview with producer Chris Keys. This podcast works in tandem with a piece Ryan wrote about the interview so be sure to check out the accompanying article here. Planting your feet into the ground and trusting your artistic vision is a difficult position to maintain in a landscape designed to sweep musicians into the current of contemporary waves. However, Los Angeles-based producer Chris Keys could not be swayed. Having started ...
Aug 31, 2020•1 hr 16 min
On Ep.15 of ISOS: Ryan brings in a piece all about Open Mike Eagle and his versatility on and off the mic. Miki brings in his favourite piece of the year so far, talking about the eclipsing stature of Southern Rap. And Brandon goes fanboy talking about T-Pain's 2nd attempt on Hot Ones. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS Ryan's Pick - (6:40) " On being nimble while riding out uncertainty " By Christina Lee Miki's Pick - (27:46) " The South Is Rap's Past, Present And Future " By Briana Younger Brandon's Pi...
Aug 21, 2020•1 hr 24 min
Welcome to the second part of our interview with DJBooth’s Yoh Phillips. This is the first interview from our new bonus series where we talk to journalists about their journey with writing and overall journalistic philosophy. Yoh’s work with DJBooth and beyond fascinates us, so we had a great conversation about the man behind the words. LISTEN TO PART 1 IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY. Thanks for listening! Be sure to help support the show by sharing it, read the pieces talked about, support the writers ...
Aug 14, 2020•1 hr 19 min
Launching our new bonus interview series, Yoh Phillips joins us to talk all things writing. The Atlanta native is a senior writer for the music publication DJBooth, co-host of the "Sum’n To Say" podcast and co-creator of the "Rap Portraits" video series. His work epitomises everything we love about writing, so enjoy the first part of our deep dive into his process, philosophy and journey with words. Thanks for listening! Be sure to help support the show by sharing it, support the writer(s) &...
Aug 07, 2020•1 hr 39 min
On this episode on "In Search of Sauce": Brandon brings a bulky profile of Lil Baby and flexes his knowledge on the concept of "Gonzo" Journalism. Ryan brings a breakdown of Underground Rap by a staple of Underground Rap. And host Miki brings a piece on the evolution of Tiny Desk from someone who's been part of it from early. PIECES & TIMESTAMPS: Brandon's Pick - (2:42) "The Remarkable Rise of Lil Baby" By Charles Holmes Ryan's Pick - (24:13) "Did Underground Rap Bury Itself?" By HipHopDX/Mu...
Jul 31, 2020•1 hr 12 min
On this episode of ISOS: The Trio give their Top 5 Albums of 2020 so far. In this pandemic, artists are making another push for Streaming platforms to give them a bigger share of the pie. An interview with Canada-based Jonah Yano. (on a visually pleasing UI.) And staple scribe Yoh talks death while in a strip club. ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS: Ryan's Pick - (12:02) "How Musicians Are Fighting for Streaming Pay During the Pandemic" By Andy Cush Miki's Pick - (39:13) "Familial Bonds & Their Last...
Jul 17, 2020•1 hr 19 min
On Ep.12 of ISOS - Miki delivers an interview with Deante' Hitchcock in light of his new project "BETTER". Brandon Hill brings an interview with viral sensation RMR and Boom debuts with a report on Independent Music Venues being threatened by COVID-19. TIMESTAMPS & Pieces covered in the show: Miki's Pick - (1:54) "A Conversation with Deante’ Hitchcock, The Sincere Dreamer" By Yoh Phillips Brandon's Pick - (16:28) " RMR Is More Than a Mask and a Viral Moment " By Eric Skelton Boom's Pick - (3...
Jul 03, 2020•1 hr 1 min
On this episode of ISOS: Ryan kicks it off with a piece that connects Future, Medhane & Sheff G. Host Miki gives an electric interview with Tory Lanez. And Brandon brings a traditional review on the hottest Hip-Hop album right now, Run The Jewels' "RTJ4". TIMESTAMPS/ARTICLES: Ryan's Pick: (8:34) " 3 Rappers Learning to Accept Their Flaws " By Dylan Green Miki's Pick: (22:37) " Tory Lanez Is the New King of Raunch " By Craig Jenkins Brandon's Pick: (40:55) " Run the Jewels Bring the Noise Rig...
Jun 19, 2020•1 hr 5 min
On episode 10 of "In Search Of Sauce": The trio first read out names of unarmed black people that have been murdered in the US since Eric Garner, to recognise the recent events. Host Brandon brings in a piece on why Ice Cube is long overdue for a Songwriters Hall of Fame induction. Ryan brings an interview with award-winning music director Shomi Patwary and Miki caps it off with a recognition of Elliott Wilson, in light of his new, more intimate venture, "The Motto". Brandon's Pick - (6:10) "Why...
Jun 05, 2020•1 hr 11 min
On Ep.9 of ISOS: Debutant Miki comes through with a piece on Rappers as countries and breaking it down using everybody's favourite subject, geopolitics! (2:46) Brandon goes for a piece on the recently passed Little Richard and his influence on everybody that came after him. (28:22) Lastly, host Ryan taps into a video all about Kenny Beats' "The Cave" series and the trio give their favourite episodes. (48:28) Miki's Pick - "If Rappers Were Countries: Hip-Hop & Geopolitics" By Zachary Schwartz...
May 22, 2020•1 hr 20 min
On this episode of ISOS: Host Ryan delivers a piece on "Backpack Rap" and how it can be seen 20 years after its peak as a sub-genre of Hip-Hop. Brian delivers a piece on the recent stir involving Rage Against The Machine's new tour and the sky-high prices they put on their tickets. And Brandon delivers a more grassroots piece on DMX and his cultural legacy. Ryan's Pick: "How Has “Backpack Rap” Aged Two Decades Later?" By Hershal Pandya (1:47) Brian's Pick: "How Rage Against the Machine Are Tryin...
Feb 21, 2020•56 min
On this episode of ISOS: Debutant Elliot gives a piece on the recent ousting of Grammys' Chief Executive Deborah Dugan and how it could potentially put the music academy under genuine hot water. Brandon gives a piece on Lil Peep and how his death has opened a hell of his mother & his label are legally battling over access to everything he left as a musician. And lastly, Charlie gives a piece on Eminem's new album, specifically a bar that rustled some people. This begged the conversation on "...
Jan 31, 2020•1 hr 17 min
For the final "In Search of Sauce" for 2019... Brandon brings a piece on Podcasting and how it's rising popularity on Spotify is a potential threat to music on the biggest streaming platform. Charlie brings a piece on Warner Music & US distributor Direct Shot chronically not delivering CDs & vinyl to local record stores, artist merch sites & consumers. And finally, Nigel brings an article that makes the case for Kendrick Lamar's "Good Kid, m.A.A.d City" being the album of the decade....
Dec 27, 2019•1 hr 5 min
On Episode 5 of "In Search Of Sauce": Ryan gives an article on nostalgia and how some artists are sampling loved records purely to trigger that nostalgia. Are they just hopping on the nostalgia of another song to give themselves a leg up? Ben introduces an article that details an unreleased documentary on XXXTentacion, begging the question of should it even be released considering the many ethical factors. Finally, The 5th Element's Charlie makes his debut, giving a five-part series on the artis...
Dec 20, 2019•1 hr 1 min
On this episode of "In Search Of Sauce". Ben comes in with a statistic STACKED guest Op-Ed on the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and how it has regularly kept out women and people of colour. Brandon brings in another great profile, this time covering the Flatbush Zombies and the area their group is named after. And lastly, host of the episode and ISOS debutant Nigel gives the trio a profile of DaBaby who has been one of the rising stars of 2019 and shows no signs of slowing down. TIMESTAMPS: Ben's...
Nov 22, 2019•1 hr 6 min
the On Episode 3 of In Search Of Sauce: Carter introduces a piece on Young Thug and his influence on the game right now. The trio discusses Thugger's rise throughout the decade and who is the best out of his "children". Ryan introduces the first-ever video piece, a "no-nonsense" review of MAVI's "Let The Sun Talk". The trio discusses the album itself, MAVI as an artist and the highly saturated crowd of "Album Reviewing". Lastly, host of the episode Brandon brings a Kanye piece actually worth tal...
Nov 08, 2019•1 hr 7 min
On Ep.2 of ISOS: Ryan presents a piece on "Music Twitter", how it has changed music consumption, day-to-day conversations about music and how it has changed fans & artists alike. Brandon makes his official ISOS debut, presenting a profile on Ari Lennox & how the piece is built on humanising the artist. The trio also discusses the journalist's job to be objective, whether it is a profile or review. Brian, also making his official ISOS debut, presents a profile on Nas. Recently, publicatio...
Oct 25, 2019•51 min
In the premiere episode of "In Search of Sauce" - Ben, Carter & Ryan explore women in Hip-Hop and how they come harder in features compared to men. How "Type" beats are maybe starting to enter "lawsuit" territory. And now that the UK has lifted is frankly racially influenced ban on Tyler, The Creator from entering the UK, the guys break down the initial ban and Tyler's uniqueness as an artist. TIMESTAMPS: Ben's Pick - She Murked It: Why Women Come Harder Than Men On Rap by J'na Jefferson - (...
Oct 11, 2019•1 hr 7 min
