Breaking Atoms: The Hip Hop Podcast

Note: this episode was recorded in May 2025. We're back like we left something ©️ Freeway!It's not that serious, but still. For our semi-grand return, we link up with Author and Journalist, Ben Pedroche, to talk about one of our favourite subjects: Indie Hip Hop. Ben's new book, Independent as Fuck: Underground Hip-Hop from 1995-2005, was released by Velocity Press in May 2025. The book looks back at this golden era, celebrating the most important artists, record labels, 12” records, and albums, along with the stories behind them, while also shining a light on those who have since been forgotten. We caught up with Ben to discuss how the book came together, his favourite indie labels and much more. Buy your copy of Independent As Fuck here.Connect with Breaking AtomsInstagramFacebookTwitterFollow SumitInstagramTwitterFollow ChrisInstagramTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kane Mayfield is a Hip Hop artist from the DC area who sells his music via Blockchain and has made multiple moves selling and making money in cryptocurrency. Chris had questions for him, and what happened was not planned. You're about to listen to a music conversation of epic proportions. This exchange is not for casual, surface listener fans. Then again, anyone who listens to this podcast likes music of a particular taste and standard. Kane and Chris geek out about Big Pun, Onyx, rhyme schemes, poetic devices, stealing Canibus bars, Ras Kass' humour, black sponge cake (whatever that is), UK Hip Hop, the greatness of Kyza Smirnoff, liner notes, mix tapes, and so much more. Rap Nerds... mount up. Connect with Breaking AtomsInstagramFacebookTwitterFollow SumitInstagramTwitterFollow ChrisInstagramTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back with some of the latest chat.A$AP Rocky's assault trialAkademiks and the grooming allegationsCentral Cee and the early response to his 'Can't Rush Greatness' album.We also discuss the latest music and some 'new old music' by The Almighty Arrogant! Shout out to 90s Tapes!Connect with Breaking AtomsInstagramFacebookTwitterFollow SumitInstagramTwitterFollow ChrisInstagramTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week's rap-up, we discuss:Madlib losing his home, music equipment and unreleased music in LA firesCam'rom and Jim Jones fall out... again!More news on Drake's lawsuit against UMGA Donorbox fundraising campaign has been set up to support Madlib and his family. Click here to donate.Look out for more music updates next week!Connect with Breaking AtomsInstagramFacebookTwitterFollow SumitInstagramTwitterFollow ChrisInstagramTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first rap-up of the year of our Lord 2025, we chop it up about:Elliott Wilson's thoughts on 'new media journalism' and Cam'ron trying to be Stephen A. SmithApollo Brown leaving Mello Music Group after 15 yearsJoey Bada$$' new single and subliminal shots at the West CoastWe also share our thoughts on Redman's new album, 'Muddy Waters Too,' and Reuben Vincent's new EP, which dropped on New Year's Eve 2024. Connect with Breaking AtomsInstagramFacebookTwitterFollow SumitInstagramTwitterFollow ChrisInstagramTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris is on a solo mission this week and links up with Chicago's own Philmore Greene! The conversation is rich, and you'd think Chris and Philmore have known each other for years. Philmore deep dives into the making of his new album, The Grand Design, working with Bruiser Wolf, his bond with Rashid Hadee and working with Apollo Brown and why King Von is a great storyteller. The convo gets really real when Chris and Philmore talk about generational trauma and why all Black men should consider accessing therapy. It's deeper than rap, as usual.Connect with Breaking AtomsInstagramFacebookTwitterFollow SumitInstagramTwitterFollow ChrisInstagramTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back with a weekly rap-up, so here goes...Quick review of 'GNX' by Kendrick LamarDrake's new petition/lawsuit against Universal MusicJ. Cole releasing blog-era mixtapes to DSPsConnect with Breaking AtomsInstagramFacebookTwitterFollow SumitInstagramTwitterFollow ChrisInstagramTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fresh off the release of her latest album, 'Death Of Deuce', we link up with Buffalo's very own 7xvethegenius! 7xve (pronounced 'Love') shares some details about her Hip Hop origin story, her unique way of finding flows and pockets, finally getting to work with Daringer, following her own mind and more!Connect with Breaking AtomsInstagramFacebookTwitterFollow SumitInstagramTwitterFollow ChrisInstagramTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's rap-up, Sumit and Chris discuss:Piers Morgan's apology to The Carters following Jaguar Wright's accusationsJ. Cole's new song 'Port Antonio' and his feature runScarface's health, given his recent social media postsMethod Man and Fat Joe on depression and mental healthConnect with Breaking AtomsInstagramFacebookTwitterFollow SumitInstagramTwitterFollow ChrisInstagramTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's rap-up, Sumit and Chris discuss:Puffy's arrested and bail denial50 Cent teasing a new show with Idris ElbaDame Dash claims that Drake has made an offer to buy Roc-A-Fella sharesConnect with Breaking AtomsInstagramFacebookTwitterFollow SumitInstagramTwitterFollow ChrisInstagramTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of our new series, Elements, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ready To Die by The Notorious B.I.G.! You'll hear from those who were part of the album's creation—producers, engineers, and collaborators who helped craft its unique sound. We'll also bring you trusted voices from the community and people who lived the same experiences Biggie rapped about, offering a firsthand view into the world he depicted. And we'll hear from scholars who will deconstruct the social, political, intellectual, philosophical and psychological depths of Ready to Die.Special guests include:Prince Charles Alexander (Recording Engineer and lecturer who recorded several songs on the album)Donald Harrison (Legendary Jazz Saxophonist who taught Biggie about musical performance and poetic devices)Justin Tinsley (Journalist and Author of 'It Was All A Dream: Biggie & The World That Made Him)Skyzoo (Rapper, Writer and Artist from Brooklyn who was one of Biggie's neighbours)Join us as we unpack the human experience through the lens of one of hip-hop's greatest storytellers.Special thanks to Dart Adams for linking us up with Prince Charles Alexander. Respect every time.Produced by Sumit Sharma and Chris Mitchell for Breaking Atoms.The series and episode artwork is by Pecue for Sole Imperial.Connect with Breaking AtomsInstagramFacebookTwitterFollow SumitInstagramTwitterFollow ChrisInstagramTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You know the name, or at least you should. Check the credits. Godfather Don has worked with most of your favourites, including Kool Keith, Cormega and Screwball. His solo catalogue is exemplary, and his work on Hydra Entertainment is damn near mythical at this point. Veteran New York Emcee and Producer Godfather Don pulls up to the pod for a rare and exclusive interview. Don doesn't talk much, so we listened for the most part because nerdy details and unearthed gems were released at will. Before heading out with his saxophone to meet his jazz band for a session, Don opens up about Flatbush Hip-Hop history, how his writing style has evolved, and why he describes his creative process as "meat and potatoes". We also deep dive into the making of his brand new album Thesis (dropping on 30 August 2024!) and share some exclusive snippets from some of the album cuts - because we're connected like that.Respect to the HHV team for connecting the dots and creating an intricate plot.Pre-order the new Thesis album by Godfather Don at www.hhv.de: godfather-don.lnk.to/thesisAvailable in limited quantities on 4LP (incl. all instrumentals), 2LP (vocal tracks only), double cassette (incl. all instrumentals), 2CD (incl. all instrumentals) and digitally on all major platforms.Connect with Breaking AtomsInstagramFacebookTwitterFollow SumitInstagramTwitterFollow ChrisInstagramTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.