The Rise & Grind Podcast

Episode 407: "Next To The Nintendo Switch"

On this episode: Episode 407 of The Rise & Grind Podcast dives into upcoming music and major industry headlines. Roderick & Cari kick things off with new music talk, including A$AP Rocky teasing DBD Side 2, Young Thug’s DBC, a new Kid Cudi EP, and Mike Will Made-It’s R3SET album.
 
In news, the crew recaps moments from the 2026 Oscars and breaks down Chance The Rapper testifying against his former manager in a multi-million dollar court battle. They also discuss the Quincy Jones estate selling part of its catalog, including Michael Jackson’s work, along with updates on the official MICHAEL biopic soundtrack and Janet Jackson’s involvement. The guys also touche on March Madness, and the surprising announcement that Meta is shutting down its metaverse division, signaling a major shift in tech.
 
Another packed episode covering music, business, and culture — tap in.
 
Intro: Jamie Foxx- Unpredictable (feat. Ludacris)
 
Roderick | J. Cole- and the whole world is the Ville
 
Cari | Vince Staples - Black&Blue
 
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW

Episode 406: "Rumble In The Jungle"

On this episode: Episode 406 of The Rise & Grind Podcast dives into a wild week of headlines across music and culture. Roderick & Cari react to Ye announcing a massive show at LA’s SoFi Stadium following the Bully rollout, with over 1 million people hitting the Ticketmaster queue and reportedly generating $430M in a single day, sparking talk of a possible stadium world tour.
 
The conversation then shifts to legal updates as Lil Durk brings in high-profile attorney Brian Steele for his murder-for-hire trial, along with a disturbing incident in Los Angeles where a woman fired gunshots at the home of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky while they were inside, as Rocky reportedly prepares for another album rollout.
 
They also cover 2 Chainz landing on the New York Times Best Seller list with his new book, and Dr. Dre officially reaching billionaire status, cementing his place among the most successful figures in hip-hop history.
 
Another packed episode covering music industry power moves, major headlines, and cultural moments — tap in.
 
Intro: Migos- Kelly Price (feat. Travis Scott)
 
Roderick | Steve Lacy- Sunshine (feat. Fousheé)
 
Cari | Future, Metro Boomin & Ty Dilla $ign - Gracious
 
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW

Episode 405: "Who Wants To Be There Anyway?"

On this episode: Episode 405 of The Rise & Grind Podcast dives into another week of major headlines across music, sports, and entertainment. Roderick & Cari break down the DOJ and LiveNation reaching a settlement, and what it could mean for the future of concerts and ticketing. They also discuss Netflix backing out of its deal with Warner Bros. and the ripple effects that could have across the streaming industry.
 
In sports and culture, the crew reacts to Floyd Mayweather announcing yet another fight, news of a Lamar Odom documentary heading to Netflix, and the NBA reportedly canceling “Magic City Monday,” according to Adam Silver. The episode also highlights a historic performance on the court as Bam drops an unbelievable 83-point game, sparking debate about where it ranks among the greatest scoring nights ever.
 
Another episode packed with music industry moves, sports drama, and cultural headlines — tap in.
 
Intro: Don Toliver- Excavator
 
Roderick | JAY-Z- Dead Presidents II
 
Cari | Jay Worthy & Method Man- Visions
 
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW

Episode 404: "I Expect You To Mean It"

On this episode: Episode 404 of The Rise & Grind Podcast kicks off with a debate: Does Drake actually have a classic album? The crew breaks down the conversation while revisiting what the “Big 3” of hip hop classics might really look like.
On the music side, they review new projects including Ty Dolla $ign’s Girl Music Vol. 1, Pimmee’s Don’t Come Home, and Harry Styles’ Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. They also continue the conversation around Bruno Mars’ The Romantic after it debuts at #1 with 186K first-week sales. The guys ask react to Isaiah Rashad saying his next album will be his best yet and reports that Rihanna is back in the studio.
In news, Apple Music introduces AI transparency tags for music and artwork, Britney Spears faces DUI charges, and Chris Rock and Will Smith are set to sit down for a one-on-one interview on ABC. The episode closes with reactions to the major global headline as the U.S. enters war with Iran.
 
Another packed episode blending music, culture, and major news — tap in.
Episode 404 has it all— listen now.
 
Intro: Drake- Tuscan Leather
Roderick | Harry Styles- Paint By Numbers
Cari | DOM KENNEDY- Raymond Washington
 
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
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Episode 403: "The Proper Contact"

 
On this episode: Episode 403 of The Rise & Grind Podcast dives into new music and a heavy week of headlines. Roderick & Cari kick things off with album talk, including Bruno Mars’ The Romantic and Stove God Cooks announcing a new project produced by Swizz Beatz, set for 3/27.
In news, the crew breaks down Wiz Khalifa’s appeal being rejected in Romania, as he faces a 9-month sentence, while also preparing for his upcoming album Girls Love Horses (2/27). They also cover Lil Durk’s trial being pushed back again to August 2026 and Tory Lanez’s appeal being denied.
The conversation continues with Spotify’s list of hip hop’s next leaders, reactions to Lil Yachty’s comments on old-school rap, and a quick look at Concrete Boys’ It’s Us Vol. 2 dropping 2/27. The episode wraps with discussion around the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees, with inductions set to be revealed later this spring.
Another episode full of music, controversy, and culture — tap in.
Episode 401 has it all— listen now.
Intro: Future- March Madness
Roderick | The Game, DJ Drama, Mike & Keys, & JasonMartin- Dead Hermes
Cari | Puma Blue- Hold You
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW

Episode 402: "Its Not In The Tuck"

On This Episode: Episode 402 of The Rise & Grind Podcast is packed with new music and major headlines. Roderick & Cari kick things off with new album talk, including Larry June, Curren$y & The Alchemist’s Spiral Staircases and Baby Keem’s Casino, while also revisiting JAY-Z’s “Dead Presidents” and its lasting impact.
 
In news, the crew reacts to the surprising Drake x McDonald’s collaboration, recaps moments from the BAFTA Film Awards, and discuss Floyd Mayweather gearing up for a return to the ring. They also break down reports that the alcohol industry has lost $830B over the past four years, and close with a conversation around ongoing developments involving Mexico and cartel activity.
Another wide-ranging episode blending music, business, sports, and global headlines — tap in.
 
Intro: Baby Keem- Ca$ino
 
Roderick | Baby Keem- Good Flirts (feat. Kendrick Lamar & Momo Boyd
 
Cari | Larry June, Curren$y, & The Alchemist- Drive Alone
 
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW

Episode 401: "Low Hanging Fruit"

On this episode: Episode 401 of The Rise & Grind Podcast is packed with new music, big headlines, and sports talk. Roderick & Cari kick things off with a review of Jill Scott’s latest album To Whom This May Concern, before looking ahead to upcoming drops like Larry June, Curren$y & The Alchemist’s Spiral Staircases (2/20), Baby Keem’s Casino (2/20), and Jack Harlow’s Monica (3/13).
In news, the crew revisits the T.I. vs. Lil Wayne conversation, including the controversy surrounding Wayne following LaRussell’s comments. They also react to Stephen A. Smith reportedly eyeing a 2028 presidential run, updates from the 2026 Winter Olympics (including the viral condom shortage story), and a look ahead to NBA All-Star Weekend with Chris Paul officially retiring and new Kevin Durant filing news. The episode closes with Jesse Jackson, who passed away at 84.
Episode 401 has it all— listen now.
 
Intro: Baby Keem- booman
 
Roderick | WILLOW- “i know that face.”
 
Cari | J. Cole- Old Dog
 
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW

Episode 400: "The Road Less Traveled"

On this episode: Episode 400 of The Rise & Grind Podcast is a big one. Roderick & Cari kick things off with music, including Don Toliver earning his first #1 album with 162K first week (31K pure), plus Jill Scott announcing To Whom This May Concern dropping 2/13.
 
In news, the post-Super Bowl conversation around Bad Bunny keeps growing as Trump and others weigh in, with the debate expanding into Chris Brown, Ye, and more. The crew also discusses Britney Spears selling her catalog for $200M, the latest Kurt Cobain death conspiracy theories, the alarming report of Savannah Guthrie’s mother going missing, and Katt Williams’ new Netflix special. Episode 400 is packed — tap in
 
Intro: YG- BPT
 
Roderick | J. Cole- Quik Stop
 
Cari | Big K.R.I.T.- I-20
 
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW

Episode 399: "I'm Taking The Sandwich"

On this episode: We kick things off with a full review of J. Cole’s The Fall Off and talk Brent Faiyaz teasing ICON ahead of its 2/13 release. In news, we react to the situation surrounding GloRilla’s sister, debate potential VERZUZ matchups (Plies vs. Trick Daddy, Lil Wayne vs. T.I., and 50 Cent vs. T.I.), and break down the Super Bowl results. Plus, the 2026 Winter Olympics officially get underway and Trump sparks backlash after reposting a controversial video involving the Obamas.
 
Intro: J. Cole- Two Six
 
Roderick | J. Cole- Lonely At The Top (Bonus)
 
Cari | Don Toliver- Sweet Home
 
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW

Episode 398: "Maybe I Am In Denial"

On this episode: This week we tap into J. Cole’s The Fall Off and what it means for his legacy as the rollout heats up. We recap the biggest moments from the GRAMMYs, break down the new trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic, and talk Floyd Mayweather suing SHOWTIME for $320M. Plus, major layoffs hit The Washington Post, the NBA trade deadline and All-Star Weekend are on deck, and we look ahead to the Super Bowl and halftime show.
 
Intro: Chris Brown- Deuces (Remix) [feat. Drake & Kanye West]
 
Roderick | Michael Jackson- Butterflies
 
Cari | Kenny Mason- Gorgeous
 
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW