The Rise & Grind Podcast
Hip-Hop talk extraordinaire’s Roderick Taylor & Cari Gentry keep you glued to your earbuds with the latest in Rap Music, & all things surrounding the Hip Hop Culture.
Hip-Hop talk extraordinaire’s Roderick Taylor & Cari Gentry keep you glued to your earbuds with the latest in Rap Music, & all things surrounding the Hip Hop Culture.

About The Podcast
Twice a week, Roderick Taylor & Cari Gentry assemble to discuss the current state of Rap music, the latest releases, & all news Hip-Hop. Tune in Monday's & Thursday's at 6am for the newest episode from the guys.
Episodes
4 days ago
Episode 427: "Elephant In The Room"
4 days ago
4 days ago
On this episode: Episode 427 — Roderick & Cari are back with another episode covering the latest in music, headlines, and culture.
This week, the guys discuss new projects from Key Glock, YG, Tierra Whack, Ye, and The Alchemist, while also reacting to Drake’s ICEMAN remaining the #1 album in the world for a fourth straight week. They also dive into the conversation surrounding Lizzo’s first-week sales and what it means in today’s music landscape.
On the news side, Roderick & Cari preview the upcoming B2K vs. Pretty Ricky VERZUZ, discuss Kodak Black leaving Capitol Records to go independent, pay tribute to Tay Keith in light of his passing, and react to A$AP Rocky landing the cover of VIBE Magazine’s relaunch issue.
Tap in — new episode out now 🎙️
Intro: iLoveMakonnen- Tuesday (feat. Drake)
Roderick | YG- Kudos
Cari | Key Glock- REMINISCING
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW
Thursday Jun 18, 2026
Episode 426: "Bringing In The Ticket"
Thursday Jun 18, 2026
Thursday Jun 18, 2026
On this episode: Episode 426 — Roderick & Cari are back with another episode covering the latest headlines, viral moments, and cultural conversations.
This week, the guys kick things off with a Juneteenth discussion, updates on the current RGP Vinyl Giveaway, and reactions to the viral bungee jumping tragedy that captured attention across social media.
On the news side, Roderick & Cari break down the proposed UFC event at the White House, the renewed conversation surrounding Michelle Obama, and the opening of the Obama Presidential Library. They also discuss Venus and Serena Williams returning to Wimbledon, Fox’s reported plans to acquire Roku, and the biggest storylines from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Tap in — new episode out now 🎙️
Intro: Freddie Gibbs- Summertime Homicide
Roderick | Lil Baby- Life Goes On (feat. Gunna & Lil Uzi Vert)
Cari | Baby Keem- No Security
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW
Wednesday Jun 17, 2026
425: JAŸ-Z vs Drake
Wednesday Jun 17, 2026
Wednesday Jun 17, 2026
Roderick & Cari discuss what a potential rap battle between JAŸ-Z and Drake would mean for both artists careers.
Monday Jun 15, 2026
Episode 425: "Let The Magic Work"
Monday Jun 15, 2026
Monday Jun 15, 2026
On this episode: Episode 425 — Roderick & Cari are back with another episode covering the latest in music, sports, and culture.
This week, the guys discuss new releases from Vince Staples, Freddie Gibbs, and Jalen Ngonda, while also looking ahead to Blxst’s upcoming album, Labor of Love. They also react to Drake’s ICEMAN remaining the #1 album in the world for a fourth straight week.
On the news side, Roderick & Cari discuss Lauryn Hill receiving the BET Living Legend Award and Teyana Taylor being named Icon of the Year, along with Jay-Z’s newly announced Paris and Los Angeles shows. The conversation also touches on Beyoncé’s placement on the latest Forbes list, James Harden’s unlawful carry arrest, the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the New York Knicks winning their first NBA championship since 1973.
Tap in — new episode out now 🎙️
Intro: Freddie Gibbs- Summertime Homicide
Roderick | David Ruffin- I Miss You (Part 1)
Cari | Kenny Vaughan and The Art Of Love- Feels Like Heaven
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW
Thursday Jun 11, 2026
Episode 424: "The 5th Quarter"
Thursday Jun 11, 2026
Thursday Jun 11, 2026
On this episode: Episode 424 — Roderick & Cari are back with another episode covering the biggest stories in entertainment, culture, and sports.
This week, the guys react to MICHAEL becoming Lionsgate’s highest-grossing film of all time and discuss the strong opening weekend for Scary Movie 6. They also share their thoughts on Instagram’s new “Map” feature and what it could mean for privacy in the social media era.
Elsewhere, Roderick & Cari break down the latest developments in the Karmelo Anthony and Cyrus Belton/Rick Chow cases before closing out with reactions and takeaways from Games 2, 3, and 4 of the NBA Finals.
Tap in — new episode out now 🎙️
Intro: Igzotic- Hate A Hater
Roderick | Vince Staples- Only In America
Cari | Jalen Ngonda- Mr. Train Conductor
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW
Thursday Jun 04, 2026
Episode 423: "The Situation At Hand"
Thursday Jun 04, 2026
Thursday Jun 04, 2026
On this episode: Episode 423 — Roderick & Cari are back with another episode covering the latest in culture, sports, and trending headlines.
This week, the guys kick things off by discussing the viral Kool-Aid Pineapple craze before diving into the latest news. Topics include the ongoing Sauce Walka drama, the surprising return of BET’s founder to the company, and the latest developments surrounding the upcoming Snowfall spinoff.
Roderick & Cari also react to reports of Serena Williams and Odell Beckham Jr. returning to their respective sports, discuss Steph Curry’s new sneaker endorsement deal, and close things out with their predictions for the NBA Finals.
Tap in — new episode out now 🎙️
Intro: Nelly, P. Diddy, Murphy Lee- Shake Ya Tailfeather
Roderick | Common & Pete Rock- This Man
Cari | Freddie Gibbs & Madlib- Shame (Instrumental)
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW
Monday Jun 01, 2026
Episode 422: "Tug On My Bias"
Monday Jun 01, 2026
Monday Jun 01, 2026
On this episode: Episode 422 — Roderick & Cari are back with another episode covering the latest in music, headlines, and culture.
This week, the guys discuss new music from Future, Tyla & FIFA Sound, the Bossman Dlow & Megan Thee Stallion “Motion Party” remix, and new projects from Latto and Freddie Gibbs. They also react to Drake continuing to dominate the Billboard charts and Ye breaking records in Turkey while announcing two Tampa shows.
On the news side, the guys discuss DJ Screw’s mixtapes finally hitting streaming services, recap Jay-Z’s Roots Picnic appearance, and give their thoughts ahead of the NBA Finals.
Tap in — new episode out now 🎙️
Intro: Drake- Janice STFU
Roderick | Latto- Okayyy (feat. Doja Cat)
Cari | Saburnia- Even
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW
Thursday May 28, 2026
Episode 421: "Becoming The Jetsons"
Thursday May 28, 2026
Thursday May 28, 2026
On this episode: Episode 421 — Roderick & Cari are back with another episode covering the latest in music, entertainment, sports, and tech culture.
This week, the guys discuss NPR Tiny Desk paying homage to BET for Black Music Month, along with the surprising return of VIBE Magazine’s physical print edition after years of being digital-only. They also react to Ice Cube & Mike Epps speaking on the long-awaited Last Friday movie and what it could mean for the franchise.
On the news side, Roderick & Cari break down the latest NBA Playoff storylines, Hooters attempting to rebrand itself as “family-friendly,” and the growing buzz around Google transforming Search into a more AI-powered interactive experience. The conversation also shifts toward the future as the guys talk about the upcoming NEO humanoid robots expected to arrive in late 2026.
Tap in — new episode out now 🎙️
Intro: Eve- Let Me Blow Ya mind(feat. Gwen Stefani)
Roderick | mgk & Wiz Khalifa- grind everyday
Cari | Drake- Stuck
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW
Monday May 25, 2026
Episode 420: "Hollywood Is Dead"
Monday May 25, 2026
Monday May 25, 2026
On this episode: On Episode 420, Roderick & Cari break down one of the wildest Drake runs in recent memory as ICEMAN debuts with 460K first week, while HABIBTI and MAID OF HONOUR continue stacking huge numbers behind it. The guys also talk Don Toliver’s OCTANE officially crossing 1 million units and becoming the first hip-hop album of 2026 to hit platinum status. In music mentions, the conversation shifts to 6lack’s Love Is The New Gangsta and Wiz Khalifa & MGK linking back up for Blog Era Boyz.
For news, Roderick & Cari react to reports of Wiz Khalifa landing on Romania’s wanted list, JID calling out the BET Awards after being snubbed from nominations, and Earth, Wind & Fire getting the documentary treatment with a new HBO Max release. The guys also discuss the controversial new partnership between UMG & Spotify that could allow fans to create AI remixes and covers using official artist vocals. Plus: NBA Playoff talk and the shocking report surrounding Kyle Busch’s passing at age 41.
Tap in — new episode out now 🎙️
Intro: Wiz Khalifa- Still Blazin (feat. Alborosie)
Roderick | Drake & 21 Savage- B’s On The Table
Cari | Smino- Polynesian
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW
Monday May 18, 2026
Episode 419: "Hit The Ceiling"
Monday May 18, 2026
Monday May 18, 2026
On this episode: Episode 419 — Roderick & Cari are back covering the latest in music, headlines, and culture.
This week, the guys discuss the rollout surrounding Drake’s ICEMAN, along with rumors and speculation around HABIBTI and MAID OF HONOUR. They also tap into Giveon’s BELOVED: ACT II and DaBaby’s “Pop Dat Thang” continuing to climb the rap charts.
On the news side, the guys celebrate 10 years of Chance The Rapper’s Coloring Book, react to Kodak Black being arrested again, and discuss the nationwide release chaos surrounding the Swatch x AP watches. They also break down Instagram’s new “Instants” feature and give thoughts on the final four teams left in the NBA Playoffs.
Tap in — new episode out now 🎙️
Intro: Drake- Shabang
Roderick | YG Marley- FIYAH
Cari | KARRAHBOO- NO HOOK
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW








