The Rise & Grind Podcast

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

Episode 397: "I Think I'm Done With That"

Episode 397 of The Rise & Grind Podcast dives into a heavy news cycle across music, culture, and politics. The crew discusses Ye’s public apology, his WSJ interview, and the rollout of BULLY, currently set for March 2026, along with reactions to the direction of his comeback.
The episode also breaks down the latest Epstein file releases, with high-profile names like JAY-Z, Pusha T, Jamie Foxx, and Aretha Franklin being mentioned, plus Chad Hugo filing another lawsuit against Pharrell Williams. Rounding things out, the hosts react to Nicki Minaj and Trump appearing at a summit, and Vince Staples canceling upcoming shows.
 
Intro: Don Toliver- Body
 
Roderick | The Game, DJ Drama, Mike & Keys & JasonMartin- Something In The Water
 
Cari | Ari Lennox- Pretzel
 
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW

Episode 396: This Is Just Déjà Vu"

On this episode: Episode 396 of The Rise & Grind Podcast breaks down a packed week in music, culture, and sports. The crew reacts to A$AP Rocky’s Don’t Be Dumb debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and J. Cole’s new freestyle tape, before diving into a Grammy Awards preview and expectations heading into music’s biggest night.
 
The episode also covers Hit-Boy vs. Mike Will Made-It being set for a 1/30 VERZUZ, updates on Drake’s defamation lawsuit appeal, and a discussion sparked by Jim Jones and Kid Cudi’s “Day N Nite” conversation. Rounding things out, the hosts talk NFL playoffs and Super Bowl predictions, the U.S. moving to take control of TikTok, and reactions to a recent ICE-related shooting.
 
Intro: Kid Cudi- Day ‘n’ Nite
 
Roderick | Future & Juice WRLD - Ain’t Livin Right (feat. Gunna)
 
Cari | J. Cole- 3001
 
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW

Episode 395: "Tracking A Path"

On this episode: Roderick & Cari are back with episode 395 of The Rise & Grind Podcast, unpacking a packed week in music, touring news, and major headlines. The episode kicks off with new album releases from A$AP Rocky (Don’t Be Dumb), NBA YoungBoy (Slime Cry), and Wiz Khalifa (Khaotic), along with J. Cole officially announcing The Fall Off and what it signals for the next chapter of his career.
The conversation shifts to industry moves and mentions, including Harry Styles reportedly working on new music, and Bruno Mars breaking Ticketmaster records, highlighting the continued dominance of legacy stars in today’s touring economy.
In news, the hosts discuss updates surrounding Pooh Shiesty, react to Rolling Loud Orlando, and touch on Kid Mero joining Hot 97. The episode closes with a serious discussion surrounding Gervonta Davis being wanted in connection with battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping charges, and what it could mean moving forward.
Another wide-ranging episode blending hip hop releases, industry shifts, live music culture, and breaking news — tap in.
 
Intro: Mario- Just a Friend 2002
 
Roderick | Kehlani- Out The Window
 
Cari | Gunna- on one tonight
 
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW

Episode 394: "Who Green Lighted That?"

On this episode: Roderick & Cari return with episode 394 of The Rise & Grind Podcast, breaking down a busy week across music, culture, and headlines. The conversation opens with new releases, including A$AP Rocky’s “Punk Rocky” as his album rollout heats up, and Bruno Mars’ “I Just Might,” alongside the announcement of his first solo album and tour since 2016.
 
The duo reviews new projects from Max B & French Montana (Coke Wave 3.5) and Bleu (THERAPY), then debates whether DaBaby is positioning himself for a real comeback with recent singles and album rollout moves.
In news, the episode covers Fetty Wap’s release from prison following his RICO sentence, developments involving Donnie McClurkin, and Trump’s refusal to consider a pardon for Diddy. The episode closes with international news, reacting to reports of the Venezuelan president being seized, captured, and extradited to the United States.
Another wide-ranging episode blending hip hop, industry moves, politics, and global headlines — tap in.

Episode 393: "A Christmas Special"

On this episode: Roderick & Cari are back with episode 393 of The Rise & Grind Podcast, diving into another packed week of culture-shifting headlines. The duo reacts to 21 Savage introducing the controversial “fuck the streets” rhetoric into rap and Young Thug’s thoughts on the current state of hip hop. They also discuss Future’s partnership with Louis Vuitton, The Weeknd selling his music catalog, and Toosi’s surprising move into NCAA football at Syracuse.
 
In sports, the conversation turns to Bud Crawford officially retiring from boxing and the continued spectacle surrounding Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua. The episode closes with heavier news, including developments surrounding the Epstein files, the tragic murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, and reactions to Trump’s comments tied to the situation.
Another wide-ranging episode blending music, sports, and real-world headlines — tap in.

Episode 392: "The Red Carpet Rolled Out"

On This Episode: On this episode: Roderick & Cari return for episode 392 of The Rise & Grind Podcast! The conversation kicks off with the shocking news of John Cena officially retiring from the WWE, before diving into new music from Pooh Shiesty and a breakdown of 21 Savage’s latest album What Happened to the Streets?, plus his recent interview with Big Bank.
 
The guys also tap in with standout mentions from Nas & DJ Premier’s “Light Years” and Conway The Machine’s You Can’t Kill God With Bullets. In news, they discuss Rod Wave claiming $2M per show without a promoter, the end of an era as Hot 97’s “Ebro in the Morning” wraps up after 13 years, and Disney investing $1B into OpenAI, striking a multi-year deal with Sora that could reshape content creation across film and streaming.
 
Intro: Pooh Shiesty- FDO
 
Roderick | Nas & DJ Premier- Pause Tapes
 
Cari | Rexx Life Raj- Oppenheimer
 
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW

Episode 391: "Buying The Bunny"

On This Episode: This week, we’re back with a packed episode full of new music, industry surprises, and a couple moves nobody saw coming.
We kick things off with the latest drops — Lil Uzi Vert returns with “Regular,” GloRilla heats up with her new single “March” plus a follow-up titled “Special,” and NBA Youngboy delivers “Zero IQ Freestyle.”On the album side, The Game links with DJ Drama and Mike & Keys for Every Movie Needs a Trailer, Lil Baby responds to the leak culture with The Leaks project, & we tap into Roddy Ricch quietly having THE NAVY ALBUM pulled from DSPs, and Apple Music Replay rolling out for the year — sparking all the usual debates about real vs. fake streams, listening habits, and which platforms still matter.
 
Then in news, Netflix shakes the industry by announcing a deal to acquire Warner Bros., a move that could shift the entire streaming landscape. We also talk about Netflix doubling down on music storytelling with a brand-new Diddy documentary executive-produced by 50 Cent — because of course 2025 needs that kind of chaos.
 
Intro: Field Mob- So What (feat. Ciara)
 
Roderick | Lil Baby- Mrs. Trendsetter
 
Cari | The Game, DJ Drama, Mike & Keys & Eric Bellinger- Can I
 
Subscribe to Apple Music now to hear all of the new albums & tracks we discuss:
https://apple.co/3NgdXW