Rap & Reason Ep. 77 | No More Gimmicks

Hosts Earl Hopkins and Jeremy McCool discuss J. Cole's interviews with Cam'ron, Jay-Z headlining 2026 Roots Picnic, MikeWillMadeIt's "RES3T" album, and more.

Hosts Earl Hopkins and Jeremy McCool discuss the latest diss records between T.I. and 50 Cent. They also review LaRussel's newest project, "Something's In The Water," Cyhi The Prynce's J. Cole diss, Juvenile and Meg Thee Stallion's "BBB Remix," and address Dr. Michael Eric Dyson's comments on Kendrick and Drake's musical exchange.

Hosts Earl Hopkins and Jeremy McCool discuss the heated beef between rappers T.I. and 50 Cent and review two new music releases. The first is the collaboration between EST Gee and Mozzy, and the second is Larry June, Curren$y, and the Alchemist's new tape, "Spiral Staircases."

Hosts Earl Hopkins and Jeremy McCool review Baby Keem's new album, "Casino," and discuss whether the Pglang signee dropped one of the best albums of the year (so far). They also talk about J. Cole's trunk sale and LaRussel's comments about Lil Wayne's lyrical content.

Hosts Earl Hopkins and Dr. Jeremy McCool discuss J. Cole's promotional tour in North Carolina, Baby Keem's upcoming album, "Casino," and Young M.A.'s new track "Lasagna." They also review Don Tolliver's "Octane," and address why New York emcees haven't been properly promoted in the past decade.

Hosts Earl Hopkins and Dr. Jeremy McCool recap the 2026 Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar's historic Grammy achievement, and whether the Clpse should have taken home the Best Rap Album award. They also review J. Cole's latest (and possibly last) album, "The Fall-Off," and determine its placement among the rapper's best projects.

Hosts Earl Hopkins and Dr. Jeremy McCool discuss J. Cole's new mixtape, "Birthday Blizzard 26," review his latest freestyle, "Bronx Zoo," and predict the direction of "The Fall Off." They also discuss Kendrick Lamar's "Section.80" earning platinum status, Nicki Minaj's support of President Donald Trump, and Ye's music partnership with Gamma ahead of his album's release.

Hosts Earl Hopkins and Dr. Jeremy McCool review A$AP Rocky's "Don't Be Dumb," and preview the upcoming Verzuz battle between Hit-Boy and MikeWillMadeIt. They also discuss the latest release of the Akon-backed duo, Sheesh, and T.I.'s recent collaboration with Pharrell, and more.

Hosts Earl Hopkins and Dr. Jeremy McCool talk about J. Cole's highly anticipated album, The Fall Off, plus a throwback review of Cole's 2018 album, KOD. They also discuss Mero becoming the new host of the Hot 97 Morning Show and the release of Fetty Wap from prison, which they hope will lead to more music from the Jersey-bred artist.

Hosts Earl Hopkins and Dr. Jeremy McCool review Doechii's "Girl, Get Up" and A$AP Rocky's "Punk Rocky." They also break down the Adin Ross and Doechii beef, Fab's 50 Cent diss, and La Russel's album sales goal. They also ranked the best rapper/group biopics and predicted which ones will be done in the future.