Off The Record With Elsie

In the final part of our 2025 wrap-up, Elsie, Parks, Ivie Ani, DJ Hed, and Rob Markman dive into the 2026 Grammy nominations and debate who really deserves Album of the Year. We break down the chances for Kendrick, The Clipse, and Bad Bunny, while also calling out some major snubs like The Weeknd and The Alchemist. The crew shares their top artists to watch in 2026, including Moliy and Cash Cobain. We even touch on whether Drake can make a huge comeback after a quiet year. Finally, things get deep as we discuss the future of hip-hop journalism and why supporting real storytellers matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elsie, Parks, Ivie Ani, DJ Hed, and Rob Markman kept the conversation going with our picks for the absolute best albums of 2025. It was a huge year for full bodies of work, from The Clipse's incredible return to Bad Bunny dominating globally. We also had to keep it real about the letdowns, including Ghostface’s sequel and the J. Cole album that never came. DJ Hed went off about why artists need to be honest about their creative teams instead of pretending they do it all alone. We also debated if "microwave music" is finally dying out in favor of real storytelling. It got a little heated when we talked about Young Thug, but that’s what happens when you care about the state of music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 1 of The Year In Music is here, and we’re kicking off 2025 with a roundtable. Elsie, Parks, Ivie Ani, DJ Hed, and Rob Markman talk defining moments like Kendrick + SZA at the Super Bowl and the GNX tour run. We get into why veteran rollouts hit different, from Mass Appeal’s “Legend Has It” to the Clipse wave, and why print + real interviews still matter. We also talk about the “and” approach: streamers and journalists, internet moments and real world work. Then we jump into breakout names like Doechii, Miles Minnick, and Ray Vaughn, plus what made their years click. Drop your pick for the biggest 2025 music moment in the comments, and get ready for Parts 2 and 3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hit-Boy stops by the new studio to talk about his next chapter. He gets real about his career and why his work ethic is the main reason for his success. He also discusses getting out of his 18-year deal and the freedom he has now. Hit-Boy breaks down his plan to release four new projects, including a tape with Spank Nitti, an album with The Alchemist, and two solo albums. He shares serious advice for new #producers about reading their contracts. He also talks about the current state of hip hop and why he thinks it's wide open for new artists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ray Vaughn joins the show for a really open conversation. He talks about his life before TDE and what it was like getting that first call from Top Dawg. Ray also gets into the details of his beef with Joey Badass, including the advice he received from Kendrick Lamar. He breaks down why his latest project is a mixtape and what TDE's artist development is really like. Plus, he shares his thoughts on competition, being vulnerable in his music, and AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sherie stops by to talk about her journey from classical violinist to R&B artist and hit songwriter. She shares the crazy story of how she ended up co-writing Ariana Grande's "positions" just by being in the studio as a string player. We talk about her work with huge names like Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and even K-pop group Twice. Sherie gets real about the challenges of writing for yourself versus other artists and why being independent gives her creative freedom. She also talks about her latest project "Yours Deeply" and how she's building her fanbase from the ground up. Plus, she gives some solid advice for anyone trying to make it in the music industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Naomi Sharon sits down to talk about the moment when Drake slid into her DMs while she was shopping at Zara. She opens up about being the first woman signed to #OVO, transitioning from musical theater to R&B, and why she's moving away from the vibey sound of her debut album Obsidian. We dive into her thoughts on comparisons to Sade, her plans for stadium shows, and how she's learning to stay present instead of obsessing over future goals. Plus she talks about horseback riding as therapy, wanting to work with SZA and Justin Bieber, and why she thinks R&B is having a renaissance right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sit down with #Wale on Off The Record as he gets real about wrapping up 10 years of #WaleMania speaking about the emotional journey behind the wrestling meets music event and how much the community around it means to him. He breaks down the story of his new single "Blanco," spills the tea on leaving his label, and opens up about juggling family, business, and staying creative. Wale doesn’t hold back on his love for Nigerian culture, how he’s mixing Afrobeats vibes with hip hop, and even hints at collabs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this intimate conversation, artist Dua Saleh opens up about their transformative journey from poet to musician and actor. They dive deep into their debut album "I Should Call Them," discussing its apocalyptic themes and the vulnerable songwriting process that shaped it. Saleh reveals how their collaboration with artists like Serpent With Feet and Gallant influenced their unique sound, while also creating a new genre called Black R&B. The conversation explores their role in Netflix's Sex Education and how acting has enhanced their artistic expression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rising star Amindi sits down to discuss her journey from Hannah Montana-inspired performances to becoming one of R&B's most distinctive voices. The "Luvr" artist opens up about her unique songwriting process, which involves creating a cozy cocoon in the studio while staying true to her authentic self. She shares stories behind collaborations, reflects on balancing artistry with social media demands, and explains why keeping her day job helps maintain her creative freedom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices