Rap & Reason

About Rap & Reason

Rap & Reason is a music review podcast that stars hip-hop scholar Dr. Jeremy McCool and award-winning journalist Earl Hopkins. Each episode delves into the latest pop culture news and music releases, as well as past rap albums that redefined the genre.

Publisher

Dr. Jeremy McCool and Earl Hopkins

Category

music · music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Jul 2024

Latest episode

7 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

76 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Feb 2026

   Rap & Reason Ep. 76 | Hip-Hop Needs Cole

   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.

2. 

   30 Jan 2026

   Rap & Reason Ep. 75 | Mixtape Era

   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.

3. 

   23 Jan 2026

   Rap & Reason Ep. 74 | Still Active

   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.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

123,573

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 71 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

88

Social presence

0

YouTube

82

Engagement

51

Contact Rap & Reason

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.