Rhythm & Rhymes is your global hub for all black music.
From discussing new releases and trends to exploring the business side of music, we provide dynamic & enlightening perspectives.
Join us as we explore the connections between the past and present, unearthing the stories that have profoundly shaped our diverse musical landscape. Get ready to embark on a rhythmic journey that celebrates black music's powerful legacy and evolving influence worldwide.
Juan Atkins: Detroit Techno’s Black Roots and Global Legacy
How did a sound created in Black Detroit become so closely associated with Europe?
In this solo R&R episode, AJ remembers techno pioneer Juan Atkins and explores the city, communities, and imagination behind his music. From the Belleville Three to Cybotron, Model 500, and Metroplex, the story follows Detroit techno’s beginnings and its journey to Berlin’s dance floors.
Along the way, AJ connects Cybotron’s “Clear” to Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control” and reflects on what happens when music reaches a global audience while its origins become less visible.
A tribute to Juan Atkins—and to the Black creative worlds that helped make the future sound possible.
Follow R&R for more conversations about Black music, history, and culture. If this episode introduced you to something new, share it with someone who loves the music.
9 Oct 2026
A 9AM Party, Spotify Superfan Shows, NoCap & Asake
What happens when a party starts at 9AM? AJ recaps 9AM Banger, from the music and open bar to the ticket prices and the crowd. He and Antonio also talk about Spotify’s intimate Lagos show for selected Premium listeners, Seyi Vibez’s streaming-led No. 1 in Nigeria, NoCap’s Heaven on Mars, what they’ve had on repeat, and Asake’s bars.
2 Oct 2026
The Hip Hop Police, Where Conscious Rap Went & Tiakola's WpointM
Listen everywhere: https://linktr.ee/RealRandR
AJ and Antonio go from COINTELPRO to the hip hop police to rap lyrics on trial, and ask who decides what gets pushed. Plus the debunked 1991 "secret meeting" letter, where conscious rap went, and a review of Tiakola's WpointM.
0:00 Cold open
0:45 COINTELPRO and the hip hop police
2:40 Lyrics on trial: Young Thug and Lil Durk
5:30 Do the cases build the careers?
11:50 The 1991 "secret meeting" letter and SoundScan
14:40 What happened to Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Common?
18:10 Is anybody putting money behind positive music?
22:00 LaRussell
23:50 Tiakola's W.M. review
R&R is Modern Radio for global black sounds.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
208,690
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 78 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
98
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
60
Contact Rhythm and Rhymes
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Rhythm and Rhymes?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
